RedJak's Automated Overlord Variant v3.3.
Introduction
This variant is designed to fully automate the Overlord actions for
co-op and solo play within a campaign or single quest.
Automated Overlord cards are used to determine monster figure
actions during the Overlord turn. One card can determine a
figure's target, actions, and when an ability is used. The cards
can also make other multiple choice decisions for the Overlord.
The Automated Overlord uses a system called Priorities to
determine targets. These Priorities give direction for each figure,
and will vary depending on the encounter or which Automated
Overlord card is drawn.
This version 3 variant does not replace the version 2 variant.
Instead, it is an offshoot that offers a different experience. V3
was created with consideration of feedback from the BGG
community. This version should give players the experience of
playing against a tougher Overlord than in V2.
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. These can be found on my Google
Drive at:
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0BzpR1-
5sN2wASlZIQk9iclFYSGc&usp=sharing
You will also find a copy of the rulebook that marks changes from
the previous version in red. This file is titled Marked Edits v3.xx.
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 would like to thank Nerdook for his variants. His work inspired
me to create my own. I would also like to give credit to
Maartend's idea for the Priority system. Also BilboAtBagEnd,
Meyberg, Percepter, and Ezekiel for their contributions. As well as
all the other members of the community who have given
feedback to help improve this variant.
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.
1
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.
BGG user BibloAtBagEnd 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 V3. You can find it at:
http://cgi.lairoflith.com/redjak-descent/
BGG user 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
The card set is available for order from Printer's Studio. This set
is current as of 2/4/2015. The finish is linen, so if you prefer
glossy finish, remember to change it.
http://www.printerstudio.com/products/pro_project_render.aspx?
type=BAD7275F80A1BD73&order=95261E739D3C07AB1423962
39D3CD814&id=039E24CDF0E3334B4217D0171128F2FFB0EE66
1390B39BCBB3FBFDADDC731DE5CE4B410790A158DA
Automated Overlord Card Anatomy
Priority
Sub-Priority
Actions
Random
Number
Priority: The main target for the activated figure's actions. See
the Priority section for more details.
Sub-Priority: The secondary targets for the activated figure's
actions. See the 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.
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. The more Blitz cards added to the AO deck, the
higher chance the Overlord has to issue a focused attack on the
weakest hero.
There are two options for building the AO deck:
1. Fixed Difficulty: The players choose the number of Blitz
cards to add to the AO deck. There must be a minimum of three
Blitz cards. More Blitz cards will give the Overlord an increased
chance to focus on the weaker heroes, as well as gain more
threat.
2. Increasing Difficulty: The players initially 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.
Overlord Class Deck
There are two options for choosing Overlord class decks. Pick one
option or draw an AO card and use the Random Number to
determine which to use.
1. Single-Class (odd Random Number): Choose one Overlord
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. Keep track of which Class deck is the first
one chosen, and which is the second one chosen.
Plot Deck
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.
Choosing Basic, Class, and Plot decks using the Open Group
Randomizer is optional. Players can also choose whichever decks
they wish to play against.
If you do not have any Plot decks, ignore all rules concerning Plot
cards, threat tokens, and hero tokens. This variant can still be
played without using a Plot deck.
2
Rumors
Draw three cards from the Rumor deck and place them in the
Overlord play area.
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.
Hero Tokens
If playing a two-hero game (without Allies), each player chooses
two hero token colors for their character.
Choosing Quests
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.
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
Before playing an encounter, look it over to determine what the
Overlord Priority Objectives will be. Check Appendix C for
suggestions.
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.
Alternatively, you could 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 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 available 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.
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 Like the Overlord hand, the hero stack remains in play in its
the Overlord turn and requires choosing one hero to play it on. To current state when moving to encounter 2 of a quest.
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 equal
to the number of heroes. These cards are placed in a stack, face
up, in the order drawn. This is the Overlord hand. Any new cards
drawn are placed face up on the bottom of this stack.
At any time during the Overlord turn, if the trigger for the top
card in the Overlord hand occurs, then it is played.
At any time, if the top card is one that can only logically be
played on the hero turn (a trap, monster rolling defense die,
etc.), then the card is removed from the Overlord hand. The card
is placed face up in a new pile called the hero stack. Any new
cards added to the hero stack are placed face up at the bottom of
this stack.
At the end of the Overlord turn, after any end of turn Overlord
cards have been played, move the top card in the Overlord hand
to the bottom of the stack.
Hero Turn
During the hero turn, Overlord cards will be played first from the
hero stack. If the trigger for the top card in the hero stack
occurs, then the card is played. At the end of the hero turn, after
