Terrains

Medieval battles, while brutal and bloody affairs, were often framed by basic and familiar terrain. An impassable waterway, a densely wooded copse, or an elevated mound bordering the battlefield, were often the sole distinctive geographical features on the horizon. 

Though rumors abound of a multitude of terrain variations and nuances in remote lands, there are only four basic Terrain Types in the core BattleLore game:

• Countryside
• Wooded Terrain
• Elevated Ground
• Waterways

Each terrain type is characterized by its impact, or restrictions, on movement, battle and line of sight. 

Retreat moves (p.25 of Chapter 4 – Combat) are not subject to stated terrain movement restrictions. 

When present, terrain battle limitations impose a cap on the default numberof battle dice a unit attacking in or from this terrain type will roll by default. Usually, the rougher the terrain, the lower the limit. 

As a result, Red Banner troops, weighed down by their superior armament, or armored mounts, usually suffer the worst in difficult terrain, while Green Banner “irregulars” fare comparatively better.

This limit on the number of dice rolled, when present, only applies to the base number of dice rolled by that particular troops’ unit type. Bonuses gained from Lore or Command cards or any other source are not subject to this limit and still add up, so that the actual number of dice rolled by a unit in difficult terrain may still exceed the maximum for that terrain type.

In the rare instance where a terrain hex might combine with another terrain type or Landmark on the same hex, the lowest of these terrain/landmarks maximum is the one that applies. For an example of this, please see Ramparts, on p.69 of Chapter 11 – Landmarks.

The Terrain Summary cards provide a short overview of the key effects of each terrain type. When you set up an adventure, position the corresponding Terrain Summary cards alongside the battlefield. The effect section of each Summary card describes the various features of the terrain, including its impact on line of sight, movement and battles.