BattleLore: Second Edition

2013

Unleash your strategic prowess in BattleLore Second Edition! Command armies, master lore, and seize victory points in this immersive, squad-based fantasy board game.

90
minutes

2 - 2
player(s)

14+

Medium

About the game

BattleLore: Second Edition is a deeply immersive board game set in the fantastical world of Terrinoth. This game offers an epic blend of history and fantasy, where players lead vast armies into strategic battles using a myriad of creatures, warriors, and heroes. The high stakes, combined with the game’s intricate mechanics and rich storyline, make each game an unforgettable adventure.

The game’s setting, the beautiful and perilous world of Terrinoth, is a land filled with ancient mysteries and deadly perils. From the misty hills of the Latari Elves to the towering citadels of the Daqan Lords, there is always a new challenge to face and a new story to tell. Each game of BattleLore lets you explore a new part of this world, setting the stage for a truly immersive gaming experience.

Game components Unboxing the fun!

BattleLore: Second Edition includes a variety of components that contribute to the immersive and strategic gameplay. Each component has a specific function and interacts with the game in different ways:

1. Game Board: This is the main component where all the action takes place. The game board is a hexagonal grid map that represents the battlefield. Players place their units on this board and move them around during the game.

2. Unit Figures: These are the army pieces that players command. They represent different types of units such as infantry, archers, and cavalry. Each unit has different abilities and movement capacities, which adds to the strategic element of the game.

3. Unit Cards: These cards provide information about each type of unit. They detail the unit’s abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. Players refer to these cards to plan their strategies and make informed decisions during the game.

4. Dice: The dice in BattleLore are used to resolve combat. The symbols on the dice represent different types of attacks and outcomes, such as hits, retreats, and special abilities.

5. Scenario Cards: These cards set the stage for each game. They determine the layout of the battlefield, the starting positions of the units, and special rules for the game. Each scenario provides a unique gaming experience.

6. Lore Cards: Lore cards represent special abilities, spells, and tactics that players can use during the game. These cards add an element of surprise and unpredictability to the game.

7. Victory Point Tokens: These tokens are used to keep track of a player’s progress towards victory. Players earn these tokens by eliminating enemy units and achieving objectives specified in the scenario card.

8. Command Tokens: These tokens are used to order units around the battlefield. The number of command tokens a player has determines how many units they can order each turn.

9. Terrain Tiles: These tiles are used to customize the battlefield according to the scenario card. They represent different types of terrain such as forests, hills, and rivers, which can affect unit movement and combat.

10. Reference Cards: These cards provide a quick overview of the game rules and unit abilities. They are a handy tool for players, especially beginners, to refer to during the game.

Game setup Lay it out, line it up, let’s go

‘BattleLore: Second Edition’ is a thrilling, two-player board game that requires strategic planning and tactical maneuvers. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to set up the game:

Step 1: Setting up the Game Board

Place the game board on a flat surface, within easy reach of both players.
The game board is double-sided. Choose a side to play on and make sure it’s facing up.
The board is divided into three sections: left, center, and right. Each section is further divided into rows of hex spaces.

Step 2: Choosing Player Roles

One player takes the role of the Daqan Lords, the human faction, and the other plays as the Uthuk Y’llan, the demon faction.
The Daqan player takes the blue Daqan army and the Uthuk player takes the red Uthuk army.

Step 3: Setting up Army Units

Each player sets up their army units on their side of the board, following the setup guide in the scenario booklet.
Each faction has different types of units. Make sure to mix infantry, archers, and cavalry for a balanced army.

Step 4: Preparing the Command Deck

Shuffle the Command cards and place them face-down to create a draw deck.
Each player draws four cards from the deck to form their starting hand.

Step 5: Setting up the Lore Deck

Shuffle the Lore cards and place them face-down next to the Command deck.
Each player draws two Lore cards to add to their hand.

Step 6: Setting up Initial Resources

Each player starts with three Victory Points (VPs). These are represented by tokens and kept track of on the VP track on the game board.
Each player also starts with three Lore tokens, which are used to play Lore cards.

