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Hermetica

A Card Game of Cosmic Principles — two alchemists shaping reality through ancient laws.
MALKUTH AETHER PNEUMA
Core Concept Seven Principles Turn Structure
Hermetica board with Aether field, Malkuth and Pneuma
Hermetica game lobby

Core Concept

Hermetica is a two-player competitive card game where you play as rival alchemists vying for mastery of the seven Hermetic principles. Each Alchemist starts the game with 30 life. Earn Prestige by shaping the Aether Field, building engines, and outmaneuvering your opponent to draw from a special pile of 7 special magic cards. Every mechanic and card effect reflects a core principle of Hermeticism.

The Alchemist’s Deck

Your personal deck represents your knowledge and application of the principles.

The Aether Field

Central arena divided left/right for each player — the malleable substance of reality you shape.

Prestige

Earn powerful spells with Prestige tokens. Reach the threshold to claim mastery.

Resource Cards

A set of special resources keyed to the game’s mechanic (The four elements plus additional combinations). Used to channel power into a variety of interactions.

Turn Structure

1) Mind Phase

Refresh: untap/all ready; restore turn-based resources and ongoing effects.

2) Draw Phase

Draw one card (or as modified). Resolve “at draw” triggers.

3) Corpus Phase

Groundwork on the field: deploy basics, arrange Formations, allocate resources.

4) Aether Phase

Play cards, summon Thoughtforms/Homunculi, activate abilities, and shape the Aether.

5) Cause Phase

Declare attacks and initiating actions; set Catalyst chains into motion.

6) Effect Phase

Resolve effects and triggered chains in order. Vibration/Rhythm ticks advance.

7) Reflection Phase

Optional final action, cleanup, and pass the turn.

Card Types

Evocations

Primary action cards—direct applications of a principle.

Artifacts

Persistent objects that grant ongoing benefits or passive triggers.

Homunculus

Constructed units with roles in defense, utility, or catalyst chains.

Engines

Constructed units designed to put the game into motion with resource generation and draw power.

Formations

Layouts on the Aether Field that unlock synergies when arranged correctly.

Philosopher’s Stones

Rare, high-investment cards that can dramatically swing the game.

Shape the Aether. Earn Prestige.

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