Eighth Man Bound

Eighth Man Bound was a game played by neonate Time Lords at the Time Lord Academy. Gustous R Thripsted discussed the Eighth Man Bound game in Genetic Politics Beyond the Third Zone.

The game is played by an "Initiate" who sits in the centre of a circle of Academy classmates (referred to as "the Inquiry"). The Inquiry gives the Initiate an identity crisis, often by repeating his or her name over and over again until it becomes meaningless to them. Drugs may be used to aid in the effect. In time, the identity crisis causes the Initiate's body to enter a state of flux in-between regenerations. The object of the game is to remain in this state of flux for as long as possible, allowing the Time Lord to see glimpses of his or her own future regenerations.

Eighth Man Bound was extremely dangerous, as it could result in triggering an actual regeneration or the complete loss of identity. Up to fifteen deaths were linked to the game Academy students each semester.

The game was named after a student of the Arcalian Chapter who managed to preview his first seven bodies, but couldn't see "the Eighth Man". Rumour had it that a member of the Prydonian Chapter managed to tie this record, but he denied such an act as irresponsible and reckless. (NA: Christmas on a Rational Planet)

It's implied that the Prydonian student was the Doctor, which is confirmed in NA: Lungbarrow.

The Eighth Doctor once referred to himself as the Eighth Man Bound. (NA: The Dying Days)

The phrase also appeared in a poem:

Eighth man bound

Make no sound

The shroud covers all

The Long and the Short

And the Old and the Loud

And the Young and the Dark

And the Tall (NA: Lungbarrow)