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Introduction

They crept down the stone stairs as silently as possible, not daring to announce

their presence to whatever foul minions lurked in the shadows. The faint glow from

Leoric’s enchanted stone did little to illuminate the gathering dark. Jain slowly

notched an arrow, gracefully pulling her bowstring taut as the small silhouette of

Tomble spun his knives behind her. “He is here somewhere,” Avric whispered, “be

prepared.”

“Greetings, brave heroes,” a boisterous voice suddenly announced from the

darkness. “You have come so far! ‘Tis a shame your journey ends here...” As the

voice faded to the sound of distant cackling, dozens of monstrous shapes emerged

to surround the heroes. The chamber soon rang with the sounds of battle...

Game Overview

Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition is a game for two to five players

in which one player takes on the role of the overlord, while all other players

take on the roles of heroes. During each game, the heroes undertake quests

by venturing into dangerous caves, ancient ruins, dark dungeons, and

cursed forests. Along the way, they will battle monsters, earn riches,

and attempt to stop the overlord from carrying out his evil plot.

Object of the Game

Before each game, the players select one of the quests listed in the Quest Guide.

Before each game, the players select one of the quests listed in the Quest Guides.

Each quest presents the players with specific objectives they need to complete to win the

game. The heroes will either win or lose as a team, while the overlord wins or loses individually.

The game can also be played as a campaign with multiple quests linked together to form an

epic story. During a campaign, players earn upgrades and increase in power over the course

of several play sessions. The majority of this rulebook is written assuming that players are

playing a single scenario (and not the campaign). Campaign rules are explained later in this

rulebook (see “Campaign Rules” on page 19).

Component List

This game includes the following:

• This Rulebook

• 1 Quest Guide

• 2 Quest Guides

• 8 Hero Figures

• 31 Monster Figures, consisting of:

– 5 Zombies; 4 tan and 1 red

– 5 Goblin Archers; 4 tan and 1 red

– 5 Cave Spiders; 4 tan and 1 red

– 4 Flesh Moulders; 3 tan and 1 red

– 4 Barghests; 3 tan and 1 red

– 2 Ettins; 1 tan and 1 red

– 2 Elementals; 1 tan and 1 red

– 2 Merriods; 1 tan and 1 red

– 2 Shadow Dragons; 1 tan and 1 red

• 9 Custom Six–sided Dice, consisting of:

– 1 Blue Attack Die

– 2 Red Power Dice

– 2 Yellow Power Dice

– 1 Brown Defense Die

– 2 Gray Defense Dice

– 1 Black Defense Die

• 7 Plastic Stands

• 8 Hero Sheets

• 1 Pad of Campaign Sheets

• 152 Small Cards, consisting of:

– 84 Class Cards

– 20 Act I Shop Item Cards

– 14 Act II Shop Item Cards

– 16 Condition Cards

– 12 Search Cards

– 6 Relic Cards

• 84 Bridge-sized Cards, consisting of:

– 40 Overlord Cards

– 18 Monster Cards

– 12 Lieutenant Cards

– 10 Travel Event Cards

– 4 Activation Cards

– 4 Reference Cards

• 205 Tokens, consisting of:

– 48 Map Tiles

– 45 Damage Tokens

– 35 Fatigue Tokens

– 7 Doors

– 16 Hero Tokens

– 9 Search Tokens

– 6 Lieutenant Tokens

– 10 Objective Tokens

– 8 Villager Tokens

– 20 Condition Tokens

– 1 Reanimate Familiar Token

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Component Overview

This section describes the various components in detail.

Quest Guide

Quest Guides

The Quest Guide lists all of the quests in the game,

The Quest Guides list all of the quests in the game,

including setup, special rules, and the objectives

for each quest. Players will refer to this guide when

for each quest. Players will refer to these guides when

choosing and setting up each quest.

Plastic Figures

Heroes and monsters are represented

on the game board by plastic figures.

Hero figures are gray, while each

monster is either tan or red. Tan

monsters represent minion monsters

and red monsters represent master

monsters, more powerful versions of

the minion monsters.

Custom Dice

These dice are used to resolve attacks, tests, and other

similar game elements which rely on a randomly

determined outcome.

Hero Sheets

Each Hero sheet contains all the information the

player needs to play a particular hero.

Campaign Sheets

These sheets are used during campaign play. Players use

these sheets to track important information between game

sessions within a campaign.

Class Cards

These cards are divided into eight separate decks

that represent the eight different hero classes in the

game. Each deck contains all the skills and starting

equipment belonging to that class.

Shop Item Cards

These cards represent the different items heroes can

find or purchase in the game. They are divided into

Act I items and Act II items.

Condition Cards

The rules for the different ongoing effects in the

game are listed on these cards. When a figure is

inflicted with a condition, players use these cards to

reference the effects of that condition.

Search Cards

These cards represent useful items that heroes may

discover during a quest. Search cards are drawn

when a hero performs a search action. During

campaign play, heroes also receive the amount of

gold listed on the card.

Relic Cards

Relic cards represent unique and powerful items in

the campaign. These items can be acquired by either

the hero players or the overlord player.

Overlord Cards

The overlord player uses these cards to

perform various abilities, such as benefiting

monsters or springing a trap on the heroes.

There are both basic Overlord cards, which

the overlord player begins the game with, as

well as upgrade cards, which he can purchase

with experience points when playing the campaign.

Monster Cards

These cards list all the information for the

different monsters in the game. The face

of the card shows the monster’s important

characteristics and abilities, while the back

of the card lists detailed rules for all the

monster’s abilities as well as the number of

figures used based on the number of heroes

in the game. Each monster has both an Act I

card and an Act II card.

Lieutenant Cards

Similar to the Monster cards, these cards list

the information of the overlord’s powerful

allies known as lieutenants. Each lieutenant

has both an Act I card and an Act II card.

Travel Event Cards

During campaign play, these cards determine

if there is an event for the heroes while they

travel.

Activation Cards

Reference Cards

These cards list a summary of the hero and

overlord turns, and they mark which heroes

have completed their turn. There are four

different colors of these cards and each color

corresponds to a color of hero token.

Map Tiles

These puzzle-cut tiles represent

different locations heroes explore

during the game. Each quest has a

unique layout that uses different

combinations of map tiles. All map

tiles are double-sided, with one side

showing an indoor location and

the other side showing an outdoor

environment.

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Damage and Fatigue

Tokens

These tokens track the amount of damage

or fatigue heroes suffer during a quest. The

damage tokens are also used to track damage

monsters and lieutenants have suffered.

Doors and Plastic

Stands

These doors are placed on the map in

some quests. There are both normal

doors and locked doors. Before playing

the game, insert each door token into

one plastic stand.

Hero Tokens

These tokens are useful for keeping track of important

information as instructed by the rules or card effects.

Search Tokens

These tokens mark the spaces in a quest where heroes can

search for items, potions, and quest specific articles. One

of these tokens has a unique back and is only used during

specific quests.

Lieutenant Tokens

These tokens represent lieutenants on the map. The

art on the token matches the art on the corresponding

Lieutenant card.

Objective Tokens

Many quests in the game have different objectives for

both the overlord player and the hero players. These

tokens mark the locations of objectives on the map.

Objective tokens have a unique colored back for use in

specific quests.

Villager Tokens

These tokens represent the different characters that

heroes can encounter in quests, such as villagers,

guards, or other characters important to a particular

quest. The Quest Guide lists any special rules regarding

quest. The Quest Guides list any special rules regarding

these characters.

Condition Tokens

These tokens are used to signify when monsters are

affected by ongoing effects. These tokens correspond to

various Condition cards.

Familiar Token

This token is used to represent a familiar controlled by a

hero player. In this case, the Necromancer's Reanimate.

Before Play

Before playing Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition, carefully

punch out all tokens and map tiles from the cardboard frames. Then,

insert the door tokens into the plastic stands.

Some of the larger monster figures require a little basic assembly. Players

Some of the larger monster figures may require a little basic assembly. Players

should simply insert the appropriate monster figure pieces into the

corresponding monster figure. If players wish, they may use a small

amount of hobby glue when assembling the figures.

Setup

Setting up a game of Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition

involves different steps for the overlord player and the hero players.

Certain quests may also have quest specific setup instructions listed in the

Quest Guide. The following instructions are written assuming players

Quest Guides. The following instructions are written assuming players

are playing the basic game. The basic game is a single quest played over

the course of a single play session. Players may also play quests as part of a

campaign or using the Epic Play variant (see “Campaign Rules” and “Epic

Play” on page 19).

General Setup

Before playing, set up the game as follows:

1. Choose Quest: Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition

includes 16 unique quests (along with 4 campaign-specific quests)

includes 16 unique quests (along with 3 campaign-specific quests)

with specific setup instructions and objectives for both the heroes and

the overlord. When choosing which quest to play, refer to the Quest

Guide. For a player’s first game, we suggest choosing “First Blood,” an

Guides. For a player’s first game, we suggest choosing “Acolyte of Saradyn,” an

introductory quest.

2. Assemble Map: Players refer to the chosen quest’s “Encounter 1”

diagram in the Quest Guide to assemble the map. Place any doors

used in the quest as indicated in the Quest Guide.

3. Choose Player Roles: Players decide who will take on the role of the

overlord. It is recommended that the most experienced player take on

this role. All other players take on the roles of the heroes. If all players

do not agree, then this decision is made randomly (such as by rolling

a die).

4. Prepare Tokens: Sort all damage, fatigue, hero, and condition tokens

into piles by type. Place each pile of tokens within easy reach of all

players.

5. Assemble Search Deck and Condition Cards: Take all the Search

cards and shuffle them together. Place the Search deck facedown

within easy reach of the hero players. Place the Condition cards in

separate piles based on their type, within easy reach of all players.

Hero Archetypes

Every hero has an archetype that is printed on his Hero sheet.

This archetype defines what classes are available to that hero.

These archetypes are:

Warrior Healer Mage Scout

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Hero Setup

After completing General Setup, the hero players continue setup

as follows. The overlord player then performs Overlord Setup (see

“Overlord Setup”).

1. Take Activation Cards and Hero Tokens: Each hero player chooses

1. Take Reference Cards and Hero Tokens: Each hero player chooses

one Activation card and takes the hero tokens of the corresponding

one Reference card and takes the hero tokens of the corresponding

color.

2. Choose Heroes: All hero players must agree on which player controls

which hero. Each hero player chooses one Hero sheet and takes the

corresponding hero figure. In a two-player game, the lone hero player

controls two different heroes (see “Two-player Game” on page 18).

3. Choose Classes: Each hero player chooses one Class deck matching

his chosen hero’s archetype icon (printed on his Hero sheet; see

“Hero Archetypes” on page 4). Each archetype has different

classes available; there are two such classes available for each archetype

in the game, each one defining which skills are available to a hero of

that class. Any Class deck belonging to a class not chosen is returned

to the game box.

When a player chooses a class for his hero, he takes the deck of cards

for that class (see “Class Card Anatomy” on page 8). This Class

deck includes the starting equipment for the hero, as well as all of

the skills associated with that class. A player may not select a hero

class that does not match the archetype icon shown on the hero’s

Hero sheet. Furthermore, a player may not select a class that has been

chosen by another player.

4. Choose Skills: Every hero begins the game with the basic skill (the

skill card with no experience icon) and starting equipment from his

Class deck.

When playing the basic game, all other skills are returned to the game

box. These skills are only used if playing a campaign or using the Epic

Play variant (see “Campaign Rules” and “Epic Play” on page 19).

5. Place Heroes: Each player places his hero figure on the map in the

area indicated by the quest rules for hero setup. This is typically on an

entrance tile.

Map Tile Breakdown

1. Map Tile: A map tile is a single large token used with

other map tiles to build the quest map.

2. Space: Each map tile consists of several square spaces

(such as the one marked in red). Spaces may have special

rules depending on their contents.

3. Tile Code: All map tiles are labeled with a unique tile

code for easy identification. Each tile code consists of

one number and one letter.

4. Edge: Each map tile features a puzzle-cut edge used to

connect other tiles. The black borders of a tile represent

impassable walls that cannot normally be moved

through (see “Moving Off the Map” on page 9).

Overlord Setup

The overlord player performs the following steps after hero players

perform Hero Setup (see “Hero Setup”).

1. Choose Monsters: The Quest Guide lists the monster group options

available to the overlord for the chosen quest. He takes the Act I

Monster cards and figures for the chosen monster groups and places

them in front of him. See “Monsters” on page 2 of the Quest Guide

them in front of him. See “Monsters” on page 2 of the Act I Quest Guide

for more rules on choosing monsters.

Many quests also feature a specific lieutenant that the overlord uses

during the quest. The overlord player takes the appropriate Act I

Lieutenant card and token and places them in front of him.

2. Perform Quest Setup: The overlord refers to the “Setup” section of

the chosen quest and follows the instructions listed. This includes

placing monster figures, objective tokens, search tokens, and villager

tokens as indicated on the quest map.

3. Create Overlord Deck: The overlord player shuffles the 15 basic

Overlord cards to create his Overlord deck.

When playing the basic game, all other Overlord cards are returned

to the game box. These cards are only used if playing a campaign or if

using the Epic Play variant (see “Campaign Rules” and “Epic Play” on

page 19).

4. Draw Overlord Cards: The overlord player draws a number of

Overlord cards equal to the number of heroes into his hand (see

“Overlord Cards” on page 16).

After players have finished Hero Setup and Overlord Setup, they are

ready to begin playing the game.

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Setup Diagram (Four-player Game)

1. Map: The map is set up in the center of the play area with the

hero and monster figures, search tokens, and any objective

tokens placed in the appropriate spaces described in the Quest

Guide.

2. Hero Sheets: Hero players place their Hero sheets faceup in

front of them.

3. Class Cards: Hero players place their Class cards faceup in front

of them, next to their Hero sheets.

4. Activation Cards and Hero Tokens: Hero players place their

4. Reference Cards and Hero Tokens: Hero players place their

Activation cards with the corresponding hero tokens in front of

Reference cards with the corresponding hero tokens in front of

them, for easy reference.

5. Overlord Cards: The overlord player shuffles his deck of

Overlord cards and places it facedown in front of him.

6. Monster Cards: The overlord player takes all Monster cards

needed for the quest, specified in the Quest Guide, and places

them in front of him.

7. Damage and Fatigue Token Supplies: Place all damage and

fatigue tokens in separate piles within easy reach of all players.

8. Search Cards: Shuffle the deck of Search cards and place it

facedown near the map within easy reach of the hero players.

9. Condition Cards and Tokens: Place all Condition cards and

tokens within easy reach of all players.

10. Dice: Place all of the dice near the center of the play area within

easy reach of all players.

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Playing the Game

Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition is played over a number of

game rounds. A round consists of each player taking one turn, beginning

with one of the heroes. Each player completes his entire turn before

another player begins his turn. Each round, the hero players decide as a

group the order in which they wish to act. This order may be different

each round. If they cannot all agree on an order, they proceed clockwise,

starting with the player seated to the left of the overlord. After all heroes

have completed their turns, the overlord’s turn begins. After the overlord

player finishes his turn, the round ends and a new round begins.

Hero Turn Summary

During each hero turn, the active hero player performs the following steps

in order.

1. Start of Turn: During this step, any effects affecting the active hero

that last “until the start of your next turn” end. Also, the hero player

may use any abilities that trigger “at the start of your turn.” Then

the hero player refreshes his exhausted cards (see “Exhausting and

Refreshing Cards” on page 8).

2. Equip Items: If the player wishes to equip different items, he must

do so during this step. The Equipment section of the rulebook gives

full details about equipping cards and the limits of what a hero can

have equipped (see “Equipment” on page 11). Any excess items are

flipped facedown and may not be used until they are equipped.

3. Perform Actions: During each hero’s turn, he receives two actions.

He may perform these actions in any order he chooses, and he is not

required to perform both actions. Unless noted otherwise, an action

must be resolved completely before the hero performs his next action.

The player may perform any of the actions summarized below, and

may even perform the same action twice. See “Hero Turn in Detail”

on page 8 for more details on these actions.

• Move: The hero moves his hero figure up to a number of

spaces equal to the hero’s Speed. The hero may interrupt

his movement with another action and then complete his

movement after the other action is resolved.

• Attack: The hero attacks a monster.

• Use a Skill: The hero uses a skill listed on one of his Class cards

that requires an action. These actions are denoted with a �.

• Rest: The hero will recover all fatigue at the end of this turn.

• Search: If the hero is adjacent to or in a space containing a

search token, he may reveal the search token.

• Stand Up: This is the one and only action that a knocked out

hero may perform during his turn. This action allows the hero

to recover damage and prepare to be activated as normal next

round.

• Revive a Hero: The hero restores health to a knocked out hero

in an adjacent space.

• Open or Close a Door: The hero opens or closes one adjacent

door.

• Special: Different cards or quests may provide heroes with

unique actions to perform. These actions are either clearly

stated “as an action” or noted with a �.

4. Flip Activation Card: After a hero player has finished performing his

4. Flip Reference Card: After a hero player has finished performing his

actions, that hero player flips his Activation card facedown to indicate

actions, that hero player flips his Reference card facedown to indicate

that his turn is over.

After the player flips his Activation card, another hero begins his turn.

After the player flips his Reference card, another hero begins his turn.

After all heroes’ Activation cards are facedown (showing the overlord

After all heroes’ Reference cards are facedown (showing the overlord

turn summary), proceed to the overlord turn (see “Overlord Turn

Summary” on page 8).

Hero Sheet Anatomy

1. Hero Name and Archetype: This area displays the

name of the hero and the archetype that hero is

associated with. When choosing a class, the archetype

icon must match the corresponding Class deck in order

for that class to be chosen.

2. Characteristics: All of the hero’s characteristics are

shown here. The listed characteristics are, from top

to bottom, Speed, Health, Stamina, and Defense.

Speed determines how many movement points a figure

receives when performing a move action. A figure’s

Health is the amount of damage it can suffer before

being defeated, while Stamina represents the maximum

amount of fatigue it may suffer (see “Damage and

Health” and “Fatigue and Stamina” on page 13). A

hero’s Defense value shows the type of defense dice he

rolls when attacked.

