Frostgrave: Ghost Archipelago - Coming in 2017

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**joe5mc**

The big announcement about Frostgrave in 2017. Yeah, it's pirates...

Full news on my blog: http://therenaissancetroll.blogspot.co.uk/2016/12/frostgrave-ghost-archipelago-2017.html

**NewTruthNeomaxim**

Preorder already up on Amazon, and i've proceeded to order it. :-p

Anything compatible with Frostgrave is an insta-buy.

**adamsouza**

The Ghost Archipelago has returned. A vast island chain, covered in the ruins of ancient and otherworldly civilizations, the Archipelago appears every few centuries, far out in the southern ocean. At such times, pirates, adventurers, wizards, and legendary heroes all descend upon the islands in the hopes of finding lost treasures and powerful artefacts. A few, drawn by the blood of their ancestors, search for the fabled Crystal Pool, whose waters grant abilities far beyond those of normal men. It is only the bravest, however, who venture into the islands, for they are filled with numerous deadly threats. Cannibal tribes, sorcerous serpent-men, and poisonous water-beasts all inhabit the island ruins, guarding their treasure hordes and setting traps for the unwary.

In this new wargame, set in the world of Frostgrave, players take on the role of Heritors, mighty warriors whose ancestors drank from the Crystal Pool. These Heritors lead their small, handpicked teams of spellcasters, rogues, and treasure hunters into the ever-shifting labyrinth of the Ghost Archipelago. Although using the same rules system as Frostgrave, this standalone wargame focuses on heroes who draw on the power in their blood to perform nigh-impossible feats of strength and agility. This game also includes 30 new spells drawn from five schools of magic, a host of new soldier types, brand new scenarios, treasure tables, and a full bestiary of the most common creatures that inhabit the Ghost Archipelago.

About the Author
Joseph A. McCullough is the author of several non-fiction books including A Pocket History of Ireland, Zombies: A Hunter's Guide, and Dragonslayers: From Beowulf to St. George. In addition, his fantasy short stories have appeared in various books and magazines such as Black Gate, Lords of Swords, and Adventure Mystery Tales. He is also the creator of the wargame, Frostgrave: Fantasy Wargames in the Frozen City, and co-wrote The Grey Mountains, a supplement for the Middle-Earth Role-Playing game. His continued ramblings can be read at: http://therenaissancetroll.blogspot.co.uk/

Dmitry Burmak is a freelance artist from Moscow, Russia. After graduating as an engineer, he decided to change his career plans and took another degree in Fine Art. Dmitry started as an artist in the video games industry and now works as a freelance illustrator with his wife Kate, who is also an artist. Dmitry specializes in fantasy and sci-fi art for roleplaying games, card games and video games.

Product Details
Series: Frostgrave Ghost Archipelago
Hardcover: 136 pages
Publisher: Osprey Games (September 19, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1472817346
ISBN-13: 978-1472817341

Is it compatible enough that we could have battles between Frostgrave Warbands and Ghost Archipelago Warbands ?

**mdauben**

I admit I'm not a huge fan of pirate themed games but I'm still going to jump in on this, if only based on the track record of Frostgrave.

**MLaw**

As much as I really like Frostgrave, anything that can open it up to a wider setting is cool to me. I didn't get to read the whole thing but it sounds interesting at the little bit I skimmed. I also learned about the upcoming Ulterior Motives because of this post.. Which.. I'm not keen on adding more cards to something that wasn't card heavy but I could see the appeal if you've got a solid gaming group.

As to the compatibility.. I got a pretty strong feeling that since this is an official Frostgrave expansion, yeah.. it's going to not only be compatible but is a legitimate broadening of what the game encompasses. They're just releasing a folio but I sort of feel like we're going to approach the point where Frostgrave (or if it evolves into something larger like Rogue Trader did..) will require a full "proper" rulebook.. which .. I have mixed feelings about. We'll see though.. it's exciting times either way.

**highlord tamburlaine**

At the very least if it brings more compatible kits to the range (Jungle tribesmen? Lizards? Feline humanoids to fight with the gnolls?) I'll be happy.

Also fishmen.

I'm so going in with a fishman warband with stuff from Wrath of Kings and Mantic's range if Northstar doesn't bring any new scaly folk to the table.

**Manchu**

Never too many fishmen!

Exciting new about Ghost Archipelago. I'm also in the boat of automatically pre-ordering any FG supplement.

**Grot 6**

They will not be denied!

I am really impressed with what I have seen already, seeing this add on is icing on the cake. Great throwback to the days when tabletop gaming was manageable and fresh. I am really a fan, and can't wait to snatch this one up. I have a few Freebooters Fate minis that need an occupation, they have been on unemployment for far too long.

