From the introduction: Fire Emblem: The Tides of War is an adaptation of the Fire Emblem video game series for tabletop gaming. While knowledge of the Fire Emblem games will make it easier to enjoy the game, no knowledge of the game is required in order to play. This game focuses on a ragtag group of heroes completing their objectives through tactical turn-based combat. Teamwork will be necessary, for once a character dies, there's no coming back! The series signature threat of permanent death is ever present! In this tabletop strategy system, roleplaying is at a minimum in favor of focusing on combat mechanics translated directly from the video games for the tabletop gaming format, although roleplaying is highly encouraged and even rewarding at times.