I also 100% fudge the rules sometimes too. There was a point early on where I was told a traveler had information for me; located south, on the shore. I searched the entire region and couldn't find anything for a literal hour. Turns out I had a 50/50 chance of drawing the right card on the shore and I had no idea. When I discovered this, I just said screw that and found the "correct" card. Their core of the game is 9/10 for me but their storytelling and inner works of the Story/missions needs work
Basically the same thing happened to me - but the correct card was already banished. Couldn't figure out where I messed up, and decided to look through my banished cards after doing the wrong thing for ages. Bent the rules - was able to talk to the person, and moved forward in my adventure
Regarding Tom’s mention of the quest where you failed on a card draw, if it’s the drums one where you’re looking for the guy repairing the bridge, it isn’t over if you fail on the draw. You can keep searching and retry on each new bridge spot terrain you find. I think I finally lucked into finding the guy after like 4 pulls.
Tom nailed it. I had original KS with all exp and stuff and i have to say it's too much for a board game. I really enjoy the TTS mod for it and would put my money if it gets implemented on ipad