Difference between revisions of "Zugzwang's Tower"

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{{rtoc}}
 
{{rtoc}}
−
''An ordered chaos consumes the enchanted tower as the technological chess mice do battle with their mystical counterparts, all under the auspices of a dark game master who hides in the shadows. Conquer both Kings to find what lurks beyond the chess board, but beware: this is a place of powerful magics, where things are not always what they seem.''
+
'''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess Chess] themed location.
 +
{{Location Info Box
 +
| Name        = {{PAGENAME}}
 +
| Region      = [[Rodentia]]
 +
| Rank        = {{Lord}}
 +
| Map          = [[Zugzwang's Tower Key]]
 +
| PowerType    = [[Tactical]]
 +
| Cheese      = [[Standard Cheese]]<br>[[Checkmate]]
 +
| Mice        = 17
 +
| shop_trap    = Yes
 +
| shop_charm  = Yes
 +
| shop_general = Yes
 +
| shop_map    = No
 +
| Release      = 26 August 2010
 +
| Description  = An ordered chaos consumes the enchanted tower as the technological chess mice do battle with their mystical counterparts, all under the auspices of a dark game master who hides in the shadows. Conquer both Kings to find what lurks beyond the chess board, but beware: this is a place of powerful magics, where things are not always what they seem.
 +
}}
  
−
== Description and Requirements ==
+
== Overview ==
−
'''Zugzwang's Tower''' is a location in the [[Rodentia]] region requiring a minimum rank of [[Lord|Lord or Lady]] and the [[Zugzwang's Tower Key]] to enter.
+
'''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a hunting location in [[Rodentia]] region.<br>
 +
It requires the [[rank]] of {{Lord}} and the [[Zugzwang's Tower Key]] to access.
  
−
Upon catching a [[Mystic King]] or a [[Technic King]] with any cheese besides [[Checkmate]], the hunter is automatically transported back to the [[Seasonal Garden]] with the following message:
+
[[#Mice|Mice]] here become available under [[#Mouse attraction pool|certain conditions]].
  
−
''Checkmate! I defeated a Technic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
+
[[#Tower Amplifier|Amplifier]] modifies [[power]] and [[luck]], thus greatly affects the Hunter's ability to catch mice here.
−
<br\>
 
−
OR
 
−
<br\>
 
−
''Checkmate! I defeated a Mystic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
 
  
−
Upon catching a [[Chess Master]], the hunter is automatically transported back to the [[Seasonal Garden]] with the following message:<br\>
+
Each trip can be a [[#Single and Double Runs|single or double run]]. After each run, the Hunter need to charge the amplifier in [[Seasonal Garden]] again before doing the next run.
−
''Checkmate! I defeated a Chess Master! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
 
  
−
Upon exiting Zugzwang's Tower, by traveling or catching a King or Chess Master, the Tower Progress will reset as well as the [[Tower Amplifier]]. Reaching 0% on the Tower Amplifier does not transport the hunter out of the tower, but at that point, it is impossible to catch any further mice without traveling elsewhere.
+
Hunters must complete the [[Capture the Mystic and Technic Kings]] Adventure to obtain the [[Sandtail Call to Arms]], which is necessary to gain access to the [[Fiery Warpath]].
  
−
== Shops ==
+
Hunters wishing to travel to the [[Crystal Library]] location must obtain a [[Crystal Library Card]] from the mice found in this location.
−
There are no shops in Zugzwang's Tower. Shops for the Rodentia region can be found in the [[S.S. Huntington II]] and [[Seasonal Garden]].
 
  
−
== Zugzwang's Tower Mice ==
+
== Gameplay Mechanics ==
−
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin:0 20px; font-size:90%; text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse;" class="wikitable sortable"
+
=== Mouse attraction pool ===
−
|- bgcolor="#dddddd"
+
When the Hunter enters this location, only [[Mystic Pawn]] and [[Technic Pawn]] are available.<br>
 +
Other mice are added to the attraction pool upon completing certain tasks:
 +
*Catching '''8 Pawns''' of one type adds '''Knights''' of the same type to the attraction pool.
 +
*Catching '''2 Knights''' of one type adds '''Bishops''' of the same type to the attraction pool.
 +
*Catching '''2 Bishops''' of one type adds '''Rooks''' of the same type to the attraction pool.
 +
*Catching '''2 Rooks''' of one type adds '''Queens''' of the same type to the attraction pool.
 +
*Catching '''1 Queen''' of one type adds '''King''' of the same type to the attraction pool.
 +
*Catching a '''King''' of either type adds [[Chess Master]] to the attraction pool.
 +
**Doing so will also remove all mice of that side from the attraction pool, except:
 +
::*'''Pawn''' can be attracted using [[Standard Cheese]].
 +
::*'''Rook''' can be attracted using [[Checkmate Cheese]].
 +
 
