FIELD OPERATIONS MANUAL

1. Choose Operators and Build Loadouts

Before the match begins, each player assembles a complete combat package for their squad. This Loadout defines your tactical identity for the entire game.

Each player selects:

• 1 Operator — Your primary combatant and the core of your strategy.
• 1 Weapon — Determines your attack profile, range bands, and special traits.
• 1 Armor — Provides defensive bonuses and influences survivability.
• 2 Mercenaries — Support units that reinforce your Operator’s strengths or cover weaknesses.
• 1 Tactics Deck (40 cards) — Your pool of Movement, Maneuver, Utility, and Melee cards.

Players place their Operator, Weapon, Armor, and Mercenaries on their Loadout Placard. The Placard acts as a quick‑reference sheet during play, keeping your entire combat kit visible and organized.

Loadout Placard

A well‑built Loadout balances offense, defense, support, and flexibility. Your choices here shape every decision you’ll make on the battlefield.

2. Prepare the Battlefield

• Place the map in the center of the play area.
• Place all terrain pieces according to the scenario or mutually agreed layout.
• Each player chooses a deployment zone as defined by the scenario.

3. Deploy Units

Each player deploys:

• Their Operator
• Their 2 Mercenaries

Units must be placed fully within the player’s deployment zone.

4. Shuffle Tactics Decks

Each player shuffles their 40‑card Tactics Deck and places it face‑down.

5. Draw Starting Hands

Each player draws 5 cards from their Tactics Deck.

All future draws occur one card at a time during the Reload Phase.

6. Determine Starting Priority

At the beginning of the game, both players roll 1d6.

• The player with the higher roll gains Priority for Round 1.
• If tied, reroll until a winner is determined.

What Priority Means

Priority determines:

• Who resolves Movement first
• Who resolves Tactics first
• Who attacks first
• Who resolves simultaneous effects first

Priority influences every sub‑phase of the round.

7. Priority Alternation Rule

After Round 1, Priority automatically switches to the player who did not have Priority the previous round.

• No dice roll is made after Round 1.
• Priority alternates back and forth every round.
• This ensures fairness and predictable tactical flow.

Example

• Round 1: Player A wins the roll → Player A has Priority.
• Round 2: Priority switches → Player B has Priority.
• Round 3: Priority switches → Player A has Priority.

8. Begin Round 1

Once Priority is established and both players have their starting hands, the game begins with the Planning Phase of Round 1.

2.1 The Battlefield

Spaces

A space is a 1"x 1" square on the map. Units occupy one space at a time. 2 units cannot occupy the same space.

Cover

Some spaces provide Cover, granting defensive bonuses. Cover typically provides +1 Dodge unless otherwise stated.

Line of Sight (LoS)

A unit must have Line of Sight to attack a target. LoS is blocked by walls, solid obstacles, and certain terrain features.

Elevation

Some maps include elevated terrain. Only Operators may climb or vault elevation using Movement cards.

2.2 Units: Operators & Mercenaries

Your squad consists of:

• 1 Operator — your primary combatant
• 2 Mercenaries — support units that reinforce your Operator’s identity

Operators are elite specialists with full statlines, abilities, and loadout choices. Mercenaries are simpler, weaker units that provide tactical support.

2.3 Operator Stats

2.4 Encumbered Status

If an Operator equips armor whose Load Cost exceeds their Load stat, they become Encumbered.

Encumbered Effects

• -1 Dodge
• Cannot play Advanced Movement Cards
• Movement‑granting Maneuver cards cost 1 HP to play

2.5 Mercenary Stats

Mercenaries use simplified statlines:

• Accuracy: 2–4
• Dodge: 1–3
• Armor: 0–1
• Health: 8–12
• Role: Runner, Enforcer, Spotter, or Tech
• Ability: 1 synergy effect tied to the Operator

Mercenaries do not use Load, armor, or Tactics Decks.

2.6 Loadouts

Each Operator enters the mission with:

• 1 Weapon
• 1 Armor
• 2 Mercenaries
• 1 Tactics Deck (40 cards)

This loadout defines your squad’s capabilities and playstyle.

2.7 The Tactics Deck

Your Tactics Deck is a 40‑card deck containing:

• Movement Cards (17 minimum)
• Maneuver Cards
• Utility Cards
• Signature Cards (restricted by Color Identity)
• Advanced Movement Cards (restricted by Color Identity)

Each round, you choose one card from your hand to play during the Execution Phase.

