1212 – Gloomhaven | Bored Game Unboxing

Episode 1212 – Gloomhaven | Bored Game Unboxing

 

[START OF RECORDING]

 

SCOOTER: Friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it’s time for the podcaster that’s here to keep you company in the deep, dark night, to take your mind off of stuff with a silly bedtime story, and to make things just feel less alone…take your mind off of whatever’s keeping you awake and say, hey, at least I got some dull company, a little bit silly, a little bit goofy. The reason I make the show; one, I know how it feels and so do a lot of other people listening in the deep, dark night, not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep or waking up a lot. Whatever it is, there’s somebody listening that can relate to what you’re dealing with, but also, you deserve a good night’s sleep. That’s why I make the show. You deserve a friend in the deep, dark night. So, see how this show goes. For most people, it takes a couple tries to get used to just 'cause the show is so different.

 

What I’ll do or what we got coming up here structurally is support — that’s how the show stays free for everybody who wants to listen for free, and you can always pay if you don’t like listening to the ads — then there’s a long, meandering intro meant to ease you into bedtime. It is a show within a show. You don’t want to miss out on it at least at first. You never know; it might put you to sleep. Then there will be a bedtime story. I think it’s gonna be a board game unboxing, but I’m not 100% sure 'cause I haven’t done it yet. Stuff comes up. Stuff happens with this show. Then…what else? What am I not remembering? How’s the show work, then? Oh, then there’s thank-yous at the end. I think that’s everything. I’m really glad you’re here. I work really hard and I really hope the show can keep you company while you fall asleep. Thanks for making it possible, my patron peeps.

 

INTRO: [INTRO MUSIC] Hey, are you up all night tossing, turning, mind racing? Trouble getting to sleep? Trouble staying asleep? Well, welcome. This is Sleep With Me, the podcast that puts you to sleep. We do it with a bedtime story. Alls you need to do is get in bed, turn out the lights, and press Play. I’m gonna do the rest. What I’m going to attempt to do is create a safe place where you could set aside whatever’s keeping you awake. It could be thoughts on your mind, thoughts you’re thinking about about the past, the present, the future, thoughts…thinking thoughts, thoughts you’re thinking about, you know, thoughts.

 

It could be anything…feelings, emotions related to those thoughts or feelings that are just there, it could be changes in time, temperature, routine, you could have something coming up, you could be going through something, you could be going somewhere, you could be having visitors, you could have a change in your work schedule or just a work schedule that’s a little bit different or a lot bit different, or you could work somewhere, you could be…you could have a work schedule where you’re working and then sleeping at work. I know there’s people that listen who have jobs like that, too. But whatever it is…and the only reason I go through that stuff is to let you know, hey, you’re not alone.

 

If I can’t relate to how it feels, somebody else who’s listening right now probably can, but I definitely know how it feels tossing, turning, mind racing, trouble getting to sleep, trouble staying asleep, not even knowing if you fell…last night it was…I was like, did I fall asleep? I was having…I had one of those nights of repetitive thoughts even when I was asleep. At some point…I didn’t check the time, but I said, am I still trying to fall asleep, or did I fall asleep and wake up and now I’m in the same head space of trying to fall asleep? Then I was like, did five minutes go by or has it been…? You know, and that’s mild, man, for me. So, whatever’s keeping you awake, I just want to go through that stuff 'cause it can feel, for me and a lot of other listeners, lonely.

 

That’s what’s important about this show even though it’s digital, is knowing there’s other people out there that understand how you feel or can relate to how you feel or have been through how you feel and can feel that with you and say, hey, yeah, that’s tough. It’s not easy. Instead of kinda the outside of this podcast…sometimes…I mean, nobody’s perfect, right? But people will say, well, can’t you get over that or whatever, you gotta forget about it. You say, well, I can’t. Around here, these parts, people kinda get it and they say, yeah, I know what that’s like, or oh, I can imagine what that’s like. It’s tough. So, yeah, 'cause we’re together alone and we’re alone together. You say, I don't know…it doesn’t totally make sense; you’re right.

 

I don't totally understand what it means, but I kind of understand what it means, because I know what the opposite feels like, right? But the other thing is you deserve a good night’s sleep. You deserve a bedtime where you could get some rest, you could get some…the rest you need so your life feels more manageable. You could get the rest you need so that you could be out there flourishing. You deserve a bedtime you don’t have to dread…you could feel neutral about or at least look forward to. That’s what I hope this show can provide you. What I’ll do is I’ll send my voice across the deep, dark night. I’ll use lulling, soothing, creaky, dulcet tones, pointless meanders, and superfluous tangents. So, I’m gonna go off-topic, get mixed up.

 

My voice is not traditionally soothing; it’s more of a friend in the deep, dark night than…I’m not a guru. I’m not a point of calm…I mean, I try to be calm when I’m recording the show, but to keep you company and not set some…I’m not…there’s nothing idealized about me, I guess is what I’m saying. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. I idealize everything. Ideally, the idealized thing is I’m actually…I mean, if you want to talk…you say, well, I don't know if that’s true. You say, right; I’m idealizing an imaginary guest that you don’t have to…that comes over to tell you boring stories that you don’t have to listen to. I make a podcast that…you don’t really need to listen to it. You could, but you could kinda just barely listen to it, and that does take some getting used to for a lot of people.

 

Most listeners that support the show, that pay to support the podcast now, say…have said to me in the past, hey, it took a couple tries to get used to it or I didn’t like you at first. So, if you’re skeptical, doubtful, or you just don’t like this show, that’s a pretty normal reaction. I mean, if you’re tired and you’re trying to find something to help you fall asleep, that’s a pretty normal reaction. So, this is a podcast you don’t really listen to, but it’s idealized in the sense that, yeah, I’m coming over…there’s also no pressure to fall asleep. This show is over an hour so you don’t have to worry about falling asleep. I’m gonna be here to keep you company whether you’re awake or asleep, because there’s people listening who can’t sleep, and I know those people are listening.

 

So, I’m here for you whether you’re listening or not. Or there’s people that take a break during the day. They’re having a stressful day; they listen to Sleep With Me just for a little bit of a break. They say, hey, I’m gonna call my friend in the deep, dark night. So, yeah, I’m not here to put you to sleep. I’m here to take your mind off of stuff while you fall asleep. If you’ve ever had trouble falling asleep, that’s kinda the old magic, where the magic happens. Like I said, last night maybe I was asleep. I just had no idea. As soon as I became aware of it, I started thinking about it. So, yeah, I’m here to be your bore-friend, your bore-bae, your bore-sib, your bore-bud, your bore-bestie, your neigh-bore, your Borbie, your bore-bruh, your bore-cuz, your bore-sib, your bore-friend, your BB…best bore-friend…best…what is…is there…is it besties…is best friend?

 

Is there…so, best bore-friend, or is there an…is there…is that a triple B? I don't know. But that’s the idealized thing, is I’m coming over there by digital things, zeroes and ones, but you don’t have to worry about cleaning up after me. You don’t have to worry about entertaining me. You could pretend to listen to me, but you don’t even have to. You could say, uh-huh, uh-huh. You don’t even have to passively listen to me. So, I’m a idealized guest that’s just there to talk to you and keep you company while you fall asleep, and then when you…however you decide to use the podcast, whether it’s with a sleep timer or all night or whatever, you…then, you know, you’re saying, no crumbs. Sleep With Me podcast; no crumbs included.

