Barbarian vs Dwarf

[Malcadon]

The 3 point starting Attack Dice for the Barbarian is not much use after you factor in the weapons, but I use that score to measure a Hero's strength for making Feat of Strength tests (roll one die per point; a is needed to succeed in most cases), and the amount of dice used to make unarmed attacks (normal attack, but each counts as a hit). This houserule puts the Barbarian (Warrior, in my game) on more or less equal footing with the Dwarf (Expert).

[GimmeYerGold]

Just as the Barbarian's Mind Points indicate, isn't the true strength of a barbarian the fact they don't have to *think* before they act? More turns to *smash* *smash* *SMASH*

Also, a group of Heroes who have neglected to purchase a toolkit (or just expect the Dwarf to do all the work) will rely upon the dwarf to disarm any discovered traps, thereby forfeiting certain opportunities for the dwarf to flex their weapon prowess.

[cynthialee]

One of the house rules I use for HQ limits the desirability of the Barbarian and he is often the last chosen.
I only allow a hero to search as many squares for traps as the hero's mind skill. The player must point out to me exactly which squares are to be considered "searched for traps". I also let the Dwarf search an additional 4 squares more than his current Mind skill.
Makes the Barbarian less than desirable in a heavily trapped dungeon and tends to keep the Barbarian from running off and being the Rambo.

Any time I can insert a Mind roll into the game I do so. Want to open the secret door you found? Figure it out... Want to know if it is a Heal potion or Poison? Figure it out. Is the magic looking sword good to go or is it cursed? Probably might want to hand it to the Mage or Elf and give them some time to figure it out.

This makes it so the Barbarian is not as cool a choice as the Dwarf or Elf. You'd think that the Wizard would be favored in such conditions, but those low Body points tend to discourage any but the most diehard Mage players from arguing over who gets to play him.

[cornixt]

Mind points were really under-utilized in the base game quests. I'm not sure if having the party members continually roll-off to solve puzzles is the best use, but it is better than nothing.

[cynthialee]

Mind points were really under-utilized in the base game quests. I'm not sure if having the party members continually roll-off to solve puzzles is the best use, but it is better than nothing.

They actually seem to enjoy it. But the players I have been playing HQ with on occasion don't know any better, have not read the rule book and play the game like D&D lite. They have picked up on the "rules" as I interpret them and just run with it. I offered them the book but they chose to learn on the fly.

[knightkrawler]

Mind points were really under-utilized in the base game quests. I'm not sure if having the party members continually roll-off to solve puzzles is the best use, but it is better than nothing.

I revisited some spells and monster stats/special rules in such a way that Mind points are more important playing my ruleset than in the original game system.
But one has to keep that importance in check. 2 MP for the Barbarian or 3 for the Dwarf as soon as the Barb is handed over the Talisman of Lore is a dangerous low and autokill when not addressed cautiously. Mostly damage is done to Body points, but determined by mind points and some rolling.
Many of my healing potions and spells also include the possibility to heal Body and Mind point in whatever configuration the hero chooses.
All in all, I think I've balanced this well, making Mind points a real factor, but not causing instakills or imbalancing the game.

[whitebeard]

So is it just me or does anyone else think the Dwarf is just plain better than the Barbarian?

Why is this even a problem? Early in the game the body point advantage and larger initial weapon advantage is absolutely huge. Everyone wants to be the barbarian. If the players keep their money separately, it is a very long time before the elf or dwarf can catch-up and match him with combat dice/armor level.

The dwarf is a powerful warrior and he needs to be because he has no magic. Dwarves learn a trade (which involves swinging a hammer or pick all day long) they are going to strong and tough. They also live several hundred years in cities, so yeah, they are going to be a good bit smarter on average than barbarians.

The elf trades just one more body point and gets second pick at the magic cards! And It is only the wizard who has limitations on equipment usage?

To balance out experienced parties, I expect you can get where you need to be by limiting the top end weapons. The dwarf is to short for the "two handed sword" (4 dice and diagonal). Heavy armor is off limits to the elf if he wants to cast his spells?

[Sotiris]

It depends from the Quests and the Artifacts they're using.
It seems that the US Dwarf is better than the US Barbarian, but i don't really believe it.
Their difference maybe balanced with the Talisman of Lore (+1M.P.) which usually is given to the Barbarian for tactical reasons.
Almost no party risks to not give it to him, Chaos spells are dangerous.