Altar of the Dead Gods v2.0

Altar of the Dead Gods is a grimdark, Lovecraftian-themed miniature skirmish wargame. Players take control of seven-model warbands and battle through the depths of a “Buried Temple” to collect sacred relics, worship monstrous deities, and perform dark, forbidden rituals.

Thematic, mechanical, and physical descriptions of the game include:

Core Setting & Atmosphere

Lovecraftian Horror: The game is set in a vast, labyrinthine subterranean network beneath “The City”. The Buried Temple contains ancient shrines to forgotten, alien deities.
Ritual Warfare: Matches are described more as macabre rituals of sacrifice and control rather than standard battles, evoking a dark fantasy or Dark Souls/Bloodborne tone.
Miniature Agnostic: Players are free to use their own models and miniatures from their personal collections, though the game does offer its own official starter sets and terrain lines.

Gameplay Mechanics

Warbands: Two players face off. Each player builds a warband consisting of 7 models: 3 heroes (including an optional exalted hero) and 4 minions.
Phases: Turn sequences are broken down into Initiative, Combat, and the Bleed Phase.
Stats & Dice: Combat revolves around opposed dice pools derived from unit stats (prowess, guard, wounds, movement, and range).
Grid-Based Strategy: The gameplay typically unfolds on a scaled grid system (such as 17 × 25 squares) utilizing modular terrain pieces like shrines, minor statues, and the titular altars.

The Six Factions

Players select from one of six distinct factions, each featuring unique rules, playstyles, and special abilities:

Cultists: Fanatical worshippers of the Ancient Gods.
Hunters: Hardened veterans armed to the teeth, stalking the temple’s beasts.
Vampires: Undead aristocrats and nocturnal predators.
Blood Witches: Practitioners of forbidden, crimson magic.
Pilgrims of the Church: Holy warriors descending into the dark to purge the heresy.
Decadent Waltz: Eldritch beings or cursed nobles of the abyss.