Message:The surface puzzles get more complex. Not in terms of guessing riddles, but in solving how to get around (safely).
The game has two new aspects: Doom & Destiny. The party needs to visit sites to collect clues. They also need to visit sites to cancel penalties that will result at the endgame.
Doom or Destiny x5
3: All Stat tests in the Climax combat become roll until success. Secret to cancel outright lies at Dragon of Lore, or there's a half-step toward cancellation at Wizard's Tower or Demonic Host. Town at 6-C can offer assistance against the Dragon of Lore, either plus D4 to all Stat rolls or a boost of D4 HPs to use/lose in that site.
12: The players may not employ one-shot Magic Items in the Climax battle. Secret to cancel outright lies at Forgotten Temple, or there's a half-step toward cancellation at Dragon of Lore or either Undead Haunt. Town at 6-E can offer assistance against the Forgotten Temple, either plus D4 to all Stat rolls or a boost of D4 HPs to use/lose in that site.
14: Any Stat Test successfully made in the Climax, becomes harder with a DefMod penalty. Secret to cancel outright lies at Wizard's Tower, or there's a half-step toward cancellation at either Undead Haunt or Forgotten Temple. Town at 11-G can offer assistance against the Wizard Tower, either plus D4 to all Stat rolls or a boost of D4 HPs to use/lose in that site.
19: Post battle save versus bleeding wound. Roll against best Stat with failure causing that Stat to increase by one. Secret to cancel outright lies at Demonic Host, or there's a half-step toward cancellation at Forgotten Temple or Demonic Host. Town at 4-H can offer assistance against the Demonic Host, either plus D4 to all Stat rolls or a boost of D4 HPs to use/lose in that site.
We entered and were heading to the Forsaken Temple, until we realized we should reach the Town w/ positive modifier first. To get there we needed to cross the Undead Haunt. That should come after visiting a different town. Once we had our order set, we could commence.
The game is bloodier, since succor is no longer available at every just any Town. Yet we have survived and managed to eliminate three Doom results (6, 12 & 14) plus gather three of five Clues to start the Endgame Climax.
More later
Yours,
IronRed
07-Jul-2024