Difference between revisions of "Zugzwang's Tower"

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(Description and Requirements: Note on Sandtail CtA adventure)
(Updated format and more information.)
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''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.''
+
'''WARNING:  Leaving [[Zugzwang's Tower]] will cause the [[Tower Amplifier]] to lose all of its charge.'''<br/>
 +
'''Hunters in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] who capture the [[Technic King]] or [[Mystic King]] without [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed, or [[Chess Master]] with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed, will be moved to the [[Seasonal Garden]].'''
  
== Description and Requirements ==
+
{| align="left" cellpadding="5" width="350" style="border:2px solid #8B0000; border-top:25px solid #8B0000; border-spacing:0; margin-left:20px; margin-bottom:20px; padding:5px;"
'''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.
+
  |-
 +
! colspan="2" style="font-size:150%;" | {{PAGENAME}}
 +
  |-
 +
! colspan="2" width="350" |
 +
  |-
 +
! colspan="2" width="350" style="border-style: solid; font-size:125%; border-width: 2px 2px 2px 2px;" bgcolor=#E9967A  | Region: [[Rodentia]]
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0px 2px" | '''Minimum Rank:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0px 0" | [[Lord|Lord/Lady]]
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0 2px" | '''Travel Requirement:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0 0" | [[Zugzwang's Tower Key]]
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0 2px" | '''Required [[Power Type]]:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0 0" | [[Tactical]]
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0 2px" |  '''Number of Mice:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0 0" | '''13'''
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  2px 0 2px 2px" | '''Shops:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  2px 2px 2px 0" | '''None'''
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0 2px" | '''Lose Gold:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0 0" | '''Yes'''
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0 2px" | '''Lose Points:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0 0" | '''Yes'''
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 0 0 2px" | '''Lose Cheese:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  0 2px 0 0" | '''Yes'''
 +
  |-
 +
  | nowrap align="left" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  2px 0 2px 2px" | '''Release Date:'''
 +
  | nowrap align="right" style="border-style: solid; border-width:  2px 2px 2px 0" | '''26 August 2010'''
 +
  |-
 +
  | colspan="2" align="center" style="font-size:110%; padding:10px;" | 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.
 +
|}
 +
{{-}}
  
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:
+
== Overview ==
 +
'''WARNING:  Leaving [[Zugzwang's Tower]] will cause the [[Tower Amplifier]] to lose all of its charge.'''
  
''Checkmate! I defeated a Technic King Mouse! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
+
'''Zugzwang's Tower''' is a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess Chess] themed location in the [[Rodentia]] region requiring a minimum rank of [[Lord|Lord or Lady]] and the [[Zugzwang's Tower Key]] to enter.
<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\>
+
Mice found in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] are part of the [[Wizard's Pieces]] group and are weak to [[Tactical]] weapons.
''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 rely on the [[Tower Amplifier]]'s charge to give their [[Tactical]] traps the needed power to capture the mice found in this location. Each hunt within [[Zugzwang's Tower]] reduces the Hunter's [[Amplifier]] charge and reduces the power of their trap set-up.  
  
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 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 III]], [[Seasonal Garden]], and [[Iceberg]].
+
 
 +
===Encountering Mice===
 +
The mice found in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] are divided into a '''Technic''' group and a '''Mystic''' group and the mice within the groups become available in a specific order.<br/>
 +
'''Example:''' All '''Mystic''' mice of a specific type must be captured before the next type of '''Mystic''' mouse can be encountered. '''Pawns''' of both types can be encountered immediately upon entering [[Zugzwang's Tower]].
 +
 
 +
'''Order of encounter'''
 +
*'''Pawns'''
 +
*'''Knights'''
 +
*'''Bishops'''
 +
*'''Rooks'''
 +
*'''Queens'''
 +
*'''Kings'''
 +
*[[Chess Master]]
 +
 
 +
Hunters must catch a specific number of each type of mouse within the '''Technic''' or '''Mystic''' group before the next type of mouse within the group is added to the mouse population.<br/>
 +
*Hunters must capture '''8 Pawns''' of one type to encounter '''Knights''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Knights''' of one type to encounter '''Bishops''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Bishops''' of one type to encounter '''Rooks''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Rooks''' of one type to encounter '''Queens''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''1 Queen''' of one type to encounter the '''King''' of the same type.
 +
*Capturing a '''King''' with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed will allow Hunters to encounter the [[Chess Master]].
 +
*Hunters must arm [[Checkmate Cheese]] to encounter the [[Chess Master]].
 +
 
