A Tabletop Wargame by

Archvillain Games®
4
Table of Contents Credits
Game Design and Development
Battlerune: Rulebook ..........................................1 Vaughn Reynolds

1. Components List ...............................................1 Editing & Proofreading

Vaughn Reynolds, Konstantinos Martinos
2. Datasheets ...........................................................1
Miniature Design
3. Army Building..................................................2 Archvillain Games

4. The Game Round ............................................ 3 Graphic Design

Dimitris Dimarelos
5. Activation Tokens & Actions ....................... 3
Alpha Playtesters
6. Setup .................................................................... 5
Bryan Mears, Justin Filson, Daniel Naranjo, Nicole Gonzalez,
Jason Gacharna, Frank Candreva, Chris Jiminez
7. Terrain Rules ..................................................... 5

8. Combat................................................................6 ™Archvillain Games LP. No part of this product may be used

without specific written permission. Battlerune and the
9. Abilities ............................................................... 8 Battlerune logo are Trademark Archvillain Games LP.
Archvillain Games logo is Copyright Archvillain Games LP.
10. Keywords .......................................................... 8 Actual components may vary from those shown.

11. Conditions & Effects....................................10

12. Movement ......................................................10

Appendix I: The Champion Builder ........... 11

Appendix II: Battlerunes................................. 12

Appendix III: Quests......................................... 12

 Battlerune: Rulebook Champions and Army Units:
Name: The name of the Champion or Unit.
• Note: A bullet “•” next to the name indicates a Unique unit.
Object of the Game
Battlerune is a competitive tabletop skirmish game where
Rune Shard Cost ( ): The number of stars “ ” indicate the
each player controls an army led by your custom Champion
Rune Shard value and the cost to add this unit to your army.
wielding the power of a Battlerune. Battle your way through
the pits of Damnation or the fields of Elysium and become
Rank: This represents their role on the battlefield. Ranks are
the most feared champion in the Drifting Havens!
explained in section 3. Army Building below.
• Ranks: Champion, Avatar, Brute, Siege, Spells (coming soon),
The Golden Rules
Cavalry, Support, Infantry
• If an effect of a unit or other component contradicts the
rules in the How to Play, that unit or component takes
Size: This is the unit’s size category and model base
precedence.
diameter.
• Size Categories: Medium (25mm), Large (54mm), Huge

1. Components List (75mm), Gargantuan (100mm), Colossal (150mm)

Type: The species, profession or title of the unit.

Unit Models:
• Champion (one per army)
Stats: The unit’s statistical ability scores.
• Army
• Attack (ATK): Value added to attack rolls.
• Neutral (optional, coming soon)
• Defense (DEF): Value added to defense rolls.
• Spells (optional, coming soon)
• Magic (MGK): Value added to magic attack and magic
defense rolls.
Tokens:
• Speed (SPD): Distance in inches a unit can cover with the
• Activation
move action.
• Objective (optional)
• Hit Points (HP): The amount of damage a unit can take
• Condition (coming soon)
before being defeated.

Other:
Keywords and Abilities: The unit’s keywords and abilities,
• Terrain
described in detail in the Abilities and Keywords sections
• 2d6 (per player)
near the end of the rulebook.
• Tape measure
• Round tracker (1d6 works well) Battlerunes
Note: Objective tokens come in many types, so we encourage you to Name & (Cost)
use visuals that make thematic sense, or whatever fits your playstyle
Giantfolk ( )
best! For example, if you are marking treasures, you can use a
treasure chest model or metal coins. Bigger Arms: Target allied unit gains Reach
Abilities
+2” until the end of the round.

2. Datasheets Loyalty Bonus

Iron Foltitude: Target unit heals 2 hit points.

Any Giant: Bigger Arms gives +4” reach

instead.
Name: Example Champion (No Rune Shard Cost)
Name: The name of the Battlerune.
Rank: Size: Type: HP: Rune Shard Cost ( ): The number of stars “ ” indicate the
Champion Medium Neutral 5 Rune Shard value and the cost to add this Battlerune to your
army.
ATK: 1 DEF: 3 MGK: 2 SPD: 6”
Abilities: Activated and ongoing game effects generated by
Abilities: Potent, the Battlerune.
[1] Fire Bolt (Mgk, 6”): Deal 1 magic damage to a target Loyalty Bonus: A bonus effect provided if you have a unit of
within range. the italics named type in your army list. Even if all units of
that type are defeated and removed from the battlefield, you
maintain the loyalty bonus.
Name: Example Unit ( )

Rank: Size: Type: HP:

Infantry Medium Elf 4
ATK: 4 DEF: 1 MGK: 1 SPD: 10”
Abilities: Ranged (12”)