 +
Be noted that the Hunter needs to use either [[Checkmate Cheese]] or [[Stalemate Charm]] when catching the said '''King''' in order to prevent being transferred to [[Seasonal Garden]] and having [[#Tower Amplifier|amplifier]] reset.
 +
 
 +
=== [[Tower Amplifier]] ===
 +
In '''{{PAGENAME}}''', an '''Amplifier''' mechanic is in effect:
 +
*The amplifier acts as a special [[power]] and [[luck]] multiplier in '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.
 +
**However, the [[luck]] multiplying effect is only active when the amplifier drops below 100%, which means the Hunter won't have more luck than normal even if the amplifier is greater than '''100%'''.
 +
*Catching a [[Wizard's Pieces|Zugzwang's Tower Mouse]] will deplete the amplifier.
 +
**The amount of deplete depends on the mouse, and can be found in the [[#Mice|Zugzwang's Tower Mice]] table.
 +
*Failing to attract a mouse will deplete the amplifier by '''3%'''.
 +
*The amplifier will be reset to '''0%''' and the Hunter transferred to [[Seasonal Garden]] when the Hunter either:
 +
**Manually retreat from the tower
 +
**Catch a [[Mystic King]] or [[Technic King]] with neither [[Checkmate Cheese]] nor [[Stalemate Charm]] armed
 +
::''Checkmate! I defeated a Technic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
 +
:::'''OR'''
 +
::''Checkmate! I defeated a Mystic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
 +
:*Catch a [[Chess Master]] without [[Stalemate Charm]]
 +
::''Checkmate! I defeated a Chess Master! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
 +
 
 +
== Heads-Up Display ==
 +
In '''{{PAGENAME}}''', the '''HUD''' shows:
 +
*The [[Amplifier]] bar showing the percentage
 +
::''Every time you hunt in the tower, your amplifier will go down making your trap less powerful. To recharge your amplifier, retreat from the tower to return to the garden.''
 +
::''Good luck and be sure to shout'' '''CHECKMATE''' ''when you capture a King!''
 +
<!-- old version -->
 +
<!-- :''Everytime you hunt in the tower, your amplifier will go down making your trap less powerful.'' -->
 +
<!-- :'''''Leaving the tower will reset it to zero!''''' -->
 +
<!-- -->
 +
<!-- :''Watch your amplifier! As it drops, so will your trap power. -->
 +
<!-- :''Good luck, and be sure to shout Checkmate when you capture a King!'' -->
 +
*The progress with the '''Technic''' and '''Mystic''' groups of mice
 +
::''These are the Technic mice you have caught since entering the tower.''
 +
::''The mice must be caught in this order: Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, King.''
 +
::''These are the Mystic mice you have caught thus far.''
 +
::''Capturing either a Technic or Mystic King resets your progress and moves you back to the Seasonal Garden.''
 +
 
 +
== Mice ==
 +
Mice found in '''{{PAGENAME}}''' are all members of the [[Wizard's Pieces]] mouse group.
 +
 
 +
[[Tactical]] power type is very effective against these mice. There are some [[#Weapons|Weapons]] with increased effectiveness against certain sub-groups.<br>
 +
All other types are ineffective.
 +
 
 +
Mice here are divided into '''Mystic''' and '''Technic''' sub-group. Within each group, a certain number of lower level mouse must be caught in order to unlock the next level, as stated in [[#Mouse attraction pool|Attraction order]].
 +
 
 +
[[Standard Cheese]] will attract all mice found in '''{{PAGENAME}}''', except the [[Chess Master]] which is only attracted to [[Checkmate Cheese]]<br>
 +
[[Checkmate Cheese]] will increase the attraction rate of the highest ranked mouse Hunters are currently able to attract.
 +
:'''Example:'''  Hunters needing to catch a '''Rook''' in order to unlock the '''Queen''' can arm [[Checkmate Cheese]] to increase the odds of encountering a '''Rook'''.
 +
 
 +
{| style="margin: 1em; text-align: center" class="sortable b_and_p"
 +
|- style="background-color: #dddddd" class="sticky_table_row"
 
  ! width="150px" | Mouse
 
  ! width="150px" | Mouse
 
  ! Points
 
  ! Points
 
  ! Gold
 
  ! Gold
−
! [[Mouse Group]]
+
  ! Decrease in<br>[[Tower Amplifier|Amplifier]]
−
! width="250px" class="unsortable" | Loot
+
  ! width=200 class="unsortable" | Loot
−
  ! Decrease in<br />[[Tower Amplifier]]
 
