HeroQuest Gold

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#6 Lack of weapon upgrades for Barbarian - RESOLVED

Problem statement: As the Barbarian effectively starts with a Broadsword he has only one weapon upgrade step for advancement (aside from missile weapons). If unarmed he has the same stats as the others OR he is more effective when unarmed than when armed with a shortsword. Barbarian armed with a Staff has the same attack stats as Wizard armed with Staff! And once all Heroes (excluding the Wizard) reached their maximum weapon upgrades the Barbarian's initial combat 'bonus' has disappeared.

Proposed changes:
1. Port the Longsword from NA edition
2. Replace Barbarian's (virtual) starting weapon with same as Dwarf and Elf
3. Distinguish his enhanced combat ability with a special ability like the Dwarf's Trap ability and the other two spell casting ability

Discussion topic: combat house rules - counterattack and barbarian berserk

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.8] - 2023-05-02 - Fixed Problem #6

### Added

- Scrolls (Equipment Cards: New): Ported Longsword from NA edition (with a couple of text changes to align to SE style)

- Rulebook (Book of Heroes): Added a new section "Special Abilities" to cover the "Battle Rage", "Trap Master" and "Spellcaster" abilities, moved Dwarf disarm trap rules into this section and Wizard and Elf 'Choosing Spells' rules

###Changed
- Scrolls (Character Card: Barbarian): Changed starting weapon to Short sword, added Special Ability: "Battle Rage"
- Scrolls (Character Card: Elf): Added Special Ability: "Spellcaster" for consistency
- Scrolls (Character Card: Wizard): Added Special Ability: "Spellcaster" for consistency
- Scrolls (Character Card: Dwarf): Added Special Ability: "Trap Master" for consistency
- Scrolls (Mercenary Card: Scout): Added Special Ability: "Trap Master" for consistency

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#7 Wizard’s use of Borin’s Armour and the Spirit Blade - RESOLVED

Problem statement: Neither of these Quest Treasure’s contain the usual ‘cannot be used by Wizard’ but Borin’s armour is Plate armour in its mundane form and the Spirit Blade is a Broadsword. The Wizard cannot use either Plate armour or the Broadsword

Proposed changes: Either just add the usual ‘cannot be used by Wizard’ to those two Quest Treasure Cards OR introduce a new label for weapons (and armour) of “Basic” and state that the Wizard can only use weapons (and armour) that has the “basic” label

Discussion topic:
Incorrectly Played Rules

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.5] - 2023-04-29 - Fixed Problem #7

### Changed
- Scrolls (Quest Treasure Cards: All): Updated to reflect new Weapon and Armour labelling as per the Equipment Cards and the additional label of 'Artefact'

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#8 Crossbow targeting diagonals - RESOLVED

Problem statement: The rules forbid the use of crossbows on targets that are adjacent you, but aren't clear around whether the crossbow can be used on targets that are diagonal to you and whether you can use a crossbow on a target far away from you, if you have a monster on an adjacent sqaure.

Proposed changes: Change the text to state that you cannot use missile weapons (includes throwing throwing weapons) if you have a monster on any of the squares next to you.

Discussion: Crossbow Argument

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.6] - 2023-04-30 - Fixed Problem #8

### Changed

- Scrolls (Equipment Cards: Crossbow): Change the text to remove the rule around adjacent as this is a general rule applied to missile weapons not specifically the crossbow

- Rulebook (Book of Combat): Change the rules on missile weapon use: You cannot use a missile weapon if you have a monster on a square next to you

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#9 Seeing versus LOS - RESOLVED

Problem statement: the rules suggest that there is a difference between the rules for seeing/LOS for missile attacks (including some spells) and seeing/LOS in general around ‘what can be seen’ what is laid out on the board but the rest of the document isn’t clear on exactly which rules are being referred to.

Proposed changes: Clarify seeing/LOS rules around missile attacks, clarify seeing/LOS rules used elsewhere, make the difference between the two clear, then apply this consistency to the rest of the rulebook.

Discussion: Is "see" the same thing as "line of sight?"

