Below are the full rules presented on one page. For convenience, each section is also available in the dropdown list above. 

Starting a Game

Each game of Wonders of Dwethia represents a battle between two opposing forces, ranging from small skirmishes to massive planetary conflicts.

1) Pick your Scenario Select Your Forces

Before the battle begins, players agree upon a point limit and then each player assembles their army around a chosen main scenario and included secondary missions.

Main Scenario:
In Dwethia skirmish, each player will get to choose what objective they personally wish to accomplish. Each player chooses their own. For a full breakdown on each scenario, check out the Scenario section under campaign play.

• Annihilation: Wipe your opponent from the board. At the end of 5 rounds, score victory points for every model slain on the opponent side.

• Hold the Line: Keep your opponent out of your deployment zone. At the end of 5 rounds, reduce your victory points for every model in your deployment zone.

• King of the Hill: Keep your opponent out of your objective zone. At the end of 5 rounds, reduce your victory points for every model in your objective zone.

• Play Objectives: There are strategic areas throughout the map, perform an action at each one. At the end of 5 rounds score victory points for every objective completed.

• Break Their Lines: Move into your opponent's deployment zone. At the enf of 5 rounds, score victory points for every model in their Deployment Zone.

Secondary Missions:
In Dwethia skirmish, each player will have access to a set of secondary missions based on their faction. Players should check their faction's missions page for which secondary missions they have.

Point Limits
players can agree to any random number for their point limit, as long as both players agree and the numbers match. Here are some sample point limits according to battle size:

• 500 points: A casual Starter game for new players or quick matches (about 90 minute game time or less) (played on a 2ft x 2ft board)

• 1000 points: A standard Skirmish game for experienced players (about a 120 minute game time or more) (played on a 3ft x 3ft board)

• 2500 points: Large scale war, a battle of armies over a larger battlefield (4+ hours of gameplay) (played on a 4ft x 6ft board)

• 5000 points or more: A truly epic clash of forces, perhaps each side is even made up of allied factions working together on a common goal. (6-8+ hours of gameplay) (played on a 4ft x 6ft board)

Building your Force

• Every unit has a point value based on its power and abilities.

• Players must select a faction to determine their core playstyle.

  • Each faction page has a Composition Chart which details how to build an appropriate force for that faction.

• Players must select a religion to determine which elite units they have access to.

  • Each religion page has an elite unit that may be included in your faction.

• Units are created by mixing and matching unit types, and wargear options allowing for deep customization.

• Racial Profiles may be added to Heroic units, see Roleplay character creation for details.

• Once finalized, units are recorded on Custom Unit Sheets (explained later).

Gather your resource pools: Some units have Destiny, Faith, and Affinity points, these will be gathered into distinct pools which can be represented by counters, tokens, dials, or written down on a spare sheet of paper.

• Tally up all of Destiny added by the various units and place them into a Destiny Pool

• Tally up all of Faith added by the various units and place them into a Faith Pool

• Tally up all of Affinity added by the various units and place them into a Affinity Pool

2) Deploy Your Forces

Once forces are assembled, models are placed on the battlefield. Deployment follows either:

• Basic Deployment Rules (standard starting positions), or

• Scenario-Specific Rules (if playing a narrative or objective-based mission).

Basic Deployment Rules

• Determine Priority: Roll to see which player has priority

• Place Terrain: The player with priority will place a piece of terrain on the battlefield, the opponent will then place a terrain piece. Players will alternate placing terrain pieces until there is none remaining.

• Select Table Edge: The player with priority will choose which side of the table they will own, their opponent will receive the opposite side.

• Place Units: The player with Priority begins to place units wholly within 9" of his table edge (bits of the model may exceed 9" as long as no part of it's base exceeds 9"), he may place as many units as he wishes (minimum one) then play passes to his opponent who may do the same. Play alternates until both players run out of models. If one player runs out of models first, the other player continues to place models until he has placed every model.

  • Some models have special rules that allow them to be left off the field. Players may identify these units in lieu of placing them on the battlefield.

Scenario-Specific Rules

• Scenarios will specify if they use the basic deployment rules or alter them in any way. Scenario-Specific Rules will supersede Basic Deployment Rules.

