Fathom is a deep-sea tabletop miniatures skirmish game that features an alternate 1930s deco-punk setting, unique “Cost of Success” dice mechanics, and compact multi-level underwater operations.
Setting and Overview
Alternate 1930s Era: Set in a dark, deco-punk timeline where a global obsession with a rare energy source named Marineium forces crews to brave dangerous ocean trenches.
Play Area: Designed for tight, tactical skirmishes on an intimate 18″x24″ play surface featuring varying vertical elevations, sunken ships, and rugged terrain.
Dive Teams: Each player commands a compact three-model crew consisting of a Dive Master, a First Mate, and a Specialist deploying from a shared Diving Bell.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Cost of Success System: Actions are resolved by rolling custom D6 hazard dice where achieving a goal can add risky trade-offs, forcing players to choose between damaging their dive suits, wearing down equipment, or taking on localized hazards.
Deep Sea Threats: Crews must fight or bypass hazards and monsters of the deep such as Giant Squids, Sharks, Giant Crabs, Sea Mines, and Animated Caskets.
Campaign Progression: Players recover Marineium to upgrade their characters and grow their specialized diving organization between narrative missions.
