TOPIC: Official Statement on Treasure Enhancers

Thank you all for the great feedback and suggestions regarding how to handle treasure enhancing tokens. These new clarifications on our policy are needed due to many concerns voiced by players and coaches. We took your suggestions, talked with volunteers from the Coach and Epilogue Rooms, and then formed these policies.

We feel these measures are necessary to keep the token distribution in the treasure generators at current levels of value. If we cannot curb the abuse of TEs, then we will be forced to dilute the value of the tokens in the treasure generators. I don't think anyone wants that to happen.

In an effort to reduce fraud and abuse, we will be implementing the following policies with regard to treasure enhancing (TE) tokens:

1) All TEs must be shown to the Coach in the coaching room and again to the volunteers in the epilogue room.

2) At both checkpoints (coaching & epilogue), each person must present their own TEs. E.g., if Monty owns 10 Charms of Avarice and wants to lend them to people in his party he may do so, but he will need to physically hand each token to the individual who will be using it.

3) When shown in the coaching room and epilogue room, all TEs must be removed from their binders/cases/pages/holders so TD personnel can inspect them through visual and tactile means. This should reduce fraud concerns and help to keep the value of the real TEs at their proper levels.

4) Each individual utilizing a TE must carry it through the adventure and then present it to the attendant in the epilogue room. If our old buddy Monty normally carries his TEs in a binder, they must be removed from the binder in/before coaching and may not be put back into the binder until each token has been re-verified in the epilogue room. We're aware some people may be uncomfortable relinquishing physical control of expensive tokens for an entire adventure, but we feel these procedures are necessary to combat the abuse of inappropriate token lending. We are fine with players lending TEs to friends, but we want to discourage their casual distribution to strangers.

We will put large signs in the storyscape and we will put this info prominently in newsletters. Hopefully, everyone will get the word before they come to the Con. We will try this at Origins, and make tweaks (if needed) for Gen Con.

Thank you again for your understanding and patience. These steps are unfortunate, but they are necessary to keep the treasure generators in their current state -- as well as keep the value of real TEs from being diluted by fake TEs.

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the guidance. Will the Coach be documenting somewhere on the Party Card exactly which Treasure Enhancing Tokens each character/player is using? If they do (perhaps on the back in a matrix), that will make it much easier for the volunteer in the Epilogue room to check.

Also, especially in the Epilogue room, will the checkpoint for the Treasure Enhancing tokens be right as people exit the Dungeon? I'd recommend that it be done that way, so that someone that wasn't on the run can't hand party members Treasure Enhancing Tokens prior to the verification.

Thanks!
Mike

Jeff Martin wrote: 3) When shown in the coaching room and epilogue room, all TEs must be removed from their binders/cases/pages/holders so TD personnel can inspect them through visual and tactile means. This should reduce fraud concerns and help to keep the value of the real TEs at their proper levels.

I assume, that for the sake of consistency, that this policy also applies to Artifacts that are treasure enhancers? (e.g. Kubu's Coin of Coincidence, Lazlo's Bag of Looting, Widseth's +2 Dancing Sword, and under certain conditions Gertz's Radiant Backpack and Golden Apple of Eris).

In years where the AoW provides treasure pulls, would the AoW's need to be removed and inspected as well?

Should 5th level Medallions of Nobility, 7th level badge holders, and 8th level pins also be submitted for inspection?

I assume each player will be resolved one at a time? So the Barbarian hands in their treasure enhancers and get them back before the Bard does it. Just making sure there is no chance for the different treasure enhancers to get swapped (so that people end up with the wrong ones).

Jeff Martin wrote: We are fine with players leading TEs to friends, but we want to discourage their casual distribution to strangers.

Thank you for clarifying this point. (e.g. Fine with players leading <sic: should be lending> TE's to friends).

Incognito wrote:

Jeff Martin wrote: 3) When shown in the coaching room and epilogue room, all TEs must be removed from their binders/cases/pages/holders so TD personnel can inspect them through visual and tactile means. This should reduce fraud concerns and help to keep the value of the real TEs at their proper levels.

I assume, that for the sake of consistency, that this policy also applies to Artifacts that are treasure enhancers? (e.g. Kubu's Coin of Coincidence, Lazlo's Bag of Looting, Widseth's +2 Dancing Sword, and under certain conditions Gertz's Radiant Backpack and Golden Apple of Eris).

In years where the AoW provides treasure pulls, would the AoW's need to be removed and inspected as well?

Also, does this apply to the Rare Treasure Enhancing Tokens (which give a maximum of 1 extra Treasure Coins), or just Ultra-Rare and above?

Mike Steele wrote: Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the guidance. Will the Coach be documenting somewhere on the Party Card exactly which Treasure Enhancing Tokens each character/player is using? If they do (perhaps on the back in a matrix), that will make it much easier for the volunteer in the Epilogue room to check.

Also, especially in the Epilogue room, will the checkpoint for the Treasure Enhancing tokens be right as people exit the Dungeon? I'd recommend that it be done that way, so that someone that wasn't on the run can't hand party members Treasure Enhancing Tokens prior to the verification.

Thanks!
Mike

Yes, the Coaches will document in the totals on the Party Card.

Yes, we will make every effort in the Epilogue Room to insure now TEs are handed out.

Another thing is that you are going to *really* need to have trustworthy volunteers handling exit room.

All it takes is one unscrupulous volunteer with some sleight of hand skills, to steal real treasure enhancers and give people fakes in return.

IIRC, in the past, some positions, including epilogue room were sometimes seen as "easier" jobs ideal for less experienced volunteers (or those who need to sit down).

If we do not fully trust the epilogue volunteer, can we request that an AC come down and handle/verify our treasure enhancers instead?