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.7] - 2023-05-01 - Fixed Problem #9

### Changed

- Rulebook (Book of Exploration): Modified "What can be seen?" text as follows: What can be seen?
Deciding what can be seen by a hero is particularly important in deciding what should be placed onto the board.

Characters can see:
• All squares in the room or passageway that they are currently in
• All squares in a room or passageway that they are adjacent to
• All squares that they have line of sight to.

A line of sight exists if you can trace an unobstructed straight line between the centre of the two squares. If the line passes through a wall or a closed door, then no line of sight exists and the contents of the square is not visible.

- Rulebook (Book of Combat): Missile attacks can be made against characters provided that a clear line of sight exists between the attacker and the target. A clear line of sight exists if you can trace an unobstructed straight line between the centre of the attacker's square and the centre of the target's square. If that line passes through a wall or a closed door, then no line of sight exists. If the line passes through a square occupied by another figure then the line of sight is blocked and the attack cannot be made.
- Rulebook (Book of Spell Casting): Spells with a LOS label need a clear line of sight to be present between the caster and the target.
- Rulebook (Book of Play): Modified text in italics: As the heroes move, they will discover more of the board. The Evil Wizard player will place onto the board anything that the heroes can see. Therefore, when a hero opens a closed door, they must pause to give the Evil Wizard player the chance to consult the Quest map and place onto the board anything that is shown for that room or passageway
- Rulebook (Book of Exploration): Modified text in italics to cover blocked squares, bookcases and cupboards, under "What can be seen" and a comment that Blocked sqaures block line of sight to "Blocked Squares" section
- Rulebook (Book of Combat): Modified text to "Missile Weapons" section to cover blocked squares, bookcases and cupboards
- Rulebook (Book of Quest Design): Modified text to "Placing Furniture" section: The Fireplace must be placed against a wall

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#10 Furniture blocking movement - RESOLVED

Problem statement: There is no rule that states that you cannot move through furniture, although there is a rule that says you can’t end your movement on an occupied square so does furniture block movement or not?

The function of furniture in HeroQuest (aside from just looking pretty which it achieves very well indeed) is to change the shape of a room. The board has various rooms of different shapes and sizes but they are none-the-less fixed, however a Quest designer can use furniture placement to control and limit movement, effectively changing the shape of the room. This is an important 'tool' for Quest design and modifying this rule may break a number of Quests.

Proposed changes: either add a rule that you cannot move through furniture or add rules that allow you to move through furniture, possibly with an associated penalty.

Discussion:
Walking over furniture
Incorrectly Played Rules

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.7] - 2023-05-01 - Fixed Problem #10

### Changed

- Rulebook (Book of Exploration): Changed the following text for clarification: When moving characters may not • move, move onto or move through furniture pieces

### Removed

- Rulebook (Book of Searching): Removed text as this is now redundant: "Monsters may not move treasure chests."

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#11 Door blocking - RESOLVED

Problem statement: Whilst "door blocking" is a valid tactical option, it is too effective and imbalances the game

Proposed changes:
Equip all goblins with spears as standard so they can attack diagonally. Skeletons scythes to allow diagonal attacks. More Monsters with missile weapons.
Introduce a push back rules (see push back thread below for details)

When attacking an enemy on an adjacent square and the attack roll shows at least one then the attacker may choose to push the defender back one square onto any square that the defender could validly move to with a single point of movement, if there are no valid squares then the attacker may exchange the squares occupied by the attacking and defending figures. If the attacker chooses to push back, then they must move into the now unoccupied square. If the attack kills the enemy, then the pushback isn’t relevant but the option to follow up into the now unoccupied square remains.