3. Hero Ability: All heroes have a unique ability that is

displayed here.

4. Attributes: Hero attributes are shown in this area. The

listed attributes are Might �, Knowledge�,

Willpower�, and Awareness�. These attributes

are often tested at different times to see if the hero is

able to perform a particular skill, resist a special monster

attack, or avoid a trap played by the overlord (see

“Attribute Tests” on page 15).

5. Heroic Feat: This area displays the hero’s heroic feat.

When a hero uses his heroic feat, the hero player flips

his Hero sheet over to indicate that the hero has used

his heroic feat (see “Heroic Feats” on page 15).

Hero sheet back

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Overlord Turn Summary

During each overlord turn, the overlord player performs the following

steps in order.

1. Start of Turn: During this step, any effects affecting the overlord that

last “until the start of your next turn” end. Then, the overlord player

draws one Overlord card, and he may play any number of Overlord

cards that specifically state they may be played “at the start of your

turn.” Then the overlord player refreshes his exhausted cards (see

“Exhausting and Refreshing Cards” on page 8).

2. Activate Monsters: The overlord activates each of his monster

groups, one at a time, in any order he chooses. Monsters are grouped

together by type, and a monster group can contain both minion and

master monsters (see “Monsters” on page 16).

3. End of Round: Each hero flips his Activation card faceup. The next

3. End of Round: Each hero flips his Reference card faceup. The next

game round then begins, starting with a hero player’s turn.

Winning the Game

Each quest provides specific victory conditions for both the overlord

player and the hero players. It is important to note that most quests

player and the hero players. It is important to note that some quests

consist of two parts, called Encounters. Completing Encounter 1 of a

two-part quest does not determine a winner of the entire game. The first

side (heroes or overlord) to satisfy the final encounter’s victory condition

wins the game!

Hero Turn in Detail

During each hero turn, the hero may perform any two actions of his

choice. This section explains detailed rules for actions.

Move

When a hero player performs a move action, he receives a number of

movement points equal to his hero’s Speed (represented by a � on the

Hero sheet). Moving into an adjacent space costs one movement point

(with the exception of entering certain types of terrain; see “Terrain” on

page 18). The player may choose to move fewer spaces than his hero’s

Speed. A hero may also decide to perform two move actions consecutively,

in which case the hero receives movement points equal to twice his Speed.

Figures cannot move into or through spaces containing figures or

obstacles (see “Terrain” on page 18). These spaces are known as

blocked spaces. However, figures may move diagonally (including

around corners and between two blocked spaces) and through friendly

figures. A hero treats all other heroes as friendly figures, while a monster

treats all other monsters as friendly figures. A figure cannot end its

movement in the same space as another figure.

A hero performing a move action may interrupt his movement to perform

another action, such as attacking, and continue the rest of his movement

after resolving the other action. For example, a hero with a Speed of “4”

could move two spaces, perform an attack, and then move two more

spaces after resolving the attack.

Monsters follow the same movement rules as heroes when moving except

that monsters cannot suffer fatigue to receive additional movement points

(see “Additional Movement” below).

ADDITIONAL MOVEMENT

A hero may suffer fatigue to receive additional movement points during

his turn. For each fatigue suffered, the hero receives one movement point.

If the hero already has fatigue equal to his Stamina, he may not suffer

any more fatigue to receive additional movement points (see “Fatigue

and Stamina” on page 13). A hero player is not required to perform a

move action in order to suffer fatigue to move. During his turn, before or

after resolving an action or during a move action, a hero may suffer fatigue

to gain movement points.

Exhausting and

Refreshing Cards

Some cards require the player to exhaust them when they are

used. When a player exhausts a card, he simply rotates the card

sideways to indicate that he has used its ability. At the start

of a player’s turn, he refreshes all of his exhausted cards by

returning them to their upright position. A player cannot use

an exhausted card until it is refreshed.

Class Card Anatomy

1. Archetype Icon: This icon shows which archetype the

class belongs to. A hero must have a matching archetype

icon on his Hero sheet to choose this class (see “Hero

Sheet Anatomy” on page 7).

2. Class Name: This is the name of the class. All Class

cards with a matching name belong to the same Class

deck.

3. Skill Name: The skill name is listed at the top of the

card along with the class name.

4. Experience Icon: This number shows how many

experience points it costs to purchase the skill. Heroes

begin play their basic skill cards and starting equipment.

These basic cards have no experience icon on them.

5. Rules: This area lists the rules for the skill.

6. Fatigue Cost: Some skills require the hero to suffer

fatigue to use. That amount of fatigue is listed here with

the fatigue icon. Any Class card without a fatigue cost

may be used without suffering fatigue.

Exhausted Card Refreshed Card

Class card back Class card front

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MOVING OFF THE MAP

Normally figures cannot move through the walls along the edge of a

map tile. Some quests allow figures to move off the map. This usually

requires either an entrance or exit tile (see below). To move off the map,

the figure must move to one of the edge spaces (marked below in red) on

the entrance or exit tile and then spend one movement point. Except for

entrance or exit tiles, figures may not move through the black borders of

the map tile, as these represent impassable walls. The Quest Guide defines

the map tile, as these represent impassable walls. The Quest Guides define

which tile is an entrance and which is an exit (if any).

Attack

When a hero player performs an attack action, he may use one of his

equipped weapons to attack a space containing a monster. The hero’s

equipped weapon determines which spaces the hero may target for the

attack. A weapon with the Melee icon may only target a space adjacent

(see “Adjacent Spaces” on page 10) to the attacking hero. A weapon

with the Ranged icon may target any space in line of sight of the attacking

hero (see “Combat” on page 12).

Monster attacks follow the same rules when attacking heroes, except that

monsters don’t have equipped weapons. Instead, the type of attack (Melee

or Ranged) is listed on its Monster card (along with the dice used in the

attack).

Combat is performed by resolving the following steps in order. Each step

is detailed in a later section (see “Combat” on page 12):

1. Declare Weapon and Target: The attacking player chooses which

of his equipped weapons to use for this attack and declares the target

of the attack (a space containing an enemy figure). The player then

compiles his attack dice into a pool.

2. Roll Dice: The attacking player rolls his dice pool while the defending

player rolls all necessary defense dice. If an attack affects multiple

figures, each figure rolls its defense dice separately.

3. Check Range: When performing a Ranged attack, the attacking

player must roll enough range to reach the target.

4. Spend Surges: After rolling the dice, the attacking player may spend

any surge results to trigger special abilities.

5. Deal Damage: Any damage not canceled by defense dice or other

effects is applied to each affected figure.

Use a Skill

When a hero performs a use a skill action, he may use a skill that has a �

listed on his Class card. The player then resolves the skill by following the

rules listed on the Class card. If the skill allows the hero to perform an

attack, the normal rules for performing an attack action apply.

Many skills also show a fatigue cost on the card. The hero must suffer this

amount of fatigue in order to perform the � listed on the card or trigger

an ability that requires the player to “exhaust this card,” or “use this

card.” See “Fatigue and Stamina” on page 13 for more information on

suffering fatigue.

When using a skill, a hero cannot suffer fatigue that would exceed his

Stamina. If a hero has already suffered fatigue equal to his Stamina, or if

the skill would cause him to suffer more fatigue than his Stamina allows,

he cannot use the skill until he recovers enough fatigue.

Rest

When a hero performs a rest action, he will recover all fatigue at the end

of his turn. As a reminder that he has rested during his turn, he places a

hero token on his Activation card. At the end of his turn, after the hero

hero token on his Reference card. At the end of his turn, after the hero

flips his Activation card, he discards the hero token and all fatigue from

flips his Reference card, he discards the hero token and all fatigue from

his Hero sheet.

Movement Example

1. Grisban the Thirsty needs to move past the goblin

archers in this room, but monster figures block

movement for heroes, so he must find a way around

them.

2. His Speed is “3,” so he could move straight ahead, but

that move would not get him much closer to the hallway

where he wants to go.

3. He can move diagonally to cover more ground. Players

should note that the black edge of the map tile does not

block diagonal movement around corners.

Empty Spaces

Some card effects and abilities refer to empty spaces. An empty

space is defined as a space that contains no figures and that

blocks neither line of sight nor movement. Unless otherwise

noted, spaces containing tokens are still considered to be empty

for the purposes of these effects.

Melee Ranged

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Edge spaces of Entrance and Exit tiles

10

Search

If a hero is adjacent to or in a space that contains a search token, he may

perform a search action to search that space. The hero player flips the

search token faceup and discards it. If the token is not unique, the player

draws the top Search card from the Search deck. Some quests use the

unique search token to represent items unique to that quest. If the hero

reveals the unique search token, do not draw a Search card. Instead, refer

to the Quest Guide for details on what the hero discovers.

Some Search cards may be used for a one-time effect (as listed on the

card). After using a Search card, the player flips the card facedown and

keeps it in his play area (see “Search Card Anatomy” on page 10).

Stand Up

When a hero is knocked out, he can only perform a stand up action (see

“Knocked Out” on page 15). In addition, this action may only be

performed by a hero that is knocked out. To stand up, the player rolls two

red power dice, recovers damage equal to the � rolled, recovers fatigue

equal to the � rolled, replaces his hero token with his hero figure, and

then flips his Activation card facedown to indicate his turn is over (he

then flips his Reference card facedown to indicate his turn is over (he

may not perform an additional action). If another figure occupies the

space containing the hero token, the standing hero figure is placed in the

closest empty space to his hero token of that hero player's choice.

Revive a Hero

When a hero performs a revive a hero action, he may revive a knocked

out hero (see “Knocked Out” on page 15) whose hero token is in an

adjacent space. The knocked out hero rolls two red power dice, recovers

damage equal to the � rolled, recovers fatigue equal to the � rolled, and

then replaces his hero token with his figure. If another figure occupies the

space containing the hero token, he places his figure in the closest empty

space to his hero token of that hero player's choice.

Open or Close a Door

When a hero or monster performs an open or close a door action, he

may open or close one adjacent door. Some doors are locked or otherwise

sealed in a unique way and cannot be opened normally. Refer to the Quest

Guide for special instructions in these cases. When a door is opened,

remove it from the map and set it near its original location. If it is later

closed, return the door to its original location. Figures cannot move

or trace line of sight through doors. Spaces separated by a door are not

considered to be adjacent.

Special

During quests and campaigns, heroes may acquire Search cards, Shop

Item cards, or Relic cards that contain actions denoted with a �. These

actions may be performed in the same manner as using a skill on a Class

card. Some heroic feats are also denoted with a � and require an action

to perform (see “Heroic Feats” on page 15).

Certain quest rules also provide quest-specific actions that may be

performed by the heroes during the quest. Refer to the Quest Guide for

any actions available to the heroes.

Overlord Turn in Detail

The overlord player takes his turn after all hero players have completed

their turns. At the beginning of his turn, the overlord player draws

one card from the top of the Overlord deck. After drawing a card, the

overlord player may play any number of cards that state they are played “at

the start of your turn,” including the card just drawn. All Overlord cards

specify the timing in which they may be played (see “Overlord Cards” on

page 16).

The majority of the overlord’s turn is spent activating his monsters.

The overlord player may activate each of his monsters on the map once

during his turn. He may perform up to two actions with each monster

he activates. Each monster may only perform one attack action per

activation.

Adjacent Spaces

Any space that shares an edge or corner with another space is

defined as being adjacent to that space. In the example above,

all of the red spaces are adjacent to Avric Albright. All spaces

adjacent to a figure are also in line of sight of that figure (see

“Line of Sight” on page 12).

Search Card Anatomy

1. Name: This area lists the name of the Search card.

2. Traits: This area lists the traits for the item. Traits do

not have any rules themselves, but other rules or abilities

might refer to traits.

3. Ability: This section lists any rules or abilities.

4. Gold: When playing the campaign, this number shows

how much gold the players have earned, in addition to

the abilities listed on the card.

1

2

3

4

Unique

search token

11

Monsters are activated by groups. In other words, all monsters of one

type must be activated before moving on to the next group. The overlord

player must activate all monster groups during his turn, even if the

activated monsters perform no actions.

Example: The overlord player has one group of zombies and one group of

flesh moulders on the map. He decides to activate his zombies first. The

overlord player must activate all the zombies before moving on to the group of

flesh moulders.

Monsters may perform the following actions, which are similar to the

hero actions (see “Hero Turn in Detail” on page 8):

• Move: The monster moves a number of spaces up to its Speed (see

“Move” on page 8).

• Attack: The monster attacks a hero (see “Attack” on page 9).

Unlike heroes, a monster can attack only once during its activation.

• Monster Action: Some monsters have unique actions listed on their

Monster card with a �. If any special action allows the monster to

perform an attack, it counts as the monster’s one attack action for

that activation.

• Open or Close a Door: The monster opens or closes one adjacent door

(see “Open or Close a Door” on page 10).

• Special: Different cards or quests may provide monsters with unique

actions to perform. These actions are either clearly stated “as an action”

or noted with a �.

Core Rules

This section describes core concepts and mechanics, including combat,

using items, defeated figures, and more.

The Dice

Many situations during gameplay—such as combat or attribute tests—

require dice rolls to resolve. There are three different types of dice in the

game: attack dice, power dice, and defense dice. Some types of dice come

in different varieties (such as red and yellow power dice). Usually these

dice are mixed and rolled together as a single pool of dice. Players are

not limited to the number of dice included in the game. If more dice are

needed for a roll, the player simply rolls all the dice he can, records the

results, and rerolls any other dice needed. Below are the symbols on the

various dice within the game:

�: This symbol represents damage being dealt on an attack roll, or

damage being recovered.

�: This symbol, called a surge, allows players to trigger powerful

abilities, or recover fatigue (see “4. Spend Surges” on page 13).

X: The attack die features a “X” on one side, which results in the attack

being a miss (see “2. Roll Dice” on page 12).

2–6: Some dice also have a number on them, which determines how

much range a given attack has (see “3. Check Range” on page 12).

�: This symbol appears on defense dice and allows the player rolling the

dice to cancel damage (see “5. Deal Damage” on page 13).

Equipment

Each hero can carry any number of Shop Item, Class, and Search cards

he chooses. However, the number of these cards that a hero may equip is

limited. Hero players indicate which items are not equipped by flipping

them facedown or placing them under their Hero sheet. Any Shop Item

or Class cards (such as starting equipment) can only be used while a hero

has that card equipped.

EQUIPMENT LIMITS

These equip icons represent certain equipping restrictions:

Hands Armor Other

• Heroes have two hands. The combination of items they equip cannot

have more than two hand icons in total.

• A hero can equip only 1 Armor item.

• A hero can equip up to 2 Other items.

Cards that do not contain at least one of these icons can be equipped

without restriction. These cards remain faceup near the Hero sheet and

can be used as specified on the card.

Shop Item Card Anatomy

1. Name: This area lists the name of the item.

2. Attack Type: This icon defines the item as either a

Melee weapon or a Ranged weapon (see “Attack” on

page 9). Cards without one of these icons are not

considered weapons.

3. Equip Icon: These icons limit how many items the hero

can equip (see “Equipment” on page 11).

4. Dice Icons: This area lists the dice associated with the

item. If the item is a weapon, these dice are used when

attacking with the weapon. If the item is Armor, they are

added to the player’s defense pool.

5. Cost: This number shows how much gold the item

costs when shopping.

6. Traits: This area lists the traits for the item. Traits do

not have any rules themselves, but other rules or abilities

might refer to traits.

7. Rules: This section lists any special rules or abilities.

1

2

3 4

5

6

7

Attack die Power dice Defense dice

12

Combat

Listed below are the expanded rules for combat. These rules further

explain the Attack steps explained earlier.

1. DECLARE WEAPON AND TARGET

The attacking player declares which space his figure is attacking. The

target space must contain one enemy figure as the target of the attack.

When heroes attack large monsters (monster figures that occupy more

than one space), it is important for the player to declare which specific

space he is targeting because of attacks with the Blast keyword. A figure

may only target a space in his line of sight (see “Line of Sight” on page

12). A figure making a Melee attack can only target an adjacent space.

A figure making a Ranged attack may target any figure in its line of sight

(including adjacent spaces).

The player must also declare which equipped weapon his hero is using.

Heroes may either attack with one equipped weapon or their bare hands.

A hero attacking with his bare hands can only target an adjacent space

and rolls only the blue attack die for his attack. Only abilities on the

chosen weapon may be used; if equipped with two weapons, abilities on

the other weapon are ignored for the attack. If the hero wishes to make a

Ranged attack, he must choose an equipped Ranged weapon.

Monsters cannot equip weapons. The dice rolled for the monster’s attack,

as well as the type of attack, are listed on its Monster card.

Example: Jain Fairwood has her Yew Shortbow equipped, and two goblin

archers are in her line of sight—one is adjacent and the other is two spaces

away. Since she has a Ranged weapon equipped, she may choose to target

either goblin archer.

LINE OF SIGHT

In order for a figure to have line of sight to a space, a player must be able

to trace an uninterrupted, straight line from any corner of that figure’s

space to any corner of the target space.

If the line passes through the edge of a map tile, a door, or a blocked space

(a space containing a figure or obstacle), the target space is not in line of

sight (see “Line of Sight Example” on page 12).

If the line passes along the edge of a blocked space (see “Line of Sight

Example” on page 12), the target space is not in line of sight. However,

if the line only touches the corner of a blocked space (without passing

through the space itself ), the target space is in line of sight.

Since adjacent spaces always share at least one common edge or corner,

there is no need to trace line of sight between adjacent spaces. A space

adjacent to a figure is in line of sight.

2. ROLL DICE

The attacking player creates his attack pool by gathering all the dice

listed on his equipped weapon or Monster card, and then rolls them for

his attack roll. If an ability allows a player to add dice to this pool, he must

do so before the roll.

If an X is rolled on the blue attack die, the attack is considered a miss and

all other results are ignored. If an X is not rolled, the attacking player adds

up all of the � results on the dice to determine how much damage is dealt

by this attack.

