RedJak's Automated Overlord Variant v4.0.

Introduction
RedJak's Automated Overlord Variant (RAOV) will fully automate
the Overlord actions in a Descent 2E campaign. This eliminates
the need for an Overlord player, and turns Descent into a fully co-
op or solo game. RAOV works with all existing campaigns and
expansions. It is also compatible with other variants, such as
Percepter's Legendary Play Variant, and RedJak's DelvenDeep
Expansion.
This V4 variant is the final evolution of RAOV. This version should
give players the experience of playing against a tougher
Overlord than in V3.
Unless otherwise stated, normal Descent Second Edition rules
apply.
Necessary components to play this variant are this rulebook, and
a printed copy of the 34 cards. The cards, rules, and additional
resources can be found on my Google Drive at:
Percepter has a variant that brings First Edition style dungeon
delving to the Second Edition game. Percepter's Legendary Play
Variant rules incorporate RedJak's Automated Overlord Variant for
solo and co-op play. You can find Percepter's variant at:
http://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/101698/legendary-play-
variant-rules-first-edition-style-d
The DelvenDeep Dungeon is an expansion for RedJak's
Automated Overlord Variant. It offers a dungeon-crawling, hack-
and-slash experience through a randomized dungeon campaign.
You can find DelvenDeep on BGG at the link below, and on my
Google Drive.
http://boardgamegeek.com/filepage/110386/redjaks-automated-
overlord-variant-delvendeep-expa
When professionally printing the hi-res cards, use the bridge-
sized card option.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzpR1-
Automated Overlord Card Anatomy
5sN2wAdC1HbEViUGVSRFE&authuser=0

Look under Automated Overlord → RAOV V4 for the cards.

In this document 'Overlord card' refers to the standard Overlord

cards. 'Automated Overlord card' refers to the special Overlord
cards in this variant, and will be abbreviated as 'AO card'.

I'd like to thank Percepter for playtesting the V4 rules. Xris did a
wonderful job giving the card backgrounds proper bleed borders.
And a thank you to the rest of the BGG community for your
constant feedback and contributions.

Recommended Additional Components

In order to make full use of this variant, the following additional
components are recommended:

• Numbered monster figures

• RedJak's Damage Tracker (in the Descent Second Edition
Files section on BGG)
• RedJak's Open Group Randomizer (in the
Descent Second Edition Files section on BGG)
• Two 10-sided dice
• Professionally printed cards

You will find the files for these optional components in the
Descent Second Edition Files section on BGG. They are also on
my Google Drive.

The numbered monster figures will aid in handling some of the

random choices during play.

If you have numbered figures, the Damage Tracker is useful for

keeping track of monster damage.

The Open Group Randomizer can be used for determining open

groups, Overlord decks, and Plot decks.

The 10-sided dice are used for rolling percentages on the Open
Group Randomizer.

BilboAtBagEnd has created an on-line version of the Open Group

Randomizer. This link also contains a randomizer for the V2
cards, which is ignored for V4. You can find it at:

http://cgi.lairoflith.com/redjak-descent/

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 Priority

Sub-Priority
Priority: The main target for the activated figure's actions.
See the Target Priority section for more details.

Actions

Random Number

Sub-Priority: The secondary targets for the activated figure's

actions. See the Target Priority section for more details.
Actions: The order of actions for the activated figure. See the
Automated Overlord Card Actions section for more details.
Random Number: A number used to make random decisions.
At the start of the campaign, add three Blitz cards to the AO
deck. During the campaign, whenever the Overlord loses a
quest, add one Blitz card to the AO deck. The Overlord does not
gain a Blitz card when losing the introductory quest.
Overlord Basic Deck
Choose one Basic Overlord deck by drawing an AO card. If the
Random Number on the card is odd, choose the Basic I deck. If
the Random Number is even, choose the Basic II deck.
Campaign Setup
AO Deck
Before starting the campaign, you will need to build the AO deck.
The AO deck consists of all hero token cards, plus a number of
Blitz cards. As the campaign progresses, more Blitz cards will be
added to the AO deck.
If you also have the DelvenDeep expansion for RAOV, you may
shuffle the Mystery In The Mountains Act I Rumor quest card into
the Rumor deck before drawing Rumor cards.
Overlord Controller
If playing co-op, designate one player to run the Overlord. If you
can't decide on one player, then the last player to activate their
hero during the hero turn will run the Overlord for the following
Overlord turn.

