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So we finally got the rules, and I am impressed. I realize I will have to paint a few archers, but any recommendation for a beginner band?

The magic of frostgrave is that there really is no meta. Allowing you the freedom to actually create a force that you enjoy over a force that you have to take.

 auticus wrote:
The magic of frostgrave is that there really is no meta. Allowing you the freedom to actually create a force that you enjoy over a force that you have to take.

Pretty much. About the only "required" thing is not skipping on the Apprentice; there's no reason you wouldn't include one, even though technically it's optional (at least was in 1st ed, can't 100% remember for 2nd).

That said, while I've played and enjoyed Frostgrave a bit, it is not a good competitive game. Even 2nd edition, which did fix some things, is very easily abused by Munchkin players. But, with a good group of friends who all agree not to be total tryhards, it can be entertaining. And, yeah, it's a great way to get out models you don't get to use much for other things.

A suggestion. Have your wizard get Spells that do things other than fight/Damage. Any zero gold piece Thug can fight, but only your Wizard and Apprentice can cast Heal, or Telekinesis, or Mind Control.

Also, do use the recommended amount of terrain to reduce LoS, otherwise ranged combat can dominate.

This is also a grand opportunity for kit-bashing. Build what you like the looks of. There's no bonuses or penalties for making an all Gnoll warband, or all Dwarf etcetera, or using your GW Fellowship of the Ring set.

 Valander wrote:
About the only "required" thing is not skipping on the Apprentice; there's no reason you wouldn't include one, even though technically it's optional (at least was in 1st ed, can't 100% remember for 2nd).

Apprentice being optional is the weirdest decision of the 2nd edition for me. There is an Apprentice phase in this game which you will otherwise loose without having a one in your warband.

Thanks you all. Now I have a few ideas. Will mostly be solo, but still

nadin wrote:
Thanks you all. Now I have a few ideas. Will mostly be solo, but still

Do you have a copy of Perilous Dark? It is the solo/co-op expansion for Frostgrave.

The optional apprentice may make sense if you are using a Sellsword/Captain instead? I know, a bit of a stretch.....

It also means you don't have to replace the warband if your apprentice dies and you don't have the money to replace him.....

https://sklep.wargamer.pl/frostgrave-fantasy-wargames-in-the-frozen-city.html

Is this the book we should start with if we want to play Frostgrave? There are a few of them in the stores and I am confused... Thanks!

Cyel wrote:
https://sklep.wargamer.pl/frostgrave-fantasy-wargames-in-the-frozen-city.html

Is this the book we should start with if we want to play Frostgrave? There are a few of them in the stores and I am confused... Thanks!

While that is the original book, you'll want the new 2nd ed. rules. Some of the rules from the expansion rulebooks have found their way into the core rules. The expansions are still valid for 2nd ed.
https://sklep.wargamer.pl/frostgrave-second-edition.html

Perilous Dark is the solo and cooperative play supplement.
https://sklep.wargamer.pl/frostgrave-perilous-dark.html

Into The Breeding Pits is the underground/dungeon rules.
https://sklep.wargamer.pl/into-the-breeding-pits.html

Granted, this is from 1st Edition but you may find this look useful Cyel:

http://bloodandspectacles.blogspot.com/2017/04/review-frostgrave-supplements-osprey.html

Thanks!

I am wondering, before I take the plunge, which category is this, actually?

Is this a 80's-style game where your options are limited to basic "move your model wherever and roll some dice to see what happens". A game where it doesn't really matter what you do as long as Random Number Generation (and maybe a few roster imbalances or rules loopholes) works in your favour and player's role is limited to abusing those imbalances and loopholes in listbuilding and doing the menial task of generating these random numbers throughout the game? Like any GW game, really. Or Monopoly.

Or

A game where with experience you see more and more options for elaborate plays and more potential traps to avoid and as you become more skillful with your deep toolbox you can persevere despite luck being against you and eventually win by pulling off a complex plan that makes everyone's watching the game jaws drop in admiration for your ingenuity? Like, for example Warmachine or Gloomhaven or Divinity Original Sin?

I don't have first hand experience with Frostgrave, but a couple of acquaintances have played it quite extensively some time ago. Their opinion was that the game was fun, very light in terms of tactics and random. One of them said it was essentially Mordheim, but with two times less complexety, if that helps.

It paints a certain picture, thanks!