The following are alternative endings I'm working on while my day-job workload is too high for such projects as the Addon Abilitiies. Like many others, I started with the classic six from 2E. Mine have tweaks based on the 2E versions being too weak for implementation in 4ER. Anyone defeating the LoD in the Dungeon (and likely the Eagle King in the Highlands) is pretty much assured the win against any of those 2E end "boss" opponents.

Along with the standard six, I decided to do semi-matching "counterpoint" cards as an easier approach to beefing the endgame deck. That way there would be 12 rather than 6 to draw from. I have uploaded full 300ppi versions of the first 4 into my DropBox (moderate quality to keep file size down). No time for thumbnails (which wouldn't be readable anyway). Select the titles/links below to view the cards in a new window . Comments and suggestions are certainly welcome for consideration, as I do not consider these to be final versions just yet.

Draconis Rex (alias the Dragon King)
This one tested well in my own group and two others. Some were not thrilled, as some random results were too easy to overcome, especially in two cases where a character entered the CoC through the Dungeon. But I suppose some easy win options need to be among the cards (I personally detest them), for the name of the game these days is "faster, faster"...

Draco Regina (counterpoint for Dragon King)
This one tested the best in my group and one other. Players liked taking turns getting involved in playing the Dragon Queen against another character. Some weren't thrilled with her spell mechanics; others like that and put it to great use. In one game, there were three characters to achieve the CoC while she was still there. A real blood bath full of tactical choices ensued. Eggs were stolen and then returned to her at critical moments when another character had to face her. The only complaint was from two players with characters still outside of the CoC as the Spell deck began to cycle like crazy. But they weren't given any sympathy by those inside the CoC: "then move your ass and get in here!"

Demon Lord (alias same)
This one had mixed reviews in my group and two others, but split along very obvious lines. Those who were leaning on Spells and artificial attribute boosts (Followers, Magic Objects, etc.) complained. Those who went in on soundly built Craft found him a worthwhile challenge. Not sure why that kind of split, but it happened.

Celestial (counterpoint to Demon Lord)
This one has not been tested, though it was based in a notion discussed by my group: endgames that have some meaning to Talisman's meaningless "Alignment." Not sure this one is going to work, but it will be play tested during this month by my group and two others.

The link for the Celestial Ending is a little messed up JC.

Click HERE for it.

Thanks, Jon. I also went back and fixed that link.

UPDATE: Three groups including my own tried out the Demon Lord and the Celestial in games. Overall, there were no negative comments returned, no real criticism of their mechanics, though some in my group thought they weren't strong enough. Both were considered worthy of having in a mix of random draw endings. But when I asked if they would be appealing as pre-chosen endings for a game, there was general indifference. When I inquired further, the consensus had little to do with the specific cards. It seems that end "boss" enemies didn't spark a lot enthusiasm as a known ending; they were just too simple or outright dull, at least for these three groups.

Here are two new cards to consider. Nether have been pay tested as yet, so if you feel like it, go ahead and then report back herein. One is a variation on the old Black Void, the most divisive ending (hated or loved) among players of 2E. The other is a counterpoint, of sorts. CLICK THE TITLE TO SEE THE CARDS IN A NEW WINDOW (300ppi).

VORTEX (alias Black Void)

SUMMONING (counterpoint)

I personally hate the Black Void. Others have already recreated it precisely, so I won't waste my time. The Vortex is an attempt to replace it with something meaningful where legitimate effort to be ready for the Crown isn't a complete waste of time. And where the Vortex still sends the unworthy to oblivion, the Summoning brings in something to challenge a worthless whelp. Both cards address a longstanding problem in all Talisman editions. With the introduction of shortcuts to the CoC via expasion boards (sans the need of a Talisman), somehow a item as potent and dangerous as the Crown has no other safeguards.

AH, once again, I messed up a link, so here's a correction.

SUMMONING .

A couple of different requests came in... all with a similar intention. In the 2E days, the AltEnd cards were small enough to stack like a deck on the CoC. Not so anymore. A couple of individuals from different groups asked if I could make such cards for 4ER. The problem is that there's just not room enough on a small card, and then there's the whole issue of a card sleeve for a nonstandard size. So here's a possibility instead.

The sample below represents one alt ending. Along with all others used, each would have a like miniature version in standard 4ER card size. A like card could be made for any of the AltEnd cards. When one is drawn, the appropriate full card is then pulled out.

Not so sure many groups would use these, as it is still just as easy to stack the standard cards to the side of board and then draw form there. But what the heck... any excuse to play with some graphics after a long day.

The front template was composed from scratch to emulate the style of an AltEnd card. The back is more problematic, and I simply slapped something together in two possibilities. These are not print resolution, as they are only starting samples.

UPDATE: The Celestial has be slightly modified. Select the link in the opening post to see the minor changes. An "Evil" and "Neutral" counter-counter-point to the Celestial are in the works as well.

Following is another possible card back for the "mini" versions... along with a sample card front for those AltEnds that are "revealed" vs. hidden/drawn. These are not at print resolution... yet. Comments on refinement and/or preference of card back are welcome.

Okay, I've at least got the mini marker cards worked out. Below are examples of the latest with artwork added. And I've decided to go with the first card back, so that all groups using the minis will be using the same backs. Groups do interact at times and share components (well, the ones I'm in contact with around the world do so). This way there's a standard for all made cards to be easily mixed. Anyone wanting something else will have to make it themselves.