3) Play the Game

Starting the Game
Once all units are deployed, players both roll to determine priority again. Both players should check for any special abilities that affect the start of the game or modify the first turn.

Gameplay proceeds according to the core rules, starting with the player with priority, players alternating turns to move, attack, and use special abilities. The full details of movement, combat, and actions are explained in later sections.

4) End of the Game

• Standard skirmish games last 5 turns unless otherwise specified.

• Some scenarios have special victory conditions, such as completing an objective or eliminating key units.

• Once the game ends, players determine the winner based on scenario and mission objectives points scored.

• Optional: Apply wounds and experience for campaign rewards and level up any models.

THE PRIORITY PHASE

The Priority Phase occurs at the start of each turn to determine which player has the initiative for that turn. This phase ensures that players alternate in controlling the flow of the game, especially when determining the sequence of movement, shooting, and combat.

HOW TO RESOLVE THE PRIORITY PHASE

1) Roll for Priority:
At the beginning of each turn, both players roll a dice to determine which side has priority for that turn. Each player rolls a single die, and the higher roll wins.

1. • If Player 1 rolls higher, Player 1 has priority and will move all their models first.

   • If Player 2 rolls higher, Player 2 has priority and will move all their models first.

   • In the case of a tie, players re-roll until a winner is determined.

     • Effect of Special Abilities: Some special abilities or effects from units, factions, or terrain may alter the result of the priority roll. This could allow either or both players to re-roll, or to add or subtract from their respective rolls. Be sure to refer to specific rules or abilities for any modifiers that might apply to the Priority Phase.

Effect of Priority on the Game: Priority not only decides the order of movement but also influences the order in which shooting and close combat are resolved. For example, a player with priority will shoot first, allowing them to potentially eliminate models before their opponent has a chance to respond. Similarly, during the fight phase, the player with priority can choose which combats to resolve first.

Shoot Phase

Once both sides have completed their movement, it’s time for the Shoot Phase. In this phase, models from both sides can shoot their bows, crossbows, or other ranged weapons.

Shoot Order

The player who has Priority resolves all their shooting first, followed by their opponent. A player can shoot with their models in any order.

Taking the Shot

1) Reading the Weapon Profile

Different kinds of weapons have varying ranges, some shoot further than others, while some are harder hitting and more dangerous. Wargear profiles for ranged weapon are displayed in the following format: Name: Range", Strength, Movement Penalty, Special Rule Keywords.

• Example: Short Bow: 24", Strength 2, No penalty [Arc] 

• This weapon is a Short Bow, with Strength of 2 when considering the wound roll, this weapon allows for full movement, and it uses the [Arc] special rules according to the keyword.

• We will explain what each of these mean in the relevant sections below.

2) Can It See?
To determine if a model can shoot, draw a straight line from any point on its base to any point on the target’s base. You can use a ruler, string, or tape measure to do this.

• If there is at least one clear line between the shooter and the target that doesn’t cross any terrain, model bases (not the model itself), or other non-model obstructions, the shot may be taken without penalty.

• If no clear line can be drawn without crossing over terrain or these other obstructions, then refer to the In the Way rules.

• If a model is raised by terrain to a height of over 3", it may ignore all model bases when determining if anything is In the Way. Terrain and other non-model obstructions are still considered as normal.

• If a model's base is touching a terrain piece, it may ignore that specific terrain piece when determining whether anything is In the Way.

Some terrain may completely block line of sight or provide cover depending on its type (see the Terrain Glossary for details).

3) Rolling Ranged Attacks
In Dwethia Skirmish, scoring a wound from a ranged weapon requires a ranged attack roll by comparing the Perception of the shooter and the Strength of their weapon to the Defense of the target.

• • Add the shooters Perception to the strength of the attack (for ranged, this is the strength of the projectile weapon from its wargear profile or the strength of the spell listed) and compare this to the target’s defense.

  • If the Strength of the attack is less than the defense of the target, the wound roll is made on a 3+.

  • If the Strength is double or higher, the wound roll is made on a 2+.

