Heroquest - Quest 6: Legacy of the Orc Warlord

Preamble...

Brighttower woke to the cold that chilled him to his bones.  What was happening? Oh that’s right he was captured.  With the full return of his senses he found that he was naked and lying on the stone floor of what must be a cell.  What woke him even faster was that he was in the unenviable position of looking a Axebiter, from a sixty-nine position, this would not be good if the Barbarian woke up.

Sitting bolt upright he saw that the others were still unconscious.  He had only had the dregs left to finish of the poisoned wine, so he was “luckily” the first one awake.  He saw no point is waking his companions, what was the point.  There was only one door to the cell, out of habit and a way to keep warm and focused he checked for any secret exits the room.  To his regret there was only one door, grilled section at head height and solid oak.

After some time the rest of the group regained consciousness and bemoaned their fate.

“How will we get out of here, do you have a plan Brighttower,” asked Fairtree.

“Why doesn’t one of us complain of being deathly ill and in need of aide.  When the guard comes in, we overpower him, grabs the keys and leg it,” posed Stumpgrinder.

“Has that ever worked in the past Stumpy?” Axebiter sarcastically queried.

“Well it seems to work in all the situations I’ve ever heard of!”

“Or we could just walk out the door, it’s bloody well unlocked!  Right lets leg it then,” said Brighttower after he had tried the handle to the door.  To his surprise, the hinges were well oiled and opening the door elicited no response from outside.  A quick look left and right showed only a single Goblin dozing at his post.

With the cool Dungeon air whipping around their nether regions the group made their dash to freedom.

Lair of the Orc Warlord

The sixth Quest in the Quest Book for Heroquest.
In this game it took the player 28 turns to complete the Quest with every character surviving, well not really two did succumb to death, however the use of Fate Points allows the Campaign to continue.

In this Quest the Characters had to enter the room to collect their gear, unlike the impression given that one Character carried the lot to divvy out as pleased.

Order of play was Dwarf (Ramble Stumpgrinder), Wizard (Barodis Brighttower), Elf (Silverleaf Fairtree), Barbarian (Grim Axebiter), and the finally the GM or Evil Wizard.

Turn 1
Dwarf moves.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Goblin, misses.
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills)
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills)
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 7/8) (0 kills)

Turn 2
Dwarf moves.
Wizard moves, finds equipment, agreement made to take Talisman of Lore.
Elf moves, finds equipment.
Barbarian fights Goblin, misses.
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills)
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills)
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 6/8) (0 kills)

Turn 3
Dwarf moves, finds equipment.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Goblin, misses.
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills)
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills)
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (0 kills)

Turn 4
Dwarf moves.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Goblin, misses.
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, misses. Fimir remembers to move!

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills)
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills)
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (0 kills)

Turn 5
Dwarf moves, throws Hand axe at Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves and searches for treasure, finds Nothing!
Barbarian fights Goblin, misses.
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, misses. Fimir moves.

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Orc Kills)
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills)
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (0 kills)


Turn 6
Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Gold! 25gc.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Holy Water.
Elf moves and searches for secret doors, finds none.
Barbarian fights Goblin, misses.
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted. Fimir waits.

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Orc Kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (0 kills)

Turn 7
Dwarf moves.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Goblin, kills Goblin – runs away from Fimir.
GM has Fimir move.

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Orc Kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills)

Turn 8
Dwarf fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills)

Turn 9
Dwarf moves.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills)

Turn 10
Dwarf fights Orc, misses.
Wizard fights Orc, kills Orc.
Elf shoots Orc, kills Orc.
Barbarian moves.
GM has an Orc fight Elf, 1 wound inflicted.  An Orc fights the Elf, 1 wound inflicted. Fimir fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted. Orc fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (1 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (1 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 4/6) (1 Orc kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills)

Turn 11
Dwarf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard fights Orc, kills Orc.
Elf shoots Orc, misses.
Barbarian fights Fimir, misses.
GM has an Orc fight Elf, 1 wound inflicted.  Fimir fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted. Orc fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (2 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (1 Orc kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills)