2.8 Card Types

Movement Cards

Reposition your Operator. Includes universal Base Movement and Color‑restricted Advanced Movement.

Tactic Cards

Modify attacks, defense, or battlefield conditions.

Utility Cards

Represent gear and tools such as grenades, smoke screens, or decoys.

2.9 Color Identities

Every Operator and Mercenary belongs to one of five corporate Color Identities:

• Verge Industries — Mobility, momentum, flow
• Force Alliance — Aggression, pressure, frontline dominance
• Focus Technology — Precision, prediction, calculation
• Bulwark United — Defense, anchoring, durability
• System Corporation — Disruption, manipulation, interference

Color Identity determines Signature cards, Advanced Movement cards, synergy patterns, stat tendencies, and Mercenary availability.

2.10 Combat Overview

Combat is resolved using the formula:

Hit Target = 6 - (Accuracy - Target Dodge)

Minimum 2+, maximum 6+.

2.11 Turn Structure

A round consists of three phases:

• Planning Phase
• Execution Phase
• Reload Phase

All movement, tactics, attacks, and Mercenary actions occur inside the Execution Phase.

Planning Phase

Players do not draw cards during this phase. Each player selects one card from their existing hand and places it face‑down. Once placed, the card cannot be changed.

Execution Phase

A. Movement Resolution Sub‑Phase

• Reveal chosen cards
• Resolve Movement or Advanced Movement effects
• Resolve in Priority order

B. Tactics Resolution Sub‑Phase

• Resolve Maneuver or Utility card effects
• Non‑attack effects occur here
• Priority determines order

C. Mercenary Movement Sub-Phase

• After both Operators resolve their chosen card effects, each player may move their Mercenaries
• Resolve Mercenary movement in Priority order
• Mercenaries must complete movement before any attacks begin

D. Attack Sub‑Phase

• Operators attack first
• Mercenaries attack after Operators
• All attacks use the standard hit formula

Reload Phase

Operators

• Discard the card played this round
• Draw exactly 1 new card
• Resolve end‑of‑round effects
• Refresh abilities

Mercenaries

• Resolve end‑of‑round ability triggers

Mercenaries never draw or discard cards.

Summary of the Round Flow

• Planning Phase — Choose 1 card, no drawing
• Execution Phase - Movement -> Tactics -> Mercenary Movement -> Attacks
• Reload Phase - Discard, draw 1 card, resolve end-of-round effects

2.12 Victory Conditions

Victory is achieved by eliminating the enemy Operator or completing mission objectives.

Elimination occurs when an Operator’s Health is reduced to 0 or below.

2.14 Design Philosophy

Syndicate Protocol: 2095 is built on four pillars:

• Tactical Clarity
• Identity Expression
• Card‑Driven Creativity
• Squad Synergy

3.1 Planning Phase

During the Planning Phase, both players secretly commit to their Operator’s tactical approach for the round.

• Each player selects one card from their hand
• The chosen card is placed face‑down.
• Once both cards are placed, selections cannot be changed.

This phase represents the Operators’ split‑second decision‑making before the action unfolds.

3.2 Execution Phase

Reveal

Both players flip their chosen card face‑up simultaneously.

Resolve Card Effects

• The player with Priority resolves their card first.
• The second player resolves afterward.

If the card is a Movement card

• The Operator moves a number of spaces indicated on the card.
• Movement must follow legal paths (no passing through walls, obstacles, or enemy miniatures).
• If both Operators Choose to move. The Player with priority moves first.

If the card is a Tactics card

• The Operator resolves the ability or effect described on the card.
• Tactics may include defensive boosts, debuffs, positioning tricks, temporary stat changes, utility actions, or disruption effects.

Mercenary Movement Window

• After both Operators resolve card effects, Mercenaries move before attacks.
• Resolve Mercenary movement in Priority order.
• Mercenaries cannot delay movement until after the Attack Sub-Phase.

3.3 Attack Phase

Operators attack once per round, regardless of what card they played. Unless a status effect, tactics, or other game state prevents it.

Steps

• The player with Priority makes their attack first.
• The second player attacks afterward.
• After Operators finish attacking, Mercenary attacks resolve in Priority order.

Attack Procedure

For each Operator:

• Check Line of Sight.
• Check Range.
• Roll attack dice (Rate of Fire).
• Compare results using hit formula
• Apply armor damage mitigation.
• Deal final damage to target’s Health.
• Trigger any on‑hit or on‑miss effects.

If an Operator has no valid target, they still spend their attack for the round.

