Keywords
Keywords are standardized terms that appear on cards. Each card shows an abridged definition in parentheses the first time a keyword appears, so you rarely need to look anything up mid-game. This page holds the full, canonical definition of every keyword for when you want the complete ruling.
Guard N
On card: (reduce next damage by N, then remove Guard)
The next time this target would take damage, reduce that damage by N. Then remove Guard.
- Guard reduces the next instance of damage only, then it's gone — even if it didn't absorb its full value.
- Multiple Guard values stack, to a maximum of Guard 3. Applying Guard to a target that already has Guard increases its value (Guard 1 + Guard 1 = Guard 2). Any Guard beyond 3 is lost.
- Guard reduces damage taken, following the normal damage pipeline. Damage can be reduced to 0 but not below.
Guard replaces the older "Shield" term. They are the same mechanic — any older component referencing "Shield N" should be read as "Guard N."
Marked
On card: (all attacks must target this if possible)
While a target is Marked, all attacks must target it if possible. If targeting the Marked target is not possible (out of range, no valid line, etc.), another target may be chosen.
- Marked is a taunt effect — it forces attackers onto the Marked target.
- The card that applies Marked defines how long it lasts (usually "until the start of your next turn").
Vulnerable
On card: (next attack deals +1d4)
The next attack against this target deals an additional 1d4 damage. Then remove Vulnerable.
- Applies to the next attack only, then it's gone.
- The bonus 1d4 is added to the attack's damage before damage reduction.
Pinned
On card: (can't move next turn)
This target cannot move on its next turn. Then remove Pinned.
- Pinned stops movement only — the target may still take Actions, attack, and use abilities.
- Affects the target's next turn, then expires.
Burn
On card: (set aside, out of play for the session)
Remove this card from play for the rest of the session. A Burned card does not go to the discard pile and cannot be recovered, reshuffled, or replayed for the remainder of the session.
- Distinct from Discard, which sends a card to the discard pile where it can potentially be recovered.
- Use Burn for one-time, session-permanent effects.
Bloom
On card: (a beneficial Event card)
A Bloom card is a beneficial Event card. The Event Deck is built half-and-half: half Bloom (beneficial), half Wither (harmful).
- Bloom cards resolve their effect when drawn (unless the card states otherwise) and are then discarded.
- Effects that reference "a Bloom card" only interact with Event cards marked Bloom.
Wither
On card: (a harmful Event card — stays on its target until removed)
A Wither card is a harmful Event card. Unlike Bloom cards, a Wither card remains in play on its target until it is resolved, discarded, or removed by a card effect.
- While a Wither card is on a target, its effect persists as written.
- Some card effects specifically remove Wither cards from a target — this is what "remove a Wither card" refers to.
- Wither cards do not occupy Relic Slots.
Reaction
On card: (playable outside your turn; resolves and is discarded)
Reaction. You may play a Reaction at any time, including during another player's turn. Playing a Reaction does not cost an Action. You get 1 Reaction per round.
A Reaction cannot be played in response to another Reaction.
Only one Reaction may be played in response to the same attack or effect.
If two or more players want to play a Reaction at the same moment, the active player chooses the order.
- Reaction cards resolve during the dedicated Reaction Phase for the trigger that opened a Reaction window.
- Reaction cards are discarded immediately after resolving unless the card states otherwise.
Quick Reference
| Keyword | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Guard N | Reduce next damage by N (stacks, max Guard 3) | Until next damage instance |
| Marked | All attacks must target this if possible | As stated on card |
| Vulnerable | Next attack deals +1d4 | Until next attack |
| Pinned | Cannot move next turn | Target's next turn |
| Burn | Remove card from play for the session | Permanent (session) |
| Bloom | Beneficial Event card | Resolves when drawn |
| Wither | Harmful Event card | Stays on target until removed |
| Reaction | Playable outside your turn; resolve during Reaction Phase; discarded after resolving. You get 1 Reaction per round. | Resolved immediately when played (see trigger) |