  • If the Strength is less than half of the defense of the target, the wound roll is made on a 5+.

  • If the Strength is half or lower, the wound roll is made on a 6+.

  • If Strength and Defense are equal, the wound roll is made on a 4+.

Special Rules:
Some special rules may cause a successful Hit roll to be modified or negated. Check any relevant special rules or abilities and resolve them before determining whether to move on to the wound roll.

• Behemoth: If the Defense of the target is Triple the Strength of the weapon then no roll can be made.

  • If the attack is a spell, this rule does not apply.

• Cover: A target in cover can reduce the perception of the shooter. Check the terrain rules for details.

• Long Distance: Any Target greater that 12" away receive Cover +1. This will stack with any terrain or cloak based cover.

• Saves: Some items such as shields can grant a save from the attack, for ranged attacks units will roll double their save dice unless it is from a [Quick Shot] weapon (this is due to the fact the target can see the shot coming).

• Shield: If a target of a shot has a shield or is within coherency and range 2 of an ally with a shield, the target may their integrity to their defense for the ranged attack roll comparison.

• Ignore Wounds: Some models, such as Champions of the void, may ignore wounds through special rules, follow these rules as stated. Repeat this process until no more models with applicable special rules remain in the fight, at which point any remaining wounds are distributed as normal.

4) Remove Casualties

If a model has 1 Wound in its characteristic profile, it is slain if it suffers a wound. A slain model is then removed from the game as a casualty at the end of both players' shooting phases.

If the shot fails to inflict a wound, the target remains unharmed.

Multiple Shots and Wounds

• Multiple Ranged Weapons:
  Some models may have multiple ranged weapons. They can only shoot with one weapon in the shooting phase unless some special rule would allow for shooting with an extra weapon.

• Multiple Shots:
  Some Heroes can shoot more than once in the Shooting phase. If a Hero has multiple shots, all shots must be resolved before moving on to shoot with another model. The player can shoot at the same target or change targets with each shot.

• Multiple Wounds:
  Heroes and larger creatures may have more than 1 Wound. If a model has multiple wounds, record its current Wounds value. For example, a model with 2 Wounds will take two hits to be slain, and so on. When the model loses its last wound, it is removed from the tabletop according to the rules of the phase.

Moving & Shooting
Some weapons require that models must give up some of their permitted movement to shoot in the Shoot phase:

• Half Movement Penalty:
  If a model moves further than half of its maximum move distance, it cannot shoot that turn. For example, a model with a 6" move cannot shoot if it moves further than 3".

• Full Movement Penalty:
  Some weapons require the model to give up its entire movement to shoot. A model cannot move and then shoot in the following phase if it has such a weapon.

• No Movement Penalty:
  Some weapons have no movement penalty, meaning the model can move its entire permitted distance and still shoot.

Note: If the model moves through difficult terrain, it must still give up half of its remaining move to shoot. For example, if a model with a 6" move moves over terrain that reduces its movement by half (3"), and it has a weapon with a half-penalty, its movement would be further reduced to 1.5" if it wishes to shoot.

Shooting and Coherency

• When selecting a target that is within Coherency of allied models, the player controlling the unit may choose which unit is the target of the attack. This can represent units using tactics such as a shield bearer raising a shield to protect an ally.

Shooters in Combat

• Models engaged in hand-to-hand combat cannot shoot in the same phase. They are already busy with melee attacks during the Fight phase.

• Some weapons may alter this rule with special rules such as the [Light] keyword. 

Targets in Combat

• Some factions may not allow shooting at enemies already engaged in close combat, even if the shot is clear. Some factions may allow players to attempt this shot at the risk of hitting an ally (this count's as In the Way see rules below). Always check faction rules for specific limitations or permissions.

• Roll a dice to determine which side of the combat is hit:

  • On a 1, 2, or 3, the shot hits a friendly model and the attacker must now roll against their own models.

  • On a 4, 5, or 6, the shot hits the intended target.

• If the shot hits a friendly model, and there are two or more of the model's warriors in coherency, you must choose which model is the target.