3.4 Reload Phase

The Reload Phase resets the game state and prepares players for the next round.

Steps

• Both players discard the card they played this round.
• Both players draw one new card from their unified deck.
• Temporary effects that expire at end of round are removed.
• Abilities that refresh each round become ready again.
• Cooldowns, reloads, or charges reset as specified by card text.

After Reload, the next round begins with the Planning Phase.

3.5 Round Flow Diagram

The round flow can be summarized as:

4.1 Overview of an Attack

Every Operator performs one attack per round during the Attack Phase.

An attack consists of:

• Target Check
• Line of Sight Check
• Range Check
• Roll Bullets (Rate of Fire)
• Determine Hit Target
• Count Hits
• Apply Armor Mitigation
• Deal Final Damage

If an Operator has no legal target, they still expend their attack for the round.

4.2 Targeting Rules

An Operator may target one enemy Operator per attack.

A valid target must:

• Be within Line of Sight
• Be within weapon range
• Not be behind terrain that fully blocks LoS
• Not occupy the same space as the attacker

4.3 Line of Sight (LoS)

Line of Sight is clear if a straight, unobstructed line can be drawn from the attacker’s space to the target’s space.

If LoS is blocked, the attack cannot be made.

4.4 Range

Range is measured in spaces. A weapons range is specified on your equipped weapon card.

Ranges

4.5 Rate of Fire (RoF) = Bullets Fired

Each weapon has a Rate of Fire (RoF).

• RoF = number of dice rolled
• Each die = one bullet
• Each bullet is resolved independently

Example: RoF 3 → roll 3 dice → 3 bullets fired.

4.6 Hit Calculation Formula

Each bullet hits if its die result meets or exceeds the Hit Target:

Interpretation:

• Higher Accuracy → easier to hit
• Higher Dodge → harder to hit
• If Accuracy = Dodge → Hit Target = 6
• Minimum Hit Target = 2+
• Maximum Hit Target = 6+

Critical 6: If an attack die shows a natural 6, the attack automatically hits, regardless of the Hit Target number or any modifiers

4.7 Resolving Hits

After rolling all bullets:

• Count each die that meets/exceeds the Hit Target
• Each successful hit = 1 damage before Armor

Example:

RoF 3 → rolls 3, 5, 6
Hit Target = 5+
Hits = 5 and 6 → 2 damage before Armor
    

4.8 Armor (Damage Mitigation)

Armor reduces total incoming damage, not hit chance.

Damage Mitigation Steps

• Count total hits
• Subtract Armor value
• Minimum final damage = 0
• Apply final damage to HP

Example:

2 bullets hit
Armor reduces damage by 1
Final damage = 1
    

4.9 Cover

Cover increases survivability by making Operators harder to hit.

4.10 Special Effects and Modifiers

Weapons, Tactic cards, and Operator abilities may introduce effects such as:

• Piercing (reduces Armor)
• Suppression (reduces Speed next round)
• Stagger (forces movement)
• Marking (future attacks gain bonuses)
• Disruption (reduces Accuracy or Dodge)

These effects resolve after hit calculation unless stated otherwise.

4.11 Eliminations

An Operator is eliminated when their HP reaches 0.

When eliminated:

• They are removed from the battlefield
• All ongoing effects end
• The opposing player wins unless scenario rules say otherwise

4.12 Full Combat Example

5.1 Weapon Card Rules

Weapon Cards represent the firearms, heavy ordnance, and exotic armaments Operators bring into the field. Each card provides the essential combat statistics needed to resolve attacks during the Attack Sub‑Phase. Weapons define an Operator’s offensive identity through engagement range, rate of fire, and special traits.

Every Operator equips exactly one primary weapon. Weapon Cards are not drawn from the deck; they are fixed loadout elements chosen during game setup when building an Operator’s loadout.

Weapon Card Structure

A Weapon Card contains the following elements:

• Weapon Name — The model, designation, or codename.
• Category — Pistol, SMG, Assault Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Heavy Weapon, or Exotic.
• Range — The maximum number of spaces the weapon can target.
• Rate of Fire (ROF) — The number of attack dice rolled.
• Traits — Special rules that modify how the weapon behaves.

Reading a Weapon Card

📋 Reading a Weapon Card

Field	Description
Range	The maximum distance (in spaces) the weapon can target. Attacks beyond this range are illegal.
Rate of Fire	The number of attack dice rolled during an attack. Higher ROF increases hit probability and consistency.
Traits	Special rules that modify how the weapon functions. Traits may affect accuracy, suppression, armor interaction, movement, or timing windows (e.g., Piercing, Suppressive, Silent, Scoped, Volatile, Heavy, Agile).