 +
===Tower Amplifier===
 +
'''WARNING:  Leaving [[Zugzwang's Tower]] will cause the [[Tower Amplifier]] to lose all of its charge.'''
 +
 
 +
Catching mice in the [[Seasonal Garden]] charges the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]].  A fully charged [[Tower Amplifier]] is necessary for Hunters to have the best chance of capturing the most powerful mice found in [[Zugzwang's Tower]]. Hunters can travel to [[Zugzwang's Tower]] with an [[Amplifier]] that is not fully charge, but this will reduce the likelihood of catching the strongest mice found here.
 +
 
 +
Hunters ranked [[Lord|Lord or Lady]] can charge their [[Amplifier]] to '''150%'''.<br/>
 +
Hunters ranked [[Baron|Baron or Baroness]] can charge their [[Amplifier]] to '''160%'''.<br/>
 +
Hunters ranked [[Count|Count or Countess]] and above can charge their [[Amplifier]] to '''175%'''.
 +
 
 +
Every catch of a mouse in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] will reduce the charge of the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] from 1% to 10%, depending on the mouse captured.<br/>
 +
Every '''Failure To Attract''' a mouse will reduce the charge of the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] by 3%.<br/>
 +
Failing to catch a mouse will have no effect on the [[Tower Amplifier]]'s charge.
 +
 
 +
Exiting [[Zugzwang's Tower]], by traveling or catching a '''King''' or the [[Chess Master]], will reset the Hunter's progress and completely drain the [[Tower Amplifier]] of its charge. Reaching '''0%''' on the [[Tower Amplifier]] does not transport the Hunter out of [[Zugzwang's Tower]], but Hunters will be unable to capture any mice.
 +
 
 +
'''Journal Entries'''
 +
*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:
 +
:''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.''
 +
*Upon catching a [[Chess Master]], the hunter is automatically transported back to the [[Seasonal Garden]] with the following message:<br\>
 +
:''Checkmate! I defeated a Chess Master! I was transported to the Seasonal Garden.''
 +
 
 +
===Zugzwang's Tower HUD===
 +
The Heads-Up Display in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] shows the Hunter's current [[Amplifier]] charge, the maximum charge available to the Hunter, and the progress with the '''Technic''' and '''Mystic''' groups of mice.
 +
 
 +
Mousing over the [[Tower Amplifier]] reveals the following message:
 +
:''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!''
 +
 
 +
Mousing over the '''Technic''' status display reveals the following message:
 +
:''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.''
 +
 
 +
Mousing over the '''Mystic''' status display reveals the following message:
 +
:''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.''
  
 
== Zugzwang's Tower Mice ==
 
== Zugzwang's Tower Mice ==
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin:0 20px; font-size:90%; text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse;" class="wikitable sortable"
+
Mice in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] are all members of the [[Wizard's Pieces]] and are weak only to [[Tactical]] weapons.<br/>
 +
[[Standard Cheese]] will attract all mice found in [[Zugzwang's Tower]], 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'''.
 +
 
 +
===Order of Encounter===
 +
Hunters must catch a specific number of each type of mouse within the '''Technic''' or '''Mystic''' group before the next type of mouse within the group is added to the mouse population.<br/>
 +
*Hunters must capture '''8 Pawns''' of one type to encounter '''Knights''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Knights''' of one type to encounter '''Bishops''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Bishops''' of one type to encounter '''Rooks''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Rooks''' of one type to encounter '''Queens''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''1 Queen''' of one type to encounter the '''King''' of the same type.
 +
*[[Mystic King]] and [[Technic King]]
 +
:*Capturing the [[Mystic King]] or [[Technic King]] with any bait other than [[Checkmate Cheese]] will cause the Hunter to be moved to the [[Seasonal Garden]].
 +
:*When either '''King''' is captured with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed, Hunters will remain in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] and can attempt to capture the [[Chess Master]].
 +
*[[Chess Master]]
 +
:*In order to attract the [[Chess Master]], Hunters '''must''' capture either a [[Mystic King]] or a [[Technic King]] with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed. Once either of those mice has been captured, Hunters may continue to hunt with [[Checkmate Cheese]] in order to capture the [[Chess Master]].
 +
:*Capturing the [[Chess Master]] will cause the Hunter to be moved to the [[Seasonal Garden]]
 +
.
 +
{| border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin:0 20px; text-align:center; border-collapse:collapse;" class="sortable"
 
|- bgcolor="#dddddd"
 
|- bgcolor="#dddddd"
  ! width="150px" | Mouse
+
  ! width="150px" align="left" | '''Mouse'''<br/>
  ! Points
+
  ! '''Points'''<br/>
  ! Gold
+
  ! '''Gold'''<br/>
  ! [[Mouse Group]]
+
  ! Decrease in<br />[[Tower Amplifier]]<br/>
 
