Playtest

Version 0.9
25th April 2018

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 Contents
Overview & Goal of the Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Game Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
How to Win . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1. Selecting your Warband . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Preparing the Battlefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. Deployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Champion Trait Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Champion Skill Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Follower Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Gameplay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Plot Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Clash Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
End Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Activating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Distances & Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Advance (Champion or Follower unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Use a Skill (Champion or Follower unit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Invoke Ultimate (Champion only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Call Banner (Champion only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Rally (Champion only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Recruit (Follower only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Using Skills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Example of a Skill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Boons & Blights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Boons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Blights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Knockout! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Followers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Icons & Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 2 Contents

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 Overview &
Goal of the Game
Centuries have passed since the last of the gods perished, bringing an end to a Golden Age and ushering in the tenth Tear
Fall. Mighty Champions battle fervently to claim these Godtears for their own, gathering a trusted cohort of Followers
along the way. The promise of ascension, to replace those once famed Gods, spurs them on in their search for glory.

These Champions are as diverse as the lands from which they hail. Each possesses a unique combination of knowledge,
skills, and strengths, all of which will be needed in their quest for godhood. Champions are loosely categorised into four
distinct classes. Slayers are an unstoppable force that will stop at nothing to eliminate the Champions who stand in their
way, Guardians are the immovable object that are exceedingly difficult to deter from their path, Maelstroms are storms
of war damaging whole swathes of the battlefield with their attacks, and Shapers possess unparalleled power to direct and
redirect the flow of battle to suit their whims.

Gather your warband, assemble your followers, crush your enemies, and absorb the celestial power of the Fallen Gods!

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 3 Overview

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 Game Elements
Champion Miniatures Follower Miniatures

Unburnt Reavers Mistwood Rangers

Lorsain Raith’Marid Rhodri Blackjaw Splooshlings Household Guard

The Battlefield Board Dice

Boon and Blight Tokens

6 Boon Tokens 6 Blight Tokens

Warband Tokens Turn Tokens

Objective Hexes 2 Warband Tokens 5 Turn Tokens

Banner Miniatures Wound Tokens

6 Banners 70 Wound Tokens

12 Single Hexes 1 Tri Hex

Champion Champion Follower

Trait Cards Skill Cards Cards
Champion, Maelstrom, Orc Champion, Maelstrom, Orc Follower, Maelstrom, Orc

Blackjaw Blackjaw Unburnt Reavers

The Bloody Messiah The Bloody Messiah Followers of Blackjaw
Champion, Maelstrom, Orc Champion, Maelstrom, Orc Follower, Maelstrom, Orc

Blackjaw Blackjaw Unburnt Reavers

The Bloody Messiah The Bloody Messiah Followers of Blackjaw

Clash Phase
Clash Phase
En Fiery Axe
This Skill may target up to 3 models in one hex.
1 4 5
En Cleaving Strike 1 2 4
3 5
Ultimate Plot Phase
4 6
Avatar of Death En Fireball 2 4 4
Blackjaw immediately makes a Use a Skill action with +2 Traits Plot Phase This Skill may target up to 3 models in one hex.
and +1 . Maelstrom Champion En Intimidation
Hit Effect: Stun. Frenzy
1 1 -
3 -
En Kick 1 6 6 6 the
- same action more than once per
A Maelstrom Champion moves the Turn Token +1 step for Cull Unburnt Reavers can use
En Evil Eye 2 5 -
Must target a Follower. activation.
Traits(Follower knockouts). Must target a Follower. Sunder.
Maelstrom Champion Blood Rush Frenzy
If Blackjaw knocks outCull
a Follower during his activation, he may
Fr Hotfoot 2 - -
A Maelstrom Champion moves the Turn Token +1 step for Unburnt Reavers can use the same action more than once per
(Follower knockouts). make a 3 actions during that activation instead of 2.
Quicken. 2 3 3 6 activation. 2 5 3 3 1
Blood Rush ©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018 ©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018 ©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018
If Blackjaw knocks out a Follower during his activation, he may
make a 3 actions during that activation instead of 2. 3 3 3 6 3 5 3 3 1
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018 ©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018 ©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 4 Game Elements

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 How to Win
Godtear can be played with a variety of diverse scenarios,
but there are common rules that form the basis for all
scenarios. During each turn of Godtear, players compete to
influence the momentum of battle, allowing them to gain
the upper hand. This is represented by moving the Turn
Token on the Battle Ladder closer to that player.

