Aspect Catalog

Source: Extracted and expanded from master_gdd.md §4.
Status: DRAFT — numbers are placeholders. All ability stats need playtesting validation.

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Table of Contents

1. Core Concept
2. Design Principles
3. Slot 1: Key Aspects
4. Slot 2: Function Aspects
5. Slot 3: Movement Aspects
6. Slot 4: Defense Aspects
7. Slot 5: Utility Aspects
8. Progression System
9. Acquisition & Economy
10. Synergy System
11. Example Builds
12. Balance Guidelines
13. MVP Scope
14. Open Questions

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1. Core Concept

No classes. Five slots. Infinite combinations.

Every unit has:

• Key Aspect (Slot 0, locked) — defines who they are
• Secondary Function (Slot 1) — active abilities from another discipline
• Movement (Slot 2) — how they traverse the grid
• Defense (Slot 3) — reactive/passive protection
• Utility (Slot 4) — passive bonuses, economy, triggers

The combination of all five slots — not just the Key — defines the unit's identity.

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2. Design Principles

#	Principle	Meaning	Measurement
1	Slots are typed	No all-offense or all-defense builds. Each slot accepts only its category.	Validation at equip time.
2	Key is permanent	A unit's Key Aspect never changes.	Locked at recruitment.
3	Build is identity	The combination of all 5 slots defines the unit more than the Key alone.	Two Knights with different slot layouts should play differently.
4	Progression is split	EXP goes into slot upgrades (improve abilities) OR raw stats (HP, ATK, MAG, SPD). Go wide or go tall.	Choice at each level-up.
5	Drop-driven discovery	Aspects come from enemy drops. You discover builds, not plan them from a catalog.	No full catalog visible at game start.
6	Roster-shared pool	Aspects belong to the squad, not individual units. Swappable between battles.	No cost, no cooldown for swapping.

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3. Slot 1: Key Aspects

3.1 Knight

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 35, ATK 8, MAG 2, DEF 10, SPD 5
Play fantasy	The wall. Enemies break against you.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Taunt	Force target enemy's next action to target you. Bosses: 50% resist.	3 tiles	3 turns
0 (Base)	Shield Wall	+5 DEF for 3 ticks. Adjacent allies gain +2 DEF while active.	Self	5 turns
0 (Base)	Cover Ally	If adjacent ally would take damage, you take it instead. Passive.	Adjacent	Passive
1	Break Formation	Strike. If target is adjacent to an ally, push target 2 tiles and deal +3 damage.	Melee	3 turns
1	Hold the Line	For 2 ticks, enemies cannot move through tiles adjacent to you.	Self (aura)	4 turns
2	Bulwark	Shield Wall also grants +2 ATK to adjacent allies. (Passive upgrade)	N/A	Passive
2	Unbreakable	Once per battle: when HP would reach 0, instead survive at 1 HP.	Self	Per battle
3	Iron Tide	Advance 3 tiles in a line. All enemies in path take 5 damage and are pushed to sides.	3-tile line	4 turns

3.2 Mage

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 22, ATK 2, MAG 14, DEF 3, SPD 5
Play fantasy	Big numbers. Warp the battlefield.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Charge	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Fireball	8 fire damage in 2×2 AoE.	4 tiles	1 tick	2 turns
0 (Base)	Ice Lance	6 ice damage. Target Frozen 1 tick.	4 tiles	0 ticks	2 turns
0 (Base)	Lightning Bolt	7 lightning damage. If target is Wet: ×2 damage + stun.	5 tiles	1 tick	2 turns
1	Meteor	14 fire damage in 3×3 AoE. Deals 3 true damage to caster.	5 tiles	2 ticks	4 turns
1	Raise/Lower Terrain	Target tile height ±1 (max +3, min −1).	3 tiles	0 ticks	3 turns
2	Elemental Mastery	Spells deal +2 damage. (Passive)	N/A	N/A	Passive
2	Frost Nova	4 ice damage to all adjacent enemies. All Frozen 1 tick.	Self (AoE 1)	0 ticks	3 turns
3	Eclipse	10 dark damage + 10 fire damage to all enemies in 5-tile radius. Caster takes 5 true damage.	5 tiles	3 ticks	Per battle

3.3 Rogue

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 24, ATK 8, MAG 2, DEF 4, SPD 12
Play fantasy	Outplay. Delete priority target, disappear.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Backstab	Strike. If attacking from behind (opposite side of target's facing to nearest ally): ×1.5 damage.	Melee	None
0 (Base)	Vanish	Become Invisible for 2 ticks. Next attack from invisibility: ×1.5 damage.	Self	4 turns
0 (Base)	Poison Blade	Strike applies Poisoned (2 damage/tick, 4 ticks).	Melee	3 turns
1	Shadowstep	Teleport to any shadowed tile (height ≤ 0, or adjacent to cover). Free action (doesn't consume Move).	4 tiles	3 turns
1	Garrote	Strike. If target is Invisible or unaware: 10 damage, cannot act for 1 tick.	Melee	4 turns
2	Dual Wield	Strike hits twice (second hit at −3 damage). (Passive)	N/A	Passive
2	Smoke Bomb	Create smoke on current tile. LOS blocked for 2 ticks.	Self	3 turns
3	Death Mark	Mark target. After 3 of your turns, target takes damage equal to 50% of their missing HP.	3 tiles	Per battle

