Adjacent monsters

[Redav]

I allowed the attack. Was I right?

Based on the literal interpretation of the rules, I'd say yes.

This is one of the many unclarities of the HQ rules.

Ambiguities?
I generally don't have too many issues with the rules or even feel the NA rules are much different to the EU rules (mind you, I've only played the EU rules and only read the NA rules).

Most people houserule this not to be allowed. To me "adjacent" means all the 8 squares surrounding a figure. The adjacent squares can he straight or diagonal. Most weapons only allow you to attack in a straight line, some also allow diagonal attacks, such as the longsword or spear or staff.

The rules say it can be used to attack if you're not adjacent which is defined as being the the four squares around you. Based on that, it's allowed. Your interpretation of what adjacent means makes you feel you can't use it. Does that mean that with new heroes and their shiny new original weapons are allowed to attack diagonally in your game?

AS A GAME MECHANIC... I think the crossbow would work better if the diagonals also counts as adjacent.
Attacking from a distance is incredible useful, while still being as powerful as most other weapons - The exception being the Battle Axe which everyone should be using anyway, except the wizard who doesn't understand real power.

Exactly. That's why I don't allow the crossbow to be used diagonally adjacent. It makes the longsword redundant.Why buy a reach weapon when you can have reach ánd ranged in one weapon?

Both these statements assume that you're allowed to buy more than one Battle Axe or Crossbow. While the rules don't say there's multiple weapons available, it does say that when you by a piece of equipment, then you take the card. Seeing as though there's only one Battle Axe and Crossbow, then you can't deck all your non Wizards out with Battle Axes and Crossbows. This means that the Longsword isn't redundant.

It appears to me the Arena is there to hold the hands of newbies before the Maze and the rest of the Quests are begun. I wonder how many groups actually played those two training exercises set up in the EU Rule Book.

Not I. It doesn't exist in my EU version.

[Jewels!]

Both these statements assume that you're allowed to buy more than one Battle Axe or Crossbow. While the rules don't say there's multiple weapons available, it does say that when you by a piece of equipment, then you take the card. Seeing as though there's only one Battle Axe and Crossbow, then you can't deck all your non Wizards out with Battle Axes and Crossbows. This means that the Longsword isn't redundant.

I think you may have hit the nail on the head! While I understand EU rules limit the weapons available, the NA rules don't due to the weapon cards being replaced by the armory. I'm guessing this is one of those things that got overlooked when they rewrote the rules.

[Redav]

the NA rules don't due to the weapon cards being replaced by the armory.

Ah, I see. That I didn't realise. When I was downloading all the NA gear, I didn't read that drathe's equipment cards were made up. I usually subscribe to the following logic too

The golden rule of any game that has rules, is "Can Vs. Cannot; that's Game Theory 101.

so (whilst my decision is influenced by the EU rules) I would I'd have only made it possible to buy the one item.

One thing I find amusing is that people complain how easy the EU map is to play and that the NA version is harder. In game design, there's a balance (which is why some weapons have some abilities and others don't or have different abilities) but then it's been interpreted that you can buy heaps of everything which then throws that balance out of kilter. I'd also suggest that HQ is a simplistic RPG for a dining room table and we all like to squeeze the most from it but sometimes we read into things too much which really should be left for AD&D gaming.

[Goblin-King]

But even then, you also find equipment during the quests. What if someone already bought said item?
If equipment must be represented by cards we have a paradox. This makes me think you aren't necessary limited. even in EU.

Also, do we even HAVE longswords in EU? :S

[Redav]

But even then, you also find equipment during the quests.

Funny you mention that. I was trying to understand a comment in the Borin's armour thread about the Quest 2 tomb trap and I'm trying to work out which map that is in the PDF and I've found a reference to a chest containing two shorts and two longs in the NA map but not the EU map. But yes, clearly people still find items that others have bought. That fence is starting to look attractive )

Also, do we even HAVE longswords in EU? :S

Not that I'm aware of.

I'm venturing into the house rules world soon and I will.

[knightkrawler]

which map that is in the PDF

You have the text in front of you. Now scroll two full pages up. Turn twice 90degrees.
That's the map for your text.
Mind you, for Quests 8 through 14, that's different.

[Sjeng]

I made my own cards (added US equipment to the original EU ones), and I use those cards as the random equipment deck, and as reference. When I buy equipment, I write it down. The only cards we keep are potions, scrolls (all custom cards) spells and artefacts. It makes no sense that there would be only one crossbow or broadsword in the world.

I thought the Arena and the Maze were the first quests in the UK / NA books. One is difficult with all monsters (quite a challenge for newbie heroes) and the other is easy, sort of an introduction to the rules. Can't remember which one was which. I think the easy one was quest 1 for EU, the hard one for NA. Neither is played inbetween quests as far as I know.

[Redav]

This is going to turn out like the Borin's Armor thread, isn't it?

To be honest, I didn't quite understand why there was differences of opinion on that one. To me it was clear that it was simply a 4 defence piece of armour.

You have the text in front of you. Now scroll two full pages up. Turn twice 90degrees.

Oh that's nasty!

I made my own cards (added US equipment to the original EU ones), and I use those cards as the random equipment deck, and as reference. When I buy equipment, I write it down. The only cards we keep are potions, scrolls (all custom cards) spells and artefacts. It makes no sense that there would be only one crossbow or broadsword in the world.

For the moment I too shall make my own cards but I've noted in my spreadsheet where there's more than one item available (like helmets). I've also noted how many items the various classes can use (I'll add a Cleric and Ranger class). See, based on the NA maps I'd say that it makes no sense that there's that there's only one weapon however based on the UK rules and the weak monsters, I'd say that's the balance.

I thought the Arena and the Maze were the first quests in the UK / NA books. One is difficult with all monsters (quite a challenge for newbie heroes) and the other is easy, sort of an introduction to the rules.

Okay, the UK one I have I believe is the updated version and it's called The Trial which is tough. I have seen the Arena somewhere but can't remember.

[Jewels!]

But even then, you also find equipment during the quests. What if someone already bought said item?
If equipment must be represented by cards we have a paradox. This makes me think you aren't necessary limited. even in EU.

Now I'm all confused

[knightkrawler]

You have the text in front of you. Now scroll two full pages up. Turn twice 90degrees.

Oh that's nasty!

Then print it out and fold a book like you're supposed to...