Things have been moving steadily forward these past few months and this latest release wraps up some of the items that couldn't fit into the previous update.  The change from 1.0.4 to 1.0.5 (essentially) reflects a subtle adjustment in the way the 'Initiative Token Bonus' works.  This is the bonus players receive when the group lands on a treasure space, and the player in question is the one holding the Initiative Token.  The concept of having a Treasure Hunting bonus was first introduced in Ruleset 1.0.1.  The difference is subtle, but now allows for more variety (and greater potential reward) to be had as a result of the bonus.

The rest of the changes, as you'll find in the release notes, fall more under the category of enhancements to the existing experience.  Here they are:

- Treasure Hunting, the 'Initiative Token Bonus' slightly modified
  See 'Grouping, Travel and Treasure Hunting' section of Game Manual (page 39)

- PDF Pack now includes a printable version of Victory Badges/Hero Award

- Three new Spells; brings total number of Spells to 45

- New Item, Carrier Pigeons (I037) replaces 'Fine Herbal Tea'

- Story Cards, minor formatting and grammar adjustments
  New Story, "Ambition and Crop Thievery"

- Story Maps, cave/underground sections added to some of the overland areas
  Journeys will now be just a tad more challenging, and offer a greater variety of encounters

- Minor cosmetic enhancements here and there

Please Note: The updated PDF Packs were pushed out on Friday, March 2nd.  Anyone who's obtained them since then should notice their Game Manual as showing the latest version number.

_Up until now, Victory Badges (and the Hero Award) have been relegated to 'homemade only' status.  See the Make It page for a few examples.  Still, sometimes it's fun just to see what some of the more object-oriented components would look like if they could be printed out rather than hand made - by the way, 3D printing technology (if you haven't guessed) is on the cusp of changing the indie board game industry in fairly profound ways...but that's a topic for another day.

In the meantime, here's a 2D version of what we think the Victory Badges ought to look like.  They're in the usual PDF format; although, probably not as fun to use as thicker/heavier homemade versions.

_And for those who don't have access to a color printer, or would rather color their own, here's what the grayscale version looks like.

_Oh, one quick thing.  One of our Hauflin friends just mentioned that if you print out two copies on thick paper and then glue them back-to-back, they work pretty well.  Another friend added that gluing both sides to a piece of intermediate material, such as cardboard or foam board, would make them good and thick (and of course much more fun to pass around).  Enjoy!

Hello all.  Three days ago Lisa and I quietly pushed out an update, which was primarily intended to tighten down a few squiggles.  As with all incremental updates nothing fundamental to the core game or gameplay has changed...Probably the most noticeable adjustment in this release will be found in the subtle re-balancing of two character classes - Dwarves and Malornians.  One of the principal design goals has always been to have a fairly balanced set of playable classes, with the understanding that each possessed certain...inherent advantages.  Our feeling has been however that Dwarves and Malornians in particular didn't derive enough benefit from merely higher starting health; thus there was room for a slight modification.  Even with this change, I'd like to note that the same overall dynamic (between the various character classes) remains.  For example, it will always be true that Elves by nature may have a tendency to excel in larger group games, whereas, Hauflins (who haven't yet acquired a good permanent Mount) will find earning the Hero Award a tad greater challenge.  The disparity is so subtle most players probably wouldn't notice it.  None-the-less, we remain comfortable knowing that younger, less experienced players may benefit from starting with an Elf character, whereas experienced players will find a somewhat greater challenge in playing a Hauflin.  The adjustment to Dwarves and Malornians merely brings them in greater parity with the others ~especially as it relates to the Fighting Guild.

But enough with the design-talk gibberish.  Let's get on with the Release Notes.  Here they are, for the latest Ruleset 1.0.4:

- Upgraded Dwarf and Malornian character classes with fortitude hit counters
  See: Health Tracker and section of Game Manual on Health Trackers

- Items deck, Changed Protective Gear to single-use items

- Companions deck, Changed "Ned the Pirate" to "Charlotte de Pirate"
  Added four more Treasure Hunters

- Opponents deck,
  Downgraded 'Figly the Guard,' 'Group of Grunchies' and 'One-Legged Pete' to d6
  Downgraded 'Armlann the Metalsmith' and 'Arvatheryn the Ranger' to a d8
  Replaced 'Larn the Legendary Hero' (d12) with 'Perfidious Lurch' (d8)

- Adventure Cards, Fairies no longer send the group backwards

- Dungeon Cards, Trap Doors no longer send the group backwards

Hello everyone.  Just a quick note to say that I'm thinking about you, and hoping that your Christmas season is staying pleasant (and stress free).  Seems many of you have wandered over from YouTube, which is nice.  Welcome.  Are you new to board games?  RPGs?  Craft projects?  Heroes of Feonora is somewhat like an introduction to all three.  You spend some time putting the game together, and then the first time you play it the game will teach you how to play as you go along.  Just take it nice and slow, realize that the first play-through is more about getting familiar with things, and enjoy learning each of the various mini-games that comprise the greater whole.  Most of all, don't forget to roleplay those characters and really bring them to life for the other players.  For that is the secret ingredient that makes a game like this special...and memorable.