any end of turn Overlord cards have been played, move the top
card in the hero stack to the bottom of the stack.
Any valid card (such as Dark Fortune) on the top of the Overlord
hand that triggers during the hero turn will be played.
3
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 revealed. This is to prevent
players from predicting when they will trigger Traps. 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. Trap cards are only checked for activation once
per trigger action.
For example: A hero does 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 trap card triggers. If
the trap doesn't trigger, then the hero finishes his movement
phase. The hero moves 4 spaces to move 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 the trap card triggers.
Priority
Priority is assigned using the hero token symbols. The top hero
token symbol of an AO card indicates the main Priority when the
Overlord or a monster figure chooses a target. If the main
Priority on the card doesn't exist or is not in range for an action,
then use the first sub-Priority on the card as the target. If there
is still no eligible target, then use the next sub-Priority, and so
on.
If no hero is in range for an action, then the closest hero-
controlled figure with the most damage takes Priority.
Objective Priority is a special Priority not indicated on the AO
cards. If a figure has a particular objective as indicated by the
encounter rules, then that figure will always have Objective as a
main priority. Priorities indicated on an AO card will be secondary
for that figure (starting with the main Priority). A figure with
Objective Priority will take action as indicated in the encounter
rules to complete its objective. See Appendix C for suggested
Objective Priority for each encounter. If the objective is not in
range for an attack action, then the Priorities on the AO card will
apply for that action. A figure with Objective Priority will always
use its engage action to move towards the objective.
Heroes carrying an objective will become an Objective Priority
target.
The Blitz card is a special card that gives figures Damage Priority.
It is described in the Blitz section.
Monster figures check for Priority in this order:
1. Objective
2. AO Card Priority
3. Closest AO Card sub-Priority
4. Closest with most damage
Hero-Controlled Figures
Familiars, Conjurer Images, and other attackable hero “pets” are
given priority per their master's hero token. For example: If the
AO card indicates a Nercromancer as a Priority target, then the
Necromancer's familiar is also a Priority target. Otherwise,
familiars are ignored unless they are the closest available target.
In a 4-hero game, the allies Raythen and Serena are only
considered for Priority 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 Priority.
Guards and other encounter-specific tokens or figures controlled
by the heroes are not considered priority targets unless specified
otherwise in the encounter rules or Appendix C. They are treated
as possible closest available targets if no other priority targets
are available.
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.
If there is an Objective Priority in range, then that target will be
attacked.
If there are no Objective Priority targets in range, and there is
only one other target in range, then that target will be attacked.
If there are multiple other targets in range, then use the Priority
and Sub-Priorities on the AO card to determine which target is
attacked.
If there are only hero-controlled figures in range, then the hero-
controlled figure with the most damage will be attacked.
If there are no targets in range, then this action is skipped.
Max attack range is 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.
For example: If a figure is supposed to flip a switch while
standing adjacent to it, then the figure will flip the switch if
standing adjacent to it when the attack action comes up on the
AO card.
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.
4
A figure with Objective Priority will always move to engage the
closest Objective target, regardless of other targets. If a figure
with Objective Priority has two actions remaining when resolving
an Engage action, then it will use both its actions to engage the
target if necessary.
If the Objective Priority target is not attackable, then the engage
range for the target will be whatever range is necessary to
Interact with the target.
For example: If the 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.
If there are multiple Hero Objective Priority targets that can be
reached in one Engage action, then use the Priority and Sub-
Priorities on the AO card to determine which target is engaged.
Targets will be chosen in the order listed on the AE card.
For figures without Objective Priority, engage whichever target
can be reached in one engage action using the standard Priority
rules of:
1. AO card Priority
2. AO card sub-Priority
3. Closest with most damage
A figure already at engage range with its Objective or Priority
target will skip the engage action listed on the AO card.
If there are no targets at all within engage range, then move to
engage the Priority target.
Ability
The figure will activate an ability, provided it makes sense to do
so.
For example: If a figure has an ability that damages all heroes
adjacent to it, there is no point in activating it if there are no
adjacent heroes.
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 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.
For the purposes of opening doors and interacting with objects,
the Ability action will become an Interact action when
appropriate.
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
Priority and action order. Remember that a figure with a specific
objective as written in the encounter rules automatically has
Objective Priority.
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.
The Priority target for monster figures activated during a Blitz will
be the closest hero or hero-controlled figure with the most
