Charge

Summary

Charge is a paladin advanced move in Dungeon World that enables a character to lead allies into combat with tactical advantage. When a paladin with this move leads a charge into battle, all companions who follow receive a +1 forward bonus, meaning their first roll in that engagement gains a +1 modifier. Vasso considered this move during Session 3 of the campaign as part of his level-up advancement options.

The move represents a battlefield leadership capability, allowing the paladin to coordinate and inspire their party at the crucial moment when combat begins. It transforms the paladin into a tactical leader who can enhance the entire group's effectiveness at the start of an encounter.

Details

The mechanical function of Charge is straightforward: when the paladin character leads allies into a fight, each person who follows receives +1 forward. As explained during the session, this translates to "everybody's first role in a fight that Vasso is leading would be a plus one." The +1 forward bonus applies specifically to the first roll each participant makes in that combat encounter.

The move requires the paladin to actively lead the charge—initiating the engagement and bringing allies with them into the fray. It does not provide ongoing bonuses but instead offers a tactical edge at the critical opening moments of combat when positioning and momentum can determine the flow of battle.

For Vasso's character build, Charge would reinforce a role as the party's protector and front-line coordinator, someone who doesn't just defend allies but actively leads them into dangerous situations with calculated advantage.

History

Session 3

Charge appeared as one of several paladin advanced moves that Vasso was evaluating for his character advancement. Dayna, who plays Vasso, raised the option during discussion, initially expressing uncertainty about its mechanical meaning: "For the charge, there's. You can lead the charge into combat. Those you lead take plus one forward. But I actually don't know what that means, so."

Shawn clarified the move's function, explaining that it provides a +1 bonus to everyone's first roll in a fight that Vasso leads into combat. The move was discussed alongside other advancement options as Vasso considered how to develop the character's abilities and role within the party.