LANCER // Combat Systems Reference

Standard Move

Move up to your SPEED in spaces. Free every turn. Can be split before/after actions.

+

One of These:

■ 1 Full Action
■ 2 Quick Actions
■ 1 Quick Action

+

Overcharge (×1/turn)

Gain 1 extra Quick Action as a Free Action. Costs escalating heat.

+

Free Actions

Unlimited. Granted by systems/talents. Can duplicate other actions. Protocols activate at start of turn.

+

Reactions

Unlimited per round. One per turn (yours or others'). Recharge at start of your next turn.

Overcharge Heat Escalation

1ST USE

1

HEAT

2ND USE

1d3

HEAT

3RD USE

1d6

HEAT

4TH+ USE

1d6+4

HEAT

Counter resets on FULL REPAIR only. Each use grants one extra Quick Action as a Free Action.

Movement Rules

Splitting Movement

You can split your move before and after any actions. Non-movement actions must fully resolve before you continue moving.

Engaged

Moving adjacent to a hostile triggers ENGAGED. All ranged attacks by an ENGAGED character receive +1 difficulty. If engaged by a target of equal/greater SIZE mid-move, movement stops.

Involuntary Movement

Forced movement (knockback, grapple drag, etc.) does not trigger OVERWATCH or engagement rules — those only apply to voluntary movement.

Quick Actions

Skirmish

Quick

Attack with one weapon. Choose a valid target within RANGE (or THREAT for melee). You may also attack with a different AUXILIARY weapon on the same mount (no bonus damage). SUPERHEAVY weapons cannot be used in a Skirmish.

Boost

Quick

Move additional spaces equal to your SPEED. This is separate from your standard move. Can be used to HIDE immediately after if conditions are met.

Losing HIDDEN if used while hidden (unless granted as free action).

Ram

Quick

Make a melee attack against an adjacent target of equal SIZE or smaller. On success: target is knocked PRONE and you may push them 1 space directly away.

Grapple

Quick

Make a melee attack vs. adjacent target equal SIZE or smaller. On success: you and target become GRAPPLED. Neither can move normally. You can drag target if you are larger. Target can attempt to escape each turn.

Quick Tech

Quick

Electronic warfare. Choose one option per use (a different option each time): Bolster, Scan, Lock On, or Invade. Unlike other quick actions, Quick Tech can be taken more than once per turn, but each use must choose a different option.

INVADE: deals 2 heat on a successful tech attack.

Hide

Quick

Gain HIDDEN status. Requires: not ENGAGED + outside enemy LoS, in sufficient cover, or INVISIBLE. You lose HIDDEN if you attack, force saves, take reactions, BOOST, or lose cover.

Search

Quick

Attempt to find a HIDDEN target within SENSORS. Make a contested SYSTEMS vs. AGILITY check. On success, target loses HIDDEN and can be located by anyone.

Reload

Quick

Reload all weapons with the LOADING tag. Required before those weapons can fire again.

Prepare

Quick

Hold a Quick Action for a specified trigger ("When X, then Y"). Until your next turn, you can take that action as a Reaction when triggered. You cannot take other actions or reactions until triggered or turn starts. Trigger must be visible action by another character.

Full Actions

Barrage

Full

Attack with two weapons, or one SUPERHEAVY weapon. Choose the same or different targets within range. Each mount that fired may also fire a different AUXILIARY weapon (no bonus damage). SUPERHEAVY weapons can ONLY be used in Barrage.

Stabilize

Full

Emergency protocols. Choose one primary option:
• Cool — clear all heat and EXPOSED
• Repair — spend 1 REPAIR to restore all HP

Then choose one secondary option:
• Reload all LOADING weapons
• Clear all burn
• Clear a condition (not self-caused)
• Clear an allied character's condition (not self-caused)

Primary heat effect: COOLING clears ALL heat and EXPOSED status.

Full Tech

Full

Perform two Quick Tech options (can repeat the same option), OR activate a system that requires Full Tech. Powerful electronic warfare and support option.

Improvised Attack

Full

Attack adjacent target with a fist, rifle butt, or improvised weapon. On success: 1d6 kinetic damage. Works even while JAMMED.

Disengage

Full

Until the end of your current turn, you ignore engagement and your movement does not trigger reactions (like Overwatch). Useful for safely repositioning out of melee.

Skill Check

Full

Undertake a complex activity outside standard actions (forcing a locked door, jumping a crevasse, lifting debris). Parameters and outcomes determined by the GM.

Quick or Full Actions

Activate

Quick/Full

Use a system or piece of gear tagged QUICK ACTION or FULL ACTION. Can activate multiple times per turn, but not the same system more than once (unless granted as free action).