damage tokens (Damage Priority). If there are no Damage
Priority targets in range for an action, then the monster figure
will follow the sub-Priorities on the Blitz card to determine a
target. If no sub-Priority targets are in range, then the closest
hero or hero-controlled figure will be targeted.
During a Blitz, if a monster figure would normally have Objective
Priority and it would be able to complete its objective using its
current action, then it will do so.
The Overlord gains one threat token and draws one Overlord card
whenever a Blitz card is drawn.
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.
Surges
Surges are spent logically, determined in the order listed below.
Skip any options that do not offer a benefit to the figure. 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 then it is placed face down on the bottom of the Plot hand.
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. card refreshes, it is put on the bottom of the Plot hand. When the
3. Special: The figure spends G on special abilities that will base card refreshes, it remains in the Overlord's play area.
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
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
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 objective. Otherwise, choose whichever location is
closest to the heroes.
Secret Rooms
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
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 the campaign, remove the base Plot card from the
deck. The base Plot card will remain revealed in the Overlord's
play area during each encounter. If the trigger for the base Plot
card occurs, and the Overlord can pay the activation cost, then
the card is played. The base plot card will take priority over any
revealed card in the Plot hand.
At the beginning of each encounter, the Plot hand is shuffled and
placed face down. Reveal the top Plot card.
At any time during the encounter, if the trigger for the top Plot
card occurs, and the Overlord has enough threat tokens
available, then the activation cost is paid and the card is played.
Do not reveal the next Plot card in the hand.
At the start of each Overlord turn, the next Plot card in the hand
is revealed. If there is an existing revealed Plot card on the hand,
All Plot cards exhaust when played, and refresh at the start of the
Overlord turn unless otherwise specified on the card. When a
Cards that trigger after setup or at the start of an encounter can
be played at any time during the encounter. They do not refresh
until the end of the encounter.
A summon agent card can be played at any time during the
encounter. The summon agent card does not refresh. If the agent
is defeated, then the summon agent card is returned to the Plot
deck at the end of the encounter. If the agent is still in play at
the end of the encounter, then the summon agent card is
returned to the Plot hand.
At the end of each quest, the Overlord adds a new Plot card to
the Plot hand. Shuffle the Plot deck and draw the top card. Add
this card to the Overlord's Plot hand. Adding a new Plot card does
not cost the Overlord any XP or threat tokens.
5
Threat Tokens
The Overlord gains one threat token each time a Blitz card is
drawn. The Overlord does not gain threat tokens by any other
means.
The Overlord discards all threat tokens during the shopping step
of the campaign phase.
Fortune Tokens
When the Overlord spends any amount of threat tokens to
activate a Plot card, the players receive one threat token to give
to one hero.
Fortune tokens are distributed 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.
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 first Class
deck is drawn from. If the Random Number is even, then the
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.
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 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.
6
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 attack die
2. No hearts are rolled on a power die
3. No shields are rolled on a defense die
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.
Appendix A: Rules Examples
Objective Priority
Encounter 1 of A Fat Goblin will be used for this example.
The open group has no specific objective, so will use the Priorities
on the AO cards.
At the start of the encounter, the goblin archers will have an
initial Objective Priority 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.
Since the goblin has Objective Priority, the Priority indicated by
the top hero token on the AO card is considered a secondary
Priority.
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
Objective Priority, 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.
Because the goblin has Objective Priority, 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
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. Our goblin has Objective Priority, so the AO
card's Priority is ignored for now.
The first action on the card is Engage. The goblin is already
within interaction range of its objective, so this action is skipped.
The second action on the card is Attack. Since the goblin has an
Objective Priority within interaction range, other possible targets
are ignored. The goblin uses its Attack action to interact with its
objective and picks up the bundle of crops.
Now that the goblin is carrying a bundle of crops, its objective
changes. The goblin now has an Objective Priority 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.
Surges
A goblin archer is facing two heroes, a Necromancer and a
Treasure Hunter, the Necromancer's familiar is also in play.
The zombie group activates. 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 Dark
Might card on top of the Overlord hand and it is played, giving
the zombie an additional surge on his attack roll. The next
Overlord card in the hand is Word of Pain. Since the Word of Pain
does not activate until the end of the Overlord turn, it is ignored
for now. The rest of the zombies complete their activation.

