Frostgrave: Sellsword
๐ About This Book
Sellsword is a digital-only mini-expansion for Frostgrave: Fantasy Wargames in the Frozen City. This expansion gives wizards the option to hire a captain, a special type of soldier, to help lead their warbands. Unlike other soldiers in the game, captains may choose their own weapons, have a few special abilities known as 'tricks of the trade', and gain experience. Of course, such experience and versatility comes at a price, so captains are going to want more than the retainer given to most soldiers โ they want a cut of the treasure! Also included in this expansion are three new scenarios designed to give soldiers more of a chance to shine. All feature some type of limitation or obstacle to spellcasting that will force wizards to think a bit more about how much they rely on their magic.
๐ Summary
Frostgrave: Sellsword by Joseph A. McCullough is a digital-only mini-expansion designed for the tabletop miniature game Frostgrave: Fantasy Wargames in the Frozen City. Clocking in at twelve pages and published in 2016, this compact guide enriches the core tabletop experience by introducing a powerful new element to player warbands: the captain. In the base game, wizards command their followers directly, relying on standard soldiers who operate with rigid roles and limited customization. Sellsword changes the tactical landscape by giving wizards the option to hire a specialized leader who can share the burden of command. Unlike traditional soldiers, captains bring a high degree of versatility and personality to the gaming table. Players can customize their captain by choosing their specific weapons to fit a desired combat style, granting these new leaders a distinct edge in skirmishes across the frozen ruins. Furthermore, captains possess a unique set of abilities known as tricks of the trade, which allow them to perform specialized maneuvers during gameplay. Perhaps most importantly, unlike regular soldiers who remain static in their capabilities, captains can gain experience over the course of multiple games, evolving and improving alongside the wizard they serve. Of course, such immense skill and adaptability do not come cheap. While standard soldiers are content with a simple retainer, a captain demands a much greater investment, requiring a cut of the recovered treasure to maintain their loyalty. This economic trade-off forces players to carefully weigh the benefits of hiring a powerful secondary leader against the potential drain on their warband's treasury. Beyond introducing the captain mechanic, the expansion also features three brand new scenarios. These scenarios are specifically designed to give ordinary soldiers a chance to truly shine by implementing various limitations and obstacles to spellcasting. By restricting or challenging the use of magic, these missions force wizards to rethink their strategies and reduce their heavy reliance on arcane power, putting greater emphasis on physical combat, positioning, and tactical execution. Overall, Sellsword serves as a flavorful and mechanically rewarding addition for players looking to deepen their tactical options, enhance their warband leadership, and test their problem-solving skills against magical restrictions in the frozen city.
๐ฏ Key Lessons
โ๏ธ Pros & Cons
โ Pros
Introduces customizable captains that add depth to warband management
Gives regular soldiers more opportunities to shine through new scenarios
Features unique tricks of the trade abilities for added tactical variety
Challenges players to adapt by incorporating magic-restricting obstacles
โ ๏ธ Cons
Captains demand a cut of the treasure in addition to a high retainer
Digital-only format may not appeal to players who prefer physical books
โ FAQ
What is Frostgrave: Sellsword? +
It is a digital-only mini-expansion for the tabletop game Frostgrave: Fantasy Wargames in the Frozen City.
Who is the author of this expansion? +
The author is Joseph A. McCullough.
When was Sellsword published? +
It was published in 2016.
How many pages long is the book? +
The digital expansion spans twelve pages.
What major new unit does the expansion introduce? +
It introduces captains, which are special types of soldiers that help lead warbands.