3.4 Archer

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 24, ATK 9, MAG 2, DEF 3, SPD 8
Play fantasy	Control sightlines. Nothing reaches you.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Sniper Shot	10 damage. +2 damage per height advantage tier.	5 tiles	2 turns
0 (Base)	Pin	5 damage. Target Rooted for 1 tick.	4 tiles	3 turns
0 (Base)	Volley	5 damage to all enemies in 3-tile line.	4 tiles (line)	3 turns
1	Height Advantage	+1 range and +2 damage when shooting from height advantage. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
1	Hunter's Mark	Mark target. All allies deal +2 damage to marked target for 2 ticks.	5 tiles	4 turns
2	Barrage	Volley deals damage in 2×3 area instead of 3-tile line. (Passive upgrade)	N/A	Passive
2	Eagle Eye	Ignore first 2 tiles of range penalty for shooting uphill. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
3	Arrow Storm	6 damage to ALL enemies on the map.	Global	Per battle

3.5 Priest

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 22, ATK 3, MAG 12, DEF 3, SPD 5
Play fantasy	Clutch saves. Decide who lives and dies.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Charge	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Heal	Restore (MAG × 1.5) HP.	3 tiles	0 ticks	1 turn
0 (Base)	Revive	Bring downed ally back at 25% HP.	Adjacent	0 ticks	Per battle (2 uses)
0 (Base)	Cleanse	Remove all debuffs from target ally.	3 tiles	0 ticks	2 turns
0 (Base)	Holy Light	6 holy damage. ×2 vs Undead. Heals adjacent ally for 3 HP.	4 tiles	1 tick	2 turns
1	Sanctuary	Create a 3×3 zone on target area. Enemies inside: −3 ATK. Allies inside: +3 HP/tick. Lasts 3 ticks.	3 tiles	0 ticks	5 turns
1	Martyr	Transfer all debuffs from target ally to self.	4 tiles	0 ticks	3 turns
2	Overheal	Heal excess → temporary HP shield. (Passive upgrade to Heal)	N/A	N/A	Passive
2	Mass Heal	Heal all allies for (MAG × 1.0) HP.	All allies	1 tick	4 turns
3	Divine Intervention	Target ally: if they would die this battle, instead survive at full HP. One use.	3 tiles	0 ticks	Per battle

3.6 Monk

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 28, ATK 10, MAG 3, DEF 5, SPD 9
Play fantasy	Self-contained. No gear, no buffs, just hands.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Flurry	Strike twice (second hit at −2 damage).	Melee	None
0 (Base)	Chi Strike	Strike. Build +1 Chi.	Melee	None
0 (Base)	Meditate	Restore 8 HP to self. Build +1 Chi.	Self	3 turns
1	Chi Burst	Consume all Chi. Deal 4 damage × Chi stacks in 2-tile line. Min 1 Chi.	2-tile line	3 turns
1	Roundhouse	Strike all adjacent enemies for 4 damage each.	Self (AoE 1)	3 turns
2	Chi Mastery	Chi stacks no longer decay between battles. Max Chi: 5. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
2	Counter	When hit by melee attack: return 50% damage to attacker. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
3	Thousand Palms	Strike target 5 times, each at 3 damage. Ignores DEF.	Melee	Per battle

3.7 Berserker

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 40, ATK 13, MAG 1, DEF 2, SPD 7
Play fantasy	Adrenaline. Near death, near god.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Rage Strike	Strike. +1 damage per 10% missing HP.	Melee	None
0 (Base)	Bloodthirst	For 3 ticks: +3 ATK, but take 2 damage at end of each turn.	Self	4 turns
0 (Base)	Unstoppable	Immune to Root, Slow, Stun while below 50% HP. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
1	Reckless Charge	Move up to 4 tiles in a line. Strike first enemy hit. Take 3 damage.	4-tile line	3 turns
1	Death's Door	While below 25% HP: +5 ATK, +2 move range. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
2	Blood Frenzy	Killing an enemy resets Rage Strike's cooldown and heals 5 HP. (Passive)	N/A	Passive
2	War Cry	All enemies in 3-tile radius: −2 ATK for 2 ticks. All allies: +1 ATK.	Self (AoE 3)	4 turns
3	Worldbreaker	Deal 15 damage to target and all adjacent enemies. Self: take 5 true damage.	Melee (AoE 1)	Per battle

3.8 Shaman

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 24, ATK 4, MAG 11, DEF 4, SPD 5
Play fantasy	Ruin enemies. Their sword arm goes limp.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Charge	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Curse	Target enemy: −3 ATK, −3 MAG, −2 SPD for 3 ticks.	4 tiles	0 ticks	3 turns
0 (Base)	Totem	Place totem on target tile. All enemies in 2-tile radius: −2 DEF. Lasts 3 ticks. Totem HP: 5.	3 tiles	0 ticks	4 turns
0 (Base)	Spirit Walk	Become untargetable for 1 tick. Can move through enemies.	Self	0 ticks	4 turns
1	Hex	If target is Cursed: deal 8 dark damage and extend Curse by 2 ticks.	4 tiles	1 tick	3 turns
1	Healing Totem	Totem variant: allies in radius heal 3 HP/tick.	3 tiles	0 ticks	4 turns
2	Spreading Curse	When a Cursed enemy is damaged, Curse jumps to nearest un-Cursed enemy. (Passive)	N/A	N/A	Passive
2	Voodoo	Choose enemy. Any damage you take this turn is also dealt to them.	4 tiles	0 ticks	5 turns
3	Plague Storm	All enemies on map: Poisoned (3 damage/tick, 4 ticks) and Cursed (3 ticks).	Global	2 ticks	Per battle

3.9 Bard

Property	Value
Base stats	HP 22, ATK 2, MAG 8, DEF 3, SPD 10
Play fantasy	The multiplier. Every point of team damage has your signature.

