Before You Play
Asmeriel is no ordinary board game where you unfold a board and deal the cards. Here, every player needs their mobile phone in front of them for the entire game, and a projector sits on the table. So play near a power outlet and keep your phones charged. We recommend playing in soft, dim light (with the card text still readable), in surroundings free of distractions. And don't be afraid to boost the atmosphere with candles or other decorations.
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Install the Asmeriel app on your phones
Pick one of you (ideally the one with the most expensive phone) to be the host. The host creates the game, then chooses and configures the game mode you want to play. Everything is set up in the game lobby, which the other players can join — typically using a join key the host shares with everyone. That links your phones together. In the lobby you pick the game mode, characters, and the various rules and restrictions of the chosen mode or campaign. You can also load a previously saved game in the lobby and continue after an interrupted session.
Before the first game, the host should also calibrate the game projector. The screen on their device will walk them through the process. -
Set up the projector and the game board
Mount the projector arm firmly to the table following the included instructions, screw on the projector and position it roughly 50 cm above the table. Place the white projection game board underneath it. Turn the projector on and use its remote to adjust the projection area so the projected image precisely matches the markers on the game board. Make sure the image is sharp using the focus wheel on the projector. Launch the pre-installed Asmeriel app. The host then follows the on-screen guide to connect to the projector wirelessly over Wi-Fi.
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Choose your hero
Warrior, Hunter, Mage or Rogue? Take the miniature and its deck of cards. Once you join the host's lobby as a player, you need to pick a character and pair it with your device — simply by placing it on the play area at the spot where you're sitting. That claims the character as yours and tells the game where you sit at the table.
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Prepare your deck
The starter deck comes ready for you in your hero's box. If this isn't your first game, though, you'll need to build your deck according to the scenario's rules (for example, adding cards purchased in a previous game). The scenario always reminds you which cards your deck needs. Then shuffle the deck, set it on the table, and you're ready to begin.
See One Battle with Your Own Eyes
The basic tutorial walks you through setup, launching the game and the fundamentals of play — from an empty table to first blood. You don't need the advanced rules to get started. The game teaches you interactively and adds mechanics gradually, so you'll never be flooded with information. For new players (even if a veteran already plays in your group), we recommend starting with the intro scenario / tutorial first.
The Four Pillars
Asmeriel rests on four pillars. Master them, and the realm will start whispering your name.
Cards define your strategy and options
Every action — a strike or a spell — is a card in your hand. Cards tell you what you can do: attack, move, heal, support your friends, or even reshape the map itself.
Miniatures set positions and targets
Your character miniatures don't just show where you stand on the map — they're also how you control the game world. You use them to issue commands: where to attack, where to move.
The app tracks the game, heroes and enemies
When a clash comes, the app handles every calculation for you. In a way, you're playing a social video game. Damage tokens, status trackers and the rest — you don't need any of it. Focus on playing, not on counting and resolving.
Time is.. mana
The game is a mix of turn-based and realtime play. It often forces you to think and act fast — and to make mistakes. It keeps you alert and on edge. Time pauses every round, though, so you can partly plan your actions ahead, catch your breath and read your cards in peace. But once the clock is running, act fast! Not everything always goes according to plan...
Anatomy of a Card
Every character has a unique set and combination of cards. The basic layout, however, is the same for all of them.
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Resource cost
What playing the action costs you. Heroes pay with Energy (Rogue, Hunter), Mana (Mage) or Rage (Warrior). Without enough of the resource, the card can't be played.
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The action
The card's description shows clearly what happens when you play it. You can attack, move, place obstacles, summon allies and much more. And if an action gets more complicated, it's good to know that every card has a video in the app explaining its behavior in detail. You'll never have to leaf through a manual.
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Shop price
In some modes, cards can be bought from a merchant. This is the price the card can be bought for.
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Element
Shows what type (element) the card is. The game lets you build advanced combos precisely by layering actions onto individual enemies. Matching or supporting elements raise the damage multiplier — others cancel it. So playing water right after you or another player used fire may not be the best idea.
The Rhythm of Battle
Every round of Asmeriel beats in four movements. Catch the rhythm and you'll never lose your footing — break it, and the realm will notice.
Preparation
Draw back up to 5 cards in hand and plan your strategy. Time stands still here.
Battle
The clock starts running. You have limited time in the round to play your cards and actions. Everyone plays at once, in realtime, and the order is entirely up to you and your strategy. Enemies carry out their actions during the round too — automatically, driven by AI.
Story events
During play, your actions may trigger story events. While they run, game time stands still. You can think your answers through, or use the time for a quick strategy huddle.
End of round
This is when the realtime clash winds down. Your cooldowns recharge, your energy resource regenerates, debuffs and other effects are resolved. It all happens automatically in your app.
Forge Your Legend
In most game modes and scenarios, the heroes of Asmeriel grow in one way or another. Combine all the upgrades and you can build unstoppable combos that multiply your hero's power many times over.
Experience
Every completed quest, slain enemy and clever escape teaches you something. Your hero turns the experience gained into levels and experience points, which you can spend on further character upgrades.
Talents
With each new level you choose your hero's specialization. You gain new abilities, improve certain types of actions, and so on.
Gear
As you play, you acquire new equipment in all sorts of ways — swords, armor and other items. They make your character even stronger. Some rare items also grant you talent-like abilities, making your actions far more powerful and interesting.
Specializations
From time to time, your hero gets to pick one of three random upgrades. It's a roguelike mechanic that makes no two games alike. Specializations strongly affect certain actions — doubling fire damage while reducing water damage, for instance. Play to your hero's strengths.
Wisdom of the Fallen
Carved into the walls by the fallen adventurers who came before you. Here are a few tips on how to play.
Better something than nothing
In realtime combat, what matters is using your resources and dealing as much damage to enemies as you can. The clock pushes you into mistakes — don't be afraid to make them. In most cases it's better to act, even if it isn't the most optimal decision.
Plan your turn
Got a strong card in hand? Think about how other cards or your teammates could multiply its value even further. The right timing or an element combo can dramatically change a card's power. Just be careful not to wait for the perfect moment too long.
Trust the app
The app is there to help — it shows how far you can shoot and how far you can run. Leave damage calculations and the rest of the math to it. The app doesn't lie: if something seems different from what you expected, check whether you know all the mechanics.
Use the elements
Especially in boss fights, it's crucial not to break the element combo. Help each other out and work with the active element so that it benefits everyone.
Help the others — or not?
In co-op mode, teamwork matters. Don't be afraid to risk your neck now and then to save the others. If you play only for yourself, you might score extra points — but you'll easily lose the level together. If you play as a team, the game gets easier, but you may not win anything for yourself. Find the right balance!
Remember your bonuses and upgrades
The game grows steadily harder. It's not just about upgrading your character wisely — also keep track of which bonuses you have active, and adjust your strategy and deck to make the most of them.
Your First Quest Awaits
You know the rhythm now. Choose your battlefield — or join the vanguard and march at dawn.