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Quests rank, or type. They often have a higher Rune Point cost.
• Bosses & Non-Player Units (NPU) (coming soon)
Bosses and non-player units (NPU) are units that do not
Quest: For Glory! belong to any player and cannot be added to an army list.
These units may be controlled by unit A.I. or control may
Setup: Place 1 objective token at the center of the
shift between players.
battlefield.
Victory: At the end of rounds 1 through 4, a player gains 1 Ranks
VP if they control the objective. At the end of the game, a Units in Battlerune have a rank which relates to their role on
player gains 3 VP if they control the objective. A player the battlefield. This rank is used to keep army compositions
controls the objective if they have more units within 6” of more cohesive across the battlefields.
the objective token than any other player.
• Champion: This represents “you” on the battlefield!
Quest: The name of the Quest. Every army has exactly one.
Setup: Setup requirements before the first round of combat. • Avatar: Gods, titans, and other powerful beings.
Victory: Condition to be met to end the game and/or earn • Brute: Giants, hydras, and other monstrosities.
additional victory points. • Siege: Catapults, war wagons, and other contraptions.
• Spells: (coming soon)
Treasures: • Cavalry: Mounted units, four-legged units and other fast
Coming Soon creatures.
• Support: Healers, wizards, and other helpful units.
Condition Tokens • Infantry: Front-line creatures ready for a fight.
Coming Soon

Battlefield Sizes Table:

3. Army Building Skirmish:
Building an army for Battlerune is easy, fun, and unlike any Map Size: 3’ x 3’
other wargame! Your army isn’t restricted by factions or Rune Shards: 15 (roughly 6-7 units, max 8)
teams! Instead, you get to build your army with your favorite Unit Rank Maximums:
Archvillain Games models to use the strategies and tricks that • Avatar: 0
best suit your play style! • Brute: 1
• Siege: 0
Every army consists of: • Cavalry: Up to 4
• A Champion unit • Support: Up to 2
• A Battlerune • Infantry: Up to 7
• Army units
Battle:
Rune Shards Map Size: 3’ x 6’
All non-Champion units and your Battlerune have a Rune Rune Shards: 25 (roughly 15 units, max 18)
Shard cost ranging from 1 to 5. This is their cost for army Type(s): Up to 2
building. The number of shards you have available is based Unit Rank Maximums:
on the battlefield size you choose. Battlefield sizes are • Avatar: 0
explained in the Battlefield Sizes table below. • Brute: 2
• Siege: 2
Types • Cavalry: Up to 4
Units in Battlerune have one or more types. This type • Support: Up to 5
represents their species, profession, and/or skill sets. These • Infantry: Up to 12
types affect unit function and ability function in some cases.
War:
Special Types Map Size: 3’ x 6’
Rune Shards: 40 (roughly 30 units, max 35)
• Unique Unit Rank Maximums:
If a unit, treasure, or other effect has the unique keyword, a • Avatar: 1
player may not use more than one copy of the unit or effect • Brute: 3
with the same name in their army. Unique units also have a • • Siege: 3
next to their name on their datasheet. • Cavalry: Up to 8
• Elite • Support: Up to 5
Elite units are more powerful than others of a similar size, • Infantry: Up to 20

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 Champions (doesn’t cost Rune Shards)
(Coming soon)
Battlerunes (costs Rune Shards)
There are many powerful beings and ideals across the
Drifting Havens. Some have even allowed the strongest
mortals, also known as Champions, to harness fragments of
that power on the battlefield through Battlerunes.
3. Pass Turn: The active player now passes priority to the
next player, who becomes the active player. Repeat these
three steps until all players have used all of their Activation
Tokens. Next, move onto the Cleanup Phase.
Cleanup Phase
Players refresh the battlefield for the next round. Following
these steps:

But beware, the victories achieved on the battlefield also feed
the power source of your Battlerune! The one you choose will
represent the power source for your Champion and army, so
choose wisely. Do you want to fight for Lilith the First, Giants,
Orcus or an Elven goddess? Choose the right Battlerune to
represent this. The Battlerune also does not restrict unit
types. You could harness the power of Giants without having
a Giant type unit in your army.
There are two kinds of Battlerune abilities: ongoing and
activated. Ongoing effects are active at all times. Battlerunes
are far too powerful to be suppressed or destroyed... at least by
mortal means!
• Activating a Battlerune ability costs no action points.
• Battlerunes may only be activated on your turn.
• Battlerunes may only be activated once per turn.
• Each Battlerune activated ability may only be used once
per game.
1. Remove Tokens: Players remove all activation and
condition tokens from the battlefield.
2. Award Victory Points: If the current Quest awards end of
round victory points, make a note of them now.
3. Advance Round Tracker: Advance the round tracker to the
next highest number. A large d6 works well for this.
5. Activation
Tokens & Actions
Activation Tokens
In Battlerune, you will have one Activation Token per unit in
your army while they remain on the battlefield.
When you activate a unit, it gains 2 Action Points. All actions
are only usable once per activation except attacks and unit
abilities.

