Battle Effects Compendium

A complete reference of unit abilities and weapon special effects for War Emblem.

Unit Effects (Triggered on Attack)

These effects activate when a unit attacks under specific conditions.

Effect NameTriggerEffect Description
Bestial AuraMeleeAttackers get +1 to hit and +1 to wound when targeting this unit until end of turn
Centaur HealMeleeAttacker heals 1-3 HP
Gnoll HealMeleeAttacker heals 1-6 HP
Bestial ArchersRangedThis unit gets -1 to hit until end of turn
Bestial MarkRangedAttackers get +1 to hit when targeting this unit until end of turn
Bestial StrikeMeleeAttackers get +1 penetration when targeting this unit until end of turn
Overseer MarkMeleeAttackers get +1 to hit when targeting this unit until end of turn
Necromancer MarkMeleeThis unit gets -1 to hit until end of turn
Executioner MarkMeleeThis unit loses 1 attack (per model) until end of turn
Blood MarkMeleeAttackers gain 1 attack (per model) when targeting this unit until end of turn
Catapult MarkRangedThis unit gets -1 to hit until end of turn
Lantern MarkMeleeAttackers get +1 to wound when targeting this unit until end of turn
Balrog MarkAnyThis unit gets -1 penetration until end of turn

Weapon Effects (Special Rules)

These effects activate when specific dice rolls are achieved during attacks.

Effect NameTriggerEffect Description
CriticalRoll 6 to hitScore an additional hit
LethalRoll 6 to hitAutomatic wound (no wound roll needed)
ImpaleRoll 6 to hitAutomatic wound with no armor saves allowed
ReaverRoll 5 to hit vs infantry (5+ models)Automatic wound
TitanicRoll 6 to woundScore an additional wound

Passive Effects (Always Active)

These effects are always in play when their conditions are met.

Unit Effects

Effect NameConditionEffect Description
Bestial CounterEnemy rolls 1 to hit in meleeCounter-attack (1 damage) with no saves allowed
Centaur WardWhen counter-attacked in melee+2 to armor save
Spear WallWhen attacked in melee+2 to armor save
Spectral AuraAlwaysNegates all weapon penetration
Bestial ElitesAgainst ranged attacksAttacker needs +1 to wound

Weapon Effects

Effect NameConditionEffect Description
Penetration (Single)Against single-model units+1 penetration
Penetration (Infantry)Against multi-model units+1 penetration
Penetration (Charge)When charging+1 penetration
DefilerTarget has fought back+1 attack
D3 DamageAlwaysAdd 1-3 to damage
D6 DamageAlwaysAdd 1-6 to damage
ChargeWhen charging+1 attack
Centaur ChargeWhen charging+1 damage
DefenderWhen counter-attacking+1 penetration
2D6 AttacksAlwaysAttacks = 2d6
3D6 AttacksAlwaysAttacks = 3d6
Enemy AttacksAlwaysAttacks = target's model count
Damage AttacksAlwaysAttacks = max(default, missing HP × models)