3. Enemy actions

When the Initiative count reaches the number of an enemy’s Initiative, flip it face up and take a turn for that character.

Play a Challenge card from your hand to take an action.

The number of the major arcana is the card’s value (e.g., Temperance [XIV] has a value of 14). Because the major arcana spans the values 1–21, they are categorized into two types of doom: lesser dooms and greater dooms. These speak to the sorts of dangers they involve for the adventurers.

Major arcana from I-XIV are lesser dooms.

Major arcana from XV-XXI are greater dooms.

Appendix C: Dungeon Denizens has examples of lesser and greater dooms for each creature.

Lesser dooms

Lesser doom cards have values of 1–14. These are analogous to the minor arcana (which are also rated from 1–14).

Play any lesser doom card to make any Challenge Action (Attack, Dash, Dodge, etc.). Only add the enemy’s attributes to the action’s value on their turn, as normal.

You also play a lesser doom card to use an enemy’s lesser doom abilities. These are special powers or tactics unique to that creature.

Greater dooms

Greater doom cards have values of 15–21.

Play a greater doom to activate an enemy’s greater doom abilities. These represent a creature’s most potent powers.

• If the greater doom only affects the environment or yourself, the greater doom occurs as soon as you play the card.

• If the greater doom targets an adventurer, your greater doom is played at the same time as a lesser doom card used as an Attack action. If the Attack is successful, the greater doom effect occurs.

• The greater doom card is played regardless of whether the Attack hits or not.

For example, a dragon has a greater doom called “Breath of Fire.” To use it on an adventurer, use a lesser doom card (like the Hanged Man [XII]) to make an Attack action. At the same time, play any greater doom card (like the Star [XVII]) to activate Breath of Fire. If the Attack is successful, the adventurer is roasted by the dragon’s fiery breath and takes that effect.

You cannot typically play a greater doom card to make Challenge Actions like Attack, Dash, Dodge, etc. You can play greater doom cards to use any miscellaneous action except for Vigilance.

You can discard a greater doom to gain favor on another Challenge Action.

Lastly, some opponents have the ability to use greater doom cards for Challenge Actions. This represents a creature’s overwhelming, extra-human capabilities. For example, a giant may be able to use a greater doom like the Tower [XVI] as an Attack with a value of 16.