Bishop
A diagonal slider bound to one of two mystical networks
The Bishop moves as in standard chess: sliding any number of squares diagonally, stopped only by pieces in its path.
The Bishop slides along diagonals until blocked.
Diagonal Networks
What makes the Enochian Bishop unique is its assignment to a diagonal network.
The board's diagonals are divided into two intertwined systems:
- Aries network (bitmask
0x55AA55AA55AA55AA) - Cancer network (bitmask
0xAA55AA55AA55AA55)
Each bishop is permanently assigned to one network at the start of the game. This affects what it can capture.
Capture Restrictions
| Can Capture | Cannot Capture |
|---|---|
| Kings | Bishops (any) |
| Rooks | Queens (different network) |
| Knights | |
| Pawns | |
| Queens (same network only) |
Bishops Never Capture Bishops
No bishop can ever capture another bishop—regardless of network. They pass through each other's influence like ghosts.
Network-Limited Queen Captures
A bishop can only capture a queen if both share the same diagonal network. A Cancer bishop cannot touch an Aries queen, and vice versa.
Strategic Implications
The network system creates interesting dynamics:
- Your bishop might completely ignore certain enemy pieces
- Board control is split across two invisible layers
- Knowing which network each piece belongs to is crucial
Summary
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Movement | Slide diagonally, any distance |
| Capture | Same as movement, with restrictions |
| Cannot Capture | Bishops (never), Queens (different network) |
| Network | Assigned to Aries or Cancer at game start |