  ! width="250px" class="unsortable" | Loot
 
  ! width="250px" class="unsortable" | Loot
  ! Decrease in<br />[[Tower Amplifier]]
+
|-
 +
  | align="left" | [[Mystic Pawn]]
 +
| 8,800
 +
| 890
 +
| 1%
 +
| align="left" |
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Mystic Knight]]
 +
| 19,060
 +
| 1,620
 +
| 3%
 +
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" | [[Mystic Bishop]]
 +
| 40,655
 +
| 900
 +
| 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]]
 +
|- valign="top"
 +
| 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]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Pawn]]
 
  | 7,200
 
  | 7,200
 
  | 1,090
 
  | 1,090
| Wizard's Pieces
 
|
 
| 1%
 
|-
 
| align="left" | [[Mystic Pawn]]
 
| 8,800
 
| 890
 
| Wizard's Pieces
 
|
 
 
  | 1%
 
  | 1%
 +
| align="left" |
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Knight]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Knight]]
 
  | 15,590
 
  | 15,590
 
  | 1,980
 
  | 1,980
| Wizard's Pieces
 
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
 
  | 3%
 
  | 3%
|-
 
| align="left" | [[Mystic Knight]]
 
| 19,060
 
| 1,620
 
| Wizard's Pieces
 
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
| 3%
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Bishop]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Bishop]]
 
  | 33,265
 
  | 33,265
 
  | 1,100
 
  | 1,100
| Wizard's Pieces
 
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
 
  | 3%
 
  | 3%
|-
 
| align="left" | [[Mystic Bishop]]
 
| 40,655
 
| 900
 
| Wizard's Pieces
 
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
| 3%
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Rook]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Rook]]
 
  | 59,400
 
  | 59,400
 
  | 2,785
 
  | 2,785
| Wizard's Pieces
 
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
 
  | 5%
 
  | 5%
|-
 
| align="left" | [[Mystic Rook]]
 
| 72,600
 
| 2,277
 
| Wizard's Pieces
 
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
| 5%
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Queen]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Technic Queen]]
 
  | 66,240
 
  | 66,240
 
  | 17,080
 
  | 17,080
| Wizard's Pieces
 
| align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
 
  | 9%
 
  | 9%
|-
 
| align="left" | [[Mystic Queen]]
 
| 80,960
 
| 13,970
 
| Wizard's Pieces
 
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Crystal Library Card]]
| 9%
 
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- 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%
 
|- valign="top"
 
| align="left" | [[Mystic King]]
 
| 98,670
 
| 8,560
 
| Wizard's Pieces
 
| align="left" | [[Hunting Research]] (10,000 points)<br />[[Mystic Crystal]]<br />[[Mystic Curd]]<br />[[Torn Mystic Page]]
 
 
  | 10%
 
  | 10%
 +
| align="left" | [[Droid Jetpack]]<br />[[Satchel of Gold]] '''(5,000)'''<br />[[Technic Cheese Mould]]<br />[[Torn Technic Page]]
 
|- valign="top"
 
|- valign="top"
  | align="left" | [[Chess Master]]
+
  | align="left" | [[Chess Master]]<br/>'''Requires [[Checkmate Cheese]]'''
 
  | 119,600
 
  | 119,600
 
  | 19,000
 
  | 19,000
  | Wizard's Pieces
+
  | N/A
 
  | align="left" | [[Ancient Relic]]<br/>[[Master Bindings]]<br />[[Zugzwang's Left Sock]]
 
  | align="left" | [[Ancient Relic]]<br/>[[Master Bindings]]<br />[[Zugzwang's Left Sock]]
|
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
== Hunting Strategy ==
+
===Mice with Special Requirements===  
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\>
+
*[[M400]] – This mouse will sometimes be available in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] when Hunters are actively working an [[M400 Hunting Research Assignment]]. It is attracted only to [[Fusion Fondue]] which will not attract any other mice. It drops a wide variety of loot.
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.
+
:*Catching the [[M400]] will have no effect on the [[Tower Amplifier]].
 +
 
 +
==Obtaining Checkmate Cheese==
 +
The primary source for [[Checkmate Cheese]] is crafting.  The [[Mystic King]] drops the required [[Mystic Curd]] and the [[Technic King]] drops the required [[Technic Cheese Mould]].
  