 

You say…you could imagine I’m a bit crumbly, but not in person, 'cause I’m not…I’m only…no crumbs included. I should have left it at that. Okay, so, those are a couple things to know. Oh, the other thing; if you strongly dislike me…a little late for this but I say it in a lot of podcasts and a few people have been taking it up on me. They have decided to dunk on me, but you don’t need to. But you could…is sleepwithmepodcast.com/nothankyou. That has a list of other sleep podcasts on there and sleepy stuff. So, if the podcast doesn’t work for you or you don’t like me, just try another sleep podcast. I guess it’s fine if you need to vent through that. It’s like, I’d rather find you something that helps you fall asleep and you get the rest you need, because I know how it feels and I know how it feels to be grouchy.

 

So, yeah, I get it. Oh, this…oh, the other thing is the podcast just doesn’t work for everybody. That’s why I have sleepwithmepodcast.com/nothankyou in the first place. But the thing is you gotta give it a few tries if you so choose, because it could work for you. Because the people that this podcast works for…even if it works…some people only use it temporarily, but it really works for them. They say, holy cow, I never knew I was looking for this, but this is what I’ve been looking for. So, we have people that have been listening since I started the show. We have people that just listen for a little while while they’re going through something or they move on to something else.

 

Then there’s another kind of listener that comes and goes, and now I’ve been doing the show long enough that there’s people that were listening when they were twelve or fourteen or sixteen or eighteen, and now they’re…nine, ten years have gone by in their lives, so they’re on to…they’ve gone through a couple more phases. They do that…well, I listened to the podcast while I was getting ready to apply to schools, then when it was exam week when I was going to schools, then it was the night before my first job, then I was…my first child. So, I don't know, that’s another honor I get to be a part of, and all of…actually, all of us do because this show is listener-supported. So, all of us get to be a part of that, and that’s pretty cool, and it’s pretty cool for the regular listeners or if you’re just coming in for a little while.

 

So…oh, most…yeah, not everybody likes me. Most people don’t like me on the first try. The other things to know…what do you gotta know? Structurally, is that the next thing? Structurally what…is this show is…the show is structured in a very specific way, but as you become a regular listener, you could adjust how you listen, though counter-intuitively, most people adjust in a way you wouldn’t expect. So, the show starts off with a greeting; ladies and gentlemen…or friends beyond the binary, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, so you feel seen and welcomed in. You say, okay, this show kind of is silly, friendly, and I feel seen and welcomed in. Maybe I’ll check it out. Then there’s support so the show could be free, and you could always adjust that if you don’t like the ads and you become a regular listener.

 

You could pay for the podcast and help keep it free for everybody else and pay for the value you’re getting out of it. You get some super-cool bonus content, too. But after the support is the intro, which is separate from the support. It is a show within a show, and it’s meant to ease you into bedtime. So, it’s not part of the support, and it’s…it has a similar structure, but it’s different every time. Because that was just one of the things that never worked for me with other audio stuff back…before when I said, how come there’s not a sleep podcast and a sleep podcast that’s kind of fun and goofy? All the other audio was…you could only use it…I could only use it a few times before my brain adjusted or my feelings or my thoughts adjusted.

 

So, the intro is familiar so you say, okay, Scoots is gonna try to explain what the podcast is, probably unsuccessfully. It’s something he could have explained in two minutes or he could just repeat the same intro, but he cares enough to take time out of his day and go through the intro again and get lost again and go on some tangents for me. Your brain says, okay, yeah, I don't know what tangents Scoots is gonna go on. So, that’s the intro, then again there’s support between the intro and the story. Now, the intro goes on and on and on…oh, for another reason which is for regular listeners, they’re getting ready for bed, they’re in bed getting comfortable, or they’re doing some sort of wind-down activity.

 

That’s kind of what has been shown to work, is having a wind-down routine to ease you into bedtime. The intro could be a part of that for you. Now, there is a percentage of people that fall asleep. There’s a small percentage of people that skip the intro, but when you look at the most engaged listeners…most engaged listeners of people that support the show at ten or twenty bucks a month, have been supporting it for years, they listen to all-intro episodes, a lot of them, just intro after intro after intro. So, that’s a little bit counterintuitive, though some people listen to story-only episodes or design their playlists.

 

That’s the great thing about podcasting; you get to use your own podcast app and design how you want to listen. But at first just kinda see how it goes. Then there’s thank-yous at the end of the show. That’s the structure of the show. I went through why I make the show. I’m really glad you’re here. I work really hard. I yearn and I strive. I really hope I can help you fall asleep. Thanks again for coming by, and here’s a couple ways we’re able to do it for you for free twice a week.

 

Alright everybody, this is Scoots here, and this is kind of an unboxing game…unboxing show. I guess it could be fifty episodes. It does take some explaining, and I rarely hype up Patreon bonus episodes, but as part of our Subscriber Summer that came out during the summertime, we put out a unboxing of stickers for this game. It’s called Gloomhaven. Normally I don't comment on the quality of episodes in the public feed or the Patreon feed because it’s just rare where I have a episode that really feels unbelievably special to me. But this episode we did of Gloomhaven sticker…reusable sticker pack, it was one of the funnest episodes I think I’ve ever done. Because it was bonus content it was very free-form and silly, so it might not be sleepy for everybody, but it’s just a episode that I was really happy with.

 

It’s very silly and fun, and I think sleepy. So, I definitely encourage you to check that out. So, I have no idea how many of these kind of episodes I’m going to do, because this game, Gloomhaven, is…what I’m gonna do is a little backstory about it and then we’ll open a couple things. When I say you could do thirty episodes about it, the box is too big to even bring in the studio. I still don’t know anything about the game, and there’s literally thousands of things in the box. So, for me, part of the unboxing is…I know it’s like a roleplaying game or seems like it, and that’s really all I know, even from doing the sticker pack. So, you’re gonna be here live as I learn more right now. So, it should be interesting. The other thing that’s interesting is…so, this game…let me just look up — if it comes up — how much you could buy it for.

 

So, the game is called Gloomhaven. I guess this is…is this the second edition? Euro-inspired tactical in a persistent world. Oh, it’s on…you could play it online. Okay, here it is on Amazon, so let me just see the pricing, 'cause I said I did…I didn’t buy…I pre-ordered. Oh, so it was $100…it’s $150. So, at some point, a long time ago…I’m not talking recently; I don't know when this was first released. But this game came out, and this was the second edition. So, maybe it was right when the second edition came out, and you could pre-order it. Someone was like, this is a rare opportunity to pre-order this game. Oh, 2018. So, that’s probably when I bought it. It’s 2023 when I’m recording this. Probably 2024, maybe, when you’re hearing this.

