[p]In
Frosthaven, you’ll be testing your skills against an array of menacing enemies. It’s time to shine the spotlight on them, so you can learn more about them and increase your chances of survival out there in the cold!
Learn all about the
Algox here: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]
Missed our series about the
Unfettered? Here it is: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]
Take a peek across the planes and read about the
Demons: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]
Prepare to face off against the
Lurkers: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]
Don't be scared of the
Undead: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]
[h3]
Meet the Abael[/h3]
The Abael are one of the many peoples inhabiting the fringes of the Empire. They have so far managed to avoid the bureaucratic grasp of Imperial authority, primarily because they live underwater. Tax collection from the depths of the Biting Sea is still a bit beyond the Empire’s capabilities, and the Abael so far have been capable of exploit that gap to maintain their autonomy.
Dubbed the 'Fishmen' by the Frosthaven folk, these amphibious beings are believed to originate from the waters of the Biting Sea. While they can survive on land for extended periods, their skin must remain constantly hydrated. Abael achieve this through internal reservoirs of water, which they release through specialized glands to keep their skin moist and their bodies vital. How long they can sustain themselves on land remains unknown - but whether due to physical limitation or by choice, sightings of Abael on land are rare. This limited presence in Frosthaven is probably fortunate, given that the locals’ favorite pastime seems to be violent conflict.
Life in the Biting Sea brings the Abael into frequent contact with the Lurkers, the massive crustaceans that dominate these waters. Unsurprisingly, most recorded witness accounts of the Abael, alongside the fishermen’s tales spread at the “Pit”, describe violent clashes between the two. For mercenary parties venturing into these waters, it is almost inevitable that they will cross paths with the Abael, even if only briefly.
Little is known about their military tactics, but the Abael are enigmatic, resourceful, and more than capable of holding their own against the Lurkers - a testament to their skill. Familiarity with Abael behavior, even if limited, is essential for anyone hoping to survive encounters in the northern seas.
[h3]
Abael Scout[/h3]
The backbone of any Abael war party seems to be the Abael Scout. To be clear, the name is somewhat misleading - they’re not “scouts” in the sense of serving strictly reconnaissance duties. Rather, the title comes from their behavior in combat, which closely mirrors that of the more familiar (and equally troublesome) Algox Scout.
Like their Algox counterparts, Abael Scouts are frighteningly quick to close the distance, darting across the battlefield with unnerving agility. Also much like them, you’ll never know whether the next strike will come from an arm’s length or halfway across the field, as their weapon of choice - a finely crafted spear - serves equally well for melee or ranged attacks.
They share another, somewhat more fortunate trait with the Algox: an odd tendency to idle mid-battle, so long as you’re not directly in their face, that is. You’d be wise to take advantage of those rare moments - they don’t last long.
Far more important, however, is what sets them apart from the Algox. The Abael truly distinguish themselves through precision and lethality. Their fine motor control and quick reflexes make every strike count. Though their frames are slimmer, they somehow hit even harder than the bulky Algox. Worse still, their spears are almost always tipped with poison, turning even a glancing blow into a lingering hazard.
Fortunately, they lack the sheer durability of their northern counterparts. Their blows may sting like a scorpion, but their defenses are paper-thin in comparison. Even a mediocre mercenary can bring one down in a strike or two - if they’re quick about it.
TL;DR: treat them as a priority, but not a panic. Dispatch them early - it’s always nice not to have to worry about a poisoned spearhead aimed between your eyes - and, for the love of all that’s sane, bring a means to heal.
[h3]
Abael Herder[/h3]
The Abael Herders, on the other hand, are unlike anything you’ve likely faced before. Their name might conjure peaceful, pastoral images - but don’t let it fool you. The “flock” these Herders tend are Piranha Pigs, and wherever the Herders go, they bring that snapping, squealing nightmare with them.
Now, a lone Piranha Pig isn’t the worst thing you’ll meet around Frosthaven. In fact, running into one might even be a cause for celebration - they’re delightfully tasty, after all. But when you face them in a pack under the direction of a Herder, well… suddenly, you’re the one on the menu.
On the battlefield, the Herder spends most of its time directing its flock, granting the pigs greater mobility and even additional attacks. If it were just one Herder to one pig, that’d be manageable - but it never is. A single Herder can often command every Piranha Pig within range, and when multiple Herders work together, their coordination somehow makes the pigs even deadlier. Before long, the math of your predicament starts to spiral out of control.
To make matters worse, Herders don’t rely solely on the pigs they bring with them. They can call to the wild ones nearby, summoning even more Piranha Pigs into the fray. The sooner you thin their ranks, the better.
Isolated from their flock, an Abael Herder is manageable - though not harmless. They’re tougher than they look and can take a few solid hits before going down. Armed with daggers, they’ll fight both up close and at range, and they won’t hesitate to toss their fishing nets to immobilize you and drag you into striking distance.
Their most dangerous trick, however, is a devastating strike whose range and power scale with the number of Piranha Pigs on the field. The more pigs remain, the harder and farther the Herder can hit, and if left unchecked, this can reach truly catastrophic and inescapable proportions.
So when you spot one, think carefully. Sometimes you’ll want to bring down the Herder first. Other times, it’s wiser to thin the swarm. And if you ever find one alone - well, you might just have the rare luxury of waiting for it to bring dinner to your table before striking it down.
[h3]
FOLLOW FROSTHAVEN’S SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS[/h3][p]YouTube: [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]
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