Strategy Tip: When building your army, consider how many

4. The Game Round activations you will have per turn based on your unit quantity.
Having a few big units may seem intimidating visually on the
A game of Battlerune is played over five rounds. The player battlefield, but only having a few activations could mean being
with the most Victory Points at the end of the game wins. overwhelmed quickly by groups of smaller units.
Each of five rounds consists of three phases:
Activation Table
Initiative Phase
1. Initiative: All players roll 2d6 for initiative and add any Actions Action Point Cost
modifiers from their army. The player with the highest total
goes first and is the first active player this round. Play Combat Actions
continues clockwise. If there is a tie, the player with fewer
units on the battlefield wins. Attack* 1
Note: If an army list has less Rune Shards than the Aim (+1 ATK and +1 DMG
Battlefield Size permits, they gain a +X bonus to Initiative 1
until end of round)
rolls equal to the difference. For example, in a Skirmish (15
Rune Shards) match, if your army list only totals 14 Rune Guard (Fortify or Standby) 1
Shards, you get +1 Initiative.
Attack of Opportunity Free
Activation Phase
Starting with the active player, each player will take turns
Move Actions
activating a unit or other ability until they have used all of
their Activation Tokens. Follow these steps:
Move/Embark 1
2. Activate: The active player takes one Activation Token and
places it next to one of their units they wish to activate. That Rush/Disembark 2
unit gains two Action Points and may take actions listed on
the Action Table below or abilities from their datasheet, Charge 2
treasures, or free actions they have access to.
Note: Units may not be activated more than once per round. Climb 1