Weapon Categories

• Pistols — Close‑range, flexible, low ROF.
• SMGs — High ROF, short‑to‑mid range, aggressive.
• Shotguns — Mid ROF, short range, aggressive.
• Assault Rifles — Balanced range and ROF; versatile.
• Sniper Rifles — Long‑range, single‑shot precision, often with powerful traits.
• Heavy Weapons — High ROF or explosive effects; unwieldy but devastating.
• Exotic Weapons — Unique mechanics, energy systems, or syndicate‑specific tech.

Weapon Selection During Loadout Building

During game setup, each Operator assembles a complete loadout consisting of an Operator Card, a Weapon Card, and an Armor Card. These three cards form the Operator’s identity on the battlefield and are placed together on the Loadout Placard.

• Each Operator selects exactly one Weapon Card during loadout construction.
• Weapons are chosen deliberately; they are not drawn from the unified deck.
• The chosen weapon must follow any Operator or scenario restrictions (if applicable).
• Some syndicates or scenarios may grant access to signature or exotic weapons.
• Once chosen, the Weapon Card remains fixed for the entire match unless a scenario rule states otherwise.

Displaying the Weapon Card

Once selected, the Weapon Card is placed on the Loadout Placard alongside the Operator Card and Armor Card:

• Operator Card — Center: identity, stats, abilities.
• Weapon Card — Left: offensive capability (range, ROF, traits).
• Armor Card — Right: defensive capability and protection profile.

This tri‑card layout provides an at‑a‑glance view of the Operator’s full combat kit and loadout synergies. The Weapon Card is a permanent, always‑visible reference during play.

5.2 Pistols

Category Traits

• Range: Short
• RoF: Low–Moderate
• Accuracy: Moderate
• Damage: Low
• Role: Close‑range skirmishing, reactive fire

Example Weapons

5.3 Submachine Guns (SMGs)

Category Traits

• Range: Short–Medium
• RoF: High
• Accuracy: Moderate
• Damage: Moderate
• Role: Flanking, suppression, run‑and‑gun

Example Weapons

5.4 Shotguns

Category Traits

• Range: Very Short
• RoF: Moderate-High
• Accuracy: Low-Moderate
• Damage: High (Range-Scaled)
• Role: Breach, room clearing, close-quarters dominance

Example Weapons

5.5 Assault Rifles

Category Traits

• Range: Medium
• RoF: Moderate
• Accuracy: High
• Damage: Moderate
• Role: Versatile, reliable, mid‑range dominance

Example Weapons

5.6 Sniper Rifles

Category Traits

• Range: Long
• RoF: Low
• Accuracy: Very high
• Damage: High
• Role: Long‑range picks, area denial, punishing mispositioning

Example Weapons

5.7 Heavy Weapons

Category Traits

• Range: Short–Medium
• RoF: Very High
• Accuracy: Low–Moderate
• Damage: Low
• Role: Suppression, armor breaking, area control

Example Weapons

5.8 Exotic Weapons

Category Traits

• Range: Varies
• RoF: Varies
• Accuracy: Varies
• Mobility: Varies
• Role: Utility, disruption, battlefield manipulation

Example Weapons

5.9 Signature Weapons

Each Color Identity has access to a signature weapon that embodies their corporate doctrine and tactical philosophy. These weapons often feature unique traits or enhanced stats that align with the syndicate’s playstyle. These weapons are available to Operators of that Color Identity during loadout construction.

6.1 Armor Rating (ARM)

Every armor item provides an Armor Rating (ARM). ARM reduces incoming damage after hits are counted and damage is totaled.

Damage Reduction Formula:

Final Damage = Total Damage - Armor Rating
  

• Damage cannot be reduced below 1 unless a rule specifically allows it.
• ARM applies to each attack damage total, not each die.

6.2 Armor Types

Light Armor

• ARM: 0–1
• Load: Low
• Dodge Modifier: +0 or +1
• Movement Penalty: None

Light Armor favors mobility and evasive playstyles.

Medium Armor

• ARM: 1–2
• Load: Moderate
• Dodge Modifier: 0
• Movement Penalty: –1 to any movment card.

Medium Armor balances protection and mobility.

Heavy Armor

• ARM: 2–3
• Load: High
• Dodge Modifier: –1
• Movement Penalty: –2 to any movement card.

Heavy Armor is designed for frontline Operators who expect to take hits.

