Frequently Asked Questions
Hey, this is the 21st Century. We have tablets. We have social games. We have live video and voice chatting. We even have "board games" that can be played on our digital devices. Why play a real board game?
Staring at a screen, for work and leisure, all day long...is hard on the eyes. Your poor eyes need a break! And besides, tactile components = pleasure. Real (face-to-face) human interaction also = pleasure. Remember too that after the apocalypse all those fancy digital devices won't work anymore. It'll be handy to have a few board games around.
Staring at a screen, for work and leisure, all day long...is hard on the eyes. Your poor eyes need a break! And besides, tactile components = pleasure. Real (face-to-face) human interaction also = pleasure. Remember too that after the apocalypse all those fancy digital devices won't work anymore. It'll be handy to have a few board games around.
If this is a "Role-Playing Game" (RPG) does that mean someone will have to serve as the Game Master?
Not in this game. While Heroes of Feonora does implement some of the conventions of traditional RPGs (custom characters and roleplaying for example) it is first and foremost a board game. This means that every player gets to participate in the adventure. If anyone enjoys a unique advantage it will be the chosen 'Group Leader' for the game session, and once you've played through a few stories (especially with younger players or inexperienced players) you'll quickly realize why it was designed this way.
Not in this game. While Heroes of Feonora does implement some of the conventions of traditional RPGs (custom characters and roleplaying for example) it is first and foremost a board game. This means that every player gets to participate in the adventure. If anyone enjoys a unique advantage it will be the chosen 'Group Leader' for the game session, and once you've played through a few stories (especially with younger players or inexperienced players) you'll quickly realize why it was designed this way.
Is this a "kids" game?
Despite appearances, no. But we've tried to make it as accessible to children as possible, with the hope that board game loving parents (or RPG engaged families) will have an enjoyable, immersive experience they can enjoy with their kids. We estimate the appropriate age at about 10 years and up, circumstances may vary. For example, we have seen Khajathi as young as 8 & 9 play quite skillfully compared to a group of mature Elves. Although, we suspect that had something to do with the Elves' individual preoccupation with winning the Hero Award...
Despite appearances, no. But we've tried to make it as accessible to children as possible, with the hope that board game loving parents (or RPG engaged families) will have an enjoyable, immersive experience they can enjoy with their kids. We estimate the appropriate age at about 10 years and up, circumstances may vary. For example, we have seen Khajathi as young as 8 & 9 play quite skillfully compared to a group of mature Elves. Although, we suspect that had something to do with the Elves' individual preoccupation with winning the Hero Award...
Who is most likely to enjoy Heroes of Feonora?
That's difficult to say just now. The safe answer would be "Those who enjoy Roleplaying Games/Board Games, and are interested in something that blends the two." But there's a little more to it than that. The essential 'character' of this game - being lite, family friendly (and a little bit like a party game) - might not hold as much appeal to some, while for others, it may be just the sort of game they've been looking for. We imagine there are potentially several types of players who will enjoy Heroes of Feonora: Those who (like us) grew up playing video games, who also like some of the aspects of roleplaying games, but don't have the time or inclination to get involved with more traditional tabletop RPGs. Those who enjoy creating custom characters, roleplaying those characters within a distinct game world, and seeing them 'level up' and improve over time. Groups or Couples looking for a board game that emphasizes cooperation. People who enjoy working on crafting projects together, and coming up with their own creative ways of customizing the game set. RPG fans who enjoy a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, but is serious about being balanced & fun with attention to detail. Parents who enjoy RPGs and want something they can play with their children. Kids who enjoy RPGs and want something they can play with their parents. People who like story-driven content within the context of a lively imaginative world. And, we've found, Dwarves & Hauflins of all ages as they are particularly competitive with one another when it comes to board games. Although, they don't play with Goblins as much as they used to as game components too often seem to go missing halfway through the adventure.
That's difficult to say just now. The safe answer would be "Those who enjoy Roleplaying Games/Board Games, and are interested in something that blends the two." But there's a little more to it than that. The essential 'character' of this game - being lite, family friendly (and a little bit like a party game) - might not hold as much appeal to some, while for others, it may be just the sort of game they've been looking for. We imagine there are potentially several types of players who will enjoy Heroes of Feonora: Those who (like us) grew up playing video games, who also like some of the aspects of roleplaying games, but don't have the time or inclination to get involved with more traditional tabletop RPGs. Those who enjoy creating custom characters, roleplaying those characters within a distinct game world, and seeing them 'level up' and improve over time. Groups or Couples looking for a board game that emphasizes cooperation. People who enjoy working on crafting projects together, and coming up with their own creative ways of customizing the game set. RPG fans who enjoy a game that doesn't take itself too seriously, but is serious about being balanced & fun with attention to detail. Parents who enjoy RPGs and want something they can play with their children. Kids who enjoy RPGs and want something they can play with their parents. People who like story-driven content within the context of a lively imaginative world. And, we've found, Dwarves & Hauflins of all ages as they are particularly competitive with one another when it comes to board games. Although, they don't play with Goblins as much as they used to as game components too often seem to go missing halfway through the adventure.