Disengage 1
3

Other Actions
Battlerune activated abilities Free
Variable cost listed in [ ]
Unit abilities*
brackets before ability text
Trigger Objective 2 an attack of opportunity with every unit within melee
* May be used more than once per turn.
Aim: This unit gets +1 Attack (Atk) and deals +1 damage until
the end of the turn.
Attack: The Attack Action allows a unit to perform a melee or
ranged attack. For more detail on ranged and melee attacks,
refer to the Combat section below.
Attack of Opportunity: An attack of opportunity can trigger
in one of two ways. If a unit passes through an opposing
unit's threat range without entering melee, or when a unit
leaves a melee without succeeding with a Disengage action.
When either of these occur, the stationary units may make an
attack against the moving unit. This attack action does not
cost action points. Abilities and ranged attacks may not be
used with an attack of opportunity.
Battlerune abilities: Every army wields a Battlerune. Each
Battlerune has up to two abilities. These abilities are either
ongoing or activated. To learn more, refer to the Battlerune
subsection under Army Building earlier in this rulebook.
Charge: This unit may move up to its Speed. If it comes
within base contact with an opposing unit, it may make a free
melee attack with +2 ATK. If the unit ends its movement
within 2” of an opposing unit, it must move up to 2” and
make base contact with the opposing unit. Then it makes a
free melee attack with no additional attack bonus. If the
defender survives the attack, it may then make a free melee
attack against the unit that charged.
Climb: Climbing allows a unit to move half their Speed up or
over terrain. The climbing unit must begin and end its
movement on flat terrain. A unit may only use one Climb
movement action per round. Climb cannot be used in the
same round as Rush.
If a unit is attempting to climb down a height greater than
half their Speed, they fall the remainder of the distance. They
must roll 1d6 and subtract 1 for every inch beyond their
speed they descended. If their result is a 1 or lower, they gain
a Stunned token.
Disembark: If a unit wants to leave a transport, they must use
the disembark action. For further transport rules, see
Transport Units under the Movement Section.
Disengage: If a unit wants to move away from a melee, they
must use the disengage action. Roll 2d6 plus the disengaging
unit’s Speed. Then, the opponent chooses their unit with the
highest Speed and does the same. Whoever rolls highest
wins. The disengaging unit wins on ties.
• If the disengaging unit wins the roll, they move up to
their Speed away from the melee.
• If the disengaging unit loses the roll, the opponent gets
range. Then the disengaging unit moves up to their
Speed away from the melee.
Embark: A unit may embark a transport unit if it is within 2”
of the transport. For further transport rules, see Transport
Units under the Movement Section.
Guard: This unit chooses one of two effects. These effects
end immediately if the unit Moves after using the Guard
action.
• Fortify: This unit gains +2 Defense until the end of the
round
• Standby: After an opposing unit attacks, moves, or takes
an action within range, this unit may make one free
melee or ranged attack against the opposing unit if
available.
Move: A unit moves their Speed in inches across the
battlefield. For example, if a unit has [Speed 6”] they may
move up to 6” around the battlefield either in a straight line
or segments that total 6”.
Allied units may move through each other as long as they
finish their move in an open space. Units cannot move
through opposing units or end their movement in an
occupied space. This action may be used once per turn.
Rush: A unit moves up to one-and-a-half times their Speed
in inches on the battlefield. For example, if your unit has a
Speed 12”, if they Rush they may move up to 18”.
Trigger Objective: If something requires you to activate an
objective or pick up an objective token, open a chest, or
otherwise engage with a non-player unit or objective token, a
Trigger Objective action is required. A unit must be within
reach of the unit or token to use this action on it.
Unit abilities: Some units have abilities that can be activated
by spending Action Points. To learn more, refer to the
Abilities section later in this rulebook.
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 6. Setup
1. Quests: Each game of Battlerune will have a shared Quest
that both players are competing to achieve. The Quest is
chosen randomly after the terrain has been set up, but before
units have deployed.
Optional: Players may agree to a Quest ahead of time to build
armies that emphasize the scenario and choose which “side” they are
on. This game is meant to be enjoyed!
2. Reconnaissance: Each player gives only their army list to
their opponent(s) to patiently review, and ask for any rules
clarifications. Assume the armies have done their
reconnaissance prior to the combat occurring. Unless the
Quest or another effect states otherwise.
3. Determine First Player: Each player rolls 2d6 and adds any
Initiative bonuses they have from their army. The highest
roll is considered the first player for setup purposes. Initiative
is rerolled for the first round of combat. The army with the
least units wins ties.
4. Place Terrain: For standard Battlerune matches, players
can use any terrain they mutually agree on. They must also
agree on each piece of terrain being either flat, difficult, or
impassable. These types are explained below in the Terrain
section.
5. Deploy Units:
5. Let the Battle Begin!: First player takes their first action
and play proceeds clockwise.
Tokens
Objectives, Treasures, and other interactive features are
represented on the battlefield with a token or model smaller
than a 25mm base. Tokens do not block movement or
5
provide cover. Tokens are placed during terrain placement
after the Quest is revealed.
Objective Token Placement
No token may be placed within 12” of either player’s starting
side or corner of the battlefield. Objective tokens must be
placed on a location that is accessible by non-flying units of
large size or smaller. If multiple tokens are being placed, they
cannot be placed within 3” of each other. Try to spread them
as evenly as possible across the available battlefield space so
as not to favor 10 of 19any player over another. If this cannot
be achieved, agree to adjust the terrain to accommodate fair
placement.
Side Quests
(Coming soon)
7. Terrain Rules
Terrain represents the physical features of the battlefield
such as buildings, trees, barricades, and bushes. Terrain
affects line of sight and movement, explained in detail below.
Terrain Types
1. Flat: Grass, floor, sand, dirt, etc
2. Difficult: Rubble, bushes, etc.
3. Impassable: Trees, walls, buildings, etc.
Movement Effects
Flat terrain has no effects on unit movement.
Difficult terrain costs double the movement in inches to
move across. Only the movement over the difficult terrain
itself has this additional cost. If a unit uses the Rush
movement action, they instead move their full speed across
the difficult terrain. The rushing unit must end their move
immediately upon exiting the difficult terrain, regardless of
left over movement.
Impassable terrain cannot be moved through, but may be
flown over.
Line of Sight
Battlerune uses True Line of Sight, which means visibility is
determined from the viewpoint of the model. If an invisible
line can be drawn from the head or eyes of the model to a
significant part of another unit, they can see them. If a unit
has multiple heads or eyes, the player attempting to see
another unit chooses which head or eyes are the viewpoint
source.
However, small limbs, weapons, and other parts extending
away from the unit’s center mass are not considered for
visibility.
This means a unit with small eyestalks can look around
partial and full cover without being “seen”.
Cover
The three types of cover are none, partial and full. No cover
means nothing is blocking line of sight between the units.
Partial cover means there is some cover between units but it
does not block complete line of sight. Full cover means the
unit cannot be seen.
1. Partial: Provides +2 Defense to the unit behind the cover.
2. Full: Blocks line of sight.
Note: A larger size category unit provides full cover to a unit of a
smaller size category behind it. Medium units do not provide cover.
8. Combat
In Battlerune, units perform attacks to attempt to defeat
opposing units. Here are key points to remember:
All units can make melee attacks even if they are not listed.
All unlisted melee attacks do standard damage.
Units must be within base-to-base contact or within reach to
make melee attacks.
Only units with a ranged attack listed may make ranged
attacks.
Attacks can be melee or ranged.
Attacks and effects can do either standard, energy, or magic
damage.
The attacking unit is the Attacker, and the target is the
Defender.
Attacks are resolved with opposed rolls between the Attacker
and the Defender.
Attacks made with the Attack Action are basic attacks.
Attacks made with standard or Energy use the Attack and
Defense stats.
Attacks made with Magic (Mgk) in their description are magic
attacks and use the Magic stat rather than Attack.
If an ability lists a damage type in the description, the attack
is considered to be of that type.
Reach attacks are explained in more detail in the Keywords
section.
Resolve attacks in the following steps:
1. Declare Attacker: The attacking player declares their
activated unit which is now considered the attacker.
2. Declare Defender: The attacking player chooses an
opposing unit which is now considered the defender.
If the attack is ranged or uses reach, the attacking player then
measures the range from any edge of the base of the
attacking unit to any edge of the base of the defending unit to
ensure they are within range.
3. Attack Roll: Resolve the following substeps in order:
a. Roll Dice: The attacking player rolls 2d6 and adds
their totals together.
b. Apply Stat: If the attack is a melee or ranged Attack
Action, add the unit’s Attack (Atk) to the dice total.
This total is your attack roll.
c. Apply Modifiers: If the attacking unit has any
modifiers from abilities or keywords, apply them to
the attack roll.
4. Defense Roll: Resolve the following substeps in order:
a. Roll Dice: The defending player rolls 2d6 and adds
their totals together.
b. Apply Stat: If the attack is a melee or ranged Attack
Action, add the unit’s Defense (Def) to the dice total.
This total is your defense roll.
c. Apply Modifiers: If the defending unit has any
modifiers from cover, abilities or keywords, apply
them to the defense roll.
Magic Attack Rolls: If an ability says Magic or (Mgk) in its
description, the attacker and defender apply their
respective unit’s Magic (Mgk) during the “Apply Stat”
substep instead of Attack (Atk) and Defense (Def)
respectively.
5. Compare Results:
a. If the attack roll is higher than the defense roll, the
attack is successful.
b. If the defense roll is equal to or higher than the attack
roll, the attack fails. The defender always wins on
ties.
6. Resolve Attack: If the attack is a success, deal damage and
apply any additional effects of the attack.
Note: Pre-measuring is allowed at any time, however if a model is
picked up, it must complete a move if able.
Contested Rolls (CR: [Trait]) or
(CR: [Trait] [Target Number])
Contested Rolls occur when two units must make an
opposing roll besides attacking and defending. For simplicity,
the player owning the unit creating the effect is the Attacker
and the player owning the opposing unit is the Defender.
When units make a contested roll, the owning players each
roll 2d6 and add the relevant modifier. Whoever rolls the
highest total wins. If there is a tie, the defender wins.
If the Contested Roll trait is followed by a number, the
Attacker does not make a roll. The Defender must meet or
exceed the Target Number to resist the effects.
For example, if two units are making a speed contested roll, it
would read “CR: Speed”, followed by the effect.
Damage
All attacks deal 1 damage. Effects such as keywords, critical
hits, and unit size categories can affect this damage.
Damage Types
In Battlerune there are three types of damage: Standard,
Energy, and Magic.
All attacks deal standard damage, unless otherwise specified
on the ability, attack, or effect.
6
 Armor only mitigates standard damage. Energy Armor more rules clarifications on reach, please refer to listing in the
mitigates standard and energy damage. Magic Armor Keywords section.
mitigates standard, energy and magic damage.