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 Objective Priority, 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.
Because the top card in the Overlord hand triggers at the end of
the Overlord turn, the Word of Pain is played. The next card in
the Overlord hand is Poison Dart, and it is placed face up at the
bottom of the hero stack (in this case, it is the only card in the
hero stack). The next card in the Overlord hand is another Dark
Might. Since an end of turn Overlord card was just played, the
Dark Might remains on the top of the Overlord hand to be
available for the next Overlord turn.

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. Appendix B: Plot Decks
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
These are guidelines for resolving specific Plot cards that may be
down the surge activation list, spending a surge for range is the
difficult to determine how to activate.
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
Baron Zachareth
range to complete the attack, and kills the familiar.
Scrying And Plotting: This card can be played at any time
during the encounter. The Overlord discards his hand and draws a
The next action on the card is Engage. Now that the familiar is
new hand equal to the number of heroes. The Overlord deck and
dead, the Necromancer is the goblin's closest Priority target. The
discard pile are re-shuffled together.
Necromancer is 6 spaces away, outside of a ranged unit's engage
Sole Purpose: This card is not used. Remove it from the Plot
range. The goblin moves to within 4 spaces of the Necromancer.
deck.
This uses up both the goblin's actions, so his turn ends.
Trouble On The Road: Play this card during an encounter and
set it aside to be used at the next Travel step.
Overlord Cards
Two-Pronged Gambit: Draw an AO card. If the Random
For this example, there is a Champion and Conjurer facing a
Number is a 1 or 2, then the threat side of the token is face up. If
group of zombies.
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
At the start of the encounter, four Overlord cards are drawn and
the end of the first encounter.
placed face up in a stack to form the Overlord hand. The top card
is a Tripwire. Because this is a card that is played on the hero
Belthir
turn, it is placed face up in a separate pile to form the hero stack.
Cut A Deal: This card is not used (the OL does not keep threat
The next card in the Overlord hand is a Dark Might, so it remains
tokens between quests). Remove it from the Plot deck.
at the top of the Overlord hand for now.
Show Of Force: While this card is exhausted, each time a hero
is knocked out, the OL gains one threat token and draws an OL
The heroes start their turn. The Champion begins a move and
card.
moves into an empty space. Since there is a Trap card revealed
in the hero stack, a check is made to see if it activates. An AO
Bol'Goreth
card is drawn. The Priority and first sub-Priority hero tokens on
Mass Mutation: Only play this card if at least two heroes have
the card do not match the Champion's hero token. Since there is
conditions on them.
no Priority match, then the Tripwire is not played and remains on
top of the hero stack. The Champion completes his move.
Eliza Farrow
Bad Dreams: Play this card during an encounter and set it aside
The Champion then begins another move, moving into an empty
to be used at the next Travel step.
space. This is a new movement that can trigger the Tripwire. An
AO card is drawn again. This time, the Priority hero token on the
Gargan Mirklace
AO card matches the Champion's hero token. The Tripwire is
Demon's Bargain: Draw an AO card and use the Random
played on the Champion. The Champion tests against his
Number to determine the amount of damage and fatigue.
awareness and fails, ending his move action.
Shifting Earth: The Overlord will choose a space that will affect
the most heroes.
The Conjurer completes his actions and the hero turn ends.
Normally the top card in the hero stack would be moved to the
Queen Ariad
bottom of the pile. But there was only one card in the hero stack,
Embrace Darkness: This card will only trigger if at least two
and it was played.
heroes are knocked out.
The Overlord starts his turn and draws an Overlord card from the
deck, placing it face up on the bottom of the Overlord hand.