Mount / Dismount

Quick/Full

Full Action to mount/dismount a mech (must be adjacent to mount). Quick Action to EJECT — fly 6 spaces in any direction, but leaves mech IMPAIRED (can't eject again until Full Repair).

EJECT: single use emergency. Mech remains IMPAIRED.

Mech Emergency Actions

Shut Down

Quick

Power off your mech. Clears all heat and EXPOSED. Ends tech conditions (LOCK ON, etc.). Gains IMMUNITY to tech attacks. Mech is STUNNED indefinitely. Only removed by BOOT UP.

Clears ALL heat. Useful as emergency heat relief, but mech cannot act.

Boot Up

Full

Power on a SHUT DOWN mech. Removes SHUT DOWN status and all associated effects. Pilot must be inside the mech.

Self-Destruct

Quick

Initiate reactor meltdown. At the end of your next turn (or within 2 turns, your choice), your mech explodes: BURST 2, 4d6 explosive damage. AGILITY save halves damage. Pilot inside is killed. Mech annihilated.

Reactions (Out of Turn)

Brace

Reaction

Trigger: You are hit by an attack and damage is rolled.

Effect: You gain RESISTANCE to all damage, burn, and heat from that attack. Until end of your next turn, all attacks against you have +1 difficulty.

Cost: Cannot take reactions until end of your next turn. On that turn: only 1 Quick Action, no Overcharge, no standard move, no Full Actions, no Free Actions.

Overwatch

Reaction

Trigger: A hostile starts any movement (including Boost) inside one of your weapons' THREAT range.

Effect: Immediately Skirmish against that character as a reaction, before they move. All weapons have THREAT 1 by default.

Quick Tech Options (used with Quick Tech / Full Tech)

Bolster

Choose a character within SENSORS. They receive +2 bonus dice on their next skill check or save before the end of their next turn. Only one BOLSTER at a time.

Scan

Choose a character/object within SENSORS and LoS. Ask the GM one of: full stats/weapons/systems; one piece of hidden information; public records info. Information is current at time of scan only.

Lock On

Choose a character within SENSORS and LoS. They gain the LOCK ON condition. Any character attacking them may consume it for +1 bonus die on that attack. Required for some systems and talents.

Invade

Make a tech attack against a target within SENSORS and LoS. On success: target takes 2 heat and you choose an Invasion option. Default option: Fragment Signal — target becomes IMPAIRED and SLOWED until end of their next turn.

GENERATES: 2 heat on target. Tech attack vs. E-DEFENSE.

Fight Full

Attack with one weapon (pilot-scale).

Jockey Full

Attempt to climb and attack a mech.

Reload Quick

Reload a pilot weapon with LOADING tag.

Boost Quick

Extra move equal to SPEED.

Hide / Search Quick

Hide (RANGE 5) or search for HIDDEN targets.

Brace / Overwatch React

Same rules as mech reactions.

Heat Sources

Overcharge1 / 1d3 / 1d6 / 1d6+4

Invade (hit target)2 heat to target

WeaponsSome weapons list heat cost

EnvironmentalGM-determined hazards

Overheat OverflowExcess heat carries over

System EffectsVarious talents/systems

→

fills
heat
track

HEAT
CAP

Base: ENGINEERING
+1 per ENGINEERING point

⚠ DANGER ZONE
when ½ cap filled

→

clear
heat
via

Heat Removal

Stabilize (Cool)Full Action — clears ALL heat + EXPOSED

Shut DownQuick Action — clears ALL heat (but STUNS mech)

RestAfter combat — clear all heat

Full Repair10hr — clear all heat + reset overcharge

Systems / TalentsSpecific gear may cool heat

⚠ Exceeding Heat Cap → Overheat! (Takes 1 STRESS, then clears heat)

Roll (1d6/stress)	Result	Effect
5–6	Emergency Shunt	Cooling contains the heat. Mech becomes IMPAIRED until end of next turn.
2–4	Destabilized Power Plant	Mech becomes EXPOSED — all kinetic/explosive/energy damage doubled until cleared.
1	Meltdown	3+ STRESS: EXPOSED. 2 STRESS: ENGINEERING check or meltdown in 1d6 turns. 1 STRESS: Reactor meltdown at end of next turn.
Multiple 1s	Irreversible Meltdown	Reactor goes critical. Meltdown at end of next turn — no save possible.

Roll [# of stress marked] d6. Choose LOWEST result. Excess heat carries over after overheat clears.

Reactor Meltdown

When meltdown triggers: pilot inside is immediately killed. Mech is vaporized in a BURST 2 explosion dealing 4d6 explosive damage to all in area. AGILITY save halves damage. Wreck is annihilated.

