Does the Universal rulebook exist?

[Schmidt]

Has someone (re)written the rulebook, that everybody can accept, taking the best from both US/EU versions. Same with cards (rockskin: US=+1CD, EU=+2CD)

[knightkrawler]

"Taking the best from both US/EU versions" for me personally means "taking everything from the US version".

I'm writing my own rules, based on the NA game, and adjusting the quest books in German,the result of which I then will hopefully translate into English.

[tasoe]

"Taking the best from both US/EU versions" for me personally means "taking everything from the US version".

Agreed, except the thing Schimdt mentioned. Rock skin is actually better in EU rules with 2 extra dice instead of one. And when I say better, I don't mean stronger, I actually mean better. An extra defend dice doesn't make much difference, especially since the spell's gonna break when you get hit.

[Redav]

"taking everything from the US version".

Each to their own and after playing the NA rules once, I understand why people like them over the EU rules however I don't think the EU rules are as bad as people make out. I reckon that the NA rules are basically the same as the EU rules with multiple body points, Chaos Spells and some other enhancements. I really don't think the UE rules are as ambiguous as people make out. At face value, the rules are for the most part, essentially the same, it's just the extras (spells, treasures, maps, body points etc) when there's been more enhancements.

Agreed, except the thing Schimdt mentioned. Rock skin is actually better in EU rules with 2 extra dice instead of one. And when I say better, I don't mean stronger, I actually mean better. An extra defend dice doesn't make much difference, especially since the spell's gonna break when you get hit.

But it's better than nothing

I've not seen this done which isn't to say that it's not been done but so that I understand the differences more, I'm compiling a list of differences between the EU mkII and NA rules and cards. Kinda nerdy and probably not a massive benefit but that's me

Ultimately I plan on building a set of house rules (like many have) based on both as both have things I like. Maybe I might try compiling a 'Universal Set' before doing mine?

[drathe]

... that everybody can accept...

hahaha... no.

[Daedalus]

The closest attempt I know of was done by Slev at Old Scratch. He did a writeup that sorta achieves this called HeroQuest Revised, which includes the rules from both versions and the expansions, as well. Some houserules were added, but not too many.

[Malcadon]

Regardless of the edition we started with, we all play in our own way. The rules are so simple and easy to work with, thus allowing for additions and revisions without braking the system.

The best part about coming here and to Old-Scratch, is reading about all the ways folks play the game, and to find ideas to help improve one's own game with - not to mention being able to post one's own stuff for other people to use. As neat as all the add-on and houseruled content are, they are not for everybody.

Trying to find a universal set of core HQ rules, that make the best use of all the US and UK Quest Packs rules in a streamline way (they are not always compatible to each other), and with the inclusion of the most useful or popular rules, would require a major effort on the part of the HQ community to come to a common consistence. Folks would champion their favorite ideas, but not everyone would get their way.

[knightkrawler]

"Taking the best from both US/EU versions" for me personally means "taking everything from the US version".

Agreed, except the thing Schimdt mentioned. Rock skin is actually better in EU rules with 2 extra dice instead of one. And when I say better, I don't mean stronger, I actually mean better. An extra defend dice doesn't make much difference, especially since the spell's gonna break when you get hit.

True dat. I use the EU version.

Each to their own and after playing the NA rules once, I understand why people like them over the EU rules however I don't think the EU rules are as bad as people make out. I reckon that the NA rules are basically the same as the EU rules with multiple body points, Chaos Spells and some other enhancements. I really don't think the UE rules are as ambiguous as people make out. At face value, the rules are for the most part, essentially the same, it's just the extras (spells, treasures, maps, body points etc) when there's been more enhancements.

The EU rules are not bad. I wouldn't be a HQ geek today if they were. But the NA version is revised and improved. The EU version was far too simple, had inconsistencies and ambiguities and outright bullshit mistakes. The German bracers gave the Wizard +1 combat die in ATTACK! There were other flaws, too, and many of them.
But the one thing that stands out among all improvements is the fact that the NA system is more fun for an evil wizard player who plays to win or at least compete, whereas in the EU version the evil wizard player is merely a referee. The competition between hero players is encouraged, but rarely played out.
I was Morcar in EU games and I was Zargon in NA games, and me and ALL my players agree, the NA version is a buttload more fun.

Anyways, the NA system now serves as the base for my own houserules, re-interpretations, and advanced level system.

The closest attempt I know of was done by Slev at Old Scratch. He did a writeup that sorta achieves this called HeroQuest Revised, which includes the rules from both versions and the expansions, as well. Some houserules were added, but not too many.

I agree. Slev's Revised Edition is the best system of rules rewritten out there.
Very close to the original, taking the best from both existing versions, somthering the flaws, and giving the card system additions and coherence.
It comes closest schmidt's request.

[Spiky]

This is an interesting topic and something I was thinking about too...

I've not played HQ for about 20 years (hopefully I'll be playing soon - my kids are 4 & 6 so not long now!) And I was curious about what versions and common houserules people used. I also keenly remember being Morcar and unleashing the Gargoyle only to find him dead as soon as a hero sneezed!

I'll check out the Heroquest revised link!

Cheers
Steven

[Schmidt]

... that everybody can accept...

hahaha... no.

I can only imagine...
"We are gathered here today to make the Universal Rulebook. Ok, first page, first sentence 'Morcar, the Evil Wiz....' "
"What! It should be Zargon"....

Yeah, it might never happen.