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[XShagrath]

New Carcosa preview article up.

The Soldier and The Secretary

Spoiler

Harrigan's signature card is really cool. I love how much diversity there is in this game.

 

[Izayoi]

I would imagine the next 2-3 months since demand seems pretty high. I picked one up for above MSRP because I'm impatient, but only because I already bought the entire Dunwich line.

I'm waiting for the reprint before getting a second set.

Thankfully they seem to rotate new printings every quarter or so.

It just got a reprint a month or so ago so it'll be at least 4-6 months. I do suggest looking around at local game shops, though, because the base set isn't generally that hard to find offline.

I don't know where you're located, but this US site seems to have it in stock for retail. Don't know what shipping is like. As mentioned, also try local game stores, as I've seen several around town that have it in stock.

https://us.zavvi.com/toys-games/ark...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CNbI_6G-ktUCFYwZgQodbFMECw

https://www.thehut.com/toys-games/a...gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CNu8j9q-ktUCFZANgQodWeUDjw

Thanks everyone!

Follow up question, regarding sleeves:

Ultra Pro, Dragon Shield, or FFG?

I love the matte Ultra Pro for Magic, but I understand that the FFG sleeves fit a little differently? I'm kind of wary of using smooth sleeves again, I've been spoiled by the usability of matte...

 

[benicillin]

Thanks everyone!

Follow up question, regarding sleeves:

Ultra Pro, Dragon Shield, or FFG?

I love the matte Ultra Pro for Magic, but I understand that the FFG sleeves fit a little differently? I'm kind of wary of using smooth sleeves again, I've been spoiled by the usability of matte...

I sleeved all my Arkham cards w/ Ultra Pro clear mattes (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CV859XC/?tag=neogaf0e-20) and they fit and feel great.

 

[AstroLad]

The FFG sleeves are really good too.

 

[XShagrath]

Ultra Pro, Dragon Shield, or FFG?

Sleeving is such an interesting topic. Everyone's got their own take on it. There are pros and cons to all of the different options out there. I'd suggest checking out some videos from Tolarian Community College, as he reviews a ton of them (for MTG, which has the same sized cards).

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvqw7t0kbGX9ZlOrr9sqD8zGGPuEIfeBz

Personally, I use FFG for the encounter decks. Clear for the double-sided cards, and black for the others (so that I can also use proxies). I then use Ultimate Guard matte sleeves for my player decks that match the color of the investigator.

I do actually prefer the matte sleeves, but I have such a surplus of the FFG sleeves from games over the years, and they're also a bit cheaper than the Ultimate Guard ones. Thankfully, I only needed one pack of each of the five colors, so it wasn't that much of an investment.

 

[One Foul Note]

New Carcosa preview article up.

The Soldier and The Secretary

Spoiler

Harrigan's signature card is really cool. I love how much diversity there is in this game.

Can you put direct damage on non-ally assets? This article references using True Grit to shield you while you use the ability on the Sophie card, but that deals you direct damage and I always thought that direct version of damage had to be applied to the investigator directly and wouldn't be able to be placed on an asset.

 

[XShagrath]

Can you put direct damage on non-ally assets? This article references using True Grit to shield you while you use the ability on the Sophie card, but that deals you direct damage and I always thought that direct version of damage had to be applied to the investigator directly and wouldn't be able to be placed on an asset.

I think that True Grit supercedes the effect of direct damage. Cards effects always take precedence over rules, and direct damage is a form of damage. Thematically, it makes sense, as it's a talent. Therefore, it's part of your investigator, and not some aid in the form of armor (leather coat, bulletproof vest).

 

[One Foul Note]

I think that True Grit supercedes the effect of direct damage. Cards effects always take precedence over rules, and direct damage is a form of damage. Thematically, it makes sense, as it's a talent. Therefore, it's part of your investigator, and not some aid in the form of armor (leather coat, bulletproof vest).

Hmmm, I'm not entirely convinced with that. True Grit says it can take damage dealt to other investigators at your locations. The use of the word other implies that you can't use it for yourself to reassign direct damage to it rather then your investigator.

 

[XShagrath]

Hmmm, I'm not entirely convinced with that. True Grit says it can take damage dealt to other investigators at your locations. The use of the word other implies that you can't use it for yourself to reassign direct damage to it rather then your investigator.

