Solo Jenny (#6: The Pallid Mask)

The Pallid Mask Second Impressions and Tips:

This scenario is more unpredictable than the rest because of the almost entirely random map. You can influence the map a bit via choosing which locations to reveal first. Whenever there is an option to go left I'd say go for it, because the catacombs generally don't expand to the left and the blockier the map gets the better. Serpentine catacombs mean more turns wasted on movement, especially if an untimely Searching for Izzie pops up. In solo around 10-12 clues are needed to explore every location and the incentive to do that is significant, because 5 of these locations are worth XP. It's definitely worth it to scoop clues from The Gate to Hell if your investigator happens to start at that location. It might be worth it to return to the starting location as the Agenda 1 is about to advance, since the scenario mid-boss is a tough cookie. It's as dangerous to evade as it is to fight, so I'd say the best bet is to stack all your boosts, commit all your cards and don't skimp on ammo in an attempt to defeat Specter of Death in one round. The time limit in The Pallid Mask is generous, but in my experience both health and sanity tend to run out faster than usual. As for the encounter cards, Grasping Hands makes a long-anticipated return! The Shadow Behind You is flavorful, but easy to play around. Just leave one or two resources to be discarded and be done with it. On the other hand Eyes in the Walls forces me to change my usual play style, since I can no longer safety put horror on allies and assets without risking Eyes in the Walls sweeping them all away. As for the scenario conclusion, it seems these are the last two points of Doubt and Conviction available to the investigators. Difficulty-wise they're almost the same. Curiously the Doubt route provides one additional tick on the Stranger tally. Additionally, be warned that if the Blocked Passage is still unrevealed as Act 2 advances, the scenario might end faster than expected, before all XP locations are found.

Campaign Log:

Curtain Call: R2. Jenny chose not to go to the police! The Stranger is onto Jenny! 9 XP (Royal Emissary, Agent of the King, Balcony, Green Room, Lighting Box, Trap Room, Rehearsal Room, Delve Too Deep), 2 Tokens, Stranger Tally: 2, Doubt Tally: 1.

The Last King: R1. Jenny interviewed Constance Dumaine, Jordan Perry, Ishimaru Haruko, Sebastien Moreau and Ashleight Clarke! Jenny intruded on the secret meeting! 6 XP (10 clues, Delve Too Deep), 2 Tokens, Stranger Tally: 3, Doubt Tally: 2.

Echoes of the Past: R2. Jenny left the onyx clasp behind! 4 XP (Hidden Library, Agent of the King, Delve Too Deep), 2 Tokens, Stranger Tally: 3, Doubt Tally: 3.

The Unspeakable Oath: R3. Jenny escaped the Asylum! Jenny ignored Daniel's warning! 4 XP (Daniel Chesterfield, Mess Hall, Infirmary, Basement Hall), 2 Tokens, Stranger Tally: 4, Doubt Tally: 5.

A Phantom of Truth: R2. Jenny found Nigel Engram! 7 XP (Screeching Byakhee, Canal Saint-Martin, Gardens of Luxembourg, Grand Guignol, Père Lachaise Cemetery, 2 bonus XP), 1 Mental Trauma, 2 Tokens, Stranger Tally: 5, Doubt Tally: 6.

The Pallid Mask: R2. Jenny entered the catacombs on her own! Jenny knows the site of the gate! 7 XP (Specter of Death, Well of Souls, Narrow Shaft, Shivering Pools, Tomb of Shadows, Delve Too Deep), 2 Tokens, Stranger Tally: 7, Doubt Tally: 8.