Monday 14 October 2019

Entering the Perilous Dark

I haven’t spoken much about Frostgrave: Perilous Dark here on the blog for one simple reason – I’m nervous. Really, for the first time since the game was originally released, I’m actually worried about how a book will be received. 

Why? Well, Perilous Dark is a very different kind of book than any that have gone before it. While it’s got a lot of the same stuff – new scenarios, monsters, and treasure – and a hook – solo and co-operative play – it is presented in a very different manner. A good half of the book is ‘discussion’ of the various methods, mechanics, and ideas behind playing a wargame solo and co-operatively. Although there are rules, these rules are less about ‘Frostgrave’, than they are playing any wargame in this fashion. So really, it is sort of half supplement, half ‘how-to’ guide, and I’m just not sure how that is going to be received.

At any rate, I don’t have long to wait now, as the book will be out in a week or two. In preparation, I wrote an article for Miniature Wargames that talks about my personal thought- process for designing such a scenario, and then presents an exclusive solo or co-operative Frostgrave scenario. It even got the cover! (Though that probably has more to do with the amazing Burmak artwork that accompanies the article than the article itself!).

So, if you think the 10 solo and co-op Frostgrave scenarios presented in Perilous Dark aren’t going to be enough, and you might need another before you start designing your own, you might want to pick up the new issue of Miniature Wargames.

14 comments:

  1. I'm sure I speak for many when I say that we will enjoy reading that half of the book that talks about your thought process. Most of us enjoy tinkering with mechanics, even if we don't publish. For "story-gamers" who are not into the competitive aspects of gaming, the most common and desirable mod is to make a game solo/coop. This will be a very welcome addition to a trend I'd like to see continue.

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  2. The method section will be recieved well I am sure. We are looking forward to converting past competitive campaigns to cooperative play, so method is important!

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  3. Hearing this, I'm even more hyped about the book

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  4. Thanks to going over every video review with the pause button, I've read most of the "how to" pages, I think. That only whetted my appetite for the rest! My copy is preordered, and I can't wait! I find for solo gaming, a mix of solid rules (especially easy but effective enemy AI) and a how-to toolkit is the optimum presentation.

    From what I've read of the random dungeon generation section, it felt like you were saying directly to me, "Dude, remember how awesome the classic Warhammer Quest dungeon deck was? You have my permission to use that in Frostgrave, and you never needed my permission in the first place! Just go for it!" and that, honestly, was the mental jogging I needed to realize I can just import that system into ANY solo game I want! It sounds silly, but I needed that, and that sort of thing is what I'm looking forward to with the rest of the book.

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  5. I understand your hesitation, but you describing the supplement just makes me want it even more. Definitely glad I preordered this!!

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  6. Joe I am sure your next supplement will be as well received as all things Frostgrave! My attempts to that perhaps a scenario needs to be co-operative in our campaign hasn't always caught on...some guys just love going after another player when the time is ripe!

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  7. Sounds even more awesome. I've designed and published a board (dice) game so I always love to hear about how others think about game design regardless of genre.

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  8. If I've not already preordered* it, I'll do so now. I was up for the solo-play rules; but I'm a real fan of designers' notes; so this sounds right up my 10' wide corridor.

    I have, in the past, double ordered Frostgrave stuff as I'd forgotten I'd already got it coming from one source, and went and ordered it again from another.

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  9. I already pre-ordered. Your past work is more than enough to convince me.
    It's a no-brainer!:)

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  10. I think following up "Wizard's Conclave" with "Perilous Dark" was a good idea. WC was a bit of a step in a different direction. I'll be honest, it wasn't my favorite book on first inspection, but it has certainly grown on me. I mostly play RPGs, but it's very interesting to see how Frostgrave is evolving as a game as it gets rules updates and new editions like Ghost Archipelego, but still retains its core mechanics and ideas. New mechanics often spark new ideas. I recently got a look at GA for the first time and now I want to design a nautical quest like Sinbad or the Argonaut.

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  11. I don't think you need to have any concerns personally

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  12. Just finished reading through my copy of perilous dark. All I can say is, Bravo. The master has done magic again. This may easily become my favorite book in the series. You turned it way up to 11 my friend.

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  13. My copy has arrived, and I have skim read the whole and started careful study. The format is a success for me: it reminds me of passages of the 1st edition AD+D Dungeon Masters Guide, which was an inspirational (if disorganised) tome. The mixture of rules, suggestions and thoughts followed up with detailed examples is a happy choice. I prefer Rangers of Shadow Deep at this time, but one Ranger and his company will be allowed to go on a special treasure-grabbing quest. I would expect to see a number of excellent fan scenarios inspired by this book.

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