Deathburgh: Gameplay and Basic Features

Deathburgh is a skirmish wargame for two or more players, where the twisted, eternal residents of Deathburgh clash in a ridiculous and often grim combat. 

Deathburgh, a combination of the word Death -the main topic of the game- and the scottish word -burgh, is set in an alternative universe where Death is no longer a thing.

The atmosphere of the game and main inspiration for the city and its spaces is based on our very own hometown, Edinburgh (Scotland), and its multilayered city center; in a combination of steampunk and fantasy aesthetic.

What do I need to play Deathburgh? 

If you’re still interested (and you should be), here’s the rundown: Pick a faction. Any miniatures will do, but painted ones show you care. Grab a set of six-sided dice, a tape measure, and a flat surface. Don’t forget some terrain pieces to add that crumbling, end-of-the-road vibe—anything from cardboard boxes to broken ruins will do. 

You’ll be able to play with a lineup of brand-new miniatures designed by Highlands Miniatures for Deathburgh: from ragged troops to pretentious heroes. These miniatures will be available in the future along the rulebook.

Finally, you’ll need someone to play against. Ideally, a friend who can handle sarcasm and loss with dignity, or at least someone who won’t flip the table when their Leader gets smacked down by a hapless Basic Troop. 

Warbands 

Each player commands a faction of delightfully flawed souls, each with a unique role that brings a touch of chaos and charm to the battlefield. Together, they form a band of misfits—some bold, some wise, some simply expendable—all driven by a mix of valor and shame. This game is not just about survival; it’s about embracing their unpredictability of fate.

• Basic Troops: These clueless recruits bring new meaning to the phrase “cannon fodder.”

• Brutes: Big, burly, and somewhat confused—ideal for shielding the important ones.

• Specialists: High-impact, high-risk—think of them as mini glass cannons waiting to shatter.

• Erudites: Wise, magical, and more concerned with “higher powers” than dirtying their hands.

• Leaders: The ones barking orders and somehow expecting the rest to survive.

Game Mechanics 

You will find the basic game mechanics of Deathburgh quite familiar. Movement, Line of Sight, Melee, Ranged and Magical Attacks… But there are some new mechanics that are nothing but traditional:

• Aggressive and Defensive Modes

Each miniature has two modes, Aggressive or Defensive. Aggressive is for when they’re pretending to be heroes; Defensive is for when reality sets in, and they’re frantically trying not to collapse.

Switching between these keeps the game tense, more fun, bone-chillingly wicked!

• Soul’s Dice Pool

In Deathburgh, you collect Soul’s Dice. Use these dice to improve rolls or pull off special moves, but remember: every die spent is one less chance to make it out in one piece. Or multiple pieces, as it often ends.

• Faction Missions

Pick your band of damned and clash with other factions, aiming to gain Victory Points. How? Control key points on the board or fulfill your band desires to outlast your opponents and win Victory Points. Or don’t—it’s Deathburgh, after all; sticking around too long is really just beginning for more trouble.

Stay tuned for the third and last publication coming right up for Deathburgh and get ready to try the game in the closed alpha we will be launching soon!

Illustrations for non commercial illustratives purposes only. Art by Gerard Trignac.

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