Mythic Mondays- The Killing Cold | Herald's Call | BoardGameGeek

Herald's Call

I am an historical archaeologist and a linguist by training, a retail expat, and a writer. Gaming keeps me sane. This blog (my first) will be a place to chronicle my escapades (in gaming, in writing, and in life). Welcome! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and feel free to stay awhile. Cheers, Rachel/Herald Selenay
Recommend
30 
 Thumb up
2.31
 tip
 Hide

Mythic Mondays- The Killing Cold

Rachel
United States
Shickshinny
Pennsylvania
flag msg tools
and historical archaeologist
badge
#wewantstargate
Avatar
Microbadge: 2023 Secret Santa participantMicrobadge: I participated in the Friday on Friday challengeMicrobadge: BloggerMicrobadge: 1 Player Guild - Together We Game AloneMicrobadge: Citizenship Recognition - Level VI -  Is six any more shiny? ... Well, it's one shinier isn't it? ... Okay, why don't you just make five a bit more shiny and then that would be the most shiny? ... Because these go to six.
Welcome to another Mythic Monday! Today, I'm reporting on my continuing investigations with Elder Sign. After several weeks away, it was great to return to familiar faces and the same old mean dice .

After-action report from confrontation with Rlim-Shaikorth in the frozen North on Friday, July 21, 2023:

When last we left our intrepid investigators: Akachi Onyele and Sister Mary had successfully prevented the rise of Atlach-Nacha in Arkham. Dr. Mandy Thompson was missing. Darrell Simmons was holding the line against the darkness in Alaska. And Dexter Drake and Monterey Jack were still in the Tropics.

Akachi was at the museum, checking to see if Mandy had returned (she hadn't), when the phone on the researcher's desk rang. One ring, two rings, well, no one else was going to pick it up were they? Akachi answered the telephone.

"Akachi Onyele speaking. This is Dr. Thompson's office."

"Well, I was hoping for Miss Mandy, but I guess you'll do," said a male voice over the phone. The connection wasn't great. Akachi swore she could hear wind howling in the background.

"And who are you?"

"Sorry, ma'am. I'm Darrell Simmons. Up here in Alaska. Miss Mandy had me keeping an eye on things."

"Ah, yes, the photographer?"

"Yep, that's me."

Just then, Sister Mary entered the office. Akachi motioned for her to pick up the other phone so that she too, could listen to this strange conversation. The Sister picked up the receiver and began listening.

"Well, Mr. Simmons, what can I do for you?"

"Miss Akachi, I was hoping you all could send some more folks up here to investigate. We've been having horrible weather, worse than normal. It's like when that Rhan-Tegoth thingy was trying to wake up, but not really..." Darrell was a bit hard to follow.

"Mr. Simmons, is it like when the last Old One tried to rise in your area or not?"

"It's worse," he said.

Akachi huffed. "Well, unfortunately Dr. Thompson is missing, has been for weeks. It's just me and Sister Mary holding the line in Arkham at the moment."

"Well sh*t."

"Watch your language, Mr. Simmons" admonished Sister Mary.

"Who's that?"

"Sister Mary. I came in while you were discussing things with Akachi."

"Sorry, sister."

"I cannot make the voyage to Alaska. I am investigating a threat closer to home at the present time," said Akachi.

"Then I'll go," said Sister Mary.

"Sister, you sure?" Darrell sounded uncertain.

"But of course."

"I can send Captain Trev down to Arkham with his puddle jumper to pick you up tomorrow morning."

"All right then, I'll gather some supplies and such and meet your Captain at the Arkham airport. What time?"

"7 AM good for you, sister?"

"7 AM will be fine."

"Alrighty then, I just hope you know what you're getting into, sister."

"You called me, remember."

"I called Miss Mandy."

"And you're getting me."

"Alrighty then, sister. Fair travels and I'll meet you when you land."

"Good day, Mr. Simmons."

Hanging up the receiver, Sister Mary turned to Akachi. "Well, I guess, I'm going to Alaska."

"Yes, yes you are."

"And what are you investigating?" Sister Mary emphasized investigating with air quotes.

"It's a legitimate investigation."

"Sure, it's not just that you hate flying?"

Akachi glared at Sister Mary. "It is legitimate. I need time. I will tell you more upon your return from Alaska."

"Hmph." Sister Mary grabbed a few tomes from Mandy's desk on the frozen North and headed back to the convent to pack a few things for her journey.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Captain Trev was a spry old pilot. The puddle jumper was neither the smoothest flying contraption she'd been in nor the worst. Landing in Anchorage, she found herself looking for Mr. Darrell Simmons. She didn't know what the photographer looked like, but no one seemed to be waiting for her... She spent an hour in disembarkation, waiting and praying. God would not strand her here without cause. Finally, a young man turned up.

"Sister Mary?" he asked, tentatively.

"Yes? Are you Darrell Simmons?"

