If you've already dived into the intrigues of Pagan: Fate of Roanoke, get ready, because 'Beyond the Palisades' arrives to ramp up the tension of this psychological duel. For those unfamiliar, Pagan is a visceral and completely asymmetrical two-player game where one takes the role of the Witch and the other the Witch Hunter. The goal is simple on paper but tense in practice: the Witch aims to complete her renaturation ritual, while the Hunter tries to expose and eliminate her before it's too late. The game revolves around nine suspicious villagers, but only the Witch knows her true identity, turning every move into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

In this expansion, the dynamics gain new layers with the introduction of two fundamental mechanics: Gloom and Cleanse. Gloom acts as a vital resource for the Witch, representing her symbiotic connection with the land. The more Gloom in play, the more the Witch feels at home and empowered. However, this power leaves traces. That's where Cleansing comes in: the Hunter can spend their efforts to purge the corruption from the village. By completely removing the Gloom from a card, it is cleansed and discarded, stripping the Witch's influence from that area.

While the Witch focuses on brewing potions, improving her familiar, and casting spells, the Hunter must be relentless, recruiting allies and investigating every detail of the villagers to close the net. The expansion doesn't change the core essence of the game but deepens resource management and the influence war, making the fight for control over the village even more strategic. It's the perfect tool for those who thought they had already mastered the art of the hunt or witchcraft and are looking for more complexity in their card game experience.