The defending player—any player controlling a figure affected by the

attack—creates his defense pool by gathering all the defense dice listed

on his Hero sheet (in addition to any dice provided by equipment and

card effects) or Monster card and rolls them for his defense roll. If an

ability allows a player to add dice to this roll, he does so before the roll.

The defending player adds up all of the � results on the dice to determine

how much damage is canceled on this attack. If multiple figures are

affected by the attack, each affected figure rolls its defense pool separately,

keeping track of its own results.

After all attack and defense dice have been rolled, players may use any

abilities that allow them to reroll dice. Players should note that some cards

and abilities specifically refer to defense dice. Unless specifically stated

otherwise, these references apply only to defense dice rolled as part of an

attack. For example, a player cannot use the "Iron Shield" card to allow

him to reroll an attribute test.

Example: Jain's Yew Shortbow uses the blue attack die and one yellow

power die. The player controlling Jain Fairwood gathers these dice while the

overlord player takes one gray defense die available to the goblin archer. Both

players roll their respective dice pools.

3. CHECK RANGE

Even though Ranged attacks may target any space in the attacker's line of

sight, the attacker must roll enough range on his attack roll in order to

deal damage to the target. Starting with the space adjacent to the attacker

(of his choice), count the number of spaces to the target space. This

number is the distance between the spaces. The numbers rolled on the

dice are the maximum range of the attack. If the total range obtained from

the attack roll does not equal or exceed the distance between the spaces,

the attack is considered a miss unless the range can be increased (see “4.

Spend Surges” on page 13).

Example: Jain rolls “3” range on her blue attack die and “2” range on her

yellow power die, for a total of “5” range. Since the goblin archer is only two

spaces away, there is plenty of range for the attack to hit the target.

Line of Sight Example

1. Leoric of the Book is equipped with a Ranged weapon

and wants to perform an attack. He chooses to target

the minion zombie with his attack. When tracing line

of sight, the line touches only the corners of the blocked

spaces and does not pass through either of them. Leoric

has line of sight to the zombie's space.

2. Jain Fairwood is also equipped with a Ranged weapon

and wants to attack the zombie as well. However, when

tracing line of sight from any corner of her space, the

line passes either through or along the edge of a blocked

space. Remember that when tracing a line along the edge

of a blocked space, the target space is not in line of sight.

The zombie is not in Jain's line of sight and she cannot

target it with her attack.

1

2

13

COUNTING SPACES

Some abilities require players to count the spaces from a figure to the

target of the ability. When counting spaces for attacks and abilities,

players ignore any non-obstacle terrain in those spaces (see “Terrain” on

page 18). The player just needs to verify that his target is in range for

the ability to reach the target. If an ability affects figures within a specified

number of spaces, line of sight is not needed unless specifically noted.

However, when counting spaces for an ability, players cannot count spaces

through a door because the spaces are not considered adjacent.

4. SPEND SURGES

If there are any surge results (�) obtained during the attack roll, the

attacking player may spend these surges on different abilities. Weapons,

skills, hero abilities, and items may all have surge abilities for the attacking

player to choose from. An attacking monster can spend surges to trigger

certain abilities listed on its Monster card (see “Monster Card Anatomy”

on page 16).

Each individual � rolled during the attack roll may be spent once to

trigger surge abilities. Each surge ability may only be triggered once per

attack. However, if the attacker has access to two different surge abilities

with identical effects, he can trigger both effects if he obtained enough

�results.

Up to one unused � may be used by an attacking hero to recover one

fatigue. Monsters cannot use a � to recover fatigue.

Note: Surge abilities may only be triggered during attacks unless

otherwise specified.

Example: Grisban the Thirsty obtains two � results from his attack roll.

His Chipped Greataxe has two different surge abilities that have the same

effect (“�: +1 �”). He decides to spend one � from his attack roll to

trigger one of the abilities on his Chipped Greataxe. He could trigger the

second surge ability to add another “+1 �” to his attack, but he would

rather recover fatigue. He decides to spend his remaining � to recover one

fatigue.

5. DEAL DAMAGE

The target of an attack has the chance to cancel some or all of the damage

from the attack. The defending player adds up all the � results in his

defense pool. Each � result cancels one damage (�) from the attack. Any

damage not canceled by a � is suffered by the defending figure. Ignore any

excess � results.

The defending player tracks the damage by placing damage tokens on his

Hero sheet (in the case of heroes) or near the monster figure (in the case

of the overlord). If this damage ever equals or exceeds the figure’s Health,

the figure is defeated (see “Defeated” on page 15).

Example: Avric Albright attacks a goblin archer on his turn, obtaining three

� results from his attack roll. The overlord rolls the defense pool for the

goblin archer, obtaining two � results. Since only two � results are canceled,

the goblin archer suffers one damage. The overlord player takes one damage

token from the supply and places it near the goblin archer’s figure.

Note: Defense dice are used to cancel damage only during an attack. If

an ability causes a figure to suffer damage for any other reason, that figure

cannot roll defense dice to cancel any of that damage.

ATTACK KEYWORDS

Some abilities are abbreviated on cards through the use of keywords,

which are explained below.

BLAST

On a Blast attack, all spaces adjacent to the targeted space are also affected

by the attack. The attacker rolls his attack pool once and applies the

result to each affected figure, but each affected figure individually rolls its

defense pool separately. Only the target space needs to be in range and in

line of sight of the attacker. Blast attacks affect both enemy and friendly

figures, and a figure can only be affected by Blast once per attack.

PIERCE

On a Pierce attack, the attack ignores a number of � results generated by

the defending player (either through their defense roll or other abilities)

equal to the rating of Pierce. Pierce from multiple sources are added

together, which means that an attack with both “Pierce 1” and “Pierce 2”

ignores up to 3 �.

REACH

The Reach keyword allows the figure to use a Melee attack to target a

figure up to two spaces away, rather than only adjacent spaces. The target

still needs to be in line of sight.

Damage and Health

Attacks, skills, and abilities can deal damage (�) to heroes and monsters.

The total amount of damage a hero or a monster can suffer is equal to

its Health (listed on the Hero sheet or Monster card). When a hero or

monster suffers damage equal to its Health, that figure is immediately

defeated (see “Defeated” on page 15). Ignore any damage suffered in

excess of a figure’s Health.

Fatigue and Stamina

Heroes voluntarily suffer fatigue (�) in order to use skills or move

additional spaces. To suffer fatigue, the player takes the number of fatigue

tokens equal to the cost and places them on his Hero sheet. When using

skills or moving, a hero may only suffer fatigue up to an amount equal

to his Stamina. If any other game effect forces a hero to suffer fatigue in

excess of his Stamina, he instead suffers damage equal to the excess fatigue

that would have been suffered.

Since monsters do not have a Stamina value, if a monster suffers any

amount of fatigue, it suffers that amount of damage instead.

Example: Tomble has a Stamina of “5” and has already suffered four fatigue

due to various game effects. He would like to use his “Unseen” skill, but this

skill has a fatigue cost of “2,” which would take Tomble past his Stamina.

As a result, he cannot use the skill. Later, he is struck by Lord Merick’s “Wither”

As a result, he cannot use the skill. Later, he is struck by Lady Eliza's "Wail"

effect, which causes Tomble to suffer two fatigue. He suffers one fatigue and

one damage, as the second fatigue would take him past his Stamina value.

Recovering Damage

and Fatigue

When a hero suffers damage or fatigue, the hero player takes

the appropriate number of damage or fatigue tokens from the

supply and places them on his Hero sheet. If that hero later

recovers damage or fatigue, he discards the appropriate number

of damage or fatigue tokens from his Hero sheet and returns

them to the supply.

14

Combat Example

1. Declare weapon and target: Tomble

decides to perform an attack. He declares

his equipped weapon, which is a Ranged

weapon, as shown by the icon on the card.

Since this is a Ranged attack, Tomble may

target any space in his line of sight (see“Line

of Sight” on page 12). He declares his

target to be the master zombie.

Attack Pool Defense Pool

2. Roll Dice: After declaring his weapon and target, Tomble

creates his attack pool. The dice used for the attack are listed

on the chosen weapon's card. The overlord player creates his

defense pool for the attack. Because the zombie is a master

monster, he references the master section (bottom) of the

Monster card. Both players simultaneously roll their dice.

3. Check Range: Since this is a Ranged attack, Tomble must

roll enough range in order to not miss his target. Starting with

an adjacent space of his choice, Tomble counts the spaces to his

target. His target is three spaces away. He then adds up the range

rolled on his attack roll, which is four. Tomble has sufficient

range to hit his target.

4. Spend Surges: Tomble now has a

chance to spend any � rolled on the

attack roll to trigger any abilities he

might have. His weapon card has two

abilities listed; “�: +1 Range, +1 �”

and “�: Stun.” He rolled 1 � on his

attack roll and decides to spend it to

deal +1 � on the attack.

5. Deal Damage: Tomble now counts up all � rolled on the

attack, including any abilities that add additional � to the attack.

Tomble rolled 3 � on his attack roll and spent 1 � to trigger an

ability that added +1 � to the attack, giving him a total of 4 �

for this attack. The overlord counts up all � rolled on his defense

roll. He only rolled 1 � on his defense roll, canceling 1 � from

the attack. The master zombie suffers 3 �. Since he has 6 Health,

he is not defeated by the attack. The overlord places 3 damage

tokens near the zombie figure.

4 � – 1 � = 3 �

1

2

5

1

2

3

4

15

Defeated

When a hero or monster suffers damage equal to or greater than its

Health, it is defeated. Unless specified differently in a given quest, when a

monster is defeated, it is simply removed from the map and is no longer in

play. When a hero is defeated, he is knocked out.

play. When a hero is defeated, he is knocked out. If a hero is defeated at

any point during his own turn, that hero's turn immediately ends.

KNOCKED OUT

When a hero is defeated, he immediately suffers fatigue up to his Stamina,

damage up to his Health (if defeated by some other effect), and the

controlling player removes his figure from the map, replacing it with

one of his hero tokens. The hero player discards any Condition cards he

has and the overlord player may immediately draw one Overlord card.

A hero cannot use skills or abilities while knocked out, unless an effect

specifically allows it.

Heroes cannot suffer fatigue past their Stamina value, nor damage past

their Health value—even when knocked out. A knocked out hero cannot

receive any Condition cards and is immune to all attacks and most hero

abilities.

A space containing a knocked out hero (represented by a hero token) is

considered to be empty to other figures for the purposes of movement. In

other words, any figure may move through and end its movement in that

space. Also, knocked out heroes do not block line of sight.

Unless revived by another hero, a knocked out hero may only perform

one action on his next turn, and that action must be to stand back up (see

“Stand Up” on page 10).

A knocked out hero may still recover damage from other heroes through

the use of skills, potions, and being revived (see “Revive a Hero” on page

10). If a knocked out hero recovers at least one damage, he immediately

replaces his hero token with his figure and may perform actions as normal

on his next turn.

Conditions

Some abilities and effects have the chance of inflicting conditions, such as

Poisoned, upon heroes and monsters. Additionally, some attacks have a

� ability featuring a condition (such as Disease, Immobilize, Poison, or

Stun). If the attack deals at least 1 �(after rolling defense dice), the target

suffers the listed condition.

When a hero is affected by a condition, the controlling player takes the

corresponding Condition card and places it near his Hero sheet. If a

monster is affected by a condition, the overlord player places a condition

token next to the monster figure. Refer to the rules on the Condition card

for the specific effects of that condition. A figure cannot be affected by

the same condition more than once at any given time.

Trading Items

Heroes may give or receive Shop Item cards, Relic cards, and Search

cards to or from each other during a move action. At any point during

his move action, a hero may trade any number of Shop Item cards, Relic

cards, or Search cards with an adjacent hero. Trading does not require an

additional action or the expense of movement points.

A hero must still wait to equip any cards he receives until the start of

his next turn. Heroes cannot trade Class cards (including their starting

equipment) with each other. A hero may give another hero a card without

receiving one in return; likewise, a hero may receive a card without giving

one in return.

Carrying Objective Tokens

Certain quests allow heroes or monsters to pick up objective tokens.

Figures may pick up these objective tokens by performing a special

action while adjacent to or in the same space as the objective token. The

objective token is then placed on either the Hero sheet (if carried by a

hero) or on the monster figure’s base (if carried by a monster). While a

figure is carrying an objective token, no other figure can pick it up. A

figure can drop an objective token in an adjacent space by performing an

action. When a figure carrying an objective is defeated, place the token in

that figure’s space. It may now be picked up by another figure.

Heroic Feats

Each hero player has access to a heroic feat as listed on his Hero sheet.

These are powerful, once-per-encounter abilities that let hero players do

something spectacular. Some heroic feats require an action to perform and

are denoted with a �. Regardless of when it is performed, a heroic feat

can only be performed once per encounter. After a hero player performs

his heroic feat, he flips his Hero sheet facedown to indicate that it has

been used during this encounter. At the start of the next encounter, the

hero player flips his Hero sheet so that his heroic feat is available again.

Attribute Tests

Heroes are often required to test attributes at different points throughout

the game. All heroes have four attributes listed on their Hero sheets (see

“Hero Sheet Anatomy” on page 7). To test an attribute, the hero

player must roll one gray defense die and one black defense die together.

He must roll a number of � equal to or less than his hero’s attribute to

pass the test. Otherwise, he fails the test. The card or ability that requires

the attribute test will specify a result dependent upon whether the test

passed or failed.

Lieutenants have attributes and make attribute tests, just like heroes.

However, minion and master monsters do not have attributes. If a minion

or master monster is required to make an attribute test, it automatically

fails the test. Remember, cards or abilities that reference defense dice do

not apply to attribute tests unless specifically noted.

Attributes

�: Might is a measure of a character’s strength, toughness, and

his ability to overcome physical obstacles.

�: Knowledge is a measure of a character’s education,

experience, and general intelligence.

�: Willpower is a measure of a character’s mental constitution,

devotion, and discipline.

�: Awareness is a measure of a character’s dexterity, vigilance,

and perception.

Knocked Out Heroes

While monster attacks cannot target or affect a knocked out

hero, hero players may only target a knocked out hero with an

ability that would allow the knocked out hero to recover any

amount of damage. For this exception, the knocked out hero’s

hero token is treated as a hero even if another figure occupies

the space containing the hero token.

16

Overlord Cards

Overlord cards represent the different powers of

the overlord and provide an element of surprise to

the heroes. The Overlord deck consists of 15 basic

Overlord cards. If players use the Epic Play or

campaign rules, the overlord player may modify

his deck with upgraded cards (see “Spending

Experience Points: Overlord” on page 20).

At the beginning of his turn, the overlord player

draws one Overlord card. He adds this card to his

hand, which is kept hidden from the hero players. There is no cost to play

an Overlord card and no limit to how many cards the overlord player can

play during his turn.

Each card specifies when it may be played. Two Overlord cards with the

same name cannot be played on the same target in response to the same

triggering condition. After resolving the effects of an Overlord card, place

it faceup in the discard pile.

Example: During his turn, the overlord player decides to activate his zombie

monster group. After moving one of his zombie figures, he plays “Frenzy”

on that figure, which reads “Play this card on a monster during your turn.”

on that figure, which reads “Play this card when activating a monster during your turn.”

The overlord player cannot play an additional “Frenzy” on that particular

zombie during his turn. However, he may play another “Frenzy” card on a

different zombie during his turn.

In certain quests, the overlord player may discard Overlord cards to

trigger special abilities. Refer to the text in the Quest Guide for any

special abilities related to the quest.

The overlord player has no hand limit for Overlord cards. When the

overlord player draws the last card from his deck, he simply shuffles the

discard pile to create a new deck.

Monsters

Monsters are the overlord’s primary weapon against heroes and the tools

used to complete his objective. Each type of monster has a Monster card

associated with that monster type. Monsters are placed and activated in

groups. The size of the monster group is determined by the number of

heroes in the game. Each Monster card lists the number of monsters in a

group based on the number of heroes. All monsters of a given type are

considered to be part of the same monster group. Any game effect that

affects a monster group affects each monster within that group.

For each monster type in the game, there are two different varieties:

minions and masters. Minions are represented by tan monster figures and

are the basic monsters. Master monsters are represented by red monster

figures and are more powerful than minions. Monster cards list the

information for both minion and master monsters of each monster type.

Unless playing a campaign or Epic Play, always use Act I Monster cards.

Large Monsters

Some monster figures occupy more than one space on the map. These

are known as large monsters. When determining movement for

large monsters, the overlord player chooses one of the spaces that the

monster occupies and counts movement from the chosen space as if the

figure occupied one space. When the monster ends (or interrupts) its

movement, the overlord player places the large monster figure so that one

of the spaces its base occupies includes the space where the monster ended

its movement. The monster may change the orientation of its base relative

to its starting position, but if the monster cannot fit its entire base on the

map, then it cannot end (or interrupt) its movement in that space.

The monster is only considered to have entered the one space in which it

ended its movement. In other words, large monsters “shrink” to move as

if they were normal-sized monsters, then “expand” again when they are

done moving.

When large monsters enter a space containing terrain, they are affected

just like any single-spaced figure. When large monsters end their

movement and their bases are placed on terrain that they did not move

through, refer to the individual terrain rules for what effects, if any, apply

to the large monster.

When interrupting a large monster’s movement to perform an action,

the overlord must be able to declare the action that the large monster will

perform before placing the monster’s figure on the map.

For an example of large monster movement, see “Large Monster

Movement” on page 17.

Monster Card Anatomy

1. Characteristics: The top of the card lists the

characteristics (Speed, Health, and Defense) of the

minion monster. The bottom of the card lists the same

information for the master monster.

2. Abilities: This area lists any abilities the monster has.

The minion monster abilities are listed in the yellow box

near the top of the card and the master monster abilities

are listed in the red box near the bottom of the card.

3. Dice: This area shows the dice types used when the

monster performs an attack. The dice for the minion

monster are listed above the art and the dice for the

master monster are listed under the monster name.

4. Attack Type Icon: This icon shows the type of attack

(Melee or Ranged) the monster has.

5. Monster Name: This area lists the name of the monster.

6. Act Icon: This icon shows the Act (I or II) in which the

Monster card is used.