Turn 12
Dwarf fights Orc, misses.
Wizard fights Orc, kills Orc.
Elf fights Orc, kills Orc.
Barbarian fights Fimir, misses.
GM has Fimir fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted. Orc fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 1/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills)

Turn 13
Dwarf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard moves.
Elf shoots Fimir,dead Fimir.
Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Gold! 20gc
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 1/7) (3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills)
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills), 20gc

Turn 14
Dwarf moves and searches for treasure, finds Potion of Healing! 4 body points restored. (In reality he found a Trap! and died, but fate stayed its fickle hand.)
Wizard moves, fights Fimir, misses.
Elf moves and searches for treasure, finds Jewels, 50gc.
Barbarian moves and fights Fimir, misses.
GM has Fimir fight Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.  Orc fights Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 3/8) (1 Goblin kills), 20gc

Turn 15
Dwarf moves.
Wizard fights Fimir, misses.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Fimir, misses.
GM has Fimir fight Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.  Orc fights Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 2/8) (1 Goblin kills), 20gc

Turn 16
Dwarf moves.
Wizard fights Fimir, misses.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Orc, dead Orc (wishes that he had stuck with the Fimir).
GM has Fimir fight Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 2/8) (1 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills), 20gc

Turn 17
Dwarf moves.
Wizard fights Fimir, misses.
Elf moves.
Barbarian fights Fimir, kills Fimir
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 2/8) (1 Goblin kills), 20gc

Turn 18
Dwarf moves.
Wizard cast spell – Water of Healing, 4 body points restored, full health.
Elf moves.
Barbarian searches for treasure, find Wandering Monster! Fimir misses.  (In reality wounds were taken that killed him, however Fate was cheated.)
GM has Fimir fight Barbarian, misses. (Yes he really did miss!)

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 1/8) (1 Goblin kills), 20gc

Turn 19
Dwarf moves, fights Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard cast spell – Heal Body on Barbarian, 4 body points restored, full health.
Elf moves and searches for treasure, find Wandering Monster! Fimir, 1 wound inflicted. 
Barbarian fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
GM has Fimir fight Elf, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 1/8) (1 Goblin kills, 1 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 20
Dwarf fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster! Fimir does 1 wound.
Elf searches, finds Potion of Healing, consumes immediately, 4 body points restored.
Barbarian searches for treasure, find Wandering Monster! 1 wound inflicted (Just as well he was healed.)
GM has Fimir fight Barbarian, misses. (Yes he really did miss!)

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills, 1 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 21
Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Strength.
Wizard fights Fimir, misses.
Elf searches, finds Trap! 1 wound inflicted.
Barbarian fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
GM has no actions to take.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 4/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 22
Dwarf moves.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves.
Barbarian moves.
GM has no actions to take.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 4/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 23
Dwarf moves, fights Goblin, dead Goblin.
Wizard moves.
Elf moves, shoots Goblin, dead Goblin.
Barbarian moves.
GM has Grak attack Elf, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 24
Dwarf moves, fights Grak, misses.
Wizard moves.
Elf fights Grak, misses.
Barbarian moves.
GM has Grak attack Elf, 2 wounds inflicted. (Looks like there will be a third death...)

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 25
Dwarf moves, fights Grak, dead Grak.
Wizard moves.
Elf searches for treasure, Gold! 50gc
Barbarian moves.
GM has no actions to take.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 25gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 50gc, 50gc
Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 26
Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Gold! 40gc, misses next turn.
Wizard moves, searches for treasure, Gold! 25gc
Elf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Speed.
Barbarian fights Orc, dead Orc
GM has Goblin fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted. Goblin fights Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 25gc, 40gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills), Holy Water, 25gc
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 50gc, 50gc, Potion of Speed.
Barbarian (Body 2/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 27
Dwarf fights Goblin, dead Goblin.
Wizard casts Ball of Flame, dead Goblin.
Elf moves.
Barbarian moves, leaves Dungeon.
GM has no actions to take.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills, 2 Goblin kills), 25gc, 40gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Goblin kills), Holy Water, 25gc
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 50gc, 50gc, Potion of Speed.
Barbarian (Body 2/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Turn 28
Dwarf moves, leaves Dungeon.
Wizard moves, leaves Dungeon.
Elf moves, leaves Dungeon.
GM has no actions to take.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills, 2 Fimir kills, 2 Goblin kills), 25gc, 40gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Goblin kills), Holy Water, 25gc
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills, 1 Goblin kills), 50gc, 50gc, Potion of Speed.
Barbarian (Body 2/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Fimir kills), 20gc

