What you need to get started

  • Decks

    Each players deck should contain 60 cards. These cards should include Heroes, Block, Help, and Item cards. Each players deck may not contain more than 4 cards with the same name.

  • Gatekeepers

    Additionally each player will have 3 Gatekeeper cards, one for each rank. Gatekeepers are used to guard on your opponents playmat in the corresponding rank spot.

  • Terrain Cards

    Each player will also have 3 terrain cards. Terrain cards are double sided and should match the type of deck the player is using. Example: If you are using a Water Deck, the Terrain cards should have the water terrain on one side.

  • Damage Counters and Coins

    To play the game you will also need counters to keep track of the amount of damage on the Gatekeepers. A coin will also be required to determine heads or tails.

Purchase your decks here

Setting up the playmats

At the start of each game, players will begin by setting up their playmats.

Players will place 3 terrain cards down the middle of the playmat. If you are playing a mixed deck, ensure you place the correct terrains in the correct rank to maximize the benefits for your heroes. If you are playing with preset Alpha decks, all Heroes are either Water or Fire. Ensure the terrain card is face up to correspond with the terrain you want to be playing in.

Once each player has placed their Terrain cards, you will both then place your Gatekeepers. Gatekeepers are placed on the opponents side, and should match the correct rank position. For example, you can only play a Rank 1 Gatekeeper in a Rank 1 position.

If you purchased an Official Alpha Test Playmat, these spaces are all marked for you. If you did not, please see example image below.

Different Card Types

Hero Cards

A Hero card is played in an Exploration Spot. Each will have a rank assigned and an Attack Stat. Hero cards may also have effects while being played in specific terrains, or with other heroes. These can increase or decrease their attack, so ensure you read each card carefully.

Gate Keeper Cards

A Gatekeeper card is used to defend your opponents terrains. Each will have a rank assigned to it and have an HP Stat. Each Gatekeeper card may also have effects while being played in specific terrains. These can increase or decrease their HP, so ensure you read each card carefully.

Terrain cards

Terrain cards are used to determine what the terrain type is in each rank and exploration spot. Terrain cards may be flipped through the game by different gameplay mechanics which may effect both the Heroes and or Gatekeepers in that rank.

Help, Block and Item Cards

Help and Block cards are used to do just that. Help you on your journey or try to block your opponents. Ensure you read each card carefully to ensure you are playing it correctly.

Item cards once played, stay in play until they are removed by another card or gameplay mechanic.

Starting Your Journey

Once your playmats are set up you are ready to start your journey.

Players will shuffle their decks and place them face down on the left side of the playmat.

Determine the player who will go first by flipping a coin. The player that wins the coin toss chooses if they play first or second.

Both players will draw 7 cards from their deck to begin the game.

During each players turn they will start by drawing 1 card from the top of their deck. They may then play 1 help card, 1 block card, and 1 hero card. However the player that goes first is not able to play a block card on their first turn.

Hero cards are played in their corresponding rank spots on the playmat. This means a rank 1 hero is only playable in one of the two rank 1 hero spots. Up to two heroes can explore a terrain at one time, and you may not place a higher rank hero until both the previous ranks gatekeeper is defeated, and both hero slots have been filled.

A player's turn ends if they attack with their hero(es), or they signal that they are ending their turn. When attacking, the attack power is the total of one or both heroes placed in that terrains exploration spots.

A Gatekeeper is defeated when its HP is reduced to zero. The Gatekeeper and all cards attached to it are then placed in the defending players discard pile. Once defeated, you are now able to start exploring the next terrain with your heroes.

To win, a player must have a hero in all six exploration spots on their playmat, and have no opposing gatekeepers left defending the terrains.

Player Communication

General Guidelines:

  • Players are encouraged to communicate openly and respectfully with each other throughout the game.
  • Maintain a friendly and sportsmanlike demeanor, even in competitive situations.
  • Be mindful of language and tone to avoid any behavior that could be construed as aggressive or confrontational.

Timing Restrictions:

  • Communication is permitted during certain phases or intervals, such as during a player's turn or between rounds.
  • All communication should be conducted openly and heard by all players unless otherwise specified.

Content Restrictions:

  • Players may discuss strategy, make trade offers, or ask questions about game rules or card effects.
  • Prohibit sharing specific information that could give an unfair advantage, such as revealing the contents of their hand or sharing hidden information about opponents' cards or strategies.

Game State Reporting:

  • Players must report relevant changes to the game state or board state to their opponents in a timely manner.
  • Communication should be clear and accurate, providing all necessary information to ensure transparency and fairness.

Dispute Resolution:

  • Procedures for resolving disputes or disagreements should be followed. This may involve appointing a neutral arbiter or referring to an official rulebook or FAQ for clarification.
  • Encourage players to resolve disputes amicably and prioritize the enjoyment of the game over strict adherence to rules or competitive advantage.

Official Game Rules

Player Decks:

  • i. Players Decks will contain 60 cards, consisting of a combination of help cards, block cards, and hero cards. Additional to the deck, players will have 3 gatekeeper and 3 terrain cards.
  • ii. Each player's deck may not contain more than 4 cards with the same name.

Gameplay:

  • i. At the start of each game, players will place their 3 terrain cards face down on the playmat in any order they choose. Each player will then place their 3 gatekeepers on their opponents playmat in the corresponding rank position. 
  • ii. Determine the starting player by flipping a coin. The player who wins the coin toss chooses if they play first or second. 
  • iii. Both players draw 7 cards from their deck to begin the game. Decks should be placed face down, and discard piles should be placed face up.
  • iv. During each player's turn, they may play one help card, one block card and one hero card. However, the player that goes first is not able to play a block card on their first turn. 
  • v. A player's turn ends after they attack with their hero(es) or signal that they are ending their turn.
  • vi. At the start of each player's turn, they draw one card, unless otherwise specified by gameplay effects.
  • viii. Hero cards are played to explore a terrain. Up to 2 heroes can explore a terrain at once. The hero's level must match the terrain level.
  • ix. A hero can only be placed in an exploration spot if all preceding exploration spots are occupied by heroes, except for level 1 exploration spots.
  • x. If a gatekeeper is guarding the terrain, a hero cannot be placed in the next level exploration spot until the gatekeeper is defeated.
  • xi. When attacking, the attack power is the total of one or both heroes placed in that terrain's exploration spots. If effects in the game cause damage to total half a point (0.5), the players will round up when applying damage counters.
  • xii. A gatekeeper is defeated when its HP is reduced to 0. It is then placed in the defending player's discard pile.
  • xiii. To win, a player must have a hero in each exploration spot on their side of the game and have no opponent's gatekeepers defending their terrains.
  • xiv. Players can only attack one gatekeeper in a turn, and they must be attacked in order. If a rank 3 gatekeeper is defeated, and all hero spots are filled, the game is over.

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