There's a eastern game called something like 'Nine Stones', I'm not sure if thats right though, but it uses a similar pattern to what is described in all that background information written about Fidchell.
The pattern offered may offer more insight into the game as it is based on Chinese Alchemy. Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal.
There is also mention the well known characters from eastern folklore that correspond with the elements written above. WaterDragon/Water,
Wood/Pigsy, Fire/Monkey, Earth/ Priest ( Don't know spelling of name.), Metal/Friar Sandy. I thought it strange that Sandy being a Fish Spirit doesn't get water, but it still works out.
I will see if I can find it, but would appreciate it if somebody who is way ahead of me could shed some light.