Support
Like the cozy tavern of Wayfarer's Rest here is a warm welcome to lively adventurers and weary travelers from near & far. While the blog is a great tool for keeping everyone up-to-date on the latest happenings those posts tend to get buried after a while. Think of these 'message boards' as a more permanent place for tips, advice and other help on Making and Playing the game. The easiest way to ask a question is to send an email using the Contact form. When the answer is something that will likely benefit everyone a new topic will appear under the appropriate heading.
 |
Making the Game
|
Complete Game Manual PDF
Posted on 8/29/10
The included Game Manual (in the PDF Pack) isn't configured for contiguous viewing as a single PDF file. Rather, it's set up to be printed out as a front-to-back booklet. For those just poking around or trying to understand more about the game this 'specially formatted' version may be of interest. The content is the same as the version found in the PDF Packs, except in this case the entire document can be read cover to cover - as a single PDF document.
Download Complete PDF Game Manual
Posted on 8/29/10
The included Game Manual (in the PDF Pack) isn't configured for contiguous viewing as a single PDF file. Rather, it's set up to be printed out as a front-to-back booklet. For those just poking around or trying to understand more about the game this 'specially formatted' version may be of interest. The content is the same as the version found in the PDF Packs, except in this case the entire document can be read cover to cover - as a single PDF document.
Download Complete PDF Game Manual
Cleaning Coins for a Treasury Set
Posted on 2/22/11
Years ago, during the very early stages of concept development, we were looking into methods of coin cleaning. It quickly became apparent that there wasn't a consensus on how best to do this. After doing a bit of traveling, observation and note-taking we came up with the following 'recipes' for coin cleaning. Perhaps the moral of the story is that coins can be cleaned in myriad ways...try to find what works for you. Which is the best you say? We're not sure (but suspect that a reclusive old Wine Merchant named Wregan Fedoralmynt secretly possesses the answer).
Elvish Method - Prepare a work surface: usually a table, mushroom or tree stump overlaid with Aloevian leaves for proper absorption and drying. Carefully rub each coin with Olive oil, applying just enough (but not too much) pressure. Do not spill the oil for it is difficult to acquire and needed for other, more important, purposes. Regardless of what the others say this is the most proper method as it does not make them too shiny, yet still effectively removes the majority of dirt and other blemishes.
Malornian Method - If you want your coins shiny and bright (as they should be) use metal cleaner. Usually the Dwarves have this, but they never use it for cleaning coins (In fact, we don't know what they use it for). But use it sparingly, and younglings should not be near the cleaning substance or the coins. Even after cleaning coins may tarnish, so you will have to be diligent.
Dwarvish Method - "What in Griffin's name do you want to clean coins for? Next thing you'll be wanting to know how to clean underwear!!" (Uproarious laughter and finger pointing ensues, followed by displays of strangely disfigured gems, which quickly erupts into a bragging contest that soon devolves into fisticuffs). We're moving on.
Khajathi Method - Soak the coins in White vinegar. Yes, that is the secret ingredient. Then, rinse them off in a combination of water with a little baking soda (the Hauflins usually have some of this) to neutralize the acid from the vinegar. Lastly, a final rinse using plain well water. Place on cloth or leather to dry. You might also take another cloth and pat them the rest of the way to get them good and dry.
Human Method - The best way to clean coins is liquid dishwashing detergent dissolved in hot water. Agitate the coins to remove crud. Rinse thoroughly. If you find a badly crusted coin (common when trading with Dwarves) we recommend using a mixture of sand, laundry detergent and water in a tumbler (for example, a one quart jar). Shake and let set for at least two days. "That will be ten Copper Pieces."
The Hauflin Method - "Oh coins are nice sure, but we prefer to trade in goods. After all, you can't plant or harvest coins and, thanks to the experiments of Dauber the toothless, we know they make a terrible ingredient for Steamy Potato soup. If you want to end up with more coins it's better to trade with Khajathi. They are fair, even more fair than the Human merchants. Trading with Dwarves usually ends up with fewer coins and they are sometimes made of wood, which the Humans won't accept and usually blame us...then they get angry and...What were we talking about?"
Pennyblum's Method - Place your coins into a clean jar of white vinegar and salt. Gently shake the contents and leave it overnight. The mixture will do the trick. -- "You're welcome."