Abilities:

Tier	Ability	Effect	Range	Cooldown
0 (Base)	Inspire	Target ally: +3 ATK, +3 MAG for 3 ticks.	4 tiles	2 turns
0 (Base)	Lullaby	Target enemy: Sleep 1 tick (cannot act or move, breaks on damage).	4 tiles	3 turns
0 (Base)	Ballad	All allies heal 3 HP/tick for 3 ticks.	All allies	4 turns
1	Encore	Target ally acts again immediately after their next turn.	3 tiles	5 turns
1	Mocking Verse	Target enemy: −4 ATK, −4 MAG for 2 ticks. Bosses: half effect.	4 tiles	3 turns
2	Inspiring Presence	Adjacent allies deal +2 damage with all attacks. (Passive aura)	Adjacent	Passive
2	Refrain	Ballad also grants +2 SPD while active. (Passive upgrade)	N/A	Passive
3	Grand Finale	All allies gain +5 ATK, +5 MAG, +3 SPD for 3 ticks. All enemies: −3 DEF.	Global	Per battle

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4. Slot 2: Function Aspects

4.1 Alchemist

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Brew Potion	Create 1 of 3 random potions (Heal 30% / +ATK / Bomb: 6 damage AoE 1).	2 turns
0	Transmute Terrain	Change target tile to chosen element (fire oil, water, electrified).	3 turns
0	Mix Elements	Combine two adjacent hazards into a new effect (water+electricity = AoE stun).	3 turns
1	Explosive Concoction	Brew Potion always gives Bomb option + 1 random potion.	Passive
1	Acid Flask	4 damage + −3 DEF to target for 2 ticks.	3 turns
2	Master Brewer	Brew Potion creates 2 potions instead of 1.	Passive
2	Transmute Self	Gain elemental resistance matching adjacent terrain for 4 ticks.	4 turns

4.2 Beastmaster

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Summon Wolf	Deploy wolf companion (HP 12, ATK 6, SPD 10, Flanking: +3 dmg vs surrounded enemies). Lasts until killed.	5 turns
0	Track	Reveal HP and intended action of target enemy.	2 turns
0	Pack Tactics	Wolf and Beastmaster deal +2 damage when adjacent to each other.	Passive
1	Summon Hawk	Deploy hawk companion (HP 8, ATK 4, SPD 14, Flying). Cannot be targeted by melee.	5 turns
1	Rend	Wolf/Hawk performs special attack: bleed + push.	3 turns
2	Summon Bear	Deploy bear companion (HP 20, ATK 10, SPD 4, Taunts enemies).	5 turns
2	Alpha Bond	Companion gains +3 HP, +2 damage.	Passive

Companion rule: One companion active at a time. Summoning a new one dismisses the old one.

4.3 Warlock

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Life Drain	5 dark damage. Heal self for damage dealt.	2 turns
0	Demonic Pact	Spend 5 HP. Gain +5 MAG for 3 ticks.	4 turns
0	Spreading Curse	Curse on target spreads to adjacent enemy after 2 ticks.	3 turns
1	Blood Offering	Spend HP to reduce cooldown of next spell by 2 turns.	3 turns
1	Soul Harvest	When an enemy dies within 3 tiles of you: heal 5 HP.	Passive
2	Dark Bargain	Spend 10 HP. Next spell deals double damage.	5 turns
2	Vampiric Aura	Adjacent allies heal 25% of damage dealt.	Passive

4.4 Druid

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Bear Form	Shapeshift: +10 HP, +4 ATK, −3 SPD. Can Strike and Taunt.	3 turns
0	Hawk Form	Shapeshift: Fly, +2 move, +1 range. Can't melee.	3 turns
0	Entangle	Target: Rooted for 2 ticks.	3 turns
1	Wolf Form	Shapeshift: +2 ATK, +3 SPD, Flanking.	3 turns
1	Regenerate Terrain	Remove hazard from target tile. Heal tile to base terrain type.	2 turns
2	Master Shapeshifter	Shapeshift cooldown −1. Transform back to human as free action.	Passive
2	Briar Patch	3×3 area: enemies take 2 damage when entering. Lasts 3 ticks.	4 turns

4.5 Necromancer

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Raise Dead	From corpse: summon Skeleton (HP 10, ATK 5, SPD 4). Lasts until killed. Max 2 active.	3 turns
0	Bone Armor	+4 DEF. Lasts 3 ticks.	4 turns
0	Soul Harvest	When any unit dies within 5 tiles: gain 1 Soul charge.	Passive
1	Raise Dead II	Skeleton becomes Bone Warrior (HP 15, ATK 8, SPD 6).	Passive upgrade
1	Consume Souls	Spend all Soul charges. Deal 3 dark damage × charges to target.	3 turns
2	Undead Legion	Max Raise Dead count increased to 4.	Passive
2	Death Nova	When a skeleton dies: 3 dark damage to adjacent enemies.	Passive

4.6 Engineer

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Deploy Turret	Place turret (HP 8, ATK 4, Range 3). Fires at nearest enemy each tick. Lasts 4 ticks.	4 turns
0	Lay Mine	Place mine on adjacent tile. 8 damage when stepped on. Invisible to enemies.	3 turns
0	Construct Barrier	Create cover (HP 5) on adjacent tile.	3 turns
1	Overcharge	Turret deals +4 damage this turn. Turret duration +2 ticks.	3 turns
1	Minefield	Lay 3 mines in adjacent tiles at once.	4 turns
2	Advanced Turret	Turret gains +4 HP, +2 ATK, and can target 2 enemies/tick.	Passive
2	Scrap Recovery	When construct/turret/mine is destroyed: heal 5 HP.	Passive