In the Way!
If a model or object is in the way of the shooter’s line of sight, it could block the shot or deflect it. If the view is partially obscured by another model or terrain, there is a chance the shot will hit the obstruction instead of the target, reduce the perception of the attack by 1 for each object in the way.

Friendly Models in the Way:
Some factions cannot shoot at a target if another allied model is in the way. Some factions, however, can shoot even if another allied model is in the way.

Shooting from Cover

• A model shooting from behind cover is allowed to shoot so long as it can see over or around the cover or is touching the terrain feature that provides cover however the model must be touching the cover and its terrain keyword must allow shooting from Cover (see Terrain Glossary).

Shooting from Behind Friends

• If a model is shooting from behind a friendly model, it isn’t considered to be in the way of the shot as long as the shooter is in coherency of the friendly model.

Advanced Shooting Rules

Some shooting weapons have special key words that indicate they follow special rules that break the established shooting rules.

• [Quick Shot] These weapons fire faster than arrows and other standard projectiles and when they hit, they kill instantly. When a model is slain from a wound caused by a Quick Shot weapon, remove that model even if it hasn't had a chance to shoot in the shooting phase. Do not double save dice against these weapons.

• [Arc] Some weapons can lob their projectiles further by sacrificing accuracy. Weapons with the Arc key word can triple their range, they no longer require line of sight on the target.  However the Perception for these shots is always treated as o. 

• [Blast #] Some weapons cause explosive damage. When a Blast weapon hits a target, roll one wound for each model touching the base of the target, extending outward in rows up to the number specified. If the defending player has any shields within the affected unit, they may roll saves for all the wounds, as the affected models huddle behind their shielded ally for cover!

  • The target chosen by the attacker is the center of the explosion, and this target does not change. However, the defender may assign saves to any affected models within Range 2 (models touching the target, or touching those who are). 

Example: A Blast 1 weapon rolls wounds against each model touching the base of the target. A Blast 2 weapon rolls wounds against those models as well as any models touching their bases.

• [Light] Light weapons can be shot in the shooting phase and still allow units to fight in the subsequent fight phase. Light weapons can also be fired while their bearers are engaged in combat.

Destiny

Destiny represents a Hero’s power to shape fate and turn the tide in pivotal moments. It is a limited resource that can be spent to re-roll dice or perform special actions, as described below.

Using Destiny for Re-Rolls

• Destiny may be spent to re-roll any dice, unless otherwise restricted by specific rules.

• You may spend multiple points of Destiny at once to re-roll multiple dice in a single action.

• All dice to be re-rolled must be declared before any re-rolls are made.

Example: A unit rolls 2 dice in combat and did not receive favorable results. The controlling player may procalim that they will spend 2 Destiny to re-roll both dice at once.

• A die that has been re-rolled cannot be re-rolled again, even if additional Destiny is available.

Destiny in Conflict (Opposing Players)

• If both players wish to spend Destiny during the same resolution:

  • The player with priority resolves their Destiny re-rolls first.

  • The non-priority player may then choose to use Destiny after seeing the new result.

Limits on Destiny Use

Destiny can be used to re-roll any die unless:

• The roll is a Faith/Affinity Resistance Roll (see next section) – Destiny cannot re-roll these, but instead adds bonuses to the roll.

• The roll is the Priority Roll at the start of the round – Destiny cannot affect this unless specifically permitted by a Hero’s ability.

Special Actions & Abilities

There are default Destiny actions that all heroes have access to and some units or factions will have unique special actions that require Destiny to activate.

• These actions are detailed here and in the unit's special rules or faction rules.

• The action will specify:

  • How much Destiny must be spent.

  • What effect it creates.

  • Which phase the action can be used in.

Example: A Hero may spend 1 Destiny during the Movement Phase to reposition a friendly unit within 6".

Default Destiny Actions:

The following abilities are available to all heroes in Dwethia Skirmish:

• Surge: In the movement phase, a unit may spend 1 Destiny at any time to move themself and any units within coherency and range 3 out of priority order, perhaps attempting to catch a some models  attempting to flee. All units moved this way must end their move within coherency of the unit who used this ability. If an opposing unit activates a surge action in response, then both players will wager destiny until one side is higher, otherwise roll a1d6 on a 4+ the unit without priority wins.