At the end of the turn, the player with the Turn Token in
their side of the Battle Ladder wins the turn and gains the
number of Victory Points shown on the reverse side of
that turn’s Turn Token. Turns increase in value as the action
intensifies and then taper off again as the battle nears its
conclusion.

The first player to gain 5 Victory Points wins the game.

Players move the Turn Token by destroying enemy models

or by placing and keeping their Champions’ banners on
Objective Hexes. Players can move the Turn Token multiple
times per turn for the same accomplishment if they meet
the requirements more than once in a single turn.

• Conquer: Deliver a knockout blow to an enemy

Champion  4 steps

• Cull: Deliver a knockout blow to an enemy Follower

1 step for a small Follower or 2 steps for a large Follower

• Claim: Place a friendly banner on an Objective Hex

 1 step

• Capture: Have a friendly banner on an Objective Hex

during the End phase 4 steps

Objective Hex placement is defined by the individual

scenario, but all Objective Hexes represent areas of the
battlefield permeated by godtear energy. Champions may
move through Objective Hexes freely, but Followers cannot
enter Objective Hexes (because getting too close to godtear
energy is fatal for ordinary mortals).

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 5 How to Win

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 Setup
1. Selecting your Warband
Godtear is a game played between two warbands of equal
size. Before the game begins, players agree on the size of
their warbands. For your first game, use 2 Champions
each, then expand your warband size as you become more
familiar with gameplay.
There are no restrictions for which Champions can be in
your warband, however you cannot have duplicates of the
same Champion. To select a warband, simply select the
Champions you like best - when you select a Champion,
that Champion’s Followers are also added to your warband.
You’ll need the cards for all members of your warband,
both Champions and Followers.
Some scenarios or models can move or place Objective
hexes. This can grant a powerful advantage to a player,
but it has its limits! An Objective hex can never be
moved or placed onto a deployment hex.
Warband token
Deployment Hexes
Battle Ladder
Turn Tokens
Deployment Hexes
Warband token
Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018
2. Preparing
the Battlefield
1. Place the Battlefield board in the middle of the table.
2. Choose a scenario from the scenario booklet and place
any Objective Hexes shown for the chosen scenario.
(The example shows a sample setup for the Growth
scenario.)
3. Place the Turn tokens next to the Battle Ladder in
numerical order starting with the Turn 1 token closest to
the Battle Ladder as shown below.
4. Next, randomly determine the First Player and Second
Player for turn 1.
5. The First Player then chooses which deployment hexes
they wish to deploy in. The deployment hexes on the
opposite side of the battlefield are where the Second
Player will deploy.
6. The players then take their Warband Tokens and place
them on the Battle Ladder on the same side of the
battlefield as their deployment hexes. The scenario rules
show the space on each side of the Battle Ladder where
Warband Tokens should be placed.
Hex grid
Objective Hexes
6 Setup
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3. Deployment
To deploy a model, simply place it in one of the deployment
hexes shown in your chosen scenario. When deploying
small Followers (see Cards p. 9), up to 3 Followers from
the same unit may be placed in one hex.

1. Place the Turn Token for turn 1 into the space beside
the midline of the Battle Ladder that is closer to the First
Player’s Warband Token, as shown below.

2. The First Player places a Champion and their

Follower unit.

3. The Second Player places a Champion and their

Follower unit.

4. Continue performing steps 2 and 3 until both players

have deployed their entire warband.
Blackjaw and his orcs deployed for battle

A completed deployment

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 7 Setup

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 Cards
There are three model types in Godtear. Champions are unique and powerful heroes of your warband. Followers are
groups of one to five models per Champion representing forces that Champion has attracted to their service. Banners
allow a Champion to stake their claim over a godtear energy and begin to absorb its power. The information required
to use each Champion and Follower is shown on its cards. Banners do not have stat cards but are critical to a warband’s
victory as explained in How to Win (p. 5).

