Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Combat Rules

Getting Started

When it comes to understanding the combat rules of Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon, it’s important to start with the basics. Combat in this game is known as a “double-edged sword,” as it can both elevate and challenge your gameplay experience.

Understanding the Basics

One of the key concepts of combat in Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is the regeneration response system. In this game, combat occurs in rounds, with each round consisting of different phases. Each participant, whether it’s me or you, takes turns during these phases to attack and defend.

Combat Phases

The combat in Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon consists of four phases:

1. Initiative Phase: This is where we determine who goes first. It’s essential to have a higher initiative to gain an advantage in combat.

2. Activation Phase: In this phase, we can activate our character’s abilities and use items to attack or defend. It’s crucial to strategize and make the most of our resources during this phase.

3. Attack Phase: This is when we launch our attacks against the enemies. Each attack has its own rules and mechanics, so it’s important to pay attention to the details and make calculated moves.

4. Defense Phase: During this phase, we defend ourselves against the enemy’s attacks. We can use our defensive abilities, items, or tactics to protect ourselves and minimize damage.

Combat Cards

Combat in Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon utilizes combat cards that represent our abilities and actions. These cards come in different types, such as offensive, defensive, and special. It’s important to choose the right cards to maximize our effectiveness in combat.

Enemy Behavior

When it comes to the enemies we encounter, it’s important to understand their behavior and patterns. Different enemies have different strengths and weaknesses, so we need to adapt our strategy accordingly. Observing and studying their behavior can give us an advantage in combat.

In Conclusion

Understanding and mastering the combat rules of Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon is essential to succeed in the game. By following these guidelines and adapting our strategies, we can navigate the challenges of combat and emerge triumphant. So, are you ready to embark on this perilous adventure?

Listen up: I’m about to drop some knowledge on you. Pay close attention because this is crucial. When you’re out there on your epic journey, encountering various challenges along the way, you need to be on your toes. Some of these encounters can be real tough, especially for a warrior like you.

Now, don’t fret. There’s a way out. If you find yourself in a bind, facing an encounter that seems too much to handle, you have an escape option. Yeah, that’s right. You can escape from the battle, just like that.

But hold on! Before you go running away, let me break this down for you. Escaping from combat is no walk in the park. It’s a tricky move that requires careful planning and a bit of luck. You need to be strategic about it.

First things first, take into account the type of encounter you’re facing. Is it a creature that’s bigger and badder than you? Or is it an enemy with powerful magic spells? Understanding what you’re up against is key.

Next, assess your own abilities. Are you strong enough to take on this challenge? Do you have the necessary skills and equipment? It’s important to be honest with yourself. There’s no shame in admitting when you’re outmatched.

Now, here comes the tricky part. The escape itself. It’s not as simple as just turning tail and running. No, you need to plan your getaway. Look for the right moment to make your move. It could be when your opponent is distracted or weakened. Timing is everything.

But let me warn you, my friend. Escaping from combat is not always guaranteed. It’s a risky move that could backfire on you. Your opponent might see through your plan and block your escape. Or they might catch up to you before you can make your getaway.

So, be prepared for the consequences. If you choose to escape, you might face your opponent’s wrath later on. They might seek revenge or hold it against you. It’s a sort of double-edged sword, you know?

But hey, sometimes it’s better to live and fight another day. If you’re faced with an encounter that seems impossible to win, escaping might be your best bet. You can always come back stronger and better prepared.

So remember, when you’re out there on your adventures, encountering all sorts of challenges, keep in mind the escape option. It’s not a cowardly move. It’s a strategic choice. And sometimes, it’s the wisest one.

Example of a Battle Sequence

A Battle Sequence is a series of Combat cards that each member of the Party plays during a Battle Encounter.

During a Battle Encounter, every Character selects and plays their Combat cards, which are then added to a single straight line known as the Battle Sequence. The bottom Keys of the cards always connect together, and no cards overlap or cover each other.