Who knows, maybe one day we'll get a chance to meet some of you.

When we started work on Heroes of Feonora back in 2007 the most immediate goal was putting something together that was functional and playable...a working prototype.  This meant that luxury ingredients such as eye-catching artwork was not a high priority (nor should it be at this stage as most game designers will tell you).  There eventually came a point where some degree of artwork became a necessity, such as with the main game board and the Story Maps.  At this point we turned to our own (less than spectacular) abilities and the open source artwork community.  With more essential elements of gameplay and mechanics ironed out this 'placeholder artwork' gave the game just enough polish to justify a public release.  If no further updates/improvements were ever implemented the game would still be fully playable, functional and (we hope) lots of fun.

But a project like this never seems quite satisfied with staying in one place and there is a desire to eventually expand the visual feature set, particularly in areas such as card art and character portraits.  Whether this plays out fully is another story, but in the meantime we've taken at least one small step toward that goal, a step that would not have been possible without the help of two people who I'd like to introduce today.

Some time ago I tapped a segment of the online art community...mostly to see what level of interest the project might generate.  The initial response wasn't overwhelming, but turned out to be more encouraging than first anticipated.  Eventually two artists emerged with a willingness to lend some of their time and talent to the project, a project mind you not backed by a big name or studio-sized budget.  Suffice it to say the resulting production drawings couldn't have been more pleasing to watch, as they slowly took shape - bringing a wonderful mixture of characters to life.  After several months of collaboration Heroes of Feonora now proudly features its debut collection of polished artwork in the form of Character Portraits, highlighting the outstanding talents of Ian Garnett and Reggie Cuvelier.

Both artists came through with a visual style that compliments the whimsical nature of Feonora, an imaginary world filled with creatures and characters ranging from serious to comical (and everything in-between).  Much of Feonora pays tongue-in-cheek homage to traditional roleplaying conventions, while the rest strives to achieve a unique sense of identity and inter-character cohesion within the overall genre.  Reggie and Ian's works go a long way in conveying both elements of the game world and the credit is deservedly theirs.  From a designer standpoint there's only so much you can convey to the artist...afterwards, it's up to them to take hold of your vision and then bring it to life.

Development of art assets for a game of this scale is no small matter.  This initial [test] phase of production proved a conceptual approach for making it happen and gave us an opportunity to work with two artists who were professional, accommodating and a pleasure to work with.  To learn more about each artist visit the Credits page; both their names link through to an online portfolio, along with a broader selection of works (including contact info).

P.S.  I know it's been a while since the last character background posted, but we haven't forgotten about the others.  The goal was never to push these out at regular intervals, although admittedly it would have been nice to produce these at a clip of about one per month.  But things don't seem to work that way when the project is still more a hobby than a living.  Rather than setting expectations on which character will be featured next and when, let me just say that so far we've explored four of them, which leaves eight more to go.

It's been a while since I've had an opportunity to chat with you all.  Thanks for hanging in there and...we hope you've had a chance to put a set together and get some quality game time.  Don't forget to invite a few younger players.

The reason for this quick post is to let you know that a minor (though in some ways significant) update is just on the horizon.  We don't want to set an exact date as the more important aim is getting things right (e.g. putting the PDF Packs properly together).  Let's just say that...before the month is out, Heroes of Feonora will have reached another milestone in its ongoing development.

Those with completed sets needn't worry as this should prove to be a very smooth update for everyone.

Talk to you again soon.

Continued from Part 1


Josh: Hello and welcome back.  We're here with our friend Wimbly the Hauflin...

Wimbly: Spooner! Get out of his coffee!  Where's your manners!?

Josh: ...and his faithful sidekick, Spooner.

Spooner: [Sploosh!] [Kerplunk] Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Sorry about that.  He he.  Forgot to mention Spooner usually has a bath after the noontime; I've tried to tell him to use the loo like a proper gent but he's got this thing for that exotic "coffee" brew and I don't know where he picked it up cause I don't even drink the stuff ever since that wise Elf said it "exasperated my condition" - whatever that means...

Josh: Exacerbated?

