Rules
Subcategories
Terrain
The lands of Westeros are varied and their impact on a battle can be significant. This section goes over the different kinds of basic terrain that armies can expect to encounter.
Battlefield Terrain
Although the whole of Westeros has a far more varied topography, the battles in the BOW core game use 8 basic terrain hex types.
A detailed description of each terrain type follows, including terrain movement effects, whether the terrain blocks LOS, etc. This list covers both the terrain printed on the board and the overlay terrain pieces that are placed on top of the board at the beginning of the battle.
Each terrain description includes the following statistics:
Blocking Terrain: Whether or not the terrain blocks line of sight is detailed here (if Yes, then this hex blocks line of sight).
Movement: Any effect on moving into a hex of this terrain type is detailed here.
Combat: Any effect on a combat involving a unit in this type of terrain feature is detailed here.
Burn: X. The Burn Limit indicates the maximum number of fire levels that can be placed in a hex. The effect the fire status condition has on the hex is detailed here.
Special Rules: Any unique rules that govern hexes with this terrain feature are detailed here.
Terrain Hexes
Terrain hexes are punchboard hexes used to represent different types of terrain and the effects they can have on units in a battle.
Terrain Tokens
Terrain tokens are tokens used to show additional terrain features (usually man-made) that are present in various terrain hexes.
Unless noted, a terrain token’s effects supersede that of the terrain hex it is in.
Houses
Stark
Noble and steadfast, House Stark rules the cold North from the ancient stronghold of Winterfell. Guided by honor and duty, they are relentless in defense of their people and traditions. In battle, the Starks are disciplined and resilient, enduring like the winter that always comes.
Lannister
Wealthy, cunning, and ambitious, House Lannister wields power from the golden halls of Casterly Rock. With their vast resources and sharp intellect, they dominate both battlefield and court. Every move they make is calculated, every blow precise—always paying their debts in blood or gold.
Baratheon
Proud and powerful, House Baratheon commands great strength and martial skill. From their seat at Storm’s End, they are known for their fierce tempers, indomitable will, and unwavering pursuit of power. On the battlefield, they strike with the fury of a storm, determined to claim their rightful place among the rulers of Westeros.
Tribes of the Vale
Fierce and untamed, the mountain clans of the Vale fight not for crowns, but for survival and pride. Masters of guerrilla tactics and ambushes, they strike from the heights with wild fury. What they lack in armor, they make up for in ferocity and fearlessness.
Tully
Loyal and just, House Tully rules the Riverlands from Riverrun, standing firm in defense of family and honor. Their strength lies in unity and unwavering values. In battle, they fight with discipline and determination, flowing like the rivers they guard.
Brotherhood Without Banners
Bound by justice, not loyalty to any lord, the Brotherhood Without Banners fights for the forgotten and oppressed. Hardened by war and driven by purpose, they strike from the shadows with guerilla precision. Unseen, unpredictable, and unyielding, they are champions of the common folk.
Tyrell
Graceful yet formidable, House Tyrell rules the fertile Reach from Highgarden. Known for their wealth, diplomacy, and cunning, they bloom with beauty but strike with hidden thorns. On the battlefield, they blend strategy and strength, flourishing where others falter.
Targaryen
Forged in fire and blood, House Targaryen once ruled the Seven Kingdoms with dragons and destiny. Though exiled, their ambition burns brighter than ever. With ancient pride and a will to reclaim their throne, they strike with fierce resolve and the fury of their ancestors.
Arryn
High and aloof, House Arryn rules the Vale from the impregnable Eyrie. Proud defenders of tradition and honor, they value order and justice above all. From their mountain stronghold, they strike with precision and clarity—cold, distant, and unshakable as the peaks they call home.
Martell
Ruling from Sunspear, House Martell commands the desert realm of Dorne with fierce pride and unwavering independence. Shaped by Rhoynar heritage and centuries of resistance, they value honor, passion, and vengeance—and never forget a slight.
Greyjoy
From the storm-lashed Iron Islands, House Greyjoy rules with salt, steel, and fire. Fierce seafarers who live by raiding rather than trade, they follow the Old Way and worship the Drowned God. Proud, ruthless, and untamed—they take what is theirs.
Keywords
Many abilities are too detailed to fit on the Unit Reference cards.
A unit or commander with one of these abilities has an associated keyword or phrase tied to the ability to indicate that the unit or commander possesses that ability.
The keyword acts as a kind of shorthand for the ability.