 

I never…I was like, the idea of paying $150 for a board game seemed…but it was…whoever…I don't know if it was Will Wheaton or somebody like that where I said, okay, well, if Will Wheaton says it, then I’m gonna go for it. It did seem like there was scarcity, but maybe it was just…I was on the waitlist for when it came out. That’s probably what it was. Like, you could pre-pay and be on the waitlist. Oh, it looks like there’s another bundle. Maybe that’s on Kickstarter? So…okay, so…okay, let’s see if there’s a Wikipedia article. Oh, there’s still backer…miniatures…oh, this is all stuff you could buy. New revised second edition…how many hours does Gloomhaven take? 90 to 115 minutes per scenario, but one full game; 200 hours. So, I do…I don't know, I gotta find people to play with me that are committed.

 

Okay, here we go; Wikipedia, Gloomhaven. Okay, so, Gloomhaven is a cooperative board game for one to four players, designed by Isaac Childres and Cellofair Games in 2017. It is a campaign-based game that takes place on…in places like a D&D-type environment, but it’s different…including a narrative campaign, 95 unique playable scenarios, and 17 playable classes. Since its introduction, it’s been acclaimed by reviewers and described as one of the best board games ever made. Gameplay; fantasy campaigned tactical where you try to win, triumph in scenarios which scale in difficulty depending on the number of players. Player play is cooperative and campaign-driven, with one to four players working their way through a branching story of 95 scenarios.

 

Campaign develops in legacy format with stickers that are placed on the board and cards and sealed envelopes that are opened when criteria are met. Now, while it has drawn comparisons to RPG games like D&D, Gloomhaven uses game mechanics similar to modern Eurogames. Okay, I don't know what a Eurogame is, so we’re gonna have to switch there. It opened in a new tab, so now I gotta go to that tab. Eurogame…a Eurogame — this is Wikipedia again — or German-style board game, German game, or Euro-style game, generally just referred to as board games in Europe, it’s a class of tabletop games that generally has indirect player interaction and multiple ways to score points. Eurogames are contrasted with American-style board games which involve more luck, conflict, and drama.

 

They are usually less abstract than Chess or Go, but more abstract than games…conflict-based games. Likewise, they generally require more thought and planning than party games like Pictionary or Travel and Pursuit…Trivial Pursuit. History; do import part…people being over conflict…the first…the 3M series of strategy and economic games called Acquire became popular in Germany and became a template for gameplay without direct conflict. These were German family board games in the seventies and eighties, and it spread to other European countries; France, Netherlands, Sweden. Settlers of Catan in 1995 paved the way for the genre outside of Europe.

 

Though it was neither the first Eurogame nor the first game to find a audience outside of Germany, it became much more popular than any of its predecessors’ millions of copies. Now, Germany purchased more board games per capita than any other country as of 2009. Sometimes they…in the UK and the US, they’re more of a niche game. But other games are widespread popularity; Carcassonne, Puerto Rico, Ticket to Ride, and Alhambra. Eurogames tend to be more focused on challenge for players, economics, acquisition of resources…a limited amount of luck. I love that idea. I mean, no offense, but…I think I talked about this. This is a direct reflection on me and this is all a me issue, but the game of Life at some point…I thought I loved that game.

 

I found it at a garage sale and then I started playing it at some point in the last five years, and I said, this game…there’s absolutely…this is maybe a shocker to you, but the game of Life is 100%…there’s no strategy involved. I mean, maybe one or two things, but the odds of that strategy impacting the results of the game like buying insurance or picking which of the two or three…it’s very low. Then I also had family members that loved this one style of Dominoes game, which I won't name. This was, again, maybe six or seven years ago. As I reviewed the rules over and over again with them and then played the game, I said, this game is 100% not strategy-based. It’s 100% luck. They said, no, it’s not. It’s fun. I said, it can’t…there’s…I said, this is not…so, that’s more of a me thing, right, where some people may enjoy that.

 

They also differ from abstract strategy games by using themes tied to specific locales and emphasize individual development and comparative achievement rather than direct conflict. They also emphasize mechanical challenges of their systems over having the systems match the theme of the game, and…different from other games. The popularity of the genre has been an expansion towards complexity. Games such as Puerto Rico were considered complex when Eurogames started to get popular in the US, and newer games like Terra Mystica and Zonk…Tzolk’in are being even…are more difficult to get into. While many titles…I don't know, we play a lot of Ticket to Ride when we’re waiting in line or waiting around…pass and play on the phone.

 

But yeah, they’re well-suited to social play and characteristics of the games tend to support this aspect well. In contrast to games like Risk or Monopoly in which a game can extend indefinitely, Eurogames typically have a mechanism to stop the game within its playing time. That could be a pre-set score, a set of turns, or a depletion of resources. Playing time can last from a half hour to a few hours. Two hours…one to two hours, typical. They don’t have fixed numbers of players like chess or bridge, though there is a sizeable body of German games for two players. Most can accommodate two to six. Six-player games are rare. Power Grid, Caverna are two examples, and then games with expansions such as settlers are Carcassonne. Some now support solo play with modified rule sets.

 

No player elimination is another one…game mechanics, as we talked about. Stewart Woods’ Eurogame sites six examples of mechanics common to Eurogames; tile placement, auctions, trading or negotiation, set collection, area control or influence, worker placement or role selection, low randomness, and themes. Carcassonne…so, there’s different themes. Game designer is an author. Although not relevant to play, many times they…many…the name of the game’s designer is often prominently mentioned and they can develop a considerable following. For that reason, the name Designer Games is often referred to. Industry…this just talks about famous people in there. So, there’s a lot more you can learn about it. Events…yeah, there’s awards, influence…Xbox has included games.

 

I mean, Ticket to Ride is kind of a perfect game for a phone or another thing. Okay, so, let’s get back to Gloomhaven. Man, we might not even unbox anything. I mean, the other question is…and this will go by for years; will Scoots ever play Gloomhaven? What’s the gloom with your Gloom…what’s the gloom in your Gloomhaven, Scoots? Okay, so, last we left off was like, this is similar mechanics to Eurogames. Characters and other beings move about on hex tiles representing places underground. Players simultaneously choose two cards to play each turn, each of which has a top and a bottom half, and choose the top-half of the one card and the bottom-half of the other to allow their characters to take action such as moving, healing, or going into offense.

 

Randomization is not provided by dice, as is usually the case with such games, but is handled by a deck of cards. Okay, this game was originally sold in Kickstarter in 2015, and that had strong reviews. There was a second Kickstarter in 2017, and we’re talking $400,000 almost in the first one, then $4 million in the second one. Then it retailed for a hundred and forty bucks. Critical acclaim, number-one spot on Board Game Geek, six Golden Geek Awards in 2017, Geek and Sundry said its masterful design belongs in a museum. Yeah, many people…a lot of love for it. Awards…now, expansions and spin-offs. The first expansion was released in 2019. New character class, twenty new scenarios, primarily focused on that class and new items and other beings. Set after Gloomhaven’s campaign.