Champion Trait Cards

5
Champion, Maelstrom, Orc 1. Name: The name of the Champion.
1 Blackjaw Champion, Maelstrom, Orc 2. Class: The role of the Champion – Slayer, Guardian,
Blackjaw
The Bloody Messiah Maelstrom, or Shaper.
The Bloody Messiah 3. Traits: The abilities the Champion has. (Be sure to read a
model’s traits carefully as they differ greatly from model
to model.)
4. Ultimate Skill: The Champion’s Ultimate Skill, a
singularly powerful and unique ability. The Ultimate
Skill only appears on one side of a Champion’s trait card
allowing players to track if the Ultimate Skill is ready or
4 has already been used.
Ultimate
Avatar of Death 5. Keywords: The race, profession, or other identifiers of
Blackjaw immediately makes a Use a Skill action with +2 the Champion. (Keywords have no ability of their own,
and +1 .
but some abilities are limited to models with specific
Traits 3 keywords.
Maelstrom Champion
2 Traits
A Maelstrom Champion moves the Turn Token +1 step for Cull
(Follower knockouts). Maelstrom Champion
A Maelstrom Champion moves the Turn Token +1 step for Cull
Blood Rush (Follower knockouts).
If Blackjaw knocks out a Follower during his activation, he may
make a 3 actions duringBlood Rush instead of 2.
that activation
If Blackjaw knocks out a Follower during his activation, he may
make a 3 actions
©Copyright Steamforged Gamesduring that activation instead of 2.
Ltd. 2018

©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018

Champion Skill Cards

Champion, Maelstrom, Orc 1. Name: The name of the Champion.
1 Blackjaw Champion, Maelstrom, Orc 2. Phase: The phase in which this side of the card is used
Blackjaw
The Bloody Messiah (Plot phase or Clash phase).
The Bloody Messiah 3. Skills: Actions the Champion can take during this
phase.
4. Speed: The maximum number of hexes the Champion
can move when they make an Advance action during
this phase.
5. Model Type: The type of model, in this case a
Champion.
6. Dodge: The number an enemy needs on its hit roll when
Clash Phase it targets this Champion with a Skill.
2 Plot Phase 7. Protection: The amount of damage that’s prevented
En Fiery Axe 1 4 5
This Skill may target up to 3 models in one hex. when the Champion suffers damage.
Evil Eye 2 5 -
3 En Must target a Follower. Sunder. 8. Health: The number of wounds the Champion can
En Fireball 2 4 4
This Skill may target up to 3 models in one hex. suffer before suffering a knockout blow.
Fr Hotfoot
Quicken.
2 - -
En Kick
Must target a Follower.
1 6 6

3 3 3 6
4 5 62 7
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018 83 3 6
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 8 Cards

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Follower Cards
10
Follower, Maelstrom, Orc 1. Name: The name of the Follower unit.
Unburnt
1 Reavers
Follower, Maelstrom, Orc 2. Phase: The phase in which this side of the card is used.
Unburnt Reavers
Followers of Blackjaw 3. Skills: Actions models in the Follower unit can take
Followers of Blackjaw during this phase.
4. Traits: The abilities models in the Follower unit have.
5. Speed: The number of hexes models in the unit may
advance during this phase.Unit Size: The number of
models in the Follower unit at the start of the game.
6. Model Size: Most Follower units consist of small
models, and up to three can fit into one hex, but some
Followers are large models, and only one can fit into
2 Plot Phase
a hex.
Clash Phase
Intimidation 1 1 - 7. Dodge: The number an enemy needs on its hit roll when
3 En Hit Effect: Stun. 3 - it targets a model in this Follower unit with a Skill.
En Cleaving Strike 6 - 1 2 4
3 5
4 6 8. Protection: The amount of damage that’s prevented
4 Frenzy when a model in the Follower unit suffers damage.
Unburnt Reavers can use the same action more than once per
activation. Frenzy 9. Health: The number of wounds a Follower in the unit
Unburnt Reavers can use the same action more than once per
activation. can suffer before suffering a knockout blow.
3 5 3 3 1 10. Keywords: The race, profession, or other identifiers of
5 6 72 85
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018 93 3 1 the Follower unit.
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018
The models from a single Follower unit in Godtear
can be spread out all over the battlefield if you wish.
There are often benefits, however, to keeping them in a
group or keeping them near their Champion.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 9 Cards

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 Gameplay
A game of Godtear takes place over 3 – 5 turns and ends when a player has 5 Victory Points. Each turn has two phases of
action followed by one phase to reset for the next turn’s action.

