Custom Enhancements

CREATING CUSTOM SPECIAL RULES

Some units in Dwethia possess Special Rules that further define their role, playstyle, or narrative identity. These rules go beyond standard wargear and spells, representing unique training, physiology, or abilities such as a Necromancer’s mastery of Affinity, a Sharpshooter’s precision, or a Jacker’s ability to disrupt technology.

To create a Custom Special Rule, follow the guidelines below:

1. Core Principle

Special Rules are built using the same point logic as Wargear and Spells, but represent passive, triggered, or conditional abilities rather than equipment.

• If it modifies stats → use Stat Modification costs

• If it grants rerolls or bonuses → treat as Keywords or Effects

• If it mimics a spell → build it using Spell rules (without Affinity reduction unless stated)

2. Types of Special Rules

Every Special Rule should fall into one of the following categories:

Passive

• Always active

• Example: +1 Defense at all times

Triggered

• Activates under a condition

• Example: Gain +2 Strength when charging

Activated

• Requires player choice (once per round/game)

• Example: Reroll all misses once per g

3. Costing Special Rules

Use the following guidelines:

Stat Bonuses

• Cost exactly as normal stat increases

• Conditional bonuses reduce cost:

  • Always active → full cost

  • Conditional (common trigger) → -1 point

  • Rare trigger → -2 points

Rerolls

• Reroll 1 die → 2 points

• Reroll all dice of a type (e.g., misses) → 5 points

• Once per game → -3 points

Keywords & Effects

• Standard effects (e.g., Light, Arc, etc.) → 1 point

• Strong effects (GM discretion) → 2–3 points

Aura Effects (Affecting Other Units)

• “All units in coherency” → 3 points (as established)

• Strong buffs → increase cost accordingly

Resource Manipulation

• Restore or gain Wounds, Destiny, Faith, or Affinity → use existing recovery costs

• Per round effects must pay full “average game” cost (5 rounds)

4. Limitations (Reduce Cost)

To balance powerful abilities, apply one or more:

• Once per Game → -5 points

• Once per Round → -2 points

• Requires Condition (GM discretion) → -1 to -3 points

• Requires specific positioning (coherency, cover, etc.) → -1 point

5. Stacking Rules

• A unit may not benefit from the same type of Special Rule more than once unless explicitly stated.

• Special Rules should not exceed the power level of equivalent point investment in stats or wargear

6. Example Special Rules

Sharpshooter
Reroll missed ranged attacks.
Cost: 5 points

Battle Frenzy
Gain +2 Aggression when charging.
Cost: 2 points (4 points base, -2 conditional)

Command Aura
All allied units in coherency gain +1 Martial.
Cost: 3 points

Phase Shift
Once per game, this unit cannot be targeted for one phase.
Cost: 5 points (powerful effect, limited use)

Tech Disruptor
Enemy units within 6" suffer -1 Affinity.
Cost: 3 points

7. Final Rule

Custom Special Rules should:

• Be clear and simple

• Be costed fairly using existing systems

• Add identity, not complexity

If a rule begins to resemble a weapon or spell, it should instead be built using those systems.