7. Trait Icons: This area in the upper corners of the card

back lists the monster trait icons.

8. Ability Rules: This area explains the full details of the

monster’s abilities.

9. Monster Group: This section displays the monster

group limit, depending on the number of heroes playing

(see Quest Guide). The number of heroes is represented

by the gray silhouettes. The yellow box shows the

number of minion monsters in the group, and the

orange box shows the number of master monsters.

Monster card front Monster card back

5

3 5

4 6

1 6

1

2

2 7

8

9

3

7

17

Lieutenants

Lieutenants are powerful characters controlled by the overlord player.

The Quest Guide specifies which, if any, lieutenant to use and any special

rules concerning the lieutenant in that particular quest. Lieutenants

are represented on the map by lieutenant tokens, but they are treated

as monster figures for all purposes—including figure activations, unless

specified otherwise. Lieutenants have attributes and perform attribute

tests, just like heroes. Like Monster cards, Lieutenant cards also list the

dice used when lieutenants attack or defend. Each lieutenant is treated as

its own monster group.

Familiars

Some hero abilities and class skills give heroes

control over creatures known as familiars. These

familiars are represented by a token on the map

and cannot be targeted or affected by any attack

(unless otherwise noted, see “Familiars Treated as

Figures” on page 18).

A hero player may activate each familiar his hero controls once during

his hero turn (either before or after resolving all of his hero’s actions).

Activating a familiar does not require an action, but it may not interrupt

any other action. Essentially, a hero player with a familiar must choose

whether to activate his hero first or his familiar first. Regardless, both may

be activated during his turn.

When activated, a familiar may perform a move action following the same

rules as heroes. Familiars treat any special terrain (other than obstacles)

as water during their movement. The familiar may perform additional

types of actions during its activation, as noted on its Familiar card. These

additional actions, unless otherwise noted, may be performed in addition

to the move action and may interrupt the move action in a way similar to

hero move actions. If no such other actions are noted, then all the familiar

can do on its turn is move up to its Speed value.

Normally, a space containing a familiar does not block line of sight or

movement, unless otherwise noted on its Familiar card. Any figure may

end its movement in a space with a familiar. Likewise, a familiar may end

its movement in a space containing a figure.

Example: During her turn, Widow Tarha decides to activate her Reanimate

before her activation. Tarha moves the Reanimate up to its Speed of “3,”

attacks a barghest, and then proceeds with her activation.

Large Monster Movement

1. The overlord player has just attacked Widow Tarha

with his master ettin. He then decides to move the ettin.

2. The ettin has a Speed of “3,” so the overlord player

chooses a space occupied by the ettin to count

movement from and counts three spaces. With the ettin

out of the way, the overlord may now move his shadow

dragon into a space adjacent to Tarha.

3. The shadow dragon also has a Speed of “3,” so the

overlord counts three spaces from one of the spaces the

shadow dragon occupies (of his own choice) and, with

the ettin now in the other corner of the tile, there are

enough free spaces for the shadow dragon to end its

movement adjacent to Widow Tarha.

Lieutenant Card Anatomy

1. Name: This area lists the name of the lieutenant.

2. Attributes: This area lists all the attributes for the

lieutenant (Might, Knowledge, Willpower, and

Awareness).

3. Abilities: This area lists all the abilities for the

lieutenant.

4. Characteristics: This area lists the characteristics

(Speed, Health, and Defense) of the lieutenant. The

lieutenant's characteristics differ depending on the

number of heroes playing (represented by the gray

silhouettes).

5. Attack Type Icon: This icon shows the type of attack

(Melee or Ranged) the lieutenant has.

6. Dice: This area lists the dice use by the lieutenant when

performing an attack.

7. Act Icon: This icon shows the Act (I or II) in which the

Lieutenant card is used.

8. Ability Rules: This area explains the full details of the

lieutenant’s abilities.

Familiar token

2

1

2

3

Lieutenant card front Lieutenant card back

1

6

1

2

3

4

5 7

8

7

18

FAMILIARS TREATED AS FIGURES

Some familiars, such as the Reanimate, are treated as figures (as indicated

by its Familiar card). These familiars block line of sight and movement,

but are considered friendly figures for hero movement. They may be

targeted and affected by monster attacks, hero abilities, and Overlord

cards that target a hero. Similar to monsters, if they are required to

make an attribute test, they automatically fail. Unlike normal familiars,

these types of familiars are susceptible to the effects of terrain during

their movement and may be affected by conditions. When a familiar is

defeated, remove it from the map.

Terrain

Some spaces on the map have a terrain type as defined by the color-coded

line around the space or spaces. These spaces have effects on gameplay as

listed below. Sometimes a colored line will surround multiple spaces. All

spaces surrounded by a colored line follow the rules for that terrain type.

Examples of the artwork are also listed below. Many map tiles also feature

artwork that does not directly affect gameplay. All spaces on a map tile

that are not surrounded by a specific colored line as listed here are treated

as normal spaces regardless of the artwork.

Obstacles

Obstacles are defined by a red line surrounding

their spaces. These spaces are treated as blocked

spaces; they block movement and line of sight.

Water

Water spaces are defined by a blue line

surrounding them. A space containing water

costs two movement points to enter (instead of

the normal cost of one). Any figure entering a

water space must spend two movement points to

enter or it cannot enter that space. When a large

monster ends its movement adjacent to a water

space, it may freely place its base in the water

spaces without suffering any movement penalty.

Pit

Pit spaces are defined by a green line surrounding

them. If a figure enters a space containing a pit,

them. Each time a figure enters a pit space,

that figure falls into the pit, suffers two damage,

that figure suffers 2 �. A figure in a pit space cannot

and ends its move action. A figure in a pit only

spend movement points. Other game effects

has line of sight to adjacent figures, and only

that move a figure a number of spaces or place

adjacent figures have line of sight to a figure in

a figure in a different space without spending

a pit. While in a pit, the only action the figure can perform is a special

movement points can be used to exit a pit space. A figure in a pit space only

action to climb out of the pit. After performing one action to climb out of

has line of sight to adjacent figures, and only figures adjacent to a

the pit, place the figure in the closest available empty adjacent space of the

pit space have line of sight to a figure in that pit space. As an action, a

controlling player’s choice. Figures cannot jump over a pit space. Large

figure in a pit space may remove his figure from the map and place it in

monsters are only affected by pits if they end their movement and all

an adjacent empty space; if there is no adjacent empty space, the figure

spaces they occupy are pit spaces.

cannot perform this action. Large monsters suffer the effects of entering

and being in a pit space only if their movement ends or is interrupted so

that each space they occupy is a pit space.

Lava

Lava spaces are defined by a yellow line

surrounding them. A figure entering a space

containing lava immediately suffers one damage.

Any figure that ends its turn in a lava space is

immediately defeated. Heroes that are defeated

in this way place their hero token in the nearest

empty space (from where they were defeated)

that does not contain lava. A large monster

is immediately defeated only if all spaces it

occupies are lava spaces.

Quests

The Quest Guide contains 20 unique quests. Sixteen of these quests may

The Quest Guides contain nineteen unique quests. Sixteen of these quests may

be played individually, each in a single game session. The special Interlude

and Finale quests in the Quest Guide can only be played as part of the

campaign (see “Campaign Rules” on page 19) and are not intended to

be played as single game sessions.

Each quest has a unique map setup, as well as rules specific to that

quest. Most quests include multiple parts known as encounters. Each

quest. Some quests include multiple parts known as encounters. Each

encounter within a quest has its own map layout, rules, and objectives.

The Quest Guide lists the objectives for both the hero players and

the overlord player. When one side completes its objective, the quest

immediately transitions to the next encounter, or ends if the players are

already on the last encounter.

When players transition from one encounter of a quest to another, they

perform the following steps:

• Heroes keep all damage suffered during Encounter 1.

• Heroes recover all fatigue suffered during Encounter 1.

• Heroes keep all conditions they had at the end of Encounter 1.

• Each hero player flips his Hero sheet faceup.

• Heroes keep all search cards; any flipped cards remain flipped.

• Any knocked out heroes may perform a stand up action for free.

• The overlord player keeps his current hand of Overlord cards.

• Players disassemble the map for Encounter 1 and refer to the Quest

Guide in order to set up the map for Encounter 2.

The last encounter of a quest ends when one side meets the victory

condition.

Two-Hero Games

When playing with two heroes, the heroes receive an additional advantage.

Once during each hero’s turn, that hero may perform one attack that does

not require an action. This attack cannot be a special action that includes

an attack ("Rage" or "Exploding Rune" for example); the attack must be

a regular attack action. This attack can only be performed during the

“Perform Actions” step of the hero turn, and can be performed before or

after either of his actions.

At the end of each hero's turn, if that hero did not or could not perform

the free attack during his turn, he may instead recover 2 �.

Two-player Game

In a two-player game, the hero player controls two heroes. Each hero

takes his turn independently and is treated as if he is an individual hero

controlled by a different player. The only difference is that the same player

makes all decisions for both heroes.

The Golden Rules

There are a few very important rules that players should always

keep in mind when playing Descent: Journeys in the Dark

Second Edition. These rules are as follows:

• Many quest rules listed in the Quest Guide come

• Some cards and abilities come

in direct conflict with the rules found in this

rulebook. The quest rules listed in the Quest Guide

rulebook. Cards and abilities

take precedence over the rules in this rulebook.

Furthermore, some cards and abilities will come in

Furthermore, many quest rules listed in the Quest Guides come in

direct conflict with rules found in this rulebook and

direct conflict with cards, abilities, and the rules found in this rulebook.

the Quest Guide. Cards and abilities take precedence

The quest rules listed in the Quest Guides take precedence

over both the Quest Guide and this rulebook.

over cards, abilities, and the rulebook.

• Timing conflicts may arise when two or more players

wish to use an ability with the same triggering

condition. In these situations, the current player (the

player who is currently taking his turn) decides the

order in which the abilities are resolved.

• Players are not always limited by the number of

damage, fatigue, or condition tokens found in the

game. If players run out, they may use coins, beads, or

any other suitable replacements.

19

Advanced Rules

Players now have a basic understanding of how to play Descent: Journeys

in the Dark Second Edition and may now begin playing the game. The

following section contains advanced rules such as Epic Play and campaign

rules to enhance the game.

Epic Play

This optional rule is for players who wish to access high level Class, Shop

Item, and Overlord cards outside of a campaign setting. When using this

option, all players must agree upon a power level (listed below) after

choosing a quest. For rules on spending experience points, see “Spend

Experience Points” on page 20.

Basic Level: Follow normal setup.

Advanced Level: Each hero receives 3 experience points worth of Class

cards and 150 gold worth of Act I Shop Item cards (of their choice—

heroes may share gold). The overlord receives 4 experience points worth

of Overlord cards.

Expert Level: Each hero receives 6 experience points worth of Class cards

and 250 gold worth of Act I or Act II Shop Item cards (of their choice—

heroes may share gold). The overlord receives 8 experience points worth

of Overlord cards. The overlord uses his Act II Monster and Lieutenant

cards.

Campaign Rules

This section describes the rules for playing the quests in a series as part of

a larger campaign.

Campaign Overview

The twin baronies of Rhynn and Carthridge lie on the outskirts

The lost kingdom of Saradyn has remained hidden and quite for

of Terrinoth, far from the Free Cities. Baron Greigory often hosts

hundreds of years. Only when the heirs are gathered can the

his friend and ally, Baron Zachareth, at his seat in the capital city

throne's power and authority be passed to the next generation.

of Arhynn, and, over the years the two baronies have aided one

Since the death of her father, Lady Eliza Farrow has scoured

another in times of both war and peace. But now, both baronies

the world for the other heirs, ensuring that when the seals to the

are in peril. Monsters stalk their forests and mountains, moving

kingdom are finally broken, only she can inherit its glory.

with more purpose and coordination than ever before. A new

The great fortresses and towers of Saradyn lay in ruins. Its only

Overlord is rising, a wicked and dangerous foe, hidden in the

defense, an ancient order of monks and dwindling militia, stands

shadows, manipulating events according to his master plan. If the

powerless to oppose the mounting darkness that builds just

Overlord isn’t stopped, Rhynn and Carthridge alike will fall into

beyond the borders. Amidst whispers of Eliza's return, a small

darkness, and the rest of Terrinoth will soon follow. Fortunately,

group of monks hurries to secure what aid they can find. Should

a small group of heroes are on the road to Arhynn…

their gambit fail, Eliza's rise to power will not end with Saradyn.

Over these next few months, the fate of all of Terrinoth hangs in

the balance. The time for heroes has come…

Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition is designed to be played

through the course of a campaign over several sessions. The campaign

follows the adventures of a dedicated group of heroes as they oppose

the malevolent overlord through a series of quests. After each quest, the

heroes and the overlord receive rewards (such as skills, items, Overlord

cards, or relics) based on their performance during that quest, which can

help them in future quests. The entire campaign is played over two Acts

and builds to a dramatic and exciting finale where the ultimate victor is

determined!

This core set of Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition features a

campaign entitled “The Shadow Rune,” which is described in detail in the

campaign entitled “Heirs of Blood,” which is described in detail in the

included Quest Guide. A complete campaign of “The Shadow Rune” is

included Quest Guides. A complete campaign of “Heirs of Blood” is

played over nine separate quests and will take approximately 20 hours of

gameplay to complete.

Starting a New Campaign

To start a new campaign, the players must assign roles for the campaign.

One player takes the role of the overlord. The other players take the roles

of the heroes. This process is identical to the rules described in “Setup”

on page 4, with exceptions as noted here. It’s important to note that

the choices the players make now are permanent for the duration of the

campaign. Make sure that each player is happy with his choice before

proceeding, because choosing heroes and classes is only performed at

the start of the campaign. If players cannot agree on which roles to play,

randomly determine roles.

New campaigns begin at Basic Level. The heroes have only the basic skill

and starting equipment for their class, and the overlord has only his basic

Overlord deck. Note that during the Choose Skills step of setup, hero

players do not return their Class deck to the box. Each hero player should

keep his Class deck facedown in his play area; he’ll continue to choose

new skills from this deck as the campaign progresses.

THE SHOP ITEM DECK

At the beginning of a new campaign, separate the Shop Item deck into

two piles: Act I and Act II. Place the Act II Item cards back in the game

box. They will not be needed until the campaign moves into Act II (see

“Act II” on page 22).

MONSTERS & LIEUTENANTS

At the beginning of a new campaign, separate the Monster and

Lieutenant cards into two piles: Act I and Act II. Place the Act II cards

back in the game box; they will not be needed until the campaign moves

into Act II (see “Act II” on page 22).

CAMPAIGN MAP

The last page of the Quest Guide features a map of the land where the

The back page of both Quest Guides features a map of the land where the

campaign takes place. Each quest location is labeled on the map connected

by paths that the heroes use to travel. Each path has an icon representing

what type of travel event might happen while traveling on that path (see

“Travel” on page 22).

Quests in a Campaign

After player roles, heroes, and classes have been selected, players set up the

first quest, labeled “First Blood” in the Quest Guide. The introduction

first quest, labeled “Acolyte of Saradyn” in the Act I Quest Guide. The introduction

quest is short, relatively simple, and is an ideal way for new players to

learn the game. The first quest, and each quest thereafter, is played exactly

as normal with few exceptions. However, after each quest, players gain

rewards that they may use to customize or modify their hero or deck.

Ending a Session

Since a campaign can take up to 20 hours to complete, it is

intended to be played over the course of several game sessions.

When the time comes to end the current session, players should

record all important information on the Campaign sheet (see

“Record-Keeping and Storage” on page 21). A good time to

end a session is after the Shopping step of the Campaign phase

end a session is after the Spend Experience Points step of the Campaign phase

(see “The Campaign Phase” on page 20).

20

The Campaign Phase

After each quest of a campaign, there is a Campaign phase during which

players may make decisions on how to upgrade their heroes and prepare

for the next quest. It is important to note that most quests have two

for the next quest. It is important to note that some quests have two

encounters and the Campaign phase does not take place until the entire

quest is finished. During the Campaign phase, all players may spend

experience points to enhance their abilities. Also, the heroes may visit

the shop in Arhynn to purchase new equipment. The following steps are

the shop to purchase new equipment. The following steps are

performed during each Campaign phase.

