As the Barbarian Prince Cal Arath, amass 500 gold pieces in 70 days, needed to raise an army to claim his rightful throne in the Northlands.

“…A mixture of a sandbox hexcrawl and a choose-your-own-adventure book, though it’s not as heavily scripted as the latter. It’s also a lot more difficult than in most choose-your-own-adventure books I remember reading, since, like many sandbox campaigns, there’s no way to be sure that the ruin over the next hill isn’t inhabited by foul demons beyond your ability to defeat.”

Grognardia retrospective on Barbarian Prince

The original Dwarfstar set is hard to find these days with all its parts – especially the metal miniature, which often ended up with the owner’s other miniatures.

Good news for those who don’t want to pay collectible prices: A free, legal download is available!

There are some great quotes at the site from contemporary reviewers. A common thread is how difficult it is to win Barbarian Prince.

Got a nice set in the shop; took some photos while it’s still around.


Barbarian Prince set 12

Barbarian Prince: A Game of Heroic Combat in a Forgotten Age of Barbarism and Sorcery
1981 … Arnold Hendrick … Dwarfstar Games 8700

Barbarian Prince in the shop

Check eBay


Barbarian Prince set cover detail-001

Barbarian Prince set back

Barbarian Prince booklets

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Barbarian Prince map
Gorgeous map by Cynthia Sims Millan

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Barbarian Prince miniature b
The metal miniature that comes with the set

Barbarian Prince in the shop


See also: 3 Gametime [Heritage Models] sets (1978)

Zhodani Strike Force (Traveller)

The New Dungeon board game (1989)

Call of Cthulhu: Creatures metal miniatures set (Grenadier, 1983)

Endless Quest books