Hero's deserve less to start

[burglekutt]

I see that most of us wish there was a reason the Short Sword is for sale at all since most players start with it by default.

Is there a way to start the hero's at a lower power level so that a Short Sword/Rapier becomes a bonus?

I was thinking "Club"(diagonal)1Att+1D6. Roll a 1or2& do an extra point of dammage.

I'm trying to think of something weaker than the Short Sword that the players could start with.

As the wizard I remember splitting with the team on the FIRST LEVEL because I had the Barbarian with me. Perhaps making our opening weapons weaker we might accidentally keep the players together longer.

Can we lower all the enemy stats by ONE along with us, or can we make a "Club" that does less Dam than a SSword?

[Pancho]

Why would you want to keep the players together at the start? Seeing them split up into two teams of two, or even scouting around as individuals, is one of the best things about the first half of the original quests.
You'll have many expansions where the four of them stick together like clams, enjoy their initial separation whilst it lasts.

[j_dean80]

The Trial is already too difficult as is. Lower their weapons and they'll have no chance of survival.

[Pancho]

The Trial is already too difficult as is. Lower their weapons and they'll have no chance of survival.

Agreed.
Even if you start with the Maze (official, or one of the variants), the heroes are in a race to be the first one out and should not be working together. And most of the other quests in the first half of the original pack can kill off unlucky or unwary heroes. Taking away their short-swords is a no-no.
And forcing them to work together from the start would kill off some of the excitement, as well as taking away valuable learning experiences for new heroes. Heroquest needs to have a few heroes die now and then.

[torilen]

Isn't there a Rust chaos spell? This is probably why the short sword would be for sale. Any
weapon that gets destroyed would have to be replaced, and it is always good to offer a
cheaper option, in case the heroes have wasted their money through the quest packs.

[whitebeard]

The value is also required for when you sell the short sword.

[burglekutt]

I figured this convo had come up before so I appreciate your opinion on it, thanks!

If one wanted to do it, I figure the easiest way would be to just lower all enemies Deffence Die by one till the hero's got Swords.

[Pancho]

If one wanted to do it, I figure the easiest way would be to just lower all enemies Deffence Die by one till the hero's got Swords.

I think that would break the game.
Monsters already have a very difficult time defending as it is.

I would also be very annoyed as a player if the evil wizard player suddenly announced that all monster defence stats were changing (up or down), just because I had gained a sword.

[knightkrawler]

If one wanted to do it, I figure the easiest way would be to just lower all enemies Deffence Die by one till the hero's got Swords.

I think that would break the game.
Monsters already have a very difficult time defending as it is.

I would also be very annoyed as a player if the evil wizard player suddenly announced that all monster defence stats were changing (up or down), just because I had gained a sword.

I agree. What's the point in getting a sword? Even if it's just for once, it blurs out purposes and proportions.

[burglekutt]

So then there is no way to do it? That's a bummer man:)

Not sure, but By the time the Rust Spell comes along I think the hero has enough money to buy another LSword or BSword, or everyone pitched in to get that Hero one.

I've never seen anyone buy a Short Sword sadly, which is to bad for the SSword:(