Notes:
• Larger monsters with the "Rock Solid" attribute require at least to be rolled to push them back
• You cannot push back an opponent that is in a pit
• You cannot push back an opponent if you are in a pit

Add "Rock Solid" attribute to Chaos Warrior, Gargoyle, Ogres, possibly even Mummy and Fimir

Discussion: Houserule: Push Back

Optional Modular Rules

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.7] - 2023-05-01 - Fixed Problem #11

### Added

- Rulebook (Book of Combat): Added Push Back Rule: When attacking an enemy on an adjacent square and the attack roll shows at least one then the attacker may choose to push the defender back one square onto any square that the defender could validly move to with a single point of movement, if there are no valid squares then the attacker may exchange the squares occupied by the attacking and defending figures. If the attacker chooses to push back, then they must move into the now unoccupied square. If the attack kills the enemy, then the pushback isn’t relevant but the option to follow up into the now unoccupied square remains.
Notes:
• Larger monsters with the "Rock Solid" attribute require at least to be rolled to push them back
• You cannot push back an opponent that is in a pit
• You cannot push back an opponent if you are in a pit
- Rulebook (Book of Morcar): Added "Rock Solid" to Monster Special Abilities

### Changed

- Scrolls (Monster Card: Goblin): Add new label "Diagonal" to Goblin Monster card to reflect they are all armed with Spears as standard so can attack diagonally with 2AD
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Skeleton): Add new label "Diagonal" to Skeleton Monster card to reflect they are armed with Scythes so can attack diagonally with 2AD
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Chaos Warrior): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Gargoyle): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Ogre Warrior): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Ogre Champion): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Ogre Chieftain): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Ogre Lord): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability
- Scrolls (Monster Card: Orc Warlord): Labelled with "Rock Solid" Special Ability

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#12 Plate Armour movement restrictions - RESOLVED

Problem statement: the plate armour movement restriction, 2D6 reduced to D6 is too strong and often stops players from choosing to purchase Plate Armour at all.

Proposed changes: Either just scrap the movement penalty entirely or reduce it to a lesser penalty but scrapping in will render Borin's Armour "bonus" to become obsolete.

In First Edition there was 2 Helmets (+1), 2 Shields (+1), Chainmail (+1), Plated Mail (+2) Equipment Cards and Borin’s Armour QT (+2) for a total of 9 extra DD (+3 per hero - excluding the Wizard) but this left a gap, presumably to be filled in an expansion … of 1 Helmet (+1), 1 Shield (+1) (+2DD in total)

So switch Borin’s Armour for Borin’s Helm that gives you +1DD in both normal and mind attacks filling the “Helmet Gap” and then in later expansions KK or RotWL add another Shield artefact and Chain Mail artefacts

Discussion: Plate Armour

Plate Mail movement penalty

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.7] - 2023-05-01 - Fixed Problem #12

### Changed
- Scrolls (Quest Treasure Card: Borin’s Armour): Rename to Borin’s Helm and amend text to "Artefact, Armour, Headgear, +1DD
Borin’s Helm gives you one extra action die in defence against both normal and mind attacks."

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#13 Furniture blocking line of sight - RESOLVED

Problem statement: The rules are not clear around whether furniture blocks line of sight

Proposed changes: Not sure, will do more research and return!

Discussion: Daggers
Incorrectly Played Rules

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.7] - 2023-05-01 - Fixed Problem #13

### Changed

- Rulebook (Book of Exploration): Modified text in italics to cover blocked squares, bookcases and cupboards, under "What can be seen" and a comment that Blocked sqaures block line of sight to "Blocked Squares" section
- Rulebook (Book of Combat): Modified text to "Missile Weapons" section to cover blocked squares, bookcases and cupboards
- Rulebook (Book of Quest Design): Modified text to "Placing Furniture" section: The Fireplace must be placed against a wall

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#14 Search for Treasure in passageways - RESOLVED

Problem statement: It isn't clear in the original rulebook whether searching for treasure is allowed in passageways or only rooms.

Proposed changes:

EDIT: Scrapped these proposals as justification provided that Searching for Treasure IS permitted in passageways

1. Add the following text to the Book of Searching - "Searching for Treasure is only allowed in rooms. Searching for Secret Doors and Traps is allowed in both rooms and passageways"

2. Amend text in Book of Searching by removing the bit in italics - "If there is no vacant space adjacent to the character who drew the card, the evil wizard player may place the wandering monster in any vacant square in the same room or passage."

3. Amend the text in the Book of Combat to remove the bit in italics - "Any Equipment or gold the eliminated character had may be picked up by another character, who searches for treasure in the room or passage in which the character was eliminated."

4. Add the following text to the Book of Exploration - "Any dropped items can be picked up automatically by a character moving onto the appropriate square."