4.7 Illusionist

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Mirror Image	Create 2 copies of self on adjacent tiles. Copies have 1 HP, deal no damage. Attackers must guess.	4 turns
0	Confuse	Target enemy's next action targets random unit (including allies). Bosses immune.	3 turns
0	Invisibility	Target ally becomes Invisible for 2 ticks.	3 turns
1	Phantasm	Create illusory enemy on target tile. Distracts AI for 2 ticks.	3 turns
1	Mind Warp	Confused enemy's attack deals +50% damage to its target.	Passive
2	Grand Illusion	Mirror Image creates 4 copies instead of 2.	Passive
2	Mass Confuse	All enemies in 2-tile radius: Confused for 1 tick.	5 turns

4.8 Chronomancer

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Haste	Target ally: +50% Speed for 3 ticks.	3 turns
0	Slow	Target enemy: −50% Speed for 3 ticks.	3 turns
0	Rewind	Target unit's CT set to 0. (Effectively: push to back of turn order.)	4 turns
1	Time Stop	All units except caster: Frozen for 1 tick.	5 turns
1	Accelerate	Target ally's charge time reduced by 1 tick (min 0).	3 turns
2	Double Time	Haste and Slow affect all in 2-tile radius instead of single target.	Passive
2	Temporal Echo	After acting, 25% chance to gain an extra half-turn (Move only).	Passive

4.9 Rune Knight

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Enchant Weapon	Add elemental damage (Fire/Ice/Lightning) to next Strike: +3 damage of chosen element.	2 turns
0	Rune Trap	Place invisible trap on adjacent tile. Next enemy to step: 4 damage + elemental effect.	3 turns
0	Dispel Enchantments	Remove all buffs from target enemy.	3 turns
1	Elemental Ward	Self: gain +3 DEF vs chosen element for 4 ticks.	3 turns
1	Rune Strike	Strike with both physical AND magical damage (target uses lower of DEF or magic resist).	3 turns
2	Enchant Ally	Enchant Weapon can now target allies.	Passive
2	Rune Explosion	Detonate existing Rune Trap remotely: 8 damage in 2-tile radius.	3 turns

4.10 Assassin

Tier	Ability	Effect	Cooldown
0	Mark Target	Mark enemy. Deal +50% damage to marked target. Lasts until target dies or you mark another.	2 turns
0	Shadow Strike	Teleport to marked target and Strike. +4 damage.	3 turns
0	Execution	If target below 25% HP: instant kill. Bosses immune.	Per battle
1	Garrote	Strike from Invisibility: 10 damage, target cannot act for 1 tick.	3 turns
1	Poison Coating	Strike applies Poisoned (3 damage/tick, 3 ticks).	3 turns
2	Chain Kill	Killing a marked target immediately refreshes Mark Target and Shadow Strike cooldowns.	Passive
2	Shroud	After killing an enemy: become Invisible for 1 tick.	Passive

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5. Slot 3: Movement Aspects

5.1 Horseback

Property	Value
Base move	+2
Special	Cannot be flanked (attacks from any side count as frontal).

Tier	Upgrade
0	+2 Move, Cannot be flanked, Charge-through (move through enemies, deal 2 damage to each passed through)
1	+1 Move (total +3)
1	Horse gains armor: +2 DEF
2	Trample: Charge-through damage increased to 5
2	Cavalry Charge: First Strike after moving 4+ tiles deals +4 damage

5.2 Shadowstep

Property	Value
Base move	Normal (no bonus)
Special	Teleport to any shadowed tile instead of normal move.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Teleport to shadowed tile (range 3). +2 damage from shadows. Vanish after kill (1 tick).
1	Shadow range +1 (total 4 tiles)
1	Teleport through thin walls (cover objects)
2	Shadowstrike: attacking from shadow deals +4 damage instead of +2
2	Shadow Clone: after teleport, leave a 1 HP decoy on origin tile

5.3 Flight

Property	Value
Base move	+1
Special	Ignore terrain, hazards, height costs. Ranged attacks −15% accuracy vs you.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Ignore terrain, +1 Move, ranged −accuracy vs self. Immune to fall damage.
1	+1 Move (total +2)
1	Dive attack: +3 damage when attacking from height
2	Evasive Flight: ranged −accuracy increased to 25%
2	Aerial Superiority: +10% damage vs grounded targets

5.4 Burrow

Property	Value
Base move	Normal (no bonus)
Special	Move through ground (untargetable during move). Emerge with surprise attack.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Burrow: move underground (range 3), untargetable. Emerge Strike: +3 damage. Leave tunnel entrance.
1	Tunnel lasts 3 ticks instead of 2
1	Emerge AoE: deal 3 damage to all adjacent enemies
2	Deep Burrow: range +2 (total 5 tiles)
2	Seismic Sense: see all enemies within 4 tiles while burrowed

5.5 Blink

Property	Value
Base move	Normal (no bonus)
Special	Short teleport replaces Move. Pass through enemies. No opportunity attacks.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Blink: teleport 2 tiles. Pass through enemies. No opportunity attacks. Consumes Move action.
1	+1 blink range (total 3 tiles)
1	Blink leaves decoy (1 HP) on origin tile for 1 tick
2	Blink is now a free action (does not consume Move — can Move + Blink in one turn)
2	Emergency Blink: once per battle, Blink when hit (before damage resolves)

5.6 Grappling Hook

Property	Value
Base move	Normal (no bonus)
Special	Pull self to high ground. Pull enemies to you.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Grapple to tile: pull self to high ground (range 3). Hook enemy: pull to you (range 2). Swing across gaps.
1	Hook range +1 (self 4, enemy 3)
1	Hook can target allies (pull them to safety)
2	Grapple Strike: after pulling self to high ground, immediate free Strike
2	Chain Hook: pull enemy AND deal 3 damage

5.7 Sprint

Property	Value
Base move	+3
Special	No attack at max move distance (must stop 1 tile short to attack). Pass through allies.