Conclusion

“You poor man, here have a drink, I’m sure even the greatest have suffered as you have.”

“Who are you talking to Brighttower,” asked Fairtree.  The Elf was puzzled as he could not see anyone about but his fellow companions.

“Oh Fairtree, I’m talking to the writer of these Quests we’ve been on.  Seems he’s having writers block and having a wee bit of a problem coming up with dialogue for us to say.”

“Well it happens to the best of us I’m sure, maybe it’s time for a rest.”

“Yes a rest might just do the trick, let’s wait and see if our journey continues in short while.”

FINAL THOUGHTS
Finally got to kill some characters, either the Quests are taking a toll or the dice are finally swaying against the Characters.

At the end of this Quest the Characters stats remained the same, and they were left with the following pieces of equipment.

Dwarf, Helmet, Battle Axe, 2 x Hand axes, 200gc
Elf, Shield, Crossbow, Broadsword, TALISMAN OF LORE, 165gc
Barbarian, Helmet, Chain Mail, Shield, Spear, 190gc
Wizard, Staff, 805gc

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope you enjoyed.

Till next time.

The Hon. John

Heroquest - Quest 5: Melar's Maze

Preamble...

“Look! There it is, after weeks of trudging through this overpriced burg we have finally found the temple which houses Melar’s Maze.” Shouted Brighttower to his companions over the din of the market place.

“Why don’t you shout a little louder Brighttower, I don’t think those thieves over by the Inn heard you.” Replied Fairtree as he swept the market place in his paranoid state of mind. Several weeks on the run from Prince Magnus, the ambushes, the binge drinking, the delights of ladies of negotiable services, further ambushes (usually in said places of negotiable service), midnight escapes over roof tops, and finally the chance to legally kill something.  He was looking forward to some mindless violence to stop his inner voices.

“Where is it? I can’t see anything from down here,” came a petulant complaint from Stumpgrinder.

Axebiter picked the dwarf up by the back of his collar, certainly strangling the Dwarf in the process and showed him their destination before dropping him to the ground.  Axebiter was in a peevish mood, the craftshop had run out of pink and purple wool, stemming all his plans to finish his woollen onesies.  There is no more peril that can befall a shop keeper if a Barbarian is denied his passions.  Poor Lynal the shop owner wouldn’t be sitting down for at least a week, he was glad he hadn’t offended the Barbarian, who knows what might have happened as a result.

“Brizzy said there was money to be made from this run, good money by all accounts.”

“Yeah and what’s the odds Brizzy is laying on our survival.  I have this feeling that all our encounters and setbacks have been from the interference of that infernal bookmaker.” Fairtree continued to scan the crowd, then spotted it, the shadow which had been lurking at the edges of his sight. Ignoring the others he dashed to the steps of Temple, laughing insanely as he pulled his crossbow out, loaded it and shot at the point where he had last seen the shadow.

Screams came from the crowd and the market place quickly saw a stampede as everyone sought the safety of cover or distance.  From the crowd a cry emerged, “my name is Disham, you killed my pedigree dachshund, prepare to die!” A woman stood up holding the lifeless body of an especially overfed and pampered pooch.

“Right time to go everyone!” bellowed Brighttower as he dashed to the Elf’s location, quickly followed by the other two companions. He grabbed Fairtree roughly by the ear, just as the crossbow bolt shot off and bolted into the Temple interior.