−
|-
 
−
  | align="left" | [[Technic Pawn]]
 
−
| 7,200
 
−
| 1,090
 
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
−
| 1%
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Pawn]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Pawn]]
 
  | 8,800
 
  | 8,800
 
  | 890
 
  | 890
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
 
  | 1%
 
  | 1%
−
|-
+
  | align="left" |  
−
  | align="left" | [[Technic Knight]]
 
−
| 15,590
 
−
| 1,980
 
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
−
| 3%
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Knight]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Knight]]
 
  | 19,060
 
  | 19,060
 
  | 1,620
 
  | 1,620
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
 
  | 3%
 
  | 3%
−
|-
 
−
| align="left" | [[Technic Bishop]]
 
−
| 33,265
 
−
| 1,100
 
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
−
| 3%
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Bishop]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Bishop]]
 
  | 40,655
 
  | 40,655
 
  | 900
 
  | 900
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
 
  | 3%
 
  | 3%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Mystic Rook]]
 +
| 72,600
 +
| 2,277
 +
| 5%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Mystic Queen]]
 +
| 80,960
 +
| 13,970
 +
| 9%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Mystic King]]
 +
| 98,670
 +
| 8,560
 +
| 10%
 +
| align="left" | [[Hunting Research]] (10,000 points)<br>[[Mystic Crystal]]<br>[[Mystic Curd]]<br>[[Torn Mystic Page]]
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Technic Pawn]]
 +
| 7,200
 +
| 1,090
 +
| 1%
 +
| align="left" |
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Technic Knight]]
 +
| 15,590
 +
| 1,980
 +
| 3%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Technic Bishop]]
 +
| 33,265
 +
| 1,100
 +
| 3%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Rook]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Rook]]
 
  | 59,400
 
  | 59,400
 
  | 2,785
 
  | 2,785
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
−
| 5%
 
−
|-
 
−
| align="left" | [[Mystic Rook]]
 
−
| 72,600
 
−
| 2,277
 
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
 
  | 5%
 
  | 5%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Queen]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Queen]]
 
  | 66,240
 
  | 66,240
 
  | 17,080
 
  | 17,080
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
 
  | 9%
 
  | 9%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
| align="left" | [[Mystic Queen]]
 
−
| 80,960
 
−
| 13,970
 
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
|
 
−
| 9%
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic King]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic King]]
 
  | 80,730
 
  | 80,730
 
  | 10,470
 
  | 10,470
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
| align="left" | [[Droid Jetpack]]<br />[[Satchel of Gold]] (5,000)<br />[[Technic Cheese Mould]]<br />[[Torn Technic Page]]
 
 
  | 10%
 
  | 10%
−
|- valign="top"
+
  | align="left" | [[Droid Jetpack]]<br>[[Satchel of Gold]] (5,000 gold)<br>[[Technic Cheese Mould]]<br>[[Torn Technic Page]]
−
  | align="left" | [[Mystic King]]
+
|-
−
| 98,670
+
  | align="left" | [[Chess Master]]<br>''Requires [[Checkmate Cheese]]''
−
| 8,560
 
−
| Wizard's Pieces
 
−
| align="left" | [[Hunting Research]] (10,000 points)<br />[[Mystic Crystal]]<br />[[Mystic Curd]]<br />[[Torn Mystic Page]]
 
−
| 10%
 
−
|- valign="top"
 
−
  | align="left" | [[Chess Master]]
 
 
  | 119,600
 
  | 119,600
 
  | 19,000
 
  | 19,000
−
  | Wizard's Pieces
+
  | 10%
−
  | align="left" | [[Master Bindings]]<br />[[Zugzwang's Left Sock]]
+
  | align="left" | [[Ancient Relic]]<br>[[Master Bindings]]<br>[[Zugzwang's Left Sock]]
−
|
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
== Hunting Strategy ==
 
== Hunting Strategy ==
−
Hunters are advised to use their strongest Tactical setup. Upon entering the location, hunters will only be able to attract two breeds of mice, the [[Mystic Pawn Mouse]] and the [[Technic Pawn Mouse]]; the Pawn Pincher weapons are recommended for this stage as they will allow the hunter to focus on catching Pawns from one 'team' rather than both. The [[Mystic Pawn Pincher]] and [[Technic Pawn Pincher]] are sold in the Seasonal Garden [[Trapsmith#Seasonal Garden Trapsmith|trapsmith]], so in order to use one for the current amplifier charge, it must be purchased before traveling to the Zugzwang Tower. Hunters will need to catch 8 Pawns, then 2 Knights, then 2 Bishops, followed by 2 Rooks and a Queen; all from the same 'team'. Only then will that team's King be 'unlocked' and available to attract.<br\>
+
=== Hunting Tips by [[Larry]] ===
−
Catching either the [[Mystic King Mouse]] or the [[Technic King Mouse]] will cause the hunter to be immediately transported to the [[Seasonal Garden]], unless they were using [[Checkmate]] [[cheese]], in which case the hunter will then be able to attract the elusive [[Chess Master]] if they continue using [[Checkmate]] cheese.
 