Area Attacks & Multiple Targets Hit Points

Some attacks cover an area, rather than a single target. If an
attack targets an area or has multiple targets, the attacks are
split as evenly as possible between enemy units within 3” of
the first target. The attacker chooses targets.
Critical Hits and Misses
Regardless of the dice totals, rolling two sixes on an attack
roll is considered a critical hit. It always hits, unless the
defender also rolls two sixes (defender always wins ties)! A
successful critical hit also deals +1 damage.
Regardless of totals, rolling two ones on an attack roll is a
critical miss, even if the defender also rolls two ones.
[coming soon visual chart comparing base ring sizes]
Unit Size Categories
Battlerune uses 32mm scale models. The size categories are
listed below from smallest to largest. Their model base
diameter is in parentheses:
• Medium (25mm - 40mm)
• Large (50mm - 70mm)
• Huge (75mm - 90mm)
• Gargantuan (100mm - 120mm)
• Colossal (125mm+)
A unit’s hit points represent the amount of damage it can
take before being defeated.
Defeat
When the damage a unit has taken equals or exceeds the
unit's Hit Points the unit is defeated. The defeated unit is
removed from the battlefield and placed outside the
battlefield area. Their Activation Token is also removed from
play and set aside.
Bonus Hit Points
When an effect provides a plus (+) or minus (-) to hit points, it
changes the unit’s maximum hit point total. This does not
affect current hit points.
Healing
When a player heals a unit, this removes damage but does
not affect the unit’s total hit point maximum.

Battlerune unit bases are approximate.

Unit Size Difference

Unit Size Difference Bonus Damage Table

Defender’s Size Category
Attacker’s Size
Category
Medium Large Huge Gargantuan Colossal

Colossal +4 +3 +2 +1 +0

Gargantuan +3 +2 +1 +0 +0

Huge +2 +1 +0 +0 +0

Large +1 +0 +0 +0 +0

Medium +0 +0 +0 +0 +0

Threat Range
All units have a melee threat range of 1” from the edge of
their base. If a unit passes through the threat range of an
opposing unit without entering melee, the stationary unit
may make an attack of opportunity against the passerby.

Note: The Reach keyword also increases a unit’s threat range. For

7
9. Abilities Other Keywords
Below is a list of keywords used by units in Battlerune:

