Ports in Game of Thrones

Have you ever noticed the crucial role that ports play in the Game of Thrones universe? Ports are not just places where ships dock and unload cargo; they are vibrant hubs of activity and intrigue. Ports serve as gateways, connecting regions and enabling trade and travel. The significance of ports extends far beyond their literal function.

Ports are strategic locations that hold immense power. They can be used to control trade routes, giving a kingdom economic advantage. Ports also serve as military outposts, allowing armies to be deployed quickly and efficiently. These military capabilities make ports highly sought after, and their possession can turn the tide of a war.

Ports are places of opportunity and desperation. They attract ambitious individuals seeking wealth and adventure. Merchants, sailors, and smugglers flock to ports, creating a diverse and vibrant community. However, ports can also be places of despair, where those who have lost everything hope for a chance at a better life.

Ports are melting pots of different cultures and peoples. As ships from distant lands arrive, they bring with them new ideas, customs, and languages. Ports become cultural crossroads, where diverse societies intermingle and exchange knowledge. This diversity enriches the world of Game of Thrones and adds depth to its storylines and characters.

Ports are also places of danger and uncertainty. They are home to ruthless pirates and cunning criminals. The lawlessness of ports mirrors the chaotic nature of the Game of Thrones world. In these treacherous waters, one must always be wary and ready for the unexpected.

In conclusion, the ports in Game of Thrones are not just geographical features; they are dynamic and multifaceted entities that shape the destiny of kingdoms and individuals. They are the lifeblood of the world, connecting people, cultures, and stories. The next time you watch an episode of Game of Thrones, pay attention to the ports and the role they play in the unfolding drama.

Ports are unique places that link the land and the sea together. When you control a land area that is connected to a Port, you become its “owner” and get to use it.

How Ports Work

Did you know that only Ship units can occupy Port areas? It’s true! Ports are like special zones exclusively for ships. However, there are some rules to follow. If there are multiple Ship units in a Port, they are considered an army, and there are limits to how many ships can be in a Port at the same time. No more than three Ship units are allowed in a Port.

Here’s something interesting: if the land area connected to a Port produces new units, you can muster Ship units right there in the Port or in the sea area next to it. It gives you some flexibility in where you can build your ships.

Now, here’s a cool thing about Ports. You can muster Ship units into a connected Port, even if the sea area next to it is occupied by enemy ships. That’s right! You don’t have to worry about enemy presence to build your ships. This makes Ports a really powerful feature in the game.

What about orders in Ports?

Just like regular units in other areas, ship units in a Port area need to receive an Order token when it’s time to assign orders during the Planning Phase. Although Defense orders can be placed on a Port, they don’t have any impact because Ports can’t be directly attacked.

Other Port Rules

• When I have ship units, I can move them from a sea area next to a friendly port, or from a port to a sea area. But I can’t move my ship units into a port owned by someone else.
• If my ship units are in a port, they can help in a fight in the sea area next to it. But they can’t help in a fight in a land area, even if it’s connected to the port. My ship units in a port don’t add any defensive strength to a fight in the connected land area.
• My ship units in a port can raid the sea area next to it. But they can’t raid any land area that’s adjacent to the port.
• If I have ship units in a sea area next to a port, they can raid the port. But enemy units in land areas next to the port can’t raid it.

During the Resolve Consolidate Power Orders step of the Action Phase, if there are enemy ships in the sea area connected to a port, any Consolidate Power Order assigned to the Port is removed without effect. However, if there are no enemy ships in the sea area, a Consolidate Power Order in a Port is resolved normally, as if it was in a land area that doesn’t contain any Power icons.

A Special Consolidate Power Order cannot be used to muster units if placed on a port. However, it can still be used to collect power as normal, subject to the above point.

Now, let’s talk about Taking Control of Enemy Ports.

If another player successfully attacks and takes control of the land area connected to a Port, they have the option to replace any enemy Ship units in the Port with their own. They can substitute an equal number of their available Ship units or use as many Ship units as they have available, desire, or are allowed by supply limits. Any excess enemy ships are removed from the board.

Trading with the Free Cities

During the Westeros Phase, when the “Game of Thrones” Westeros card is resolved, players receive Power tokens for each friendly Port that has at least one friendly Ship unit. They get one Power token for each Power icon present in addition to the Port’s connected sea area not containing any enemy Ships.