The Goblin Method - "Eat dirty coins. They come back to you only more better. Like this!"
The Orcish Method - "Pick up Hauflin, turn him upside-down, watch shiny coins fall onto ground as little Human makes funny noises. Toss Hauflin and take shiny coins."
Posted on 2/22/11
Years ago, during the very early stages of concept development, we were looking into methods of coin cleaning. It quickly became apparent that there wasn't a consensus on how best to do this. After doing a bit of traveling, observation and note-taking we came up with the following 'recipes' for coin cleaning. Perhaps the moral of the story is that coins can be cleaned in myriad ways...try to find what works for you. Which is the best you say? We're not sure (but suspect that a reclusive old Wine Merchant named Wregan Fedoralmynt secretly possesses the answer).
Elvish Method - Prepare a work surface: usually a table, mushroom or tree stump overlaid with Aloevian leaves for proper absorption and drying. Carefully rub each coin with Olive oil, applying just enough (but not too much) pressure. Do not spill the oil for it is difficult to acquire and needed for other, more important, purposes. Regardless of what the others say this is the most proper method as it does not make them too shiny, yet still effectively removes the majority of dirt and other blemishes.
Malornian Method - If you want your coins shiny and bright (as they should be) use metal cleaner. Usually the Dwarves have this, but they never use it for cleaning coins (In fact, we don't know what they use it for). But use it sparingly, and younglings should not be near the cleaning substance or the coins. Even after cleaning coins may tarnish, so you will have to be diligent.
Dwarvish Method - "What in Griffin's name do you want to clean coins for? Next thing you'll be wanting to know how to clean underwear!!" (Uproarious laughter and finger pointing ensues, followed by displays of strangely disfigured gems, which quickly erupts into a bragging contest that soon devolves into fisticuffs). We're moving on.
Khajathi Method - Soak the coins in White vinegar. Yes, that is the secret ingredient. Then, rinse them off in a combination of water with a little baking soda (the Hauflins usually have some of this) to neutralize the acid from the vinegar. Lastly, a final rinse using plain well water. Place on cloth or leather to dry. You might also take another cloth and pat them the rest of the way to get them good and dry.
Human Method - The best way to clean coins is liquid dishwashing detergent dissolved in hot water. Agitate the coins to remove crud. Rinse thoroughly. If you find a badly crusted coin (common when trading with Dwarves) we recommend using a mixture of sand, laundry detergent and water in a tumbler (for example, a one quart jar). Shake and let set for at least two days. "That will be ten Copper Pieces."
The Hauflin Method - "Oh coins are nice sure, but we prefer to trade in goods. After all, you can't plant or harvest coins and, thanks to the experiments of Dauber the toothless, we know they make a terrible ingredient for Steamy Potato soup. If you want to end up with more coins it's better to trade with Khajathi. They are fair, even more fair than the Human merchants. Trading with Dwarves usually ends up with fewer coins and they are sometimes made of wood, which the Humans won't accept and usually blame us...then they get angry and...What were we talking about?"
Pennyblum's Method - Place your coins into a clean jar of white vinegar and salt. Gently shake the contents and leave it overnight. The mixture will do the trick. -- "You're welcome."
The Goblin Method - "Eat dirty coins. They come back to you only more better. Like this!"
The Orcish Method - "Pick up Hauflin, turn him upside-down, watch shiny coins fall onto ground as little Human makes funny noises. Toss Hauflin and take shiny coins."
 |
Playing the Game
|
Breaking a game into 'play sessions'
Posted on 6/10/10
When you include set-up time and filling out the Character Sheets, the average game of Heroes of Feonora lasts 3:30. But this doesn't have to be the sort of game played only on the weekends. We've found that a single full game can be broken into two distinct play sessions without disrupting the flow of the game. For example, imagine it's a week night. You only have an hour or two available for game time. This is going to be play session one. Tonight is going to be all about setting up the game, getting our Characters ready and playing through the Town Time phase. Once the Town Timer reaches the Group space we find ourselves at a good break point. Tomorrow night is play session two. We can pick up right were we left off, as the group is just about to set off on their journey - the Adventure phase. Assuming the group makes it to (and survives) the Final Encounter, play session two is all about making your way through the Adventure phase and then playing through the Victory phase (one of our favorite parts of the game).