Wimbly: Yes! That was it. And Spooner says it's his favorite because it makes him feel all tingly and alert but I think he just likes the bubbles.

Josh: Coffee doesn't have...bubbles.

Wimbly:  He makes them.  Oh!  By the way, you might not want to drink that.  Shame on you Spooner!

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh:  Thanks I...don't think I will.  Why don't we just set this down over here.

Wimbly:  Say, did I ever tell you about the time Spooner and I got captured by a band of Orcs, and they put us to work in the kitchen, only they didn't know it at the time but Spooner had just made friends with a Dragon who had the most dreadful case of the fire-sneezes and these Orcs you see were making this contraption and they were really excited about it, something called a 'powder keg' or the like and...

Josh: Stop!  I mean...um, we're sort of limited on time now and the listeners...you see they had some questions they're eager to ask you.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: You and Spooner I mean.

Wimbly: Oh well yes of course!  Why didn't you just say so.  Why if you catch me running off at the gibber lip why you just do what old Spooner here does and give me a good poke in the ear.  He he, it always tickles when he does that.  Of course, now that I think of it you might not want to do that what with you not being a frog and of course Spooner here has a terrible jealous streak and did I ever tell you about the time Spooner's fifth girlfriend lost her foot only it turns out...

Josh: (Groan)

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: [Digging through his knapsack] Spooner! Where'd you put my Fizzy tablets!?  I thought I told you I need these whenever I'm drinking Buttered Pickelprune juice.

Josh: You're drinking wha- Nevermind.  Ok. Here we go.  Our first question comes from Melissa.  She wants to know, 'What's the most exciting thing you ever saw in ALL your adventures?'

Wimbly: Oh that's an easy one.  Wait a minute.  Oh yeah.  This one time Spooner and I were invited to the Royal Court for a Suuuuper exclusive party (we had just spared the kingdom from a terrible fate worse than terrible) and they were having a Graaand Ball, you know the kind with all the dancing and prancing and bowing and all that with the dresses and gowns and funny little masks on sticks (he he, reminds me of me grammy when she used to show off her taxidermy collection) and Spooner and me well somehow we got lost and ended up deeeeep underneath the castle where no one had been for ages and there we met the Great Badger Underboss and he had this AMAZING contraption called a "Pinball Machine" and Spooner here why he set the high score that no one could beat, not even ol MacBadger's 3rd daughter Lilith (who was really hooked on that game and boy did she ever try to beat that score and she was pretty good too) and then when my turn came around said it was broken but I'll be a Yakabeast's dandruff if it wasn't just a clever ploy to kershuffle us back to the Royal Shindigery.  Of course, her being the daughter of an esteemed figure of the underground and all well you can understand how Spooner took a liking to her and well I told him he better watch out gettin involved with Underboss' daughters but you know how Spooner is and...where was I?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: Oh, right!  Thanks Spooner.  They had Cream-Cheese Truffles!

Josh: [Blinking]  Er...  Um.  Thank you for that, articulate response Wimbly.  I'm sure it was more than Melissa could have, hoped to hear.  [Reaches for his coffee and then remembers] Next question.  This one is from Todd and Jeremy.  They want to know, 'What is the grossest thing Spooner ever ate that he thought was something else?'

Wimbly:  Hmmm.  That's a tough one.  Spooner, what did you eat that one time that made you all purple and bloated and we had to give you a levitation potion and tow you behind the caravan and then the leader finally paid us to "Go our separate ways" and we ended up in the Northlands since that's where the wandering Viking fellow said his cousin was and we thought maybe they had a cure for purple bloated frogs with the icky-bloops?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Ah Yes! That's what it was.

Josh: [Waiting with a look of mild anticipation]

Wimbly:  Parmesan.  [Whispering to Josh] Spooner has a bit of a problem with the dairy mind.  That's why he's always sneaking my Fizzy tablets.  [Aloud] He thought it was a leftover bit o crumpet, like the ones the innkeeper used to give us for cleaning out the stables.

Josh: Well. You'll both be glad to know there's no Parmesan around here.  Come to think of it I'd better have a chat with Lisa; she was planning on cheese and crackers for a snack in a short while.  I don't suppose you know how he reacts to Cheddar?

Wimbly:  Better not.  [Whispering again] Reminds him of his stepmother.

Spooner:  Ribbit.

Josh:  Right.  Wait a minute.

Wimbly:  Have you got any Zucchini Mousse?  Spooner likes his with fermented Elderberries.

Josh: Fresh out.

Wimbly:  Oh.  Don't worry Spooner, we'll stop by the tavern and besides that nice Hildegard says she has a special treat for us if we do the dishes again only you can't bring that Fairy friend of yours cause Normund says it's been swiping the silverware and you know I told you...