 

Then another one, Visit to the Zoo, a smaller standalone version of the game. Target exclusive initially, more casual. It’s a prequel, and…twenty-five new scenarios, five of which comprise the tutorial. I should buy that. Some, but not all, the components are compatible with Gloomhaven. I’m gonna do that, probably. Sequel; Frosthaven. 2020, Frosthaven was launched on Kickstarter. $13 mil, highest-funded game on the platform. 83,000 backers. Set in a northern outpost, and a little bit aspects of the story and setting are addressed to make the game more progressive. Digital edition…they did release Gloomhaven for Windows in 2019, then Mac in 2021, and…yeah. Let’s see, references…I think that’s it about the game. So, let me just look up this other one, see if I can…how much it would cost.

 

Huh, it looks like it’s not for sale there. $8.50; that can’t…oh no, that’s just the stick…reusable sticker set, like I have. They even have a organizer. You really get your life going here with…I don't see the actual game itself being available. Oh, I just clicked on it. What does that mean? Is that a different game? Yeah, that’s not the game we’re looking for. So, that was another expansion, Forgotten Circles. Okay, well, that’s a little bit about it. So, let’s just start unboxing. I’ll be…you won't hear me go anywhere, but I’m gonna…I have a couple card packs ready to go. Okay, so, I just went looking for the cards. I did find them eventually. But I was like, maybe I should clean up a little bit of this thing, 'cause it had spread out all over my nicely-made bed, and there’s no way I’m ever gonna get everything back in the box.

 

So, that’s unfortunate, but…so, the first thing we’re gonna start out with…I don't know what these cards are, but they’re very thick cards. I don't know if these are characters or what, but they’re about the size of a recipe card. They’re thick cardboard, so I don't know if they’re characters you…NPCs or people you would choose to be. I’ll randomly start with one. Okay, the first one…so, okay, on one side is a big picture of who they are, and then it says their first and last name, maybe? I don't know. Then on the back side is a stats sheet. So, let’s start with this one. E tu, Brute? But instead of…even though that’s their name, E Tu Brute…actually, these were the dudes on the cover of the sticker set.

 

They have…'cause I was wondering…and it’ll be interesting to find out more about them, 'cause they have…they’re a horn-based being. I was like, is that a helmet or a horn? Tri-horn, this one. But it also seems to be composed of some sort of…I don't know. Their complexion…and on their shoulders is covered in something that I’d say is more like grassy plains than fur. So, E Tu Brute…Inox; primitive nomads, hunter-gatherer, scraping things together, and saying, hey, don’t bug us. They have strength in size, eager to prove themselves…and don’t bother them. There’s some free advice. There is, however, ones that have chosen not to be nomads and embraced life in human cities, employing their size and strength to earn a living. These are the ones that…some people in this world call them E Tu Brutes.

 

They can also do labor, construction, loading, and flexing muscles. They don’t mind showing their strength and getting paid for it. Okay, they can choose one path. Play two cards or a Long Rest. They have a 10 on something. I don't know what that means. I don't know what any of these numbers mean. The initiative is a mountaintop, maybe? I don't know what that means. Long Rest is a mountaintop; 99. On turn, perform top ability and bottom ability. I think we just learned that. Elite first, then normal in ascending order. Focus on one, then two, then move to maximize. Okay, so, I don't understand any of that. Then there’s a bunch of numbers. Lowest number is one; the highest number is nine. Then on the bottom it goes 10, 12, 14, 16, up to 26. Oh, here’s another one, a different version; Inox…hot under the collar.

 

So, these…they’re the epitome of Inox strength and they’re protectors of their people. Yeah, if you bother their people, they will get hot under their collar, so don’t. Oh, they have a red lightning symbol. I don't know if…let’s see, play two cards…Long Rest…I don't know if anything else on the other side is different. But yeah, they’re a horn-based being with grassy fur. Then this person’s…this person’s name is Haror Plaja…oh, Harrower Harold. This is…they speak their own language. That’s just what they’re referred to in Common. They may…they can be…what do you call those things? Nanobot-y, like something similar to a nanobot with a hive mind, highly sophisticated thought. Even though they have a reputation, they are not bad people just because they’re a hive-based being, a small hive-based being.

 

They may be nihilists, but that doesn’t…there was nihilists in plenty of films that aren’t…and, yeah, it’s…their individual…it’s weird being a hive 'cause it’s fleeting but eternal. So, that’s not easy. Yeah, they have trouble fitting in. They could be…they might be misguided or they could be treated by…not nicely by misguided people. Yeah, I think that’s it. Harrower Harold. Oh, picture-wise, they have a cloak on with some different nice…a gem and some other stuff. So, I don't know, these…maybe these are non-friends. Vermling Mind…they’re a Vermling Mind. This one’s actually holding its head…fingers to its temple. Its eyes are glowing. They’re fuzzy friends and more than happy to say hello when needed, but they could be controlled by other characters if you have the right combination of pandering and assertiveness.

 

But they like to be in packs and fulfill their own needs. While they could make their way into society, they’re…could be also shunned or not…people say, hey, I don't know about this. They could flee and live low. Then it’s tough, 'cause they don’t have a pack to connect with. But they could form bonds with other beings. They could communicate with a large number of beings, but that’s not easy on their minds. So, that’s Vermling Mind. Then there’s a Vermling Forest Friend, and these ones have a unique bond with the natural world, communicate with a large variety of other animals, and they go beyond base instincts to find…they make friends with animals of the wild. Yeah, that’s interesting. So, kind of like…I don't know. Then Volraf Quar…Valraf Quarter.

 

They are also shunned a lot of times — a lot of these misunderstood beings in Gloomhaven — but for the most part well-mannered and gentle, preferring to solve problems through diplomacy. Oh, 'cause they have horns, too, and pointy ears. But they’re bulkier, stronger-looking than elves, and a little bit furrier. They had a tough past for their people, and they pride themselves on being able to work peacefully with society. They could be merchants, politicians, and they…yeah, could aid adventuring parties, maximize their effectiveness with their equipment. Ester…Aesthers Summons. These were once humans; now they’ve moved on to a different…an Aesther-based society, an intellectual society…transplanar travel. So, they’re between planes.

 

They’re moving onto another plane, and then they’re in one…in-between planes. They can see infinite realities at once. They interact with people as little as possible, preferring to stay out of their mundane goings…going-ons. Still hungry for knowledge and really ready to pursue their knowledge. They exist simultaneously across an infinite number of planes; that’s good. It has its pros and its cons. They can pull things across planar boundaries, but…infinite planes, infinite possibilities, but it’s very taxing. Then we have Aesther night…Aesther at night. They are very similar…they have goals as infinite and diverse as the infinite planes themselves. It depends…what are they looking for…depends on what they are. They could cloak themselves and pass through the world unseen with a shroud.

 

They’re still seeking knowledge. The Orchid; not…this…the Orchid is…it looks like it’s made out of gems. It’s a gem-based being, maybe? It has a bow and arrows. They’re a ancient, meditative group from across the Misty Sea. Detached perspective, thousand-year lifetime…life is about spreading the proper amount of time on thought and reflection, making right decisions. Could be lost in thought for years. Crystals…oh, can grow on them 'cause they’re spending so much time meditating. I’m not making this up. Little need for physical comfort…draw their sustenance from the Earth. Serve little purpose in normal society, but this could be a sign that the Orchids are walking around now; change coming.