Overlord Class Deck Hero Tokens

There are two options for choosing Overlord class decks. Pick one If playing a two-hero game without allies, each player chooses two
option or draw an AO card and use the Random Number to hero token colors for their character.
determine which to use.

1. Single-Class (odd Random Number): Choose one Overlord Choosing Quests

Class deck by rolling a percentage on the Open Group
Randomizer chart. This Class deck, and the Universal deck, will
be used when spending Overlord XP.
2. Dual-Class (even Random Number): Choose two
Overlord class decks by rolling percentages on the Open Group
Randomizer chart. These two Class decks will be used when
spending Overlord XP.
If the Overlord wins a quest, use the following rules to choose the
next quest.
The Shadow Rune
For Act I, count the number of available Act I quests, starting from
the top of the list. Draw an AO card. The Random Number on the
AO card will be the number of the Act I quest to play next.

Plot Deck (optional)

If you have purchased Lieutenant Packs, then choose one Plot
deck by rolling a percentage on the Open Group Randomizer
chart. Remove the base Plot card from the Plot deck and place it
face up in the Overlord's play area.

If you do not have any Plot decks, ignore all rules concerning Plot
cards, threat tokens, and fortune tokens. This variant can still be
played without using a Plot deck.

Choosing Basic, Class, and Plot decks using the Open Group
Randomizer is optional. Players can also choose whichever decks
they wish to play against.

Rumors (optional)
If you have purchased an expansion that contains Rumor
quests, then draw three cards from the Rumor deck and place
them face up in the Overlord play area.

