Notes from Playtests Fifty-nine to Sixty-one

Playtest 59, Click to Enlarge

Playtest Notes
Always a great opportunity to play with people who haven't played in a while. Here are my observations:


Torch Use
The torch is a little confusing because it is a triggered by a certain event, rather than used actively like other weapons. Maybe there's a way to make a torch more like a regular weapon, so you just use it, rather than watch for the condition when it kicks in.
Example:
When a Gatherer with a torch encounters a deadly animal he may use it to drive off the animal. The torch is then discarded. Otherwise he rolls to escape (on a 10+) as usual.

Torch Moves Animals
If the Torch forces the animal to move, it should move in the same manner as an animal wounded by a hunter - 1 space, diagonal allowed.

Master Scout Goal
Should add that you are not allowed to take notes.

Playtest 60, Click to Enlarge

Get rid of bare handed!
Bare handed hunting makes it easy for a player to start out by spending all his money on gatherer equipment, and then commit suicide with his hunter to re-equip and get a second goal. Hunting should not be allowed without a weapon. You can still buy a spear for 1 and try to kill yourself, but it cost points and at least you tried.

Paranoid Goal
The Paranoid goal appears to be over pointed. It's tricky, but spacing out your claimed territory can be a powerful strategy, preventing others from poaching any tiles you are unable to claim immediately.

No Spaces Touching Village Goal
May be under pointed, makes movement difficult for the whole game.

To Try
I've been saying for a long time that this game should have player boards. It would aid in teaching the game, and standardize where in front of you your plants & animals go (it's important for other players to be able to tell how many of each you have collected).

At some point I had the idea that the secret goal cards, which form the center-piece of the player's area, should have player board information on the back. I'm already using the to store the player's scored disks, it's the natural next step.