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]].
+
===3 Piece Recipe===
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.
+
Hunters must reach the rank of [[Lord|Lord or Lady]] before they can use this recipe.
  
=== Cheese Usage ===
+
{| width="600" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="float:left; margin:5px 20px 20px 20px; text-align:left; border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center;"
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\>
+
! colspan=4 | Formula: {{MHrecipe|checkmate_cheese_small|Checkmate Cheese (3 pieces)}}
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.
+
! colspan=2 | Recipe can be unlocked by:
 +
| colspan=2 | Capture a [[Mystic King]] mouse and a [[Technic King]] mouse
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" | Item
 +
! Item<br/>Qty
 +
! Item<br/>Cost
 +
! Item Source
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Mystic Curd]]  
 +
| <!--Qty-->1
 +
| <!--Cost--> N/A
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Mystic Curd}}
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Technic Cheese Mould]]
 +
| <!--Qty-->1
 +
| <!--Cost--> N/A
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Technic Cheese Mould}}
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Ionized Salt]]
 +
| <!--Qty-->12
 +
| <!--Cost--> 450<br/>(5,400 total)
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Ionized Salt}}
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Total || 5,400 gold || bgcolor="#dddddd" align="left" |'''Cost Per Piece: 1,800 gold'''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" bgcolor="#dddddd" |'''Recipe costs represent Shoppe prices only. The cost of items obtained through other sources will affect the total cost of crafting.'''
 +
|}
 +
{{-}}
 +
===9 Piece Recipe===
 +
Hunters must reach the rank of [[Lord|Lord or Lady]] before they can use this recipe.
  
===Adventure Book===
+
{| width="600" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" border="1" style="float:left; margin:5px 20px 20px 20px; text-align:left; border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center;"
Hunters can [[Capture the Mystic and Technic Kings]] by catching all the '''Technic''' and '''Mystic''' [[Wizard's Pieces]] mice to obtain the [[Sandtail Call to Arms]].
+
! colspan=4 | Formula: {{MHrecipe|checkmate_cheese_large|Checkmate Cheese (9 pieces)}}
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=2 | Recipe can be unlocked by:
 +
| colspan=2 | Capture a [[Mystic King]] mouse and a [[Technic King]] mouse
 +
|-
 +
! align="left" | Item
 +
! Item<br/>Qty
 +
! Item<br/>Cost
 +
! Item Source
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Mystic Curd]]
 +
| <!--Qty-->1
 +
| <!--Cost--> N/A
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Mystic Curd}}
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Technic Cheese Mould]]
 +
| <!--Qty-->1
 +
| <!--Cost--> N/A
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Technic Cheese Mould}}
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Magic Essence]]
 +
| <!--Qty-->6
 +
| <!--Cost--> N/A
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Magic Essence}}
 +
|-
 +
| align="left" |<!--Item-->[[Ionized Salt]]
 +
| <!--Qty-->12
 +
| <!--Cost--> 450<br/>(5,400 total)
 +
| align="left" |<!--Source-->{{Source/Ionized Salt}}
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Total || 5,400 gold || bgcolor="#dddddd" align="left" |'''Cost Per Piece: 600 gold'''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4"  bgcolor="#dddddd" |'''Recipe costs represent Shoppe prices only. The cost of items obtained through other sources will affect the total cost of crafting.'''
 +
|}
 +
{{-}}
  
Hunters can complete steps to [[Capture Zurreal the Eternal]] by catching the [[Chess Master ]] to charge an [[Uncharged Scholar Charm]] and obtain a [[Scholar Charm]].
+
== Hunting Strategy ==
 +
'''WARNING:  Leaving [[Zugzwang's Tower]] will cause the [[Tower Amplifier]] to lose all of its charge.'''
  
=== Hunting Tips by Larry ===
+
Hunters will  have difficulty capturing the stronger mice found in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] without fully charging their [[Tower Amplifier]] by capturing mice in the [[Seasonal Garden]].
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.
+
The mice found in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] are all part of the [[Chess Pieces]] group and are weak only to [[Tactical]] weapons.  
  
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.
+
[[Standard Cheese]] and {{SB}} will attract all mice found in this location, except the [[Chess Master]], which requires [[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'''.
  
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!
+
Hunters must catch a specific number of each type of mouse within the '''Technic''' or '''Mystic''' group before the next type of mouse within the group is added to the mouse population.<br/>
 +
*Hunters must capture '''8 Pawns''' of one type to encounter '''Knights''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Knights''' of one type to encounter '''Bishops''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Bishops''' of one type to encounter '''Rooks''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''2 Rooks''' of one type to encounter '''Queens''' of the same type.
 +
*Hunters must capture '''1 Queen''' of one type to encounter the '''King''' of the same type.
 +
*Capturing a '''King''' with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed will allow Hunters to encounter the [[Chess Master]].
 +
*Hunters must arm [[Checkmate Cheese]] to encounter the [[Chess Master]].
  
