The Barghest

A Black Dog by any other name...

Written by Francesco Lanza.

General Information

The Barghest are Coven Models, and belong to the Creature type. Creatures are always Summoned, but each is unique and cannot normally return on the Game Board after being Removed-- except for Barghest, after a sort. There are three different Barghest Models. The first must be summoned by paying the correct Goetia price, but the other two are summoned in turn by the Barghest already in play. When one is Removed from the board, the others can still call it "back". If there are no more Barghest Models in play because they have been all defeated, then they are gone for good.

This gives a tremendous tactical versatility to Barghest, which may have one Model skirting on the periphery of the action, avoiding danger and summoning back its friends that can be sent heedlessly into Combat. Barghest can also band together (another ability unique to them) and form a Pack. Three of them are a menace for even a well-endowed Hunter!

The Legend

Barghest belong to a long lineage of "hell hounds" or "black dogs" which are a very well known archetype in human mythologies. From local legends to The Hound of the Baskervilles, huge black dogs were said to be terrible omens, calling some poor unfortunate to his grave with their howl, or by getting found laying on the road to his home. Of course, the ill-omen of a huge black dog could be somewhat self-fulfilling, being tied as might be to said dog's huge white fangs.

Portrait

by Igor Krstic

by Alessandro Depaoli

Gifts

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

Howling Call

Place a Barghest Model on an unoccupied Abyss. It won't move this Round, but hey... free Barghest!

Pack

Barghest Models share the same Movement pool. If they are in the same location, they can be moved together with a single expenditure of points. Great for murder, even if it actually it's not a murder, it's a pack. Sorry, the pun got the best of me.

Tactics

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

Pack

Of course when attacking as a Pack, the Coven player gets to attack for each Barghest Model.

Critical Hit

A Critical result will seriously impair the next Casualty Roll for a Hunter.