Project overview
Disaster struck the expedition, yet you made it out of the rapids to shore. Others weren't as fortunate. Now, those of you that remain must carry on the mission: complete two objectives and make it to the fort. The only thing standing in your way is the cursed forest completely surrounding you.
Will you be an powerful athlete? A nimble scout? Perhaps a resilient survivor. The choice is yours.
Outfit your Pioneer with a special trait that will give you a distinct edge in surviving. With 17 Traits to choose from, there are plenty of options. When you combine that with the Abilities you choose, Melee or Ranged role, and which Pioneer you play as, you'll never be the same Character twice.
Four equally powerful abilities, but limited points to invest. The decisions in the Backwoods are always tough. But you're tougher. Choose your strengths and put your skills to the test. The only way out is through.
These actions may be taken during the Explore phase:
Scout: Pioneers with the Scout skill may reveal regions from the Region deck and place them down nearby the party's current location.
Move: Go to regions revealed by scouting or "go in blind" by choosing a direction then drawing an unknown card and immediately traveling there.
These actions may be taken during the Forage phase:
Foraging: Gain crucial crafting resources needed to survive this haunted wilderness. Use Opportunity to add to the Forest bag to better your odds of drawing what you need and hope you don't draw mosquitoes or wasps.
Trapping: You may also lay traps to catch small game during this phase
Increase Faith: You may use Opportunity to unlock powerful miracles and fend off the spiritual darkness lurking in the wilds.
Crafting: Use resources you gained while foraging to craft a plethora of items- from a simple campfire to a lethal log trap.
Healing: Roll the die and add your Survival rank to see if you can treat your partner's festering wounds.
Pioneers encounter new and mysterious Events in each new region they explore. These events describe the situation you encounter and most will give you two choices to make. After the party agrees on a decision, flip the Event card over to see the result.
Certain Events will lead to battles, though some Events are centered around things like natural disasters. When a battle does occur, fetch the creature card demanded by the Event. Then, these steps take place during the Battle:
1. Ranged Pioneers may use Bolas to lower the creature's damage for the encounter.
2. The creature attacks every Pioneer for its listed damage. Then, Pioneers suffer harmful effects from the creature's powers.
3. Pioneers each roll a Melee or Ranged attack check, and if they succeed, they deal 1 damage
PLUS any bonuses from the Combat Ability, items, or traits.
4. Combat normally concludes after one round and you gain the loot on the card if you killed the
creature. If you didn't kill it, the creature flees.
5. If the creature is POSSESSED then you repeat steps 1-3 until either you or the creature die!
When night descends upon you, who knows what lingers in the darkness. One thing's for sure- you're going to find out.