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For Act II, count the number of available Act II quests, starting
from the top of the list. Draw an AO card. The Random Number
on the AO card will be the number of the Act II quest to play
next.
Labyrinth of Ruin
For Act I, draw an AO card. If the Random Number is a 1 or a 2,
then the left-hand quest in the list is chosen. If the Random
Number is a 3 or a 4, then the right-hand quest in the list is
chosen.
For Act II, count the quests available from left to right in the top
row, then left to right in the bottom row. When the Overlord
chooses which quest to play next, draw an AO card. The Random
Number on the card will be the next Act II quest to play.
Shadow of Nerekhall
For Act I, draw an AO card. If the Random Number is a 1 or a 2,
then the next quest will be chosen from the top row. If the
Random Number is a 3 or a 4, then the next quest will be
chosen from the bottom row. Count the number of available
quests in the chosen row and draw another AO card. The
Random Number on the card will be the next Act I quest to play.
For Act II, draw an AO card. If the Random Number is a 1 or a 2,
then the left-hand quest in the list is chosen. If the Random
Number is a 3 or a 4, then the right-hand quest in the list is
chosen.
Encounter Setup
The Encounter Objective cards will list monster objectives for
Drawing Automated Overlord Cards
An AO card is drawn whenever the Overlord activates a figure.
That figure then uses the card to determine its actions.
An AO card can also be drawn whenever the Overlord needs
to make a decision outside of figure activation. The card's
Priority can be used to decide the outcome.
For example: The Shadow of Doubt card is activated at the end of
the Overlord turn and requires choosing one hero to play it on. To
determine which hero to give the card to, draw an AO card and
use the card's Priority as the target.
Once an AO card is resolved, it is placed in the discard pile.
Reshuffle the discard pile when the AO deck runs out of cards.
Overlord Cards
Overlord Turn
At the start of a quest, the Overlord draws Overlord cards from
the Overlord deck equal to the number of heroes. These cards
are placed face-up in the Overlord play area, arranged in a row
in the order drawn. This is the Overlord hand. Any new cards
drawn are placed face up to the right of any existing cards in the
Overlord Hand.
The Overlord will only play one card in the Overlord hand per
trigger event or monster activation. Cards in the Overlord hand
are played from left to right in the row. Played Overlord cards are
discarded once resolved.
At the start of the Overlord turn, play the first card in the
Overlord hand that would trigger at the start of the Overlord
turn.
At any time during the Overlord turn, an Overlord card will be
played if a trigger occurs. Again, cards from the Overlord hand
will be played from left to right, and only one card per trigger or
monster activation.
each encounter. These cards will also indicate which campaign
they belong to. Before beginning a campaign, gather all
Encounter Objective cards for that campaign.
If there are no Encounter Objective cards for the campaign or
quest being played, use your best judgment in determining
Encounter Objectives for the monsters.
Choosing Open Groups
When choosing an open group for an encounter, count the
number of monster traits indicated for the encounter and draw
an AO card. The Random Number on the card will be the trait for
choosing the open group. Roll a percentage for that trait on
RedJak's Open Group Randomizer to pick the open group to be
used. Repeat these steps for each open group.
Alternatively, you can shuffle the monster deck and draw cards
until a monster with a matching trait comes up.
Placing Monster Groups
Follow any encounter-specific rules for placing monster figures
first.
Figures are placed in the corners of their designated map tile.
The first figure in a group is placed on the numbered corner, with
additional figures placed in the other corners clockwise from the
first. If there is already a figure or token in the corner, then place
the monster in the nearest empty space.
In the case where there is no numbered corner on the tile, then
choose the nearest corner to the heroes and continue as above.
At the end of the Overlord turn, play the first card in the Overlord
hand that would trigger at the end of the Overlord turn.
The Overlord hand will remain in play at the end of the first
encounter of a quest. When the quest ends, cards in the Overlord
hand and discard pile are shuffled back into the deck.
Hero Turn
During the hero turn, Overlord cards will be played that trigger on
hero actions, or in response to hero actions against Overlord
controlled figures. The leftmost valid card in the Overlord hand
will be played, and only one card will be played per trigger
(except in the case of Trap cards).
Trap cards are not automatically played. This is to prevent the