Avoiding a Battle

If you’re playing the game, you have the option to Escape at any point during your turn. The catch is that you’ll lose 1 point, and you’ll trigger the Opportunity attack that’s listed on the Encounter card. After that, you’ll put the Encounter card back at the bottom of its deck, reshuffle your Combat deck, and set it aside.

If you’re playing in a group: if one of the active characters decides to Escape, they’ll trigger the Opportunity attack, leave the Combat, and follow the steps described above. The rest of the group will stay in the Encounter and move on to step 4 – Check Readiness. Once everyone in the group has escaped, the Encounter card goes back at the bottom.

Running Away

It’s not just characters who can flee from Combat. Some Creatures have a special attack called “Run Away.” When this attack is triggered, the Encounter immediately ends, and the Encounter card is placed at the bottom of its deck.

When you’re playing a game, it’s always exciting to receive some kind of reward or loot for your efforts. However, in this particular game, characters don’t get any loot or reward. This means that no matter how well you play or how many enemies you defeat, you won’t be receiving any additional benefits or treasures.

It’s important to keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you’re not making progress or winning in the game. Sometimes, the objective of an encounter is simply to force the enemy to run away. While this may not feel as satisfying as getting loot, it still counts as a victory in terms of the game’s rules.

Understanding Encounter Cards

Encounter cards play a crucial role in the game. They provide challenges for the players and determine the outcome of each encounter. Each card presents a unique set of obstacles, enemies, or situations that the players must overcome.

When someone plays an encounter card, it’s up to you to interpret and react to the situation presented. This can involve making strategic decisions, using different abilities or skills, or finding creative ways to overcome the challenges.

If you’re new to the game, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of encounter cards and their effects. By understanding these cards, you’ll be better prepared to face the challenges they present and come up with effective strategies.

By following these tips and strategies, you can enhance your gaming experience and improve your chances of success in each encounter. Remember, even though there may not be any loot or reward involved, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges and outsmarting your opponents can be its own form of victory.

Let me tell you about this card that represents the enemy you’ll be facing during the whole Combat Encounter. It’s made up of a few different parts:

1. Encounter Difficulty. Each Encounter is categorized into one of four difficulty levels.
2. Guardian icon. Look for the Guardian symbol in the Combat Encounter Traits.
3. Encounter Value. This tells you how tough the Encounter is – you’ll need to have a certain number of markers in your Combat Pool to win.
4. Card Name.
5. Flavor text.
6. Enemy Traits. These are special modifiers that stay in effect throughout the Encounter. (You can find out more in the Enemy Traits section).
7. Combat Table. It tells you which Attack the enemy will make based on the number of markers in the Combat Pool.
8. Opportunity. This tells you what happens if the enemy gets to make their Opportunity attack.

What I Get and How to Start Combat

When I defeat an enemy in Tainted Grail, I receive rewards and loot as a result. These rewards are given to each player, while the loot needs to be shared among the party members.

Connecting attribute keys in the game grants me various bonuses. To qualify for these bonuses, I need to have the required level of an attribute.

Getting into Combat

Starting combat in Tainted Grail occurs when I am instructed to draw or pick a card from any of the following encounter decks: gray, green, purple. To initiate combat, the card I draw must have at least one open key on its right edge.

Once I draw an encounter card, I place it in the play area and make sure I have enough space to the right. This is where I will build my sequence.

If the enemy has any traits, I need to check them now because some traits can have an effect during this step. Refer to the encounter traits for more information.

Okay, so here’s what I need you to do. Check that you don’t have more than one Item from each of these categories: Weapon, Shield, Armor, Companion, Relic. If you do, make sure to only keep one of each. If you have any extra Items, just put them aside for now. You can’t add any new Items once we start the Combat!

Once you’ve got your equipment all sorted out, it’s time to draw some cards from your Combat deck. How many cards you get depends on how many Characters are in the Combat:

• If there are 1 to 3 Characters, you get 3 cards.
• If there are 4 Characters, you only get 2 cards.

If you’re not happy with the cards you drew, no worries! You can just toss them and draw a new hand with one less card. You can keep doing this until you’ve only got one card left in your hand.