 

While some live the life of quiet meditation, there are…some believe that enlightenment could be achieved through hard work and not getting lost in thought. So, some have left Orchid society, maybe built farms, raised livestock, and living off the land. Then we have a Valrath Sun-Keeper. Oh, didn’t we have another Valrath? Yeah, 'cause people said…they were actually calm people, but everybody projects stuff on them. They can’t…these…a Sun-Keeper can be prideful. They’re trained in long, dormant powers, and will harness them for the purpose of righteousness. They’re trying to uplift society and heal others. They often travel the world, seeking out situations where they can demonstrate their brilliant powers. Oh, then we have a Orchid Spellcaster.

 

Though deep in meditation, proper action requires not only thought but also action. Some are called to join the Spellweavers, Orchid sages who are able to draw force…draw forth powerful natural forces and craft them. They remain with their society as guards. Interesting. Okay, Savvas Elementalist. Savvas…Savvas? They are power, man. Ultimate power is what they’re going for. Rocky…they’re rocky-based beings but also can appear transparent. Oh, they have transparent parts of them. Even their energy cores glow beneath their transparentness. They have mastered the four elements; ice, fire, air, and earth, or at least one. Then from a early age, they really study to get…try to overcome at least one element. Twenty years of devoted effort.

 

They may live among other people and they can…some of them…if you work hard, you could have power over more than one element and maybe even display up to four separate power cores. Those were respected among…higher than others. Next up we have Savvas Craggy. This is a little bit bigger and not glowing. These never attained control over the elements…exiled, and they live in solitude or among other groups. Yeah, so, they don’t have the power cores, but they’re not without their strengths. They have affinity for earth and have rocky stature, great feats of strength. Next up, we got something that looks like it has a giant brain on it. Quartryl Tinkerer. Diminutive, and they might feel like they have a lot to prove…encouraged to study as much as possible.

 

They do have a particular affinity to engineering and machinery, long delicate fingers, and though not numerous, they can easily integrate themselves in society 'cause they have expertise in critical fields and they’re charming and graceful. Only a fool would shun a Quartyls’s offer to help. A Tinkerer is a common class of Quartyl. Large cities; they’re common…crafting gadgets, elixirs, and can make a living selling to those who wish to indulge in what they make. Then there’s a Quartyl sooth-singer. Kinda like…looks like a bard, but a different-based being. The talents of a Quartyl can extend beyond the realms of machinery and alchemy. They also have very delicate fingers with astonishing capabilities with stringed instruments with proper training.

 

Combining this and their distinctive vocal traits makes a Quartyl a sought-after…one of the most sought-after bards in the land. Okay, now we got a human. Scoundrel, this one’s called. Humans…this says, humans constantly…they’re like locusts, make big, extravagant cities, don’t understand slumbering forces, have a lot of rules and regulations, but also human…humanity has great diversity, intense curiosity, and restless…relentless nature. So, the Scoundrel, though is…while many humans worked to build up complex and constricting bureaucratic societies, there are other…who’s…aren’t into it and could be considered dirty rotten if there was a movie about them. They’re unscrupulous, self-serving, and operate under the assumption everything is for them and they should get what they want.

 

Human construction person…there’s one of the most respected professions; to serve the Great Oak. Followers of the Oak are religious healers. So, I guess it was a different…oh wait, it’s like a medic, I guess. Larger humans…society…contrary to popular belief, there is nothing magic about their methods. The mystique of the profession is lost when they do their hard work. Okay, so, that’s everything. So, I don't know what these cards were. Now I have a card…there’s a bunch of these smaller cards which look like miniature playing cards, but they’re…I don't know. So, this one has…the first one is Boots of Levitation. Gain flying. Shoes of Happiness; I could have used these, man. Give me some Shoes of Happiness. If you move six or more hexes on your turn, you get one…something. One Happiness, I guess.

 

How about this one; the Blinking Cape? What is that? A Blinking Cape. You could perform a move or a jump action. Blinking Cape. Special armor, Dredging Armor; the next three rounds you could gain one or something else, a couple circles. Circlet of the Elements; during your turn, turn this…some sort of color wheel to create any elements. Chainmail for your head…yeah, that one…Frigid Implement; it’s ice-cold, man. It’s +2. How about an…a Stormy Implement? That’s +2, too. That one’s 30. They’re both 30. Oh, how about a Warming Implement? That’s also +2 warming. Oh, Vibrating; that’s a +2 plant, then we have Brilliant, a Brilliant Implement. That’s +2 brilliance. Evening Implement; that’s +2 something. Then we get…now we’re getting into wands. Wand of Frost…Wanda Frost. Nice to meet you, Wanda Frost.

 

My name’s Scoots. Wanda Frost, pleased to meet you. Who’s this? Wanda Storm? Oh, Wanda Storm. But the first names are the same, but the last names are different. Wanda Storm, eh? Wand of Inferno. I’ve heard of disco inferno, but never Wand of Inferno. Wanda Inferno or Wand of Inferno? Oh, Wand of Inferno. It’s disco inferno, not disco of inferno. But it’s like, 'cause you’re discoing so hard, it’s like…I don't know what it means, actually. You’re right. Wand of Vibration, Wand of Brilliance. One of my favorites. Wand of Evening, a Little Aid Potion, a Major Aid Potion. Steel Ring…if you…you can gain +4 shield with that one. Dampening Ring…Scroll of Power, Scroll of Healing, Scroll of Stamina. So, that was what was in that pack there. I mean, I can’t imagine trying to keep this game organized. Wow.

 

Okay, next up…this one has a masonary wall on one side. These ones just are scrolls with stuff written on it…one check…Streamliner; five or more total cards in your hand…and discard at the end of the scenario. Then Layabout; gain seven or fewer experience points during the scenario. That’s two checks. This is one check; Workhorse. Thirteen more experience points — wow — during the scenario. Zealot; have three or fewer cards in your hand and discard at the end of the scenario. This one, your current hit point value must be equal or less than two, or equal to or less than two at the end…oh boy, that’s not good. Fast Healing; your current hit point must be equal to your maximum hit point value at the end of the scenario. Neutral; you get surprised during one of your turns during the scenario.

 

Plunder; you get to loot a treasure overlay. Protector; allow your character…allies to become tired out. Explorer; reveal a room tile by opening a door. Hoarder; get five or more money tokens. Broke; loot no money tokens. Pacifist; don’t cause any trouble. Non-Pacifist; cause trouble five or more times. Searching and gathering one or more times; Elite. Professional; use your equipped items a number of times equal to or greater than your level plus two. Assertive; have one or more beings present on the map at the beginning of every round. Dynamic…Dynamo; deal with a being by four or more than necessary. Purist; use no items during the scenario. Opener; first strike. That movie with Bruce Willis; never allow your current hit point value to drop below half maximum value, rounded up. Make a single move that is successful.

