Preamble.
When this expansion came out, I didn’t buy it at first. I was completely content with the standard size battlefields and always wanted to engage in two player games, so I saw no need for a larger board or more players. I ended up tagging it onto the end of a larger games order just for completeness since I already had all the other Battlelore expansions.

Components.
This expansion comprises: an additional map board; 19 additional lore tokens; 36 alliance tokens; 4 player turn markers. There is also a 20+ page rule book, with 7 epic adventures.

This expansion retails for 15 Euros, or about £10, which is probably about right given that you get an extra board.

Gameplay.
This expansion allows for Epic play, where two standard boards are turned 90 degrees and then combined to create a 13 x 17 hex battlefield. Up to 6 players can take part, each commanding a section of one side of the battlefield. Set up is similar to the standard game, except that a rack of three command cards is placed to the side of the board (called the Epic Command rack), for all players to see. During a turn, a camp may play up to two section cards (one each from their command rack and the Epic command rack) or a single tactic card (from either rack). Cards are replenished in a similar way to standard rules except that the Epic rack must contain at least one section card.

There are rules for playing using Call to Arms, and rules for a 4-player variant called ‘Reluctant Allies’ where both Camps and individuals within camps can play for victory.

So, What Do I Think?
I think this expansion is okay, and consequently give it 6 out of 10. It definitely falls under the banner of ‘will play now and then’ for me. I prefer playing Battlelore against just one opponent at a time, and we usually like to play 2 or 3 games in a row. Occasions when I want a longer game, larger battlefield or more players are rare. However, if you can handle the slightly longer set up and play time and/or you regularly have larger groups wanting to play, then this expansion would be invaluable, and you may well rate it more highly than I do.