Tetrad: Complete Rules
Game Setup
Each game is started by shuffling the deck and dealing 7 cards to each player. This game ideally plays with 4 players but can be played with 2-8 players.
Starting the Game
We start with a tournament! The winner gets to choose the dealer. Every player pairs up and then rolls 2d6, the higher roll wins. If both results were the same, the first player who successfully finger-guns their opponent gets the win. We repeat the process with the winners until only one winner remains. If there is an odd number of players in a round, the first player to scream "Dibs Not" will move on automatically.
Classes and Subclasses
There are 4 base classes, each with their own color for bonus:
- Warrior
- Mage
- Rogue
- Cleric
There are 8 subclasses, two for each class. Each subclass uses either Odds or Evens in addition to their base class color.
Subclasses will be picked on Round 1 after the cards are dealt. All players will reveal their chosen subclass choices at the same time.
Gameplay
Once all subclasses are revealed, the top card from the card pile will be placed face up on the playing field and the player to the left of the dealer will play first.
You can choose to play or draw on your turn.
You can play a card that matches the color or number of the card on the playing field from your hand.
If you cannot play a fitting card, you can draw a card and play it if the card matches the card on the playing field. If it does not match, or you do not want to play it, you can end your turn.
If you play a card, you are granted 1 basic attack from your class. This targets the player next in order unless it is an ability card for your class. If the card you played is your color, you get to do your class color bonus damage. Each player or summon can only attack once unless otherwise stated.
Winning the Game
The rules are simple: Get your hand to 0 cards or get your enemy's HP to 0.
You can play Free-for-All or you can play teams where players across from each other are allies.
Abilities and Special Cards
Each class has abilities that help them complete their assigned role. These abilities can only be used when the correct colored and numbered card is played. Abilities can target any player instead of the next clockwise player.
Stuns and Counters can be used by any class to either stun (Skip their turn) or counter (Reverse the play order). Stuns attack the player it is used on and counters hit the player that last hit the user.
Advantage cards and Inspiration cards have the ability to change the active color on the playing field to the player's choice. Inspiration cards also force the targeted player to draw 4 cards.
Reaction cards can be played despite the active color or number on the field and are placed under the active card when triggered, thus not changing the color or number.
Rally cards are designed to give a small advantage by attacking the targeted player and forcing them to draw 2 cards in addition to the ability if the class color matches the card played.
Ultimate cards are the number 0, there are less of them in the deck than other cards. Any player can use them but they are still bound by the active card color or number on the field.
Saves and Forced Plays
Saves are when a player has to roll 2D6 to determine if an ability takes effect on them. A "Save 9" refers to an ability that will impact the targeted player(s) unless they are able to roll a 9 or higher on the dice.
If a player cannot play a card when forced to due to the card not meeting the current requirements to be played, it is added to their hand instead.
Your Adventure Awaits!
Each class in Tetrad offers a unique playstyle and strategic depth. Will you master the raw power of the Warrior, the arcane tricks of the Mage, the cunning tactics of the Rogue, or the divine abilities of the Cleric? The choice is yours, but remember - true mastery comes from understanding not just your own abilities, but those of your allies and enemies as well.
Ready to dive into the world of Tetrad and discover all the hidden synergies and powerful combinations? Get your copy today and start your journey to becoming a Tetrad master!