5. Game Loop

5.1 Phase Overview

All players proceed through the phases simultaneously. For the Combat Phase, when the majority of players are ready, a player may initiate a countdown from three. At the end of the countdown, all players must act or choose to do nothing, effectively forfeiting their turn.  The phases continue to cycle in this manner until only one player or team remains standing, or until all players are eliminated. Once the Discard Phase is over and the game is not yet over, the phases loop back to the Draw Phase.

5.2 Phases

5.2.1 Draw Phase

During this phase, players perform the following actions:

• Draw cards: Each player draws cards from their draw deck until they have five cards in their hand.

• Regenerate Mana: Players gain 2 mana. 

5.2.2 Preparation Phase

During this phase, players may perform the following actions:

• Recycling: Each player may recycle one card from their hand to gain additional mana. See {section}.

5.2.3 Combat Phase

In the Combat Phase, players simultaneously cast spells and declare their targets. Creatures and constructs will also act during this turn, controlled by their respective players. When a spell is cast, its mana and any required essence are instantly consumed, preventing players from casting multiple spells if they lack sufficient resources (e.g., a player with only 4 mana cannot cast two 3-mana spells).

5.2.4 Discard Phase

During this phase, players perform the following actions:

• Resolve Spell Effects: Any spell effects from the Combat Phase are resolved, including damage, healing, and other effects. This is the only phase during which a player can be eliminated from the game.

• Decay Turn-Based Effects: Reduce the duration of ongoing effects. Effects do not decay if they were applied during the current phase. (Grace's Illness) 

• Discard Cards: Players discard cards used in the combat phase.

After the Discard Phase, if the game is still ongoing, players return to the Draw Phase, continuing the cycle.