Ye Olde Inn

I understand all that, but it wasn't really my question... Unless you're saying EU rules can't be implemented onto the US game system, only vice versa. And I understand and respect that if that's how you view it.
But looking at the discussion and everyone's thoughts, we all seem to play a version with rules from each.
So I ask again: at what point does the game become more American or more European? I play with multiple body points for monsters and Chaos spells, and the heroes can sell stuff back to the armory. However I'm also using g European equipment and Treasure cards, as well as counting traps secret doors as 1 search.
Is the determining factor which version of the board I have? I have one of each...

wallydubbs wrote:I understand all that, but it wasn't really my question... Unless you're saying EU rules can't be implemented onto the US game system, only vice versa. And I understand and respect that if that's how you view it.
But looking at the discussion and everyone's thoughts, we all seem to play a version with rules from each.
So I ask again: at what point does the game become more American or more European? I play with multiple body points for monsters and Chaos spells, and the heroes can sell stuff back to the armory. However I'm also using g European equipment and Treasure cards, as well as counting traps secret doors as 1 search.
Is the determining factor which version of the board I have? I have one of each...

Yeah, I'm not really sure. I THINK I'm playing more NA, but maybe that is just because I play with a NA Heroquest. But the set we play with at my brother's is my original EU set. It has been so long that I actually consulted either rule book, coz I just know what I'm doing now. I don't think it really matters as long as everyone playing is happy with their version. But I think you are right, most people tend to play with a mix plus their own house rules. That is certainly me.

Of course NA is adaptable to UK and vice versa. They are the same game. There is only one Heroquest. The Americans just increased one number on the monster cards, and clarified the instances in the original game rules that were were a bit vague. It’s one single game system, just with a tiny bit more fleshing out in the American version.

I found this topic to be very helpful in fleshing out some of the differences between the American and European versions of the game: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2721

Some of the differences I wasn't even aware of, but I was able to mark out which rules I go by under different aspects and which rules I play most often.
In some cases, such as each hero gets to search a room once, I have house rules that completely override the text in both versions.
The are instances, usually in regards to potions, the NA rules win by default because the EU version, apparently, makes no mention of it.
Some rules I find the middle ground in: in EU when traps are identified they're placed on the board, but only pointed out in the NA rules. I generally mark them with a skull tile when the heroes identify them. Also the Dwarf goes by American rules in trap disarm, unless he buys a Toolkit, at which point I defer to EU rules.

So I checked through and found that I follow 7 European rules to 18 NA. In 4 cases I do neither and 2 I follow both. So I play the game 70% North American.

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and am an NA Heroquester! I agree that the card art/design is far superior in the UK versions as the NA counterparts simply look unfinished by comparison. I've also wondered why the Wizard was severely nerfed in the NA version as well since his spells are less effective and the upgrade gear is found as artifacts in later quests rather than a gold purchase. Thoughts on why this happened to the noble Wizard?

ajjohnsen wrote:Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and am an NA Heroquester! I agree that the card art/design is far superior in the UK versions as the NA counterparts simply look unfinished by comparison. I've also wondered why the Wizard was severely nerfed in the NA version as well since his spells are less effective and the upgrade gear is found as artifacts in later quests rather than a gold purchase. Thoughts on why this happened to the noble Wizard?

Asides from the NA rules that a Wizard must be able to see a hero or monster when casting a spell on them, I really don't think the spells are less effective. Although I partook in the debate over the effects of NA Courage, I still maintain that it has a lasting effect and is thus stronger.

Although it is a bit of a let down that the Wizard can't really buy most of the equipment, the gold is more distributable among the other 3 heroes.
I actually prefer the Wizard's Cloak over the Cloak of Protection as it's magically befitting that only a Wizard can wear it, to the other heroes it's just a piece of cloth. Cloak of Protection doesn't offer the same presumption.

Then there's the bracers, which, I agree would be much more beneficial to the Wizard. To max the Wizard out with 3 defense dice (not counting spells or potions) seems absurd, especially in the Barbarian and Elf quest packs. But then again, why can't the other heroes wear them?

Even though it makes things a little harder, I prefer 1 attack dice on the staff. I like the diagonal reach to it, but you gotta hit someone pretty damn hard with that thin piece of wood to get a kill shot. Making it just as deadly as a short sword seems wrong.
So when the Wizard's Staff is found, the Wizard can now confidently attack goblins.
He wasn't meant to be a fighter, but lend assistance with spell casting abilities. Having artifacts specifically designed to him for inarguable reasons makes the Wizard player feel he/she can make more of a difference.

I do agree that the Wizard is underpowered, but I don't think the changes made by the NA version are unreasonable; in fact the NA version is supposed to be more difficult and thus more fun.

However there are some home-made methods that can beef up the Wizard:
1.)Increasing his Mind Points (like with the Talisman of Lore) you could add an extra set of spells to his arsenal.
2.) Require die roll for Mind Points when a hero attempts to cast a spell scroll. There's a degree of failure from all the other heroes, but the Wizard will always succeed.
3.) Allow the Wizard to locate Magical Traps when Searching for Traps (Wizards of Morcar).
4.)Once per quest allow the Wizard to enchant regular daggers into becoming Magical Throwing Daggers. He must give up one spell and the dagger will remain enchanted for the duration of the quest.
5.) Other members of the community have created various artifact cards, some of which can be used by the Wizard. Seek them out if you wish.

I do feel there should be more helpful artifacts for the Wizard, as he would need some upgrades in the later quests. I'm sure something this would've been implemented in the Wizard's Quest Pack, had it made it to stores.

Thanks for the detailed and thoughtful reply. I see your point on the realism of wooden staff being as deadly as a short sword; doesn't seem too real. Rockskin only adds 1 extra die for defense in the NA version as opposed to 2 in the UK, but mostly I can see why they made these changes if looking through an "increase difficulty" lens. Making the wizard a casting beast that can melt everything out the gates would hinder the initial game phase and probably sap the fun by being too easy.

I do like your ideas of adding new rules/mechanics to the later stages of the game to "buff" the Wizard while not making him OP. I will definitely try these out and look for more resources on this site too.

Thanks again for your input, it is greatly appreciated!