Is the game really FREE? Or is this just a Demo? What's the deal?
Yes. The complete game is 100% free. The only catch is that you have to put it together yourself, which can actually be a fun process, especially if you think about it as a kind of arts & crafts project. For example, even with all of the game elements available in PDF form, it turns out some of the components work better as creatively assembled non-paper stuff that...you probably already have. This is where the Make It page comes in. There you'll find expanded tips on how to make physical (more tactile) components - or come up with completely original versions of your own.
Yes. The complete game is 100% free. The only catch is that you have to put it together yourself, which can actually be a fun process, especially if you think about it as a kind of arts & crafts project. For example, even with all of the game elements available in PDF form, it turns out some of the components work better as creatively assembled non-paper stuff that...you probably already have. This is where the Make It page comes in. There you'll find expanded tips on how to make physical (more tactile) components - or come up with completely original versions of your own.
How did the King become such an avid butterfly collector?
Ah, now there is a story we really ought to share some time, down at the tavern, when the fire is warm, the patrons are settled in and the mood is right for a tale of great adventure, heart-wrenching tragedy, a close brush with fate, and...well you'll just have to wait and see how it turns out.
Ah, now there is a story we really ought to share some time, down at the tavern, when the fire is warm, the patrons are settled in and the mood is right for a tale of great adventure, heart-wrenching tragedy, a close brush with fate, and...well you'll just have to wait and see how it turns out.
Why FREE? Is the game any good? Why not charge a small amount for the PDF Packs?
First, as you might have noticed, there are a few areas still lacking artwork, mostly with respect to Character Portraits and artwork for the cards (also referred to as "Card Art"). Even so, much focus has been placed on creative content, solid mechanics and balanced gameplay. Once assembled the game is 100% playable and (we hope you'll agree) packed with strategy, engaging cooperative gameplay and a good dose of roleplaying fun. But there's really more to the story...We've put a lot of time, energy and love into "Heroes of Feonora" (and this website) in the hopes of sharing it with others. This includes making it available, in complete playable form, to anyone with the time & motivation to print and assemble the game. This decision has allowed players like you to discover and enjoy the game now, instead of having to wait several more years for the integration of artwork. It also gives us a chance to connect with people who would like to see Heroes of Feonora reach its full potential. Similar to the 'Freeware' model of free software, we like the idea that people can play and enjoy the game, offering support only to the extent they feel it deserves. There are several possible ways to approach this and we'll continue to look at which might be the best fit for the game.
First, as you might have noticed, there are a few areas still lacking artwork, mostly with respect to Character Portraits and artwork for the cards (also referred to as "Card Art"). Even so, much focus has been placed on creative content, solid mechanics and balanced gameplay. Once assembled the game is 100% playable and (we hope you'll agree) packed with strategy, engaging cooperative gameplay and a good dose of roleplaying fun. But there's really more to the story...We've put a lot of time, energy and love into "Heroes of Feonora" (and this website) in the hopes of sharing it with others. This includes making it available, in complete playable form, to anyone with the time & motivation to print and assemble the game. This decision has allowed players like you to discover and enjoy the game now, instead of having to wait several more years for the integration of artwork. It also gives us a chance to connect with people who would like to see Heroes of Feonora reach its full potential. Similar to the 'Freeware' model of free software, we like the idea that people can play and enjoy the game, offering support only to the extent they feel it deserves. There are several possible ways to approach this and we'll continue to look at which might be the best fit for the game.
Putting it together at home sorta sounds like fun, but we just want to play the game. Is there any way to purchase a complete, pre-assembled Heroes of Feonora?
Yes. It isn't going to look like the custom built set featured in the Photos page, but will still be just as functional and, more importantly, playable right out of the box. For more information please take a moment to read this blog post.
Yes. It isn't going to look like the custom built set featured in the Photos page, but will still be just as functional and, more importantly, playable right out of the box. For more information please take a moment to read this blog post.
Why so little artwork? Will more artwork be available soon?
