Ishagrian Chess

[Morningstar1337]

So I know of 5 wooden pieces that are claimed to be used in Ishgard's version of Chess. The question is how would they play with only 5 types of chessmen (Regular chess needs Pawns, Knights, Bishops, Rooks, a King and A queen an I assume the latter two play ifferently). (Also is the Eorzean Map table the actual chess board for this)

[Anonymoose]

While English is the only language to take it beyond "pieces for map tables" to imply "pieces (usually for chess but now) for map tables", it's not a weird leap to make. We have 5 pieces and there are 5 non-pawn pieces in chess. Maybe it has an anchor in world lore, maybe they threw the word out whimsically - who can say?

However, does it strike you as weird that the pieces represent both the Holy See and the Horde? Surely they wouldn't stand for them being on the same side even in a board game. Even if these were the five "true" pieces used in the days of the Landlords, the Holy See would have tossed that sh[kupo]t right out and installed some new, non-heretical rules. If we're talking about traditional chess, here, I posit that we're not seeing the 5 non-pawn pieces, but a few pieces from each side; a few "white" pieces, a couple "black" pieces. The only trouble there is that you double the number of pieces someone needs to remember.

Just for fun, here's what I'm imagining is what the pieces are when used for chess rather than map table pieces.
Though, who knows if a dev. will drop some lore bombs and canonize Ishgardian Chess pieces, eh?

The Holy See of Ishgard
♚ Archbishop/King Thordan (Ruler)
♛ Very Reverend Archimandrite (Advisor; Heavens' Ward)
♜ Vigil (Stronghold)
♝ Temple Knight (Elite Knight Path A)
♞ Dragoon (Elite Knight Path B)
♟ Soldier (Fang & Claw Fodder)

The Dravanian Horde
♚ Nidhogg (Ruler)
♛ Tioman (Ruler's Mate; Brood Guardian)
♜ "Vishap-class" (Stronghold Destroyer)
♝ Dragon (Common Evolutionary Branch A)
♞ Wyvern (Common Evolutionary Branch B)
♟ Heretic (Cannon Fodder)

[Kallera]

Moose, there is such thing as chess sets where the white and black sides are not identical in look. Granted they are part of a game where the pieces and their rules are identical, but unlike the strategems and units of actual warfare, it is not impossible to balance it out for a board game.

[Anonymoose]

there is such thing as chess sets where the white and black sides are not identical in look

I actually have a chess set where every single piece is unique. You can only tell what's what by the height and the base, lol.
The pieces are stupid-heavy, though, so it's kind of a special occasions thing >_>