This map is a departure from the standard Wesnoth map in that it focuses on islands and island-hopping rather than having a mostly solid terrain setting. This scenario is set up for four players in either an every player for themselves battle or a 2v2 team battle.
The Nine Isles are arranged in a circular pattern. Four isles feature keeps, four act as buffers between each keep and one sits off to the side. Moving between the islands is typically accomplished by navigating narrow bridges or shallow water.
As the map is largely made up of water, making use of teams which offer units that can fly or move through water is recommended. The map is not symmetrical, but it is mostly balanced which each team being placed fairly close to two villages.