Tier	Upgrade
0	+3 Move. Cannot attack at max distance (only when moving ≤ total − 1). Pass through allies. First Strike from sprint: +2 damage.
1	+1 Move (total +4)
1	May attack at max sprint distance
2	Momentum: each tile moved adds +1 damage to Strike (capped at +5)
2	Relay: allies you pass through gain +1 Move next turn

5.8 Phase Walk

Property	Value
Base move	Normal (no bonus)
Special	Move through walls and units. Cannot be intercepted.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Move through walls/units. Cannot be intercepted. Leaves afterimage decoy on origin tile for 1 tick.
1	Phase duration: can end turn inside a wall (untargetable, cannot act)
1	Afterimage explodes when hit: 3 damage in 2-tile radius
2	Phase Strike: attack from inside wall to adjacent (surprise +4 damage)
2	Ghost Touch: can interact with objects/enemies while phased

5.9 Portal

Property	Value
Base move	Normal (no bonus)
Special	Place linked portals. Team can use them.

Tier	Upgrade
0	Place 2 linked portals (range 3 to place). Team can teleport between them as free action. Lasts 3 ticks. Enemies cannot use.
1	Triple portal: place 3 portals. Any portal connects to any other.
1	Portals last 4 ticks
2	Portal Mine: first enemy to step adjacent takes 5 damage and is teleported to controller's choice
2	Portal Network: allies gain +10 CT when using portals

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6. Slot 4: Defense Aspects

6.1 Parry

Tier	Effect
0	30% chance to negate melee attack. On parry: counterattack for 50% damage.
1	Parry also works vs arrows (ranged physical).
1	Counterattack deals 75% damage instead of 50%.
2	Riposte: counterattack on parry is a guaranteed hit.
2	Parry chance +10% (total 40%).

6.2 Shield

Tier	Effect
0	+4 DEF. Block projectiles (first ranged attack/tick deals 0 damage). Guard stance: take damage for adjacent ally (once/tick).
1	Reflect projectile: blocked ranged attack is reflected back at attacker for 50% damage.
1	Shield Bash: after blocking, free 3-damage Strike on attacker.
2	+6 DEF instead of +4.
2	Guard aura: adjacent allies gain +2 DEF.

6.3 Ward

Tier	Effect
0	−3 magic damage taken. 20% chance to reflect spell back at caster. Nullify first status effect per battle.
1	Reflect chance +10% (total 30%).
1	Absorb spell: when reflect procs, heal for spell's damage instead of reflecting.
2	Reflect AoE spells: 20% chance to reflect entire AoE (all targets hit the caster's side instead).
2	Nullify first status per battle → per encounter (each battle).

6.4 Dodge (The Non-Deterministic One)

Tier	Effect
0	15% chance to avoid ALL damage from any attack. When dodge procs: gain 1 Momentum charge (max 3). Shows (?) on enemy timeline.
1	Momentum charges: spend 1 for free 1-tile move. Spend 3 for free Strike.
1	Dodge chance +5% (total 20%).
2	Dodge → free movement of 1 tile (no Momentum consumption).
2	Momentum spent on Strike grants +4 damage.

6.5 Absorb

Tier	Effect
0	20% of damage taken is converted to healing. Overheal → temporary HP shield (max 5 HP).
1	Absorb also works vs magic damage.
1	Absorbed healing also heals adjacent ally for 25% of the amount.
2	Absorb rate +10% (total 30%).
2	Overheal shield cap +5 (total 10 HP).

6.6 Thorns

Tier	Effect
0	Reflect 20% of damage taken back at attacker. Below 50% HP: reflect 30%.
1	Thorns apply Bleeding (2 damage/tick, 2 ticks) to attacker.
1	Reflect also works vs ranged attacks.
2	On death: AoE thorns — 5 damage to all adjacent enemies.
2	Reflect rate below 50% HP: +10% (total 40%).

6.7 Regeneration

Tier	Effect
0	Heal 8% max HP per tick. Faster healing (+50%) when on natural terrain (grass, dirt, stone).
1	Regen cures 1 debuff per tick.
1	Regen shares with adjacent ally: they heal 25% of your regen amount.
2	Regen rate +4% (total 12% HP/tick).
2	On death save: if Regen is active, once per battle heal 20% HP instead of dying.

6.8 Stone Skin

Tier	Effect
0	+6 DEF. Cannot be pushed or pulled. Knockback immune.
1	Immune to Stun.
1	Immune to first lethal hit per battle (survive at 1 HP).
2	DEF bonus also applies to adjacent allies (but they don't get immunity).
2	Stone form: can choose to become immovable object (-cannot move, +6 DEF, immune to all displacement for 2 ticks, free action).

6.9 Mirror

Tier	Effect
0	When hit by a melee attack: copy the attacker's ability. Can use the copied ability on your next turn (one use, then consumed).
1	Mirror also copies spell abilities.
1	Can store 2 copied abilities at once.
2	Copied abilities deal +2 damage.
2	Mirror Image: when hit, also create a 1 HP decoy.

6.10 Void

Tier	Effect
0	5% chance to completely erase incoming attack (no damage, no on-hit effects, no triggers).
1	Erased attack cannot be used by that enemy for 2 ticks.
1	Erasure chance +5% (total 10%).
2	When alone (no allies in 3-tile radius): erasure chance doubled.
2	Void Shield: after erasing an attack, gain +3 DEF for 2 ticks.