Posted on 6/10/10
When you include set-up time and filling out the Character Sheets, the average game of Heroes of Feonora lasts 3:30. But this doesn't have to be the sort of game played only on the weekends. We've found that a single full game can be broken into two distinct play sessions without disrupting the flow of the game. For example, imagine it's a week night. You only have an hour or two available for game time. This is going to be play session one. Tonight is going to be all about setting up the game, getting our Characters ready and playing through the Town Time phase. Once the Town Timer reaches the Group space we find ourselves at a good break point. Tomorrow night is play session two. We can pick up right were we left off, as the group is just about to set off on their journey - the Adventure phase. Assuming the group makes it to (and survives) the Final Encounter, play session two is all about making your way through the Adventure phase and then playing through the Victory phase (one of our favorite parts of the game).
Playing Multiple Characters
Posted on 2/23/11
Games can be just as fun, and take on a unique twist, when players control more than one character. In fact, in much of the playtesting Lisa and I have done together, we've enjoying playing (and roleplaying) multiple characters.
When playing multiple characters, do try to remain objective and fair during the Victory Phase, especially during the Bargaining Round and voting for most Outstanding Roleplayer badge.
Posted on 2/23/11
Games can be just as fun, and take on a unique twist, when players control more than one character. In fact, in much of the playtesting Lisa and I have done together, we've enjoying playing (and roleplaying) multiple characters.
When playing multiple characters, do try to remain objective and fair during the Victory Phase, especially during the Bargaining Round and voting for most Outstanding Roleplayer badge.
Rotating the Story Cards
Posted on 2/25/11
One way to keep things fresh is to remove the Story Card that was played in the previous game - before a card is chosen by the Group Leader. Doing this allows for the Story to still be chosen at random, while also ensuring that the Adventure is one not recently played.
Posted on 2/25/11
One way to keep things fresh is to remove the Story Card that was played in the previous game - before a card is chosen by the Group Leader. Doing this allows for the Story to still be chosen at random, while also ensuring that the Adventure is one not recently played.
Accumulated Wealth and Retirement Funds
Posted on 6/27/11
Bob of the Briarthick Wood has asked: whether a character might be able to raid (I mean "utilize") their Retirement Fund in the quest for a Permanent Mount, or to make a down-payment on an Abode. Since the Game Manuals have left room for speculation on this point we thought it would be good to clarify how the Accumulated Wealth portion of the Character Sheet works...more specifically, a Character's Retirement Fund. Once a Character has placed money into their Retirement Fund it cannot be used during any portion of the game or the Victory phase. It is there, one might say, as a badge of honor - or humility depending on what sort of character we're talking about. In short, a Character's Retirement Fund is purely symbolic. There the accumulated wealth must remain, as a monument to: in the words of Villageton's Bank President Mr. Hogglebottom, "...prudence!, Rrrrrresponsibility and good fiscal accountably, accountably, accountibible...ah hem, Management."
Posted on 6/27/11
Bob of the Briarthick Wood has asked: whether a character might be able to raid (I mean "utilize") their Retirement Fund in the quest for a Permanent Mount, or to make a down-payment on an Abode. Since the Game Manuals have left room for speculation on this point we thought it would be good to clarify how the Accumulated Wealth portion of the Character Sheet works...more specifically, a Character's Retirement Fund. Once a Character has placed money into their Retirement Fund it cannot be used during any portion of the game or the Victory phase. It is there, one might say, as a badge of honor - or humility depending on what sort of character we're talking about. In short, a Character's Retirement Fund is purely symbolic. There the accumulated wealth must remain, as a monument to: in the words of Villageton's Bank President Mr. Hogglebottom, "...prudence!, Rrrrrresponsibility and good fiscal accountably, accountably, accountibible...ah hem, Management."
Dealing with Statue of Riddles
Posted on 2/14/13
The Question: "Why can't we destroy that pesky Statue of Riddles, or at least run away from it?"
Running away would only cause it to spring its trap. You could destroy it, with the right spell, which you don't have, except that doing so would only increase its power...so in actuality, it cannot be destroyed in the way you're thinking. Probably best to try and solve the riddle.
Posted on 2/14/13
The Question: "Why can't we destroy that pesky Statue of Riddles, or at least run away from it?"
Running away would only cause it to spring its trap. You could destroy it, with the right spell, which you don't have, except that doing so would only increase its power...so in actuality, it cannot be destroyed in the way you're thinking. Probably best to try and solve the riddle.
