Gameplay Set-up

The Formation

The formation is the place where realms are arranged. It is strictly a pyramid form. However, there is the possibility of an empty spot in the second row if a realm has been discarded due to card play. If that is the case, new realms must be played in the empty spots.

Example:

If the realms A to E are already filled but A and B have been discarded by events, then players must place their next realm in this position A. In no way can it be placed in position B or F.

As a result, each realm protects the two realms directly behind it by shielding them from attacks. When a realm is behind an unrazed realm, it cannot be attacked. Razed realms provide no protection. The realms that are exposed by a razed realm are targets for attack.

The Pool

The pool is placed just below the formation. Players can put any number of champions into the pool during phase 3 of their turns. During phase 3 magical items and artifacts can be attached to these champions. The player's hand size limit is not affected by these cards, as they are considered to be in play. Once a card is placed in the pool, it stays there until the game forces it to be discarded. In the event that a champion is discarded, sent to Limbo, or sent to the Abyss, its attached cards will also be discarded. If the champion is placed in Dungeon, then the attached cards stay with the champion.

In-Play

Whenever a card is in-play, it is either in the pool, the formation, or participating in battle. Cards in-play include rule cards on the table, dungeons, and events whose duration is indicated. In general, a card that is removed from play is sent to the discard pile unless its power specifies that it should go somewhere else, like to Limbo. When a card is no longer in-play, it does not affect the game.

Note: Champions placed in dungeons are not considered "in-play".

Cards may be sent into Limbo if they lose in battle or if certain realms, events, and other cards power them up. Some cards could be placed in limbo on purpose.

Limbo

As a rule, the Limbo zone is in the right-hand corner of the formation. It's a place where cards are treated as "Not in play". Another player may add an identical champion to his pool, in which case the champion from Limbo is discarded. Players cannot leave champions in Limbo to prevent them from being discarded.

When a player draws cards from his discard pile or shuffles cards back into his draw pile, Limbo cards cannot be used.

Dungeon

Dungeons can be placed during phase 2 under the realms in a player's formation. Other players can attack dungeons. The same rules as attacking realms apply. Opponents should have a "path" to the dungeon. Unrazed realms (excluding the realm where the dungeon is placed) protect the dungeon from the attacks. If the realm with the dungeon under the realm is discarded, the dungeon is discarded too. Some Dungeons have the power to hide champions. Champions placed in dungeons are not considered "in play". Another player may add an identical champion to his pool, but when the champion leaves the dungeon, the identical champion "in play" is discarded.

The Abyss

When unplayed events are discarded, they are placed in the Abyss. Cards can also be placed in the Abyss by some spells, realms, and holdings. During a game, the only way a card can be retrieved from the Abyss is by cards that claim to be able to retrieve cards from this zone

The Void

The Void is an area outside of the game. Used events enter the Void, once it enters it cannot return.