FtW is divided into turns. Each turn is two months.
Each turn is divided into two phases: strategic phase and battle (tactical) phase.
In the strategic phase, players issue orders to their troops; move, train, re-organize, etc.
In the battle phase, if two enemy forces come into contact with each other then a battle occurs. If a battle occurs, we roll dice to determine several factors about the battle based on selections made by the players. See the example on the FtW website:
http://www.acwgc.org/games/ftw/FtW_Battle_Length_Calc.cfm
"Scouting ahead" with the cavalry during the strategic phase is not possible. However, if a battle occurs, we will deploy your troops on the battle map as you decide. At that time you can "scout away" all you want.
Battles occur because of one of two reasons:
1. A force moves to a city (the attacker) that is occupied by an enemy force (the defender).
2. Two opposing forces move to the same city at the same time (both attackers).
Defending forces are placed on the battle map in accordance with instructions from the defending player. Attacking forces "enter" the map based on instructions from the attacking player and in accordance with the rules defined by the mini-maps. See FtW website: http://www.acwgc.org/games/ftw/FtW_Mini_Maps.cfm
If a battle occurs in a city where we do not have a mini-map, one will be developed.