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Beast of Gévaudan

The Board Game of
Influence, Mystery & Terror
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By Bruce Ballon

The  Time… 1765

The Place…  Gévaudan, France

A BEAST Stalks the Land!

In Beast of Gévaudan, players take on the role of hunters, competing to become the most famous, and ultimately hold the greatest influence over Gévaudan. There are many dangers in the wilds of Gévaudan and players will find themselves facing a variety of different threats, whilst attempting to win through:

Serving the interests of one of the Four Estates* and secret patrons

Battling to sway the public opinion of what the Beast is

Designing and avoiding intrigues

Acquiring special weapons, hounds and horses before their rivals do

Exploring the dangers and wonders of the land

Investigating the nature of the Beast to face it at the climax of the game

The true nature of the beast is not known until the Final Confrontation, unless players seek out its identity before then to prepare for the showdown.

The term Fourth Estate refers to the press both in explicit capacity of advocacy and implicit ability to frame political issues. Though it is not formally recognized as a part of the political system, it wields significant influence. The term Fourth Estate is derived from the traditional European concept of the three estates of the realm: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. Although the term was not used until 1787, the power of the press was a key player in the saga of the Beast of Gévaudan and demonstrated how the press was able to influence public opinions of the day, raise or ruin a person’s reputation, and have national reach. For the purposes of the game to reflect this crucial aspect, and to simplify its inclusion, the designer decided to describe hunters working for the press as lending their allegiance to the Fourth Estate.

Hunters

Each player takes the role of a hunter. Each hunter has a unique Ability and special Forte.

The current hunters include: An upstart Heir, a Veteran of the Seven Years war, a wily Forester, a deductive Naturalist, a mysterious Zealot and an Agent Provocateur.

Each hunter also starts with two Allies who also have unique skills.

Over time, adding animal companions such as a faithful hound or trusty steed, and perhaps trading Allies, results in the creation of a richly diverse Hunting Party. 

Influence

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The player with the most Influence Tokens (IT) at the end of the game is the winner. Influence Tokens are earned, acquired, lost and spent throughout the game.  Influence is the currency of the realm, and one must ensure it is not squandered.
"You will never influence the world by trying to be like it. " - Unknown

Mystery

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The Nature of the Beast is randomly set at the start of the game and revealed at the climax. Discovering the Beast’s identity allows changes in strategy crucial to winning. Players are also assigned a secret Loyalty; promoting the interests of that party, may reap huge rewards at the end of the game.
"The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible. " - Oscar Wilde

Terror

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The game mechanics also emulate the psychological effects that Hunters develop after surviving a horrible hunt or caught in a devastating intrigue. Reactions of Horror and Terror impair a Hunter’s abilities. In the 18th century, one of the only healthy ways to cope with trauma was having an animal companion; a loyal Hound or a trusty steed.
"Fear makes us feel our humanity." - Benjamin Disraeli

 

No Two Games Alike!

Between 24 different possible Beasts to battle, 24 Secret Loyalty agendas, 6 Asymmetrical Hunters, 12 unique Allies, and numerous options to make use of Encounters and launch Intrigues… the replay value of the Beast of Gévaudan is one of its greatest features!

Everything you need to start playing!

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Fear, Horror & Terror

Read more about Hounds & Jackals mission to promote awareness of mental health issues in Beast of Gévaudan.

Music by Gael Hemery

The background music is "Lis ubacs" from La bête du Gévaudan by Gael Hemery. Released: 2013. Special thanks to Mr. Hemery for allowing the use of his music! If you want to listen to the rest of the album, follow the link below!
SPECIAL THANKS

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