 

Straggler; take only one Long Rest. Scrambler; take only a short rest. Okay, so that’s the end of that pack of cards. Okay, here’s another pack of cards. These ones look like they’re journals. On the back side is a leather journal with a pen next to it. So, let’s see what these are. Seeker of Zorn; even as a child, you could feel the call of Zorn. Yeah. You will travel to Gloomhaven and work for Zorn. You gotta do three crypt scenarios and unlock Noxious Cellar. So, these are like…I guess your secret assignments. Merchant; money and merchants you want to rule. Gather enough equipment together that you could set up your own shop and work towards becoming a merchant. Let the other people deal with conflict.

 

So, you need to get two helmets, two chest plates, two shoes, three gauntlet, maybe, or…yeah, hand things, and four bags, and then open a box. Gordon Gekko…I’m not kidding. This is Gordon Gekko’s saying. There are many high and lofty goals, grandparents in love…ridiculous. Get that dough, man. Keep it. Way to the gold…200 gold; that’s your goal. Curing…yeah, you want to cure. You can find it. Forest imps in the forest…gather enough essence. So, you gotta unlock Forgotten Grove and meet some…eight forests…beings. Studying; studying how it works, what’s going on. So many people to study. Imagine how many you could meet. Ensure you could go to the university, but what about learning in the school of life? Experience your party members becoming exhausted fifteen times.

 

Long Arm of the Law; order, chaos, which can be tamed and controlled? Gloomhaven is chaos, and that needs to be controlled. Start in the Wilds. Vermlings or humans? So, deal with people that are causing trouble. Put It on the Scale, Man; people might not like Vermlings, but what do you want to do? Meet fifteen Vermlings. Trophies, man; gather them. Bowling, softball, whatever. You remember your first trophy, don’t you? Even if it was for participation only. But there’s more challenging stuff out there, so get twenty trophies. Wanderer…Eternal Wanderer…Meanderer; there’s so much to see in the world, so much wondrous stuff. Snowy mountains, islands, caverns. All these sights were not created by chance. I’m gonna visit these places and meditate upon their existence.

 

Fifteen different scenarios. Legend, man; you want to earn fifteen checkmarks from completed goals and open a music box. Make a Name for Yourself; anybody could go out there and get the job done, but you’re not anybody. You want to do it in style and have stories and songs sung about you. If not, what’s the point? So, this is pretty fun writing. I mean, I’m obviously changing it. Implement of Light; you got people that are…have gone onto other planes of being, and that…maybe that’s not okay. Maybe you gotta find this Holy Implement. So, you gotta find who’s keeping it and get that Holy Implement. So, you have to go to a sanctum and get it and deal with all the people that were there. This one’s really called Take Back the Trees, Man.

 

Not…’Man’s’ not in there, but…hey, they tried to say they owned the trees and wanted payment…and told them, hit the road, man. Nobody owns the trees. So, set things right in the forest and unlock Foggy Thicket. In-between, man…the air…oh, up high, I guess, where the air is thin. Or maybe it’s behind the air on the other side. You gotta travel to a number of locations in the area and study this phenomenon. Six scenarios…six side-scenarios around 51. This Is Strange; you’ve heard strange stories about different things looking around, and maybe it was part of your family’s history and you thought it was a story until now. So, you gotta deal with some stuff. Take a Stand, Man; you’ve never been the biggest among your peers. In fact, most of life, you were smaller. Maybe you even felt a little different. If they could see you now.

 

It’s time to take a stand for somebody, an underdog. Step up to those that think they’re not…not being nice to an underdog and show them. So, deal with twenty Elite. Put the Pie in Piety, Man; Gloomhaven’s got greed and vice, and you’re pious. You’re out of the Fledgling Great Oak Sanctuary. You gotta be strong. Venture into the Dens of Iniquity and contribute as much as you can to help raise up the city’s beacon of hope. So, you gotta donate 120 gold. I don't know if this is the best thing to do, but when you close your eyes, you can see that you still kind of have something you can’t quite get over, but you probably should. So, complete four scenarios in Gloomhaven and then investigate. This one’s…this feels a bit overzealous. All these…there’s ants. Are they in your pants? I don't know.

 

Devotion to Something Greater; the writings of the old ways. So, are you gonna give it your all? The infinite awaits. Get exhausted twelve times. How About Goliath? You remember that day. It wasn’t a cloud, either. It wasn’t…it wasn’t your imagination, but you were filled with wonder. You one day would leave your village in search of rare, majestic beings, and that you’d do the honor of meeting them. So, meet four bosses. It’s Fall, Man; evidence is all around you, in the trees, falling from the trees right into your face. Just look for it. Cities built…and there’s stuff, but there’s these old trees. So, go leaf-peeping and also visit the Fading Lighthouse. Augmented Abilities; sure, it’s not always the coziest place, but Gloomhaven’s just fine. Maybe meet an Aesther.

 

You’ve never seen so many, but there’s rumors, so why don’t you find one? You could excel at anything. Purchase four enhancements. Elemental Samples; that was…the world’s a fascinating place, especially surrounding Gloomhaven. Many intriguing phenomenon. Fruitful samples to collect. So, complete a scenario in these different outdoor places, in each of them. Helping Hand; you’ve got a friend in need, a friend indeed. You don’t like the limelight, but there’s selfishness in the world and grandstanding. You’ve preferred to be in the background. Everyone has a high and lofty goal; you’re just happy to help. Experience two other characters…oh, helping them achieve their quests.

 

The Perfect Pen; creating pens is an art, and that’s one of the ways you can draw on a canvas. There’s rumors of exotic pens in the land around Gloomhaven. Collect a few samples and then craft your own pen to preserve your legacy. That’s it for these cards, and that’s it for our first coverage of Gloomhaven. Maybe we’ll cover more. I don't know. It’s…finally got the box open. Now the question is, can I get it closed? But we’re closing the door on this episode tonight, so goodnight, everybody. 

 

[END OF RECORDING]

(Transcription performed by LeahTranscribes)

Bored Game Unboxing

 

Scientific Sleep Studies

https://www.sleephealthsolutionsohio.com/blog/history-of-sleep-research/

https://www.sleepcycle.com/sleep-science/a-brief-history-of-sleep-science/

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/jan/29/history-sleep-science

 

Gloomhaven

https://medium.com/@CJ_Ames/gloomhaven-the-craze-the-creation-the-re-sellers-the-reprint-d218f1a288a3

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robwieland/2023/07/14/gloomhaven-offers-a-festival-of-new-ways-to-play/

https://www.thefandomentals.com/its-been-pretty-crazy-isaac-childres-on-gloomhaven-and-the-challenges-of-tabletop-success/

 

Euro-Games

https://play.nobleknight.com/euro-games-what-are-they-actually/

https://doxzoo.com/blog/the-difference-between-european-and-american-board-games/

https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2018/01/german-board-games-catan/550826/

 

Legacy Gaming

https://ageofminiatures.com/legacy-board-games/

https://getdized.medium.com/the-rise-of-legacy-and-campaign-board-games-and-what-it-means-for-the-hobby-aec851dc3085

https://www.belloflostsouls.net/2018/04/why-are-legacy-games-so-popular-wip.html

 

DOWN TO BUSINESS

You never know, I might put you to sleep

 

Deep Dark Night United

Lorelai & Elizabeth (SleepPhones)

 

PLUGS

Annual Survey; Friends of Hand in Hand; Pete Davidson SNL Cold Open; The Midnight Mission; Orlando Park Stop; Patreon; SleepPhones; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline

 

SPONSORS

Hello Fresh; Polysleep; Odoo; Helix Sleep; Air Doctor Pro; Zocdoc; Progressive

 

INTRO

Feelings that are just there

Your work schedule might be a little or a lot different

Or maybe you’re sleeping at work

Last night I had one of those repetitive thoughts nights

Around here, in these parts, people get it

Together Alone and Alone Together

I’m no guru

I idealize everything

I’m idealizing the imaginary boring guest who comes over and talks

Is there a Best Bore Friend? Is that BB or BBB?

