Quartermaster General: Prelude adds a short pre-game of new "Prelude" cards, setting the stage for WW II. The prelude has a truncated sequence of play designed to create differing opening situations from whence regular play can begin. There are two types of prelude cards: History and Armament. History cards are (generally) resolved immediately and have a tension modifier. Armament cards are played face down, like response cards, but cost a regular card to use (not to play). When the total tension from history cards gets to 10, regular play begins.