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7. Slot 5: Utility Aspects

7.1 Healer's Wisdom

Tier	Effect
0	+1 EXP per heal. Overheal → temp HP shield (3 HP).
1	Heal also cleanses 1 debuff.
1	Overheal shield +3 HP (total 6).
2	All healing abilities gain +1 range.

7.2 Treasure Hunter

Tier	Effect
0	+15% gold from battles. Reveal hidden loot tiles (sparkle indicator). +5% rare drop chance from enemies.
1	Double loot proc: 20% chance to double any non-boss drop.
1	Detect hidden item caches in non-combat nodes.
2	Non-boss enemies have 10% chance to drop additional Aspect.

7.3 Scout

Tier	Effect
0	Fog of war reveal +2 tiles. See enemy HP and intended action on hover (without Track). Cannot be ambushed (no enemy first-strike bonus).
1	See through cover objects (walls don't block LOS for scouting).
1	Detect traps and mines on adjacent tiles.
2	See enemy stat block (ATK, DEF, SPD, MAG) on hover.

7.4 Diplomat

Tier	Effect
0	15% chance to recruit neutral/hostile unit on encounter (non-boss). Shop prices −10%.
1	Recruit chance +10% (total 25%).
1	Boss charm: 5% chance boss skips first turn (too busy monologuing).
2	Recruited units start with one random Uncommon Aspect equipped.

7.5 Tactician

Tier	Effect
0	Team +10 initial CT at battle start. Before first turn: reposition 1 unit to any tile in deployment zone.
1	Reposition 2 units instead of 1.
1	Adjacent allies gain +10% accuracy (for non-deterministic effects like Dodge).
2	First turn of battle: all allies gain +1 Move.

7.6 Craftsman

Tier	Effect
0	Mid-battle: temporary +2 DEF to adjacent ally's armor (lasts 3 ticks). Repair: restore 5 HP to construct/cover.
1	Permanent upgrade: weapon +1 ATK for this run. (Use at Camp node.)
1	Craft from enemy parts: kill → 20% chance to get crafting material.
2	Tempered Steel: crafted upgrades are +2 instead of +1.

7.7 Ritualist

Tier	Effect
0	Prepare tile: bless (allies heal 3 HP on entering), curse (enemies take 3 damage on entering), or electrify (2 damage/tick in water). Traps last 3 ticks.
1	Traps persist between battle waves (multi-wave missions).
1	Rituals grow if uninterrupted: each tick ritual is active, effect radius +1 (max +2).
2	Triple ritual: prepare 3 connected tiles at once.

7.8 Looter

Tier	Effect
0	Kill → +5 bonus gold. Steal item: attempt to steal consumable from enemy (40% success, 1 use/battle). Enemy drops consumable on death (1/battle).
1	Steal success +20% (total 60%).
1	Steal equipped weapon (rare, 10% success, 1 use/run).
2	Bonus gold per kill +5 (total +10). Gold bonus doubled on Elites/Bosses.

7.9 Mentor

Tier	Effect
0	Adjacent allies gain +25% EXP from all sources. When you kill an enemy: 25% of EXP shared with adjacent ally.
1	Aura range +1 (total 2-tile radius).
1	Shared EXP +25% (total 50%).
2	Allies in aura learn abilities 1 level-up sooner (EXP to next ability upgrade reduced by 20%).

7.10 Gambler

Tier	Effect
0	Each turn: random buff (Roll the Dice table). +5% crit chance (for non-deterministic Dodge builds). Once per battle: reroll a failed action.
1	Reroll twice per battle (instead of once).
1	Buff table improves (removes "no buff" result).
2	Loaded Dice: can choose which buff to apply instead of random.

Roll the Dice table (Tier 0):

Roll (d6)	Buff
1	No buff this turn
2	+2 ATK
3	+2 DEF
4	+2 SPD
5	Heal 5 HP
6	+3 ATK, +3 DEF, +3 SPD (jackpot)

7.11 Quartermaster

Tier	Effect
0	+2 consumable item slots. Items +25% effectiveness. Use items on allies up to 2 tiles away instead of adjacent.
1	Items not consumed: 15% chance item remains after use.
1	Item cooldown reduced by 1 turn (min 0).
2	+2 additional item slots (total +4).

7.12 Warlord

Tier	Effect
0	Nearby enemies (2-tile radius): −2 ATK, −2 DEF. Nearby allies (2-tile radius): +2 ATK, +2 DEF.
1	Aura radius +1 (total 3 tiles).
1	When outnumbered (more enemies than allies in aura): morale doubled (−4 enemy / +4 ally).
2	Kill in aura: all allies in aura heal 3 HP.

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8. Progression System

EXP Economy

EXP earned per battle: 100 (base)
  +25 for no units downed
  +25 for under 10 ticks
  +50 for Elite/Boss
  ×1.5 for Hard difficulty
  ×2.0 for Lethal difficulty

Level-Up Choice

Each level-up, the player chooses:

Path	Cost	What You Get
Upgrade Slot	100 EXP	Unlock next tier of one equipped Aspect (unit-specific)
Level Up	100 EXP	+3 HP, +1 ATK, +1 MAG, +1 DEF, +1 SPD

Tier Costs (per Aspect)

Tier	EXP Cost	Cumulative
Base (0)	0	0
Tier 1	100	100
Tier 2	200	300
Tier 3	300	600

Slot Upgrade Trees — Linear vs Branching

The master GDD asks whether upgrades are linear or branching. Proposal:

• Key Aspects: Branching at Tier 2. Player picks one of two paths (e.g., Knight: "Defensive Path" vs "Aggressive Path"). Tier 3 is the capstone of chosen path.
• Flex Slots (Function/Movement/Defense/Utility): Linear. Tier 1 → Tier 2 → Tier 3. Simpler to design, fewer assets.