I missed the word "other," so I see your point. The article seems to imply though that you can apply direct damage to True Grit in order to use Sophie's ability, and also to use it with your own allies (which are not investigators).

However, I was just chatting with some guys who know more than me, and they seem to think that you can't soak direct damage with it, as the direct damage section has the word "cannot" and that word means it is absolute, and cannot be reassigned. However, they also read it my way as it is meant to be a general buff to your actual investigator's health. Looks like we'll have to wait for an official ruling from Matt (either through a FAQ or ArkhamDB) to get to the bottom of this one.


In my never-ending journey of pimping out my game, I just ordered some new doom counters.

 

[Noaloha]

This article references using True Grit to shield you while you use the ability on the Sophie card, but that deals you direct damage and I always thought that direct version of damage had to be applied to the investigator directly and wouldn't be able to be placed on an asset.

The article seems to imply though that you can apply direct damage to True Grit in order to use Sophie's ability, and also to use it with your own allies (which are not investigators).

I didn't actually get the impression that the article is suggesting you can assign the direct damage from In Loving Memory to True Grit.

The article makes a point of highlighting that Mark Harrigan's whole deal is having damage assigned to cards he controls, pointing out that, naturally, cards that soak damage are a good fit for him. The part of the article which addresses True Grit comes somewhat after the Sophie description, and seems to be talking over the new options he has for damage-soak cards as a general build include -- since you'll be picking up damage so frequently, you'll want as any places to put those tokens as possible that don't trigger the It Was All My Fault side of Sophie. I think that's how it's linking True Grit as a benefit to the Sophie card's direct damage free trigger -- if you're looking to take advantage of those +2s, you want to be keeping the damage off your actual investigator card as much as possible.

The direct damage from In Loving Memory 100% has to go on Mark Harrigan's card itself (until such a time as there is a card which specifies being able to take direct damage).

 

[XShagrath]

I didn't actually get the impression that the article is suggesting you can assign the direct damage from In Loving Memory to True Grit.

"...in the form of True Grit (The Path to Carcosa, 21). Not only can it absorb three points of damage, which Mark Harrigan and Sophie could easily convert into three cards drawn and six bonus points to various skill checks, but the card can absorb the damage that his allies would otherwise take."

I guess it all comes down to how you parse that section. I can see your side, but also the other as well. Have to keep in mind that these preview articles aren't written by the design team, so they're susceptible to rules mistakes.

 

[One Foul Note]

I didn't actually get the impression that the article is suggesting you can assign the direct damage from In Loving Memory to True Grit.

The article makes a point of highlighting that Mark Harrigan's whole deal is having damage assigned to cards he controls, pointing out that, naturally, cards that soak damage are a good fit for him. The part of the article which addresses True Grit comes somewhat after the Sophie description, and seems to be talking over the new options he has for damage-soak cards as a general build include -- since you'll be picking up damage so frequently, you'll want as any places to put those tokens as possible that don't trigger the It Was All My Fault side of Sophie. I think that's how it's linking True Grit as a benefit to the Sophie card's direct damage free trigger -- if you're looking to take advantage of those +2s, you want to be keeping the damage off your actual investigator card as much as possible.

The direct damage from In Loving Memory 100% has to go on Mark Harrigan's card itself (until such a time as there is a card which specifies being able to take direct damage).

This is the suspect line, just above the picture of True Grit in the article:

Not only can [True Grit] absorb three points of damage, which Mark Harrigan and Sophie could easily convert into three cards drawn and six bonus points to various skill checks, but the card can absorb the damage that his allies would otherwise take.

To me that line is highly implying that the Grit card is taking damage from Sophie due to it directly referencing the six bonus points which is her work. Although at this point in time I predict that the author of the article wasn't 100% briefed about the exact nature of Sophie and created an example that doesn't work in error.

Edit: I actually wrote this entire post without seeing XSagraths reply, so we are basically saying exactly the same thing, oppps.

 

[Noaloha]

Yeah apologies, you're both right. I initially just took that Sophie mention as referring to saving investigator card damage so it'd be available to use on other checks but no, you're spot on -- as written, it's directly linking that absorbed damage to the skill check bonuses.