7
Raythen Castle Daerion 1
Concealment: Place the highest gold value card on the bottom All monster groups: Villagers
of the Search deck. If the OL has a threat token available at the Castle Daerion 2
start of the OL turn, then spend it to refresh this card and return All monster groups: Sir Palamon
it to the Plot hand.
Cursed Treasure: The second part of this card triggers only at Dawnblade 1
the end of the first encounter in a quest. This card remains in All monster groups: Hero closest to Arcite's Tomb
play when it is refreshed. Dawnblade 2
Guarded Treasure: The second part of this card triggers only at All monster groups (except shadow dragons): Hero carrying
the end of the first encounter in a quest. Dawnblade
Alric: Duskblade – Wardstone
Rylan Olliven Shadow dragons: Entrance
Deceitful Scribe: Play this card during an encounter and set it
aside to be used at the end of the quest. Death On The Wing 1
False Informant: Play this card during an encounter and set it Overlord: Before the heroes enter the canyon, place boulders in
aside to be used at the next Travel step. an empty space closest to the heroes. Once the heroes enter the
Merchants' Guild: Play this card during an encounter and set it canyon, place boulders adjacent to a hero closest to the exit. Any
aside to be used at the next Shopping step. Place one threat hero with only one empty adjacent space next to them is given
token on the card. Choose the highest cost item. priority.
Thieves' Guild: Place the highest gold cost item on the bottom Death On The Wing 2
of the search deck. A Treasure Chest or Secret Passage is All monster groups: Guards
considered highest cost.
Desecrated Tomb 1
Skarn All monster groups: Hero closest to Entrance
Possessive Nature: Use this card if the Skarn agent is in play. Desecrated Tomb 2
Unkown Origin: Use this card if the Skarn agent is in play. Alric: Duskblade – Khorayt
All monster groups: Hero carrying Dawnblade
Splig
Scavenge: The Overlord immediately gains the threat token Enduring The Elements 1
instead of placing it on the card. All monster groups: Unlocked stone – Entrance or Exit while
carrying stone
Valyndra Enduring The Elements 2
Guardians Of The Hoard: Draw an AO card. The Overlord will All monster groups: Hero not in Laboratory
put a number of threat tokens from the supply onto this card
equal to the Random Number. Fat Goblin 1
Mine All Mine: This card will only be played at the end of the Goblin archers: Bundle of crops – Exit while carrying crops
first encounter of a qust. All monster groups: Hero carrying bundle of crops
Fat Goblin 2
Verminous Goblin archers: Pick up prisoner – Drop prisoner adjacent to Splig
Always Watching: This card is not used. Remove it from the in Torture Chamber
Plot deck. Splig: Interrogate prisoner in Torture Chamber - Exit while
Into The Shadows: Exhaust this card when used (it can only be carrying Fredrick
used to add one monster). After a hero rests, and the second
part of this card is triggered, the card refreshes and is placed on First Blood
the bottom of the Plot hand. Goblin archers: Exit