The short answer...we're not artists. Currently, the focus is on Character Portraits (see below). It takes a lot of time to either create, or license and assemble artwork. As we continue down this path we want to be sure the illustrations are a proper fit for the intended look and feel of the game. Our main focus up to this point has been balance, playability and that elusive esoteric quality called "fun." After five years of development we feel confident of having achieved those goals. Should you decide to give give it a go we hope you'll agree, in spite of the minimal use of artwork. If you are an artist (or an aspiring artist) and want to talk about collaborating, please do.
The short answer...we're not artists. Currently, the focus is on Character Portraits (see below). It takes a lot of time to either create, or license and assemble artwork. As we continue down this path we want to be sure the illustrations are a proper fit for the intended look and feel of the game. Our main focus up to this point has been balance, playability and that elusive esoteric quality called "fun." After five years of development we feel confident of having achieved those goals. Should you decide to give give it a go we hope you'll agree, in spite of the minimal use of artwork. If you are an artist (or an aspiring artist) and want to talk about collaborating, please do.
I'm an artist (or, out of curiosity), what kind of art are you looking for?
Feonora is a simple fantasy world brimming with fun creatures and wildlife. Soft, illustrated line art with minimal shading is very close to the style we envision. Photo-realism and 'heavy art' not so much. The card descriptions provide, we think, a good amount of insight into the look and feel envisioned for the inhabitants of this world. All of Feonora is lite and whimsical, but not over-the-top silly. In fact, some of the Character Portraits might even feature serious looking characters. The images gathered below hint at the general artistic vision for the game. All are copyright their respective owners (apologies if the artist name is unavailable) and should not be considered part of 'Heroes of Feonora' the board game, nor the property of its creators - but we like them.
Feonora is a simple fantasy world brimming with fun creatures and wildlife. Soft, illustrated line art with minimal shading is very close to the style we envision. Photo-realism and 'heavy art' not so much. The card descriptions provide, we think, a good amount of insight into the look and feel envisioned for the inhabitants of this world. All of Feonora is lite and whimsical, but not over-the-top silly. In fact, some of the Character Portraits might even feature serious looking characters. The images gathered below hint at the general artistic vision for the game. All are copyright their respective owners (apologies if the artist name is unavailable) and should not be considered part of 'Heroes of Feonora' the board game, nor the property of its creators - but we like them.
Card Art.
It is also worth noting that while many of Feonora's inhabitants might be thought of as 'attractive,' none of them are trying to be sexy (as is often the case with female RPG characters).
Character Portraits
Are there plans for a commercial version?
Publishing a board game of this sort (or any sort) is a tricky thing. We have looked into this rather extensively. Let's just say that when the time is right, Heroes of Feonora will begin the long transition into a new chapter of its life. But, if the game seems interesting, and you're curious to give it a try, it might be best not to wait for a commercial release.
Publishing a board game of this sort (or any sort) is a tricky thing. We have looked into this rather extensively. Let's just say that when the time is right, Heroes of Feonora will begin the long transition into a new chapter of its life. But, if the game seems interesting, and you're curious to give it a try, it might be best not to wait for a commercial release.
If the game ever does get published, what would happen to the print-and-play version?
Regardless of what may ever come of the game the one thing we hope for is that there will always be a free, officially endorsed, fully playable print/play version available.
Regardless of what may ever come of the game the one thing we hope for is that there will always be a free, officially endorsed, fully playable print/play version available.
We like this game. Can I make a donation?
Yes. Thank You. That would be greatly appreciated.
Donations will help us get more artwork into the game.
Visit the secure Donation page.
Yes. Thank You. That would be greatly appreciated.
Donations will help us get more artwork into the game.
Visit the secure Donation page.
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You totally need to do a Kickstarter campaign!!
We may just. ...of course, that is a fairly big project, and time is not in abundance these days.
Plus, we're both pretty camera shy.
We may just. ...of course, that is a fairly big project, and time is not in abundance these days.
Plus, we're both pretty camera shy.
What in the heck is a "Hauflin?" Don't you mean "Halfling?"
The world of Feonora, so far as we know, doesn't have any sort of people called "Halflings." We can only tell you of what we've discovered in our own travels and those little folk most assuredly refer to themselves as "Hauflins."
It might be best to remember this, especially if you ever find yourself in the midst of a pickle popping festival.
The world of Feonora, so far as we know, doesn't have any sort of people called "Halflings." We can only tell you of what we've discovered in our own travels and those little folk most assuredly refer to themselves as "Hauflins."
It might be best to remember this, especially if you ever find yourself in the midst of a pickle popping festival.
Are these really Frequently Asked Questions?
Do Goblins have belly-buttons?
Do Goblins have belly-buttons?
Updated: 5/16/13
Rat Copyright © Tony Martin