6.3 Load Value

Armor contributes to an Operator’s Load, representing encumbrance and bulk. High Load may interact with abilities or scenario rules. Load does not directly reduce movement — that is handled by the armor’s Movement Penalty.

6.4 Dodge Modifier

Armor may modify an Operator’s Dodge stat. Light Armor may grant +1 Dodge, while Heavy Armor may impose –1 Dodge. Dodge cannot be reduced below 0.

6.5 Movement Penalty

Some armor reduces an Operator’s MOVE stat. Medium Armor typically imposes –1, while Heavy Armor may impose –1 or –2. Movement Penalties apply after all other modifiers.

6.6 Armor Traits

Armor may include one or more Traits, representing specialized technology.

• Reinforced Plating: Reduce damage from the first attack each round by 1.
• Thermal Mesh: Ignore the first instance of Burning each round.
• Shock Dampeners: Ignore Knockback or forced movement effects.
• Stealth Weave: Gain Hidden when starting your activation in cover.
• Ballistic Gel: Once per game, reduce incoming damage to 0.

6.7 Armor and Status Effects

• Burning: Not reduced by ARM unless a trait says otherwise.
• Bleeding: Not reduced by ARM.
• Shielded: Applies before Armor.
• Guarded: Applies before Armor.

6.8 Example Armor Table

Armor Name	Type	ARM	LD	Dodge Mod	Move Penalty	Trait
Light Tactical Vest	Light	1	1	+0	0	Stealth Weave
Composite Armor Rig	Medium	2	2	+0	-1	Reinforced Plating
Bulwark Exo-Shell	Heavy	3	3	-1	-2	Shock Dampeners

6.9 Design Philosophy

Armor in Syndicate Protocol: 2095 is built around three pillars:

• Clear Defensive Identity: Dodge avoids hits; Armor mitigates damage.
• Meaningful Tradeoffs: Heavier armor protects more but slows Operators.
• Syndicate Expression: Each corporation favors different armor styles.

7.1 Deck Size & Composition

Each player brings a 40‑card Tactics Deck containing a mix of Movement, Maneuver, and Utility cards.

Requirements

• Exactly 40 cards
• Up to 4 copies of any card
• At least 17-20 Movement cards
• Melee, Maneuver, and Utility cards fill remaining slots
• Signature and Advanced Movement cards follow Operator Corporate Color Identity restrictions

7.2 Card Types

Movement Cards

Reposition your Operator. These determine how far and how effectively you move.

Maneuver Cards

Modify attacks, defense, or battlefield conditions. These are your combat tricks.

Utility Cards

Represent gear, grenades, drones, decoys, and other tools.

Melee Cards

Represent close-range combat techniques and specialized melee gear.

All four types are shuffled together into a single unified deck.

7.3 Movement Cards

Movement Cards are the backbone of the deck. They determine how Operators navigate the battlefield and set up attacks.

Base Movement Cards (Universal)

These cards represent fundamental movement techniques available to all Operators.

Advanced Movement Cards (Color‑Restricted)

Advanced Movement Cards represent specialized training and proprietary mobility techniques unique to each Color Identity.

Rules

• Count as Movement cards
• Restricted by Color Identity
• Provide enhanced or conditional movement effects

Verge Industries — Momentum & Flow

Force Alliance — Aggressive Advance

Focus Technology — Predictive Positioning

Bulwark United — Anchored Mobility

System Corporation — Disruptive Mobility

7.4 Maneuver Cards

Maneuver Cards represent decisive combat actions—split‑second techniques, tactical adjustments, and syndicate‑specific combat doctrine. These cards are committed during the Planning Phase and resolve during the Execution Phase, immediately after Movement Resolution but before the Attack Sub‑Phase.

Maneuver Cards allow Operators to alter the flow of combat by modifying accuracy, damage output, defenses, positioning, or battlefield conditions. They do not replace an Operator’s attack; they enhance or influence it.

Timing & Use

• Commit: During the Planning Phase (face‑down).
• Reveal: At the start of the Execution Phase.
• Resolve: After Movement Resolution, before any attacks.

Maneuver Cards may:

• Add or remove dice from an attack.
• Apply debuffs or status effects.
• Improve defenses or accuracy.
• Manipulate positioning.
• Trigger syndicate‑specific combat doctrine.
• Set up combos for the Attack Sub‑Phase.

Operators cannot play Maneuver Cards while Suppressed, Disoriented, or Downed.