 

[One Foul Note]

It's all a bit rubbish here, still can't get a copy of Lost in Time and Space without overspending. Starting to wonder if I need to splash out a bit now or else I will miss this print run and have to wait to the next, which could potentially be post Carcosa.

 

[XShagrath]

It's all a bit rubbish here, still can't get a copy of Lost in Time and Space without overspending. Starting to wonder if I need to splash out a bit now or else I will miss this print run and have to wait to the next, which could potentially be post Carcosa.

Saw you're in the UK. Looks like there's a subscription service similar to what we have here with Team Covenant. Might be worth checking out?

https://gameworlds.uk/blog/fantasy-flight-games/arkham-horror-the-card-game-subscription-in-the-uk/

 

[Moobabe]

It's all a bit rubbish here, still can't get a copy of Lost in Time and Space without overspending. Starting to wonder if I need to splash out a bit now or else I will miss this print run and have to wait to the next, which could potentially be post Carcosa.

Orcs nest had a bunch of expansions when I was in there the other week (London)

 

[witchedwiz]

"...in the form of True Grit (The Path to Carcosa, 21). Not only can it absorb three points of damage, which Mark Harrigan and Sophie could easily convert into three cards drawn and six bonus points to various skill checks, but the card can absorb the damage that his allies would otherwise take."

I guess it all comes down to how you parse that section. I can see your side, but also the other as well. Have to keep in mind that these preview articles aren't written by the design team, so they're susceptible to rules mistakes.

plus you know.. black rule yadda yadda..
whenever you're not "clear" on a rule, you should interpret in the way that is less beneficial//more harmful to you as possible..

 

[One Foul Note]

Saw you're in the UK. Looks like there's a subscription service similar to what we have here with Team Covenant. Might be worth checking out?

https://gameworlds.uk/blog/fantasy-flight-games/arkham-horror-the-card-game-subscription-in-the-uk/

Orcs nest had a bunch of expansions when I was in there the other week (London)

Cheers for the suggestions, I'll be sure to check them out. That gamesworld sub is actually cheaper then the expansions go at my local so even if I don;t use it to get LiTaS, I might use it for the Carcosa cycle.

 

[witchedwiz]

Saw you're in the UK. Looks like there's a subscription service similar to what we have here with Team Covenant. Might be worth checking out?

https://gameworlds.uk/blog/fantasy-flight-games/arkham-horror-the-card-game-subscription-in-the-uk/

this is indeed quite good!
fortunately in italy each mythos is 11,90 :L

 

[Draxal]

The FFG sleeves are really good too.

FFG sleeves are a bit oversized compared to others.

 

[One Foul Note]

That gameworld subscription service is actually kinda insane. They don't put up the costs each month whether they are sending out small packs or the deluxe expansions so you can potentially get the big Carcosa box for just under £13. Although you can't start a new sub on the month a big expansion comes out so if you want that you have to basically have a sub a month early and get Lost in Time and Space too. It is weirdly perfect for me, although I keep reading the small print expecting some kind of hidden trick, it sounds too good to be true.

 

[Moobabe]

That gameworld subscription service is actually kinda insane. They don't put up the costs each month whether they are sending out small packs or the deluxe expansions so you can potentially get the big Carcosa box for just under £13. Although you can't start a new sub on the month a big expansion comes out so if you want that you have to basically have a sub a month early and get Lost in Time and Space too. It is weirdly perfect for me, although I keep reading the small print expecting some kind of hidden trick, it sounds too good to be true.

Yeah I just read that too.... that's really damn good!

 

[Grady Durden]

Solo Agnes campaign play, Finally played Myskatonik Museum and got close to defeating the main enemy but got stomped.

Spoiler

it's too quick and it's never dying ability really sucks solo

Decided to give Curse of the Rougarou a go, and did really well. Got the second resolution by using a flare for 3 damage and then enjoying Agnes doing damage for taking horror to finish it off.

I love this game.

 

[TerminalDogma]

Question, do you guys think it's possible to have a three-four player game at this point with only one core set and all of dunwich and it's mythos packs? Or would you still need additional cards from the core set?

