A game board is a personal thing. It should tell your story, not someone else's.
Tell me what you want carved — your name in runes, a family crest, a dragon, a Celtic knotwork border, a scene from Norse mythology, a Lord of the Rings reference, a favourite quote. Whatever matters to you. I'll draw it up, carve it by hand into the hardwood board, and build you a game that exists nowhere else in the world.
The pieces are hand-carved hardwood, each one individually finished — I add scars, dents, and marks as I carve, so every piece has its own character. No two armies are the same.
Choose Hnefatafl (Viking Chess) or standard Chess — both made to order in my South Wales workshop. If you want the full experience — board, box, dice, horn shot glasses and more — take a look at The Jarl's Compendium.
This is a commission piece, made to order. The price shown is a £40 deposit to secure your commission — the balance is due on approval. I'll be in touch within 48 hours to discuss your design and timeline before work begins. Please allow 4–6 weeks from deposit to delivery.
- HaflTafle — Viking Chess: £220 total (£40 deposit)
- Chess: £200 total (£40 deposit)
About Hnefatafl
Tafl games (pronounced tavl) were played across Scandinavia, Britain, and Ireland throughout the Viking Age. Two uneven armies — one defending a king at the centre, one attacking from the edges. Reconstructed versions are genuinely brilliant to play.
How It Works
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Design — we agree the carving together before I start. I'll sketch it up for approval.
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Board approval — design drawn on, photo sent before the first cut.
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Progress photos — I'll keep you updated as I carve.
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Balance due on completion — photos sent for final approval before payment and dispatch.
Every set is designed and hand-carved by Paul at Bushman Survival.
✔ Fully custom design — your idea, carved by hand
✔ Hnefatafl or Chess — your choice
✔ Pieces individually characterised — scars, dents, battle marks
✔ £40 deposit at checkout — balance due on approval
✔ Handmade in South Wales