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.
+
Every catch of a mouse in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] will reduce the charge of the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] from 1% to 10%, depending on the mouse captured.<br/>
 +
Every '''Failure To Attract''' a mouse will reduce the charge of the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] by 3%.<br/>
 +
Failing to catch a mouse will have no effect on the [[Tower Amplifier]]'s charge.
  
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.
+
Exiting [[Zugzwang's Tower]], by traveling or catching a '''King''' or the [[Chess Master]], will reset the Hunter's progress and completely drain the [[Tower Amplifier]] of its charge. Reaching '''0%''' on the [[Tower Amplifier]] does not transport the Hunter out of [[Zugzwang's Tower]], but Hunters will be unable to capture any mice.  
  
==== Banner Tips ====
+
===Single and Double Runs===
Everytime you hunt in the tower, your amplifier will go down making your trap less powerful.<br/>
+
The terms used here reflect player usage.  They describe ways in which Hunters can make [[Zugzwang's Tower]] more challenging.  
Leaving the tower will reset it to zero!
 
  
These are the Technic mice you have caught since entering the tower.<br/>
+
A '''Single Run''' requires catching all the mice of either the '''Mystic''' or '''Technic''' group. Catching the '''King''' will return the Hunter to the [[Seasonal Garden]] and will reset the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] to 0%.
The mice must be caught in this order: Pawn, Knight, Bishop, Rook, Queen, King.
 
  
These are the Mystic mice you have caught thus far.<br/>
+
A '''Single Run with [[Chess Master]]''' requires catching all the mice of either the '''Mystic''' or '''Technic''' group '''and''' capturing the [[Chess Master]]. Hunters '''must''' capture a [[Technic King]] or [[Mystic King]] with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed to prevent being moved to the [[Seasonal Garden]]. Catching the [[Chess Master]], which is attracted only to [[Checkmate Cheese]],  will return the Hunter to the [[Seasonal Garden]] and will reset the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] to 0%.
Capturing either a Technic or Mystic King resets your progress and moves you back to the Seasonal Garden.
 
  
Watch your amplifier! As it drops, so will your trap power.<br/>
+
A '''Double Run''' requires catching all the mice of both the '''Mystic''' and '''Technic''' groups. Hunter's will need to capture the first '''King''' with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed to prevent being moved to the [[Seasonal Garden]]. Catching the second '''King''' will return the Hunter to the [[Seasonal Garden]] and will reset the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] to 0%.
Good luck, and be sure to shout Checkmate when you capture a King!
 
  
==Location-Specific Effects==
+
A '''Double Run with [[Chess Master]]''' requires catching all the mice of both the '''Mystic''' and '''Technic''' groups '''and''' capturing the [[Chess Master]]. Hunters '''must''' capture a [[Technic King]] and [[Mystic King]] with [[Checkmate Cheese]] armed to prevent being moved to the [[Seasonal Garden]]. Catching the [[Chess Master]], which is attracted only to [[Checkmate Cheese]],  will return the Hunter to the [[Seasonal Garden]] and will reset the Hunter's [[Tower Amplifier]] to 0%.
  
===Charms===
+
===Location-Specific Effects===
 +
====Charms====
 
* The [[Uncharged Scholar Charm]] must be charged by catching a [[Chess Master Mouse]] in Zugzwang's Tower. Doing so results in a [[Scholar Charm]] which can be used to attract [[Zurreal the Eternal]] in the [[Crystal Library]].
 
* The [[Uncharged Scholar Charm]] must be charged by catching a [[Chess Master Mouse]] in Zugzwang's Tower. Doing so results in a [[Scholar Charm]] which can be used to attract [[Zurreal the Eternal]] in the [[Crystal Library]].
 
* The [[Rook Crumble Charm]] provides a 300% power bonus against [[Mystic Rook]] and [[Technic Rook]] mice.
 
* The [[Rook Crumble Charm]] provides a 300% power bonus against [[Mystic Rook]] and [[Technic Rook]] mice.
  
===Traps===
+
====Traps====
 
* The [[Mystic Pawn Pincher]] increases attraction of [[Mystic Pawn]] mice and decreases attraction of [[Technic Pawn]] mice.  The [[Mystic Pawn Pincher]]  also has increased effectiveness against [[Mystic Pawn]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Technic Pawn]] mice.
 