 

[XShagrath]

Question, do you guys think it's possible to have a three-four player game at this point with only one core set and all of dunwich and it's mythos packs? Or would you still need additional cards from the core set?

It's probably "possible," using only the Dunwich 'gators. I just counted up the guardian cards and you should have 26 total cards. The rest of the classes probably have about the same number of cards (+/- 1 or 2). Throw in some neutrals, and you should be able to get three or four decks at 30 with no problems. However, I can almost guarantee that these decks will be pretty garbage, and I wouldn't try it unless you were playing on easy difficulty.

A second core set goes a long way, and I'd totally recommend it for anyone that's following the campaigns. I doubt those staple cards are going to get replaced with different(better) versions anytime soon.

 

[witchedwiz]

Question, do you guys think it's possible to have a three-four player game at this point with only one core set and all of dunwich and it's mythos packs? Or would you still need additional cards from the core set?

Yes, but don't..
Some basic card are too useful to pass up, and you would end up with a gimped deck that would only become decent after a few intermission//deck level up..

 

[Phil N DeBlanc]

Question, do you guys think it's possible to have a three-four player game at this point with only one core set and all of dunwich and it's mythos packs? Or would you still need additional cards from the core set?

To chime in with the last two who replied, you can but it's not going to well for you. The core set cards are going to be your basic cards for a good while. So if you plan to have more than two decks built from your set of cards, I'd really recommend getting a second core.

From my experience with the LotR LCG, the cards that come in the core set tend to be the backbone for the various color's themes, and having a second copy of the base cards helps even if you're just sticking to one to two decks. Still, you might want to wait until the game dies down a bit and you can find core sets on sale, unless you really want to go ahead with a 3 to 4 player game using only your cards.

 

[TerminalDogma]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Kind of a bummer, but it is what it is.

 

[witchedwiz]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Kind of a bummer, but it is what it is.

Worse come to worse, you can either give one copy of the card to each player, or restrict to say deck1 two copies, deck two 1 copy, deck three one copy, deck four zero copies..
You would gimp a bit deck 3 and 4..
If you want to do it like that, turn the deck four into an ultraspecialised deck..
E.g. Dedicate healer// dedicate support, and make it clear with the player that he WILL have to avoid combat at all the cost..
Assign this deck to whoever has the highest mobility amongst investigator and have him fly away every time from combat.. plus you'll have to babysit and engage the monsters with another char every time..
A bit vexing, but I suppose doable..

 

[TerminalDogma]

Nah, that's not fair to everyone. I'll probably just end up making proxies until I can find the core set somewhere for a reasonable price again.

 

[XShagrath]

Hopefully we'll see another batch of core sets around GenCon (late August). I know they're not on the Upcoming page over on FFG, but that's not always accurate.

Looks like I'll be getting back to Dunwich again in the coming week with a new pair of investigators. Haven't played since WDA, and am itching to get back. Been busy painting minis for Mansions. I've improved a lot since I started again last year (after about a 20 year hiatus). I went back and looked at the ones I had painted in August/September and was appalled. I ended up stripping them all and am now starting over. That was like 60+ hours of painting thrown away in just a few seconds.

 

[hoggert]

Finally got around to playing some Dunwich and FUCK Jazz.

Spoiler

Dude was hanging out as the second to last card in the encounter deck after we JUST shuffled the discard pile in from the agenda or another card. RIP all those sweet young nubile co-eds lol

 

[Noaloha]

Apologies for the photo quality -- this sellotape on the backside of my phone does the camera no favours.

First full day on a week-long vacation in Gran Canaria. While others went to the beach, I'd made some excuses and instead...

Quite a few funny looks from folk (curious, not sneering). And those cards got real damn hot by the end.

(Also, I won!)

 

[Moobabe]

Apologies for the photo quality -- this sellotape on the backside of my phone does the camera no favours.

First full day on a week-long vacation in Gran Canaria. While others went to the beach, I'd made some excuses and instead...



Quite a few funny looks from folk (curious, not sneering). And those cards got real damn hot by the end.

(Also, I won!)

Nice!

I picked up Curse of the Rugaru yesterday for a solo play session. Excited to dive in!

 

[witchedwiz]

Apologies for the photo quality -- this sellotape on the backside of my phone does the camera no favours.

