Azad

Azad is a fictional game played in the Empire of Azad in the book The Player of Games by Iain M. Banks.

Although the actual rules are not given in the book, the game is vaguely tactical and played on a board of various shapes. The number of players differs from game to game and also influences the tactics.

The game uses a variety of curious pieces which might even be alive in some way - in one moment in the book the protagonist is encouraged to take care of a piece, so it plays better later during the play. Random events may influence the gameplay - sometimes changing the outcome critically.

The game is the main determinant of one's social status in the forementioned empire.

Azad is also a first name:

Chandrasekhar Azad, Indian freedom-fighter.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Indian freedom-fighter.

Azad is also a German rapper of Kurdish descent. He was a member of Asiatic Warriors.