−
 
 
−
A 'Double Run' is when a hunter aims to catch the King from both teams. This can be achieved by first completing one team, and using Checkmate cheese to catch the first King to remain in the Tower, then arming standard cheese to attract the pieces from the second team. Upon 'unlocking' the second King, the hunter will need to decide if they wish to arm Checkmate cheese, to be able to continue hunting the Chess Master, or standard cheese to be transported to the [[Seasonal Garden]].
 
−
It is also possible to complete a double run by catching mice from both teams concurrently, this strategy is harder to succeed with because the hunter will be attempting to catch the powerful pieces (Rooks and Queens), and the final Kings from '''both''' teams when the Tower Amplifier will be significantly depleted.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Cheese Usage ===
 
−
Hunters may use any cheese in this location, but each time a bait fails to attract a mouse, the [[Tower Amplifier]] is reduced by 3%, so many hunters prefer to use [[SUPER brie+|SUPER|brie+]] due to the low attraction rate of [[Brie]] or [[Gouda]].<br\>
 
−
In order to be able to encounter the [[Chess Master]], a hunter must use [[Checkmate]] cheese when hunting a King in order to remain in the Tower.<br/>
 
−
Checkmate cheese can also be used before hunting a King.  This bait will increase a hunter's chance of attracting the most powerful mice they're able to attract.  For instance, if a hunter needs to catch a Rook in order to unlock the Queen, the hunter may decide to use Checkmate cheese to increase the odds of encountering a Rook.
 
−
 
 
−
=== Hunting Tips by Larry ===
 
 
Greetings, Mousehunter!
 
Greetings, Mousehunter!
  
−
I hope you've got your [[Tower Amplifier]] charged, because the mice of Zugzwang's Tower are going to put up a fight unlike any other.
+
I hope you've got your Tower Amplifier charged, because the mice of Zugzwang's Tower are going to put up a fight unlike any other.
  
 
Long ago, the Tower mice became enchanted chess pieces in a game that never ends. The two teams, Technic and Mystic, use a clear strategy when attacking, much like real chess pieces. Catching eight Pawns releases the Knights. Catching two Knights releases the Bishops. Catching two Bishops releases the Rooks. Catching two Rooks releases the Queen, and catching one Queen releases the King.
 
Long ago, the Tower mice became enchanted chess pieces in a game that never ends. The two teams, Technic and Mystic, use a clear strategy when attacking, much like real chess pieces. Catching eight Pawns releases the Knights. Catching two Knights releases the Bishops. Catching two Bishops releases the Rooks. Catching two Rooks releases the Queen, and catching one Queen releases the King.
Line 144: Line 189:
 
Did you get all that? Don't worry if you didn't-- when you enter the tower, your Tower Amplifier also comes equipped with a progress bar to let you know how close you are to the King!
 
Did you get all that? Don't worry if you didn't-- when you enter the tower, your Tower Amplifier also comes equipped with a progress bar to let you know how close you are to the King!
  
−
Each time you catch a mouse, or fail to attract, your Tower Amplifier's charge decreases. Make sure you don't leave the Tower before you catch a King, or drain your Amplifier. If you do, your progress, and your Amplifier will be set back to zero.
+
Each time you catch a mouse, or fail to attract, your Tower Amplifier's charge decreases. Once you begin to hunt in the tower, you cannot return to the Seasonal Garden until your Amplifier is drained unless you choose to retreat. Take heed that retreating will reset your Amplifier as well as all of your progress in the tower.
  
 
If your strategy is sound, and you capture the King, your progress will be reset and you will be whisked away to the Seasonal Garden. If however, you catch a King using the rare Checkmate Cheese then you shall remain in the tower and a greater adversary will await your challenge.
 
If your strategy is sound, and you capture the King, your progress will be reset and you will be whisked away to the Seasonal Garden. If however, you catch a King using the rare Checkmate Cheese then you shall remain in the tower and a greater adversary will await your challenge.
  