I think star marker for "revealed" is adequate as well. Considering only one such card would be laid on the crown of command space, everyone would know its a revealed single ending anyway. If you notice any glitches or errors in the card design or individual cards, let me know.

And at this time, I am releasing PNG templates for anyone to use, should they want to make minis for their alternative ending cards. You will need to use a layer capable graphics editor, such as Gimp, Photoshop, Corel, Paintshop Pro (and Gimp is FREE). Place you illustration on the bottom layer, place the chosen template on the next layer up, and finally position you card title on the top layer. And there you have it!!!

The following graphics are at 300ppi and suitable for print (I reduced the dimensions when inserting here for cleaner display). Simple right-click and save.

NOTICE: This is an FFG forum users release. Templates are not for redistribution at this time. I will release them generally once I've finished my pack of AltEnd cards. Please respect my wishes in this matter.

I'm hitting another crunch time in my writing schedule, so it looks like it will be a while before I can finish my AltEnds for a final package. So... with that... I'm releasing the mini-templates in general and have even done so at BGG. Feel free to use and share them as you like, but remember the front is my original work and not for use outside of their intended purpose. Right-click and save, as they are 300ppi regardless of the display size seen above.

If in the future new subvariations of AltEnd types start popping up, I will produce the changes in the template if these prove to be worth use. If you would like some special variation based on these, please contact me via www.NobleDead.com or through the forums message system.

Jon, if you're out there... I still don't see a lot of groups using these, but if you like, you are free to add the templates to SE.

Thanks JC! Top job as always!

I shall add these to the "next but one" update to the SE extension. It gives a little time for further refinement if needed.

The next update will have the updated "required" icons and Highland and Relic cards.

These Endings are Great!! I've printed them out on photo paper and cropped them to fit with the base games cards. We played last friday and got the Celistial. We'll be playing with one of them again tonight.

I am going to print them out too

Thanks all... and if you feel like it, please report back anything about how an AltEnd card played. Soon as we have anything on the Frostmarch endings, I can make minis for those as well if anyone is interested. Or you can simply wait, as Jon will eventually get mini templates into SE and you can make your own.

Jon, when and if you have graphics templates for new card types or updates for old ones, I would enjoy getting copies to add to my own PSD templates. You might also notice that I've rigged a floating center bar on my AltEnd templates. It might require a little work, but if this option appeals to you for expanded options in SE on AltEnd cards, let me know and we'll work something out.

In the interim, there was one other card I created before my workload multiplied. This one may still be glitchy, but it was intended as a counter-counterpoint to the Celestial. Another like card for Neutral was planned, but I haven't time to get to it right now. Right-click and save for the full 300ppi version. And as always, visit TalismanIsland.com to find the card back.

And while I have a moment, here are the minis for my cards so far if anyone wants them. Right-click and save for 300ppi version.

JCHendee said:

Hey JC, I was just going to print out all the minis for the official endings, but I can't find them all.

I was looking for official endings too to make mini cards, but I think there's no way to find them online. probably the only way is to scanner at high resolution the ending cards form the game.

The ones I put together are the only ones I have, so yes, you may have to scan in some artwork off the cards that you have. Which ones are missing herein? Perhaps I can help out through some of my internet associates.

JCHendee said:

Ice Queen and Crown&Chepter is missing

Here's something for the Ice Queen; right-click and save. I do not have the Crown & Scepter to work with at present, since that expansion was bought by another member in my talisman crew. Perhaps someone else can help out.

And here's another slapped together in my time off. Alias the "Belt of Hercules", I've changed the title to fit Talisman's more generic fantasy setting. Details of its powers have been tweaked as well, since the old standard of Strength 12 wouldn't mean squat with the Strength levels seen 4ER. I'm not fully statisfied with the illustration I constructed, but it will do.

It's probably the most boring of all the old 2E endings, but some enjoy it, so it should be included in any set. It's not outright hated by some as with the HBV. Right-click and save the mini, then right-click and save HERE to get the AltEnd card; both are at 300ppi for print.

A counterpart Craft-based Magic Object (the Torc of Will) will come in the near future when I have time.

And one last stop for the night, and possibly a few days. Here is the Torc of Will, counterpoint to the previous card. It's off the cuff and untested and no more exciting than the last one. Maybe give it a try and see what your group thinks. Perhaps it even needs to be pumped up a little since Craft is always the harder route in the game.

Same right-click / save as last time, and you'll find the AltEnd card HERE .

JCHendee said:

Thank you JC,

Crown & Chepter do not matter. We will not play that one anyway.

you're doing a great job for all of us, JC! thank you very much!!

about 2nd edition's alternative endings, two of my favourite are "winner takes it all" (who defeat the LOD first wins) and "time travel" (every one return at the starting point with starting str/craft values but with followers and objects. the first who reach the treasure chamber wins). JC, do you think you'll modify them too?

air show said:

The second one I don't remember as being official, so it must have been fan made, unless I've overlooked something related to the Dungeon for 2E or 3E. If so, maybe someone can point out the text for the card. Overall, it wouldn't work unless some had the Dungeon, so cards for it should definitely have some market on them indicating this.

The first one I believe was called "Battle Royale"; my group never played it but once, but I'll look into it when I have time around my writing.