players from being able to predict when a Trap is triggered. When
the trigger for a Trap card occurs, draw an AO card. If the Priority
or first sub-Priority matches the hero triggering the card, or a Blitz
card is drawn, then the Trap card is played. Otherwise, the card is
not played and remains in the Overlord hand. If there is more than
one valid Trap in the Overlord hand, then each Trap is checked to
see if it is played. Trap cards are only checked for activation once
per trigger action.
If the Trap triggers on movement, then the AO card is drawn
when the hero moves into the first empty space during each
uninterrupted movement phase.
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For example: A hero declares a move action and gains 6
movement points. The hero then begins to move in order to
position himself next to a monster figure. When the hero moves
into the first empty space, a check is made to see if the first
trap card triggers. If the Trap doesn't trigger, then a check is
made for the next valid Trap card. If no Traps trigger, then the
hero continues his movement phase.
The hero moves 4 spaces and stops adjacent to the monster
figure. The hero then interrupts his movement to attack the
monster figure. After attacking, the hero continues moving.
Since this second movement is a new movement phase, another
check is made when the hero moves into the first empty space
to see if any Trap cards trigger.
Target Priority
When determining the target for an Overlord card, monster
action, or other effect, the Overlord will check for targets in a
particular order, as follows:
1. Encounter Objective: The objective, as defined by the
encounter, will always be checked as a possible target first.
Read the encounter win condition for the Overlord to determine
what the Overlord will need to focus on to win the quest. Keep
in mind that the encounter objective may change as the game
progresses. See Appendix C for suggestions.
Heroes carrying an Encounter Objective will themselves be
considered an Encounter Objective.
2. AO Card Priority: If there is no Encounter Objective
target available, then a check will be made for the target
Monster Group Activation
During encounter setup, Place Lieutenant and monster cards in
the Overlord's play area, arranged in the order of activation.
Lieutenants will always activate first, unless the encounter rules
state otherwise. Agents are activated after Lieutenants, followed
by the other monster groups. Monster groups are activated in
the order listed in the Monsters section of the encounter text.
Open groups are activated in the order they were placed during
setup.
Within a monster group, master monsters will always activate
before minions. Multiple minions will activate in the order they
are numbered. If your minions are not numbered, then activate
the closest figure to the heroes, followed by the next closest, and
so on.
When activating a figure, draw an AO card to determine its
target and action order.
Automated Overlord Card Actions
A figure will follow the actions listed on the drawn AO card, in
order, during its activation. Figures follow standard rules for
number of actions allowed. If an action cannot be completed or
doesn't currently apply, then it is skipped. If the end of the action
list is reached, and there are still actions remaining for that
figure, then start again at the top of the list.
Attack
The figure will attack a target in range, following target priority
as follows:
1. Encounter Objective: If the Encounter Objective is in
range, then it will be attacked.
If the Encounter Objective is not an attack-able object, then
whatever action is necessary to interact with the objective will be
indicated by the Priority hero token on the AO card.
3. AO Card Sub-Priority: If there is no AO card Priority target
available, then a check will be made for targets indicated by the
Sub-Priority hero tokens on the AO card. Sub-Priority targets
will be checked from left to right.
4. Closest With The Most Damage: If there are no previous
targets available, then the Overlord will target the closest
figure with the most damage.
The Blitz card is a special card that defines the hero figure with
the most damage as the Priority target. See the Blitz section for
more detail.
Hero-Controlled Figures
Familiars, Conjurer Images, and other attack-able hero “pets” are
targeted as if they are assigned their master's hero token.
Otherwise, familiars are ignored unless they are the only closest
available target.
In a 4-hero game, the allies Raythen and Serena are only
considered a target if they are the only closest available target.
In a 2- or 3-hero game, Raythen and Serena are assigned hero
tokens and are treated just like player heroes for purposes of
targeting.
Guards and other encounter-specific tokens or figures controlled
by the heroes are not considered targets unless specified as
encounter objectives in the encounter description or Appendix C.
