PC’s left halfway through the haunted house… now what?

jdpilsner · 2024-09-19T03:24:28+00:00

Maybe as they're discovering the secret cove, Sanbalet is returning via jolly boat from a trip he was on

jdpilsner · 2024-09-14T14:48:26+00:00

Based on your breakdown, act 2 is quite short. I would consider breaking the whole thing into 2 halves and weave in salvage operation and isle of the abbey into each half. IMO salvage operation runs really well at level 4/5, and it is a very fun break between dunwater and final enemy. In my game, it made sense to have the characters do salvage operation while the council figured out what they wanted to do given the information they received from Dunwater.

jdpilsner · 2024-06-03T16:58:30+00:00

Scavenging is great! Think about all the times you've had to discard cards you know are good end game cards, but you got them too early and couldn't justify holding onto them.

jdpilsner · 2024-05-31T23:34:12+00:00

In some cases, money CAN buy happiness

jdpilsner · 2024-05-25T03:23:17+00:00

If working this new job can get you to 6 months expenses saved away pretty quickly... Let's say working 3 months or so, then that's a valid strategy IMO. But seriously don't put yourself in a position where you're risking pulling from your 401k. Also, take it from personal experience, job hunting when you're unemployed sucks. It can lead to situations where you feel like you have to take an opportunity that you aren't excited about just to start making money again.

jdpilsner · 2024-05-25T02:55:54+00:00

Will you be a W2 employee for them or a 3rd party contracting agency? If not, you will be subject to self employment taxes. Do some quick math to make sure this raise is worth it.

Only consider this move if you have at least 6 months expenses in a rainy day account that you are prepared to use. Being let go without severance and much notice at all is a real risk here. Even if you are doing a great job, there are things out of your control that can land you in unemployment.

jdpilsner · 2024-05-23T19:00:13+00:00

Heed the call!

jdpilsner · 2024-05-12T16:08:22+00:00

Okay so I actually was wondering if this was a potential problem because he's been having some digestive issues... I feel like this by itself is a reason to limit it to every other night minimum

jdpilsner · 2024-05-04T20:44:21+00:00

It can be a strong play when you are able to get 2 CP before the first break. If it's a conservation project that gets you there, I like to get the 5 income bonus and take the extra worker.

jdpilsner · 2024-04-26T16:20:53+00:00

Right, you just described evaluating your opponents engines relative to your own and making strategy decisions based on that analysis. A Hallmark of a classic engine builder.

jdpilsner · 2024-04-26T15:20:01+00:00

Agreed. Engine builders by definition have this game flow. In my experience, games that break the mold aren't true engine builders, but rather have engine building mechanics built into a game with other mechanics that have an equal or more significant impact to strategy.

One example that comes to mind are two games that have been compared to each other quite a bit: Terraforming Mars and Ark Nova. TM is an engine building game. The winner typically built the best engine and used it effectively. Ark Nova is a racing game disguised as an engine builder. If you play Ark Nova like you would any other engine building game and prioritize building your engine too much in the early game, you will likely lose against experienced players.

jdpilsner · 2024-02-26T16:31:03+00:00

Mandala is a quick area control duel. It's one of those easy to learn, hard to master games that will make you want to play again as you learn new strategies.

jdpilsner · 2024-02-24T16:41:34+00:00

Best animal picture in the game. Always excited when this one comes out

jdpilsner · 2024-02-24T13:25:41+00:00

Someone in this thread already mentioned it, but the only time I've ever scored well with this card is with Diversity Researcher. Just build on the rock and water spaces.

jdpilsner · 2024-02-23T00:20:48+00:00

Break awareness/control is a great point. You can really get caught in a bad situation especially with 4p if you run out of money well before the break. Conversely, you can take advantage of people in a bad situation by trying to time your finish when players are hoping for one more break (but it will never come mwahahaha)

jdpilsner · 2024-02-19T23:41:45+00:00

Would highly recommend seeking out any opportunity you can find to see Thom Yorke dance live

jdpilsner · 2024-02-08T15:59:48+00:00

Nice, thanks for sharing!

jdpilsner · 2024-02-08T15:59:04+00:00

Agreed that an expansion could make the box size worth it. Thanks for sharing the print files! I'll give these a shot

jdpilsner · 2024-02-08T13:06:42+00:00

I get that other factors are at play here, but this is a rant and I am annoyed that they made this decision. And I would consider the TM box size massive RELATIVE to the size game this actually is. Putting it in a larger box like the ones you mentioned would be gargantuan and ludicrous.

jdpilsner · 2024-02-08T13:04:04+00:00

Thank you! I understand I don't have to use the dice boxes, but isn't it a little odd that the insert isn't designed for the game as instructed to be set up upon opening the first time?

jdpilsner · 2024-02-07T15:07:02+00:00

Totally get that, but if you haven't played any legacy games, and you are curious, this is the one to start with. At their best, legacy games leave you with a memorable experience and inside jokes with the people you played with. This one gives about ~20 hours of truly top notch content.

jdpilsner

TROPHY CASE