Some units in Battlerune have special abilities that can be

Ambush
activated with Action Points.
This unit does not have to be placed on the battlefield during
the Deploy Phase. At the beginning of any round after the
If you target your own units with an ability, they
first, before initiative is rolled, you may deploy this unit to
automatically succeed. No success roll is made.
the battlefield. It cannot be deployed within 12” of an
opposing unit or objective. If both players are attempting to
Ability Descriptions
deploy ambush units on the same round, each player rolls
Abilities will list the action point cost, ability name in italics,
2d6. The player who rolled lowest places first.
and its effect on the unit datasheet using the following
format:
Armor X
Standard damage this unit receives is reduced by X to a
[Cost] Name (Stat, Range): Effect.
minimum of 1. This does not affect magic or energy damage
• Cost: The number of Action Points required to use the
types, nor does it reduce damage to 0.
ability.
• Name: The name of the ability which has no game effect.
Artillery
• Stat (optional): The statistic used to determine if the
This unit ignores line of sight.
opposed roll succeeds. If no stat is present, the effect
occurs without an opposed roll.
Bloodthirsty
- Attack (Atk): Non-magical. Opposed by Defense
This unit gains +1 attack against units who are wounded.
(Def).
- Magic (Mgk): Magical. Opposed by Magic (Mgk).
Cause Fear
Deals Magic Damage.
When this unit deals damage, the defending unit rolls 2d6
• Damage Type (optional): The type of damage
minus damage taken. If the total is 6 or lower, the defending
from the attack or effect. Damage types are
unit is frightened. Multiple instances of fear do not stack.
listed by the first letter: S for Standard, E for
Energy, M for Magic. If no type is present, the
Deathless
damage is Standard.
After being reduced to 0 HP, roll 1d6. On a 5-6, gain 1 HP.
• Range: The maximum distance of the effect or
This effect cannot trigger more than once per game.
target of the effect. If no distance is listed, the
range is the melee reach of the unit using the
Drain
ability.
After this unit defeats a unit, it gains 1 HP. This may not
• Effect: What happens if the ability is successful.
trigger more than once per round.

Note: Only abilities that use the Magic stat are magical.
Energy Armor X
Energy damage this unit receives is reduced by X to a

10. Keywords minimum of 1. This does not affect standard or magic

damage types, nor does it reduce damage to 0.

Keywords are ongoing effects for your champion and army Evasion
units. A unit can contain any number of these in their This unit does not incur attacks of opportunity.
description box. Keywords do not require Action Points to
activate. Fearless
This unit cannot be frightened.
Triggered keywords are automatically activated when a
specific criteria is met. Triggered keywords and criteria are Flight
listed below: Unless engaged in melee, this unit may only be attacked by
ranged attacks, units with reach, or units with flight. This unit
• Deathblow: When this unit defeats another unit, apply may move through opposing units. This unit may move over
the effects listed after the colon (:) on this keyword. impassable and difficult terrain as if it were flat.
• Defeated: When this unit is defeated, apply the effects
listed after the colon (:) on this keyword. Foe (Type) X
This unit gains a +X bonus to attack when targeting a unit of
Trigger Timing: If two triggers occur simultaneously, the
their Foe type.
active player’s trigger occurs first. If both triggers are
owned by the same player, they choose the order in which
Giantslayer X
they resolve.
This unit deals +X damage for each size category the target is
larger than them.