They are treated as possible closest available targets if no other
targets are available.
completed. For example: If the Encounter Objective is a token that
needs to be picked up, then the figure will use the Attack action to
pick up the token.
2. AO Card Priority: If the AO card Priority target is in range,
then it will be attacked.
3. AO Card Sub-Priority: If any AO card Sub-Priority targets are
in range, then they will be attacked in the order indicated on the
card.
4. Closest With Most Damage: If any of the previous targets
are not in range, then the closest target with the most damage
will be attacked.
If no targets are in range, then this action is skipped.
Max attack range is determined by the activated figure's attack
type as follows:
Melee: Adjacent space
Reach: Two spaces
Ranged: Four spaces
If a figure with Ravage has two actions remaining when resolving
an Attack action, then it will use both of its actions to attack.
For the purposes of opening doors and interacting with objects,
the Attack action will become an Interact action when appropriate.
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Engage
The figure will use a move action to gain movement points
equal to its speed. The figure will then attempt to move within
max attack range of the target, following the shortest route, as
follows:
1. Encounter Objective: If a figure has an Encounter
Objective target, then it will only engage the closest Encounter
Objective target. If the figure has two actions remaining when
resolving an Engage action on an Encounter Objective target,
then it will use both of its actions to move towards the
Encounter Objective target.
If the Encounter Objective target is not attack-able, then the
engage range for the target will be whatever range is
necessary to Interact with the target.
For example: If the Encounter Objective for the figure is to exit
off the map, then the engage range will be whatever
movement is necessary to move off the map through the exit.
2. AO Card Priority: If the figure can move within max
attack range of the AO card Priority target using its current
movement points, then it will do so.
3. AO Card Sub-Priority: Starting with the first listed AO
card Sub-Priority target, check to see if the figure can move
within max attack range of each possible target using its
current movement points. Move the figure to engage the
target.
4. Closest With Most Damage: If no other targets can be
engaged using the figure's current movement points, then it
Repositioning
If a figure has movement points remaining after completing all
actions, then it may attempt to move out of range of hero
attacks. Check for repositioning in the following order:
1. Encounter Objective: If a figure is within max attack
range (or Interact range) of an Encounter Objective, and has
line of sight to that objective, then it will remain where it is.
That figure's turn immediately ends.
2. Melee Heroes: If a figure is adjacent to a hero with a melee
weapon, then it will attempt to move two spaces away from
that hero.
will move towards the closest figure with the most damage.
A figure already at engage range with its target will skip the
engage action listed on the AO card.
However, a figure that has an action left at the end of its turn,
will use an Engage to Reposition.
For example: A monster has used one action to attack, and has
no valid abilities to play. The monster was already at engage
range with its target at the start of its turn, so did not need to
use an Engage action to move. At the end of its turn, the
monster will use its Engage action to Reposition (see below).
Ability
The figure will activate an ability, provided it makes sense to do
so. Choose targets using the Target Priority rules.
If the figure has only one valid ability, then that ability is
activated. If the figure has more than one ability, then use the
Random Number on the AO card drawn for that figure to
determine which ability gets activated. On the back of the
monster card, count the abilities marked with M from the top.
Activate whichever ability matches the Random Number on the
AO card. If there is no match, or the ability is invalid, then
activate the first valid ability instead.
If a figure's abilities cannot be logically activated, then the figure
will skip this action.
For the purposes of opening doors and interacting with objects,
the Ability action will become an Interact action when
appropriate.
Target Priority is followed as normal, with the AO Card Priority
being the hero (or hero-controlled) figure with the most damage.
The Overlord gains one threat token, draws one Overlord card,
and draws one Plot card whenever a Blitz card is drawn during
monster activation.
If a Blitz card is drawn outside of figure activation (e.g., when
drawing for a Random Number), then the Blitz card is not
discarded. After resolving the outcome for which the Blitz card was
drawn, shuffle the card back into the AO deck.