"No, sister. My name is Rex Murphy. I'm a reporter and a friend of Darrell's. I've been helping him investigate the recent happenings up here."

"That's all well and good, but where is Mr. Simmons?"

"He's... well... he's missing."

"Come again?"

"After calling Arkham last night, he called me. Made me promise to pick you up at the airport today. He was going to visit the historical society in Nome. Something about a an old explorer's journal. He wanted to make sure someone was here to meet you, just in case he didn't make it back in time," Rex explained .

"Well then, let's start investigating. Hopefully, Mr. Simmons will join us, before the end."

Sister Mary and Rex Murphy set off into the cold of the unforgiving frozen North...

------------------------------
From gallery of Herald Selenay

They began their investigation.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

But a storm was approaching... they chose to fortify their camp.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Sister Mary was hopeful.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Rex Murphy was just glad to not be left to investigate on his own as Darrell Simmons had yet to return from his late night trip to Nome.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Rex found the way forward, but had difficulty deciphering the meaning.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Sister Mary came to his aid with a Stygian Eye.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

She found Blood in the Snow

From gallery of Herald Selenay

and the Chest of Winter.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

She sacrificed Personal Provisions to save Rex... again.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

The Lantern lit her way to success in Unknown Kadath.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Leaving Rex to attempt a Treacherous Ascent.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Whew.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Sister Mary was frozen. She was unused to the cold.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

She had to make a Dark Pact to conquer the Heart of Darkness.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Allies, like the brave Allakariallak helped Sister Mary and Rex as their investigation continued.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

A Native Warning prevented Sister Mary from losing herself.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

New Recruits... allies, came to Sister Mary and Rex's aid. They had to wait for them to arrive, but any help was welcome in this unforgiving clime.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Granny joined Sister Mary.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Bill Morris joined Rex's growing team.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Rex found the Light Within,

From gallery of Herald Selenay

drawing strength from his allies.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Thank God for Thomas.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

While Sister Mary fought valiantly against the Endless Night.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Her victory was costly, but necessary to continue moving forward.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Time was growing short and the killing cold was nearly upon them... In a last ditch effort, Rex made for the Great Hall of Celeano.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

While Sister Mary faced down the Bone Carver.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

But it was simply too cold. They were forced to take shelter. And Darrell Simmons had yet to return from Nome. It all came to a head at the window...

From gallery of Herald Selenay

The clouds darkened...

From gallery of Herald Selenay

the frost bit deeply, the wind howled and cut to the core. Rlim-Shaikorth had awakened!

From gallery of Herald Selenay

With 18 storms coalescing around the newly-risen Ancient One, Sister Mary and Rex Murphy were powerless to stop Rlim-Shaikorth's Killing Cold*. Eternal winter had arrived.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Here, at the end of all things.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Sister Mary

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Rex Murphy

Hope and light faded as darkness and cold claimed the frozen North.

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Dearly Departed

From gallery of Herald Selenay

Rest in Peace


-------------------------------
--------------------------------

Quick Summary:
Investigators: Sister Mary and Rex Murphy
Old One: Rlim-Shaikorth
Elder Signs Collected: 12/13
Expansions: Elder Sign, Elder Sign: Omens of Ice and Elder Sign: Grave Consequences
Mode: Omens of Ice/Summer
90 minutes
Devastating Loss

------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Observations:
First play with Rex Murphy. Two more investigators join the Graveyard (Elder Sign Investigator Graveyard: 2023-2024 Campaign). I ran into several adventures in the Frozen North where my reward options were limited due to not having Elder Sign: Unseen Forces available... Elder Sign: Omens of Ice tends to result in my more difficult plays/more losses/more deaths. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Challenges are good. But I'm still playing in Summer mode... I don't think that I'll be attempting Winter mode before picking up Elder Sign: Unseen Forces. Additionally, I'm really sad that I lost Sister Mary, I was really starting to like her. *Furthermore, as there were 18 storms in play when Rlim-Shaikorth awoke... I decided to skip the Epic Battle cards, actually, I skipped the entire Final Battle, sealing both Sister Mary and Rex Murphy away with epitaphs from Elder Sign: Grave Consequences instead. The battle would've been hopeless given the number of storms in play and calling in reinforcements (new investigators to replace the fallen heroes), would've probably just resulted in more characters joining the Graveyard...

We'll see if different investigators can defeat Rlim-Shaikorth next week .

----------------------------------------------------------------

And... updates that should've appeared on Friday, as promised.