Syndicate Examples

All examples below follow this timing window: Planning Phase → Reveal → Resolve after Movement → Affects the upcoming Attack Sub‑Phase.

System Corporation — Predictive Combat Logic

📋 System Corporation — Predictive Combat Logic

Card Name	Effect
Predictive Burst	Gain +1 attack die on your next attack if your target moved during their last activation.
Targeting Suite Sync	Gain +2 ACC on your next attack; if it hits, apply Marked.

Bulwark United — Fortified Response

📋 Bulwark United — Fortified Response

Card Name	Effect
Braced Shot	If you did not move this round, gain +1 attack die and +1 ARM until end of round.
Counterline Pressure	If an enemy ends movement within 3”, gain +1 DOQ on your next attack.

Force Alliance — Aggression & Tempo

📋 Force Alliance — Aggression & Tempo

Card Name	Effect
Guns Akimbo	Roll +1 attack die on your next attack this round.
Combat Rush	If you ended movement closer to an enemy than you began, gain +1 ACC and +1 DOQ on your next attack.

Focus Technology — Precision & Disruption

📋 Focus Technology — Precision & Disruption

Card Name	Effect
Overclocked Shot	Gain +1 attack die on your next attack; after resolving it, suffer 1 self-damage.
Holo‑Assist	Gain +2 ACC on your next attack; if it misses, the target becomes Disoriented.

Verge Industries — Chaotic Momentum

📋 Verge Industries — Chaotic Momentum

Card Name	Effect
Adrenal Spike	Gain +1 attack die and +1 DOQ on your next attack.
Flash Disruptor	Before attacking, apply Disoriented to an enemy within 6”.

7.5 Melee Tactics

Close‑Quarters Tactics Resolved During the Execution Phase

Melee Tactics are standard Tactic cards that represent brief, decisive close‑quarters engagements. They follow all normal rules for Tactic cards and are played during the Execution Phase before the Attack Sub‑Phase. Melee Tactics do not replace or interfere with an Operator’s normal ranged attack.

Requirements

• The acting Operator must be adjacent to the target.
• If the card includes movement, that movement must end with the Operator adjacent to the target.
• If adjacency is not maintained after movement, the melee contest does not occur.
• Melee Tactics count as normal Tactic cards for all rules and limitations.

Resolution

Step 1 — Movement (If Any)
Resolve all movement granted by the card. After movement, the acting Operator must still be adjacent to the target.

Step 2 — Contested Roll
Both players roll 1 die. The attacker adds ACC; the defender adds Dodge.

Step 3 — Compare Results

• Attacker wins: Apply the melee effect listed on the card.
• Defender wins: No effect.
• Tie: Both Operators suffer 1 damage. This damage is not reduced by Armor unless stated otherwise.

Step 4 — Continue the Turn
After resolving the melee contest, proceed normally into the Attack Sub‑Phase. The acting Operator may still make their normal ranged attack.

Melee Effects

Melee Tactics may include damage, movement, displacement, or conditions such as Disoriented, Jammed, Marked, or Revealed. These effects only apply if the attacker wins the contested roll unless the card states otherwise.

Example Melee Tactics

Verge Industries — Melee Mobility

Force Alliance — Close‑Quarters Aggression

Focus Technology — Predictive Counters

Bulwark United — Control & Lockdown

System Corporation — Disruptive Strikes

7.6 Utility Cards

Utility Cards represent the specialized gear, tools, and deployable equipment Operators bring into the field. These include grenades, drones, scanners, decoys, beacons, and other mission‑ready devices. Utility Cards provide tactical advantages that extend an Operator’s capabilities beyond raw combat skill.

Utility Cards are committed during the Planning Phase and resolve during the Execution Phase, immediately after Movement Resolution but before the Attack Sub‑Phase. Their effects may alter positioning, apply status conditions, deploy objects, or modify the upcoming attack.

Utility Cards do not replace an Operator’s attack; they supplement or enhance tactical options.

Timing & Use

• Commit: During the Planning Phase (face‑down).
• Reveal: At the start of the Execution Phase.
• Resolve: After Movement Resolution, before any attacks.

General Rules

• Utility Cards represent physical equipment—they may deploy objects, create zones, or apply persistent effects.
• Utility Cards cannot be played while Suppressed, Disoriented, or Downed.
• If multiple Utility Cards resolve simultaneously, resolve them in priority order.
• Some Utility Cards create temporary terrain, hazard zones, or summoned objects such as Decoys, Drones, or Beacons.
• Utility effects may modify the Operator’s next attack, hinder enemy actions, or influence battlefield positioning.
• Utility Cards are not affected by weapon traits unless the card specifies otherwise.