Frozen Spire 1
Appendix C: Objective Priority Quick Reference Ruin: Marked spaces on far side of bridge
Frozen Spire 2
This list outlines possible Objective Priorities for each quest. Feel All monster groups: Marked space on exit – Hero carrying
free to determine different Objective Priorities according to your Frederick
own interpretation.
Gryvorn Unleashed 1
The Shadow Rune All monster groups: Ritual components – Entrance or Exit while
carrying ritual components
Blood Of Heroes 1 Lieutenants: Search tokens (if closer than ritual component)
All monster groups: Hero who has not had blood collected – Gryvorn Unleashed 2
Entrance or Exit while carrying blood No Objective Priority
Blood Of Heroes 2
All monster groups: Hero carrying Heinrich Man Who Would Be King 1
Eliza: Heinrich Splig: Exit
Man Who Would Be King 2
Cardinal's Plight 1 No Objective Priority
Merick: Gravestone – Raise zombie
Zombies: Exit Masquerade Ball 1
Cardinal's Plight 2 All monster groups: Unmask guest – Exit while escorting guest
Zombies: Cardinal Koth Masquerade Ball 2
Eliza: Exit

8
Monster's Hoard 1 Fury Of The Tempest 1
All monster groups: Frederick Splig: Water space – Entrance
Monster's Hoard 2 All monster groups: Hero closest to Exit
All monster groups: Hero carrying Trueshot Fury Of The Tempest 2
Splig, Goblin archers: Unrevealed objective token – Blue
Ritual Of Shadows 1 objective token
Flesh moulders: Merick Splig (not carrying Gauntlets of Spite): Goblin archer carrying
Ritual of Shadows 2 blue objective token
Merick: Entrance Goblin archers (carrying blue objective token): Splig
All monster groups: Hero carrying Gauntlets of Power
Overlord Revealed Splig: Exit while carrying Gauntlets of Spite
Master monsters, Zachareth: Shadow Key – Exit while carrying
Shadow Key Gathering Foretold 1
All monster groups: Hero closest to Serena before she is rescued
Shadow Vault Gathering Foretold 2
Zachareth: Casket – Exit while carrying casket All monster groups: Hero that has not been defeated yet

Twin Idols 1 Glimmer Of Hope

All monster groups: Idol of Skulls – Marked spaces on map while Lieutenant: Magical ward
carrying Idol of Skulls All monster groups: Hero closest to X spot
Twin Idols 2
All monster groups: Skull Totem – Exit while carrying Skull Totem Heart Of The Wilds 1
– Hero carrying Sun Totem Zombies: Vine
All monster groups: Hero near a vine
Wyrm Rises 1 Heart Of The Wilds 2
No Objective Priority All monster groups: Flailing Tendril
Wyrm Rises 2 Monster with Cursed trait: Wild Garden
Belthir – Entrance
Honor Among Thieves 1
Wyrm Turns 1 All monster groups: Hero on Exit
All monster groups: Belthir – Hero standing on green or blue Honor Among Thieves 2
objective tokens No Objective Priority
Wyrm Turns 2
All monster groups: Dragon Skull – Entrance while carrying Let The Truth Be Buried 1
Dragon Skull Splig: Chain
Let The Truth Be Buried 2
Splig (Overlord-controlled): Objective Token – Exit
Labyrinth of Ruin All monster groups: Splig (Hero-controlled)

Back From The Dead 1 Pilgrimage

All monster groups: Cabin door – Cabin All monster groups: Objective token – War guardian/Peace
Back From The Dead 2 guardian – Hero carrying water
Hulldyr: Exit
Reclamation 1
Barrow Of Barris 1 Goblin witcher and goblin archer: Talisman of Protection – Exit
Ettins: Rock quarry while while carrying Talisman of Protection
Goblin witcher: Knocked out hero – Lock of hair – Goblin Camp Reclamation 2
while carrying lock of hair All monster groups: Hero carrying Sun Standard
Barrow Of Barris 2 Master carrion drake: Search token
Merick: Sacred artifact – Hero belonging to hero token from
encounter 1 Ruinous Whispers
All monster groups: Captive woman – Goblin carrying captve
Endless Night woman – Exit while carrying captive woman
Lieutenant: Knocked out hero
All monster groups: Webbed hero – Pit space Secrets In Stone 1
All monster groups: Unbroken offering shrine – Hero near
Fire And Brimstone offering shrine
Merick: Ritual – Summon zombie or elemental Secrets In Stone 2
Ariad: Search token (of Scrying Stone has not been found) –
Fortune And Glory 1 Scrying Stone
All monster groups: Prisoner All monster groups: Hero carrying Scrying Stone
Fortune And Glory 2
All monster groups: Prisoner – Hero carrying blue objective token Through The Mist 1
No Objective Priority
Fountain Of Insight 1 Through The Mist 2
All monster groups: Possession stone – Ally All monster groups: Serena
Lieutenant: Exit Splig: Site of Power
Fountain Of Insight 2
All monster groups: Ally – Open wellspring

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Tipping The Scales Price Of Power 1
Ariad: Hero carrying lowest weight Tristayne: Captive scholar
All monster groups: Hero carrying weight Price Of Power 2
All monster groups: Hero that has not been defeated yet
Web Of Power
Ariad (before transformation): X spot Rat-Thing King 1
All monster groups (while Ariad is on X spot): Ariad Rat swarms: Exit
Queen Ariad (after transformation): Exit Rat-Thing King 2
All monster groups: Ixzhod – Hero carrying Shadow Plotter