In the Plot phase, an entire warband acts together, the First Player’s warband followed by the Second Player’s warband.
In the Clash phase, each Champion and Follower unit activates individually, and activations alternate between players.
Models do not activate during the End phase.

Plot Phase Clash Phase

1. The First Player activates each Champion and each 1. The First Player activates one Champion or Follower
Follower unit in their warband. unit from their warband.

2. The Second Player activates each Champion and each 2. The Second Player activates one Champion or Follower
Follower unit in their warband. unit from their warband.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until every Champion and Follower

unit has activated.

End Phase
1. Players move the Turn Token for Capture as follows:
• Remove all banners from the battlefield
• If the players removed a different number of banners,
the player who removed more banners moves the
Turn Token 4 steps for each extra banner they
removed compared to their opponent.
• The first player moves the Turn Token 1 step for
each Guardian banner they removed, then the
second player moves the Turn Token 1 step for each
Guardian banner they removed.

2. The player who has the Turn Token on their side of the
Battle Ladder wins the turn. They take the Token, flip
it over, and gain Victory Points equal to the number
shown.

3. Follow the Scenario rules for the End phase.

4. The player who did not win the turn chooses to be First
Player or Second Player next turn. Place the Turn Token
for the next turn into the space beside the midline of the
Battle Ladder that is closer to the First Player’s Warband
Token.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 10 Gameplay

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 Activating
In each Plot phase and each Clash phase, the players’ Champions and Follower units will activate as follows:

1. Choose one Champion or one Follower unit in your warband.

2. Take up to 2 actions with that Champion or Follower unit. A specific action may only be used once per activation, and
you cannot interrupt an action once you’ve begun (to perform a different action or use a trait, for example).

3. Flip the Champion Skill Card or the Follower Card to the other side, indicating that the Champion or Follower unit
cannot activate again this phase.

Advance (Champion or Follower unit)

If a model or scenario ability allows a model to use
The advance action allows a Champion model or each
an action outside of its activation, it can still use that
model in a Follower unit to move a number of hexes up to
action during its own activation.
its Speed.
Distances & Range Models cannot advance onto or through the same hex as
Below are some diagrams that demonstrate how distances
another model. The exception is that Followers from the
are measured in Godtear:
same unit may have up to 3 models on the same hex.

The Advance action is a common way to move a

model, but it is far from the only way! Skills and Traits
can also move models. At times, models must also
move in a specific way:

Blackjaw is within 1 hex of Shayle, Rhodri is within 2 hexes • Toward – The number of hexes between two models
and is therefore adjacent to him. of the Household Guards.
gets smaller with each hex moved.

• Away – The number of hexes between two models

Rangosh is within 4 hexes of Raeth’Marid gets bigger with each hex moved.

• In a Straight Line – The model moves following a

straight path that does not bend or turn.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 11 Activating

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 Champion, Guardian, Dwarf

Rhodri Ironheart
Thane of the Forsaken Hold

Use a Skill Invoke Ultimate (Champion only)

(Champion or Follower unit) The Invoke Ultimate action allows a Champion to use
Skill actions are the most varied actions a model can perform. their Ultimate Skill. Each Champion can only use Invoke
A Champion or Follower unit with multiple Skills listed can Ultimate once per game. After using Invoke Ultimate, flip
even use a Skill as both of their actions. (Note, however, that the Champion’s trait card to the back to show that their
they can still only use a Clash
specificPhase
Skill once per activation.) Ultimate Skill is no longer available.

