How come there is no effect for the "Broken Tablet" chaos token? Is this a mistake?

Edit: There is no "Broken Tablet" or "Elder Thing" chaos token when you start the campaign, these might be added during the campaign.

This seems to be a staple in many protector decks, but truly this card is better used by evasive characters who can disengage or use teleportation cards (such as Elusive or Survival Instinct ) to launch Dynamite from an adjacent room.

While it certainly feels heroic to use Zoey or Roland to draw aggro then blow themselves up, it's often detrimental to the party's success to willingly subject them to 3 damage. Sure, it can sometimes save the scenario, but just as often it can place your best monster-hunter on death's doorstep.

It's far more effective to place it in the decks of the swifter investigators who have resources to spare (Skids, Jenny, Rex) and let them play with the explosives. If the enemies survive then the protectors job is to come back in the room and do clean up.

Under the 'Asset Card' section of the rules it states if an asset card has health and/or sanity the investigator may assign some, or all, damage to it. This means if the investigator has other cards to soak damage, or is willing to take some damage themselves, the guard dog could do up to 3 damage to attacking enemies.

Be aware that most cards that boost damage either require 'Fight' or an attack, these will not boost the damage of guard dog.

We're one core set and one deluxe expansion into this LCG and already certain paradigms are taking shape. Certain classes (like Guardian, or Seeker) are well equipped to focus on a specific task (monster hunting, clue seeking) and corner that task completely. Other classes, like Mystics, are not as clear. Cards like Scrying and Clarity of Mind suggest that magic can be used specifically to support your group by watching their backs, but there are alternative uses to mysticism.

Rite of Seeking and Shrivelling do something different, they can turn Mystics into makeshift clue hoovers or damage dealers. They won't be able to take on the role forever due to the limited charges, but in the meantime you can have Jim quickly suck up clues in low shroud places while Rex tackles the darker locations, or you can have Agnes pierce the mysteries that Roland Banks cannot.

Of course the card comes stacked with downsides that trip it up. First of all its expensive, and it takes an action to play it as an asset so the 'extra clue per investigate' isn't as strong as it sounds. If you're using this just to try and hoover up clues quickly you're trading 4 resources for 2 clues. Furthermore if you search multiple times in your turn (or as first or second action for any reason really) you risk triggering the end of your turn, which further adds to the chance that you will rob yourself of the action economy you're trying to save.

That being said if you're awash in resources, really need to move quickly, want to stay away from a dangerous clue ridden location, or need help piercing that 4 shroud location Rite of Seeking will allow you to get those difficult to grab clues. Probably the best use however is just allowing you to nab clues at the end of your turn while doing something productive with your other 2 actions. Combined with Drawn to the Flame you can those last sticky clues and make sure your team is done with the act before the threats really begin to mount.

Duke is a good doggie. An issue I have found is that investigator specific cards only being a one per deck means that the likely hood of drawing even after a hard mulligan is low. Duke mitigates this by starting in play.

The obvious points here is that Duke shores up "Ashcan" Pete's weaknesses, books and fists. However the best part of Duke is his fetch ability, moving then investigating. This action economy is increadibly useful, especially in solo play.

Solo play is where Duke and "Ashcan" Pete thrive. As noted he starts in play so "Ashcan" Pete is ready to roll turn one as you don't have time to get set up playing solo.

Some card synergies. The full range of neutral skill cards as Duke can't carry helpful items to boost skill checks and card draw. Rabbit's Foot, Scavenging and upgraded Lucky! for dog tucker. Ritual Candles also help with increasing chances for success without additional weapons.

Get out there and play fetch!