TOPIC: New Token Mat < Feedback Needed, Please

Jeff Martin wrote: Also, there will be a big 4' x 6' sign on the wall that explains how to read a token -- like what the numbers mean on a weapon token, class names, hand icons, slots, etc. There will also be another sign that gives a list of things to try to have done by the time your Coach arrives at your stated event start time. This will have stuff like have your character class picked and be wearing the card, have your tokens on the mat, attach your personal light, etc.

I think this will be very helpful. However, there also needs to be a note with the event tickets telling players that they need to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the listed start time of their TD run. Either this, or have runs actually start 10-15 after what is printed on the tickets. That way newbies will have time to look though all of their tokens (including the set given with each run), learn what they all are, and pick out which ones they want to use.

Also, this token-explanation sign (or a copy of it) ought to be posted out in the general storyscape area so everyone can take their time reading it, and not just in the coaching area where things are super busy.

Jeff,

Really like how the mat is being improved!

Suggest little notes in the right areas saying max 5 ioun stones and 3 charms, so people don't get confused.

New mat looks great, I do like the idea of some text indicating Ioun Stone (up to 5) and Charm (up to 3), to eliminate confusion.

Also I like the idea of a list of things to try to have done by the time your Coach arrives. Might I suggest numbering these steps, i think new(er) players would appreciate "instructions" on getting started and putting some order to it would be nice, like okay we 1st I do this then, then i do this.

These are some great ideas to improve customer service and the efficiency of the coaching areas.

Here is the first draft of the Token Sign to be hung in each Coaching Room and inside the "lobby" of each Inn where tickets are turned in.

We will also hang a "Before Your Event Start Time Checklist" in each Coaching Room. I hope to have that first draft posted soon.

Any thoughts on this sign?

Nice. I like the reference to the token database. Good addition.

Looks good to me.

I like the token description sign. It covers all of the basics in an easy-to-read format that I think will be great for newbies.

Looks awesome!

When I first heard about this sign, I was worried it would be yet *more* information hanging around to confuse new players.

But no! This is very informative yet trim and to the point. I wouldn't change a thing.

Jeff Martin wrote:

Alvin Oliver wrote: Looks really good to me, I'm going to give a copy to two friends and give them a bag of tokens I have for them to use during Gen Con, and see if it's pretty straight forward to someone who's never really seen the tokens and any of the mats.

But I think keeping it simple for the new people will be great, we don't need any more token slots on the "beginner" side.

Thanks! It is supposed to be 12" x 18".

Also, there will be a big 4' x 6' sign on the wall that explains how to read a token -- like what the numbers mean on a weapon token, class names, hand icons, slots, etc. There will also be another sign that gives a list of things to try to have done by the time your Coach arrives at your stated event start time. This will have stuff like have your character class picked and be wearing the card, have your tokens on the mat, attach your personal light, etc.

Jeff,

My friends that had heard all about true dungeon tried the new mat design and it made things very clear for them. I gave them a bag of tokens and the placed them on the mat and it was very logical. I believe it took about 5 minutes to do this. They both are D&D players so that made it a bit easier but it made the connection of the tokens represent your gear on your character.

I'm going to go against the grain here, and say that as a coach, I do not like the "graphical" token mat.

I agree it will be easier to use for newbies, and it definitely looks friendlier.
Unfortunately, it puts the relevant info (which will need to be entered onto the party card) all over the place.

If it is just new/token-lite players using this mat, then it should still be pretty easy.
But If it's players with 50+ tokens, then I will need to transfer them all to a sheet which breaks them down by bonuses, or I know I will make errors. Lots of errors.

There's 2 things, though, which I think will really speed things up:

1) The fact that players can sit down and start laying out their tokens *before* their Coaching time starts. This may be one of the best change to coaching this year - that we don't make players pack everything up, move, and then have to spend time while they lay everything out again.

2) Having the coach in the center, so you don't have to constantly manoever around people who are scrabbling to pick up tokens or tripping over chair legs with size XL gamers sitting in them.

One other request I have as a coach, is to please have GOOD LIGHTING in the coaching areas.

Last year with the single light overhead, the rooms were sufficiently lit as long as no one stood in the way of the lamp or threw shadows across their token mats, or (God forbid) dropped a token on the floor. I am really hoping we can get some overhead lighting or cross-lighting this year.

Thanks for listening to our feedback, Jeff, and making changed where needed!

Raven wrote: If it is just new/token-lite players using this mat, then it should still be pretty easy.
But If it's players with 50+ tokens, then I will need to transfer them all to a sheet which breaks them down by bonuses, or I know I will make errors. Lots of errors.

I could not agree more.

That's why the mats will be double sided. The default side is the simple/graphical format and will be used by players who just have a bag or two of tokens. Token-rich players will used the other side of the mat which has a function-based layout similar to last year but without all the overwhelming text in the circles. The simple side has instructions to flip the mat over if they have more tokens than will fit in the circles on that side.