has March
Each SkillSelf the following:
Move Rhodri up to 1 hex.
- - - Call Banner (Champion only)
1 The Call Banner action can only be used during the Plot
2 En Shield Bash
Hit Effect: Weaken. Move target up to 2 hexes.
1 6 - Phase and only when a Champion is adjacent to an empty
3 4 5 objective hex. When a Champion uses the Call Banner
6
En Sword Slash Example of a skill 1 4 7 action, place that Champion’s banner model in an empty
objective hex adjacent to the Champion. A banner is
1. Name: The name of the Skill. removed from the battlefield when an enemy Champion
2 2 5 5 enters the same hex as a banner or when banners are scored
2. Target: The type of model you can target with the Skill.
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018
during the End phase (see p. 10). The only models that
may enter a hex with a banner on it are enemy Champions.
3. Range: The maximum number of hexes away the target
can be. The Call Banner action allows a player to influence the
Battle Ladder with claim or capture.
4. Accuracy: The number of dice rolled to hit your target.
Rally (Champion only)
5. Damage: The number of dice rolled to cause damage. After a Champion suffers a knockout blow, it must Rally
before it can continue the battle. After using a Rally action,
Follower, Guardian, Dwarf
6. Text: Special rules for the Skill. One of the most remove all wounds, boons, and blights from the Champion.
common rulesHousehold
in Followers
a Skill’s text Guard
a Hit Effect. A Hit Effect
of is
Rhodri
explains what happens when the Skill hits a target. Recruit (Follower only)
A Follower unit with fewer models on the battlefield than
When a Follower unit uses a Skill, choose just one Follower its Unit Size can use the Recruit action to return a model
to use the Skill. When a hex contains multiple Follower to play. Place 1 model from the Follower unit in an empty
models that are part of the same unit, however, those hex adjacent to its Champion that is not an Objective Hex
models work together toClash increasePhase the Skill’s power. Check or place 1 small model from the Follower unit in a hex
the individual Skill to see how it functions for 1, 2, or 3 adjacent to its Champion that contains 1 or 2 Followers
March - - -
models in one
Self Hex.
Move each Household Guard up to 1 hex. from the Follower unit. Remove all wounds from the
Follower that returns to the battlefield.
En Sword Strike 1 5 4
5 5
5 6
In the rare case that there are no available hexes adjacent to
Shield Wall their Champion, place the Follower in one of your empty
Example
Household Guard of in
that are a multiple leveltoskill
hexes adjacent Rhodri gain
+1 . deployment hexes instead.
The first level is used if a single Follower from the unit uses
the Skill. The second2 level
4 is used 2 if42 Followers 1 on a single Note that a Follower unit with no models on the battlefield
hex use the Skill, and©Copyright
the third isGames
Steamforged used if 3 Followers on a
Ltd. 2018 can still activate and take up to 2 actions as usual. A
single hex use the Skill. Godtear Champion can always recruit more Followers to
their cause.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 12 Activating

®
 Using Skills
Skills are the backbone of the action in a game of Godtear. When a Skill refers to a Champion or Follower unit by
Using the right Skills at the right time spells the difference name, it always means the friendly Champion or Follower
between victory and defeat. The following icons are used to unit, even if your opponent is using the same models.
show the models you can target with each Skill::
Some model rules are an exception to the core rules for
Champion, Maelstrom, Orc
Self: The Skill affects the Champion or Follower unit that using a Skill. Be sure to read your models’ rules carefully to
Blackjaw
uses the Skill. see if they modify any of these core rules for using Skills.
The Bloody Messiah

Fr: The Skill affects a friendly target within range (which Example of a Skill
could be the model itself, if desired).

En: The Skill could affect an enemy target within range.

Clash Phase
When using a Skill against an enemy, dice are used to
determine if the Skill is a hit or a miss as detailed in the En Fiery Axe
This Skill may target up to 3 models in one hex.
1 4 5

steps below. En Fireball 2 4 4

This Skill may target up to 3 models in one hex.

Any: The Skill can be used as a Fr Skill or an En Skill. En Kick

Must target a Follower.
1 6 6

Spec: The Skill affects something else (an objective hex, a 2 chooses
1. Blackjaw 3 his
3 Fiery
6 Axe Skill, and targets
©Copyright Steamforged Games Ltd. 2018

banner model, etc.). Rhodri as he is within range.