1. Receive Gold from Search Cards: Record the total gold value of

every Search card the heroes acquired over the course of this quest

Saved Diffs

Diff history

 Introduction
 They crept down the stone stairs as silently as possible, not daring to announce
 their presence to whatever foul minions lurked in the shadows. The faint glow from
 Leoric’s enchanted stone did little to illuminate the gathering dark. Jain slowly
 notched an arrow, gracefully pulling her bowstring taut as the small silhouette of
 Tomble spun his knives behind her. “He is here somewhere,” Avric whispered, “be
 prepared.”
 “Greetings, brave heroes,” a boisterous voice suddenly announced from the
 darkness. “You have come so far! ‘Tis a shame your journey ends here...” As the
 voice faded to the sound of distant cackling, dozens of monstrous shapes emerged
 to surround the heroes. The chamber soon rang with the sounds of battle...
 Game Overview
 Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition is a game for two to five players
 in which one player takes on the role of the overlord, while all other players
 take on the roles of heroes. During each game, the heroes undertake quests
 by venturing into dangerous caves, ancient ruins, dark dungeons, and
 cursed forests. Along the way, they will battle monsters, earn riches,
 and attempt to stop the overlord from carrying out his evil plot.
 Object of the Game
-Before each game, the players select one of the quests listed in the Quest Guide.
+Before each game, the players select one of the quests listed in the Quest Guides.
 Each quest presents the players with specific objectives they need to complete to win the
 game. The heroes will either win or lose as a team, while the overlord wins or loses individually.
 The game can also be played as a campaign with multiple quests linked together to form an
 epic story. During a campaign, players earn upgrades and increase in power over the course
 of several play sessions. The majority of this rulebook is written assuming that players are
 playing a single scenario (and not the campaign). Campaign rules are explained later in this
 rulebook (see “Campaign Rules” on page 19).
 Component List
 This game includes the following:
 • This Rulebook
-• 1 Quest Guide
+• 2 Quest Guides
 • 8 Hero Figures
 • 31 Monster Figures, consisting of:
 – 5 Zombies; 4 tan and 1 red
 – 5 Goblin Archers; 4 tan and 1 red
 – 5 Cave Spiders; 4 tan and 1 red
 – 4 Flesh Moulders; 3 tan and 1 red
 – 4 Barghests; 3 tan and 1 red
 – 2 Ettins; 1 tan and 1 red
 – 2 Elementals; 1 tan and 1 red
 – 2 Merriods; 1 tan and 1 red
 – 2 Shadow Dragons; 1 tan and 1 red
 • 9 Custom Six–sided Dice, consisting of:
 – 1 Blue Attack Die
 – 2 Red Power Dice
 – 2 Yellow Power Dice
 – 1 Brown Defense Die
 – 2 Gray Defense Dice
 – 1 Black Defense Die
 • 7 Plastic Stands
 • 8 Hero Sheets
-• 1 Pad of Campaign Sheets
 • 152 Small Cards, consisting of:
 – 84 Class Cards
 – 20 Act I Shop Item Cards
 – 14 Act II Shop Item Cards
 – 16 Condition Cards
 – 12 Search Cards
 – 6 Relic Cards
 • 84 Bridge-sized Cards, consisting of:
 – 40 Overlord Cards
 – 18 Monster Cards
 – 12 Lieutenant Cards
 – 10 Travel Event Cards
-– 4 Activation Cards
+– 4 Reference Cards
 • 205 Tokens, consisting of:
 – 48 Map Tiles
 – 45 Damage Tokens
 – 35 Fatigue Tokens
 – 7 Doors
 – 16 Hero Tokens
 – 9 Search Tokens
 – 6 Lieutenant Tokens
 – 10 Objective Tokens
 – 8 Villager Tokens
 – 20 Condition Tokens
 – 1 Reanimate Familiar Token
 Component Overview
 This section describes the various components in detail.
-Quest Guide
+Quest Guides
-The Quest Guide lists all of the quests in the game,
+The Quest Guides list all of the quests in the game,
 including setup, special rules, and the objectives
-for each quest. Players will refer to this guide when
+for each quest. Players will refer to these guides when
 choosing and setting up each quest.
 Plastic Figures
 Heroes and monsters are represented
 on the game board by plastic figures.
 Hero figures are gray, while each
 monster is either tan or red. Tan
 monsters represent minion monsters
 and red monsters represent master
 monsters, more powerful versions of
 the minion monsters.
 Custom Dice
 These dice are used to resolve attacks, tests, and other
 similar game elements which rely on a randomly
 determined outcome.
 Hero Sheets
 Each Hero sheet contains all the information the
 player needs to play a particular hero.
-Campaign Sheets
-These sheets are used during campaign play. Players use
-these sheets to track important information between game
-sessions within a campaign.
 Class Cards
 These cards are divided into eight separate decks
 that represent the eight different hero classes in the
 game. Each deck contains all the skills and starting
 equipment belonging to that class.
 Shop Item Cards
 These cards represent the different items heroes can
 find or purchase in the game. They are divided into
 Act I items and Act II items.
 Condition Cards
 The rules for the different ongoing effects in the
 game are listed on these cards. When a figure is
 inflicted with a condition, players use these cards to
 reference the effects of that condition.
 Search Cards
 These cards represent useful items that heroes may
 discover during a quest. Search cards are drawn
 when a hero performs a search action. During
 campaign play, heroes also receive the amount of
 gold listed on the card.
 Relic Cards
 Relic cards represent unique and powerful items in
 the campaign. These items can be acquired by either
 the hero players or the overlord player.
 Overlord Cards
 The overlord player uses these cards to
 perform various abilities, such as benefiting
 monsters or springing a trap on the heroes.
 There are both basic Overlord cards, which
 the overlord player begins the game with, as
 well as upgrade cards, which he can purchase
 with experience points when playing the campaign.
 Monster Cards
 These cards list all the information for the
 different monsters in the game. The face
 of the card shows the monster’s important
 characteristics and abilities, while the back
 of the card lists detailed rules for all the
 monster’s abilities as well as the number of
 figures used based on the number of heroes
 in the game. Each monster has both an Act I
 card and an Act II card.
 Lieutenant Cards
 Similar to the Monster cards, these cards list
 the information of the overlord’s powerful
 allies known as lieutenants. Each lieutenant
 has both an Act I card and an Act II card.
 Travel Event Cards
 During campaign play, these cards determine
 if there is an event for the heroes while they
 travel.
-Activation Cards
+Reference Cards
 These cards list a summary of the hero and
 overlord turns, and they mark which heroes
 have completed their turn. There are four
 different colors of these cards and each color
 corresponds to a color of hero token.
 Map Tiles
 These puzzle-cut tiles represent
 different locations heroes explore
 during the game. Each quest has a
 unique layout that uses different
 combinations of map tiles. All map
 tiles are double-sided, with one side
 showing an indoor location and
 the other side showing an outdoor
 environment.
 Damage and Fatigue
 Tokens
 These tokens track the amount of damage
 or fatigue heroes suffer during a quest. The
 damage tokens are also used to track damage
 monsters and lieutenants have suffered.
 Doors and Plastic
 Stands
 These doors are placed on the map in
 some quests. There are both normal
 doors and locked doors. Before playing
 the game, insert each door token into
 one plastic stand.
 Hero Tokens
 These tokens are useful for keeping track of important
 information as instructed by the rules or card effects.
 Search Tokens
 These tokens mark the spaces in a quest where heroes can
 search for items, potions, and quest specific articles. One
 of these tokens has a unique back and is only used during
 specific quests.
 Lieutenant Tokens
 These tokens represent lieutenants on the map. The
 art on the token matches the art on the corresponding
 Lieutenant card.
 Objective Tokens
 Many quests in the game have different objectives for
 both the overlord player and the hero players. These
 tokens mark the locations of objectives on the map.
 Objective tokens have a unique colored back for use in
 specific quests.
 Villager Tokens
 These tokens represent the different characters that
 heroes can encounter in quests, such as villagers,
 guards, or other characters important to a particular
-quest. The Quest Guide lists any special rules regarding
+quest. The Quest Guides list any special rules regarding
 these characters.
 Condition Tokens
 These tokens are used to signify when monsters are
 affected by ongoing effects. These tokens correspond to
 various Condition cards.
 Familiar Token
 This token is used to represent a familiar controlled by a
 hero player. In this case, the Necromancer's Reanimate.
 Before Play
 Before playing Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition, carefully
 punch out all tokens and map tiles from the cardboard frames. Then,
 insert the door tokens into the plastic stands.
-Some of the larger monster figures require a little basic assembly. Players
+Some of the larger monster figures may require a little basic assembly. Players
 should simply insert the appropriate monster figure pieces into the
 corresponding monster figure. If players wish, they may use a small
 amount of hobby glue when assembling the figures.
 Setup
 Setting up a game of Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition
 involves different steps for the overlord player and the hero players.
 Certain quests may also have quest specific setup instructions listed in the
-Quest Guide. The following instructions are written assuming players
+Quest Guides. The following instructions are written assuming players
 are playing the basic game. The basic game is a single quest played over
 the course of a single play session. Players may also play quests as part of a
 campaign or using the Epic Play variant (see “Campaign Rules” and “Epic
 Play” on page 19).
 General Setup
 Before playing, set up the game as follows:
 . Choose Quest: Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition
-includes 16 unique quests (along with 4 campaign-specific quests)
+includes 16 unique quests (along with 3 campaign-specific quests)
 with specific setup instructions and objectives for both the heroes and
 the overlord. When choosing which quest to play, refer to the Quest
-Guide. For a player’s first game, we suggest choosing “First Blood,” an
+Guides. For a player’s first game, we suggest choosing “Acolyte of Saradyn,” an
 introductory quest.
 . Assemble Map: Players refer to the chosen quest’s “Encounter 1”
 diagram in the Quest Guide to assemble the map. Place any doors
 used in the quest as indicated in the Quest Guide.
 . Choose Player Roles: Players decide who will take on the role of the
 overlord. It is recommended that the most experienced player take on
 this role. All other players take on the roles of the heroes. If all players
 do not agree, then this decision is made randomly (such as by rolling
 a die).
 . Prepare Tokens: Sort all damage, fatigue, hero, and condition tokens
 into piles by type. Place each pile of tokens within easy reach of all
 players.
 . Assemble Search Deck and Condition Cards: Take all the Search
 cards and shuffle them together. Place the Search deck facedown
 within easy reach of the hero players. Place the Condition cards in
 separate piles based on their type, within easy reach of all players.
 Hero Archetypes
 Every hero has an archetype that is printed on his Hero sheet.
 This archetype defines what classes are available to that hero.
 These archetypes are:
 Warrior Healer Mage Scout
 Hero Setup
 After completing General Setup, the hero players continue setup
 as follows. The overlord player then performs Overlord Setup (see
 “Overlord Setup”).
-. Take Activation Cards and Hero Tokens: Each hero player chooses
+. Take Reference Cards and Hero Tokens: Each hero player chooses
-one Activation card and takes the hero tokens of the corresponding
+one Reference card and takes the hero tokens of the corresponding
 color.
 . Choose Heroes: All hero players must agree on which player controls
 which hero. Each hero player chooses one Hero sheet and takes the
 corresponding hero figure. In a two-player game, the lone hero player
 controls two different heroes (see “Two-player Game” on page 18).
 . Choose Classes: Each hero player chooses one Class deck matching
 his chosen hero’s archetype icon (printed on his Hero sheet; see
 “Hero Archetypes” on page 4). Each archetype has different
 classes available; there are two such classes available for each archetype
 in the game, each one defining which skills are available to a hero of
 that class. Any Class deck belonging to a class not chosen is returned
 to the game box.
 When a player chooses a class for his hero, he takes the deck of cards
 for that class (see “Class Card Anatomy” on page 8). This Class
 deck includes the starting equipment for the hero, as well as all of
 the skills associated with that class. A player may not select a hero
 class that does not match the archetype icon shown on the hero’s
 Hero sheet. Furthermore, a player may not select a class that has been
 chosen by another player.
 . Choose Skills: Every hero begins the game with the basic skill (the
 skill card with no experience icon) and starting equipment from his
 Class deck.
 When playing the basic game, all other skills are returned to the game
 box. These skills are only used if playing a campaign or using the Epic
 Play variant (see “Campaign Rules” and “Epic Play” on page 19).
 . Place Heroes: Each player places his hero figure on the map in the
 area indicated by the quest rules for hero setup. This is typically on an
 entrance tile.
 Map Tile Breakdown
 . Map Tile: A map tile is a single large token used with
 other map tiles to build the quest map.
 . Space: Each map tile consists of several square spaces
 (such as the one marked in red). Spaces may have special
 rules depending on their contents.
 . Tile Code: All map tiles are labeled with a unique tile
 code for easy identification. Each tile code consists of
 one number and one letter.
 . Edge: Each map tile features a puzzle-cut edge used to
 connect other tiles. The black borders of a tile represent
 impassable walls that cannot normally be moved
 through (see “Moving Off the Map” on page 9).
 Overlord Setup
 The overlord player performs the following steps after hero players
 perform Hero Setup (see “Hero Setup”).
 . Choose Monsters: The Quest Guide lists the monster group options
 available to the overlord for the chosen quest. He takes the Act I
 Monster cards and figures for the chosen monster groups and places
-them in front of him. See “Monsters” on page 2 of the Quest Guide
+them in front of him. See “Monsters” on page 2 of the Act I Quest Guide
 for more rules on choosing monsters.
 Many quests also feature a specific lieutenant that the overlord uses
 during the quest. The overlord player takes the appropriate Act I
 Lieutenant card and token and places them in front of him.
 . Perform Quest Setup: The overlord refers to the “Setup” section of
 the chosen quest and follows the instructions listed. This includes
 placing monster figures, objective tokens, search tokens, and villager
 tokens as indicated on the quest map.
 . Create Overlord Deck: The overlord player shuffles the 15 basic
 Overlord cards to create his Overlord deck.
 When playing the basic game, all other Overlord cards are returned
 to the game box. These cards are only used if playing a campaign or if
 using the Epic Play variant (see “Campaign Rules” and “Epic Play” on
 page 19).
 . Draw Overlord Cards: The overlord player draws a number of
 Overlord cards equal to the number of heroes into his hand (see
 “Overlord Cards” on page 16).
 After players have finished Hero Setup and Overlord Setup, they are
 ready to begin playing the game.
 Setup Diagram (Four-player Game)
 . Map: The map is set up in the center of the play area with the
 hero and monster figures, search tokens, and any objective
 tokens placed in the appropriate spaces described in the Quest
 Guide.
 . Hero Sheets: Hero players place their Hero sheets faceup in
 front of them.
 . Class Cards: Hero players place their Class cards faceup in front
 of them, next to their Hero sheets.
-. Activation Cards and Hero Tokens: Hero players place their
+. Reference Cards and Hero Tokens: Hero players place their
-Activation cards with the corresponding hero tokens in front of
+Reference cards with the corresponding hero tokens in front of
 them, for easy reference.
 . Overlord Cards: The overlord player shuffles his deck of
 Overlord cards and places it facedown in front of him.
 . Monster Cards: The overlord player takes all Monster cards
 needed for the quest, specified in the Quest Guide, and places
 them in front of him.
 . Damage and Fatigue Token Supplies: Place all damage and
 fatigue tokens in separate piles within easy reach of all players.
 . Search Cards: Shuffle the deck of Search cards and place it
 facedown near the map within easy reach of the hero players.
 . Condition Cards and Tokens: Place all Condition cards and
 tokens within easy reach of all players.
 . Dice: Place all of the dice near the center of the play area within
 easy reach of all players.
 5
-2
 4
 Playing the Game
 Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition is played over a number of
 game rounds. A round consists of each player taking one turn, beginning
 with one of the heroes. Each player completes his entire turn before
 another player begins his turn. Each round, the hero players decide as a
 group the order in which they wish to act. This order may be different
 each round. If they cannot all agree on an order, they proceed clockwise,
 starting with the player seated to the left of the overlord. After all heroes
 have completed their turns, the overlord’s turn begins. After the overlord
 player finishes his turn, the round ends and a new round begins.
 Hero Turn Summary
 During each hero turn, the active hero player performs the following steps
 in order.
 . Start of Turn: During this step, any effects affecting the active hero
 that last “until the start of your next turn” end. Also, the hero player
 may use any abilities that trigger “at the start of your turn.” Then
 the hero player refreshes his exhausted cards (see “Exhausting and
 Refreshing Cards” on page 8).
 . Equip Items: If the player wishes to equip different items, he must
 do so during this step. The Equipment section of the rulebook gives
 full details about equipping cards and the limits of what a hero can
 have equipped (see “Equipment” on page 11). Any excess items are
 flipped facedown and may not be used until they are equipped.
 . Perform Actions: During each hero’s turn, he receives two actions.
 He may perform these actions in any order he chooses, and he is not
 required to perform both actions. Unless noted otherwise, an action
 must be resolved completely before the hero performs his next action.
 The player may perform any of the actions summarized below, and
 may even perform the same action twice. See “Hero Turn in Detail”
 on page 8 for more details on these actions.
 • Move: The hero moves his hero figure up to a number of
 spaces equal to the hero’s Speed. The hero may interrupt
 his movement with another action and then complete his
 movement after the other action is resolved.
 • Attack: The hero attacks a monster.
 • Use a Skill: The hero uses a skill listed on one of his Class cards
 that requires an action. These actions are denoted with a �.
 • Rest: The hero will recover all fatigue at the end of this turn.
 • Search: If the hero is adjacent to or in a space containing a
 search token, he may reveal the search token.
 • Stand Up: This is the one and only action that a knocked out
 hero may perform during his turn. This action allows the hero
 to recover damage and prepare to be activated as normal next
 round.
 • Revive a Hero: The hero restores health to a knocked out hero
 in an adjacent space.
 • Open or Close a Door: The hero opens or closes one adjacent
 door.
 • Special: Different cards or quests may provide heroes with
 unique actions to perform. These actions are either clearly
 stated “as an action” or noted with a �.
-. Flip Activation Card: After a hero player has finished performing his
+. Flip Reference Card: After a hero player has finished performing his
-actions, that hero player flips his Activation card facedown to indicate
+actions, that hero player flips his Reference card facedown to indicate
 that his turn is over.
-After the player flips his Activation card, another hero begins his turn.
+After the player flips his Reference card, another hero begins his turn.
-After all heroes’ Activation cards are facedown (showing the overlord
+After all heroes’ Reference cards are facedown (showing the overlord
 turn summary), proceed to the overlord turn (see “Overlord Turn
 Summary” on page 8).
 Hero Sheet Anatomy
 . Hero Name and Archetype: This area displays the
 name of the hero and the archetype that hero is
 associated with. When choosing a class, the archetype
 icon must match the corresponding Class deck in order
 for that class to be chosen.
 . Characteristics: All of the hero’s characteristics are
 shown here. The listed characteristics are, from top
 to bottom, Speed, Health, Stamina, and Defense.
 Speed determines how many movement points a figure
 receives when performing a move action. A figure’s
 Health is the amount of damage it can suffer before