Once everyone has their starting cards ready, we can move on to phase I of the Combat Turn.

Combat Card

Hey there! I’m gonna show you an awesome example of a Combat card. Cool, right?

1. Attribute Keys. They’re special keys that can connect to a Bonus Key on the next card. The icons on the Attribute Keys match up with the Attributes on your Character Tray. But here’s the catch – if you don’t have the right level in an Attribute, the Attribute Key won’t connect!
2. Bonus Keys. These keys can connect to an Attribute Key on the previous card. They add some extra oomph to your Combat card.
3. Magic Key. This Key connects when you line up the left and right parts AND spend 1 point of Magic. It’s like a magical combo!
4. Free Key. This Key is always ready to connect, no strings attached. And it gives you a sweet bonus, too! You can find out more about the bonuses in the “Combat Bonuses” section. But watch out – if the second part of this Key is empty, you don’t get anything. Bummer.

Ability: These cards have special rules that affect the game and have specific timings. They are only active if they are visible and not covered by other cards in the Sequence. Passive cards, on the other hand, are always in effect and never covered, so their abilities remain throughout the Encounter. Card Number: Each Combat and Diplomacy card is assigned a unique number to facilitate sorting and deck-building. The letter next to the number indicates the card’s deck and color, with “U” representing blue, “G” representing green, “B” representing brown, and “Y” representing gray.

Passive Combat Cards

Unlike regular Combat cards, Passive Combat cards are unique because their Ability is always visible when in Sequence. This is made possible by placing their Keys on the opposite edges of the card.

Some cards may instruct you to gain Charges. To keep track of this, you can use universal markers and place them on the card.

“Pay x Charges” Abilities can be used at any time you want, unless the text restricts them to a specific phase.

In a Party, only the Active Character has the ability to use Charges from cards. However, the owner of the card must agree to this.

Now, let’s talk about the different phases of a Combat Turn. A Combat usually consists of several Combat Turns, and each Turn follows these phases:

Phase I: Pick the Active Character.

When it’s time to decide who will be the next Active Character, we, the Party members, have the power to choose. We can pick any Character who hasn’t been activated yet this Combat Turn – that means no Time Token on their Character Tray.

If we can’t all agree on a choice, we’ll have to use a different method. In that case, the Character with the lowest Character Number will become Active.

Once we have our Active Character, we need to put a Time Token on their Tray. This token will remind us that this Character can’t be activated again until the next Turn.

II. Character Activation

1. Delayed Abilities

We also need to pay attention to any Delayed Abilities on our Combat cards. We must remove one Time Token from each card in the Sequence that has one. If we remove the last Time Token from a card, we must immediately resolve its Ability. These abilities only trigger once!

Combat Card Trigger Icons

Hey there! Let’s talk about Combat cards and their abilities. You know, those cool little powers that can really change the game. They’re pretty important, so it’s good to understand how they work.

So, most Combat cards have an Ability. These abilities are like special moves that you can use during the game. And the best part is, you don’t have to guess when to use them. Abilities usually have a Trigger icon that tells you exactly when to use them. That way, there’s no confusion.

Now, why are these abilities so awesome? Well, they can do all sorts of things. They can help you attack, defend, or even mess with your opponent’s strategy. It’s like having a secret weapon up your sleeve.

But here’s the thing: abilities aren’t always easy to understand. Some of them can be pretty tricky. That’s why it’s important to read them carefully and really think about how they could affect the game. You don’t want to miss out on a game-changing move!

Remember, Combat cards are all about strategy. So, take your time and make sure you understand how your cards’ abilities work. It could be the difference between victory and defeat.

When I place a card in the Sequence – I resolve this Ability right away.

Delayed – this card has a special timing rule. When you play it, put a Time Token on this card. The Ability on this card is activated only when the very last Time Token is removed. It’s important to note that the Ability doesn’t activate again on future turns, and the Time Token doesn’t come back!

