Dragon Eclipse · Board game rules
Can I choose to inflict less damage than indicated?
Quick answer
No, you must resolve damage as indicated unless a card effect allows otherwise.
Details
In Dragon Eclipse, when resolving an effect that deals damage (e.g., Attack, Deal X), you must apply the full calculated damage unless explicitly modified by a card or rule. For example:
- Attack resolves by dealing damage equal to your Mystling’s Strength (modified by Defense or Pierce effects) [p.36 — Combat Tags].
- Deal X effects require dealing the specified damage, reduced only by the target’s Defense or other mitigating rules [p.36 — Combat Tags].
Card effects always take precedence over general rules [p.18 — Golden Rules of Combat]. If a card states "Deal 3 ★," you must deal 3 ★ unless another effect (e.g., a Pierce modifier or a conditional rule) alters the value. Players cannot arbitrarily reduce damage.
Watch out: Some effects, like (Drain) or Heal, indirectly reduce net damage by healing your Mystling, but this is a separate mechanic and does not lower the damage dealt to the target [p.36 — Combat Tags].