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9. Acquisition & Economy

Aspect Drops

Enemy Tier	Rarity Dropped	Frequency
Common	★ Common	100% drop rate, 1 aspect per enemy
Elite	★★ Uncommon	100% drop rate, 1 aspect per enemy
Boss	★★★ Rare	100% drop rate, 1–2 aspects
Secret/Superboss	★★★★ Legendary	100% drop rate, unique aspect

Drop Pool Selection

When an enemy dies, the dropped aspect is drawn from:

• 60% chance: aspect matching the enemy's faction/type
• 30% chance: random aspect from any unlocked pool
• 10% chance: aspect from a slot type the player has no spare aspects for (fill gaps)

Rarity Effects

Rarity	Pre-Unlocked Tiers	Upgrade Cost Savings
★ Common	0 (base only)	0 EXP saved
★★ Uncommon	Tier 1 unlocked	100 EXP saved
★★★ Rare	Tier 2 unlocked	300 EXP saved
★★★★ Legendary	Full tree unlocked	600 EXP saved

Inventory

• No cap on stored aspects (unlimited collection)
• Aspects are roster-shared: any unit can equip any unassigned aspect
• Swapping is free, between battles only
• Duplicates: automatically converted to EXP (Common = 25 EXP, Uncommon = 50, Rare = 100)

Equipment (Separate Track)

Equipment Type	Stat Contribution	Conditional Bonus
Weapon	ATK or MAG +4–12	Bonus if matching Key or Function aspect type
Armor	DEF +3–8, HP +5–15	Bonus if matching Defense aspect type
Accessory	Utility stat +2–6	Trigger effect based on any aspect
Off-hand	DEF +2–4, secondary stat	Bonus if matching Defense aspect type

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10. Synergy System

Discovery Model

When two equipped Aspects have a synergy:

1. A popup appears: name + effect + brief animation
2. Synergy added to run's "Synergy Codex" (accessible from pause menu)
3. Tooltip on both Aspects updates to show synergy

Key + Function Synergies

MVP-achievable:

Key	Function	Synergy Name	Effect
Knight	Chronomancer	Time Warden	Taunt is undodgeable. CT manipulation buffs adjacent allies (+5 CT).
Archer	Engineer	Killzone Coordinator	Volley into Engineer's minefield: all mines in Volley AoE detonate.
Priest	Alchemist	Blessed Concoctions	Heal spells also apply to allies hit by your potions.
Mage	Engineer	Arcane Artillery	Turrets deal bonus damage equal to your MAG stat.
Rogue	Warlock	Shadow Pact	Life Drain from Invisibility: +50% damage, heal doubled.

Post-MVP (require aspects not in launch):

Key	Function	Synergy Name	Effect
Mage	Druid	Elemental Shapeshift	Bear = Fire Bear, Hawk = Ice Hawk, Wolf = Lightning Wolf.
Priest	Necromancer	Dark Ritual	Revive as Undead: +5 ATK, +5 MAG, but lose 5 HP/tick.
Rogue	Illusionist	Phantom Blade	Mirror Images deal 25% of your damage.
Berserker	Blood Mage	Crimson Rage	Bleeding damage heals you instead of hurting.
Shaman	Warlock	Curse Chain	Hex causes Curses to jump to ALL enemies in range.
Monk	Chronomancer	Flurry of Time	Haste on Monk grants 3 attacks per turn.
Bard	Alchemist	Inspired Chemistry	Buffs apply to potions thrown at allies.

Cross-Player Synergies (Co-op)

MVP-achievable:

P1 Unit	P2 Unit	Proximity Trigger	Effect
Knight + Shield	Mage + Any	Adjacent	Fortress Casting: Mage's spells charge 1 tick faster while adjacent to Knight.
Priest	Knight + Warlock	Priest heals Knight	Righteous Drain: Heal also grants +3 ATK for 2 ticks. Knight's Life Drain heals Priest for 50% of damage.
Rogue + Warlock	Alchemist (Function)	Alchemist throws potion at Rogue's target	Toxic Delivery: Potion damage on Rogue's target also applies Poisoned (3 dmg/tick, 3 ticks).
Archer	Engineer	Archer's Volley into Engineer's minefield	Killzone: All mines in Volley AoE detonate simultaneously.
Mage + Chronomancer	Knight	Chronomancer Hastes Knight	Temporal Vanguard: Hasted Knight also gains +1 move range this turn.

Post-MVP (require aspects not in launch):

P1	P2	Synergy
Priest	Berserker	Righteous Fury: Heal also grants +3 ATK. Berserker kills heal Priest.
Rogue + Assassin	Bard	Duet of Death: Encore grants 2 free attacks.
Shaman	Warlock	Curse Chain: Hex + Spreading Curse hits all enemies.
Monk	Chronomancer	Flurry of Time: 3 attacks in one turn.

