Slightly modified EU version?

[Martz560]

Hey guys!

First post here! Wow this site/forum is packed with great info and resources!

So I just put back together our old HeroQuest (EU French version) that was scattered all over the place for the last 20 years (my brothers and I had used the minis for other games). To my great joy, the game is almost complete! Only a few models are missing, and can be easily proxied or 3D printed. We also have the Kellar’s Keep and Wizards of Morcar expansions.

I discovered on this site that there are different versions of the game (NA vs EU). From what I read, it seems like the EU version is a lot easier than the NA version, since the monsters have only 1 body point. I’d like to slightly modify my EU version so that it’s a bit harder and fun, but without changing too much stuff. I’d like to keep as much of the original material as possible. I’m sure I’m not the only one who had this idea!

I have a few ideas:

1) Custom dices: I have 5 custom dices (from I don’t know where) with 3 “swords” sides, 2 “shield” sides and a blank side. Using the EU quests and monsters (1 BP) with the monsters using the same shields as the heroes would certainly make things more interesting! Compared to the NA version, that would make the goblins, orcs, skellies and zombies stronger, the mummies and fimirs about the same, and chaos warriors and gargoyles weaker. What do you think of that modification? Also we lost one of the original HeroQuest dices, so these new custom dice would solve the problem!

2) Equipment: Since it’s the EU version, I have equipment cards (with 2 broadswords and 2 crossbows). I think I should print a few more cards so that the heroes could “keep” their items (but not necessarily have the same gear, so for example I could print a 2nd chainmail). There might also be additional custom cards that could enhance the experience. I see that user Sjengs has expanded the original equipment cards, I could print a few of them (I have no problem with mixing French/English cards). What do you suggest for existing and custom cards? I want to keep as much original cards as possible, but printing 5-6 existing/custom cards could be nice.

3) Chaos spells: I see that user Maike05 has translated the Chaos spells in French. Are these used commonly used with the EU rules and quests? I see that in the NA quest Return to Barak Tor (#14), the Witch Lord can cast a few spells, while in the EU version he can’t (and he has only 1 BP…). I guess that in a few other quests with a spellcaster, it’s the same? I could simply print the Chaos spells and use them as if I was using the NA version, but with an EU quest book? What do you guys think?

4) Other rule changes: User Bob-Bob has made a list of the differences between the EU and NA versions (viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2721). Do you think there are rules from the NA version that really improves the game and should be implemented in my EU version? I’m looking at slight changes that I could write in my original rulebook.

Thanks for your help, guys. We plan to play a few quests in December, my brothers and I, for old times sake. Hopefully we have a blast and we continue the campaign after that!

Martz560

[Gold Bearer]

I would say welcome but I'm a stranger myself here nowdays.

Basically yes, the EU version is much easier (far too easy) but the US version makes a lot of other changes that are worse than the original rules, like for the element spells for example. If it were me I'd add all the great new stuff that the US version brings like multi BP monsters, selling equipment back for half the amount, chaos spells, etc but keep the proper rules for the already existing stuff.

[Martz560]

I would say welcome but I'm a stranger myself here nowdays.

Basically yes, the EU version is much easier (far too easy) but the US version makes a lot of other changes that are worse than the original rules, like for the element spells for example. If it were me I'd add all the great new stuff that the US version brings like multi BP monsters, selling equipment back for half the amount, chaos spells, etc but keep the proper rules for the already existing stuff.

Thanks for your feedback. I'll definitely try the custom dices to double the monsters' defense, print a few equipment cards (there's room for improvement in the original EU cards), sell equipment for half their price, print the chaos spells, and look at the rules differences to see which little changes might improve the game. If the monsters are still too easy to beat I guess I can always add a few monsters here and there, give some of them multiple BP, etc.