1. The player who controls the model using the Skill 2. Rhodri has a Dodge stat of 2, so 2 is the number
chooses an enemy model in range as the TARGET. Blackjaw needs equal or beat to hit Rhodri.

2. Make a HIT ROLL to determine if the Skill hits or 3. The Fiery Axe Skill has an Accuracy of 4, so 4 dice
misses. are rolled to see if the attack hits. All 4 dice show a 1,
• The model using the Skill gathers the number of dice leaving an accuracy total of 4. The accuracy total is
equal to the Skill’s Accuracy and rolls them. higher than Rhodri’s Dodge stat, so the Skill hits!
• Add up the number of symbols on those dice to
determine the accuracy total.
• If the accuracy total equals or exceeds the target’s
Dodge, the Skill hits. If not, the Skill misses, and the
Use a Skill action ends immediately.

3. If the Skill has any HIT EFFECTS, resolve them now.

4. If the Skill has any dice listed for its DAMAGE,

4. Fiery Axe has no hit effects, so it’s straight on to
determine how much damage it causes.
damage!
• The model using the Skill gathers the number of dice
equal to the Skill’s Damage and rolls them.
5. Fiery Axe uses 4 dice for the damage roll, so 4 dice
• Add up the number of symbols on those dice to
are rolled. 3 of the 4 dice show a 1 and one shows
determine the damage.
a 2, leaving a total of 5. Rhodri’s Protection of 4 is
subtracted from the 5 of the damage roll. The Skill
5. Determine how many WOUNDS the damage inflicts,
results in 1 wound being inflicted to Rhodri, so 1
determine how much damage it causes.
wound token is placed on Rhodri.
• Subtract the target’s Protection from the damage total.
• The result is the number of wounds. Place a number
of wound tokens on the target equal to the wounds
inflicted.

If a Skill does not have any dice listed for damage, then
you do not make a damage roll. Effects that add dice to
a damage roll do not apply to skills that don’t have one!

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 13 Using Skills

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 Boons & Blights
Boons are bonuses that benefit Champions or Follower units. Blights are afflictions that hinder Champions or Follower
units. When a Boon or Blight is applied to a Follower unit, all models in the unit are affected. When a Champion or
Follower unit is affected by a Boon or Blight, place a Boon token or Blight token beside it to denote the condition. When a
Boon or Blight expires, remove the token.

Boons and Blights are organised into pairs that have opposing effects. If a model ever has both the Boon and the Blight
from a single pair, remove both effects. For example, if a model benefiting from Evade suffers Stun, remove both Evade
and Stun from the model.

A model cannot be affected by a Boon or Blight if it is already affected by that specific effect. For example, if a model that
is already affected by Quicken would gain Quicken, the effect is ignored. If that model would gain Evade, however, it gains
the Boon normally.

Boons Blights
Evade: The Champion or Follower unit gains Stun: The Champion or Follower unit suffers
+1 Dodge . After the next Accuracy roll –1 Dodge . After the next Accuracy roll
against it, Evade expires. against it, Stun expires.

Reinforce: The Champion or Follower Sunder: The Champion or Follower unit

unit gains +1 Protection . After the next suffers –1 Protection . After the next
damage roll against it, Reinforce expires. damage roll against it, Sunder expires.

Quicken: The Champion or Follower unit Slow: The Champion or Follower unit
gains +1 Speed . After resolving its next suffers –1 Speed . After resolving its next
Advance action, Quicken expires. Advance action, Slow expires.

Concentrate: The next time the Champion Distract: The next time the Champion or
or Follower unit makes a hit roll , roll +1 Follower unit makes a hit roll , roll –1 die,
die, then Concentrate expires. then Distract expires.

Strengthen: The next time the Champion or Weaken: The next time the Champion or
Follower unit makes a damage roll , roll Follower unit makes a damage roll , roll
+1 die, then Strengthen expires. –1 die, then Weaken expires.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 14 Boons & Blights

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 Knockout!
A knockout blow occurs when a model has a number of wounds equal to its Health stat. The number of wound tokens on
a model can never exceed its Health. (Any additional wounds over a model’s Health are simply lost.)