−
==== Banner Tips ====
+
=== [[Adventure Book]] ===
−
Everytime you hunt in the tower, your amplifier will go down making your trap less powerful.<br/>
+
The Hunter can complete steps of the following Adventures in '''{{PAGENAME}}''':
−
Leaving the tower will reset it to zero!
+
*[[Capture the Mystic and Technic Kings]]
 +
*[[Capture Zurreal the Eternal]]
 +
 
 +
=== Single and Double Runs ===
 +
The primary goal of each '''tower''' run is to catch a '''King'''.
 +
 
 +
In a '''Single Run''', the Hunter attempts to catch only either '''[[Mystic King]]''' or '''[[Technic King]]'''.
 +
*Catching a '''King''' without [[Checkmate Cheese]] or [[Stalemate Charm]] armed will reset the [[Amplifier]] and transfer the Hunter to [[Seasonal Garden]].
 +
*Hunters who wish to stay in '''{{PAGENAME}}''' after catching a '''King''' will need to have either [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed or any [[Standard Cheese]] with [[Stalemate Charm]] armed when catching the first '''King'''.
 +
:*The Hunter can then attract the [[Chess Master]] in the '''tower''' with [[Checkmate Cheese]]. Catching a [[Chess Master]] without a [[Stalemate Charm]] armed will reset the [[Amplifier]] and transfer the Hunter to [[Seasonal Garden]].
 +
:*If the Hunter catches a [[Chess Master]] with a [[Stalemate Charm]] armed, the mice pool does not change and the Hunter can continue to hunt in '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.
 +
:*The caught '''King''' cannot be attracted again in the ongoing run, but the other '''King''' can be unlocked and attracted as normal, thus transitioning a '''Single Run''' into a '''Double Run'''.
 +
 
 +
In a '''Double Run''', the Hunter attempts to catch both '''Kings'''.
 +
*The Hunter needs to catch the first '''King''' with either [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed or any [[Standard Cheese]] with [[Stalemate Charm]] armed to stay in '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.
 +
*The other '''King''' can then be unlocked and attracted as normal.
 +
*Hunters who wish to stay in '''{{PAGENAME}}''' after catching the second '''King''' will need to have either [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed or any [[Standard Cheese]] with [[Stalemate Charm]] armed when catching the second '''King'''.
 +
:*Since [[Checkmate Cheese]] allows the attraction of the [[Chess Master]], it is recommended that the Hunter has [[Stalemate Charm]] armed when attempting to catch the second '''King''' even with [[Checkmate Cheese]] to prevent an accidental transport to the [[Seasonal Garden]] in case of catching the [[Chess Master]] before the second '''King'''.
 +
 
 +
== Location-Specific Effects ==
 +
=== [[Weapons]] ===
 +
*[[Mystic Pawn Pincher]]:
 +
**Increases attraction of [[Mystic Pawn]]
 +
**Decreases attraction of [[Technic Pawn]]
 +
**Has a bonus of '''10,920''' Power and '''51''' Luck against [[Mystic Pawn]]
 +
**Has a ''penalty'' of '''60''' Power and '''0.05''' Luck against [[Technic Pawn]]
 +
*[[Technic Pawn Pincher]]:
 +
**Increases attraction of [[Technic Pawn]]
 +
**Decreases attraction of [[Mystic Pawn]]
 +
**Has a bonus of '''10,920''' Power and '''51''' Luck against [[Technic Pawn]]
 +
**Has a ''penalty'' of '''60''' Power and '''0.05''' Luck against [[Mystic Pawn]]
 +
*[[Blackstone Pass Trap]]:
 +
**Has a bonus of '''1,800''' Power and '''6''' Luck against [[:Category:Wizard's Pieces (Mystic)|Mystic]] mice
 +
**Has a ''penalty'' of '''2,400''' Power and '''9''' Luck against [[:Category:Wizard's Pieces (Technic)|Technic]] mice
 +
*[[Obvious Ambush Trap]]:
 +
**Has a bonus of '''1,800''' Power and '''6''' Luck against [[:Category:Wizard's Pieces (Technic)|Technic]] mice
 +
**Has a ''penalty'' of '''2,400''' Power and '''9''' Luck against [[:Category:Wizard's Pieces (Mystic)|Mystic]] mice
 +
*[[Zugzwang's Ultimate Move]] - has a chance to instantly catch a mouse if the [[Tower Amplifier]] is not at 0%
 +
 
 +
=== [[Charms]] ===
 +
*[[Uncharged Scholar Charm]] - adds a [[Scholar Charm]] to the Hunter's inventory upon catching a [[Chess Master]]
 +
*[[Rook Crumble Charm]] - has a bonus of 300% power bonus against [[Mystic Rook]] and [[Technic Rook]]
 +
*[[Stalemate Charm]] - prevents [[Amplifier]] reset and allows the Hunter to remain in '''{{PAGENAME}}''' upon catching a [[Mystic King]], [[Technic King]], or [[Chess Master]]
 +
 
 +
== [[Shops]] ==
 +
These are the shops found in '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.
 +
 