**Carnikang**

If this is oriental themed pirates, I'm going to be watching closely. I've seen the work of Frostgrave and the miniatures that followed, exquisite.

**Nostromodamus**

The wife ordered it on Amazon

Maybe I'll get double-duty out of my Blood and Plunder minis...

**Wyrmalla**

Ooh, so Frostgrave - without the emphasis on magic? ...Or rather changes to the "magic" system which focus more on resource pools?

**Manchu**

Nostromodamus wrote:
Maybe I'll get double-duty out of my Blood and Plunder minis...

This is my hope as well, although I usually end up "nickstarting" FG lines.

The poor casting qaulity from North Star on the Rogue Stars figs, however, has me worried.

**MLaw**

Yeah but haven't their plastics been on point so far? I'm very excited for what that could mean with this line/setting..

**Lockark**

MLaw wrote:
Yeah but haven't their plastics been on point so far? I'm very excited for what that could mean with this line/setting..

The plastics have been a love it or hate it affair. See the reactions to their plastic Gnolls for reference.

**Manchu**

IME the soldiers are disappointing in some respects but the gnolls are superb. I haven't gottne to my cultists and barbarians.

**-iPaint-**

Manchu wrote:
IME the soldiers are disappointing in some respects but the gnolls are superb. I haven't gottne to my cultists and barbarians.

I think the soldiers suffer from that "first foray into anything will always be less impressive than the most recent stuff" syndrome. However, the cultists, gnolls, and especially the barbarians just got better with each release. The soldiers, I find, provide a good base to add more layers of fur, pouches, and extra bits onto to really bulk them out, and I've been happy with the way my models turned out.

Now, first guess as to what plastic kit we'll see for Ghost Archipelago...Pirates hopefully?

~iPaint

**Manchu**

I hope pirates with some kind of theme beyond just "fantasy pirates" which are already available. The art suggests something more distinctive.

**MLaw**

Lockark wrote:
MLaw wrote:
Yeah but haven't their plastics been on point so far? I'm very excited for what that could mean with this line/setting..

The plastics have been a love it or hate it affair. See the reactions to their plastic Gnolls for reference.

Funny thing.. the only people I've really seen that hate the plastic gnolls were the ones who were commenting on the pre-release photos and art. Since release I've not personally seen anyone who has purchased them say that they regretted that and I've seen a few people who thought they would be terrible completely reverse their opinions. I've got a box (or 2.. I had to put them up since we're about to move again).. and the quality is surprisingly good. Personally I think they've hit a point where they're as good or better than Mantic and comparable to the old Mordheim era GW multiparts no doubt (not modern GW..that's a way off I'm sure). If people don't own them and haven't seen them in person, I encourage them to try to at the very least see them in person or check out some reviews.

I've not seen the Barbarians but I got in on the Shieldwolf and Redbox KS so .. I don't know that I'm in a spot to need any at the moment..unless they're going to be a bit taller than previous FG models so they don't look tiny next to the females from the SW campaign..

**Gallahad**

MLaw wrote:
Lockark wrote:
MLaw wrote:
Yeah but haven't their plastics been on point so far? I'm very excited for what that could mean with this line/setting..

The plastics have been a love it or hate it affair. See the reactions to their plastic Gnolls for reference.

Funny thing.. the only people I've really seen that hate the plastic gnolls were the ones who were commenting on the pre-release photos and art. Since release I've not personally seen anyone who has purchased them say that they regretted that and I've seen a few people who thought they would be terrible completely reverse their opinions. I've got a box (or 2.. I had to put them up since we're about to move again).. and the quality is surprisingly good. Personally I think they've hit a point where they're as good or better than Mantic and comparable to the old Mordheim era GW multiparts no doubt (not modern GW..that's a way off I'm sure). If people don't own them and haven't seen them in person, I encourage them to try to at the very least see them in person or check out some reviews.

I've not seen the Barbarians but I got in on the Shieldwolf and Redbox KS so .. I don't know that I'm in a spot to need any at the moment..unless they're going to be a bit taller than previous FG models so they don't look tiny next to the females from the SW campaign..

Nothing against you personally MLaw, but this is a great example of sample bias. Of course the people who bought them have higher regard for their quality than the people who didn't. You are sampling from the opinions of people who were willing to pay money for them!

I plunked down for the soldiers and cultists, but didn't spring for the gnolls, and nothing I have seen has convinced me I made the wrong choice.

