Root's Vagabond is the most unusual faction in any area control game I know because the faction can win without controlling any territory. The Vagabond moves through the forest, takes quests, makes items, and scores through relationship management with other factions. Victory comes from service and exploration rather than territorial dominance.

The Vagabond's relationship with other factions creates diplomatic complexity. Allied factions provide resources and safe passage. Hostile factions create combat obstacles. Maintaining alliances with factions that are losing requires sacrificing relationship with factions that are winning. The Vagabond's social position is a constantly managed resource.

For Root groups that include a Vagabond: the rest of the table needs to understand that the Vagabond can win quietly while providing useful services. Treating the Vagabond as a non-threat because it controls no territory is a common mistake that experienced players exploit.