Rules reference
Conditions in Draw Steel
Status effects and how they impact characters and play. Draw Steel is a heroic tactical RPG by MCDM Productions that uses a 2d10 Power Roll system with tier-based results. Characters are defined by their ancestry, culture, career, class, and kit. The game emphasizes cinematic combat, meaningful character choices, and a world where heroes stand against overwhelming darkness.
Key points
Conditions define mechanical states that alter what a character can do. Use this page to quickly understand the most common effects and how to resolve them.
- 2d10 Power Roll with 3 tiers: Tier 1 (≤11), Tier 2 (12-16), Tier 3 (17+)
- 9 classes: Censor, Conduit, Elementalist, Fury, Null, Shadow, Tactician, Talent, Troubadour
- 12 ancestries: Devil, Dragon Knight, Dwarf, Hakaan, High Elf, Human, Wode Elf, and more
- 5 characteristics: Might, Agility, Reason, Intuition, Presence
- Edge & bane system: one edge is +2, one bane is -2; a double edge or bane shifts the tier instead of stacking further
- Kit system: Equipment loadouts that define your combat style
| Condition | Effect |
|---|---|
| Bleeding | Lose 1d6 + your level Stamina after you take a main action, a triggered action, or a Might/Agility roll, until treated or you die |
| Dazed | Cannot take triggered actions or free triggered actions |
| Frightened | Cannot willingly move closer to the source; power rolls against the source take a bane |
| Grabbed | Speed is 0; the grabber can move you with them |
| Prone | Melee attacks against you gain an edge; standing up is a maneuver |
| Restrained | Speed is 0; attacks against you gain an edge; your power rolls take a bane |
| Slowed | Speed can't exceed 2 |
| Taunted | Double bane on power rolls against targets other than the taunter |
| Weakened | Power rolls take a bane |
When a condition is applied, note the source and duration. At the start of each turn (or scene), check which conditions expire or escalate.
Some systems let conditions stack; others replace. Check your system’s rules for which takes precedence when multiple effects overlap.
- Mistake: Forgetting to clear expired conditions. Fix: Check condition durations at the start of each turn or scene.
- Mistake: Treating conditions as flavor only. Fix: Apply the mechanical penalty or restriction every time it's relevant.