Rules reference
Conditions in Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition
Status effects and how they impact characters and play. Hunter: The Reckoning 5th Edition is a tabletop RPG where you play as ordinary humans who've encountered the supernatural and joined the Vigil, hunting the monsters that prey on the innocent. As part of a cell, you manage Edges, track Desperation and Danger, and work together to protect the innocent.
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.
- 5 Creeds: Entrepreneurial, Faithful, Inquisitive, Martial, Underground
- Edge system: supernatural-adjacent abilities, some drawing on Desperation dice
- Desperation and Danger: a shared cell resource and the escalating threat pushing against it
- Cell system: Hunters work in groups for safety
- Monster hunting focus: Investigate, prepare, hunt
- Human vulnerability: Still human, powerful but fragile
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.