Root: The Marauder Expansion by Leder Games — New Factions & Hirelings for 2-6 Players (Ages 10+)

Expand Your Woodland Battlefield with The Marauder Expansion

Root players gain a new dimension of strategy with The Marauder Expansion. Two fresh factions join the woodland conflict: the Lord of the Hundreds, a ruthless warlord who builds momentum and spreads fear, and the Keepers in Iron, an exiled order of devout knights on a sacred quest. Each faction brings distinct priorities, counterplay, and storytelling threads, enriching the ongoing tension without altering Root’s core mechanics. The added depth helps both casual and competitive groups explore new narratives as the map evolves around bold choices and careful timing.

Beyond factions, the expansion introduces four hireling options that shift alliances, threats, and resource management. The hiring pools are designed to create meaningful decisions at any player count, encouraging players to negotiate, position, and adapt as the woodland reshapes itself. Notable groupings include Forest Patrol and Feline Physicians, Last Dynasty and Bluebird Nobles, Spring Uprising and Rabbit Scouts, and The Exile and The Bandit—each pairing bringing a different mood to play sessions and elevating the sense of emergent storytelling.

What’s inside and how it changes play

• Two new factions with unique goals, abilities, and thematic flavor to heighten asymmetrical play.
• Four hireling options that introduce new allies, risks, and tactical choices.
• A flexible draft setup to accommodate both quick casual games and longer, more strategic sessions.

Why players might welcome this expansion

• Increased replayability through fresh faction dynamics and hireling synergies.
• Richer strategic puzzles and more negotiation moments during each map setup.
• Respect for Root’s core rules while offering new narrative arcs and tactical possibilities.

Designed for 2 to 6 players and suitable for ages 10 and up, The Marauder Expansion elevates the familiar woodland setting with ambitious strategy and vivid storytelling. A copy of Root is required to play, as the expansion harmonizes with existing factions and board setups. Note: this is a pre-order product, with shipping anticipated in September 2022.