If you place another card on top of a card with a Time Token, and that card covers the Ability, the Time Token is lost and the Ability won’t activate.

On Enemy Attack – this Ability stays in effect during the entire step 3 of my Activation and generally changes how the enemy attacks.

Damage – when you see this icon, it means that your character’s health needs to decrease by the amount shown.

Connected Attribute Key – When you see this icon, it means there are several Attribute Keys of this specific type in the entire Sequence.

2. Playing Cards

This is where I execute my plan, playing cards from my hand and adding them to the Sequence. If I don’t play a single card, the enemy will benefit from my inaction (see: Opportunity). I might also have to play a card if I’m affected by Panic (see: Panic).

To complete this step, follow the list below:

When I play my first Combat card during my turn, I don’t need to meet any special requirements. It doesn’t have to match any Keys; it just needs to line up properly with the previous card in the Sequence, like in the Combat Sequence Example. When I play the card, here’s what happens:

– First, I check if any Attribute Keys connect to Bonus Keys. If they do, I apply those Bonuses. It’s important to remember that I need to have the specific Attribute level in order for them to connect.

– Next, if both parts of a Magic Key connect, I can pay 1 Magic to connect the Key and gain its bonus.

– Then, I connect the bottom, Free Key and get its bonus.

– Finally, I check the Ability. If it triggers now, I resolve it according to the Ability Triggers.

By following these steps, I can make the most out of my Combat card and gain any additional bonuses or abilities it offers.

Hey there! Let’s talk about the cool thing called Combat cards. They’re pretty awesome when it comes to battling in a game. Here’s the deal:

1. Play more Combat cards: During your turn, you can play more Combat cards after the first one. But wait, there’s a catch! Each of these additional cards must connect with a Key. It’s like they need to find their match. If you don’t have any cards that have a Key that matches, or if you can’t figure out a way to connect them, then sorry, no more playing cards for you! Make sure you resolve any cards you play, just like we explained earlier.

So, as you can see, playing additional Combat cards is a special power that you have, as long as you can connect them with a Key. It adds an extra level of strategy to the game. Pretty cool, right?

Please note: you must put the icon on the card you want to play (not the one before), and make sure they are connected.

Victory Check:

Count how many markers are in the Combat Pool. If the number is equal to or higher than the target value on the Encounter card, you win!

Receive any Rewards, share any Loot, and put the Encounter card on the bottom of its deck. Then, reshuffle your Combat deck, including any played and discarded cards, and set it aside.

If not, proceed to the next step.

Enemy Attack:

1. Find the Attack on the Encounter card that matches the number of markers in the Combat Pool. Apply the outcome of this Attack to the Active Character.

2. If the enemy’s Attack removes markers from the Combat Pool, and there aren’t enough markers to cover the loss, refer to the Negative Combat Pool section.

The Importance of Understanding Combat Phases in a Tabletop Game

Hey there, fellow gamer! Let’s dive into the exciting world of tabletop gaming combat phases. It’s crucial to grasp the ins and outs of these phases to truly master the game. So, let’s break it down together!

I. Pick the Active Character

• First things first, it’s time to choose which character will take action. Take a moment to strategize and pick the character that will make the best move.

II. Activate Characters

• Now that we’ve chosen our active character, let’s activate them. That means taking their time tokens and placing them on their character tray. Each character has their own unique abilities, so be sure to consider them when making your move.
• After activating our characters, we can use their abilities and combat cards to enhance our chances of victory. Remember, adapting your strategy to the situation is key!
• The Combat Pool is a vital resource for making powerful moves and turning the tide of battle. Make sure to manage it wisely and think two steps ahead.
• Once we’ve made our moves, it’s time for the Victory Check. This step determines if we’ve achieved our objectives and come out on top. So, give it your all!
• Ready for more action? Let’s check if all party members have been activated during this turn. If there are characters left who haven’t been activated, we’ll go back to the “Pick the Active Character” phase and continue the excitement!

