I like the Talisman expansions, like more than a friend. But with the addition of the Arnkell and the Cloak of Feathers (ESPECIALLY the Cloak of Feathers, since you can choose to select it upon beating the Lord of Darkness), we haven't encountered a werewolf den or a pit fiend in almost 10 games. Options are fun, but I feel these items are easier to get than going through the center.

Thoughts?

Yes, everyone has actually noticed. But you (and I, and a few others) are in the minority when it comes to plugging the backdoors into the CoC. Most players want that easy win for a fast game. There are some solutions, and I'll offer you one. Slip over to THIS TOPIC in the home brew section.

Actually, since we have had random Treasure from day one, I'm not sure the Cloak of Feathers has ever been drawn for defeating the LoD. Arnkell has shown up a few times, but beating the Eagle King doesn't really have the appeal that the LoD has, mostly because it's too easy. Inner Region is still the standard for us, mostly because it's faster than LoD path to the Crown and more sure than the Eagle King route. If you're tough enough to beat the EK, you're good to go for the Inner Region (unless you have a lot of Object/Follower boosts that only work in combat).

After checking my logs, seems the Cloak of Feathers was drawn on 24 November 2009, so just once in 78 games where the Dungeon expansion has been used.

Dam's right... if one goes to random draw on Treasures... if Treasures aren't being accessed as rewards for quests... if... if... if. As to the easier route being going through the Inner Region, that might be true. But the way others will play with you, forgoing trying to get a Talisman and using a backdoor, then there's still a problem.

One way or another, Drake, you'll have to find a custom fix for the way you choose to play. Even in the official rules, between all of the expansions there's some variation in how Treasures (and Relics) get accessed alternatively. Those options can put even more T and R card into play by the latter half of the game. And I've still seen plenty of players get their hands on a Magic Object and a Battle-supporting follow or two, and then grind through the Dungeon, building up potency to thrash the LoD and step into the CoC.

Me and Mine got tired of it.

Dam said:

Now when you say "we" are you referring to a house rule you have? Cause the rules for treasure say to choose one.

Drake Leonclaw said:

One of the variants mentioned in the Dungeon rules, implemented right away. Like the random Quest variant suggested (then later made official in Frostmarch) in the Reaper rules. Also, seeing how Highlands went with random Relics, doesn't look like FFG is going for the cherry-picking direction anymore (Quest Rewards are random too, right?).

To us, choosing stuff like your character, rewards, quests, treasure, etc. has no business in Talisman. Random is the only way to go.

Dam said:

Absolutely! Much as I think a little control in any game is good, when it comes to some those, random is always best.

Dam said:

Dam said:

Excellent point, I'm going over the release dates of the various expansions in my head and you're right. Frostmarch DID come after Reaper which changed how Warlock Quests are accumulated. I used to think that the different way one acquires a relic rather than a treasure was a decision made because it's easier to beat the Eagle King than the LoD, therefore your reward wasn't as good (as relics are usually not as impressive as treasures) or as easy to cherry pick. But the latter really doesn't need to be an issue, as it seems FFG just changed how it handles getting treasure. I'm going to implement that variant rule in my games immediately.

Oh and to answer your question, yes, Quest Rewards are indeed random.