Discussion link: Search – The Binding Topic

Additional Material:

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.8] - 2023-05-02 - Fixed Problem #14

###Changed

- Rulebook (Book of Searching): Reworked the text to make it clear which rules apply to both search actions and which apply to searching for secret doors and traps and which apply to searching for treeasure. Added 'or passageway' to the search for treasure. Put disarm rules in their own sub-section under searching for secret doors and traps. Replaced 'adjacent to' with 'next to' as per glossary.

[Bareheaded Warrior]

#15 Monsters with Multiple Body points - RESOLVED

Problem statement: All monsters having a single BP makes them too easy and reduces the ability to differentiate between different monster types. Contrary to popular opinion SE did have monsters with more than one Body point, but this was inconsistently applied and the associated rules for handling these varied and none of the variants were as good as the skull counters used in the NA edition. This was further confused by the introduction of variable Body points for Ogres in AtOH (but I’ll cover that separately).

Proposed changes:
Adopt the recommendation below:

Increase the ‘hit points’ of orcs, fimirs, zombies, and all ‘one off’ monsters by one hit point. Increase the hit points of chaos warriors and the dreaded gargoyle by two.

This amendment gives the Morcar player a chance once the adventurers have obtained some equipment - the barbarian with chainmail, helmet, shield and battle axe, is truly a ferocious sight to behold

Games International No.9 Sept/Oct 1989

Note: Playtesting the Body Point changes above led to a far better game experience EXCEPT for Orcs having an extra BP. Due to the high occurrence of Orcs in the game this modification failed the test of cost (complexity, slowing down the game) against the benefit (better game-play)

Port the mechanism for tracking Body point loss using skull counters for Multiple BP monsters from NA edition

Possibly port or combine the NA monster stats with those suggested above

Discussion link:
Tracking multiple body points.
Hero knowledge of chaos spells, quest 6 Qs on Grak

Additional Material:

The Guardian of Grin’s Crag has 3 Body Points. Keep track of the Gargoyle’s Body points on a character sheet.

Certain personality monsters such as an Ogre Lord or an Orc Warlord might have a personal set of extra Body points which will be specified in the individual Quest. These monsters will each have their own special Body point track which will appear next to their characteristics in the Quest notes. When a personality monster loses Body points, the lost Body points are recorded against their own personal Body point track and not the Ogre Body point track.

#From Wizards of Morcar
The four sorcerers have 4 or 5 BP* and use a tracker in the Quest book which most people would not want to use as they don't want to write on the Quest book and it would effect replayability if they did.

*Note: In Wizards of Morcar: The Final Conflict, all four sorcerers appear again listed with “the same characteristics as detailed in the previous Quests” but are shown with only 4 Body points.

Implemented changes:

## [0.0.4] - 2023-04-28 - Fixed Problem #15

### Added

- Rulebook (Book of Combat): added text under Losing Body points "When a monster loses Body points but still has at least one Body points remaining, place a Skull Tile under the monster figure on the gameboard for each Body point lost. When the number of skull tiles matches or exceeds the Monster's Body point total then the monster is eliminated and removed from the board."
- Rulebook (Components): Add skull tiles to the component list and note not included in SE but included in NA edition

### Changed

- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Fimir): increased BP from 1 to 2, AD from 3 to 4
- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Zombie): increased BP from 1 to 2
- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Mummy): increased BP from 1 to 2
- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Chaos Warrior): increased BP from 1 to 2
- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Gargoyle): increased BP from 1 to 3
- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Doomguard): increased BP from 1 to 2, changed stats for Doomguard from Return of the Witch Lord: The Last Gate from A4 to A5 and D6 to D5 so that they are aligned with the elite Chaos Warriors from Against the Ogre Horde: The Pit of Chaos (Festral’s Personal Guard) and from Wizards of Morcar: The Tower of the High Mage (Zanrath’s elite force)
- Scrolls (Monster Cards: Spirit Riders): increased BP from 1 to 2 and removed Hard to Kill special ability

### Removed

- Rulebook (Book of Morcar): Removed hard to kill special ability as now redundant