# slay the spire board game rules (canonical reference)

This file is the canonical mechanical reference for this project.
Source: `STS_KS_Rulebook.pdf`.

Use this for adjudicating rule disputes and deciding implementation behavior.
For a smaller implementation spec, see `docs/rules-web-mvp.md`.
For intentional product deviations, see `docs/rules-web-delta.md`.

## Canonical clarifications (high-value)

These points are called out explicitly because they are commonly simplified or misremembered.

1. Setup shuffle behavior
- Do not shuffle Summons, Daze, or Status decks during setup.
- Keep 1st Encounter cards separate from the main Encounter deck.

2. Act transition behavior
- Replace act-specific decks with next-Act versions.
- Summons also use the next-Act deck and remain unshuffled.
- Heal to max HP at start of Act II/III (and Act IV when used).
- Shuffle each player's card rewards deck with skipped cards; do not shuffle rares.

3. Combat ordering
- One shared player turn (simultaneous player actions), then enemy turn.
- Die is rolled once per round and drives all die-based effects that round.
- Enemy action order: highest row to lowest row, left to right; bosses act last.
- Enemy Block is removed at start of enemy turn.

4. Reward and inventory constraints
- Players may evaluate combat rewards with full knowledge before finalizing choices.
- Potions are limited; overflow requires skip/pass/use-discard handling.
- Potions are the only tradeable item type outside combat.

5. Targeting and damage semantics
- Player AoE targets one row and always includes boss if present.
- "ALL enemies" targets every row plus boss.
- Weak and Vulnerable interact via cancellation rule in canon reference.
- "Lose HP" is not damage and is not prevented by Block.

6. Playing copies
- Copies are free.
- X-cost copies use original X value.
- Copies resolve before original card resolves.
- Only one "play multiple times" effect can apply to a given played card; additional effects wait for next valid card.

7. Cross-character mechanics
- Transforming off-class/colorless cards still draws from your own card rewards deck.
- Golden Ticket revealed from another character uses that character's rare deck.
- If stances/orbs are gained cross-character, Prismatic Shard rules apply.

8. Golden rule
- If card text contradicts general rules, card text takes precedence.

## Scope notes

The official rulebook also includes:
- FAQ and specific card interactions
- Unlock progression and Ascension ladder
- Daily Climb/custom modifiers
- Act IV keys and quick-start tables
- Optional modes

All are canonical unless explicitly listed as product deltas in `docs/rules-web-delta.md`.