 +
=== [[{{PAGENAME}} Cheese Shoppe|Cheese Shoppe]] ===
 +
{{Shops/Table/{{PAGENAME}} Cheese Shoppe}}
 +
 
 +
=== [[{{PAGENAME}} Trapsmith|Trapsmith]] ===
 +
{{Shops/Table/{{PAGENAME}} Trapsmith}}
  
−
These are the Technic mice you have caught since entering the tower.<br/>
+
=== [[{{PAGENAME}} Charm Shoppe|Charm Shoppe]] ===
−
The mice must be caught in this order: Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, King.
+
{{Shops/Table/{{PAGENAME}} Charm Shoppe}}
  
−
These are the Mystic mice you have caught thus far.<br/>
+
=== [[{{PAGENAME}} General Store|General Store]] ===
−
Capturing either a Technic or Mystic King resets your progress and moves you back to the Seasonal Garden.
+
{{Shops/Table/{{PAGENAME}} General Store}}
  
−
Watch your amplifier! As it drops, so will your trap power.<br/>
+
== History and Trivia ==
−
Good luck, and be sure to shout Checkmate when you capture a King!
+
*'''26 August 2010:''' '''{{PAGENAME}}''' was released as a new hunting location in [[Rodentia]] region.
 +
*'''26 Febuary 2019:''' Hunters can now leave '''{{PAGENAME}}''' without losing their amplifier or progress.
 +
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zugzwang Zugzwang] is a term from chess that describes a player being in a position where they are forced to move to a position of greater disadvantage.
  
−
== Links ==
+
== Images ==
−
* [[Trap Setup Options for Zugzwang's Tower]]
+
*[{{MHdomain}}/images/environments/7d8ec7b21f3761cd81c8385f62d294df.jpg Banner image]
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Latest revision as of 06:48, 27 March 2024

Zugzwang's Tower is a Chess themed location.

Zugzwang's Tower
Region: Rodentia
Rank requirement: Lord/Lady
Map piece: Zugzwang's Tower Key
Required Power Type: Tactical
Required Cheese: Standard Cheese
Checkmate
Number of Mice: 17
Shops: Cheese Shoppe
Trapsmith
Charm Shoppe
General Store
Release Date: 26 August 2010
An ordered chaos consumes the enchanted tower as the technological chess mice do battle with their mystical counterparts, all under the auspices of a dark game master who hides in the shadows. Conquer both Kings to find what lurks beyond the chess board, but beware: this is a place of powerful magics, where things are not always what they seem.

Overview

Zugzwang's Tower is a hunting location in Rodentia region.
It requires the rank of Lord/Lady and the Zugzwang's Tower Key to access.

Mice here become available under certain conditions.

Amplifier modifies power and luck, thus greatly affects the Hunter's ability to catch mice here.

Each trip can be a single or double run. After each run, the Hunter need to charge the amplifier in Seasonal Garden again before doing the next run.

Hunters must complete the Capture the Mystic and Technic Kings Adventure to obtain the Sandtail Call to Arms, which is necessary to gain access to the Fiery Warpath.

Hunters wishing to travel to the Crystal Library location must obtain a Crystal Library Card from the mice found in this location.

Gameplay Mechanics

Mouse attraction pool

When the Hunter enters this location, only Mystic Pawn and Technic Pawn are available.
Other mice are added to the attraction pool upon completing certain tasks:

  • Catching 8 Pawns of one type adds Knights of the same type to the attraction pool.
  • Catching 2 Knights of one type adds Bishops of the same type to the attraction pool.
  • Catching 2 Bishops of one type adds Rooks of the same type to the attraction pool.
  • Catching 2 Rooks of one type adds Queens of the same type to the attraction pool.
  • Catching 1 Queen of one type adds King of the same type to the attraction pool.
  • Catching a King of either type adds Chess Master to the attraction pool.
    • Doing so will also remove all mice of that side from the attraction pool, except:

Be noted that the Hunter needs to use either Checkmate Cheese or Stalemate Charm when catching the said King in order to prevent being transferred to Seasonal Garden and having amplifier reset.

Tower Amplifier

In Zugzwang's Tower, an Amplifier mechanic is in effect:

  • The amplifier acts as a special power and luck multiplier in Zugzwang's Tower.
    • However, the luck multiplying effect is only active when the amplifier drops below 100%, which means the Hunter won't have more luck than normal even if the amplifier is greater than 100%.
  • Catching a Zugzwang's Tower Mouse will deplete the amplifier.
  • Failing to attract a mouse will deplete the amplifier by 3%.
  • The amplifier will be reset to 0% and the Hunter transferred to Seasonal Garden when the Hunter either:
Checkmate! I defeated a Technic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.
OR
Checkmate! I defeated a Mystic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.
Checkmate! I defeated a Chess Master! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.