3. Reach Heroes: If a figure is two spaces away from a hero

with a reach weapon, then it will attempt to move three
spaces from that hero.

While repositioning, a figure will attempt to move so as to break

line of sight from heroes with ranged weapons.

If there are multiple directions a figure can move when it is

repositioning, then it will move towards a hero Encounter
Objective.

If there are other monster figures nearby while repositioning,

then a figure will attempt to move in such a way as to impede
hero progress (e.g. to block the heroes from moving through a
corridor).

Blitz
The Blitz card is used to simulate a focused attack on the
weakest target. When a Blitz card is drawn, resolve the
activations of all remaining figures (including the current figure)
in the monster group using the single Blitz card.

The action symbols on the Blitz card are followed from

left to right. J = Engage, B = Attack, and M = Ability.

5
Surges
Surges are spent logically, determined in the order listed
below. Skip any options that do not offer a benefit to the
figure. Surge special abilities that require damage to be dealt
in order to take effect will be skipped if enough damage would
not be dealt at that point.
For example: If a figure has a surge to give +1 range, it makes
no sense to use it if the figure has already rolled enough
range.
1. Hero Skills: The figure spends G when certain hero
skills or abilities require the figure to spend G in
order to attack.
2. Range: The figure spends G on additional range if
the figure did not roll enough range to hit with the
attack.
3. Special: The figure spends G on special abilities that
will have an effect on the target.
4. Pierce: The figure spends G on a Pierce when
one or more I have been rolled by the target.
5. Damage: When a figure spends G on H, apply the
G
with the highest H bonus first.
Rumors (optional)
At any time, if the trigger for a non-quest Rumor card
occurs, then it is played. The heroes can choose any
available Rumor quests per the standard rules.
Reinforcements
When placing reinforcements, unless otherwise stated in the
encounter rules, the Overlord will place available master
All Plot cards exhaust when played, and refresh at the start of
the next Overlord turn unless otherwise specified on the card.
When a card refreshes, it is discarded. When the base Plot card
refreshes, it remains in the Plot hand.
At any time during the encounter, if the trigger for the highest
cost, un-exhausted card in the Plot hand occurs, and the
Overlord has enough threat tokens available, then the activation
cost is paid and the card is played.
The base Plot card will always be played when appropriate,
regardless of any higher cost cards in the hand.
Cards that trigger after setup or at the start of an encounter can
be played at any time during the encounter. Discard the card as
soon as it is resolved.
The Plot hand will remain in play at the end of the first encounter
of a quest. When the quest ends, cards in the Plot hand and
discard pile are shuffled back into the deck. The base card is then
put back into play for the start of the next quest.
Summon Agent
A Summon Agent card can be played at any time during the
encounter. The Summon Agent card does not refresh. Instead, it
is discarded once the Agent is placed on the map.
To place an Agent, first choose an open monster group to
replace. If there is more than one open monster group, choose
the first open monster group.
Remove figures from the chosen open monster group per the
Summon Agent card text. Monster figures are first removed from
those not in play, then from those in play. Players decide which
monsters first. Figures will spawn on the tile number, or the
closest adjacent space. If the tile does not have a number, then
the figure will be placed on a space closest to the heroes.
If given a choice between multiple locations to place a figure
when reinforcing, the Overlord will choose whichever location is
closest to an Encounter Objective. Otherwise, choose whichever
location is closest to the heroes.
Secret Rooms (optional)
At the start of the Overlord turn, if there is a hero in the secret
room, remove the first challenge token clockwise from the
entrance. If there are no challenge tokens, then remove a
monster figure. If there are multiple monster figures, then use
the Random Number on a drawn AO card to determine which to
remove.
Monsters in a secret room will only have the option of engaging
and attacking heroes within that secret room. Multiple monsters
in a secret room are considered to be one monster group for
purposes of activation.
Plot Decks (optional)
If you are uncertain about how a card should work, do what
seems logical. See Appendix B for guidelines concerning specific
cards.
At the start of a quest, place the base Plot card in the Overlord
play area. This is the Plot hand. Shuffle the Plot deck and place it
face-down next to the base Plot card.
Whenever a Blitz card is drawn during monster activation, draw
the top card from the Plot deck and place it to the right of any
existing cards in the Plot hand.
figures to remove. Set removed figures aside, they will not be
available as reinforcements.
The Agent will spawn on the numbered space of the tile that the
open group was originally placed during the encounter setup.
When the Agent is defeated, monster figures that were removed in
order to place the Agent will again be available to reinforce the
monster group.
Threat Tokens (optional)
The Overlord gains one threat token each time a Blitz card is
drawn for monster activation. The Overlord also gains a threat
token whenever a hero is knocked out, once per hero per
encounter.
The Overlord keeps all threat tokens from the previous quest when
starting a new quest.
Fortune Tokens (optional)
When the Overlord spends threat tokens to activate a Plot card,
the players receive half the amount of spent tokens (rounded up)
as fortune tokens.
Fortune tokens are distributed, one at a time, to the hero that
currently has the least amount of fortune tokens. If there is a tie,
draw an AO card and use the Priority to determine who gets the
token.
Heroes discard all fortune tokens during the shopping step of the
campaign phase.
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Spending Overlord XP
At the end of each quest, the Overlord will spend all available