Step 7: Setting up the Terrain and Deployment Markers

Place Terrain and Deployment markers as indicated in the scenario booklet.
The placement of these markers can affect the movement and combat of units, adding a layer of strategy to the game.

Step 8: Random Elements

The draw of Command and Lore cards adds a random element to the game, making each playthrough unique.

Once all these steps are completed, you’re ready to start the game. Remember, the goal of ‘BattleLore: Second Edition’ is to outmaneuver and outwit your opponent to earn victory points and win the game!

Game flow Round and round we go

BattleLore: Second Edition is a tactical, two-player board game that involves strategic planning and battlefield combat. The game is played over several rounds, each divided into multiple phases. Players take turns to complete these phases which include:

Start of Turn: At the beginning of each turn, players check victory conditions to see if they have won the game. If not, the game continues. They also refresh their Lore deck and draw a new command card.
Command Phase: In this phase, players choose a command card from their hand and play it. Command cards determine what units a player can order during their turn. The card is placed face down and is only revealed at the appropriate time to surprise the opponent.
Order Phase: Once a command card is revealed, the order phase begins. The player can order units based on what is indicated on the command card. Orders can include moving, battling, or special actions, and can only be given to units in specific sections of the battlefield.
Move Phase: After units are ordered, they can be moved. Each unit type has a specific movement allowance, and some terrain can affect movement. Units must end their move in an empty hex or a hex containing friendly units.
Combat Phase: After all units have been moved, combat is resolved. Units may battle if they are in range and line of sight of an enemy. Combat is resolved by rolling dice, and units can be eliminated, retreat, or remain in place based on the roll.
End of Turn: At the end of the turn, a player draws a new command card and the next player begins their turn. The game continues until one player meets the victory conditions.

Throughout the game, players also have access to Lore, a resource that can be used to play powerful Lore cards. These cards can turn the tide of battle, providing special abilities or powerful attacks. Lore is gained through controlling specific areas of the board, or through certain command cards.

Victory in BattleLore: Second Edition is typically achieved by eliminating a specific number of enemy units or by controlling certain areas of the board for a certain number of turns.

End of the game All good games must come to an end

The game of ‘BattleLore: Second Edition’ concludes when one player reaches 16 victory points or when all the scenario’s victory point conditions have been met. The method of earning victory points varies based on the scenario being played, and the victory point conditions are specified in the scenario card.

Victory Conditions:

Victory through Victory Points: The most common way to win is by accumulating victory points. Players earn these points primarily by eliminating enemy units. Each eliminated enemy unit awards victory points equal to its unit size. For instance, if a player eliminates an enemy unit composed of four figures, they earn four victory points.
Victory through Scenario Conditions: Some scenarios have specific victory conditions. These conditions could include controlling certain areas on the board or achieving a particular strategic objective. These specific conditions are outlined in the scenario’s setup card.

Actions players must take before final scoring:

Before final scoring, players must ensure they have completed the following actions:

Calculate the victory points for all eliminated enemy units. This includes both those removed from the battlefield and those eliminated through scenario-specific conditions.
Check the scenario’s victory conditions. If the game ends because a player has reached 16 victory points, then the player with the most victory points wins. If the scenario’s victory conditions have been met, the player who achieved these conditions is the winner.
In cases of a tie, the player who has the most lore (as represented by lore tokens) is the winner. If there is still a tie, the player who went first in the game is the winner.

Remember, the goal is not just to eliminate enemy units but also to achieve the scenario-specific victory conditions. A good strategy balances offensive actions to eliminate enemy units and strategic maneuvers to meet the scenario’s objectives.

Scoring Did you outsmart your rivals?

BattleLore: Second Edition is a strategic board game where players earn victory points (VPs) through various achievements. The game ends when one player accumulates 16 VPs, or all the game rounds are exhausted. The player with the most VPs at the end of the game is declared the winner.

The scoring system in BattleLore: Second Edition is as follows:

Eliminating Enemy Units: Each time a player eliminates an enemy unit, they earn VPs equal to the number of figures in the unit. For example, if a player eliminates a unit consisting of 3 figures, they earn 3 VPs.
Controlling Victory Points Banners: Players earn VPs by controlling banners on the battlefield. The number of VPs gained is determined by the specific scenario.
Scenario Objectives: Specific scenarios may provide additional methods of scoring VPs. These objectives are outlined in the scenario description.