III. End Turn

• Time to wrap things up and prepare for the next turn. Start by discarding down to three cards in your hand. This ensures you have a fresh start for the next round.
• Draw time! Every party member gets to draw a card from their deck, except for characters facing panic. Make sure you’ve got cards to draw to keep the game going!
• To clear the slate, remove all time tokens from the character trays. But be careful, this won’t affect any time tokens left on combat cards. Keep an eye on those little details!

Now that we’ve explored the combat phases, you’re equipped with the knowledge needed to dominate the tabletop battlefield. So grab your cards, gather your party, and let the games begin!

Start a new Turn. Go back to the beginning of phase I (when you choose the active character)!

Connected Keys

In order for a Key to be connected, both halves of the Key must come together physically. Also:

Do you want to make sure your character is well-equipped for the challenges ahead? Then pay attention to this: your character’s Attribute level is essential. It’s the key to success in any adventure. If your character’s Attribute level is not up to par, they’ll have a tough time navigating through tough situations. So, let me explain to you why paying attention to your character’s Attribute level is so important.

Firstly, let me define what an Attribute is. In simple terms, an Attribute is a specific trait or characteristic that determines a character’s skills and abilities. It acts as a foundation for a character’s overall performance. Similar to how muscles act as a foundation for physical strength.

Attributes can vary depending on the game you’re playing, but some common Attributes include strength, intelligence, agility, and charisma. Each Attribute contributes to a different aspect of a character’s abilities. For example, strength affects a character’s physical power and ability to deal damage, while intelligence influences problem-solving and spellcasting abilities.

Now that we understand what Attributes are, let’s delve into their importance. Attributes directly impact a character’s performance and effectiveness in the game world. The higher an Attribute level, the more proficient a character will be in the associated skills and abilities.

Imagine you’re playing a game that requires a lot of combat. If your character has a low strength Attribute, they’ll struggle to deal significant damage to enemies. On the other hand, a character with a high strength Attribute will easily overpower their foes and triumph in battle.

Attributes not only affect combat capabilities but also impact non-combat aspects of the game. For instance, a high charisma Attribute can make a character more persuasive and influential in dialogue interactions. They’ll have an easier time convincing others, gaining favors, and unlocking hidden information or paths.

So, in a nutshell, your character’s Attribute level can be the difference between success and failure, between victory and defeat. It’s not something you should overlook or underestimate. Take the time to understand and invest in your character’s Attributes, as they are crucial for their overall development and performance.

Now that you know the importance of Attribute levels, you’re probably wondering how to improve them. Well, the answer is simple: focus on activities and tasks that align with the Attribute you want to enhance. If you want to boost your character’s strength, engage in combat, and physical training. If you want to improve intelligence, solve puzzles, and engage in activities that require critical thinking.

It’s also worth mentioning that some games provide opportunities for Attribute improvement through leveling up or acquiring special items and equipment. Make sure to explore these options and take advantage of them.

To sum it all up, your character’s Attribute level is a fundamental aspect of their development and success in the game world. It directly impacts their skills, abilities, and overall performance. So, pay attention to your character’s Attributes and invest time and effort into improving them. Only then will you truly unleash your character’s full potential and dominate in any adventure that comes your way.

If you want to connect it, you have to spend 1 point of Magic. Put this point on the Magic Key to show that it is active. If you have to throw away a card with a Connected Magic Key, you also throw away the Magic point used to Connect that Key.

Hey there, let’s talk about the remarkable power of connecting with others. It’s fascinating how simple connections can have such a big impact on our lives!

First off, have you ever heard of Free Keys? They’re kind of like magic. They have this amazing ability to boost things up. Sometimes, they even come with multipliers, which means they make things even stronger!

Boost in Battle

And guess what? When it comes to combat, connecting can give you a supercharged advantage. It’s like leveling up your skills! By making connections, you can unlock all sorts of incredible bonuses that will elevate your performance in battle.

But here’s the best part: connections have a regenerating effect. They’re like the energy source that keeps on giving. Every connection you make replenishes your power, so you’re always ready to take on new challenges.