Sleep With Me Podcast: No Crumbs Included

Some listeners don’t realize this is what they need until they find it

It was important to me that the intro is similar but different every time 

 

STORY

This is kind of an unboxing

This could basically be a 50-episode series

I really loved the patreon episode about the Gloomhaven Sticker Pack

The box might even be too big to go into the studio

There’s literally thousands of things in the box

I’ll be learning about this game live, on mic

Is this the second edition?

Okay, it’s $150

A rare opportunity to preorder this game – I think I did so in 2018

If Wil Wheaton recommends it, I’m going for it

Oh, is there another bundle available now?

Gloomhaven History

One full game lasts 200 hours

Co-op board game for 1-4 players

DnD type environment

Described as one of the best board games ever made

95 playable scenarios

The Legacy Format

Now I have to research Euro Games

Indirect player action and multiple ways to score points

Euro Games vs American Games

They require more thought and planning than party games

Germany produces more board games per capita than any other country, as of 2009

A limited amount of luck

I was disappointed by the game of LIFE

0% strategy involved in the LIFE

I had family members who liked a certain style of domino game, but I didn’t like it because there was no strategy at all

Individual Development is prized over Comparative Achievement

An Expansion Towards Complexity

6 Mechanics common to Euro Games

They view the Game Designer as an Author

The Auteur Theory of Game Design

Maybe we won’t even have time unbox in this episode

Will Scoots ever actually play Gloomhaven? We’ll see

Characters move around on hex tiles

Characters play 2 cards per turn, each with a top and bottom half

Randomization is handled via a deck of cards, not dice

Over 4 million backers

Expansions and Spinoffs

2019 – new character class and 20 more scenarios

Another one – a visit to the zoo, originally a Target exclusive

Frosthaven is the sequel, launched in 2020

2019 also saw a digital edition

Is the game even available right now?

Let’s start unboxing some of these card decks

Very thick cards

About the size of a recipe card

Et Tu Brute, a Horn-Based Being, an Inox

Hunter gatherer, strength in size, don’t bother them

But some live in the human world and are employed for their size and strength

I don’t know what any of these numbers mean

Lowest number is 1, highest is 9

Oh, another version of an Inox

If you bother the people, they will get hot under the collar

Harrower Harold (that’s their name in Common)

Similar to a nanobot, with a hivemind

A small hive-based being 

They have trouble fitting in and can be unfairly mistreated

They have a cloak on

Vermling Mind – this one’s holding its fingers to its temple

Fuzzy Friends who are more than happy to say hello

They make friends with animals in the wild

Volrath Porter

Man, Gloomhaven has a lot of misunderstood characters

Maybe they’re misunderstood because they have horns and pointy ears

Aesther Summins, former humans who can do Trans-Planar Travel

They can see multiple planes at once

Esther at Night – infinite goals

The Orchid – is this a Gem-Based Being?

Detached perspective, thousand year lifetime, they can be lost in thought for years

Crystals grow on them because they so rarely move

Some Orchids have left to join society

Volrath Sunkeeper – they can be prideful and have long-dormant powers

Trying to uplift society and demonstrate their powers

Orchid Spellweaver

The Elementalist Savas

They’re going for ultimate power

They’ve mastered the 4 elements and devote themselves to one in particular

Savas Craggy – a little bit bigger, not as glowing

They don’t control elements and they’ve been exiled, but they’re still strong

Cordul Tinkerer – a giant brain?

Affinity for engineering and machinery, charming and graceful

Cordul Soothsinger – kind of like a bard, I suppose

Scoundrel, the Human

They live in cities and lots of societal rules

Intense curiosity and restless nature

Some of them are unscrupulous and self-serving

Human Construction Person

Followers of the Oak are great healers

I still don’t know what these cards were

Smaller cards

Boots of Levitation

Shoes of Happiness – I could use these, man

Lucky Cape

Special Armor – Dredging Armor

Circlet of the Elements

Chain Mail for your Head

A Frigid Implement

Stormy Implement

Warming Implement

Vibrating Implement

Brilliant Implement

Evening Implement

Wand of Frost

Nice to meet you, Wanda Frost

Wand of Storm

Wand of Inferno

Wand of Vibration 

‘’ Brilliance

‘’ Favorites

‘’ Evening

Steel Ring, huh

Scroll of Power

‘’ Healing

‘’ Stamina

I can’t imagine keeping this game organized

Scrolls with stuff written on them

Streamliner

The Layabout

Workhorse

Zealot

Fast Dealing

Neutral

Plunder

Protector

Explorer

Hoarder

Rogue

Pacifist

Non-Pacifist

Searching & Gathering

Professional

Assertive

Dynamo

Purist

Opener

That movie with Bruce Willis

Straggler

Scrambler

Were these assignments or achievements?

Journals

Seeker of Zorn

Maybe these are secret assignments

Merchant

Gordon Gekko

Curing

Studying – Learn in the School of Life

Long Arm of the Law

Gather those Trophies!

Eternal Wanderer

Legend

Make a Name for Yourself

This is pretty fun writing

Implement of Light – find this and get it!

Take Back the Trees!

Family Story

Take a Stand!

Put the Pie in Piety

Devotion – Get exhausted 12 times

Goliath – beat 4 bosses

Go Leaf-Peeping

Augmented Abilities

Elemental Samples

A Friend Indeed

The Perfect Pen

That’s it for Part One, stay tuned!

Can I get this box closed? We’ll see

 

PATREON THANKS

Angela, Rihanna, Ellen, India, Kyra, Brooke, Colleen, Joseph, Matthew, Jen, Joshua, Kira, Angela, Peter, Stephanie, Lisa, Ingrid, Sean, Linda, Jonathan, Bastian, Doggo, Emma, Kimberly, Katherine, Jenny, Tawny

 

SUMMARY:

Episode: 1,212

Title: Gloomhaven | Bored Game Unboxing

Deep Dark Night United: Lorelai & Elizabeth (SleepPhones)

Plugs: Annual Survey; Friends of Hand in Hand; Pete Davidson SNL Cold Open; The Midnight Mission; Orlando Park Stop; Patreon; SleepPhones; Emily Tat Artwork; NAPAWF; Anti-Racism Resources; Ukraine Relief; Crisis Textline

Sponsors: Hello Fresh; Polysleep; Odoo; Helix Sleep; Air Doctor Pro; Zocdoc; Progressive

