Diagonal attacking monsters attack power

[Jalapenotrellis]

I've been reading the Quest books ahead of where I've been playing to clarify some rules.
One question I had from Quest 6 in the original game system is whether Grak can attack full force diagonally or with just 1 die diagonally because he has a staff.

In quest 1 of Against the Ogre Horde, the orcs are armed with Spears and can attack diagonally at full force (3 dice), specifically stated, whereas a spear is a 2 dice weapon in the UK version. However, if Grak is allowed full attack dice diagonally, the wizard couldn't safely cast spells from a corner spot against Grak if he is at the door. He could be one shot.

So what do you think?

[SirRick]

I say let Grak attack with his full strength even diagonally. He needs every edge he can get.

A monster's attack and defense strength are supposed to be based on natural abilities, and not dependant on what weapon they have. There are always some exceptions. I seem to recall a quest in which some orcs had shortbows and could attack from a distance, but with only 2 combat dice.

[j_dean80]

I never gave him diagonal cause the notes never said to. If I did, I would give him his full attack strength diagonal.

[knightkrawler]

Agree with j_dean. The notes don't say he can or should attack diagonally. He happens to have that staff, but he doesn't have the rules.

[Jalapenotrellis]

Why would they mention a staff if he can't attack diagonally? I could see this going both ways, honestly, that's why I'm asking. By natural abilities, he should be able to attack full strength diagonally, but it hardly seems fair to be able to attack full-strength to a defenseless wizard.

[SirRick]

Chances are Grak would be dead before he could even do anything. The Wizard just has to cast tempest. If he survives finish him of with Genie or Ball of Flame.

[Jalapenotrellis]

Not necessarily if Grak disables the wizard

[j_dean80]

Not often does the Wizard burst into a room alone.

[Jalapenotrellis]

He'll be diagonal to the door opening, and thus vulnerable

[Maurice76]

He'll be diagonal to the door opening, and thus vulnerable

Eh, why? This all depends on positioning of the Heroes when they open this room and how they engage it. The Wizard doesn't necessarily have to be in a tile next to the door, he could also be to the back and cast some buffs on the Heroes. Or, if the Heroes are bold enough, they could burst into the room and start decimating the enemy, leaving room for the Wizard to enter without the monsters being able to reach him.