Setting Up for an Adventure
Posted on 3/8/13
The Question: "How important is seating arrangement?"
It comes into play during Town Time, and partly why a Group Leader is chosen (automatically) for each adventure. Otherwise, position and turn order should not be viewed as critical to the outcome of the game. There may come a time when an experienced player will bring a power-leveled character to the table, in other words, a character with much higher Rank, Movement, Hero Awards and other bonuses compared to the other characters. In this situation that player should probably be positioned at the end of the rotation. It isn't a requirement, but does fall more in line with the spirit of the game. Moderate differences from one character to another are very much a normal aspect of things.
Overall, keep to the Setup checklist and try not to get too caught up in seating arrangement around the board.
An experienced player (with a high-level character) should rarely complain about taking a position at the end of the rotation, to control the Town Timer and set an example for the other players.
Posted on 3/8/13
The Question: "How important is seating arrangement?"
It comes into play during Town Time, and partly why a Group Leader is chosen (automatically) for each adventure. Otherwise, position and turn order should not be viewed as critical to the outcome of the game. There may come a time when an experienced player will bring a power-leveled character to the table, in other words, a character with much higher Rank, Movement, Hero Awards and other bonuses compared to the other characters. In this situation that player should probably be positioned at the end of the rotation. It isn't a requirement, but does fall more in line with the spirit of the game. Moderate differences from one character to another are very much a normal aspect of things.
Overall, keep to the Setup checklist and try not to get too caught up in seating arrangement around the board.
An experienced player (with a high-level character) should rarely complain about taking a position at the end of the rotation, to control the Town Timer and set an example for the other players.
Studying to be an Expert Fisherman
Posted on 3/8/13
The Question: "Why is it so hard to get the Fishing Expert!? Like I'm so sure."
Valley Girl?
Posted on 3/8/13
The Question: "Why is it so hard to get the Fishing Expert!? Like I'm so sure."
Valley Girl?
Bowing out of the Butterfly Game
Posted on 4/21/13
Mergatroyd of Worcestershire writes, "During the Victory Phase is it allowed for a player to not take part in the butterfly competition?"
Ah. This is the competition that takes place in the Tavern, between all players who are tied with the most butterflies. And the question is about whether players are permitted to abstain from the competition (for in some cases they may not be in the running for the Hero Award so why bother right?). But alas, even if the Hero Award is not within grasp for this character, the implications of not participating could sway the outcome for those in the running (also known as the "Kingmaker" conundrum). In the spirit of the Victory Phase, which is not only about winning the Hero Award, but also about earning Badges for prestige and honor, players should (and in this case must) participate in the butterfly collecting competition. This way, the character is showing good sportsmanship and giving the Tavern patrons a better show - they like that a lot. Thanks for the question Mergatroyd.
Posted on 4/21/13
Mergatroyd of Worcestershire writes, "During the Victory Phase is it allowed for a player to not take part in the butterfly competition?"
Ah. This is the competition that takes place in the Tavern, between all players who are tied with the most butterflies. And the question is about whether players are permitted to abstain from the competition (for in some cases they may not be in the running for the Hero Award so why bother right?). But alas, even if the Hero Award is not within grasp for this character, the implications of not participating could sway the outcome for those in the running (also known as the "Kingmaker" conundrum). In the spirit of the Victory Phase, which is not only about winning the Hero Award, but also about earning Badges for prestige and honor, players should (and in this case must) participate in the butterfly collecting competition. This way, the character is showing good sportsmanship and giving the Tavern patrons a better show - they like that a lot. Thanks for the question Mergatroyd.
 |
Extras
|
Just a small corner of the website where a few... hidden artifacts appear to have been stashed
Character Background for Patrick-Thomas (posted on 7/6/11)
Character Background for Northa the Hauflin (posted on 7/6/11)
Character Background for Shila Methazar (posted on 7/6/11)
An Interview with Wimbly Middletoe (posted on 8/1/11)
...more to come
Character Background for Patrick-Thomas (posted on 7/6/11)
Character Background for Northa the Hauflin (posted on 7/6/11)
Character Background for Shila Methazar (posted on 7/6/11)
An Interview with Wimbly Middletoe (posted on 8/1/11)
...more to come
Mosquito Copyright © Tony Martin