Patreon Thanks: Angela, Rihanna, Ellen, India, Kyra, Brooke, Colleen, Joseph, Matthew, Jen, Joshua, Kira, Angela, Peter, Stephanie, Lisa, Ingrid, Sean, Linda, Jonathan, Bastian, Doggo, Emma, Kimberly, Katherine, Jenny, Tawny

Notable Language:

• Together Alone and Alone Together
• Idealizing
• Best Bore Friend
• No Crumbs Included
• An Expansion Towards Complexity
• Horn-Based Being (HBB)
• Hive-Based Being (HBB)
• Trans-Planar Travel (TPT)
• Gem-Based Being (GBB)
• Rocky-Based Beings (RBB)
• Wanda Frost

 

Notable Culture:

• • Gloomhaven
  • Wil Wheaton
  • Dungeons and Dragons

• Ticket to Ride

• Carcassonne

• • The Game of LIFE
  • Julius Caesar
  • “Disco Inferno”
  • Bruce Willis

• Wall Street

 

Notable Talking Points:

• Feelings that are just there
• Your work schedule might be a little or a lot different
• Or maybe you’re sleeping at work
• Last night I had one of those repetitive thoughts nights
• Around here, in these parts, people get it
• Together Alone and Alone Together
• I’m no guru
• I idealize everything
• I’m idealizing the imaginary boring guest who comes over and talks
• Is there a Best Bore Friend? Is that BB or BBB?
• Sleep With Me Podcast: No Crumbs Included
• Some listeners don’t realize this is what they need until they find it
• It was important to me that the intro is similar but different every time 
• This is kind of an unboxing
• This could basically be a 50-episode series
• I really loved the patreon episode about the Gloomhaven Sticker Pack
• The box might even be too big to go into the studio
• There’s literally thousands of things in the box
• I’ll be learning about this game live, on mic
• Is this the second edition?
• Okay, it’s $150
• A rare opportunity to preorder this game – I think I did so in 2018
• If Wil Wheaton recommends it, I’m going for it
• Oh, is there another bundle available now?
• Gloomhaven History
• One full game lasts 200 hours
• Co-op board game for 1-4 players
• DnD type environment
• Described as one of the best board games ever made
• 95 playable scenarios
• The Legacy Format
• Now I have to research Euro Games
• Indirect player action and multiple ways to score points
• Euro Games vs American Games
• They require more thought and planning than party games
• Germany produces more board games per capita than any other country, as of 2009
• A limited amount of luck
• I was disappointed by the game of LIFE
• 0% strategy involved in the LIFE
• I had family members who liked a certain style of domino game, but I didn’t like it because there was no strategy at all
• Individual Development is prized over Comparative Achievement
• An Expansion Towards Complexity
• 6 Mechanics common to Euro Games
• They view the Game Designer as an Author
• The Auteur Theory of Game Design
• Maybe we won’t even have time unbox in this episode
• Will Scoots ever actually play Gloomhaven? We’ll see
• Characters move around on hex tiles
• Characters play 2 cards per turn, each with a top and bottom half
• Randomization is handled via a deck of cards, not dice
• Over 4 million backers
• Expansions and Spinoffs
• 2019 – new character class and 20 more scenarios
• Another one – a visit to the zoo, originally a Target exclusive
• Frosthaven is the sequel, launched in 2020
• 2019 also saw a digital edition
• Is the game even available right now?
• Let’s start unboxing some of these card decks
• Very thick cards
• About the size of a recipe card
• Et Tu Brute, a Horn-Based Being, an Inox
• Hunter gatherer, strength in size, don’t bother them
• But some live in the human world and are employed for their size and strength
• I don’t know what any of these numbers mean
• Lowest number is 1, highest is 9
• Oh, another version of an Inox
• If you bother the people, they will get hot under the collar
• Harrower Harold (that’s their name in Common)
• Similar to a nanobot, with a hivemind
• A small hive-based being 
• They have trouble fitting in and can be unfairly mistreated
• They have a cloak on
• Vermling Mind – this one’s holding its fingers to its temple
• Fuzzy Friends who are more than happy to say hello
• They make friends with animals in the wild
• Volrath Porter
• Man, Gloomhaven has a lot of misunderstood characters
• Maybe they’re misunderstood because they have horns and pointy ears
• Aesther Summins, former humans who can do Trans-Planar Travel
• They can see multiple planes at once
• Esther at Night – infinite goals
• The Orchid – is this a Gem-Based Being?
• Detached perspective, thousand year lifetime, they can be lost in thought for years
• Crystals grow on them because they so rarely move
• Some Orchids have left to join society
• Volrath Sunkeeper – they can be prideful and have long-dormant powers
• Trying to uplift society and demonstrate their powers
• Orchid Spellweaver
• The Elementalist Savas
• They’re going for ultimate power
• They’ve mastered the 4 elements and devote themselves to one in particular
• Savas Craggy – a little bit bigger, not as glowing
• They don’t control elements and they’ve been exiled, but they’re still strong
• Cordul Tinkerer – a giant brain?
• Affinity for engineering and machinery, charming and graceful
• Cordul Soothsinger – kind of like a bard, I suppose
• Scoundrel, the Human
• They live in cities and lots of societal rules
• Intense curiosity and restless nature
• Some of them are unscrupulous and self-serving
• Human Construction Person
• Followers of the Oak are great healers
• I still don’t know what these cards were
• Smaller cards
• Boots of Levitation
• Shoes of Happiness – I could use these, man
• Lucky Cape
• Special Armor – Dredging Armor
• Circlet of the Elements
• Chain Mail for your Head
• A Frigid Implement
• Stormy Implement
• Warming Implement
• Vibrating Implement
• Brilliant Implement
• Evening Implement
• Wand of Frost
• Nice to meet you, Wanda Frost
• Wand of Storm
• Wand of Inferno
• Wand of Vibration 
• ‘’ Brilliance
• ‘’ Favorites
• ‘’ Evening
• Steel Ring, huh
• Scroll of Power
• ‘’ Healing
• ‘’ Stamina
• I can’t imagine keeping this game organized
• Scrolls with stuff written on them
• Streamliner
• The Layabout
• Workhorse
• Zealot
• Fast Dealing
• Neutral
• Plunder
• Protector
• Explorer
• Hoarder
• Rogue
• Pacifist
• Non-Pacifist
• Searching & Gathering
• Professional
• Assertive
• Dynamo
• Purist
• Opener
• That movie with Bruce Willis
• Straggler
• Scrambler
• Were these assignments or achievements?
• Journals
• Seeker of Zorn
• Maybe these are secret assignments
• Merchant
• Gordon Gekko
• Curing
• Studying – Learn in the School of Life
• Long Arm of the Law
• Gather those Trophies!
• Eternal Wanderer
• Legend
• Make a Name for Yourself
• This is pretty fun writing
• Implement of Light – find this and get it!
• Take Back the Trees!
• Family Story
• Take a Stand!
• Put the Pie in Piety
• Devotion – Get exhausted 12 times
• Goliath – beat 4 bosses
• Go Leaf-Peeping
• Augmented Abilities
• Elemental Samples
• A Friend Indeed
• The Perfect Pen
• That’s it for Part One, stay tuned!
• Can I get this box closed? We’ll see