The lurking shadow waited.

Melar’s Maze

The fifth Quest in the Quest Book for Heroquest.

In this game it took the player 15 turns to complete the Quest with every character surviving. 

Order of play was Wizard (Barodis Brighttower), Elf (Silverleaf Fairtree), Barbarian (Grim Axebiter), Dwarf (Ramble Stumpgrinder), and the finally the GM or Evil Wizard.

Turn 1

Wizard searches for treasure, finds Heroic Brew.

Elf searches for treasure, finds Gold! 50gc

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster!  Zombie attacks, inflicts 1 wound.

Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Treasure Horde! 100gc

GM has Zombie fight Barbarian, misses.

Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), 50gc

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (0 kills)

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 100gc

Turn 2

Wizard moves and sets of Falling Rocks.  Escapes harm but is trapped on the other side!

Elf moves.

Barbarian fights Zombie, dead Zombie.

Dwarf moves.

GM has Mummy move towards Wizards (slow and steady wins the race!)

Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), 50gc

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (1 Zombie kills)

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 100gc

Turn 3

Wizard casts a spell – Ball of Flame at Mummy, dead Mummy.

Elf searches for treasure, finds Melar’s Key, touches it and activates secret door.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Potion of Healing.

Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster.  Zombie fails to wound.

GM has Zombie fight Dwarf, misses.

Wizard (Body 4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), 50gc

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 100gc

Turn 4

Wizard moves.

Elf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Strength.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Gold! 25gc

Dwarf fights Zombie, dead Zombie.

GM has no actions.

Wizard (Body 4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Zombie Kills), 100gc

Turn 5

Wizard moves.

Elf moves and opens door activating Gargoyle.  It’s alive!

Barbarian fights the Gargoyle, misses.

Dwarf fights Gargoyle, kills Gargoyle.

GM has Skeletons move.

Wizard (Body 4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills), 100gc

Turn 6

Wizard moves.

Elf jumps the Pit successfully, fights a Skeleton, dead Skeleton.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Gold! 20gc

Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Gold! 25gc

GM has Skeleton fight Elf, 1 wound inflicted. Skeleton fights Elf, 1 wound inflicted.

Wizard (Body 4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 4/6) (1 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 7

Wizard moves.

Elf fights a Skeleton, dead Skeleton.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Trap! 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster! Zombie inflicts 1 wound.

GM has Skeleton fight Elf, misses. Zombie fights Dwarf, 1 wound inflicted.

Wizard (Body 4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 4/6) (2 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (1 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 8

Wizard moves.

Elf fights a Skeleton, dead Skeleton.

Barbarian fails to jump the Pit, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf fights Zombie, dead Zombie.

GM has Skeleton fight Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 4/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 9

Wizard fights a Skeleton, dead Skeleton.

Elf searches for secret doors, none found.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds a Trap!, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf moves.

GM has no actions.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 4/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 1 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 10

Wizard moves.

Elf fails to jump the Pit, 1 wound inflicted.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Potion of Resilience.

Dwarf searches for secret doors, finds one.

GM has no actions.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 3/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc, Potion of Resilience

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 1 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 11

Wizard moves and jumps Pit, searches for secret doors, finds none.

Elf moves.

Barbarian moves and successfully jumps the Pit.

Dwarf moves and successfully jumps the Pit.

GM has no actions.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 3/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc, Potion of Resilience

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 1 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 12

 Wizard moves, blocked by other Characters.

Elf moves.

Barbarian moves.

Dwarf moves.

GM has no actions.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 3/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (1 Zombie kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc, Potion of Resilience

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 1 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 13

Wizard moves and jumps the Pit successfully.

Elf moves and jumps the Pit successfully.

Barbarian fights Skeleton, dead Skeleton.

Dwarf moves and jumps the Pit successfully

GM has Zombie fight Barbarian, misses. Mummy fights Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted. Skeleton moves to block door.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 3/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 3/8) (1 Zombie kills, 1 Skeleton kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc, Potion of Resilience

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 1 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 14

Wizard moves.