• Heroic Resolve: At any time a unit may spend 1 Destiny at any time to roll 1d6, on a 4+ they ignore a wound. They may continue to spend Destiny this way to ignore the same wound until they run out of Destiny.

• Together as One!: At any time a unit may spend 1 Destiny to pull all allied models within 3" of him into range 1-3. This represents a hero calling for his allies to group up, perhaps as a shield wall against oncoming arrows.

(Optional) Scars and Glory.

In Dwethia campaigns, players may choose to use their battle to tell a continuous narrative involving the loss and leveling up. Some players may find this rewarding and exciting, other players may find this to be tedious book keeping. As such, these rules exist as an optional upgrade and either player may participate or abstain from this system. As all rewards are based on a point system, players will not imbalance the game through creating veteran or wounded units. As a force can be comprised of many models, players may also choose to only track changes for units they find particular interest in, such as heroes or they may apply the same change to a  specific group of models they consider a squad.

Scars

War leaves its mark on all who survive it. Some wounds fade with time, but others linger—twisting flesh, shaking resolve, or hardening a warrior into something new. These lasting injuries are known as Scars, and they may hinder a unit… or, in rare cases, reshape them into something stronger.

The tables below determine the consequences of being taken out of action. A unit may suffer anything from minor impairment to permanent loss, both physical and mental.

In some cases, multiple tables may apply (for example, a unit slain by a Hero using an Affinity ability). When this occurs, choose one applicable table to roll on, not both.

Slain by specific circumstances.

• While under the effect of Corruption Spell: This unit has died and joined the legions of the champions of the void.

• While under the effect of the Cosmic Horror Spell: This unit loses all faith points reducing it's points by 1 point per Faith lost.

• Zombie Slain by the Lighting Spell: This unit loses the zombie profile and gains the wraith profile increasing the points by +8.

• Slain by a Strength 8+ weapon while only having 1 wound on their profile: This unit has died.

• Any Bloodpact Anarchist Hero or Basic Unit that would die: This unit may instead be transformed into a Reforged, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

Glory

In the crucible of war, not all outcomes are marked by suffering. Some acts echo across the battlefield—feats of courage, skill, or sheer defiance that elevate a warrior beyond their peers. Whether slaying a towering beast, striking down a hero, unleashing devastating Affinity, or securing a decisive objective, such moments are remembered.

The tables below represent these moments of Glory. When a unit achieves a significant feat, roll on the appropriate table to determine how the experience shapes them. Unlike Scars, these results are often beneficial, though some may carry burdens of pride, obsession, or expectation.

If multiple Glory conditions are met (such as slaying a Hero with Affinity), choose one table to roll on, not both.

Victories in specific circumstances.

• Slayed a Blacksun Captain in Melee: This unit may take 1 wargear from the captain even if they aren't usually allowed to wield it, paying points for it as usual.

• Slayed a hero with a Spellbook, Talisman or Staff: This unit may take the spellbook, talisman, staff or learn 1 spell the Hero knew even if they aren't usally allowed access to these items, paying points for it as usual.

• Any Bloodpact Hero or Basic Unit that killed a Unit with Affinity 6+ affinity: This unit is transformed into a Profane, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

• Any Bloodpact Hero or Basic Unit that is Identified as the MVP after winning a game: This unit may be transformed into a Mutant, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

• Any Champion of the Void Walker or Thrall that is Identified as the MVP after winning a game: This unit may be transformed into an Alpha, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

• Any Champion of the Void Voidborn that is Identified as the MVP after winning a game: This unit may be transformed into a Death Knight or Necromancer, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

• Any Orc or Geck that is part of an Orc Assault that kills an Old One or Wraith: This unit may be transformed into a God Eater, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

• Any Black Sun Basic Unit identified as the MVP after winning a game: This unit may be transformed into a First Mate, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.

• Any Black Sun Pirate using the "I am the Cpatain Now" Rule: The Captain may be counted as dead and this unit is transformed into a Captain, paying the point upgrade and keeping all other upgrades.