Incognito wrote: See red for reply

I assume, that for the sake of consistency, that this policy also applies to Artifacts that are treasure enhancers? (e.g. Kubu's Coin of Coincidence, Lazlo's Bag of Looting, Widseth's +2 Dancing Sword, and under certain conditions Gertz's Radiant Backpack and Golden Apple of Eris). Yes.

In years where the AoW provides treasure pulls, would the AoW's need to be removed and inspected as well? Yes.

Should 5th level Medallions of Nobility, 7th level badge holders, and 8th level pins also be submitted for inspection? The token will need to be given to the Coach, but the badgeholders and pins will be visible anyway.

I assume each player will be resolved one at a time? So the Barbarian hands in their treasure enhancers and get them back before the Bard does it. Just making sure there is no chance for the different treasure enhancers to get swapped (so that people end up with the wrong ones). I'm a little confused by your question, so here is how we see the process going.

Each player puts her TEs in front of her character equipment mat, and the Coach then goes around the room and inspect each pile of TEs. The players can secure the TE's when the Coach is done with them. The Coach will keep an eye out so no TEs are transferred to other players once of the TEs from one player is tallied.

Mike Steele wrote:

Incognito wrote:

Jeff Martin wrote: 3) When shown in the coaching room and epilogue room, all TEs must be removed from their binders/cases/pages/holders so TD personnel can inspect them through visual and tactile means. This should reduce fraud concerns and help to keep the value of the real TEs at their proper levels.

I assume, that for the sake of consistency, that this policy also applies to Artifacts that are treasure enhancers? (e.g. Kubu's Coin of Coincidence, Lazlo's Bag of Looting, Widseth's +2 Dancing Sword, and under certain conditions Gertz's Radiant Backpack and Golden Apple of Eris).

In years where the AoW provides treasure pulls, would the AoW's need to be removed and inspected as well?

Also, does this apply to the Rare Treasure Enhancing Tokens (which give a maximum of 1 extra Treasure Coins), or just Ultra-Rare and above?

All TEs.

Only one question based upon the example you provided.

When it comes time to hand out Treasure/Completion Tokens/Pins in the epilogue room can Monty go first? This would allow Monty to collect (after seen by epilogue volunteer) his TE from those that he lent to ensure they do not walk off with them if he is further back in the line waiting to show his?

Jeff Martin wrote:

I assume each player will be resolved one at a time? So the Barbarian hands in their treasure enhancers and get them back before the Bard does it. Just making sure there is no chance for the different treasure enhancers to get swapped (so that people end up with the wrong ones). I'm a little confused by your question, so here is how we see the process going.

Each player puts her TEs in front of her character equipment mat, and the Coach then goes around the room and inspect each pile of TEs. The players can secure the TE's when the Coach is done with them. The Coach will keep an eye out so no TEs are transferred to other players once of the TEs from one player is tallied.

That makes sense.

It was just a question whether players would be handled sequentially or simultaneously. Looks like it is simultaneous with everyone putting out their TE's at the same time. That works.

Incognito wrote:

Jeff Martin wrote:

I assume each player will be resolved one at a time? So the Barbarian hands in their treasure enhancers and get them back before the Bard does it. Just making sure there is no chance for the different treasure enhancers to get swapped (so that people end up with the wrong ones). I'm a little confused by your question, so here is how we see the process going.

Each player puts her TEs in front of her character equipment mat, and the Coach then goes around the room and inspect each pile of TEs. The players can secure the TE's when the Coach is done with them. The Coach will keep an eye out so no TEs are transferred to other players once of the TEs from one player is tallied.

That makes sense.

It was just a question whether players would be handled sequentially or simultaneously. Looks like it is simultaneous with everyone putting out their TE's at the same time. That works.

I would like to know how the epilogue room will be handled (sequentially or as described above). This is inline with JediBCG question.

Ed

Jeff Martin wrote: Incognito wrote: See red for reply

I assume, that for the sake of consistency, that this policy also applies to Artifacts that are treasure enhancers? (e.g. Kubu's Coin of Coincidence, Lazlo's Bag of Looting, Widseth's +2 Dancing Sword, and under certain conditions Gertz's Radiant Backpack and Golden Apple of Eris). Yes.

In years where the AoW provides treasure pulls, would the AoW's need to be removed and inspected as well? Yes.

Should 5th level Medallions of Nobility, 7th level badge holders, and 8th level pins also be submitted for inspection? The token will need to be given to the Coach, but the badgeholders and pins will be visible anyway.

I assume each player will be resolved one at a time? So the Barbarian hands in their treasure enhancers and get them back before the Bard does it. Just making sure there is no chance for the different treasure enhancers to get swapped (so that people end up with the wrong ones). I'm a little confused by your question, so here is how we see the process going.

Each player puts her TEs in front of her character equipment mat, and the Coach then goes around the room and inspect each pile of TEs. The players can secure the TE's when the Coach is done with them. The Coach will keep an eye out so no TEs are transferred to other players once of the TEs from one player is tallied.

Hi Jeff,

How is it handled in the Epilogue room. Do the players all lay their tokens out in front of them on a table, or does the volunteer just have them in a secure area, and only release them after their TE tokens are checked. If the players have the ability to wander about in the epilogue room prior to the tokens being checked, there is the possibility that someone could hand them TE tokens to show the volunteer that weren't carried through the Dungeon.

What I was asking about earlier about the Coach documenting, is that if you have the Coach not only write down the totals for treasure coins for each player, but also document exactly what TE tokens each player has that got to that total, then the Epilogue volunteer just has to verify that those specific TE tokens are there, and doesn't have to try to add up the totals of Treasure Coins for each person.

Thanks,
Mike