Explore towns, dungeons, and regional maps while deciding which events and conflicts to address. The world opens through scenario choices, territorial victories, and the development of Avalon.

Combat is turn-based. Select commands for the party, exploit weapon and elemental weaknesses, learn new techniques through glimmers, and use formations to shape offense and defense. Characters can lose Life Points permanently when incapacitated.

Generational succession is central: the current emperor eventually gives way to another ruler, and the player continues the campaign with a new party. Research facilities, classes, and conquered regions provide long-term progression.

• Expand carefully: each conquered region can unlock new scenarios, allies, facilities, or enemies.
• Build a balanced formation and keep several weapon types available so the party can respond to different defenses.
• Use glimmers and research facilities to improve the empire over time, but do not ignore current equipment.
• Preserve useful classes and formations through succession; a strong inheritance can matter more than a single powerful character.