Each battle is set up by placing tiles to create its battle map, placing cache tokens, deploying enemies, and then deploying adventurers. Each mode of battle places tiles differently and deploys enemies in its own way, but all battles follow the general setup steps below.

1. Set Up the Battle Map: Refer to the mode of battle’s rules for setting up the initial battle map. After setting up the map, trigger skills and other abilities with “before battle” timing.

► Clash: Place the clash tile in the play area and connect the entrance tile as shown by the encounter. Either side of the clash mat can be used.

► Delve: Place the entrance tile in the play area (leaving plenty of room to expand the map). A delve’s starting map includes only the entrance tile.

► Dungeon: Assemble the dungeon map as shown in the dungeon’s setup diagram until all tiles are placed in the play area. Connect the entrance tile to the map as shown.

2. Place Cache Chips: In a clash or dungeon, place each or cache chip in the hexes shown on the setup diagram until all cache chips are placed for that encounter. In a delve, cache chips are not placed at setup.

3. Deploy Enemies: In a clash or dungeon, refer to that mode’s steps for calculating an enemy pool and deploying enemies. In a delve, enemies are not deployed at setup.

► Clash

► Dungeon

4. Deploy Adventurers: Deploy each adventurer to the entrance tile. Start by choosing an adventurer to take the first player token and deploy their chip so that they occupy any single hex. Then, proceed to deploy each other adventurer in clockwise order around the table. This becomes the permanent turn order for the rest of the battle. Each adventurer may set their battle form when deployed and choose which item cards to place in their ready slots.

► In a clash or dungeon, ignore the icon on the entrance tile’s hexes. In a delve battle, an adventurer in either of these hexes may explore and connect the next tile at the start of their first turn.

5. Deploy Companions: If adventurers have companion units that are deployed during battle setup, deploy those companions to the entrance tile, if able. If multiple players have companions to deploy, deploy those companions in player turn order. If there are no unoccupied hexes remaining on the entrance tile, set undeployed companions next to the entrance tile. They can enter the battle map during later rounds.

6. Set Round Counter: Set the party’s Round Counter die to 1 and place it in the square slot on the dial chip holder. Then, begin battle rounds. Trigger skills and other abilities with “start of battle” timing now.