Josh: Excuse me Wimbly but we have another question for you (and Spooner).

Wimbly: Ready!

Josh: Ok, let's see here.  "Aw3sumLiteSaber" wants to know [stares intently at the notepad], 'What shood I majorin cuz i'm don't hav a grlfrnd and i'm reely shy but also smart and reely g00d at Dance Dance Revolution? Also whut kinduv deoderant do u use?'

Wimbly: Hmmm.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Yes, I think you're right Spooner.  Reminds us of my little nephew - fourth cousin twice removed on my mother's side - Fennie Hiccup.  Nice lad.  Means well, tries REAL hard.  Except, heh, we think he's not altogether together that one.

Josh: Sounds like someone we know.

Wimbly: Who said what?

Josh: Oh.  Nothing.  Sorry.

Wimbly:  Where was I? Oh yeah.  Little Fennie got imself a full scholarship yes sirree, over at RPG 'U' - playing Wiffleball that's right.  We recommend the same...and eating lots of Asparagus.

Josh:  Alright.  Thank you for that. [scribbles a note-to-self on the notepad, something about not letting Wimbly give advice to impressionable youngsters].

Spooner: Buuuurp!

Wimbly:  Spooner!  Excuse yourself!

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh:  Next question.  Diana and her son Luke want to know, 'How old are you really?'

Wimbly:  Oh why that's an easy one.  Now let's see. Hrmmm.  My half-uncle Wilbow just celebrated his 85th birthday.  I know because Spooner accidentally swapped his present for that package we were supposed to deliver for those shady chaps that hang out behind the tavern and things really got ugly when the Royal Guard showed up looking for Spooner and of course you know he has sort of a reputation and they dragged us off just like they always do but of course the King, being the good-hearted king that he is, saved us from a dreadful interrogation where they dip our toes in cold cream o'the wheat until we can't stop giggling, and by the time we got back to Aunt Gelda's the youngins had ate all the cake, which is well and good given what we did to the first one (of course it was an honest mistake you understand), and anyway we weren't all that hungry cause Spooner here had swiped that bag of jerky from the guard and we got to snacking on it and you know what too much jerky does to poor Spooner's indigestion and pretty soon the youngins were begging us to tell the story of the time we came face to face with that eeeeevil wizard in the dungeon and how the Miniatures had to rescue us since they owed us that favor and...where was I?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Right!  Two gumdrops and a pinch of Season salt.

Josh:  But you...didn't even answer the...never mind.  Alright, looks like we're running short on time.  Just enough for one last question.  The Anderson's up in Walamazoo want to know, 'How did you and Spooner first meet?'

Wimbly: Ahhhhhh, why now that's a grand tale my boy if ever a tale there was.  We usually save this one for storytelling night at the tavern, with finger puppets and costumes and Spooner even does this little dance (it's so cute!) and they never tire of it.  Normund says it brings in the Copper Pieces every time and he even tips us as long as Spooner doesn't try to hit on the nobles or take a bath in the middle of the performance, which almost never happens except when he's heartbroken.  Let's see now.  How does it begin. [Long pause] It was a fuuuull moon that night, though you could never tell for the clouds were as thick as a Dwarven sandwich and a lone Hauflin (that's me) had just stowed away - I mean 'booked passage' - on a graaand sailing ship...

Josh: Hold on.  Wait.  Sorry Wimbly.  It doesn't look like we'll have enough time for that story today.  Perhaps you can share it with us next time.

Wimbly:  Can I at least tell the part about the drunken sailor who fell asleep in the peach barrel and then got traded to the Malornian pirates in exchange for safe passage?

Josh:  No.

Wimbly:  Oh.  Alrighty then.  Spooner and I must get along anyhow.  He has an audition with the Fighter's Guild for a new character they're promoting - they call him 'The Masked Avenger!!' and he has to wear this funny mustache only Spooner thinks it makes him look primly and actually so do the ladies; that's why I've got to negotiate his contract like a shrewd Human cause that Guild Boss is a real Copper pincher if you get my meaning...

Josh: And that concludes our interview with Wimbly the Hauflin and his ever-faithful companion Spooner.  It's been a...pleasure.  Thank you for joining us.  Until next time folks.  We'll see you back at Wayfarer's Rest. [Takes a big gulp of his coffee].

Josh: Hello Everyone.  Today we have a special guest.  We've been trying to get an interview with him for some time now, and believe me he isn't easy to track down.  Lisa and I have known him for years and now it is our great privilege to...

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Be quiet Spooner!