So, imagine this: you’re in the midst of a fierce battle. You have your trusty Free Keys in hand. With a single connection, you activate a whole bunch of combat bonuses. Suddenly, you’re faster, stronger, and more agile than ever before. It’s like you’ve leveled up in an instant!

And here’s where it gets even more exciting. Each time you make a connection, you regenerate your response, meaning you can keep activating those combat bonuses again and again. It’s an endless cycle of awesomeness!

Now, I know what you might be thinking. How do I make these connections? Well, it’s easier than you might think. All you have to do is be open, be curious, and be willing to reach out. Start conversations, ask questions, and show genuine interest in others. Trust me, the more you connect, the more powerful you become in battle.

So, if you’re ready to take your combat skills to a whole new level, grab your Free Keys and start connecting. Prepare to unleash the amazing combat bonuses that await you. Get ready to be faster, stronger, and more agile than ever before!

Hey, let’s talk about something important today.

You know those markers you use in the Combat Pool? Well, here’s the thing: they’re pretty cool. They have this magical power to change the game.

Imagine this: you’re in a battle, and the outcome hangs in the balance. You’ve got a bunch of markers at your disposal, ready to be used. How do you choose which ones to use and when?

It’s not an easy decision, but let me break it down for you.

First, you need to understand the different types of markers. Some of them will give you an advantage, while others might hinder you. It’s like a double-edged sword.

Then, you need to think about your strategy. Do you want to use markers that will help you attack and inflict damage? Or do you prefer to focus on defense and protection?

Also, keep in mind that markers can be used to boost your abilities or regenerate your health. They’re pretty versatile.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. But remember, each marker you use will have a consequence. It’s all about weighing the risks and rewards.

So, next time you’re in a battle and have to decide which markers to use, take a moment to think it through. The right choice could be the difference between victory and defeat.

Hey there! I’ve got an awesome Bonus Key to tell you about. It’s super cool because it lets you play extra Combat cards during step 2 of your Activation. How sweet is that? Now, just to clarify, this Bonus Key doesn’t work when you play your first Combat card during the Activation. Only the ones after that, got it?

Oh, and here’s another thing. This Bonus doesn’t multiply anything. So if there’s a multiplier right next to it, just ignore it. Keep it simple, right?

So here’s what you need to do: get rid of that last card in your Sequence.

If you’re like me, you probably use emojis every day to express your feelings. But have you ever wondered how these cute little icons came to be and why they have become such a big part of our digital communication? Well, let me tell you.

Back in the day, when texting started to become popular, people realized that expressing emotions through plain text messages could be quite challenging. It wasn’t easy to convey tone, sarcasm, or even excitement in a simple text. That’s when emojis came to the rescue.

Emojis are a special kind of pictorial language that was created to help people add context and emotion to their messages. They were first developed in Japan in the late 1990s and quickly gained popularity worldwide.

Let’s take a closer look at why emojis have become so important in our digital lives.

Diversifying Communication

Emojis are like a secret language that we all understand. They allow us to communicate our emotions more clearly, even without saying a word. Whether it’s a happy face, a crying face, or a heart emoji, these little icons create an instant connection between people.

Emojis also help bridge the gap between different cultures and languages. They are universally recognized symbols that transcend the barriers of written and spoken language. No matter where you’re from or what language you speak, an emoji can be understood by anyone.

Enhancing Expressions

When it comes to digital communication, tone and context can easily get lost in translation. That’s where emojis come in. They add an extra layer of meaning to our messages and help us express ourselves more effectively.

Whether it’s a wink, a thumbs-up, or a laughing face emoji, these small icons convey emotions that words alone cannot capture. They help us emphasize our statements, inject humor into our conversations, and show support or love to someone miles away.

Boosting Creativity

Emojis have become an integral part of our culture, and they have even influenced the way we communicate offline. People have started incorporating emojis into their daily lives, using them in advertising, fashion, art, and even tattoos.