Challenge Updates (non-Friday challenges):
d10-1 2023 Extreme Numerology Challenge: Active, 2022 microbadges currently-in-progress. Sorry for the delays, but I'm working on the 2023 microbadges concurrently and will file for approvals for both sets at the same time (aka a long wait for 2022 will mean no waiting for 2023 in 2024, if that makes sense?)
d10-2 2023 Challenge: 23 unplayed in 23: Active
d10-3 Fire in the Library- Summer/Fall 2023 Solo Challenge- Extended!!: Active

Designer's Corner:
d10-1 The 7th Seal : I stumbled onto a bit of design inspiration while reading this past week whistle
d10-2 Finders Keepers : No new progress.
d10-3 Charge the Circle : Two-player available at: [WIP] Charge the Circle (two-player real-time game) - Components Ready!. Revised solo mode revised available at [WIP] Charge the Circle (solo real-time game) [2023 9-Cards Nanogame Print and Play Design Contest]- Contest Complete!. Final contest results: No wins, no places. Still proud of this little game .
d10-4 Bears love Bows: Won #2 in the Family Game category and #3 in the Children's Game category!! Woot! Dumpster deckbox almost complete. Get ready to see Bear Valley Sanitation in action . Current materials available at [WIP]Bears love Bows [2023 Children & Family Game Design Contest]- Contest Complete!.
d10-5 My Little Bookshop : No new progress.
d10-6 Really Retail : No new progress.
d10-7 Barricade Brigade : Formerly Weasel's Barricade. No new progress.
d10-8 Boxcats : Progress! This game really needed some umph to set it apart from its old (and apparently public domain) roots and I think that I've found exactly what was missing .
d10-9 Philly Fever 1793: No new progress.
d10-1d10-0 Read the Runes : After fighting with the tablet cards, I think I'm going to just get one of each difficulty ready to go, finish the rules off, and make this available to play without additional tablet cards ready. I also think that I'll make it available for playtesting with my already-done rough script. A shared bit of inspiration from 7th Seal[/u]-related research led me to Angelic Script... and I really like the idea of using this in both games going forwards, if possible. Further research is required, so it makes sense to playtest [i]Read the Runes with my not-so-pretty prototype.

d10-1d10-1 Secret of the Sanctuary Probably my 1 Card Contest entry... for 2024. I still need to change up the dice (even further) from my original idea so that the game truly seems less like a 1-Card version of Charge the Circle and more like its own gamr.
d10-1d10-2 Surfboard Stealin' Sea Otters NEW Inspired by Otter 841 and a motivational kick from Jeff. Yep, there's a game here. One with a board. And standees. Stay tuned.
d10-1d10-3 Unnamed entry for the 2023 Solitaire Print and Play Contest: ?
d10-1d10-4Unnamed entry for the 2023 54-Card Contest: ? I


Professional Projects:
d10-1 Explosion in the Laboratory/Fire in the Library (2nd edition): Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped.
d10-2 Dreams of Yesterday: Weird Giraffe Games: Campaign wrapped.
d10-3 In the Shadows: GMT Games: Feedback and playtesting continue. See A Solo Sunday Salute - First Impressions - In the Shadows for a preview.
d10-4 Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game: Minerva Tabletop Games: Playtesting continues. First impressions and some extra crumbs: Solo Sundays- First Impressions: Crumbs!: The Sandwich Filler Game and Solo Saturdays - Continuing to make Crumbs. Crowdfunding campaign launching... soon! Stay tuned for some more crumbly fun.
d10-5 Crystallo expansions and miniature edition: Light Heart Games: Initial feedback in. Previews and additional adventures shared: A crystal cavern at the garage aka mini Crystallo is here!, First Impressions: Crystallo: Untold Fortune, Solo Saturdays- First Impressions: Crystallo: Den of Dragons, and Solo Stories- Playing with all of Crystallo. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It- Crystallo: Untold Fortune and Crystallo: Den of Dragons. Campaign funded!!! Woot! Congrats, Liberty! (I'll get some final notes to you tomorrow evening).
d10-6 Lost Adventures: Belltower Games: Previewing continues. First Impressions and continuing adventures shared: Two-Player Thursdays- First Impressions: Lost Adventures, Two-Player Tuesdays- Getting Lost with Mom, and Solo Stories - Lost Adventures. More formal review posted: Rachel Reviews It: Lost Adventures. Campaign funded!!! Congrats, Jeff and Steve!
d10-7 TBA: GMT Games: Tomorrow is my GMT day! Hurray!

Happy Monday and happy playing!
-Rachel

Thank you for reading my blog. If you liked it; then please click the green thumb Microbadge: You know what they say about guys with big hands... They give big thumbs! at the top of the page. If you really liked it; then please subscribe.
Twitter Facebook
6 Comments
Subscribe sub options Tue Aug 1, 2023 2:40 am
Post Rolls
  • [+] Dice rolls
Loading... | Locked Hide Show Unlock Lock Comment     View Previous {{limitCount(numprevitems_calculated,commentParams.showcount)}} 1 « Pg. {{commentParams.pageid}} » {{data.config.endpage}}
{{error.message}}
{{comment.error.message}}
    View More Comments {{limitCount(numnextitems_calculated,commentParams.showcount)}} / {{numnextitems_calculated}} 1 « Pg. {{commentParams.pageid}} » {{data.config.endpage}}