Frostgrave - The Beast Within

We played our 5th campaign game last Sunday. As I hadn't been able to get many of the barbarians painted up, I opted for a homegrown scenario titled "The Beast Within"

This scenario would see the wizards facing a Demon made flesh, which if not stopped will have potential consequences afterwards.

There were 5 warbands  descending onto the ritual circle.

The Beast Within

Having prevented the entrance of Ambronnax into the mortal realm, the bands have been busy rebuilding their forces. During this time, rumours begin to surface of increased sightings of gnolls & barbarians. The tales begin to show a pattern & point to a gathering at an old stone circle outside Felstad.

Scouts return with confirmation that a ritual is occuring & that there seem to be piles of treasure as well.

The wizards arrive just as the ritual is finishing...an eerie green glow from the menhirs shooting into what appears to be a crone atop the platform.

Table Set-up
At the centre of the area sits an old ritual dias, upon which the crone stands. There are 5 menhirs spaced around it. The remainder of the board consists of small wood copses & marshy streams. The woods block LOS unless entered. Figures within can be seen, but recieve a cover bonus of +1. As well, if they are not at the edge, they will also get a +1 intervening cover. This will also affect any shooting out by them too.

Although the Moon is bright, visibility is limited to 20" due to the deep shadows from the woods.

Special:
The crone has just completed the ritual, allowing the soul of "The Beast" to manifest itself within her. However for further manifestation, she must die to allow the transformation to occur. When the crone is taken out, she will transform into the next stage, emerging as first a werewolf, & then "The Beast"

Once "The Beast" manifests, it will begin making its way from the area, however the bloodlust will cause it to engage anything within charge distance.

Crone - M:6 F:+3 S:0 A:10 W:+4 H:15 She knows the following spells at base casting cost - Dispel, Curse, Bone Dart, Mind Control, Control Animal, Summon Demon, Glow

Werewolf -  standard stats

"The Beast" Major Demon M:8 F:+6 S:0 A:15 W:+8 H:25 It has the following abilities; Large, Demonic Strength (+2 Dam), Armoured Hide (+1 Arm), Fast (+2 Move), Uncontrollable, Immune to Critical Hits, Vampiric (Recover 2 hits when causes damage)

Also present are 4 Death Cultist Archers, a bear, 2 wolves, & 4 gnolls. Roll on chart to determine types. The guardians will act as follows. The archers will remain in cover & shoot at approaching attackers. The gnolls will also stay in cover & charge out once opponents are in range. The Bear & Wolves will charge whatever comes in range or shoots.

When the beast emerges roll a die to determine which exit point the beast will make for to escape.

Treasure & Experience
Collect Treasure 50/25xp if taken off board or held at game end.
Slay the Crone 50xp
Slay the Werewolf 50xp
Slay the Beast 100xp

Post game: If the beast escapes, it will hunt throughout the wilds between Felstad & Border Town.
Players must state which soldier is returning to border town to recruit or sell items. Player then rolls a d20. On a roll of 1, the beast has slain the soldier(s)
As well another roll is made for the return trip. This may indeed cause a player to lose all those soldiers just hired, with the added loss of the gold.

So how did the game go? I will let the AAR tell the tale

For the aftermath, the warbands made away with the following

Maximus (Scott) - 380gc, 2 treasures (still waiting for him to let me know what they were) Maxentius Badly wounded (Misses Game)

Barden (Chen) - 435xp, 2 treasures - 40gc, Grimoire - Elemental Shield, Ring of Restoration
Hans, Pippin Badly Wounded (Miss Game)

Spengler (Chris) - 225xp 1 Treasure - 20gc, Grimoire - Power Word
Vinz Badly Wounded (Miss Game)

Tellia (Craig) - 380xp, 1 treasure - 120gc, Grimoire - Wall
Blutella Killed; Xeph Badly Wounded (Miss Game)

Roach (Me) - 285xp, 1 treasure - 20gc, Crossbow +2 Damage

So I think by this time your drinks are either empty or cold, so thats it for today. Thanks for visiting!