Preventing a countdown meltdown: Roll again on the overheat table as a Full Action during the countdown.

Stress Track

Most PC mechs have 4 STRESS. Each time heat exceeds HEAT CAP: take 1 STRESS and make an overheating check. Heat then clears. Excess heat beyond cap carries over and may trigger multiple overheats.

At 0 STRESS, the mech suffers a reactor meltdown at the end of its next turn. STRESS is restored by spending 2 REPAIRS during rest, or automatically on Full Repair.

Danger Zone

A mech is in the DANGER ZONE when half or more of its HEAT CAP is filled. This is visually obvious (glowing segments, steam, open vents). Certain weapons, systems, and talents are only available in the Danger Zone or gain extra effects there.

Statuses (Usually require specific action to remove)

Danger Zone

Mechs Only

When half or more of HEAT CAP is filled. Enables certain weapons/talents/effects. Visually obvious — glowing, steaming, vents open.

REMOVED: when heat drops below half of HEAT CAP

Exposed

Mechs Only

All kinetic, explosive, and energy damage doubled before reductions. Caused by overheating, plasma ejections, or system attacks.

REMOVED: Stabilize (Cool option) or Shut Down

Hidden

Status

Cannot be targeted by attacks or hostile actions. Enemies only know approximate location. Don't cause engagement.

REMOVED: Attacking, forcing saves, Boost, reactions, losing cover

Invisible

Status

All attacks have a 50% chance to miss outright before roll (flip coin/d2). Can always HIDE even without cover.

REMOVED: As specified by effect

Prone

Status

Attacks against you get +1 bonus die. You are SLOWED and count as moving in difficult terrain. Cannot stand if IMMOBILIZED.

REMOVED: Stand up instead of standard move (doesn't count as movement)

Shut Down

Mechs Only

Clears all heat and EXPOSED. Tech conditions end. Immune to all tech attacks. Mech is permanently STUNNED while shut down. NHPs stabilize.

REMOVED: Boot Up (Full Action by pilot inside)

Engaged

Status

All ranged attacks at +1 difficulty. If engaged mid-move by equal/larger SIZE target, movement stops immediately.

REMOVED: Move away from all adjacent hostiles

Down and Out

Pilots Only

Unconscious and STUNNED. Any further damage kills them. Regain consciousness and half HP on rest.

REMOVED: Rest

Conditions (More ways to remove, often temporary)

Impaired

Condition

All attacks, saves, and skill checks at +1 difficulty.

REMOVED: Stabilize (secondary option), Full Repair, rest

Stunned

Condition

Cannot Overcharge, move, or take any actions (including free actions and reactions). Pilots can still Mount/Dismount/Eject. Max EVASION 5. Auto-fail HULL and AGILITY checks.

REMOVED: As specified (usually end of next turn, or Boot Up if Shut Down)

Slowed

Condition

Only movement allowed is standard move on your own turn. Cannot Boost or use special movement from talents/systems/weapons.

REMOVED: End of next turn (usually), Stabilize, or Full Repair

Immobilized

Condition

Cannot make any voluntary movement. Involuntary movement (push, pull, etc.) still applies.

REMOVED: End of next turn (usually), Stabilize, or Full Repair

Lock On

Condition

Hostile attackers can consume this condition for +1 bonus die on their attack. Condition ends after it is consumed. Required for some talents/systems.

REMOVED: Consumed by attacker, or Shut Down clears tech conditions

Jammed

Condition

Cannot use comms. Cannot make attacks except Improvised Attack, Grapple, and Ram. Cannot take reactions or tech actions.

REMOVED: Stabilize, Full Repair, or as specified

Shredded

Condition

Character does not benefit from ARMOR or RESISTANCE to any damage type.

REMOVED: As specified by the effect that caused it

Burn

Condition

Takes burn damage at start of each turn (equal to burn value). Must pass an ENGINEERING save to reduce burn; on success, reduce burn by the save amount.

REMOVED: Stabilize (secondary option "clear all burn")

Structure Damage (0 HP → Roll structure check)

When a mech reaches 0 HP, it takes 1 STRUCTURE damage, makes a structure check, then resets to full HP. Excess damage carries over. PC mechs have 4 STRUCTURE. At 0 STRUCTURE: mech is destroyed.
Roll [# of structure marked] d6. Take the lowest result.

Roll	Result	Effect
5–6	Glancing Blow	Mech becomes IMPAIRED until end of next turn.
2–4	System Trauma	Roll 1d6: 1-3 = all weapons on one mount destroyed; 4-6 = one system destroyed. (LIMITED systems with no charges are invalid.)
1	Direct Hit	3+ STRUCTURE: STUNNED until end of next turn. 2 STRUCTURE: HULL check — pass = STUNNED; fail = destroyed. 1 STRUCTURE: destroyed.
Multiple 1s	Crushing Hit	Mech destroyed outright.