With thousands of emojis to choose from, people have become more creative in expressing themselves. They have found new ways to combine emojis to create unique meanings and convey complex emotions. Emojis have become a canvas for our imagination, allowing us to express ourselves in playful and creative ways.

In conclusion, emojis have transformed the way we communicate in the digital world. They have become a universal language that brings people closer together, helps us express ourselves more effectively, and sparks our imagination. So, the next time you send an emoji, remember the impact it can have and the emotions it can convey.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term, let me explain what it means to “void the next icon.” Essentially, this action nullifies the effect of the next icon you encounter. It’s a strategic move that can come in handy during gameplay.

Additional Combat Guidelines

Dealing with Panic

Panic can occur when your terror marker surpasses the wings of the T-shaped limiter. To handle this situation, follow these steps:

• Instead of playing the first card from your hand during your Activation (Playing Cards) in step 2, draw a card from the top of your Combat deck and play it. After that, you can play any other cards from your hand according to the standard rules.
• At the End of Turn, you won’t draw a new card. However, any bonus or extra cards gained from Bonus Keys, Skills, or Abilities should still be drawn as usual.

Seizing Opportunities

If you don’t play any cards in step 2 of your Activation (Playing Cards), your enemy will immediately attack you and you will draw an extra card. After that, move on to step 3.

No cards in deck

If your Character needs to draw Combat cards but doesn’t have enough left in their Combat deck, you have to Escape. Follow the usual rules for escaping.

You’re Dying!

If your Character’s health drops to 0, they receive a “You Are Dying” card. This card removes your Character from the current Encounter, among other effects. See the card’s text for more information.

Discarding From an Empty Hand

If you have to discard a card from your hand but you don’t have any, discard a card from the top of your Combat deck instead.

Negative Combat Pool

When it comes to the Combat Pool, it’s important to keep in mind that it can never go below zero. If you’re asked to remove a marker from the Combat Pool, but there aren’t enough markers, the player controlling the Active Character will have to discard a card from their hand for each excess point instead. And if there are no cards to discard, you’ll have to refer to the section on “Discarding from an empty hand” above.

Let me give you an example to help you understand. Imagine you have 2 markers in your Combat Pool and one card in your hand. Now, let’s say you’re hit by an attack that causes you to lose 4 markers. In this situation, you would discard two markers from your Combat Pool, one card from your hand, and one card from the top of your deck.

Now, let’s talk about Combat Encounter Traits.

One such trait is called Ambush. When a Combat begins with the Ambush trait, the first Character that gets activated in this Combat will have to discard down to 1 card in hand immediately after being Activated.

Rush – When I’m the first to take action in a fight, I get 2 points right away.

Defensive – If I play a Combat card first during my turn, it takes away 1 less marker from the Combat Pool.

Fast – I can only play up to 2 Combat cards in one turn.

When it’s time for an Enemy Attack, there’s something important to remember: any damage dealt during Step 3 cannot be prevented. It’s like a sneaky move that catches you off guard. But that’s not all – there are a few other types of encounters you should know about.

One of these encounters is called a Guardian. If you don’t defeat it, it will keep moving around the map. It’s like a relentless guardian that protects certain areas, making it harder for you to progress. So be ready to face it wherever it shows up.

Another encounter is known as a Horde. During an Enemy Attack, the Active Character has to discard 2 Combat cards from their deck. It’s like a horde of enemies overwhelming you, and you have to fight them off by sacrificing some of your own cards. It’s a tough situation, but you’ll have to make do with what you have.

Then there’s the Opportunist encounter. If you don’t play at least 2 Combat cards during Step 2, be prepared for an Opportunity attack. It’s like you let your guard down, and the enemy takes advantage of it. So make sure to always play enough cards to defend yourself.

Lastly, we have the Rage encounter. In this situation, Step 3 (Enemy Attack) is resolved twice. It’s like the enemy unleashes their fury on you, attacking twice as hard. You’ll need to be extra vigilant and prepared for this encounter.

So, remember to watch out for these different encounters during your battles. They each come with their own challenges and require specific strategies to overcome. Good luck, and may you emerge victorious!