Champions
When a Champion suffers a knockout blow, the player
that used the Skill may move the knocked out Champion
up to 2 hexes. The Champion remains on the battlefield in
the chosen hex, but a knocked out Champion cannot be
targeted by Skills or affected by other models’ Traits.
Followers
When a Follower model suffers a knockout blow, the
Follower model is removed from the battlefield. If the last
Follower in a Follower unit is eliminated remove any Boons
or Blights from the unit, and remember that you can still
use the Recruit action to get them back in the fight.

To get back in the fight, the knocked out Champion must

use the Rally action. A Champion cannot take any other
action while it has wounds equal to its Health, and it cannot
have wounds removed until it uses the Rally action.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 15 Knockout!

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 Glossary
Action: Actions allow a model to move, use Skills, place
banners, and more during their activation.
Activation: A Champion or Follower unit’s activation
occurs when it is selected to act during either the Plot or
Clash phase. Each activation consists of up to two actions.
Adjacent: A model is adjacent to everything that is within
one hex of their hex.
Away: The number of hexes between two models gets
bigger with each hex moved.
Banners: Champions can place banners in an adjacent
objective hex using the Call Banner action. Banners are
used to shift the Turn Token on the Battle Ladder, ultimately
allowing a player to gain Victory Points and win the game.
Battlefield: The Godtear game board.
Battle Ladder: The Battle Ladder is the twenty-space
ladder to the side of the battlefield. The Turn Token moves
up and down the Battle Ladder to determine which player
wins the turn.
Blights: Blights are afflictions that can hinder Champions
and Follower units.
Boons: Boons are bonuses that can benefit Champions and
Follower units.
Clash Phase: The Clash phase comes second (after the Plot
phase). In the Clash phase, each Champion and Follower unit
activates individually, and activations alternate between players.
Class: The general role of the Champion and its followers:
Slayer, Guardian, Maelstrom, or Shaper.
Class Traits: Traits that are tied to Champions from each of
the four classes.
Champion: A Champion is a powerful character in
Godtear. Each Champion has a Follower unit.
Champion Phase Card: A double-sided card that shows
the Champion’s options during the Plot phase on one side
and during the Clash phase on the opposite side.
Champion Trait Card: A card that shows a Champions’
Traits and Ultimate Skill.
Damage: The number of wound tokens placed on a model
after subtracting Protection.
Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018
Damage Roll: A die roll used to determine how much
damage a Skill does after it hits an enemy model. Subtract
the model’s Protection from the damage to determine how
many wound tokens to place on the target.
Deployment Hex: Hexes marked as deployment hexes
show where models can be placed during the setup of a
game.
Empty Hex: A hex that contains 0 models.
End Phase: The End phase comes last (after the Clash
phase). This is when the winner of the turn gains Victory
Points.
Enemy Model: A model that belongs to an opponent’s
warband.
Enemy Banner: A banner that belongs to an opponent’s
Champion.
Follower: A model added to a warband along with its
Champion. A group of Follower models forms a Follower
unit.
Follower Card: A double-sided card that shows the
Follower unit’s options during the Plot phase on one side
and during the Clash phase on the opposite side.
Follower Unit: A Follower unit is the collective term for a
group of Follower models belonging to a single Champion.
Friendly Model: A model that belongs to your warband.
Hex: The battlefield is divided into hexes. Movement is
measured in hexes, and range is determined by the number
of hexes between a model and its target.
Hit Roll: A die roll used to determine if a Skill hits or
misses a target model.
In a Straight Line: The model moves following a straight
path that does not bend or turn
Knockout Blow: Knockout blows occur when a model has
a number of wounds equal to its Health stat.
Move: To reposition a model a number of hexes away from
its current hex. The Advance action is the most common
way to Move, but some Skills and Traits also enable you to
Move models.
16 Glossary
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Objective Hex: Hexes that interact with the scenario rules.
Placing and protecting Banners on Objective Hexes move
the Turn Token on the Battle Ladder, helping a player
to win the turn. Champions can enter Objective Hexes,
Followers cannot.

Place: Picking up a model or marker and putting it on a

hex on the Battlefield.