XP to purchase new cards for the Overlord hand.
Single-Class: Spend 1 XP to purchase one card from either the
Class or Universal deck. Determine which deck to draw from by
drawing an AO card. If the Random Number is a 1, 2, or 3, then
the Class deck is drawn from. If the Random Number is a 4,
then the Universal deck is drawn from. When choosing a card,
shuffle the chosen deck and draw the top card. If there are no
more Class cards available to purchase, then default to
purchasing cards from the Universal deck.
Dual-Class: Spend 1 XP to purchase one card from either of
the two Class decks. Determine which deck to draw from by
drawing an AO card. If the Random Number is odd, then the
alphabetically first Class deck is drawn from. If the Random
Number is even, then the alphabetically second Class deck is
drawn from. When choosing a card, shuffle the chosen deck
and draw the top card.
For each new card added to the Overlord deck, draw an AO
card. If the Random Number on the card is a 3 or a 4, then
remove a Basic card from the deck and return it to the box.
Shuffle the Overlord deck and draw cards until a Basic card
appears to determine which to remove.
Other Bits
Unless otherwise specified, if a card or effect would heal a
monster figure, choose the figure with the most damage
tokens. If there is a tie, choose the figure from whichever
monster group would activate first. If still a tie, draw an AO
card and use the Random Number to determine the target.
For cards or effects that require choosing a monster or monster
group, draw an AO card and use the Random Number to
determine the monster group. Draw another AO card to choose a
monster within that group, if necessary.
When a figure is stunned, remove the stunned condition from the
figure at the start of its activation. This uses one of the figure's
actions. The figure will continue to activate as normal, but with
only one action remaining to use.
Appendix A: Rules Examples
Figure Activation And Encounter Objectives
Encounter 1 of A Fat Goblin will be used for this example.
The open group has no specific Encounter Objective, so will use
the Priorities on the AO cards.
At the start of the encounter, the goblin archers will have an
initial Encounter Objective to engage a bundle of crops.
The goblin archers activate first, since they are listed first in
the Monsters section of the encounter and there are no
lieutenants. The master in the group activates, and an AO card
is drawn.
The first action on the card is Attack. Currently the goblin is
not within attack range (4 spaces for a ranged unit) of any
targets, so this action is ignored.
The second action on the card is Engage. Since the goblin has an
Encounter Objective, its target is the closest bundle of crops on
the map. The goblin will need to get adjacent to this bundle of
crops in order to interact with it. So, the goblin moves up to its
speed towards the closest bundle of crops. This uses one of the
goblins actions.
In encounters where the Lieutenant is treated as a hero when
knocked out, the lieutenant will use its first action to stand up.
Once the lieutenant stands up, follow the actions on the drawn
AO card for its second action.
If a figure's ability would result in the Overlord moving a hero
(such as Knockback or Whisper), then the hero is moved in as
straight a line as possible away from the figure. If it is possible to
move the hero into a hazard space, then do so.
If an Overlord card or other effect results in the Overlord gaining
control of a hero, draw an AO card when the Overlord activates
the hero. The actions on the card are followed as if the hero were
a monster figure.
If an Overlord card would allow the Overlord to choose a card
from the Overlord deck or discard pile, draw the top card from
the deck or discard pile instead.
If the Overlord is given the choice to remove or deny the heroes
a Search Item or Shop Item card, then the Overlord will choose
the highest gold value card. The Treasure Chest and Secret Room
cards will always be chosen over other cards.
In the rare case that the Overlord has to make a choice between
5 or 6 options, roll the blue attack die. The X represents the
number 1.
If the Overlord is given the option to reroll a die (such as with
a Dark Fortune card), then the Overlord will do so if the
following occurs:
1. An X is rolled on the blue attack die
2. No hearts are rolled on a power die
3. No shields are rolled on a defense die
Because the goblin has an Encounter Objective, it will use its
second action to resolve another Engage action. The goblin again
moves towards the closest bundle of crops. This ends the goblin's
turn.
Fast forward a bit, and now our master goblin has engaged its
Encounter Objective (a bundle of crops) and is adjacent to it. A
hero Knight is also adjacent to the goblin. The master goblin
activates and an AO card is drawn.
The first action on the card is Engage. The goblin is already within
interaction range of its Encounter Objective target, so this action
is skipped. The second action on the card is Attack. Since the
goblin has an Encounter Objective within interaction range, other
possible targets are ignored. The goblin uses its Attack action to
interact with its Encounter Objective and pick up the bundle of
crops.
Now that the goblin is carrying a bundle of crops, its Encounter
Objective changes. The goblin now has an Encounter Objective to
move off the map through the exit with the crops. The third action
on the card is Ability. The goblin does not have an ability to
activate, so this step is ignored. Since all action steps on the card
have been used, we start again at the top of the list. The first
action on the card is Engage, so the goblin will move up to its
speed towards the exit and end its turn.
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Surges
A goblin archer is facing two heroes, a Necromancer and
a Treasure Hunter, the Necromancer's familiar is also in
play.
The goblin starts his turn and an AO card is drawn. The card's
Priority indicates the hero token of the Necromancer. The
goblin has no encounter objective, so the Necromancer (and
her familiar) becomes the goblin's Priority target. The familiar
is the closer target, at 4 spaces away.
The first action on the card is Ability. The goblin has no
abilities, so this step is skipped.
The next action is Attack. The Necromancer's familiar is in max