 being defeated, while Stamina represents the maximum
 amount of fatigue it may suffer (see “Damage and
 Health” and “Fatigue and Stamina” on page 13). A
 hero’s Defense value shows the type of defense dice he
 rolls when attacked.
 . Hero Ability: All heroes have a unique ability that is
 displayed here.
 . Attributes: Hero attributes are shown in this area. The
 listed attributes are Might �, Knowledge�,
 Willpower�, and Awareness�. These attributes
 are often tested at different times to see if the hero is
 able to perform a particular skill, resist a special monster
 attack, or avoid a trap played by the overlord (see
 “Attribute Tests” on page 15).
 . Heroic Feat: This area displays the hero’s heroic feat.
 When a hero uses his heroic feat, the hero player flips
 his Hero sheet over to indicate that the hero has used
 his heroic feat (see “Heroic Feats” on page 15).
 Hero sheet back
 Overlord Turn Summary
 During each overlord turn, the overlord player performs the following
 steps in order.
 . Start of Turn: During this step, any effects affecting the overlord that
 last “until the start of your next turn” end. Then, the overlord player
 draws one Overlord card, and he may play any number of Overlord
 cards that specifically state they may be played “at the start of your
 turn.” Then the overlord player refreshes his exhausted cards (see
 “Exhausting and Refreshing Cards” on page 8).
 . Activate Monsters: The overlord activates each of his monster
 groups, one at a time, in any order he chooses. Monsters are grouped
 together by type, and a monster group can contain both minion and
 master monsters (see “Monsters” on page 16).
-. End of Round: Each hero flips his Activation card faceup. The next
+. End of Round: Each hero flips his Reference card faceup. The next
 game round then begins, starting with a hero player’s turn.
 Winning the Game
 Each quest provides specific victory conditions for both the overlord
-player and the hero players. It is important to note that most quests
+player and the hero players. It is important to note that some quests
 consist of two parts, called Encounters. Completing Encounter 1 of a
 two-part quest does not determine a winner of the entire game. The first
 side (heroes or overlord) to satisfy the final encounter’s victory condition
 wins the game!
 Hero Turn in Detail
 During each hero turn, the hero may perform any two actions of his
 choice. This section explains detailed rules for actions.
 Move
 When a hero player performs a move action, he receives a number of
 movement points equal to his hero’s Speed (represented by a � on the
 Hero sheet). Moving into an adjacent space costs one movement point
 (with the exception of entering certain types of terrain; see “Terrain” on
 page 18). The player may choose to move fewer spaces than his hero’s
 Speed. A hero may also decide to perform two move actions consecutively,
 in which case the hero receives movement points equal to twice his Speed.
 Figures cannot move into or through spaces containing figures or
 obstacles (see “Terrain” on page 18). These spaces are known as
 blocked spaces. However, figures may move diagonally (including
 around corners and between two blocked spaces) and through friendly
 figures. A hero treats all other heroes as friendly figures, while a monster
 treats all other monsters as friendly figures. A figure cannot end its
 movement in the same space as another figure.
 A hero performing a move action may interrupt his movement to perform
 another action, such as attacking, and continue the rest of his movement
 after resolving the other action. For example, a hero with a Speed of “4”
 could move two spaces, perform an attack, and then move two more
 spaces after resolving the attack.
 Monsters follow the same movement rules as heroes when moving except
 that monsters cannot suffer fatigue to receive additional movement points
 (see “Additional Movement” below).
 ADDITIONAL MOVEMENT
 A hero may suffer fatigue to receive additional movement points during
 his turn. For each fatigue suffered, the hero receives one movement point.
 If the hero already has fatigue equal to his Stamina, he may not suffer
 any more fatigue to receive additional movement points (see “Fatigue
 and Stamina” on page 13). A hero player is not required to perform a
 move action in order to suffer fatigue to move. During his turn, before or
 after resolving an action or during a move action, a hero may suffer fatigue
 to gain movement points.
 Exhausting and
 Refreshing Cards
 Some cards require the player to exhaust them when they are
 used. When a player exhausts a card, he simply rotates the card
 sideways to indicate that he has used its ability. At the start
 of a player’s turn, he refreshes all of his exhausted cards by
 returning them to their upright position. A player cannot use
 an exhausted card until it is refreshed.
 Class Card Anatomy
 . Archetype Icon: This icon shows which archetype the
 class belongs to. A hero must have a matching archetype
 icon on his Hero sheet to choose this class (see “Hero
 Sheet Anatomy” on page 7).
 . Class Name: This is the name of the class. All Class
 cards with a matching name belong to the same Class
 deck.
 . Skill Name: The skill name is listed at the top of the
 card along with the class name.
 . Experience Icon: This number shows how many
 experience points it costs to purchase the skill. Heroes
 begin play their basic skill cards and starting equipment.
 These basic cards have no experience icon on them.
 . Rules: This area lists the rules for the skill.
 . Fatigue Cost: Some skills require the hero to suffer
 fatigue to use. That amount of fatigue is listed here with
 the fatigue icon. Any Class card without a fatigue cost
 may be used without suffering fatigue.
 Exhausted Card Refreshed Card
 Class card back Class card front
 MOVING OFF THE MAP
 Normally figures cannot move through the walls along the edge of a
 map tile. Some quests allow figures to move off the map. This usually
 requires either an entrance or exit tile (see below). To move off the map,
 the figure must move to one of the edge spaces (marked below in red) on
 the entrance or exit tile and then spend one movement point. Except for
 entrance or exit tiles, figures may not move through the black borders of
-the map tile, as these represent impassable walls. The Quest Guide defines
+the map tile, as these represent impassable walls. The Quest Guides define
 which tile is an entrance and which is an exit (if any).
 Attack
 When a hero player performs an attack action, he may use one of his
 equipped weapons to attack a space containing a monster. The hero’s
 equipped weapon determines which spaces the hero may target for the
 attack. A weapon with the Melee icon may only target a space adjacent
 (see “Adjacent Spaces” on page 10) to the attacking hero. A weapon
 with the Ranged icon may target any space in line of sight of the attacking
 hero (see “Combat” on page 12).
 Monster attacks follow the same rules when attacking heroes, except that
 monsters don’t have equipped weapons. Instead, the type of attack (Melee
 or Ranged) is listed on its Monster card (along with the dice used in the
 attack).
 Combat is performed by resolving the following steps in order. Each step
 is detailed in a later section (see “Combat” on page 12):
 . Declare Weapon and Target: The attacking player chooses which
 of his equipped weapons to use for this attack and declares the target
 of the attack (a space containing an enemy figure). The player then
 compiles his attack dice into a pool.
 . Roll Dice: The attacking player rolls his dice pool while the defending
 player rolls all necessary defense dice. If an attack affects multiple
 figures, each figure rolls its defense dice separately.
 . Check Range: When performing a Ranged attack, the attacking
 player must roll enough range to reach the target.
 . Spend Surges: After rolling the dice, the attacking player may spend
 any surge results to trigger special abilities.
 . Deal Damage: Any damage not canceled by defense dice or other
 effects is applied to each affected figure.
 Use a Skill
 When a hero performs a use a skill action, he may use a skill that has a �
 listed on his Class card. The player then resolves the skill by following the
 rules listed on the Class card. If the skill allows the hero to perform an
 attack, the normal rules for performing an attack action apply.
 Many skills also show a fatigue cost on the card. The hero must suffer this
 amount of fatigue in order to perform the � listed on the card or trigger
 an ability that requires the player to “exhaust this card,” or “use this
 card.” See “Fatigue and Stamina” on page 13 for more information on
 suffering fatigue.
 When using a skill, a hero cannot suffer fatigue that would exceed his
 Stamina. If a hero has already suffered fatigue equal to his Stamina, or if
 the skill would cause him to suffer more fatigue than his Stamina allows,
 he cannot use the skill until he recovers enough fatigue.
 Rest
 When a hero performs a rest action, he will recover all fatigue at the end
 of his turn. As a reminder that he has rested during his turn, he places a
-hero token on his Activation card. At the end of his turn, after the hero
+hero token on his Reference card. At the end of his turn, after the hero
-flips his Activation card, he discards the hero token and all fatigue from
+flips his Reference card, he discards the hero token and all fatigue from
 his Hero sheet.
 Movement Example
 . Grisban the Thirsty needs to move past the goblin
 archers in this room, but monster figures block
 movement for heroes, so he must find a way around
 them.
 . His Speed is “3,” so he could move straight ahead, but
 that move would not get him much closer to the hallway
 where he wants to go.
 . He can move diagonally to cover more ground. Players
 should note that the black edge of the map tile does not
 block diagonal movement around corners.
 Empty Spaces
 Some card effects and abilities refer to empty spaces. An empty
 space is defined as a space that contains no figures and that
 blocks neither line of sight nor movement. Unless otherwise
 noted, spaces containing tokens are still considered to be empty
 for the purposes of these effects.
 Melee Ranged
 Edge spaces of Entrance and Exit tiles
 Search
 If a hero is adjacent to or in a space that contains a search token, he may
 perform a search action to search that space. The hero player flips the
 search token faceup and discards it. If the token is not unique, the player
 draws the top Search card from the Search deck. Some quests use the
 unique search token to represent items unique to that quest. If the hero
 reveals the unique search token, do not draw a Search card. Instead, refer
 to the Quest Guide for details on what the hero discovers.
 Some Search cards may be used for a one-time effect (as listed on the
 card). After using a Search card, the player flips the card facedown and
 keeps it in his play area (see “Search Card Anatomy” on page 10).
 Stand Up
 When a hero is knocked out, he can only perform a stand up action (see
 “Knocked Out” on page 15). In addition, this action may only be
 performed by a hero that is knocked out. To stand up, the player rolls two
 red power dice, recovers damage equal to the � rolled, recovers fatigue
 equal to the � rolled, replaces his hero token with his hero figure, and
-then flips his Activation card facedown to indicate his turn is over (he
+then flips his Reference card facedown to indicate his turn is over (he
 may not perform an additional action). If another figure occupies the
 space containing the hero token, the standing hero figure is placed in the
 closest empty space to his hero token of that hero player's choice.
 Revive a Hero
 When a hero performs a revive a hero action, he may revive a knocked
 out hero (see “Knocked Out” on page 15) whose hero token is in an
 adjacent space. The knocked out hero rolls two red power dice, recovers
 damage equal to the � rolled, recovers fatigue equal to the � rolled, and
 then replaces his hero token with his figure. If another figure occupies the
 space containing the hero token, he places his figure in the closest empty
 space to his hero token of that hero player's choice.
 Open or Close a Door
 When a hero or monster performs an open or close a door action, he
 may open or close one adjacent door. Some doors are locked or otherwise
 sealed in a unique way and cannot be opened normally. Refer to the Quest
 Guide for special instructions in these cases. When a door is opened,
 remove it from the map and set it near its original location. If it is later
 closed, return the door to its original location. Figures cannot move
 or trace line of sight through doors. Spaces separated by a door are not
 considered to be adjacent.
 Special
 During quests and campaigns, heroes may acquire Search cards, Shop
 Item cards, or Relic cards that contain actions denoted with a �. These
 actions may be performed in the same manner as using a skill on a Class
 card. Some heroic feats are also denoted with a � and require an action
 to perform (see “Heroic Feats” on page 15).
 Certain quest rules also provide quest-specific actions that may be
 performed by the heroes during the quest. Refer to the Quest Guide for
 any actions available to the heroes.
 Overlord Turn in Detail
 The overlord player takes his turn after all hero players have completed
 their turns. At the beginning of his turn, the overlord player draws
 one card from the top of the Overlord deck. After drawing a card, the
 overlord player may play any number of cards that state they are played “at
 the start of your turn,” including the card just drawn. All Overlord cards
 specify the timing in which they may be played (see “Overlord Cards” on
 page 16).
 The majority of the overlord’s turn is spent activating his monsters.
 The overlord player may activate each of his monsters on the map once
 during his turn. He may perform up to two actions with each monster
 he activates. Each monster may only perform one attack action per
 activation.
 Adjacent Spaces
 Any space that shares an edge or corner with another space is
 defined as being adjacent to that space. In the example above,
 all of the red spaces are adjacent to Avric Albright. All spaces
 adjacent to a figure are also in line of sight of that figure (see
 “Line of Sight” on page 12).
 Search Card Anatomy
 . Name: This area lists the name of the Search card.
 . Traits: This area lists the traits for the item. Traits do
 not have any rules themselves, but other rules or abilities
 might refer to traits.
 . Ability: This section lists any rules or abilities.
 . Gold: When playing the campaign, this number shows
 how much gold the players have earned, in addition to
 the abilities listed on the card.
 Unique
 search token
 search token
 Monsters are activated by groups. In other words, all monsters of one
 type must be activated before moving on to the next group. The overlord
 player must activate all monster groups during his turn, even if the
 activated monsters perform no actions.
 Example: The overlord player has one group of zombies and one group of
 flesh moulders on the map. He decides to activate his zombies first. The
 overlord player must activate all the zombies before moving on to the group of
 flesh moulders.
 Monsters may perform the following actions, which are similar to the
 hero actions (see “Hero Turn in Detail” on page 8):
 • Move: The monster moves a number of spaces up to its Speed (see
 “Move” on page 8).
 • Attack: The monster attacks a hero (see “Attack” on page 9).
 Unlike heroes, a monster can attack only once during its activation.
 • Monster Action: Some monsters have unique actions listed on their
 Monster card with a �. If any special action allows the monster to
 perform an attack, it counts as the monster’s one attack action for
 that activation.
 • Open or Close a Door: The monster opens or closes one adjacent door
 (see “Open or Close a Door” on page 10).
 • Special: Different cards or quests may provide monsters with unique
 actions to perform. These actions are either clearly stated “as an action”
 or noted with a �.
 Core Rules
 This section describes core concepts and mechanics, including combat,
 using items, defeated figures, and more.
 The Dice
 Many situations during gameplay—such as combat or attribute tests—
 require dice rolls to resolve. There are three different types of dice in the
 game: attack dice, power dice, and defense dice. Some types of dice come
 in different varieties (such as red and yellow power dice). Usually these
 dice are mixed and rolled together as a single pool of dice. Players are
 not limited to the number of dice included in the game. If more dice are
 needed for a roll, the player simply rolls all the dice he can, records the
 results, and rerolls any other dice needed. Below are the symbols on the
 various dice within the game:
 �: This symbol represents damage being dealt on an attack roll, or
 damage being recovered.
 �: This symbol, called a surge, allows players to trigger powerful
 abilities, or recover fatigue (see “4. Spend Surges” on page 13).
 X: The attack die features a “X” on one side, which results in the attack
 being a miss (see “2. Roll Dice” on page 12).
 –6: Some dice also have a number on them, which determines how
 much range a given attack has (see “3. Check Range” on page 12).
 �: This symbol appears on defense dice and allows the player rolling the
 dice to cancel damage (see “5. Deal Damage” on page 13).
 Equipment
 Each hero can carry any number of Shop Item, Class, and Search cards
 he chooses. However, the number of these cards that a hero may equip is
 limited. Hero players indicate which items are not equipped by flipping
 them facedown or placing them under their Hero sheet. Any Shop Item
 or Class cards (such as starting equipment) can only be used while a hero
 has that card equipped.
 EQUIPMENT LIMITS
 These equip icons represent certain equipping restrictions:
 Hands Armor Other
 • Heroes have two hands. The combination of items they equip cannot
 have more than two hand icons in total.
 • A hero can equip only 1 Armor item.
 • A hero can equip up to 2 Other items.
 Cards that do not contain at least one of these icons can be equipped
 without restriction. These cards remain faceup near the Hero sheet and
 can be used as specified on the card.
 Shop Item Card Anatomy
 . Name: This area lists the name of the item.
 . Attack Type: This icon defines the item as either a
 Melee weapon or a Ranged weapon (see “Attack” on
 page 9). Cards without one of these icons are not
 considered weapons.
 . Equip Icon: These icons limit how many items the hero
 can equip (see “Equipment” on page 11).
 . Dice Icons: This area lists the dice associated with the
 item. If the item is a weapon, these dice are used when
 attacking with the weapon. If the item is Armor, they are
 added to the player’s defense pool.
 . Cost: This number shows how much gold the item
 costs when shopping.
 . Traits: This area lists the traits for the item. Traits do
 not have any rules themselves, but other rules or abilities
 might refer to traits.
 . Rules: This section lists any special rules or abilities.
 4
 Attack die Power dice Defense dice
 Combat
 Listed below are the expanded rules for combat. These rules further
 explain the Attack steps explained earlier.
 . DECLARE WEAPON AND TARGET
 The attacking player declares which space his figure is attacking. The
 target space must contain one enemy figure as the target of the attack.
 When heroes attack large monsters (monster figures that occupy more
 than one space), it is important for the player to declare which specific
 space he is targeting because of attacks with the Blast keyword. A figure
 may only target a space in his line of sight (see “Line of Sight” on page
 ). A figure making a Melee attack can only target an adjacent space.
 A figure making a Ranged attack may target any figure in its line of sight
 (including adjacent spaces).
 The player must also declare which equipped weapon his hero is using.
 Heroes may either attack with one equipped weapon or their bare hands.
 A hero attacking with his bare hands can only target an adjacent space
 and rolls only the blue attack die for his attack. Only abilities on the
 chosen weapon may be used; if equipped with two weapons, abilities on
 the other weapon are ignored for the attack. If the hero wishes to make a
 Ranged attack, he must choose an equipped Ranged weapon.
 Monsters cannot equip weapons. The dice rolled for the monster’s attack,
 as well as the type of attack, are listed on its Monster card.
 Example: Jain Fairwood has her Yew Shortbow equipped, and two goblin
 archers are in her line of sight—one is adjacent and the other is two spaces
 away. Since she has a Ranged weapon equipped, she may choose to target
 either goblin archer.
 LINE OF SIGHT
 In order for a figure to have line of sight to a space, a player must be able
 to trace an uninterrupted, straight line from any corner of that figure’s
 space to any corner of the target space.
 If the line passes through the edge of a map tile, a door, or a blocked space
 (a space containing a figure or obstacle), the target space is not in line of
 sight (see “Line of Sight Example” on page 12).
 If the line passes along the edge of a blocked space (see “Line of Sight
 Example” on page 12), the target space is not in line of sight. However,
 if the line only touches the corner of a blocked space (without passing
 through the space itself ), the target space is in line of sight.