Plot Phase: The Plot phase comes first. In the Plot phase,
the First Player’s entire warband acts together followed by
the Second Player’s entire warband.

Rally: After a Champion suffers a knockout blow, it must

use a Rally action before it can continue the battle.

Skills: Skills are the most varied actions a model can

perform. Each Champion and Follower unit has one or
more Skills.

Target: The model that you are attempting to affect with a

Skill. Friendly models within range are automatically hit.
Enemy models require a hit roll to determine if the Skill is a
hit or a miss.

Toward: The number of hexes between two models gets

smaller with each hex moved.

Traits: Special rules for a Champion or Follower unit.

Turn: A turn consists of 3 phases: the Plot phase, the Clash

phase, and the End phase.

Turn Token: The token that moves up and down the Battle
Ladder to determine who wins the turn.

Ultimate Skill: A Champion’s most powerful and defining

Skill that can only be used once per game.

Victory Points: When you win a turn, you gain Victory

Points. The first player to reach 5 Victory Points wins the
game.

Warband: A warband is the collective name for all of the

Champions and Follower units you have chosen to play
with.

Warband Token: At the start of the game, each player

places their Warband token on their side of the Battle
Ladder as defined in the scenario the players have chosen
to play.

Wounds: Wound tokens are placed next to a model to show

how many wounds it has suffered. A model may never have
more wounds than its Health stat.

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 17 Glossary

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 Icons & Reference
Stat Icons Boon Icons Blight Icons
Speed: The number of hexes the model may move Evade: +1 Dodge. Stun: –1 Dodge.
with an Advance action during this phase.
Reinforce: Sunder:
Dodge: The number an enemy needs on its hit roll +1 Protection from –1 Protection from
when it targets this model with a Skill. the next damage roll. the next damage roll.

Protection: The amount of damage that is ignored Quicken: +1 Speed. Slow: –1 Speed.
each time this model suffers damage.
Concentrate: +1 die Distract: –1 die on
Health: The number of wounds a model can have on the next hit roll. the next hit roll.
before it suffers a knockout blow.
Strengthen: +1 die on Weaken: –1 die on
Unit Size: The number of models that are in the the next damage roll. the next damage roll.
Follower unit at the start of the game.

Model Size: The size of a Follower model (up to 3

small models can fit in a hex or 1 large model).
Skill Icons
Range: The number of hexes away the Skill’s target
can be.
Accuracy: Shows the number of dice used to hit a
target with a Skill.
Damage: Shows the number of dice used in the
damage roll of a Skill.
The type of model you can target with the Skill:
Self: The Skill affects the Champion or Follower unit that
uses the Skill.
Spec: The Skill affects something other than a model (an
objective hex, a banner, etc.).
Actions
Champion or Follower Unit
• Advance: Move a number of hexes up to its Speed.
• Use a Skill: Use a Skill from a model or unit’s card.
Champion Only
• Invoke Ultimate: Use the Champion’s Ultimate Skill.
• Call Banner: Place the Champion’s banner in an
adjacent empty objective hex.
• Rally: Used when a Champion has suffered a knockout
blow. Remove all wounds, boons, and blights.
Follower Only
• Recruit: Used when at least 1 Follower model has
suffered a knockout blow. Place Follower model in a hex
adjacent to its Champion, and remove all wounds from
the returning Follower.

Fr: The Skill affects a friendly target within range (which
could be the model itself, if desired).
En: The Skill could affect an enemy target within range.
When using a Skill against an enemy, dice are used to
determine if the Skill is a hit or a miss as detailed in the
steps below.
Any: The Skill can be used as a Fr Skill or an En Skill.
Turn Token Movement
Here are the ways a player can influence the tide of battle and
move the Turn Token closer to their own Warband Token:
• Conquer: Deliver a knockout blow to an enemy Champion
 4 steps
• Cull: Deliver a knockout blow to an enemy Follower
 1 step (small Follower) or 2 steps (large Follower)
• Claim: Place a friendly banner on an Objective Hex
 1 step
• Capture: Have a friendly banner on an Objective Hex
during the End phase  4 steps for each banner

Playtest Rules 25th Apr 2018 18 Icons & Reference

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