Advanced Hero Quest

[Malcadon]

Thanks for all the links, Malcadon.

I've never tried using a lot of props (dungeon tiles, minis), but I think it could fun.

No problem!

Normally with RPGs, props can be a bit disruptive during game-play (having to stop the game so the DM digs for the right stuff, and waiting as all the props gets setup), so players typically make do with simple graph-paper maps. But HQ is a visual-styled boardgame which as a lack of descriptions you would have in D&D, so props are quite important to add life into the game (instead of players moving from one empty room to another). Even though HQ is not a RPG, nor it has any rules for role-playing, after a while, it just terns into one - more and more colorful descriptions, players using non-standard actions, interactions between the Heroes and the monsters & NPCs, and so on, and so forth (and all without altering the basic rules!). It also quit common for players to add rules and alterations to allow for more freewheeling or non-standard actions (one of the most common alteration is to allow Heroes to stand and fight on the tables, instead of having them just as impassible terrain).

With normal RPGs, the benefits of using 3d furniture, besides adding life to the battleground setup, is that you can show what is available to make use in a fight without a lot detailed description - chairs & barrels can be used as improvised projectiles, tables can be tipped over to become a barrier, pull rugs from under people, bookcases & pillars can be knocked over the enemy, and other Conan stuff like that. They are not vital for gaming, and you can still do this stuff without props, but they are a good visual aids to help smooth a fight if PCs do more then just stand around one place and hack away.

[Random]

I don't think the props would be too crazy if done right.

For starters, I would concentrate on rooms, as digging for the proper corridor section might take 10-15 seconds and get annoying.

A big drawback, though, is that the players would know the exact dimensions of the rooms they entered, even if they have really crappy lighting.

For a HQ-like dungeon crawl, that probably wouldn't be a big deal, but if you were shooting for semi-realism and had some huge rooms it could become an issue.

On a similar topic, where in the world do people get those roll-up battle grids?

[Juju EyeBall]

You could use an accordion folder and key it with your areas and already have the appropriate tiles for each area in each pocket, that would save a lot of time.

[Glgnfz]

On a similar topic, where in the world do people get those roll-up battle grids?

here for example:

http://www.chessex.com/mats/Battlemats_Megamats.htm

[Random]

Great idea DungeonDork.
I was mainly worried though about how to keep any extras (treasure chests, coffins, etc.) handy with the rooms.

Thanks for the link, Glgnfz.

Also, is there anyplace online to buy cheap plastic miniatures, such as came with HQ and other games?

(I feel like I'm asking about stuff I could search for, but why waste time digging through piles of crap to find the gems when you guys may have already done so?)

[Random]

I got my HeroQuest game out of my parents' attic today.

Nostalgia like mad. It even had little paper "cards" in there for spells and artifacts I made up fifteen years ago.

My favorite just glancing was a "Summon Floating Skulls" spell.
I even made note to use the little skull tiles as tokens for them.

Maybe I'll get around to painting these little plastic monsters. It would be fun.

[Malcadon]

Battlemats are always a good idea if you like custom layouts - if you dont mind the maintenance. I have seen people use clear plexiglass sheets and lay them over blank tiled maps. It cost more, but without the maintenance.

One problem I had with HQ minis, is how the weapons like to snap off of the orcs and goblins fists. How I deal with it without gluing them back on, is that I drill out a hole into their knuckles, and attach short lengths of tooth-picks to the weapons hilt. Its a lot of work, but is a good way to add verity to their armaments. That is, I make most of the blades into swords, but I made to pointy goblin blades onto spears, which would allow its user to attack diagonally. Hand drills that are found at hobby shops work the best (before I had such tools, I used the really small pocket screwdrivers, but the drills work much better). You also need to drill into the weapon so it can get a good hold. Much of the work is taken up by widdling down the tooth-picks to fit. I like to do this for my other plastic minies so I can switch-off weapons freely (this works great for Mordheim).

I have also use a lot of houserules, which I would post as soon as I can. For example: A good, simple rule that you cant go wrong with, is to have preset Movement Points (at 6 or 8 ) for the Heroes to speed up game play.

[Random]

Of the entire set, I think the only damage is the weapons are broken off the barbarian, the elf, and one of the orcs.

I have no idea where the pieces went, so I'll need to rig something up as replacement weapons.

[Malcadon]

Of the entire set, I think the only damage is the weapons are broken off the barbarian, the elf, and one of the orcs.

I have no idea where the pieces went, so I'll need to rig something up as replacement weapons.

NO, NOT THE BARBARIAN AND ELF SWORDS!!!

NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!1

I think your gona have to get a weapon pack or something. Or you can always find a good substitute.

[BroccoliRage]

HeroQuest kicks ass!!!




.

Just seeing that picture brings back so many fond memories. That game was old school all the way. The monsters were tough, the dungeons were always laden with traps, the combat system was quick, Down's Syndrome-simple, and brutal (and survives largely intact in HeroScape today).

Every session a body was dropping if the guy playing Zargon was up to par. BRUTAL. Abosolutely BRUTAL.

While I was introduced to AD&D around 1989 (I was seven years old when my first Lawful Good fighter Sir Bert died in his first encounter), I never would have gotten as hooked on the hobby as I am had it not been for this little gem of a game around here. Even you grognards could enjoy this game. And you guys don't like anything.

How many of your own adventures did you make Hero Quest? Did you ever make any custom classes, or buy any of the expansions? I did all three, I adored this game. One of my childhood regrets was losing it.


DOES ANYONE WANT TO SELL ME A SET?

[francisca]

DOES ANYONE WANT TO SELL ME A SET?

I think I have an extra complete set, actually. might have a couple of minor issues, like a busted candle stick or two.

if you are interested, PM me, and I'll pull it off the shelf and have a look.

[BroccoliRage]

DOES ANYONE WANT TO SELL ME A SET?

I think I have an extra complete set, actually. might have a couple of minor issues, like a busted candle stick or two.

if you are interested, PM me, and I'll pull it off the shelf and have a look.

PM sent.

[Random]

I don't remember writing many custom adventures (maybe a few) or classes (none at all), but I created a truckload of custom artifacts, spells, and even a few monsters.

I just haven't had the drive to pull the game out and sift through everything.