 Since adjacent spaces always share at least one common edge or corner,
 there is no need to trace line of sight between adjacent spaces. A space
 adjacent to a figure is in line of sight.
 . ROLL DICE
 The attacking player creates his attack pool by gathering all the dice
 listed on his equipped weapon or Monster card, and then rolls them for
 his attack roll. If an ability allows a player to add dice to this pool, he must
 do so before the roll.
 If an X is rolled on the blue attack die, the attack is considered a miss and
 all other results are ignored. If an X is not rolled, the attacking player adds
 up all of the � results on the dice to determine how much damage is dealt
 by this attack.
 The defending player—any player controlling a figure affected by the
 attack—creates his defense pool by gathering all the defense dice listed
 on his Hero sheet (in addition to any dice provided by equipment and
 card effects) or Monster card and rolls them for his defense roll. If an
 ability allows a player to add dice to this roll, he does so before the roll.
 The defending player adds up all of the � results on the dice to determine
 how much damage is canceled on this attack. If multiple figures are
 affected by the attack, each affected figure rolls its defense pool separately,
 keeping track of its own results.
 After all attack and defense dice have been rolled, players may use any
 abilities that allow them to reroll dice. Players should note that some cards
 and abilities specifically refer to defense dice. Unless specifically stated
 otherwise, these references apply only to defense dice rolled as part of an
 attack. For example, a player cannot use the "Iron Shield" card to allow
 him to reroll an attribute test.
 Example: Jain's Yew Shortbow uses the blue attack die and one yellow
 power die. The player controlling Jain Fairwood gathers these dice while the
 overlord player takes one gray defense die available to the goblin archer. Both
 players roll their respective dice pools.
 . CHECK RANGE
 Even though Ranged attacks may target any space in the attacker's line of
 sight, the attacker must roll enough range on his attack roll in order to
 deal damage to the target. Starting with the space adjacent to the attacker
 (of his choice), count the number of spaces to the target space. This
 number is the distance between the spaces. The numbers rolled on the
 dice are the maximum range of the attack. If the total range obtained from
 the attack roll does not equal or exceed the distance between the spaces,
 the attack is considered a miss unless the range can be increased (see “4.
 Spend Surges” on page 13).
 Example: Jain rolls “3” range on her blue attack die and “2” range on her
 yellow power die, for a total of “5” range. Since the goblin archer is only two
 spaces away, there is plenty of range for the attack to hit the target.
 Line of Sight Example
 . Leoric of the Book is equipped with a Ranged weapon
 and wants to perform an attack. He chooses to target
 the minion zombie with his attack. When tracing line
 of sight, the line touches only the corners of the blocked
 spaces and does not pass through either of them. Leoric
 has line of sight to the zombie's space.
 . Jain Fairwood is also equipped with a Ranged weapon
 and wants to attack the zombie as well. However, when
 tracing line of sight from any corner of her space, the
 line passes either through or along the edge of a blocked
 space. Remember that when tracing a line along the edge
 of a blocked space, the target space is not in line of sight.
 The zombie is not in Jain's line of sight and she cannot
 target it with her attack.
 COUNTING SPACES
 Some abilities require players to count the spaces from a figure to the
 target of the ability. When counting spaces for attacks and abilities,
 players ignore any non-obstacle terrain in those spaces (see “Terrain” on
 page 18). The player just needs to verify that his target is in range for
 the ability to reach the target. If an ability affects figures within a specified
 number of spaces, line of sight is not needed unless specifically noted.
 However, when counting spaces for an ability, players cannot count spaces
 through a door because the spaces are not considered adjacent.
 . SPEND SURGES
 If there are any surge results (�) obtained during the attack roll, the
 attacking player may spend these surges on different abilities. Weapons,
 skills, hero abilities, and items may all have surge abilities for the attacking
 player to choose from. An attacking monster can spend surges to trigger
 certain abilities listed on its Monster card (see “Monster Card Anatomy”
 on page 16).
 Each individual � rolled during the attack roll may be spent once to
 trigger surge abilities. Each surge ability may only be triggered once per
 attack. However, if the attacker has access to two different surge abilities
 with identical effects, he can trigger both effects if he obtained enough
 �results.
 Up to one unused � may be used by an attacking hero to recover one
 fatigue. Monsters cannot use a � to recover fatigue.
 Note: Surge abilities may only be triggered during attacks unless
 otherwise specified.
 Example: Grisban the Thirsty obtains two � results from his attack roll.
 His Chipped Greataxe has two different surge abilities that have the same
 effect (“�: +1 �”). He decides to spend one � from his attack roll to
 trigger one of the abilities on his Chipped Greataxe. He could trigger the
 second surge ability to add another “+1 �” to his attack, but he would
 rather recover fatigue. He decides to spend his remaining � to recover one
 fatigue.
 . DEAL DAMAGE
 The target of an attack has the chance to cancel some or all of the damage
 from the attack. The defending player adds up all the � results in his
 defense pool. Each � result cancels one damage (�) from the attack. Any
 damage not canceled by a � is suffered by the defending figure. Ignore any
 excess � results.
 The defending player tracks the damage by placing damage tokens on his
 Hero sheet (in the case of heroes) or near the monster figure (in the case
 of the overlord). If this damage ever equals or exceeds the figure’s Health,
 the figure is defeated (see “Defeated” on page 15).
 Example: Avric Albright attacks a goblin archer on his turn, obtaining three
 � results from his attack roll. The overlord rolls the defense pool for the
 goblin archer, obtaining two � results. Since only two � results are canceled,
 the goblin archer suffers one damage. The overlord player takes one damage
 token from the supply and places it near the goblin archer’s figure.
 Note: Defense dice are used to cancel damage only during an attack. If
 an ability causes a figure to suffer damage for any other reason, that figure
 cannot roll defense dice to cancel any of that damage.
 ATTACK KEYWORDS
 Some abilities are abbreviated on cards through the use of keywords,
 which are explained below.
 BLAST
 On a Blast attack, all spaces adjacent to the targeted space are also affected
 by the attack. The attacker rolls his attack pool once and applies the
 result to each affected figure, but each affected figure individually rolls its
 defense pool separately. Only the target space needs to be in range and in
 line of sight of the attacker. Blast attacks affect both enemy and friendly
 figures, and a figure can only be affected by Blast once per attack.
 PIERCE
 On a Pierce attack, the attack ignores a number of � results generated by
 the defending player (either through their defense roll or other abilities)
 equal to the rating of Pierce. Pierce from multiple sources are added
 together, which means that an attack with both “Pierce 1” and “Pierce 2”
 ignores up to 3 �.
 REACH
 The Reach keyword allows the figure to use a Melee attack to target a
 figure up to two spaces away, rather than only adjacent spaces. The target
 still needs to be in line of sight.
 Damage and Health
 Attacks, skills, and abilities can deal damage (�) to heroes and monsters.
 The total amount of damage a hero or a monster can suffer is equal to
 its Health (listed on the Hero sheet or Monster card). When a hero or
 monster suffers damage equal to its Health, that figure is immediately
 defeated (see “Defeated” on page 15). Ignore any damage suffered in
 excess of a figure’s Health.
 Fatigue and Stamina
 Heroes voluntarily suffer fatigue (�) in order to use skills or move
 additional spaces. To suffer fatigue, the player takes the number of fatigue
 tokens equal to the cost and places them on his Hero sheet. When using
 skills or moving, a hero may only suffer fatigue up to an amount equal
 to his Stamina. If any other game effect forces a hero to suffer fatigue in
 excess of his Stamina, he instead suffers damage equal to the excess fatigue
 that would have been suffered.
 Since monsters do not have a Stamina value, if a monster suffers any
 amount of fatigue, it suffers that amount of damage instead.
 Example: Tomble has a Stamina of “5” and has already suffered four fatigue
 due to various game effects. He would like to use his “Unseen” skill, but this
 skill has a fatigue cost of “2,” which would take Tomble past his Stamina.
-As a result, he cannot use the skill. Later, he is struck by Lord Merick’s “Wither”
+As a result, he cannot use the skill. Later, he is struck by Lady Eliza's "Wail"
 effect, which causes Tomble to suffer two fatigue. He suffers one fatigue and
 one damage, as the second fatigue would take him past his Stamina value.
 Recovering Damage
 and Fatigue
 When a hero suffers damage or fatigue, the hero player takes
 the appropriate number of damage or fatigue tokens from the
 supply and places them on his Hero sheet. If that hero later
 recovers damage or fatigue, he discards the appropriate number
 of damage or fatigue tokens from his Hero sheet and returns
 them to the supply.
 Combat Example
 . Declare weapon and target: Tomble
 decides to perform an attack. He declares
 his equipped weapon, which is a Ranged
 weapon, as shown by the icon on the card.
 Since this is a Ranged attack, Tomble may
 target any space in his line of sight (see“Line
 of Sight” on page 12). He declares his
 target to be the master zombie.
 Attack Pool Defense Pool
 . Roll Dice: After declaring his weapon and target, Tomble
 creates his attack pool. The dice used for the attack are listed
 on the chosen weapon's card. The overlord player creates his
 defense pool for the attack. Because the zombie is a master
 monster, he references the master section (bottom) of the
 Monster card. Both players simultaneously roll their dice.
 . Check Range: Since this is a Ranged attack, Tomble must
 roll enough range in order to not miss his target. Starting with
 an adjacent space of his choice, Tomble counts the spaces to his
 target. His target is three spaces away. He then adds up the range
 rolled on his attack roll, which is four. Tomble has sufficient
 range to hit his target.
 . Spend Surges: Tomble now has a
 chance to spend any � rolled on the
 attack roll to trigger any abilities he
 might have. His weapon card has two
 abilities listed; “�: +1 Range, +1 �”
 and “�: Stun.” He rolled 1 � on his
 attack roll and decides to spend it to
 deal +1 � on the attack.
 . Deal Damage: Tomble now counts up all � rolled on the
 attack, including any abilities that add additional � to the attack.
 Tomble rolled 3 � on his attack roll and spent 1 � to trigger an
 ability that added +1 � to the attack, giving him a total of 4 �
 for this attack. The overlord counts up all � rolled on his defense
 roll. He only rolled 1 � on his defense roll, canceling 1 � from
 the attack. The master zombie suffers 3 �. Since he has 6 Health,
 he is not defeated by the attack. The overlord places 3 damage
 tokens near the zombie figure.
 � – 1 � = 3 �
 Defeated
 When a hero or monster suffers damage equal to or greater than its
 Health, it is defeated. Unless specified differently in a given quest, when a
 monster is defeated, it is simply removed from the map and is no longer in
-play. When a hero is defeated, he is knocked out.
+play. When a hero is defeated, he is knocked out. If a hero is defeated at
+any point during his own turn, that hero's turn immediately ends.
 KNOCKED OUT
 When a hero is defeated, he immediately suffers fatigue up to his Stamina,
 damage up to his Health (if defeated by some other effect), and the
 controlling player removes his figure from the map, replacing it with
 one of his hero tokens. The hero player discards any Condition cards he
 has and the overlord player may immediately draw one Overlord card.
 A hero cannot use skills or abilities while knocked out, unless an effect
 specifically allows it.
 Heroes cannot suffer fatigue past their Stamina value, nor damage past
 their Health value—even when knocked out. A knocked out hero cannot
 receive any Condition cards and is immune to all attacks and most hero
 abilities.
 A space containing a knocked out hero (represented by a hero token) is
 considered to be empty to other figures for the purposes of movement. In
 other words, any figure may move through and end its movement in that
 space. Also, knocked out heroes do not block line of sight.
 Unless revived by another hero, a knocked out hero may only perform
 one action on his next turn, and that action must be to stand back up (see
 “Stand Up” on page 10).
 A knocked out hero may still recover damage from other heroes through
 the use of skills, potions, and being revived (see “Revive a Hero” on page
 ). If a knocked out hero recovers at least one damage, he immediately
 replaces his hero token with his figure and may perform actions as normal
 on his next turn.
 Conditions
 Some abilities and effects have the chance of inflicting conditions, such as
 Poisoned, upon heroes and monsters. Additionally, some attacks have a
 � ability featuring a condition (such as Disease, Immobilize, Poison, or
 Stun). If the attack deals at least 1 �(after rolling defense dice), the target
 suffers the listed condition.
 When a hero is affected by a condition, the controlling player takes the
 corresponding Condition card and places it near his Hero sheet. If a
 monster is affected by a condition, the overlord player places a condition
 token next to the monster figure. Refer to the rules on the Condition card
 for the specific effects of that condition. A figure cannot be affected by
 the same condition more than once at any given time.
 Trading Items
 Heroes may give or receive Shop Item cards, Relic cards, and Search
 cards to or from each other during a move action. At any point during
 his move action, a hero may trade any number of Shop Item cards, Relic
 cards, or Search cards with an adjacent hero. Trading does not require an
 additional action or the expense of movement points.
 A hero must still wait to equip any cards he receives until the start of
 his next turn. Heroes cannot trade Class cards (including their starting
 equipment) with each other. A hero may give another hero a card without
 receiving one in return; likewise, a hero may receive a card without giving
 one in return.
 Carrying Objective Tokens
 Certain quests allow heroes or monsters to pick up objective tokens.
 Figures may pick up these objective tokens by performing a special
 action while adjacent to or in the same space as the objective token. The
 objective token is then placed on either the Hero sheet (if carried by a
 hero) or on the monster figure’s base (if carried by a monster). While a
 figure is carrying an objective token, no other figure can pick it up. A
 figure can drop an objective token in an adjacent space by performing an
 action. When a figure carrying an objective is defeated, place the token in
 that figure’s space. It may now be picked up by another figure.
 Heroic Feats
 Each hero player has access to a heroic feat as listed on his Hero sheet.
 These are powerful, once-per-encounter abilities that let hero players do
 something spectacular. Some heroic feats require an action to perform and
 are denoted with a �. Regardless of when it is performed, a heroic feat
 can only be performed once per encounter. After a hero player performs
 his heroic feat, he flips his Hero sheet facedown to indicate that it has
 been used during this encounter. At the start of the next encounter, the
 hero player flips his Hero sheet so that his heroic feat is available again.
 Attribute Tests
 Heroes are often required to test attributes at different points throughout
 the game. All heroes have four attributes listed on their Hero sheets (see
 “Hero Sheet Anatomy” on page 7). To test an attribute, the hero
 player must roll one gray defense die and one black defense die together.
 He must roll a number of � equal to or less than his hero’s attribute to
 pass the test. Otherwise, he fails the test. The card or ability that requires
 the attribute test will specify a result dependent upon whether the test
 passed or failed.
 Lieutenants have attributes and make attribute tests, just like heroes.
 However, minion and master monsters do not have attributes. If a minion
 or master monster is required to make an attribute test, it automatically
 fails the test. Remember, cards or abilities that reference defense dice do
 not apply to attribute tests unless specifically noted.
 Attributes
 �: Might is a measure of a character’s strength, toughness, and
 his ability to overcome physical obstacles.
 �: Knowledge is a measure of a character’s education,
 experience, and general intelligence.
 �: Willpower is a measure of a character’s mental constitution,
 devotion, and discipline.
 �: Awareness is a measure of a character’s dexterity, vigilance,
 and perception.
 Knocked Out Heroes
 While monster attacks cannot target or affect a knocked out
 hero, hero players may only target a knocked out hero with an
 ability that would allow the knocked out hero to recover any
 amount of damage. For this exception, the knocked out hero’s
 hero token is treated as a hero even if another figure occupies
 the space containing the hero token.
 Overlord Cards
 Overlord cards represent the different powers of
 the overlord and provide an element of surprise to
 the heroes. The Overlord deck consists of 15 basic
 Overlord cards. If players use the Epic Play or
 campaign rules, the overlord player may modify
 his deck with upgraded cards (see “Spending
 Experience Points: Overlord” on page 20).
 At the beginning of his turn, the overlord player
 draws one Overlord card. He adds this card to his
 hand, which is kept hidden from the hero players. There is no cost to play
 an Overlord card and no limit to how many cards the overlord player can
 play during his turn.
 Each card specifies when it may be played. Two Overlord cards with the
 same name cannot be played on the same target in response to the same
 triggering condition. After resolving the effects of an Overlord card, place
 it faceup in the discard pile.
 Example: During his turn, the overlord player decides to activate his zombie
 monster group. After moving one of his zombie figures, he plays “Frenzy”
-on that figure, which reads “Play this card on a monster during your turn.”
+on that figure, which reads “Play this card when activating a monster during your turn.”
 The overlord player cannot play an additional “Frenzy” on that particular
 zombie during his turn. However, he may play another “Frenzy” card on a
 different zombie during his turn.
 In certain quests, the overlord player may discard Overlord cards to
 trigger special abilities. Refer to the text in the Quest Guide for any
 special abilities related to the quest.
 The overlord player has no hand limit for Overlord cards. When the
 overlord player draws the last card from his deck, he simply shuffles the
 discard pile to create a new deck.
 Monsters
 Monsters are the overlord’s primary weapon against heroes and the tools
 used to complete his objective. Each type of monster has a Monster card
 associated with that monster type. Monsters are placed and activated in
 groups. The size of the monster group is determined by the number of
 heroes in the game. Each Monster card lists the number of monsters in a
 group based on the number of heroes. All monsters of a given type are
 considered to be part of the same monster group. Any game effect that
 affects a monster group affects each monster within that group.
 For each monster type in the game, there are two different varieties:
 minions and masters. Minions are represented by tan monster figures and
 are the basic monsters. Master monsters are represented by red monster
 figures and are more powerful than minions. Monster cards list the
 information for both minion and master monsters of each monster type.
 Unless playing a campaign or Epic Play, always use Act I Monster cards.
 Large Monsters
 Some monster figures occupy more than one space on the map. These
 are known as large monsters. When determining movement for
 large monsters, the overlord player chooses one of the spaces that the
 monster occupies and counts movement from the chosen space as if the
 figure occupied one space. When the monster ends (or interrupts) its
 movement, the overlord player places the large monster figure so that one
 of the spaces its base occupies includes the space where the monster ended
 its movement. The monster may change the orientation of its base relative
 to its starting position, but if the monster cannot fit its entire base on the
 map, then it cannot end (or interrupt) its movement in that space.
 The monster is only considered to have entered the one space in which it
 ended its movement. In other words, large monsters “shrink” to move as