Heads-Up Display

In Zugzwang's Tower, the HUD shows:

Every time you hunt in the tower, your amplifier will go down making your trap less powerful. To recharge your amplifier, retreat from the tower to return to the garden.
Good luck and be sure to shout CHECKMATE when you capture a King!
  • The progress with the Technic and Mystic groups of mice
These are the Technic mice you have caught since entering the tower.
The mice must be caught in this order: Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, King.
These are the Mystic mice you have caught thus far.
Capturing either a Technic or Mystic King resets your progress and moves you back to the Seasonal Garden.

Mice

Mice found in Zugzwang's Tower are all members of the Wizard's Pieces mouse group.

Tactical power type is very effective against these mice. There are some Weapons with increased effectiveness against certain sub-groups.
All other types are ineffective.

Mice here are divided into Mystic and Technic sub-group. Within each group, a certain number of lower level mouse must be caught in order to unlock the next level, as stated in Attraction order.

Standard Cheese will attract all mice found in Zugzwang's Tower, except the Chess Master which is only attracted to Checkmate Cheese
Checkmate Cheese will increase the attraction rate of the highest ranked mouse Hunters are currently able to attract.

Example: Hunters needing to catch a Rook in order to unlock the Queen can arm Checkmate Cheese to increase the odds of encountering a Rook.
Mouse Points Gold Decrease in
Amplifier 		Loot
Mystic Pawn 8,800 890 1%
Mystic Knight 19,060 1,620 3% Crystal Library Card
Mystic Bishop 40,655 900 3% Crystal Library Card
Mystic Rook 72,600 2,277 5% Crystal Library Card
Mystic Queen 80,960 13,970 9% Crystal Library Card
Mystic King 98,670 8,560 10% Hunting Research (10,000 points)
Mystic Crystal
Mystic Curd
Torn Mystic Page
Technic Pawn 7,200 1,090 1%
Technic Knight 15,590 1,980 3% Crystal Library Card
Technic Bishop 33,265 1,100 3% Crystal Library Card
Technic Rook 59,400 2,785 5% Crystal Library Card
Technic Queen 66,240 17,080 9% Crystal Library Card
Technic King 80,730 10,470 10% Droid Jetpack
Satchel of Gold (5,000 gold)
Technic Cheese Mould
Torn Technic Page
Chess Master
Requires Checkmate Cheese 		119,600 19,000 10% Ancient Relic
Master Bindings
Zugzwang's Left Sock

Hunting Strategy

Hunting Tips by Larry

Greetings, Mousehunter!

I hope you've got your Tower Amplifier charged, because the mice of Zugzwang's Tower are going to put up a fight unlike any other.

Long ago, the Tower mice became enchanted chess pieces in a game that never ends. The two teams, Technic and Mystic, use a clear strategy when attacking, much like real chess pieces. Catching eight Pawns releases the Knights. Catching two Knights releases the Bishops. Catching two Bishops releases the Rooks. Catching two Rooks releases the Queen, and catching one Queen releases the King.

Did you get all that? Don't worry if you didn't-- when you enter the tower, your Tower Amplifier also comes equipped with a progress bar to let you know how close you are to the King!

Each time you catch a mouse, or fail to attract, your Tower Amplifier's charge decreases. Once you begin to hunt in the tower, you cannot return to the Seasonal Garden until your Amplifier is drained unless you choose to retreat. Take heed that retreating will reset your Amplifier as well as all of your progress in the tower.

If your strategy is sound, and you capture the King, your progress will be reset and you will be whisked away to the Seasonal Garden. If however, you catch a King using the rare Checkmate Cheese then you shall remain in the tower and a greater adversary will await your challenge.

Adventure Book

The Hunter can complete steps of the following Adventures in Zugzwang's Tower:

Single and Double Runs

The primary goal of each tower run is to catch a King.

In a Single Run, the Hunter attempts to catch only either Mystic King or Technic King.

  • The Hunter can then attract the Chess Master in the tower with Checkmate Cheese. Catching a Chess Master without a Stalemate Charm armed will reset the Amplifier and transfer the Hunter to Seasonal Garden.
  • If the Hunter catches a Chess Master with a Stalemate Charm armed, the mice pool does not change and the Hunter can continue to hunt in Zugzwang's Tower.
  • The caught King cannot be attracted again in the ongoing run, but the other King can be unlocked and attracted as normal, thus transitioning a Single Run into a Double Run.

In a Double Run, the Hunter attempts to catch both Kings.

Location-Specific Effects

Weapons

Charms

Shops

These are the shops found in Zugzwang's Tower.

