The release of Battles of Westeros, the board game of battlefield tactics in the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, is almost upon us (so keep checking back, as we’ll be posting the rules in the next few days!).

So far, we’ve seen the basics of combat, terrain, troop management, units, commanders, and skirmishes... but you may be wondering what scenarios come with the game, and whether you’ll be able to relive your favorite conflict from the novels.

Today, we’ll take a brief look at the first five scenarios included in the box. Let’s get started!

Scenario One: Clash on the Kingsroad

“Lord Tywin has closed off the kingsroad, it's said, and now he's marching north toward Harrenhal, burning as he goes."
-A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

This scenario gives the Lannister forces 5 rounds to secure the objective points. Their small scouting party is heading south into friendlier territory. However, a similar Stark force marches north to join arms with Robb Stark and warn him of Tywin Lannister’s intentions.

Both forces have split their numbers in preparation for a fight. Stark archers guard the strategic position at the river bend while riders blockade the road. The Lannister forces must push forward and root out the northmen’s fortification.

Victory is determined by Lannister’s ability to take control of the objectives. The Stark forces have to hold their ground for 5 rounds if they hope to cut off Lannister supply lines.

Scenario Two: Paying the Piper

Littlefinger stroked the point of his beard thoughtfully. "And if they come again, ser?”
"If they come again, we'll use their blood to water the fields they burnt,” Ser Marq Piper declared hotly.
-A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

The setting for this scenario has Lannister forces firmly in control of a river’s crossings stretching their supply thin in order to march north and investigate information they have intercepted regarding the whereabouts of Marq Piper, a Stark ally constantly raiding Lannister camps and supply lines in the Riverlands.

However, unbeknownst to the Lannister aggressors, House Stark spies have relayed the information of the impending attack to Marq Piper who has removed himself from the area while Stark forces attempt to ambush the Lannister forces and take control of the river.

Victory is decided by who has the majority control of the objective markers. However, if there is a tie, the game keeps going until there is a winner.

Scenario Three: Riverlands Rescue

As the host trooped down the causeway through the black bogs of the Neck and spilled out into the riverlands beyond, Catelyn's apprehensions grew. She masked her fears behind a face kept still and stern, yet they were there all the same, growing with every league they crossed. Her days were anxious, her nights restless, and every raven that flew overhead made her clench her teeth.
-A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Stark loyalists are on their way to enlist with friendly forces in the Riverlands. However, a Lannister attack causes the Stark troops to retreat into a scattering of buildings outside of Fairmarket. Fortunately, a Stark patrol sees the massing Lannister forces and rushes to give aid to their comrades.

Stark needs to protect their allies while simultaneously controlling key points along the river. These river points aid in the Stark’s ability to ward off counterattack.

Lannister forces can continue to attempt to capture the forces on their side of the river or wheel to defend against the Stark flank attack. River points represent valuable areas that would help expand the Lannister line of supply.

Scenario Four: Battle of the Green Fork

"...once we're below the Neck, I'd split our host in two. The foot can continue down the kingsroad, while our horsemen cross the Green Fork at the Twins.” He pointed. "When Lord Tywin gets word that we've come south, he'll march north to engage our main host, leaving our riders free to hurry down the west bank to Riverrun.” Robb sat back, not quite daring to smile...
-A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Stark forces have been sent south to engage Tywin’s forces as Robb Stark rides southwest to Riverrun with the bulk of his cavalry. The feint will only be successful if Lannister commanders sense commitment from the Stark forces. As such, Stark forces have carefully plotted the attack’s objectives.

The numerals indicate the areas where strategy tokens are placed facedown to mark Strategic Locations and Dummy Locations. Stark must collect 4 Strategic Locations and maintain a green or better morale rating to win the battle.

Lannisters superior force has the significant problem of not knowing where the locations are being placed that he needs to defend. However, a strong offensive may win the day if the morale of the Young Wolf’s army can be crushed!

Scenario Five: Whispering Wood

They were in a long line, an endless line, and as they burst from the wood there was an instant, the smallest part of a heartbeat, when all Catelyn saw was the moonlight on the points of their lances, as if a thousand willowisps were coming down the ridge, wreathed in silver flame. Then she blinked, and they were only men, rushing down to kill or die.
-A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Robb Stark, the “Young Wolf,” takes the field as he baits Jaime Lannister, the most dangerous of the Lannisters surrounding the friendly stronghold of Riverrun. Impetuous and eager to do away with raiding parties, Jaime rushes headfirst into the Stark trap and must decide what to do as the trap is sprung.

Stark forces can win my putting down the Lannister army although capturing Jaime Lannister will lead to a quicker victory.

The Lannisters can fight free or, if possible, capture the Young Wolf or his mother, Catelyn, who awaits news of the battle in the nearby woods.

Like these first five battles, battles 6-10 weave a player-created narrative that allows players to recreate engagements directly from the books as well as the battles that may have occurred in between the major conflicts.

Keep watching for more on Battles of Westeros!