 if they were normal-sized monsters, then “expand” again when they are
 done moving.
 When large monsters enter a space containing terrain, they are affected
 just like any single-spaced figure. When large monsters end their
 movement and their bases are placed on terrain that they did not move
 through, refer to the individual terrain rules for what effects, if any, apply
 to the large monster.
+When interrupting a large monster’s movement to perform an action,
+the overlord must be able to declare the action that the large monster will
+perform before placing the monster’s figure on the map.
 For an example of large monster movement, see “Large Monster
 Movement” on page 17.
 Monster Card Anatomy
 . Characteristics: The top of the card lists the
 characteristics (Speed, Health, and Defense) of the
 minion monster. The bottom of the card lists the same
 information for the master monster.
 . Abilities: This area lists any abilities the monster has.
 The minion monster abilities are listed in the yellow box
 near the top of the card and the master monster abilities
 are listed in the red box near the bottom of the card.
 . Dice: This area shows the dice types used when the
 monster performs an attack. The dice for the minion
 monster are listed above the art and the dice for the
 master monster are listed under the monster name.
 . Attack Type Icon: This icon shows the type of attack
 (Melee or Ranged) the monster has.
 . Monster Name: This area lists the name of the monster.
 . Act Icon: This icon shows the Act (I or II) in which the
 Monster card is used.
 . Trait Icons: This area in the upper corners of the card
 back lists the monster trait icons.
 . Ability Rules: This area explains the full details of the
 monster’s abilities.
 . Monster Group: This section displays the monster
 group limit, depending on the number of heroes playing
 (see Quest Guide). The number of heroes is represented
 by the gray silhouettes. The yellow box shows the
 number of minion monsters in the group, and the
 orange box shows the number of master monsters.
 Monster card front Monster card back
 5
 6
 6
 7
 Lieutenants
 Lieutenants are powerful characters controlled by the overlord player.
 The Quest Guide specifies which, if any, lieutenant to use and any special
 rules concerning the lieutenant in that particular quest. Lieutenants
 are represented on the map by lieutenant tokens, but they are treated
 as monster figures for all purposes—including figure activations, unless
 specified otherwise. Lieutenants have attributes and perform attribute
 tests, just like heroes. Like Monster cards, Lieutenant cards also list the
 dice used when lieutenants attack or defend. Each lieutenant is treated as
 its own monster group.
 Familiars
 Some hero abilities and class skills give heroes
 control over creatures known as familiars. These
 familiars are represented by a token on the map
 and cannot be targeted or affected by any attack
 (unless otherwise noted, see “Familiars Treated as
 Figures” on page 18).
 A hero player may activate each familiar his hero controls once during
 his hero turn (either before or after resolving all of his hero’s actions).
 Activating a familiar does not require an action, but it may not interrupt
 any other action. Essentially, a hero player with a familiar must choose
 whether to activate his hero first or his familiar first. Regardless, both may
 be activated during his turn.
 When activated, a familiar may perform a move action following the same
 rules as heroes. Familiars treat any special terrain (other than obstacles)
 as water during their movement. The familiar may perform additional
 types of actions during its activation, as noted on its Familiar card. These
 additional actions, unless otherwise noted, may be performed in addition
 to the move action and may interrupt the move action in a way similar to
 hero move actions. If no such other actions are noted, then all the familiar
 can do on its turn is move up to its Speed value.
 Normally, a space containing a familiar does not block line of sight or
 movement, unless otherwise noted on its Familiar card. Any figure may
 end its movement in a space with a familiar. Likewise, a familiar may end
 its movement in a space containing a figure.
 Example: During her turn, Widow Tarha decides to activate her Reanimate
 before her activation. Tarha moves the Reanimate up to its Speed of “3,”
 attacks a barghest, and then proceeds with her activation.
 Large Monster Movement
 . The overlord player has just attacked Widow Tarha
 with his master ettin. He then decides to move the ettin.
 . The ettin has a Speed of “3,” so the overlord player
 chooses a space occupied by the ettin to count
 movement from and counts three spaces. With the ettin
 out of the way, the overlord may now move his shadow
 dragon into a space adjacent to Tarha.
 . The shadow dragon also has a Speed of “3,” so the
 overlord counts three spaces from one of the spaces the
 shadow dragon occupies (of his own choice) and, with
 the ettin now in the other corner of the tile, there are
 enough free spaces for the shadow dragon to end its
 movement adjacent to Widow Tarha.
 Lieutenant Card Anatomy
 . Name: This area lists the name of the lieutenant.
 . Attributes: This area lists all the attributes for the
 lieutenant (Might, Knowledge, Willpower, and
 Awareness).
 . Abilities: This area lists all the abilities for the
 lieutenant.
 . Characteristics: This area lists the characteristics
 (Speed, Health, and Defense) of the lieutenant. The
 lieutenant's characteristics differ depending on the
 number of heroes playing (represented by the gray
 silhouettes).
 . Attack Type Icon: This icon shows the type of attack
 (Melee or Ranged) the lieutenant has.
 . Dice: This area lists the dice use by the lieutenant when
 performing an attack.
 . Act Icon: This icon shows the Act (I or II) in which the
 Lieutenant card is used.
 . Ability Rules: This area explains the full details of the
 lieutenant’s abilities.
 Familiar token
 Lieutenant card front Lieutenant card back
 7
 FAMILIARS TREATED AS FIGURES
 Some familiars, such as the Reanimate, are treated as figures (as indicated
 by its Familiar card). These familiars block line of sight and movement,
 but are considered friendly figures for hero movement. They may be
 targeted and affected by monster attacks, hero abilities, and Overlord
 cards that target a hero. Similar to monsters, if they are required to
 make an attribute test, they automatically fail. Unlike normal familiars,
 these types of familiars are susceptible to the effects of terrain during
 their movement and may be affected by conditions. When a familiar is
 defeated, remove it from the map.
 Terrain
 Some spaces on the map have a terrain type as defined by the color-coded
 line around the space or spaces. These spaces have effects on gameplay as
 listed below. Sometimes a colored line will surround multiple spaces. All
 spaces surrounded by a colored line follow the rules for that terrain type.
 Examples of the artwork are also listed below. Many map tiles also feature
 artwork that does not directly affect gameplay. All spaces on a map tile
 that are not surrounded by a specific colored line as listed here are treated
 as normal spaces regardless of the artwork.
 Obstacles
 Obstacles are defined by a red line surrounding
 their spaces. These spaces are treated as blocked
 spaces; they block movement and line of sight.
 Water
 Water spaces are defined by a blue line
 surrounding them. A space containing water
 costs two movement points to enter (instead of
 the normal cost of one). Any figure entering a
 water space must spend two movement points to
 enter or it cannot enter that space. When a large
 monster ends its movement adjacent to a water
 space, it may freely place its base in the water
 spaces without suffering any movement penalty.
 Pit
 Pit spaces are defined by a green line surrounding
-them. If a figure enters a space containing a pit,
+them. Each time a figure enters a pit space,
-that figure falls into the pit, suffers two damage,
+that figure suffers 2 �. A figure in a pit space cannot
-and ends its move action. A figure in a pit only
+spend movement points. Other game effects
-has line of sight to adjacent figures, and only
+that move a figure a number of spaces or place
-adjacent figures have line of sight to a figure in
+a figure in a different space without spending
-a pit. While in a pit, the only action the figure can perform is a special
+movement points can be used to exit a pit space. A figure in a pit space only
-action to climb out of the pit. After performing one action to climb out of
+has line of sight to adjacent figures, and only figures adjacent to a
-the pit, place the figure in the closest available empty adjacent space of the
+pit space have line of sight to a figure in that pit space. As an action, a
-controlling player’s choice. Figures cannot jump over a pit space. Large
+figure in a pit space may remove his figure from the map and place it in
-monsters are only affected by pits if they end their movement and all
+an adjacent empty space; if there is no adjacent empty space, the figure
-spaces they occupy are pit spaces.
+cannot perform this action. Large monsters suffer the effects of entering
+and being in a pit space only if their movement ends or is interrupted so
+that each space they occupy is a pit space.
 Lava
 Lava spaces are defined by a yellow line
 surrounding them. A figure entering a space
 containing lava immediately suffers one damage.
 Any figure that ends its turn in a lava space is
 immediately defeated. Heroes that are defeated
 in this way place their hero token in the nearest
 empty space (from where they were defeated)
 that does not contain lava. A large monster
 is immediately defeated only if all spaces it
 occupies are lava spaces.
 Quests
-The Quest Guide contains 20 unique quests. Sixteen of these quests may
+The Quest Guides contain nineteen unique quests. Sixteen of these quests may
 be played individually, each in a single game session. The special Interlude
 and Finale quests in the Quest Guide can only be played as part of the
 campaign (see “Campaign Rules” on page 19) and are not intended to
 be played as single game sessions.
 Each quest has a unique map setup, as well as rules specific to that
-quest. Most quests include multiple parts known as encounters. Each
+quest. Some quests include multiple parts known as encounters. Each
 encounter within a quest has its own map layout, rules, and objectives.
 The Quest Guide lists the objectives for both the hero players and
 the overlord player. When one side completes its objective, the quest
 immediately transitions to the next encounter, or ends if the players are
 already on the last encounter.
 When players transition from one encounter of a quest to another, they
 perform the following steps:
 • Heroes keep all damage suffered during Encounter 1.
 • Heroes recover all fatigue suffered during Encounter 1.
 • Heroes keep all conditions they had at the end of Encounter 1.
 • Each hero player flips his Hero sheet faceup.
 • Heroes keep all search cards; any flipped cards remain flipped.
 • Any knocked out heroes may perform a stand up action for free.
 • The overlord player keeps his current hand of Overlord cards.
 • Players disassemble the map for Encounter 1 and refer to the Quest
 Guide in order to set up the map for Encounter 2.
 The last encounter of a quest ends when one side meets the victory
 condition.
+Two-Hero Games
+When playing with two heroes, the heroes receive an additional advantage.
+Once during each hero’s turn, that hero may perform one attack that does
+not require an action. This attack cannot be a special action that includes
+an attack ("Rage" or "Exploding Rune" for example); the attack must be
+a regular attack action. This attack can only be performed during the
+“Perform Actions” step of the hero turn, and can be performed before or
+after either of his actions.
+At the end of each hero's turn, if that hero did not or could not perform
+the free attack during his turn, he may instead recover 2 �.
 Two-player Game
 In a two-player game, the hero player controls two heroes. Each hero
 takes his turn independently and is treated as if he is an individual hero
 controlled by a different player. The only difference is that the same player
 makes all decisions for both heroes.
 The Golden Rules
 There are a few very important rules that players should always
 keep in mind when playing Descent: Journeys in the Dark
 Second Edition. These rules are as follows:
-• Many quest rules listed in the Quest Guide come
+• Some cards and abilities come
 in direct conflict with the rules found in this
-rulebook. The quest rules listed in the Quest Guide
+rulebook. Cards and abilities
 take precedence over the rules in this rulebook.
-Furthermore, some cards and abilities will come in
+Furthermore, many quest rules listed in the Quest Guides come in
-direct conflict with rules found in this rulebook and
+direct conflict with cards, abilities, and the rules found in this rulebook.
-the Quest Guide. Cards and abilities take precedence
+The quest rules listed in the Quest Guides take precedence
-over both the Quest Guide and this rulebook.
+over cards, abilities, and the rulebook.
 • Timing conflicts may arise when two or more players
 wish to use an ability with the same triggering
 condition. In these situations, the current player (the
 player who is currently taking his turn) decides the
 order in which the abilities are resolved.
 • Players are not always limited by the number of
 damage, fatigue, or condition tokens found in the
 game. If players run out, they may use coins, beads, or
 any other suitable replacements.
 Advanced Rules
 Players now have a basic understanding of how to play Descent: Journeys
 in the Dark Second Edition and may now begin playing the game. The
 following section contains advanced rules such as Epic Play and campaign
 rules to enhance the game.
 Epic Play
 This optional rule is for players who wish to access high level Class, Shop
 Item, and Overlord cards outside of a campaign setting. When using this
 option, all players must agree upon a power level (listed below) after
 choosing a quest. For rules on spending experience points, see “Spend
 Experience Points” on page 20.
 Basic Level: Follow normal setup.
 Advanced Level: Each hero receives 3 experience points worth of Class
 cards and 150 gold worth of Act I Shop Item cards (of their choice—
 heroes may share gold). The overlord receives 4 experience points worth
 of Overlord cards.
 Expert Level: Each hero receives 6 experience points worth of Class cards
 and 250 gold worth of Act I or Act II Shop Item cards (of their choice—
 heroes may share gold). The overlord receives 8 experience points worth
 of Overlord cards. The overlord uses his Act II Monster and Lieutenant
 cards.
 Campaign Rules
 This section describes the rules for playing the quests in a series as part of
 a larger campaign.
 Campaign Overview
-The twin baronies of Rhynn and Carthridge lie on the outskirts
+The lost kingdom of Saradyn has remained hidden and quite for
-of Terrinoth, far from the Free Cities. Baron Greigory often hosts
+hundreds of years. Only when the heirs are gathered can the
-his friend and ally, Baron Zachareth, at his seat in the capital city
+throne's power and authority be passed to the next generation.
-of Arhynn, and, over the years the two baronies have aided one
+Since the death of her father, Lady Eliza Farrow has scoured
-another in times of both war and peace. But now, both baronies
+the world for the other heirs, ensuring that when the seals to the
-are in peril. Monsters stalk their forests and mountains, moving
+kingdom are finally broken, only she can inherit its glory.
-with more purpose and coordination than ever before. A new
+The great fortresses and towers of Saradyn lay in ruins. Its only
-Overlord is rising, a wicked and dangerous foe, hidden in the
+defense, an ancient order of monks and dwindling militia, stands
-shadows, manipulating events according to his master plan. If the
+powerless to oppose the mounting darkness that builds just
-Overlord isn’t stopped, Rhynn and Carthridge alike will fall into
+beyond the borders. Amidst whispers of Eliza's return, a small
-darkness, and the rest of Terrinoth will soon follow. Fortunately,
+group of monks hurries to secure what aid they can find. Should
-a small group of heroes are on the road to Arhynn…
+their gambit fail, Eliza's rise to power will not end with Saradyn.
+Over these next few months, the fate of all of Terrinoth hangs in
+the balance. The time for heroes has come…
 Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition is designed to be played
 through the course of a campaign over several sessions. The campaign
 follows the adventures of a dedicated group of heroes as they oppose
 the malevolent overlord through a series of quests. After each quest, the
 heroes and the overlord receive rewards (such as skills, items, Overlord
 cards, or relics) based on their performance during that quest, which can
 help them in future quests. The entire campaign is played over two Acts
 and builds to a dramatic and exciting finale where the ultimate victor is
 determined!
 This core set of Descent: Journeys in the Dark Second Edition features a
-campaign entitled “The Shadow Rune,” which is described in detail in the
+campaign entitled “Heirs of Blood,” which is described in detail in the
-included Quest Guide. A complete campaign of “The Shadow Rune” is
+included Quest Guides. A complete campaign of “Heirs of Blood” is
 played over nine separate quests and will take approximately 20 hours of
 gameplay to complete.
 Starting a New Campaign
 To start a new campaign, the players must assign roles for the campaign.
 One player takes the role of the overlord. The other players take the roles
 of the heroes. This process is identical to the rules described in “Setup”
 on page 4, with exceptions as noted here. It’s important to note that
 the choices the players make now are permanent for the duration of the
 campaign. Make sure that each player is happy with his choice before
 proceeding, because choosing heroes and classes is only performed at
 the start of the campaign. If players cannot agree on which roles to play,
 randomly determine roles.
 New campaigns begin at Basic Level. The heroes have only the basic skill
 and starting equipment for their class, and the overlord has only his basic
 Overlord deck. Note that during the Choose Skills step of setup, hero
 players do not return their Class deck to the box. Each hero player should
 keep his Class deck facedown in his play area; he’ll continue to choose
 new skills from this deck as the campaign progresses.
 THE SHOP ITEM DECK
 At the beginning of a new campaign, separate the Shop Item deck into
 two piles: Act I and Act II. Place the Act II Item cards back in the game
 box. They will not be needed until the campaign moves into Act II (see
 “Act II” on page 22).
 MONSTERS & LIEUTENANTS
 At the beginning of a new campaign, separate the Monster and
 Lieutenant cards into two piles: Act I and Act II. Place the Act II cards
 back in the game box; they will not be needed until the campaign moves
 into Act II (see “Act II” on page 22).
 CAMPAIGN MAP
-The last page of the Quest Guide features a map of the land where the
+The back page of both Quest Guides features a map of the land where the
 campaign takes place. Each quest location is labeled on the map connected
 by paths that the heroes use to travel. Each path has an icon representing
 what type of travel event might happen while traveling on that path (see
 “Travel” on page 22).
 Quests in a Campaign
 After player roles, heroes, and classes have been selected, players set up the
-first quest, labeled “First Blood” in the Quest Guide. The introduction
+first quest, labeled “Acolyte of Saradyn” in the Act I Quest Guide. The introduction
 quest is short, relatively simple, and is an ideal way for new players to
 learn the game. The first quest, and each quest thereafter, is played exactly
 as normal with few exceptions. However, after each quest, players gain
 rewards that they may use to customize or modify their hero or deck.
 Ending a Session
 Since a campaign can take up to 20 hours to complete, it is
 intended to be played over the course of several game sessions.
 When the time comes to end the current session, players should
 record all important information on the Campaign sheet (see
 “Record-Keeping and Storage” on page 21). A good time to
-end a session is after the Shopping step of the Campaign phase
+end a session is after the Spend Experience Points step of the Campaign phase
 (see “The Campaign Phase” on page 20).
 The Campaign Phase
 After each quest of a campaign, there is a Campaign phase during which
 players may make decisions on how to upgrade their heroes and prepare
-for the next quest. It is important to note that most quests have two
+for the next quest. It is important to note that some quests have two
 encounters and the Campaign phase does not take place until the entire
 quest is finished. During the Campaign phase, all players may spend
 experience points to enhance their abilities. Also, the heroes may visit
-the shop in Arhynn to purchase new equipment. The following steps are
+the shop to purchase new equipment. The following steps are
 performed during each Campaign phase.
 . Receive Gold from Search Cards: Record the total gold value of
-every Search card the heroes acquired over the course of this quest