* The [[Mystic Pawn Pincher]] increases attraction of [[Mystic Pawn]] mice and decreases attraction of [[Technic Pawn]] mice.  The [[Mystic Pawn Pincher]]  also has increased effectiveness against [[Mystic Pawn]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Technic Pawn]] mice.
 
* The [[Technic Pawn Pincher]] increases attraction of [[Technic Pawn]] mice and decreases attraction of [[Mystic Pawn]] mice.  The [[Technic Pawn Pincher]] also has increased effectiveness against [[Technic Pawn]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Mystic Pawn]] mice.
 
* The [[Technic Pawn Pincher]] increases attraction of [[Technic Pawn]] mice and decreases attraction of [[Mystic Pawn]] mice.  The [[Technic Pawn Pincher]] also has increased effectiveness against [[Technic Pawn]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Mystic Pawn]] mice.
 
* The [[Blackstone Pass Trap]] has increased effectiveness against [[Mystic]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Technic]] mice.
 
* The [[Blackstone Pass Trap]] has increased effectiveness against [[Mystic]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Technic]] mice.
 +
:*The [[Mystic Crystal]], required for crafting this trap, is dropped as loot by the [[Mystic King]].
 
* The [[Obvious Ambush Trap]] has increased effectiveness against [[Technic]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Mystic]] mice.
 
* The [[Obvious Ambush Trap]] has increased effectiveness against [[Technic]] mice and decreased effectiveness against [[Mystic]] mice.
 +
:*The [[Droid Jetpack]], required for crafting this trap, is dropped as loot by the [[Technic King]].
 +
 +
===[[Adventure Book]]===
 +
*Hunters can [[Capture the Mystic and Technic Kings]] by catching all the '''Technic''' and '''Mystic''' [[Wizard's Pieces]] mice to obtain the [[Sandtail Call to Arms]].
 +
:*The [[Sandtail Call to Arms]] is required for travelling to the [[Fiery Warpath]].
 +
*Hunters can complete steps to [[Capture Zurreal the Eternal]] by catching the [[Chess Master ]] to charge an [[Uncharged Scholar Charm]] and obtain a [[Scholar Charm]].
 +
 +
===[[Library Assignments]]===
 +
*[[Zugzwang Research]] - These assignments require Hunters to complete tasks in [[Zugzwang's Tower]].
 +
:*[[Seasonal Garden Assignment]]
 +
:*[[Mystic King Assignment]]
 +
:*[[Technic King Assignment]]
 +
*[[Advanced Zugzwang Research]] - These assignments require Hunters to complete tasks in [[Zugzwang's Tower]].
 +
:*[[Advanced Amplifier Assignment]]
 +
:*[[Mystic Amplifier Assignment]]
 +
:*[[Technic Amplifier Assignment]]
 +
*[[M400 Hunting Research Assignment]] -  This assignment may require capturing the [[M400]] in [[Zugzwang's Tower]].
 +
 +
===[[Tournaments]]===
 +
[[Zugzwang's Tower]] mice are worth points during some [[Tournaments]].
 +
 +
===[[Treasure Map]]s===
 +
Mice in [[Zugzwang's Tower]] are often found on [[Zugzwang Treasure Map]]s and [[Relic Hunter Treasure Map]]s.<br/>
 +
 +
=== 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. 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.
 +
 +
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.
 +
 +
==History and Trivia==
 +
*'''26 August 2010:''' [[Zugzwang's Tower]] was introduced.
 +
*[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 ==
 
== Links ==
* [[Trap Setup Options for Zugzwang's Tower]]
 
 
* [http://pics.livejournal.com/camomiletea/pic/001d1fce.jpg Banner image]
 
* [http://pics.livejournal.com/camomiletea/pic/001d1fce.jpg Banner image]
* [http://i.imgur.com/W7eJg.jpg Flowchart of Seasonal Garden and Zugzwang's Tower]
 
  
 
{{location}}
 
{{location}}

Revision as of 20:29, 17 May 2016

WARNING: Leaving Zugzwang's Tower will cause the Tower Amplifier to lose all of its charge.
Hunters in Zugzwang's Tower who capture the Technic King or Mystic King without Checkmate Cheese armed, or Chess Master with Checkmate Cheese armed, will be moved to the Seasonal Garden.

Zugzwang's Tower
Region: Rodentia
Minimum Rank: Lord/Lady
Travel Requirement: Zugzwang's Tower Key
Required Power Type: Tactical
Number of Mice: 13
Shops: None
Lose Gold: Yes
Lose Points: Yes
Lose Cheese: Yes
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

WARNING: Leaving Zugzwang's Tower will cause the Tower Amplifier to lose all of its charge.