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11. Example Builds (MVP)

Build Name	Key	Function	Movement	Defense	Utility	Playstyle
Crusader	Knight	Alchemist	Horseback	Parry	—	Mounted tank — bombs clusters, parries melee, heals with potions.
Shadow Blade	Rogue	Warlock	Shadowstep	Parry	—	Glass cannon — teleports, spends HP for power, parries in melee.
Battlemage	Mage	Engineer	Flight	Ward	—	Flying fortress — rains spells, drops turrets, reflects magic.
Warpriest	Priest	Chronomancer	Horseback	Shield	—	Mounted support — hastes allies, heals, blocks projectiles.
Spellbreaker	Knight	Chronomancer	Shadowstep	Ward	—	Anti-mage — teleports, slows casters, reflects spells.
Shock Trooper	Archer	Engineer	Flight	Shield	—	Aerial overwatch — volleys from above, drops mines, blocks counters.
Plague Doctor	Priest	Alchemist	Flight	Ward	—	Flying healer — brews potions, heals, reflects magic.
Death Knight	Knight	Warlock	Horseback	Shield	—	Mounted drain-tank — spends HP for power, blocks for allies, drains back.

Build Score (Approximate Role Fit)

Build	Damage	Tanking	Support	Mobility	Complexity
Crusader	★★★	★★★★	★★	★★★	Medium
Shadow Blade	★★★★★	★	★	★★★★	High
Battlemage	★★★★★	★★	★★	★★★★	High
Warpriest	★★	★★★	★★★★	★★★	Medium
Spellbreaker	★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★★	High
Shock Trooper	★★★★	★★	★	★★★★	Medium
Plague Doctor	★★	★★	★★★★★	★★★★	High
Death Knight	★★★★	★★★★	★	★★★	Medium

Post-MVP builds from v2.0 (Paladin Peter, Ghost Stalker, etc.) will be achievable when Monk/Berserker/Shaman/Bard and additional flex aspects ship.

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12. Balance Guidelines

Slot Budget

Each slot has a "power budget" measured in approximate stat-equivalent value:

Slot	Budget	Rationale
Key (0)	100%	Core identity. Strongest abilities, most defining.
Function (1)	60%	Secondary active abilities. Less power than Key, more flexible.
Movement (2)	40%	Mobility utility. Changes how, not how hard.
Defense (3)	40%	Reactive protection. Passive value.
Utility (4)	40%	Economy and passive bonuses. Multiplier effects.

Key Aspect Stat Budget (Level 1)

Stat	Range	Formula
HP	22–40	Base 20 + Aspect modifier (Knight: +15, Mage: +2, Berserker: +20, etc.)
ATK	2–13	Base 2 + Aspect modifier
MAG	1–14	Base 1 + Aspect modifier
DEF	2–10	Base 2 + Aspect modifier
SPD	5–12	Base 5 + Aspect modifier

Ability Power Budget

Tier	Expected Impact	Example
Base (0)	Bread-and-butter. Used every fight.	Strike, Heal, Fireball
Tier 1	Situational power spike.	Execute, Meteor, Encore
Tier 2	Significant upgrade to existing abilities.	Passive auras, cooldown reduction
Tier 3	Run-defining capstone. Once per battle or game-changing passive.	Worldbreaker, Divine Intervention

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13. MVP Scope

Launch Set (20–24 weeks)

Slot	Count	Included
Key Aspects	5	Knight, Mage, Rogue, Archer, Priest
Function	4	Alchemist, Warlock, Engineer, Chronomancer
Movement	3	Horseback, Shadowstep, Flight
Defense	3	Parry, Shield, Ward
Utility	0	Slot exists on units but no Utility aspects implemented at launch. Slot is visible but greyed out.
Total	15 aspects

Post-MVP (v0.2+)

Slot	Count	Included
Key Aspects	+4	Monk, Berserker, Shaman, Bard (+ Dark Knight, Druid via meta-shop)
Function	+7	Beastmaster, Druid, Necromancer, Illusionist, Rune Knight, Assassin, Blood Mage
Movement	+6	Sprint, Grappling Hook, Burrow, Blink, Phase Walk, Portal
Defense	+7	Dodge, Absorb, Thorns, Regeneration, Stone Skin, Mirror, Void
Utility	+12	Healer's Wisdom, Treasure Hunter, Scout, Tactician, Gambler, Diplomat, Craftsman, Ritualist, Looter, Mentor, Quartermaster, Warlord
Post-MVP total	+36 aspects	51 total aspects

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14. Open Questions

1. Duplicates: When a duplicate aspect drops, current plan is auto-convert to EXP. Is this satisfying, or should duplicates be a resource (e.g., combine 3 Commons to craft an Uncommon)?
2. Key Aspect pool at launch: 5 Keys confirmed (Knight, Mage, Rogue, Archer, Priest). Remaining 4 (Monk, Berserker, Shaman, Bard) and unlockable 2 (Dark Knight, Druid) are v0.2+.
3. Utility slot: The slot exists on all units but has zero aspects at launch. Is the empty slot confusing UI, or does it create anticipation for future content? Alternatively: hide the slot entirely until v0.3 ships Utility aspects.
4. Slot upgrade trees: Linear for all flex slots (proposed above) vs branching for some? Branching doubles design and asset work. MVP: linear. Post-MVP: consider branching for Key Aspects.
5. Synergy discovery: Should synergies be visible in the Aspect tooltip before discovery (greyed out with "???" ) or completely hidden until triggered? Hidden = more exciting discovery. Visible = more strategic planning.
6. Aspect inventory UI: How does the player browse 15 aspects at launch? Simple grid filtered by slot type should suffice. Revisit when pool expands to 50+.
7. Aspect rarity from common enemies: If every common enemy drops a Common aspect, the player will be flooded with Commons. For MVP with only 15 aspects: 50% drop rate from common enemies to prevent flood. Revisit when pool is larger.
8. Aspect pool expansions as unlocks (meta-progression): If expansions add aspects to the drop pool, the pool gets diluted. Should expansions be opt-in (equippable before run) instead of pool-diluting? Likely a post-MVP concern since all 15 launch aspects are in the base pool.

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Next: Roguelike Structure