Frequently Asked Questions
Hey, this is the 21st Century. We have tablets. We have social games with video and voice chat. We even have "board games" that can be played on our devices. Why bother to play a real board game?
Staring at a screen for just about every waking hour is hard on the eyes. Your poor eyes need a break! Beyond that,
it could rightly be said that tactile components = pleasure. Moreover, real human interaction also = moments of spontaneous silliness and fun with fresh popcorn and hugs. Besides which, after the alien-robot-zombie apocalypse those fancy digital devices won't work anymore. It'll be handy to have a few board games around : D
it could rightly be said that tactile components = pleasure. Moreover, real human interaction also = moments of spontaneous silliness and fun with fresh popcorn and hugs. Besides which, after the alien-robot-zombie apocalypse those fancy digital devices won't work anymore. It'll be handy to have a few board games around : D
If this is a "Role-Playing Game" 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 is meant to enjoy a unique (if at times precarious) position 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 begin to understand 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...
Do the cards have amazing pictures and fancy artwork? Is it, you know, pretty to look at?
We have tended to focus on gameplay over visual aesthetic. At first out of necessity until, by and by this kind of narrative approach to imagery became part of the character and identity for the game. In the early days some number of kind people donated their artistic talent to character portraits. As for the remaining elements of the game you might find there are times when words have a way of painting scenes and characters where the mind is a canvas. This is something players will have to judge for themselves. We can only say that the beauty (and occasional darkness) of the game world, the visual style of Feonora's many inhabitants, from opponents and companions to mounts... have been crafted specially to evoke the mental imagery of imagination and wonder.
Is the game easy to pick up and play?
No. It's not that kind of game. Please don't expect that. Heroes of Feonora is rather the sort of game that reveals itself in layers, giving a sense of satisfaction as things begin to click into place. Players should not expect to finish the first few adventures in a single play session. In fact, breaking down a game into multiple play sessions was built into the design, and could easily be expected to occur whenever large groups set out to tackle an adventure.
Who is most likely to enjoy Heroes of Feonora?
The Short version - We're inclined to say Families and Gaming Groups who are rather like families looking for lite RPG fare and can dedicate an entire afternoon (and oftentimes evening) to a single adventure.
The Less Short version - We had the sense early on in development this wasn't going to be your typical Euro-style one or two hour affair down at the local game shop kind of experience... so we didn't try to force it into that category.
That being the case (and probably for other reasons as well) Heroes of Feonora isn't the sort of RPG style board game that's going to appeal to everyone. Probably the majority of our players are families (with a wide range of ages including younger players) and people who can enjoy the quirkier aspects of RPGs without the need for a full-blown tabletop experience. Once you've played through a few stories you'll see that this is a whimsical game world that doesn't take itself too seriously. Just don't let that fool you as we've crafted plenty of depth in terms of gameplay, mechanics and sometimes fierce competition amongst players.
That being the case (and probably for other reasons as well) Heroes of Feonora isn't the sort of RPG style board game that's going to appeal to everyone. Probably the majority of our players are families (with a wide range of ages including younger players) and people who can enjoy the quirkier aspects of RPGs without the need for a full-blown tabletop experience. Once you've played through a few stories you'll see that this is a whimsical game world that doesn't take itself too seriously. Just don't let that fool you as we've crafted plenty of depth in terms of gameplay, mechanics and sometimes fierce competition amongst players.
The Long version - Probably the safest 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 tone of the game tends to be light and family friendly while introducing a broad range of themes. This 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 catch is that you have to put it together yourself. Now, it won't be easy but can be fun, 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.
Why FREE? Is the game any good? Why not charge a small amount for the PDF Packs?
Since the initial public release in 2010 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 some number of years for a more traditional release. In the meanwhile, snap a photo of your game set (or gaming group) and send it to us along with a few words of encouragement or even lengthy and thoughtful feedback. Or, visit this page for some other ways to support the project. Any of these help and even a little encouragement goes a long way!
Is there a way to purchase a pre-assembled set (of the pdf version)?