Cheese Shoppe

Item Cost Requirement Refund
Swiss Cheese 100 gold None 100 gold
Brie Cheese 200 gold None 200 gold
Gouda Cheese 600 gold None 600 gold

Trapsmith

Bases
Item Cost Requirement Refund
Bamboozler Base 75,000 gold None 13,500 gold
Aqua Base 115,000 gold None 20,700 gold
Spellbook Base 1,296,000 gold
1 Master Bindings
3 Torn Technic Page
3 Torn Mystic Page		 None N/A
Weapons
Item Power Type Cost Requirement Refund
Zugzwang's Last Move Tactical 310,000 gold None 55,800 gold
Zugzwang's First Move Tactical 615,000 gold
1 Zugzwang's Last Move
1 Magic Feather		 None N/A
Mystic Pawn Pincher Tactical 300,000 gold None 54,000 gold
Technic Pawn Pincher Tactical 300,000 gold None 54,000 gold
Obvious Ambush Trap Tactical 650,000 gold
1 Droid Jetpack		 None N/A
Blackstone Pass Trap Tactical 650,000 goal
1 Mystic Crystal
4 Coal		 None N/A
Reaper's Perch Shadow 2,767,750 gold
1 Reaper's Perch Blueprints
6 Onyx Stone
6 Rune		 None N/A
Zurreal's Folly Tactical 1 Desert Travel Almanac
1 Encyclopedia Gnawnia
6 Luscious Lumber
1 Mesh Netting
3 Ectoplasmic Essence
3 Warp Nail
3 Runestone
1 Draconic Book
1 Lich Jewel		 None N/A

Charm Shoppe

Item Cost Requirement Refund
Charmbit 25 gold None 20 gold
Power Charm 150 gold None 45 gold
Luck Charm 300 gold None 90 gold
Lucky Power Charm 900 gold None 270 gold
Super Power Charm 500 gold None 150 gold
Super Luck Charm 750 gold None 225 gold
Super Lucky Power Charm 2,500 gold None 750 gold

General Store

Item Cost Requirement Refund
Curds and Whey 12 gold None 3 gold
Ionized Salt 450 gold None 150 gold

History and Trivia

  • 26 August 2010: Zugzwang's Tower was released as a new hunting location in Rodentia region.
  • 26 Febuary 2019: Hunters can now leave Zugzwang's Tower without losing their amplifier or progress.
  • Zugzwang is a term from chess that describes a player being in a position where they are forced to move to a position of greater disadvantage.

Images


Locations
Gnawnia:  • Meadow   • Town of Gnawnia   • Windmill   • Harbour   • Mountain
Valour:  • King's Arms   • Tournament Hall   • King's Gauntlet
Whisker Woods:  • Calm Clearing   • Great Gnarled Tree   • Lagoon
Burroughs:  • Laboratory   • Mousoleum   • Town of Digby   • Bazaar   • Toxic Spill
Furoma:  • Training Grounds   • Dojo   • Meditation Room   • Pinnacle Chamber
Bristle Woods:  • Catacombs   • Forbidden Grove   • Acolyte Realm
Tribal Isles:  • Cape Clawed   • Elub Shore   • Nerg Plains   • Derr Dunes
 • Jungle of Dread   • Dracano   • Balack's Cove
Varmint Valley:  • Claw Shot City   • Gnawnian Express Station   • Fort Rox
Queso Canyon:  • Queso River   • Prickly Plains   • Cantera Quarry   • Queso Geyser
Rodentia:  • S.S. Huntington IV   • Seasonal Garden   • Zugzwang's Tower   • Crystal Library
 • Slushy Shoreline   • Iceberg   • Sunken City
Sandtail Desert:  • Fiery Warpath   • Muridae Market   • Living Garden   • Twisted Garden
 • Lost City   • Cursed City   • Sand Dunes   • Sand Crypts
Hollow Heights:  • Fungal Cavern   • Labyrinth   • Zokor   • Moussu Picchu   • Floating Islands
Folklore Forest:  • Foreword Farm   • Prologue Pond   • Table of Contents   • Bountiful Beanstalk
 • School of Sorcery   • Draconic Depths
Rift Plane:  • Gnawnia Rift   • Burroughs Rift   • Whisker Woods Rift   • Furoma Rift
 • Bristle Woods Rift • Valour Rift
Events:  • Great Winter Hunt: Great Winter Taiga
 • Cinnamon Hill   • Golem Workshop   • Ice Fortress
 • Halloween: Gloomy Greenwood
 • MouseHunt Birthday: The SUPER|brie+ Factory
 • Ronza: Ronza's Traveling Shoppe
 • Historic uses: King's Party Zone   • Festive Comet
Others:  • King's Stockade   • Vacant Lot


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