JUNGLES OF DELTHRAK discussion

[wallydubbs]

2 attack dice against any monster you can see? Not as powerful as the Crossbow, but it doesn't say "Cannot be used by the Wizard."

[Kurgan]

2 attack dice against any monster you can see? Not as powerful as the Crossbow, but it doesn't say "Cannot be used by the Wizard."

Thanks SpookyHappyFun on HeroQuestFans Discord for giving the final piece of the Jungles of Delthrak "puzzle," ... THE SAPPHIRE SKULL!

When shrouded in darkness, it emits a soft glow.

This legendary relic is crafted from precious cobalt gemstone.
It imbues you with poise and assurance. While wielding
this artifact, roll 2 Attack dice against any one monster in your
line of sight.

The bolded part is finally known!

True, it would dodge those complaints that the Wizard isn't "as strong" as the Warlock in regular combat, at least as long as he hangs onto it!

So now only quest map spoilers remain for this pack...

[HispaZargon]

Serious and clever virtual magazine GameRant has recently published this complete and interesting article in their website about Jungles of Delthtak expansion release, where it has been confirmed the following that I already expected in advance:

"Jungles of Delthrak takes place shortly before the events of the Crypt of Perpetual Darkness quest, although there's really no rule against playing whichever quest pack you like first, and in fact the Jungles of Delthrak has been tested with the newest characters and mechanics, so it's perfect for players new and old alike."

Our loyal and active member Elvyler asked them about the source of previous afirmation and this was their answer so I think we can trust it with rather confidence!!

Screenshot_20240615-095934_Chrome.jpg

P.D.: Thanks to Kurgan for rising the hand about this in his YouTube channel.

[SirRick]

I would like to point out the the Sapphire Skull is our first real ranged weapon artifact. There was the Elven Bow of Vindication, but that is just a kind of a special case. I really like the artifacts in this quest pack!

[LucaRocks]

So whoever holds the skull can do an extra attack on their turn as a free action? I think I'm reading that correctly. Or at least I can see my players making that argument. Also, it doesn't say it can be used only once during your turn. I think that my players will try to use that logic to spam this attack.

And yes... Homebrew, Zargon word is law ... Yada yada... I know. I'm just saying that there might be some confusion if I'm correct in my interpretation.

If true, that is one serious arrifact

[Kurgan]

This is one of those questions for Doug Hopkins (aka Wandering Monster) on discord, if he hasn't answered it already. We've seen all the pages, and if it's not clear enough from that and the card, people will want to know:

As above is it a "free action" so you can use it AND attack in the same turn?

Is it "unblockable" by the victim?

Does it "not count as a weapon" so therefore it can be used by the Berserker, who normally can't use ranged "weapons."

Can I drink Heroic Brew to use it twice in one turn?

Does the damage it does stack with Potions and spell effects?

Is this "magical" and therefore should count skulls against Specters (even though, due to spoilers, this situation might never come up, unless you modified your quests)?

Now what is literally written doesn't always 100% convey the stated intentions of the designer, but my guesses are:

1) It's to be treated as a magical weapon.
2) It's a ranged weapon so Berserker not intended to use it (but Wizard could).
3) Using it counts as an action.
4) Potions and spell effects stack with it just like they would if you were swinging a sword or firing a crossbow (unless the particular card/item says otherwise).
5) It could work against Specters, (if Zargon homebrewed that scenario to be possible).

The Sapphire Skull seems loosely inspired by some of the lore of the "Crystal Skulls" (which turned out to be hoaxes in real life, but hey in this fantasy world anything is possible). An object that interacts with the mind and has powers fits right in alongside other artifacts out there and still feels somewhat unique. Artifacts that have their use and then don't linger on forever is also an established precedent in HQ before this.

[wallydubbs]

The Sapphire Skull seems loosely inspired by some of the lore of the "Crystal Skulls" (which turned out to be hoaxes in real life, but hey in this fantasy world anything is possible).

What do you mean hoax? There are real Crystal Skulls and it's quite a mystery on how they could have been carved without snapping.

[Kurgan]

It's actually a fascinating story. You might say the alchemists of our world debunked the evil magic of the skulls. I used to work at a museum (granted nothing as prestigious as those mentioned) that had some of its own collection revealed to be forgeries while I was there, so it happens, whether we are talking old paintings, pottery, or crystal skulls. And all this before the days of 3d printing and A.I....

That said, many of them are very cool looking even if they're not nearly as old as claimed and they've inspired a ho-hum Indiana Jones sequel, but also apparently a pretty great vodka.

Edit: Found this cool video of a guy making one!

[SirRick]

This is one of those questions for Doug Hopkins (aka Wandering Monster) on discord, if he hasn't answered it already. We've seen all the pages, and if it's not clear enough from that and the card, people will want to know:

As above is it a "free action" so you can use it AND attack in the same turn?

Is it "unblockable" by the victim?

Does it "not count as a weapon" so therefore it can be used by the Berserker, who normally can't use ranged "weapons."

Can I drink Heroic Brew to use it twice in one turn?

Does the damage it does stack with Potions and spell effects?

Is this "magical" and therefore should count skulls against Specters (even though, due to spoilers, this situation might never come up, unless you modified your quests)?

Now what is literally written doesn't always 100% convey the stated intentions of the designer, but my guesses are:

1) It's to be treated as a magical weapon.
2) It's a ranged weapon so Berserker not intended to use it (but Wizard could).
3) Using it counts as an action.
4) Potions and spell effects stack with it just like they would if you were swinging a sword or firing a crossbow (unless the particular card/item says otherwise).
5) It could work against Specters, (if Zargon homebrewed that scenario to be possible).

All of these questions could be asked of any other weapon in the game, yet we don’t question if a monster gets to defend from a Battle Axe or the Spirit Blade or whatever. The Sapphire Skull is clearly a weapon of sorts and an artifact that lets you make a magical attack that monsters defend against. So unless there is some official ruling about the skull, that is how I would treat it. The Warlock’s Wand is worded the same way, so however you treat that, the skull works the same way, only an artifact version of it.

[wallydubbs]

The wording might be imperfect but I'd treat it as any other weaponized artifact. I mean it seems like a magical weapon, thought not necessarily a powerful one. The only thing giving this artifact much distinction is that it CAN be used by the Wizard, giving him a ranged attack. Although it's not necessarily permitted to solely the Wizard, like the Wizard's Staff, it would probably best to put it on him.