My kin has been playing the Battle of Aughaire after our Ales and Tales for the past couple of months. The Battle of Aughaire is a repeatable instance in Garth Forthnir in NE Angmar. It has virtually all the new mechanics of the skirmish system.

1) Can be repeated.
2) Random mobs will attack at one of 4 locations, sometimes two at once.
3) Drops special barter-tokens for assorted gear and consumables (quite unique ones as well)
4) There are NPC allies that help in the battle and must be kept alive.
5) Its on a 30 minute timer–providing that “popcorn” experience.

The Battle of Aughaire is a battle instance that puts your 6 man fellowship against a series of attacks on Aughaire. The Hillmen of Aughaire have erected some defenses and manned them with soldiers. Periodically, one of 3 bulwarks will be attacked. Your fellowship must go to that location and defend the bulwark. During these attacks, you will occasionally get a small force attacking the main gate (having snuck around the defenses). At which point, you need to split your forces and defend the gate before the lone ranger defending it is defeated. To me, this is really the direct ancestor of the skirmish system. The skirmishes bring a few new wrinkles though:

1) Ease of access - Currently you have to get to Garth Forthnir, a long ride or a hunter port. Skirmishes will let you skirmish port to them.
2) Better rewards - The Battle of Aughaire gives vile coins for use in the vile vending machines (barter NPCs). These are not very useful in a post-SOM world. They are interesting though, giving potions that temporarily boost virtues, or equipment that will give virtue bonuses. We have few details on what skirmishes will be providing, but I’m assuming it will be a wider variety and updated to the latest level cap.
3) Level appropriate challenge - The Battle of Aughaire is a bit easy for L60 characters. This is why it is a nice relaxing activity after our weekly Ales and Tales. Skirmishes will let you pick your level of challenge.
4) Multiple different skirmishes - There is only one Battle of Aughaire. There are other battles, but they must be unlocked by successfully running the preceding battle a number of times.

So if you want a good feel for how the skirmish system will play… the Battle of Aughaire is a great place to start!

–Harperella