Overview

Baron is a tactical hexagonal tile-laying game for 2-5 players, published by Tilsit in 2006. Set in the 11th century, players compete to build the most powerful fiefdom by placing hexagonal tiles to expand their territory. The game was previously available as a free print-and-play download under the name “Combats des fiefs” (Fiefdom Wars) and shares similarities with the 2002 game Himalaya.

Components

• Hexagonal territory tiles
• Player pieces (soldiers, buildings)
• Resource tokens
• Score track
• Rules booklet

Setup

1. Place initial hexagonal tiles to form the starting landscape.
2. Each player takes their pieces and starting resources.
3. Determine first player.

Turn Structure

On each turn:

1. Place a tile: Add a hexagonal tile to expand the map.
2. Place pieces: Deploy soldiers or buildings on your territory.
3. Resolve conflicts: If tiles create adjacency with opponents, resolve battles.
4. Collect resources: Gain resources from controlled territories.

Actions

• Lay tiles: Expand the map with new hexagonal territory tiles.
• Deploy forces: Place military or civilian pieces on tiles you control.
• Attack: Contest opponent-controlled tiles through combat.
• Build: Construct buildings that provide ongoing benefits.
• Collect resources: Gather income from your fiefdom.

Scoring / Victory Conditions

The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins. Points are earned through:

• Controlling territory
• Building structures
• Winning battles
• Accumulating resources

Special Rules & Edge Cases

• Hexagonal tile placement: Tiles must be placed adjacent to existing tiles, and placement affects territorial boundaries.
• Combat: Resolved when opposing forces are adjacent; stronger force wins.
• Previously free PnP: The game originated as a free print-and-play before commercial publication.

Player Reference

Core mechanics: Tile laying, area control, combat

Win condition: Most victory points from territory, buildings, and battles