It would seem to me that the most important part would be to develop a game playing strategy, as real chess is a two player game but we are considering something where every peice on the board is free thinking. Obviously there would be a team leader; then some kind of structure within the teams. As I lose more than I win in chess, I think I'll leave planning this part to you more skilled players. But this idea sounds awesome and I want to help; the costumes and getting the players together sounds like cake, it's the game strategy that looks to me like the hard part.
When are we meeting up and working on this? I'm in!