Josh:  Heh heh; he's a cute little fella.

Wimbly: He has indigestion. Accidentally swallowed a Willow Wisp this morning.

Josh: Awe, poor little guy.  Is there something we can do for him?

Wimbly: Have you got any Ogre mead?

Josh:  Um, not at the moment.  Uh, we...used it all up yesterday.

Wimbly: Oh that's too bad.  He's going to be a bit burpy then.  Tried everything the first time this happened...Elvish peptate, Khajathi Sithle root, spam cheese hogey dogs...

Josh: Yikes.

Wimbly:  Buuuut, for some reason the only thing that seemed to calm his belly down was a nice swig of Ogre mead (you know the homemade kind with the little sprinkles o' maggot fly garnish).

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: Also, he may act a little, uh, he he, peculiar here and there.  Just so you know.  But pay him no mind (he's also a little nervous, you know, being on teleo-vision and all).

Josh:  We're not on television.

Wimbly:  Oh.  Did you hear that Spooner?  No Feonora's Funniest Home Gladiators tonight after all. Tsk tsk.

Josh:  Well, ah hem.  Sorry we're all out of Ogre mead old boy.

Spooner: Buuuurp!

Wimbly: Point the other way Spooner! Your breath is killing me!

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: As I was saying, we've got a real treat for you today folks.  I'm joined by my good friend Wimbly Middletoe...and his faithful companion [checks notepad] Spooner Bartholomew Francisco Achoo the Third...Esquire.

Wimbly:  You can call him Spooner for short.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: Thank you.  And his faithful companion - Spooner.  As many of you already know, Wimbly is one of the most famousest Hauflins in all of Feonora, who has made quite a name for himself - especially around about the town of Villageton and, we hear, even in the halls of the Royal Court.

Wimbly:  Did I ever tell you about the time I had to rescue the Queen's favorite royal gown from the clutches of an eeeevil tailor, bent on the destruction of the entire world!?  You see, his devious plot involved a conspiracy to tie everyone's shoelaces together...

Josh: Yes.

Wimbly: Oh.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  I love that story.  Especially the part where the tailor had captured and cruelly stitched me into the gown and I couldn't call for help or anything and Spooner was nowhere to be found because he had run off with that Froglet from the traveling show and then the Queen went to put on the gown and...

Josh: (Sigh)

Spooner: Buuurp!

Josh: Uh, Ok.  I'm sure we'd all love to hear that story again Wimbly, but our time is limited and we have some questions for you sent in by our listeners.  They want to know more about you (and Spooner).  You know, get to know you better and find out what sorts of things the two of you enjoy doing in your spare time...that sort of thing.

Wimbly: Ah well then my boy.  Let's not keep the the good people waiting.  Now, where shall I begin...Ah yes, I was a tadpole once.

Josh: Beg your pardon?

Wimbly: Sure and righty too.  It was after Spooner and I had infiltrated the lair of an eeeevil Human Wizard (who used to feed his prisoners big gooey flattened pies called "pizza" with little fishes and sour fruit on them and the smell was worse than old Spooner here when he's got the indigestion...)  Where was I?

Josh: Tadpole.

Wimbly:  Right!  Well, we had been sent there on a super seeeecret mission that only the King...and his Fifth General Sir Wellington...and a few of the lower Lieutenants...one or two scribes, three of the Queen's Ladies in Waiting...six (no seven) members of our Pinochle club...and my little niece Lucy (because she had a cold that day and we couldn't leave her home, what with the explosion in the bathtub)...

Josh: Wimbly!

Wimbly: As I was saying we had just finished (he he) procuring a sample of his secret experimental tooth-whitening potion, only it turns out we had swiped from the wrong container and then it got mixed up with Spooner's allergy curative and...

Josh: Ok. Thanks Wimbly; that's a great story.  But, I think the audience wanted me to ask some of their questions...so if you don't mind we'll start with some of those ok?

Wimbly: Why of course my good man.  What are you waiting for?  We haven't got all day you know.  Deadlines to meet, vegetables in the kettle don't boil without water that's what I always say.  Come on then.  Out with it already.  Say, where did I put that tobaccin pipe.  Spooner!  What did you do with Mr. Beldofire!?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: Uh.  Why don't we take a little break.  When we come back, an interview with Wimbly the Hauflin, one of Feonora's most heroi...um, well known figures.

Spooner: Burp! [Sproink!]

Josh: Ow!  Why did he do that?  [rubs head]

Wimbly:  Spooner!  What's the matter with you!?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: He thought you were that Goblin who stole his hair brush.

Josh: (Groan)


End of Part 1 - An Interview with Wimbly