Krampus

The Horned One approaches.

Written by Francesco Lanza.

General Information

The Krampus is a Coven Model, and belongs to the Creature type. Creatures are always Summoned, but each is unique and cannot return on the Game Board after being Removed. The Krampus is one of the two heavy hitters hidden in the Coven's arsenal. It reigns supreme as master of melee combat, and once per game it can unleash a furious charge that shatters even a big group of Hunters. The Krampus doesn't really feel pain as a mortal being would, and is attracted to sinners like the Witch Hunters-- some of them are certainly seeking redemption, but none of them would have thought it would come under the guise of a horned demon.

As powerful as the Krampus is, it can and will be defeated by resolute Witch Hunters. To make this imposing Model be worth its own Summoning cost is a tactical quandary. In the ensuing fight, the Coven must build up the losses incurred by their enemies to be as catastrophic and irrecoverable as possible. Either that or wait for the crucial moment towards the end of the game, when facing a Krampus to slay the last Witch would be THE challenge of the evening. But waiting for the right moment is nerve-wracking.

The Legend

The Krampus is an old legend, even if nowadays it is reduced to a unruly train of dressed-up youth following up Saint Nicholas around Christmas time. Often visualized as resembling the quintessential anthropomorphic goat-demon, it echoes to the fauns and satyrs of yore, and to the Wild Man and pagan Horned God religious myths, incorporating the many-faceted traditions begotten by the churning mass of humanity that inhabited Europe. Brandishing birch whips and chains, Krampus are both heathen and Christian: the prison of Hell meets bloody rites of initiation to higher knowledge.

In an Empire torn asunder by religious conflict, a brutish devil hunting lost children and sinners alike fits very well with the spirit of the age.

Portrait

by Igor Krstic

by Alessandro Depaoli

Gifts

The Devil's boon manifests according to the nature of each minion.

Charge

Once per game the Krampus can move fast, and will deal damage to Witch Hunters by simply entering Combat with them. If it's a Patrol of many Models, they wil all suffer, poor bastards.

Terror

People get antsy when gigantic horned fiends stalk the night, and will flee a Sanctuary. Yeah, that's not very rational, but understandable.

Tactics

A Coven Model is always frightening and useful in a fight.

Inhuman Resilience

If you hope to hurt a Krampus you have your work cut out for you, kid.

Critical Hit

This hulking monster can force a second Casualty Roll if the first one fails.