Given the size of the game and the fact that it's still receiving updates (and small improvements) there wouldn't be a practical, cost-effective way to do this. But you never know. Stay tuned for the occasional blog entry and in the meantime, consider starting on a homemade set and see how it goes. Printing tip: If you are able to get a hold of quality paper for the card decks, we have had success taking the paper and pdf files into the local office supply print center. See if they have a Color Xerox printer and find someone who can help you print out the decks using one of these high-end machines. Cost per deck seems to range from around $9 to $15 but looks great with the right paper. Be sure to use the "Actual Size" setting and if possible have the printer set to "Coated 3" (or similar) to account for the thicker paper. Oh, one other thing, we found the Business Card paper at Office Depot to work well for card decks ...not the perforated kind on the shelf, but the semi-gloss kind they have behind the counter at the print center.
Are there plans for a commercial release, you know, with a proper box and beautiful artwork and all that other good stuff?
Publishing a board game of this sort (or any sort) is a tricky thing. We have looked into this rather extensively, including the possibility of crowd-funding. These are big ideas so let's just say that when the time is right and the game is ready Heroes of Feonora will begin the transition into a new chapter of its life. Meanwhile, if it seems interesting and you're curious to give it a try, it might be best not to wait for a commercial release.
Hi! Okay. I know what you said in the previous answer but like WOW this thing has been in development since... FOREVER! When is it going to be finished!!
We know what you mean really we do, and believe it or not there have been a few brief moments when we thought to ourselves, "You know it's starting to feel like this thing is pretty much as good as it can be." We have since come to realize that the better question for most people is going to be something more like, 'When can we play this game?' which works out great because the answer is ~ Right now (as soon as you put a set together).
Wow, a lot of work has been put into this and it's fun! How can I support the project?
There are a few ways to do that by following the link below. And, Thank You. Any kind of support is appreciated, even something as simple as sending us a message about your experience with the game so far.
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Huh. I made a Loot roll (after a really tough battle) and came up with a blank. So, is it really possible to get twice the amount of NOTHING?
Yes! More is better. Except when it's less.
What's your highest ranking character?
Tell us yours and we'll tell you ours.
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Rat Copyright © Tony Martin
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Goldfish is a good fighter??
That's just the beginning of it. Be thankful someone didn't unwittingly feed it after midnight.
Shouldn't her name be "Charlotte la Pirate"?
Ah. You would be referring to Companion "Charlotte de Pirate." It should indeed... if the name by which she has gained her notoriety had been intended to mean "Charlotte the Pirate," which it might have, at first, if you'd been there during the troubled times leading up to the Great Sea Battle at Crimson Archipelago. But monikers have a curious way of concealing their original meaning, especially when events turn to story, and story to legend. It is possible that by now only Charlotte herself (and 13 others... still living) know the true meaning of her name. As for the rest of us, well that is the name by which she is called and by the barnacles no one ever questions it.
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.
It might be best to remember this, especially if you ever find yourself in the midst of a pickle popping festival.
Hey, I play video games and "Khajathi" is reminiscent of the "Khajiit" race from The Elder Scrolls.
Morrowind, the third installment in the Elder Scrolls series, was the inspiration behind our desire to have a race of cat and reptile people among the other societies inhabiting the world of Feonora. The first time Josh (who has been playing video games since way back) encountered a fictionalized race of cat people was in the video game "Wing Commander" (1990, ORIGIN Systems). The bad guys in that game series are the fierce "Kilrathi" and they are thought to be inspired by a fictional race of cat people called "Kzinti" from Larry Niven's 'Known Space' series of sci-fi novels (1966 - present). Morrowind came along in 2002 and continued (or perhaps popularized) the tradition of naming fictional races of feline bipeds with the letter "K." With a desire to be a part of this tradition, and to pay homage to the sources of inspiration that left an endearing mark, we developed the name "Khajathi" for the fictional race of clan-oriented and fiercely brave cat folk that would be included in the setting for this game.
Em, how can I put this politely? The game was first released in 2010 and received regular updates for a few years after that. Then things slowed down for a while THEN things Stopped! Completely! for like YEARS and I'm still waiting for the Items deck to get some kind of artwork or update or something and the Manuals are totally a complete mess!! for the love of ALL that is Good* at least fix the manuals so we can all actually learn how to play the Game!
P.S. Thanks for making it's fun.
Er... um... thanks... we think. Eh-hem (hehe). Sorry. Hang on. Okay. Right. Yes. Correct. We shall look into that. Writing this down... I-T-E-M-s deck. Got it. and the manuals. Check. To-do list updated. Sorry about that. Spooner says hello by the way and totally unrelated to the "question" wishes to remind certain people that they should always try to take their medication on a timely basis and that taking walks in the grass are good for bare feet but it can sometimes tickle.
Updated: 5/19/24