Zugzwang's Tower is a Chess themed location in the Rodentia region requiring a minimum rank of Lord or Lady and the Zugzwang's Tower Key to enter.

Mice found in Zugzwang's Tower are part of the Wizard's Pieces group and are weak to Tactical weapons.

Hunters rely on the Tower Amplifier's charge to give their Tactical traps the needed power to capture the mice found in this location. Each hunt within Zugzwang's Tower reduces the Hunter's Amplifier charge and reduces the power of their trap set-up.

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.

Encountering Mice

The mice found in Zugzwang's Tower are divided into a Technic group and a Mystic group and the mice within the groups become available in a specific order.
Example: All Mystic mice of a specific type must be captured before the next type of Mystic mouse can be encountered. Pawns of both types can be encountered immediately upon entering Zugzwang's Tower.

Order of encounter

Hunters must catch a specific number of each type of mouse within the Technic or Mystic group before the next type of mouse within the group is added to the mouse population.

  • Hunters must capture 8 Pawns of one type to encounter Knights of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Knights of one type to encounter Bishops of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Bishops of one type to encounter Rooks of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Rooks of one type to encounter Queens of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 1 Queen of one type to encounter the King of the same type.
  • Capturing a King with Checkmate Cheese armed will allow Hunters to encounter the Chess Master.
  • Hunters must arm Checkmate Cheese to encounter the Chess Master.

Tower Amplifier

WARNING: Leaving Zugzwang's Tower will cause the Tower Amplifier to lose all of its charge.

Catching mice in the Seasonal Garden charges the Hunter's Tower Amplifier. A fully charged Tower Amplifier is necessary for Hunters to have the best chance of capturing the most powerful mice found in Zugzwang's Tower. Hunters can travel to Zugzwang's Tower with an Amplifier that is not fully charge, but this will reduce the likelihood of catching the strongest mice found here.

Hunters ranked Lord or Lady can charge their Amplifier to 150%.
Hunters ranked Baron or Baroness can charge their Amplifier to 160%.
Hunters ranked Count or Countess and above can charge their Amplifier to 175%.

Every catch of a mouse in Zugzwang's Tower will reduce the charge of the Hunter's Tower Amplifier from 1% to 10%, depending on the mouse captured.
Every Failure To Attract a mouse will reduce the charge of the Hunter's Tower Amplifier by 3%.
Failing to catch a mouse will have no effect on the Tower Amplifier's charge.

Exiting Zugzwang's Tower, by traveling or catching a King or the Chess Master, will reset the Hunter's progress and completely drain the Tower Amplifier of its charge. Reaching 0% on the Tower Amplifier does not transport the Hunter out of Zugzwang's Tower, but Hunters will be unable to capture any mice.

Journal Entries

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.

Zugzwang's Tower HUD

The Heads-Up Display in Zugzwang's Tower shows the Hunter's current Amplifier charge, the maximum charge available to the Hunter, and the progress with the Technic and Mystic groups of mice.

Mousing over the Tower Amplifier reveals the following message:

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!

Mousing over the Technic status display reveals the following message:

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.

Mousing over the Mystic status display reveals the following message:

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.

Zugzwang's Tower Mice

Mice in Zugzwang's Tower are all members of the Wizard's Pieces and are weak only to Tactical weapons.
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.

Order of Encounter

Hunters must catch a specific number of each type of mouse within the Technic or Mystic group before the next type of mouse within the group is added to the mouse population.

  • Hunters must capture 8 Pawns of one type to encounter Knights of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Knights of one type to encounter Bishops of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Bishops of one type to encounter Rooks of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Rooks of one type to encounter Queens of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 1 Queen of one type to encounter the King of the same type.
  • Mystic King and Technic King

.

Mouse
Points
Gold
Decrease in
Tower 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)
Technic Cheese Mould
Torn Technic Page
Chess Master
Requires Checkmate Cheese
119,600 19,000 N/A Ancient Relic
Master Bindings
Zugzwang's Left Sock

Mice with Special Requirements

Obtaining Checkmate Cheese

The primary source for Checkmate Cheese is crafting. The Mystic King drops the required Mystic Curd and the Technic King drops the required Technic Cheese Mould.

3 Piece Recipe

Hunters must reach the rank of Lord or Lady before they can use this recipe.