Utility Card Effects May Include

• Deploying drones, decoys, or beacons
• Throwing grenades (damage, debuffs, area effects)
• Applying status conditions (Suppressed, Disoriented, Marked, etc.)
• Creating temporary zones or hazards
• Enhancing accuracy or defense through equipment
• Revealing hidden enemies or scanning terrain
• Providing movement or positioning tools

Syndicate Examples

System Corporation — Precision Tools & Data Assets

📋 System Corporation — Precision Tools & Data Assets

Card Name	Effect
Telemetry Ping	Choose an enemy within 10”. They become Marked until end of round.
Auto‑Stabilizer	Gain +1 ACC on your next attack this round.

Bulwark United — Defensive Gear & Reinforcement Tools

📋 Bulwark United — Defensive Gear & Reinforcement Tools

Card Name	Effect
Impact Shield	Gain +2 ARM until the end of the round.
Shock Beacon	Place a beacon within 2”. The first enemy entering within 2” becomes Disoriented.

Force Alliance — Tactical Gear & Suppression Tools

📋 Force Alliance — Tactical Gear & Suppression Tools

Card Name	Effect
Fragmentation Grenade	Target a space within 6”. All enemies within 1” suffer 1 damage.
Suppressor Module	Your next attack this round applies Suppressed if it hits.

Focus Technology — Illusion & Signal Manipulation

📋 Focus Technology — Illusion & Signal Manipulation

Card Name	Effect
Holo‑Decoy	Deploy a Decoy within 3”. The next attack targeting you must target the Decoy instead.
Signal Jammer	Choose an enemy within 8”. They suffer –1 ACC on their next attack.

Verge Industries — Chemical Tools & Disruption Devices

📋 Verge Industries — Chemical Tools & Disruption Devices

Card Name	Effect
Flashbang	Target an enemy within 8”. They become Disoriented until the end of their next activation.
Adrenal Injector	Gain +2” movement immediately after resolution. This movement does not provoke reactions.

7.7 Push

Push is a forced-movement effect that appears only on Tactic cards. Operators cannot perform a Push unless a card specifically states it. Push effects are used to break cover, disrupt positioning, and create openings for ranged attacks.

Push Rules

• Push moves the target 1 space directly away from the acting Operator(or space of causing effect).
• If multiple valid spaces exist, the acting player chooses the destination.
• Push cannot move a target into an illegal space (walls, blocked tiles, off the map).
• If no valid space exists, the Push has no effect.
• Push does not count as the target’s movement and does not trigger movement-based abilities unless stated.
• Push does not provoke melee or reaction attacks.

Push and Cover

If a pushed Operator leaves a cover space, they immediately lose the cover bonus. They do not regain cover unless they enter a new cover space. Push effects are a reliable way to dislodge entrenched Operators and open firing lanes.

Example Push Tactics

Universal — Push Utility Cards

Verge Industries — Momentum Displacement

Force Alliance — Impact & Breach

Focus Technology — Predictive Displacement

Bulwark United — Control & Denial

System Corporation — Disruptive Push Effects

8.1 Operator Stats Overview

Each Operator has a full statline representing their combat profile.

8.2 Encumbered Status

If an Operator equips armor whose Load Cost exceeds their Load stat, they become Encumbered.

Encumbered Effects

• -1 Dodge
• Cannot play Advanced Movement cards
• Movement‑granting Tactic cards cost 1 HP to play

8.3 Operator Card Breakdown

Each Operator card contains the following elements:

• Name — Callsign or designation
• Color Identity — Determines Signature cards and synergy patterns
• Stat Bar — ACC, DOD, HP, LD
• Ability — A unique passive or triggered effect
• Weapon Slot — Determines equipped weapon
• Armor Slot — Determines equipped armor
• Mercenary Slots — Two Mercenaries assigned to the Operator

8.4 Operator Roles

Operators fall into broad tactical archetypes that define their battlefield function.

Assault

Frontline pressure, mid‑range dominance, aggressive tempo.

Skirmisher

High mobility, flanking, hit‑and‑fade engagements.

Marksman

Long‑range precision, area denial, punishing mispositioning.

Control

Disruption, debuffs, battlefield manipulation.

Bulwark

Durability, anchoring, objective holding.

8.5 Example Operators

Below are example Operators representing each Color Identity. These examples illustrate how stats, abilities, and identity themes combine to create distinct playstyles.