First full day on a week-long vacation in Gran Canaria. While others went to the beach, I'd made some excuses and instead...



Quite a few funny looks from folk (curious, not sneering). And those cards got real damn hot by the end.

(Also, I won!)

Nice man!
I've been nearby in June, as my grandpa has a villa in los gigantes.. most likely we'll sell it and move to Santa Cruz in the coming years, as my dad has half a mind to move there for his retirement..

Back on topic.. carcosa can't come soon enough..
Side topic.. I have elde sign and I need to put sleeves on the elder sign tarot card..
I Cannot find mayday tarot card 70x122, nor ultra pro (I've found them, get them shipped and they got lost... seller gave me a full refund luckily)..
Any other sleeve brand that will fit those? Ffg sleeving for the whole game would cost me almost as the game +2 expansions...

 

[XShagrath]

Side topic.. I have elde sign and I need to put sleeves on the elder sign tarot card..
I Cannot find mayday tarot card 70x122, nor ultra pro (I've found them, get them shipped and they got lost... seller gave me a full refund luckily)..
Any other sleeve brand that will fit those? Ffg sleeping for the whole game would cost me almost as the game +2 expansions...

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/164572/item/2906276#item2906276

This is about as much detail as you're going regarding sleeves. I have no idea what's available where you're at, but that's pretty much everything that will work.

 

[witchedwiz]

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/164572/item/2906276#item2906276

This is about as much detail as you're going regarding sleeves. I have no idea what's available where you're at, but that's pretty much everything that will work.

Docsmagic were the only available ones..
Oh well.. bought...
Though I spent 12 eur for the premium sleeves and 13 for shipping...
Sucks , but that's better than ruining it..
One day, producer will add to the game the sleeves.. one day..

 

[XShagrath]

One day, producer will add to the game the sleeves.. one day..

That's highly doubtful, unless the game design requires them (such as Mystic Vale). There is a sizable portion of the board gaming community that detest sleeves. A publisher putting them in the box will increase the cost of the product, and add something that will not be used by a lot of people, thus generating negative publicity. For us sleevers, it's just something we have to suck up and realize that we're going to be adding 50+% to our purchases a lot of the time.

I used to sleeve absolutely everything for any game I purchased. That was when I had a very small collection, and played the same game quite often. Now, I have games that I maybe only get around to every couple of years. There's really no need to sleeve those cards. I also don't eat at the gaming table, which reduces the risk of anything getting on them besides finger residue.

 

[SCHUEY F1]

I just use cheap KMC perfext fit sleeves, which work well. I keep on teetering on getting rid of sleeves all together though.

 

[AstroLad]

Nice noaloha...reminds me of playing star wars destiny with my wife and kids at Aulani. There's always time for board games!

We just built four characters for another Dunwich runthrough. Going with Agnes, Daisy, Rex, and Zoey. So two new and two classic for us. Thankfully I have four core sets and 2x each expansion so the only card we were short on was Shortcut (b/c I selfishly splashed it into my Zoey so I could do a Taunt>Shortcut>Dynamite Blast combo (among other reasons).

 

[XShagrath]

...so I could do a Taunt>Shortcut>Dynamite Blast combo (among other reasons).

You know all the monsters that are engaged with you follow you with Shortcut, right? Since it's fast, at least you don't take attacks of opportunity. Funny thinking about you grabbing all the enemies to run off and blow yourself up. Zoey: Suicide Bomber.

 

[AstroLad]

You know all the monsters that are engaged with you follow you with Shortcut, right? Since it's fast, at least you don't take attacks of opportunity. Funny thinking about you grabbing all the enemies to run off and blow yourself up. Zoey: Suicide Bomber.

haha yes exactly that's the plan. the shortcut is actually just to get away from hurting others in the room

 

[witchedwiz]

Nice noaloha...reminds me of playing star wars destiny with my wife and kids at Aulani. There's always time for board games!

You lucky dude...
My gf and I have.. different taste...
My gf dislikes Japanese (I love it), so it's either going for fish//meat or for the weekly vegetarian night out..
I love Japanese and dislike vegetarian dinner..
She got into board games as a way to spend more time together, but if we end up being a "long term article" so to speak, she already made it clear that I have to "outgrow" some of my childish habits.. we'll see, I don't have the slightest intention of giving up video games or tabletop games
Doesn't help that my family has the same stance.. all business and no fun allowed..