Shadow Of Nerekhall Respected Citizen 1

Bertram: X spot
Arise My Friends Respected Citizen 2
Changeling: Captive – Tristayne Thaakiel: Captive thief
Zombie: Captive
Tristayne: X spot Traitors Among Us
No Objective Priority
Black Realm
Mirklace: Aenlong shard – Chamber of Despair True Enemy
Rylan Olliven: Monster figure on Town Square
City Falls All monster groups (after Mirklace is placed): Hero with one hero
All monster groups: Iron wards (a figure will not target an iron token in Overlord's play area
ward if destroying the ward would kill the figure)
Widespread Panic 1
Civil War 1 Corrupt civilian: Rioter
Changeling: Guard – Entrance or Exit while luring guardian All monster groups: Vera
Civil War 2 Widespread Panic 2
All monster groups: Guards – Loyal leader All monster groups: Wounded civilian

Demonstration Without Mercy

Tristayne: Possessed citizen Master changeling: Prisoner – Executioner
Changelings: Citizen All monster groups (if executioner is not corrupt): Executioner
Possessed Citizen: Exit Executioner (if executioner is corrupt): Entrance

Incident
All monster groups: Celia Rumor and Mini-Campaign Quests

Into The Dark 1 Armed To The Teeth 1

All monster groups: Citizen (citizens are placed in a space closest All monster groups: Signal Fire
to the pit on the Dark Cave) Splig: Exit
Into The Dark 2 Armed To The Teeth 2
All monster groups: Torch – pit, water, or hazard space while Hybrid Sentinels: Aurium Wargear – Exit
carrying torch.
Verminous: Rift crystal At The Forge 1
Shadow Dragons: Exit
Local Politics 1 All monster groups: Trail token
Ettins: Portcullis At The Forge 2
All monster groups: Exit Valyndra: Weapon cache
Local Politics 2 All monster groups: Jorem Tolk (after he is freed)
All monster groups: Magistrate
Magistrate: Water space on River's Edge Beneath The Manor
Master changeling: Entrance Skarn: Crystal fragment – Entrance (if there are four objective
tokens in the Overlord's play area)
Lost 1
Beast: Hero that has not been knocked out by the Beast yet Burning Harvest
Lost 2 Mughin: Gem – Exit or Entrance
All monster groups: Hero closest to Beacon
Crown Of Destiny
Nightmares 1 All monster groups: Destiny – Water space
All monster groups: Hero closest to a void idol
Nightmares 2 Finders And Keepers
No Objective Priority Wraiths: Loot pile – Exit
Skarn: Loot pile – Exit (if carrying three objective tokens)
Overdue Demise
Tristayne: Jail wall – Scythe – Rift - Entrance Food For Worms
Bol'Goreth: Sinking carriage – Villagers
Prey All monster groups: Villager
Master Barghest: Trail Master Plague Worm: Entrance

10
Ghost Town
Master monsters: Slain villager
Master Flesh Moulder: Revealed slain villager
All monster groups: Survivor

Gold Digger
All monster groups: Knocked out hero – Jorem's Discovery - Exit
Valyndra/Shadow: Miner

My House, My Rules
Skarn: Spell scar – Entrance

Oath Of The Outcast

All monster groups: Urn – Entrance

Prison Of Ice And Lies

Flesh Moulders: Sacrificial pyre
Guardian: Sacrificial pyre
All monster groups (except flesh moulders): Hero carrying silver
urn

Rude Awakening
All monster groups: Survivor that is not wounded – Innkeeper
Fire Imps: Inn
Source Of Sickness
Bol'Goreth: Search token (if mending talisman hasn't been
found) Mending Talisman – Infested villager – Plague cask – X
space
Master monsters: Infested villager – Plague cask – X space
Plague worms: X space
All monster groups: Hero carrying mending talisman.

Spread Your Wings

Skarn: Exit

Spreading Affliction
Bol'Goreth: Chained infected monster – Exit (if no infected
monsters remain)
Infected monsters: Exit

Three Heads, One Mind

All monster groups: Hero closest to Exit

What's Yours Is Mine

Ettins: Jorem Tolk (if he is not under Overlord control)
Jorem Tolk: Vein
Du'Lak: Ore – Exit

Where The Heart Is

Master monsters: Basement
Skarn: Basement

Wrong Man For The Job

All monster groups: Hero carrying Manor's Heart

11