Remember that the Key Card is the topmost Mage Card in the Deck, directly underneath the Region Card.

1. Scout Ahead. Check the Encounter Icon on the Key Card to see which Enemy or Journey you will face from the current Region in this Encounter. The number beside the Encounter Icon (1, 2, 3, or 4) tells you which Encounter of that type you face.

2. Face Hardships. Check for a Hardship on the Key Card. Any icon modifies the current Encounter.

3. Divert (Optional). You may avoid the current Encounter and Divert. To do this, discard the Key Card as well as a card of your choice from your Hand. Then, return to the first step of the Challenge Phase. You can only Divert twice before you must face an Encounter. T he downside of choosing to Divert is that you have to face an Encounter with fewer cards in your Hand. It also pushes you through the Deck faster, which gives you less time to Upgrade your Mage Cards.

Discarded Mage Cards go behind the inactive Region Card.