# Tips for GMs

1. As a GM you can view the contents of every hex on the world map – including enemy NPCs. This means you can anticipate player movement choices and look at a Battleground hex ahead of time, before players land there. Planning ahead means you'll be prepared to introduce the combat encounter when it occurs, and able to creatively weave it into your own storytelling.
2. Take time to look up the statistics and abilities of enemy NPCs that the players in your warband are likely to encounter. Learn how to best play NPC type – understand their strengths and weaknesses. Know when to use their abilities to add flavour to the fight, or increase the challenge for your players.
3. Consider the story you are telling when a fight starts – or looks like it's about to start. Combat doesn't always need to be two sides bashing away at each other until one side prevails. Try doing the unexpected and make the NPCs attempt to ***Evade*** instead of rushing into battle!
4. Often it will make for a better story if you choose to roleplay NPC enemies rather than optimising them for maximum combat output. What if zealous Mórin cultists overcommit to the fray, despite having a clear numerical disadvantage? Perhaps a tactically-minded Lánaraï scouting party would seek to avoid combat rather than engage. Put yourself in the mindset of the NPCs you are playing and think what they would most likely do in the situation.
5. When you're confident that the players in your warband are experienced enough handle more pressure, aim to use combat tactics (***Vantage***, ***Strike*** and ***Evade***) and initiative modifiers strategically. Watch out for a player who rolls a low initiative score and pile up NPC attacks on them. Pay attention to players with ranged weapons and spells – gain ***Strike*** on them, causing them to lose ***Vantage***.
6. Pay attention to enemy NPCs that have innate Keywords and those that have abilities that apply hostile Keywords to players or beneficial ones to NPCs. Keywords such as ***Terrifying***, ***Camouflaged***, ***Overwhelmed*** and ***Monstrous*** can each cause a substanitial change to the dynamics of combat – denying actions to players or causing their abilities to be less effective.
7. Check for NPCs with the ***Ambusher*** keyword. Players won't know they are there until you choose to drop a hint or they decide to make an unbound Perception check. Ambushers make great story pieces and thrilling combat encounters when played well.


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