8
 Haste
When this unit activates, it has an additional action point.
Incorporeal
This unit may pass through enemy units and terrain. This
unit does not trigger traps. This unit does not trigger attacks
of opportunity.
Larger
This unit is considered the one size category larger for
purposes of dealing and receiving damage. This does not
affect line of sight, threat range, or transport.
Lethal X
This unit deals +X damage with non-magical melee and
ranged attacks.
Lumbering
This unit cannot attack and move in the same round.
Magic Armor X
Magic damage this unit receives is reduced by X to a
minimum of 1. This does not affect standard or energy
damage types, nor does it reduce damage to 0.
Multiattack
Once per round, this unit may make an additional basic
attack when using the attack action to make a melee attack.
Multishot
Once per round, this unit may make an additional basic
ranged attack when using the attack action to make a ranged
attack. This unit must have a ranged attack to use Multishot.
Nimble
This unit automatically succeeds on Disengage checks and
ignores the effects of difficult terrain.
Pack Tactics (Type): Bonus
This unit gains a bonus based on the number of other allied
units of the same type within 6-inches.
For example, Pack Tactics (Human): +1 Defense, means this
unit gets +1 to defense based on how many other allied units
with the human type are within 6-inches.
Pierce X
This attack ignores Armor X or lower. If the Pierce value does
not equal or exceed the Armor value, it has no effect. This
does not affect [Type] Armor.
Potent X
This unit's damage-dealing magic abilities deal +X damage.
Quickshot
You may make a free ranged attack after a movement action.
This unit must have a ranged attack to use Quickshot.
Rage X
When this unit has damage on it, it has +X attack.
Ranged (X”)
This unit may make an attack at a range up to the distance
9
shown. Line of sight must be present between the attacker
and the defender. If a type is listed, the attack is also that type
of ranged attack. More on non-basic ranged attacks is
explained in the Combat section.
Reach
This unit may target units within range with a melee attack.
This attack is not considered a ranged attack and does not
require base-to-base contact. Reach cannot be used to attack
units outside of a melee the unit with reach is actively
engaged in. Reach cannot be used to attack units engaged in
melee like ranged attacks. Cover affects attacks made with
reach. Reach increases a unit’s threat range.
Riposte
When this unit is attacked within melee range, it makes a
melee attack against the attacker after the attack resolves.
This may only trigger a number of times per round equal to
the units attack score.
Shield Other (X”)
When an allied unit is being attacked within range, this unit
becomes the defending unit.
Smaller
This unit is considered the one size category smaller for
purposes of dealing and receiving damage. This does not
affect line of sight, threat range, or transport.
Sniper X
This unit gets +X attack to ranged attacks when behind partial
cover.
Stealth (X”)
This unit cannot be targeted past X”.
Trample
This unit may move through opposing units. When it does, it
makes a free melee attack against the units they are moving
through. These attacks deal an additional point of damage
per size category the attacker is larger than the defender.
Transport (X, Size Category)
This unit can transport other units around the battlefield.
The max number of units it can carry simultaneously is
represented by the X, followed by the max size category. For
further transport rules, see Transport Units under the
Movement Section.
Warmonger
This unit gets +1 attack when in melee combat with two or
more other units. At least one of the units must be an
opposing unit.
Waylay X
If this unit makes an attack against a unit that has attacked it
this round, this unit gets +X attack against that unit once this
round.
Veil
This unit cannot be targeted unless it has been activated this
round.
11. Conditions & Effects
Blast
Blast effects ignore partial cover and deal area damage.
Damage Over Time “DoT” (token)
Represented as a token, this indicates that at the end of the
round, remove the token(s) and deal 1 damage to the unit per
token removed. The damage can be standard, energy, or
magic, and will be listed on the ability. Armor mitigates
damage over time.
Falling
If a unit climbs down a height that exceeds half their Speed
or is pushed by Knockback, they fall. They must roll 1d6 and
subtract 1 for every inch they fell. If their result is a 1 or lower,
they gain a Stunned token and take 1 damage per size
category they are. For example, Medium units falling take 1
damage, while a Huge unit would take 3.
Frightened
When a unit becomes frightened, it must use its next
available action point to take a Move action. They must move
their maximum speed directly away from the source that
frightened them. This effect cannot move a unit off the
battlefield. If the unit comes within 1” of base contact with an
opposing unit, it ends its movement. This movement may
trigger attacks of opportunity.
Knockback (X”)
If an attack roll from a unit or effect with Knockback is 2+
higher than the defense roll, the defender is immediately
moved X” directly away from the attacker. The movement
stops if the unit comes in contact with another unit or terrain
and they take an additional 1 damage. This may cause units to
fall off the edge of terrain.
Pull
If an attack roll from a unit or effect with Pull succeeds, move
the defender X” directly towards the attacker. The movement
stops if the unit comes in contact with another unit or terrain
and they take an additional 1 damage. This may cause units to
fall off the edge of terrain.
Rooted / Immobilized
This unit cannot take move actions until the rooted effect has
ended.
Stunned / Incapacitated
Stunned units cannot take actions until the stunned effect has
ended.
12. Movement
Jumping
Models may cross gaps of up to 1” without making a jump
roll. If they attempt to move over a gap greater than 1”, they
must roll 2d6 plus the unit’s speed minus the distance they
are attempting to jump (2d6 + Speed - Distance = Total). On a
total of 6+, the jump succeeds. For example, if a unit has SPD
6” and is attempting to jump across a 4” gap, they roll 2d6
plus 6 minus 4 and succeed on a total of 6+.
Transport Units
Units being transported cannot do anything or be affected in
any way while they are embarked within a transport.
Embark:
• A unit may embark a transport unit if it is within 2” of
the transport.
• A unit cannot embark a transport engaged in melee
combat.
• A unit cannot embark if it disembarked this round.
Disembark:
• Place disembarking units with 2” of the transport.
• A unit cannot disembark if the transport is stunned.
• Units cannot Rush, Charge or Climb on the same turn
they disembark.
Destruction:
• Resolve Defeated abilities.
• Defeated abilities do not affect the embarked units
unless specified.
• Embarked units must disembark on their next action.
• Roll 1d6 per unit. For each 1, the unit is destroyed.
• Models that cannot disembark the destroyed transport
by the end of the round are destroyed.
10
 Appendix I: The
Champion Builder
Battlerune Champion Designer
Three easy steps:
• Choose one Archetype. These provide your base stats.
• Choose one Focus. These further define your character’s
intent on the battlefield.
• Choose Keywords and Abilities.
1. Choose 1 Archetype:
a. Melee: Atk 3, Def 3, Mgk 0, Spd 6, HP 4
b. Ranged: Atk 3, Def 1, Mgk 1, Spd 8, HP 4; Ranged (6”)
c. Support: Atk 1, Def 3, Mgk 1, Spd 6, HP 3; +2 Keyword
& Ability Points that must be used on a magic ability.
c. Abilities: The number shown in brackets [ ] indicates
2. Choose 1 Focus:
a. Combat: +1 Atk or +1 Def /and/ +2 Spd or +1 HP
b. Magic: +2 Mgk or +1 Mgk and +2 HP
3. Choose Keywords and Abilities: Spend 3 points total
across General, Keywords and Abilities. Point cost is shown in
parenthesis ( ).
a. General:
• (3) Size increased to Large (40-54mm model
base size)
• (1) +1 Atk, +1 Def, or +1 Mgk (May only be
chosen once)
• (2) +2 HP
b. Keywords:
• (2) Armor - Non-magic damage this unit receives
is reduced by 1 to a minimum of 1.
• (1) Deathless - After being reduced to 0 HP, roll
1d6. On a 5-6, gain 1 HP. This effect cannot
trigger more than once per game.
• (3) Giantslayer - This unit deals +1 damage for each
size category the target is larger than they are.
• (2) Inspiration 1 - Your army has +1 Initiative.
• (2) Lethal - This unit deals +1 damage with non-
magical melee and ranged attacks.
• (3) Lucky - This unit may reroll 1 attack or defense
roll per round.
• (2) Multiattack - Once per round, this unit may
make an additional basic attack when using the
attack action to make a melee attack.
• (2) Multishot - Once per round, this unit may
make an additional basic ranged attack when
using the attack action to make a ranged attack.
This unit must have a ranged attack to use
Multishot.
• (2) Potent - This unit's damage-dealing magic
abilities deal +1 damage.
• (2) Quickshot - You may make a free ranged attack
after a movement action. This unit must have a
ranged attack to use Quickshot.
11
• (1) Rage - When this unit has damage on it, it has +1
attack.
• (1) Ranged (12”) (Taking this replaces any other
“Ranged (X”)” attacks)
• (2) Reach (2”) - Reach allows a unit to make a
melee attack at a distance away from the model,
similar to a ranged attack.
• (1) Evasion - This unit does not incur attacks of
opportunity.
• (2) Sniper 1 - This unit gets a +1 attack bonus to
ranged attacks when behind partial cover.
• (2) Warmonger - This unit gets +1 attack when in
melee combat with two or more other units. At
least one of the units must be an opposing unit.
• (3) Veil - This unit cannot be targeted unless it has
been activated this round.
the action point cost to use the ability.
• Basic Abilities:
• (2) [1] Bite/Punch/Kick (you choose the name) -
This unit makes a basic melee attack with +1
attack and +1 damage.
• (3) [2] Run and Gun - This unit moves half its
speed. Then the unit makes a ranged attack.
Finally, the unit moves half its speed. This
unit must have a ranged attack to use Run
and Gun.
• (2) [1] Shove - This unit makes a basic melee
attack with Knockback 2”.
• Magic Abilities: Champions must have a 1 or
higher in their Magic stat to choose a Magic
(Mgk) ability.
• (3) [1] Blastwave (Mgk) - Deal 1 damage to all
opposing units within 2”.
• (3) [2] Drain Life (Mgk, 8”) - Target unit takes 1
damage. This unit gains 1 hit point.
• (2) [1] Encourage (6”) - Your units within range
get +1 attack until the end of the round.
• (2) [1] Heal 1 (Mgk, 6”) - Target allied unit
within range heals 1 HP.
• (3) [1] Hold Creature (Mgk, 6”) - The next time
target unit activates this round, it cannot
use an attack action.
• (3) [1] Levitate (Mgk, 4”) - Give target allied unit
Flight until the end of the round.
• (3) [2] Magic Arrow (Mgk, 6”) - Automatically
hits. Deal 1 damage to a target within range.
• (3) [1] Root (Mgk, 6”) - The next time target
unit activates, it cannot use a movement
action.
Appendix II:
Battlerunes
Battlerune: Ziskal ( ) Quests: For Glory!
Endless Warcry: Ongoing - Your units have +1 Attack.
Devastating Charge: Target allied unit immediately makes
a free move up to 6” in a straight line”. It must stop if it
makes contact with any terrain or unit. If it enters melee
range with an opposing unit, it makes a free melee attack
with +2 attack and +1 damage.
Appendix III: Quests
Setup: Place 1 objective token closest to the center of the
battlefield.
Victory: At the end of rounds 1 through 4, a player gains 1
VP if they control the objective. At the end of the game, a
player gains 3 VP if they control the objective. A player
controls the objective if they have more units within 4” of
the objective token than any other player.