That being said, I'm really excited to see some reviews of the barbarians, and I'm really excited for Ghost Archipelago. Frostgrave didn't really grab me with the magic heavy focus, but if the models or game lets me play some Robert E. Howard inspired scenarios I'd be all over it.

**Hybrid Son Of Oxayotl**

adamsouza wrote:
Is it compatible enough that we could have battles between Frostgrave Warbands and Ghost Archipelago Warbands ?

Well, from the comment section on the blog:

joe5mc wrote:The two games share the same basic mechanics, so it would be possible to fight a Heritor Crew versus a Wizard and warband; however, I have made no attempt to balance such a contest.

http://therenaissancetroll.blogspot.fr/2016/12/frostgrave-ghost-archipelago-2017.html?showComment=1483206592547#c4676538862540978494

**NewTruthNeomaxim**

Manchu wrote:
IME the soldiers are disappointing in some respects but the gnolls are superb. I haven't gottne to my cultists and barbarians.

Again, speaks to it being subjective. I LOVE the generic Soldier kit, but am luke-warm on the Gnolls (I do love the Barbarians and Cultists though).

**Manchu**

In this case, I'm not speaking to personal preference. The detail on the soldiers is soft and positively melty in some area (belt daggers). The gnolls, regardless of how well someone likes their looks, just don't have this problem.

**NewTruthNeomaxim**

Manchu wrote:
In this case, I'm not speaking to personal preference. The detail on the soldiers is soft and positively melty in some area (belt daggers). The gnolls, regardless of how well someone likes their looks, just don't have this problem.

That is true. I'll absolutely give you that. :-)

**Manchu**

Yes it was a let down with the soldiers butbgetting the gnolls prompted me to also get the cultists and barbarians.

**Lockark**

NewTruthNeomaxim wrote:
Manchu wrote:
IME the soldiers are disappointing in some respects but the gnolls are superb. I haven't gottne to my cultists and barbarians.

Again, speaks to it being subjective. I LOVE the generic Soldier kit, but am luke-warm on the Gnolls (I do love the Barbarians and Cultists though).

Personally I love the gnolls and barbarians, luke-warm on cultists, and don't care for the soldiers.

Why I said a lot of the plastics are love it or hate it.

**Ian Sturrock**

For me, the melty belt daggers are pretty much the only flaw with the basic soldier kit. It *is* basic, but at less than £1 per mini with discount, it's fantastic value.

I like the cultists a lot better though. Haven't picked up gnolls or barbarians yet.

**Grot 6**

How does someone get into this game?
Are there any other ways except for the website to get ahold of some of that swag?
Who is the US distribution being handled by?

I have an exceptional amount of GW figures that could fit the bill, but I do like a few of those sculpts and scenery that really look like they deserve some interest. And not to even start on the new Pirate themes.... I would like to get ahold of the first book, and then start going forward, I have a local area scene that might be interested in this.

**Nostromodamus**

1. Buy the rulebook. But a handful of models or use ones you already own.

2. It's available on Amazon, along with models. Ebay is also your friend.

3. Brigade Games partnered with them for US Nickstarter fulfillment, but it is available from various sources.

**AegisGrimm**

This sounds more fun for me than Frostgrave, which was too wizard-based. I like the emphasis on the Heroes in this one, with it's magic for flaver than as a ruling theme.

**Wyrmalla**

@ Grot 6

Frostgrave's a really easy game to get your head around from a mechanical standpoint. You can use whatever models you want to (I've seen people sticking Space Marines into Chronomancer warbands), and hell doesn't even require you keep the setting at all (I've used it for playing the Elder Scrolls, where the ruined city is stand in for a ruined Vvardenfell post the Red-Year).

One of the game's biggest draws, and perhaps the largest criticism I've come across at my club, is that it works great as a campaign. I'd not recommend sticking with playing one of games with the starting warbands over and other - instead if one offs are your thing go into them with more levelled up wizards. The game shines when there's progression. Not only does an attachment to your warband grow (I wound up resculpting half my warband as they gained levels), its all the rolling on loot tables, spending gold and improving your character after the games which is a real draw (something probably not lost on RPG players).

There are issues with how Frostgrave is right now, though perhaps those will be patched out with this new game (Frostgrave is still only on its first edition). Personally what I'd like to see a "hard mode" for the game. By this what I mean is that if you stick with one warband long enough things tend to plateau (which for myself for a real disappointment, as that meant not being able to make any new models to re-kit out my warband) . There's only so many soldier types available, and whilst they aren't the focus of the game I'd love it if some expensive ones showed up at some point (probably locked off somehow), just as a way to spend all that gold you earned on something other than new fire breathing shower curtains...