Formula: Checkmate Cheese (3 pieces)
Recipe can be unlocked by: Capture a Mystic King mouse and a Technic King mouse
Item Item
Qty
Item
Cost
Item Source
Mystic Curd 1 N/A
Technic Cheese Mould 1 N/A
Ionized Salt 12 450
(5,400 total)
Total 5,400 gold Cost Per Piece: 1,800 gold
Recipe costs represent Shoppe prices only. The cost of items obtained through other sources will affect the total cost of crafting.

9 Piece Recipe

Hunters must reach the rank of Lord or Lady before they can use this recipe.

Formula: Checkmate Cheese (9 pieces)
Recipe can be unlocked by: Capture a Mystic King mouse and a Technic King mouse
Item Item
Qty
Item
Cost
Item Source
Mystic Curd 1 N/A
Technic Cheese Mould 1 N/A
Magic Essence 6 N/A
  • Loot when opened:
  • Loot when used:
Ionized Salt 12 450
(5,400 total)
Total 5,400 gold Cost Per Piece: 600 gold
Recipe costs represent Shoppe prices only. The cost of items obtained through other sources will affect the total cost of crafting.

Hunting Strategy

WARNING: Leaving Zugzwang's Tower will cause the Tower Amplifier to lose all of its charge.

Hunters will have difficulty capturing the stronger mice found in Zugzwang's Tower without fully charging their Tower Amplifier by capturing mice in the Seasonal Garden.

The mice found in Zugzwang's Tower are all part of the Chess Pieces group and are weak only to Tactical weapons.

Standard Cheese and SUPER|brie+ will attract all mice found in this location, except the Chess Master, which requires 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.

Hunters must catch a specific number of each type of mouse within the Technic or Mystic group before the next type of mouse within the group is added to the mouse population.

  • Hunters must capture 8 Pawns of one type to encounter Knights of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Knights of one type to encounter Bishops of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Bishops of one type to encounter Rooks of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 2 Rooks of one type to encounter Queens of the same type.
  • Hunters must capture 1 Queen of one type to encounter the King of the same type.
  • Capturing a King with Checkmate Cheese armed will allow Hunters to encounter the Chess Master.
  • Hunters must arm Checkmate Cheese to encounter the Chess Master.

Every catch of a mouse in Zugzwang's Tower will reduce the charge of the Hunter's Tower Amplifier from 1% to 10%, depending on the mouse captured.
Every Failure To Attract a mouse will reduce the charge of the Hunter's Tower Amplifier by 3%.
Failing to catch a mouse will have no effect on the Tower Amplifier's charge.

Exiting Zugzwang's Tower, by traveling or catching a King or the Chess Master, will reset the Hunter's progress and completely drain the Tower Amplifier of its charge. Reaching 0% on the Tower Amplifier does not transport the Hunter out of Zugzwang's Tower, but Hunters will be unable to capture any mice.

Single and Double Runs

The terms used here reflect player usage. They describe ways in which Hunters can make Zugzwang's Tower more challenging.

A Single Run requires catching all the mice of either the Mystic or Technic group. Catching the King will return the Hunter to the Seasonal Garden and will reset the Hunter's Tower Amplifier to 0%.

A Single Run with Chess Master requires catching all the mice of either the Mystic or Technic group and capturing the Chess Master. Hunters must capture a Technic King or Mystic King with Checkmate Cheese armed to prevent being moved to the Seasonal Garden. Catching the Chess Master, which is attracted only to Checkmate Cheese, will return the Hunter to the Seasonal Garden and will reset the Hunter's Tower Amplifier to 0%.

A Double Run requires catching all the mice of both the Mystic and Technic groups. Hunter's will need to capture the first King with Checkmate Cheese armed to prevent being moved to the Seasonal Garden. Catching the second King will return the Hunter to the Seasonal Garden and will reset the Hunter's Tower Amplifier to 0%.

A Double Run with Chess Master requires catching all the mice of both the Mystic and Technic groups and capturing the Chess Master. Hunters must capture a Technic King and Mystic King with Checkmate Cheese armed to prevent being moved to the Seasonal Garden. Catching the Chess Master, which is attracted only to Checkmate Cheese, will return the Hunter to the Seasonal Garden and will reset the Hunter's Tower Amplifier to 0%.

Location-Specific Effects

Charms

Traps

Adventure Book

Library Assignments

Tournaments

Zugzwang's Tower mice are worth points during some Tournaments.

Treasure Maps

Mice in Zugzwang's Tower are often found on Zugzwang Treasure Maps and Relic Hunter Treasure Maps.

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. 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.

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.

History and Trivia

  • 26 August 2010: Zugzwang's Tower was introduced.
  • 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


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
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