Repair Options

In Combat — Stabilize

Cool: Clear all heat + EXPOSED (Free option — no cost)
Repair: Spend 1 REPAIR → restore all HP
+ one secondary: reload LOADING weapons, clear burn, clear a condition

Rest (1hr downtime)

Clear all heat
Clear all statuses and conditions
Restore half pilot HP, clear DOWN AND OUT
1 REPAIR: restore full mech HP, or fix destroyed weapon/system
2 REPAIRS: restore 1 STRUCTURE or 1 STRESS
4 REPAIRS: repair a destroyed mech (wreckage needed)

Full Repair (10hr secure)

Restore all pilot HP, clear DOWN AND OUT
Mech to full HP, STRESS, and STRUCTURE
Clear all statuses and conditions
Repair all destroyed weapons/systems
Recover CP if used
Regain all REPAIRS and LIMITED weapon uses
Reset Overcharge counter
Print a new mech (with proper facilities)

Repair Cap

Determined by FRAME + HULL bonus
Maximum REPAIRs available per mission
Only one pilot can share REPAIRs: when repairing a destroyed mech (4 REPAIRs total — anyone can contribute)
Full Repair fully restores REPAIR CAP

All Actions at a Glance

Action	Type	Summary
Standard Move	Free	Move up to SPEED. Can split with other actions.
Skirmish	Quick	Attack with 1 weapon (+1 AUX from same mount). No SUPERHEAVY.
Boost	Quick	Extra move = SPEED.
Ram	Quick	Melee attack → PRONE + optional 1-space pushback.
Grapple	Quick	Melee attack → both GRAPPLED. Larger may drag.
Quick Tech	Quick	Bolster / Scan / Lock On / Invade. Different option each use.
Hide	Quick	Gain HIDDEN. Requires cover/LoS break/INVISIBLE and not ENGAGED.
Search	Quick	Contested SYSTEMS vs AGILITY to find HIDDEN target.
Reload	Quick	Reload all LOADING weapons.
Prepare	Quick	Hold a Quick Action for a trigger. No other actions/reactions until triggered.
Shut Down	Quick	Power off. Clear all heat + EXPOSED. STUNNED indefinitely. Tech immunity.
Eject	Quick	Fly 6 spaces. Mech IMPAIRED. Single use per mission.
Self-Destruct	Quick	Countdown to BURST 2 4d6 explosion. Pilot dies.
Barrage	Full	Attack with 2 weapons (or 1 SUPERHEAVY) + AUX from each mount.
Stabilize	Full	Cool (all heat + EXPOSED) OR Repair (1 REPAIR → full HP) + secondary option.
Full Tech	Full	Two Quick Tech options (can repeat) or one Full Tech system.
Improvised Attack	Full	Melee attack → 1d6 kinetic damage. Works while JAMMED.
Disengage	Full	Until end of turn, ignore engagement, movement doesn't trigger reactions.
Skill Check	Full	GM-defined action with clear goal and roll.
Boot Up	Full	Power on SHUT DOWN mech.
Activate	Quick/Full	Use tagged system. Once per system per turn (unless free action).
Mount/Dismount	Quick/Full	Full to mount/dismount normally. Quick to EJECT (6 spaces, IMPAIRED).
Overcharge	Free/Once/Turn	Extra Quick Action. Heat: 1 / 1d3 / 1d6 / 1d6+4. Resets on Full Repair.
Brace	Reaction 1/round	When hit: RESISTANCE to that attack. Cost: limited next turn actions.
Overwatch	Reaction 1/round	When hostile moves in THREAT: Skirmish them before they move.

Heat at a Glance

Event	Heat Effect
Overcharge (1st)	+1 heat to self
Overcharge (2nd)	+1d3 heat to self
Overcharge (3rd)	+1d6 heat to self
Overcharge (4th+)	+1d6+4 heat to self
Invade (successful)	+2 heat to target
Exceed HEAT CAP	Take 1 STRESS, make overheating check, clear all heat, carry over excess
Overheat 5–6	IMPAIRED until end of next turn
Overheat 2–4	EXPOSED (damage doubled)
Overheat 1	Meltdown or EXPOSED depending on remaining STRESS
Overheat multiple 1s	Irreversible meltdown at end of next turn
Stabilize (Cool)	Clear ALL heat + EXPOSED
Shut Down	Clear ALL heat + EXPOSED (mech STUNNED)
Rest	Clear all heat
Full Repair	Clear all heat, reset overcharge counter