Although this scenario is designed to be the first of three linked battles, it can be played alone.

Army Selection

If playing this game as the first of three linked battles, the players should consider that the size of this first game will influence the action in the next two scenarios as well. The armies used in this scenario will be used again in the second and third scenarios.

However, in the second game, both players will have to endure losses suffered in the first, meaning that their armies might be considerably smaller, and that one player might have a significant advantage if their losses are fewer. In the third game, one player is almost certain to be dramatically outnumbered as they make a desperate last stand in defence of the dark monolith.

That being the case, this first scenario is ideal for armies of between 2,000 and 3,000 points, ensuring that they can withstand a degree of attrition.

Players can use any army they wish and may even both field armies of the same type drawn from the same army list. The rival forces, determined in their quest, will view any other force as an enemy and be convinced that its goals are contrary to their own, thus setting the stage for some vicious battles!

Set-up

Place terrain as described.

Deployment

Once terrain has been placed, the battlefield is divided into six equally sized zones, as shown on the map opposite.

The loser of a roll-off deploys first, placing a single, noncharacter unit so that it is completely within one of the zones. The winner of the roll-off then deploys a single, non-character unit so that it is completely within one of the remaining, unoccupied zones. The players continue to alternate in this fashion until each has deployed three non-character units and there is a single unit within each zone.

Following the same sequence, each player may then deploy a single character with one of their deployed units. All remaining units and characters are held in reserve (as follows).

First Turn

Once deployment is complete, the winner of a roll-off takes the first turn. The player that finished deploying their army first adds +1 to their roll.

Game Length

The battle will last for six rounds, until one side concedes, or until the time limit agreed by the players is reached.

Scenario Special Rules

Surprise Battle: Due to the surprise of encountering an unexpected enemy, any unit that wishes to declare a charge during the first round must first pass a Leadership test. If this test is failed, the unit does not count as having declared a charge.

Reserves: Reserves are not deployed at the start of the battle. Instead they can enter play during the Compulsory Moves sub-phase of any turn – including the first – of their controlling player's choosing. When they arrive, reserves will enter the battlefield from any point on the battlefield edge that is completely within one of the zones (chosen at random) in which their controlling player deployed a unit at the start of the battle. Roll a D3 to randomly determine which of the three zones reserves arrive within.

Victory!

Once the battle has ended, use Victory Points to determine which player is the winner.