At the end of the game, if two or more players have the same number of VPs, the tie-breaking rules are as follows:

Most enemy units eliminated: The player who has eliminated the most enemy units wins the tie.
Most banners controlled: If there is still a tie, the player who controls the most banners wins.
Random: If there is still a tie, the winner is chosen at random.

These scoring and tie-breaking rules ensure that every action in the game has potential strategic implications, adding depth and excitement to the gameplay in BattleLore: Second Edition.

Particular Cases and Exceptions Wait… is that legal?

BattleLore: Second Edition is a game full of tactical warfare, where strategy and decision-making are key. However, there are certain special rules, exceptions, and important clarifications that players should be aware of:

Deployment of Troops: Unlike many other games, in BattleLore, the deployment of troops is not random. Instead, it is based on a scenario book. Each player will setup their troops as per the instructions in the scenario book. This adds a level of strategy to the game.

Command Cards: In BattleLore, players don’t move their troops at their will. Instead, they play command cards to order their troops to move, battle, or perform special actions. A player cannot move more units than the number specified on the command card.

Retreat and Routing: A unit must retreat if it loses a combat and it has to move towards its own side of the board. If it can’t, it’s considered as routing and loses additional figures.

Exception: A unit adjacent to a friendly unit of the same type does not have to retreat.

Line of Sight: In BattleLore, to attack a unit, it must be in the line of sight of the attacking unit. A line of sight is blocked by a terrain, a hex with another unit, or the edge of the board.

Exception: A unit can always attack adjacent units, regardless of line of sight.

Special Abilities: Some units have special abilities, which are represented by symbols on their unit card. These abilities may allow a unit to move faster, hit harder, or have other special effects.

Rule clarification: A special ability can only be used once per turn, unless the ability specifies otherwise.

Victory Points: The game is won by accumulating victory points, which are gained by destroying enemy units and accomplishing scenario-specific objectives. The first player to reach a set number of victory points wins.

Exception: If a player runs out of cards in their command deck, the game ends immediately and the player with the most victory points wins.

Tips and tricks Play smarter, not harder!

BattleLore: Second Edition is a deep board game filled with strategy and tactics. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, there are always new tips and strategies to discover. Here are a few key strategies, beginner tips, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to optimize gameplay:

Advanced Strategies:

Recognize the Power of Lore: Lore is a critical part of BattleLore. Not only does it allow you to play powerful Lore cards, but it also lets you react to your opponent’s moves. Always consider lore when planning your moves.
Control the Battlefield: Controlling the middle of the battlefield can give you a significant advantage. It allows you to reach any part of the board quickly and can help you surround your enemy.
Take Advantage of Terrain: Different units perform better in different terrains. Use this to your advantage by positioning your units strategically.

Beginner Tips:

Learn the Rules Thoroughly: Understanding the rules completely will help you make better decisions during gameplay and avoid common mistakes.
Start with the Basic Scenario: The basic scenario is designed to help new players learn the game. It’s a great way to get acquainted with the mechanics of BattleLore.
Use Your Units Wisely: Every unit in BattleLore has its strengths and weaknesses. Learning how to use them effectively is key to victory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Ignoring Objectives: It’s easy to get caught up in the heat of battle and forget about your objectives. Always keep your objectives in mind and make moves that help you achieve them.
Overextending Your Forces: Don’t spread your units too thin. It’s better to have a few strong, centralized groups than a lot of weak, spread out units.
Forgetting About Lore: Lore is a crucial part of BattleLore. Ignoring it can cost you the game.

Ways to Optimize Gameplay:

Plan Your Moves: BattleLore is a game of strategy. Take the time to plan your moves and consider your opponent’s possible reactions.
Use Lore Effectively: Lore can turn the tide of battle. Use it wisely and at the right time to maximize its effect.
Adapt to Your Opponent: Every player has a different strategy. Learn how to adapt to your opponent and counter their moves.