Thoughts
Veney is so cool because it's like:
* Basic Moves (moves like the queen in chess)
* Range Constraints (must stay close to the Self piece)
* Special moves (can be "thrown", moving farther than normal (cast knucklebones to determine success); can move "in concert" with the Self piece as a double move).
* Devices of Art & Mysticism:
> Cast Piece: Into a rare empty measure between the two players' Self pieces, excluding the allowed presence of the free engagement, one may throw their own dagger to initiate an effect. This move is made irrespective of normal movement or range constraints and is performed by literally tossing the piece down onto the board (a short distance, like the roll of a die). The piece may be used for this casting by picking it up off the board or from reserve, but never from discard. Casting Dagger in concert with a Self move is allowed.
> If it is unclear which square the piece landed within or leans most toward, the caster's opponent adjusts it to a square that it touches. If the piece falls outside the empty measure, it is lost with no effect. (In the case of a piece landing dubiously on the outside edge of a measure, an impartial arbiter or coin-flip may be needed to determine whether it's in or out.)
> In the square where the cast piece landed, the players notate or commit to memory a cast-square which can be recalled for use later in the game. The cast piece is then discarded.
> Unless the empty measure becomes occupied by a caster's piece(s) on their turn, the opponent, on the following turn, may still use the empty measure to cast their own piece.
> Shima: All reserved pieces except Daggers and engagements are discarded, and the players continue with what is already on the board. Additionally, retreat and reset are now impossible, and drawing the game is not an option; an attempt to draw by agreement or pass repetition is now equivalent to both players losing. The cast-square has no effects, but if the caster later enters the cast-square with the Self, they may reclaim their Dagger and place it on the board immediately. This does not end Shima; Shima is irreversible.
And I'm like: "Hold on a minute. What are knucklebones?"
Like if Brandon Sanderson wrote a game my word.