attack range for a ranged unit at 4 spaces, so the goblin
attacks. The goblin rolls, getting 3 range and 1 surge. The
range is not enough to hit the target, but there is a surge to
spend. Going down the surge activation list, spending a surge
for range is the first valid option. The goblin has a valid surge
option for +3 range, so the surge is spent on it. The goblin now
has enough range to complete the attack, and kills the familiar.
The next action on the card is Engage. Now that the familiar is
dead, the Necromancer is the goblin's Priority target. The
Necromancer is 6 spaces away, outside of a ranged unit's
engage range. The goblin uses two movement points to move
within 4 spaces of the Necromancer. This uses up both the
goblin's actions, and leaves the goblin with 3 movement points
remaining.
The goblin archer now checks for repositioning. The goblin is
within 4 spaces of a hero with a ranged attack, so he will want
to move out of range. The goblin spends one movement point
The master zombie activates first, and an AO card is drawn. The
AO card has a Priority that matches the Conjurer's hero token.
The first action on the card is Engage, so the zombie moves
adjacent to the Conjurer.
The next action on the AO card is Attack. The zombie attacks the
Conjurer and dice are rolled for the attack. This triggers the first
Dark Might card in the Overlord hand and it is played, giving the
zombie an additional surge on his attack roll. The Dark Might is
then discarded. The rest of the zombies complete their activation
without attacking, so the second Dark Might does not trigger.
At the end of the Overlord turn, the Word of Pain triggers and is
played. It is then discarded.
Appendix B: Plot Decks
These are guidelines for resolving specific Plot cards that may be
difficult to determine how to activate.
Baron Zachareth
Scrying And Plotting: This card can be played at any time
during the encounter. The Overlord discards his Overlord hand
and draws a new hand equal to the number of heroes. The
Overlord deck and discard pile are re-shuffled together.
Sole Purpose: This card is not used. Remove it from the Plot
deck.
Trouble On The Road: Play this card during an encounter and
set it aside to be used at the next Travel step.
Two-Pronged Gambit: Draw an AO card. If the Random
Number is a 1 or 2, then the threat side of the token is face up.
If the Random Number is a 3 or 4, then the fortune side of the
token is face up. The second part of this card will only trigger at
the end of the first encounter.
Bol'Goreth
to move one space further away from the Necromancer, ending
his turn at 5 spaces from the Necromancer.
Overlord Cards
For this example, there is a Champion and Conjurer facing a
group of zombies.
At the start of the encounter, four Overlord cards are drawn and
placed face up in a row to form the Overlord hand. The cards are
a Tripwire, Dark Might, Word of Pain, and Poison Dart.
The heroes start their turn. For his first action, the Champion
declares a move action. He starts his movement by entering an
empty space. Since the Tripwire triggers on hero movement, a
check is made to see if it activates. An AO card is drawn. The
Priority and first sub-Priority hero tokens on the card do not
match the Champion's hero token. Since there is no Priority
match, then the Tripwire is not played and remains in the
Overlord hand. The Champion completes his move action without
triggering the Tripwire again.
The Champion then declares another move action. He again
starts his movement by entering an empty space. This is a new
move action that can trigger the Tripwire. An AO card is drawn
again. This time, the Priority hero token on the AO card matches
the Champion's hero token. The Tripwire is played on the
Champion. The Champion tests against his awareness and fails,
ending his move action. The Tripwire is then discarded.
The Conjurer completes his actions, does nothing to trigger any
Overlord cards in the hand, and the hero turn ends.
The Overlord starts his turn and draws an Overlord card from
the deck, placing it face up to the right of the other Overlord
cards in the hand. It is another Dark Might.
Mass Mutation: Only play this card if at least two heroes have
conditions on them.
Eliza Farrow
Bad Dreams: Play this card during an encounter and set it aside
to be used at the next Travel step.
Gargan Mirklace
Demon's Bargain: Draw an AO card and use the Random
Number to determine the amount of damage and fatigue. Shifting
Earth: The Overlord will choose a space that will affect the most
heroes.
Queen Ariad
Embrace Darkness: This card will only trigger if at least two
heroes are knocked out.
Raythen
Concealment: Place the highest gold value card on the bottom
of the Search deck. If the OL has a threat token available at the
start of the OL turn, then spend it to refresh this card.
Cursed Treasure: The second part of this card triggers only at
the end of the first encounter in a quest.
Guarded Treasure: The second part of this card triggers only at
the end of the first encounter in a quest.
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Rylan Olliven
Deceitful Scribe: Play this card during an encounter and set it
aside to be used at the end of the quest.
False Informant: Play this card during an encounter and set it
aside to be used at the next Travel step.
Merchants' Guild: Play this card during an encounter and set
it aside to be used at the next Shopping step. Place one threat
token on the card. Choose the highest cost item.
Thieves' Guild: Place the highest gold cost item on the
bottom of the search deck. A Treasure Chest or Secret Passage
is considered highest cost.

Skarn
Possessive Nature: Use this card if the Skarn agent is in play.
Unkown Origin: Use this card if the Skarn agent is in play.

Splig
Scavenge: The Overlord immediately gains the threat token
instead of placing it on the card.

Valyndra
Guardians Of The Hoard: Draw an AO card. The Overlord will
put a number of threat tokens from the supply onto this card
equal to the Random Number.
Mine All Mine: This card will only be played at the end of the
first encounter of a quest.

Verminous
Always Watching: This card is not used. Remove it from the
Plot deck.
Into The Shadows: Exhaust this card when used (it can only
be used to add one monster). After a hero rests, and the
second part of this card is triggered, the card refreshes.