We just built four characters for another Dunwich runthrough. Going with Agnes, Daisy, Rex, and Zoey. So two new and two classic for us. Thankfully I have four core sets and 2x each expansion so the only card we were short on was Shortcut (b/c I selfishly splashed it into my Zoey so I could do a Taunt>Shortcut>Dynamite Blast combo (among other reasons)

do you actually need 2x each xpac pack to handle stuff correctly?

 

[XShagrath]

Started another Dunwich campaign last night, but only got through HAW (after playing two scenarios in Gloomhaven). I think we'll be better off this time, as I built the decks to be pretty specialized. We're running Zoey and Rex, which is a very good team. I'm playing Rex, and our game was very Arkham. I had a blast.

As we entered the La Bella Luna, I quickly gathered the clues and we both moved on to go get sloshed at the bar. During the course of the game, that came back to bite us in the ass at least twice, which was pretty funny. As we made our way to the back area of the Clover Club, I gathered some more information and had a very good plan that got the Pit Boss out of our way.

I was the first to locate Dr. Morgan while Zoey was constantly pestered by rats. She seemed to be fond of them, as they kept bringing her additional resources, and she felt bad getting rid of them. As I was getting ready to see if I could shake some sense into Dr. Morgan, a mobster showed up and started giving me some lip. Zoey came to the rescue, and shot me with her .45. I was a little perturbed, but I had a little health left, so I felt I could make it to the back door and get out. Zoey aimed once again to take out the mobster with her last action of the round, and ended up doing me in.

After taking a slight beating from the mobster, she was able to take him out without the confusion of an additional target, and got Morgan out of his daze. Then were then easily able to move through the back areas and exit out the back door.



It's the little events like that within the game that make me love it so much. My friend kinda wanted to start the scenario over and try again, since it was just the start of the campaign and I'm going to have a physical trauma moving forward, but I convinced him that we should just keep going. I think we'll be okay, and I just love the evolution of the story so much (even outside of just the resolutions) to re-do a scenario because we had a "bad run."

 

[witchedwiz]

It's the little events like that within the game that make me love it so much. My friend kinda wanted to start the scenario over and try again, since it was just the start of the campaign and I'm going to have a physical trauma moving forward, but I convinced him that we should just keep going. I think we'll be okay, and I just love the evolution of the story so much (even outside of just the resolutions) to re-do a scenario because we had a "bad run."

don't..
that's the beauty of the game!

 

[RuinerPrime]

I might buy this next payday. Hope the 2 player experience is good.

 

[AstroLad]

I might buy this next payday. Hope the 2 player experience is good.

2p is pretty much the default and what they balance for so yeah it's quite good

 

[witchedwiz]

Carcosa is so close and yet so far..
Generic September in Italy..

 

[FrontalMonk]

Common rules error there: Act 2 has additional Objective: text with some requirements for advancing (unlike Act 1 that follows standard rules). You advanced Act 2 at the end of the investigation phase, applied its effects, then resolved an enemy phase immediately afterwards, which - as you noticed - is all sorts of ouch.

You have a location requirement and a timing requirement for Act 2. That required timing is at the very end of the round only, between upkeep and mythos. Essentially this means that, while the subsequent mythos phase will still add some random elements you can't necessarily plan for, you do first get your investigation phase to deal with that mythos and the effect of Act 2's resolution.

I just picked this game up last night and tried running through the how to play scenario solo before getting the wife involved, and I ran into this problem, too. I used my last action on a turn to investigate and get a clue, then turned in all the clues before my turn ended...which

Spoiler

spawned the ghoul priest who killed me immediately after. had I realized that I was doing this wrong, I would have taken the next turn to draw/move to the hallway, then turn in, then use the next turn to move to the parlor and resign, since I only had 1 sanity left.

It's pretty awesome and I'm looking forward to giving it another go with the wife, and actually getting this campaign-style progression going. That part sounds just totally bonkers.

 

[hoggert]

Another Carcosa preview: The Painted World

Spoiler

Always wanted a rogue/mystic and her deck building rules look super interesting.