Reference summary · Core rule · Rules Tome 2.0.8 § 500
Starting army
Normally start three level 1 Characters in rank 1, two level 2 Characters in rank 2, and your Warlord in rank 3.
How it works
Rule explanation
Players simultaneously reveal their starting armies before the first turn. The five non-Warlord Characters must share the Warlord’s faction, and the starting army cannot contain multiple copies of the same Unique card or any Reserved card. No actions may be performed during setup, though static text applies. Card text and special formats may change the starting army. A replacement must replace something you could legally start and satisfy the other starting requirements; the replaced cards need not actually be in your deck.
At the table
Example
Without a starting-army exception, place three same-faction level 1 Characters in front of two same-faction level 2 Characters, with the Warlord behind them.
Watch for this
Common mistake
Mercenary immunity to the loyalty penalty does not itself waive starting-army faction requirements. Starting in play does not give an Enter React window before the first turn.