Copyright 2020-2022 All Rights Reserved Bruce Ballon
Beast of Gévaudan
The Board Game of
Influence, Mystery & Terror
-
By Bruce Ballon
- Ages 14+
- # of Players 2-6
- Playing Time 45-90 minutes
- Competitive
- Complexity Medium Weight
- Historical Mystery Theme
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.
Previous
Next
Influence
HOVER HERE
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
HOVER HERE
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
HOVER HERE
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!
Get your own Print and Play Version of the Beast of Gévaudan
Powered by DRIVETHRU CARDS
Fear, Horror & Terror
Read more about Hounds & Jackals mission to promote awareness of mental health issues in Beast of Gévaudan.
Meet the Team
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
Get Exclusive Access
Get the latest Beast of Gévaudan News, straight to your Inbox!