Loyalty - Any Brute or Beast: If Devastating Charge targets

an allied Brute or Beast, it moves 9” instead.
Battlerune: Kain the Eternal ( ) tokens following the same rules.
Bound Souls: Ongoing - Your Champion has Flight and is
Undead and Vampire in addition to its other types.
Shadowstep: Move one of your allied units up to 6”. This
move ignores units and terrain, but must end in an open
space without touching any units or terrain. This move
does not trigger attacks of opportunity.
Loyalty - Any Vampire: Ongoing - All your units are
Undead in addition to their other types. All your units gain
+1 attack and +1 defense.
Quests: Treasure Hunt
Setup: The first player places 1 treasure token using the
token placement rules. The next player places 2 treasure
Victory: Each treasure token is worth 3 VP. To gain a
treasure token, a unit must use the Trigger Objective
action while their base is touching a treasure token.
Quests: The Valley of Death
Setup: The first player chooses a corner of the map to
deploy their units. Their opponent deploys at the opposite
corner.
Victory: After 5 rounds, the player with the unit closest to
the opposing corner wins.

Reference for the Appendix I: The Champion Builder: Battlerune Champion Designer

Name: Example Shooty Champion

Size: Medium Rank: Champion Type: Neutral HP: 4

ATK: 4 DEF: 1 MGK: 1 SPD: 10”
Abilities: Multishot. Ranged (12”).

(Multishot: Once per round, this unit may make an additional basic ranged attack when using the attack
action to make a ranged attack. This unit must have a ranged attack to use Multishot.)

12
 Fantasy Rulebook

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