9.1 Mercenary Stat Overview

Mercenaries use simplified statlines to keep gameplay fast and readable.

9.2 Mercenary Roles

Runner

Fast, fragile scouts. Highest mobility.

Spotter

Provides accuracy boosts and targeting support.

Enforcer

Close‑range bruisers with higher HP and Armor.

Tech

Disruption, interference, and utility effects.

9.3 Mercenary Card Breakdown

Each Mercenary card includes:

• Color Identity
• Stat Bar (ACC, DOD, ARM, HP)
• Ability — synergy effect tied to Operator actions
• Weapon Profile — simple, 1–2 dice
• Role — determines movement value

9.4 Mercenary Synergy Design

Mercenary abilities are designed to:

• Reinforce the Operator’s playstyle
• Trigger off Operator actions
• Provide small but meaningful bonuses
• Never overshadow the Operator

Common Synergy Triggers

• If your Operator moved this round…
• If your Operator hit with at least 1 bullet…
• If your Operator played a Utility card…
• If your Operator is adjacent…

9.5 Mercenary Movement & Combat Rules

Movement

Movement Rules

• May move up to their movement value
• Moves after Operators resolve cards and before the Attack Sub-Phase
• Cannot split movement
• Cannot climb vertical terrain unless stated
• Cannot move through enemy spaces
• Can move through friendly spaces

Attacks

Mercenaries attack once per round using their printed weapon profile.

• Roll the number of dice shown
• Use their own Accuracy stat
• Cannot use Tactic cards
• Cannot reroll unless stated

Hit Formula

Hit Target = 6 - (ACC - Target DOD)
Minimum 2+, maximum 6+.

Damage

• 1 damage per hit unless stated
• Armor reduces damage normally

Targeting Rules

Default priority:

• Closest enemy within range
• If tied: closest to the Operator
• If still tied: controlling player chooses

Synergy Range

Mercenaries must be within 4 spaces of the Operator to activate synergy abilities unless stated otherwise.

Survivability

Mercenaries are intentionally fragile:

• HP: 8–12
• Dodge: 1–3
• Armor: 0–1

Example Turn Flow

• Check synergy
• Move (optional)
• Attack (optional)
• End of turn

9.6 Mercenaries by Color Identity

9.7 Mercenary Balance Philosophy

Mercenaries are designed to be:

• Weaker than Operators
• Useful but not dominant
• Synergistic but not required
• Identity‑reinforcing
• Tactically meaningful

They expand the tactical sandbox without overwhelming the core Operator gameplay loop.

11.1 Standard Play Area

The standard battlefield for Syndicate Protocol is a 24 × 24 grid (576 spaces). This size ensures:

• Fast engagement times
• Meaningful movement decisions
• Clear sightlines without excessive open space
• Balanced interaction between Operators and Mercenaries

Deployment Zones

Each player deploys within a 2‑row zone on opposite sides of the map.

Symmetry

Maps should be functionally symmetrical to ensure fairness, even if visually asymmetric.

11.2 Terrain Categories

Terrain is divided into four primary categories. Each category affects movement, Line of Sight, and cover differently.

11.3 Terrain Density & Ratios

Balanced terrain density ensures fair, dynamic engagements. The recommended distribution for a 24 × 24 map is:

These ratios create:

• Clear firing lanes
• Safe approach routes
• Flanking paths
• Strong defensive positions

11.4 Terrain Placement Guidelines

Avoid Clustering

Do not place more than 4 Heavy Cover spaces adjacent unless designing a fortified zone.

Maintain Lanes

Ensure at least 2–3 clear lanes across the map for movement and sightlines.

Balanced Sides

Both deployment zones should have equal access to cover within the first 3 spaces.

Verticality

Optional elevated terrain should be accessible by at least 2 routes.

No Dead Zones

Avoid areas where units cannot be meaningfully attacked or reached.

11.5 Token-Based Terrain Objects

Some terrain is represented by tokens rather than fixed map art. These objects add modularity and replay value.

11.6 Example Balanced Layout

The following layout principles create a fair, competitive battlefield:

• Two central Heavy Cover clusters offset from center
• Diagonal Light Cover lanes for flanking
• One elevated vantage point accessible from both sides
• Impassable terrain placed to break up long sightlines
• Open Ground corridors enabling aggressive pushes

This structure ensures:

• Both Operators can reach meaningful cover by Round 1
• Mercenaries have safe approach routes
• Snipers have long but interruptible sightlines
• Close‑range Operators have multiple approach vectors