Robber: When everyone in my group is left with only 1 or fewer points during this challenge, we lose all the money we had and need to get rid of all our items. The challenge ends immediately and goes back to the bottom of its deck.

Shatter: When the challenge is over, we have to discard any items that have the weapon label and that we were using during the challenge.

Slow: At the beginning of the fight, each of us gets to draw an extra combat card. And during the end of the turn, we get to draw another combat card.

Combat Example

I found a gray Vagabond as my challenge. This enemy has a Fast Trait, which means I am only allowed to play up to two combat cards per turn.

Turn 1

When I am controlling Beor, I get to draw 3 cards from my Combat deck. Then, I can play an Attack card.

Beor has 2 points of Power, which means the Key connects to a Bonus that gives me an extra marker in the Combat Pool. And guess what? The Free Key also connects! So, I get to place another marker in the Combat Pool.

So, here’s the deal. You’re in a game, and you remember that you can only play two cards because of the Fast Trait of the Vagabond. So, what do you do? Well, you play a Defend card, of course. And here’s the cool part – when you connect the Magic Key by paying 1 Magic, it activates the Bonus (+1 Damage) that lets you play even more cards!

So, you’ve got this card in your grasp, right? Pretty cool, huh? Look closely and you’ll see a symbol right there on the card. Go ahead and place a Time Token on it. Now, brace yourself, because it’s time for the enemy Attack. Get ready!

When I’m playing the game, I start by checking out the Attack table on the Encounter card. It tells me how strong the enemy is. Right now, the Combat Pool has 2 markers in it. This means that the enemy is going to do 2 points of damage to me. But there’s a bit of good news too. After the enemy attacks, it removes 1 marker from the Combat Pool. So it’s not all bad!

But here’s the thing: the Defend card changes how the Attack works. It actually makes the Attack weaker by 2. So, at the end of the day, the Vagabond’s Attack only takes away 1 Combat Pool marker.

Now, it’s time for a new strategy. I draw 1 card.

Turn 2

When I play the Defend card and take an A off of it, I get to draw one card. It’s a nice little bonus that keeps the game moving.

So here’s how it works: first, you need to play a Throw card. This is the very first card you’re playing this Turn, so no need to worry about any bonus this time.

Hey there! Let me tell you about the fascinating Key and Free Key cards in this game. So, here’s the deal: when you want to save Magic, you wouldn’t want to connect the Magic Key because they don’t go well together. But don’t worry, because the Key and Free Key cards are here to save the day!

These cards are simply amazing! When you use the Key card, it adds a cool 1 marker to the Combat Pool. And you know what’s even better? The Free Key card adds not just 1, but 2 markers to the Combat Pool! How awesome is that?

The Ability of the card is also pretty interesting. It lets you throw Beor’s weapon or shield. But wait, there’s a catch – Beor doesn’t actually have a weapon or shield. So, I guess that’s a bummer.

But hey, don’t let that bring you down! The Key and Free Key cards are still super helpful and will definitely spice up your gameplay. So go ahead and give them a try!

So, here’s what happens: I play an Enrage card by spending 1 Magic to connect it to the Magic Key – this connection is important because it allows me to play an additional card. No other keys are connected.

Now, the card I played has a special ability that activates when it’s placed on the table (). As a result, I lose 1 and I add 1 marker to the Combat Pool for each connected key.

In this case, there are a total of 2 connected keys of this type in the whole sequence, so I place 2 more markers in the Combat Pool. Now, the Combat Pool has a total of 6 markers – which is more than the Encounter’s value. This means that I win the battle!

When I win a battle, I get to collect the Loot and Reward that are mentioned on the Encounter card. After I collect them, I put the card at the bottom of the gray Encounter deck.

Any Combat cards that I used or discarded during the battle are placed back in the Combat deck. I don’t have to worry about losing them.

Next, I shuffle the deck and put it back on the left side of Beor’s Character Tray. It’s important to keep everything organized!