Elf moves.

Barbarian fights Zombie, dead Zombie.

Dwarf fights Skeleton, dead Skeleton.

GM has Mummy fights Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 3/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength

Barbarian (Body 2/8) (2 Zombie kills, 1 Skeleton kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc, Potion of Resilience

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 2 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 15

Wizard casts a spell – Genie. Genie fights Mummy, dead Mummy.

Elf searches for treasure, finds Talisman of Lore.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster! Zombie inflicts 1 wound.

Dwarf fights Zombie, dead Zombie.

GM has no actions to take.

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 Mummy kills), Heroic Brew

Elf (Body 3/6) (3 Skeleton kills), 50gc, Potion of Strength, Talisman of Lore

Barbarian (Body 2/8) (2 Zombie kills, 1 Skeleton kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, 20gc, Potion of Resilience

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Zombie Kills, 1 Gargoyle kills, 2 Skeleton kills), 100gc, 25gc

Turn 16 +

Wizard heals the Barbarian for 4 body points, which helped as he failed his jump of the Pit and took a wound.  Everyone else made it out OK.

Conclusion

“Do you think it’s safe to leave this place?” Whispered Fairtree to nobody in particular.

“Oh what do you think you paranoid tree hugger.  You killed rich bitches, bitch, I’m sure they’ll overlook the matter in a few minutes.” Brighttower sarcastically replied.

“Good, then we can go back to...” said Stumpgrinder before he was interrupted by an... interruption.

“Psst”

“Who’s there?”

“A friend who can help you out of your predication, ha ha ha, for a small fee of course.” Came a heavily accented voice from an alcove.

“Oh and what sort of fee is this going to cost us?

“Very little my friends, you see you have made the notice of my master who is very keen to meet you.  He has asked me to see if you would be agreeable to meet.  I know a way out of here that none of the city guard knows of.”

“Well come forward... friend - and let us see who we are talking terms with?”

A humanoid figure detached itself from the alcove and stepped into view.  The voice indicated a masculine sex, as did the posture, though Brighttower had been fooled before – that time in Marienburg at the docks, he wished he could banish that encounter from his memory.

The figure was muffled in clothes and bandages, hiding his features completely.

“See, nothing to be worried about, you do have me at a disadvantage, just in number alone.”

“All right friend, lead the way then and let’s discuss matters further once we are free of this place.”

They all trudged further into the depths of the Maze, taking turns here and there at what could only be seen as random.  Hours passed and tempers flared at what seemed to be a clever ploy to lure them to their doom.

“I could really do with a drink right about now,” whinged Stumpgrinder.

As if on cue the hooded guide pulled a bottle from his belt and passed it to the Dwarf.  Stumpgrinder drew a large swig, belched and with uncommon charity passed the bottle around.  It was only as Brighttower had drained the last dregs and his tongue tasted the poison that he knew they were doomed.  His vision swam, his knees buckled and he fell to the cold stone tiles. 

“My name is Grak, you killed my father, prepare to take a very, very, long time dying. Hahahahahahahaha,” laughed Grak before coughing violently and uncontrollably.

FINAL THOUGHTS

My worries about the parties equipment and power seems to be answered in the next Quest, Legacy of the Orc Warlord. 

At the end of this Quest the Characters stats remained the same, and they were left with the following pieces of equipment.

Dwarf, Helmet, Battle Axe, 2 x Hand axes, 135gc

Elf, Shield, Crossbow, Broadsword, TALISMAN OF LORE, 65gc

Barbarian, Helmet, Chain Mail, Shield, Spear, 170gc

Wizard, Staff, 780gc

Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope you enjoyed.

Till next time.

The Hon. John

Heroquest - Quest 4: Prince Magnus' Gold

Preamble...

The award ceremony and elevation of the proclaimed Champions had just been completed.  The Emperor’s gold was weighing down heavily on the Adventurers and the look Prince Magnus was giving them made them all nervous.  Would they be allowed to keep this bounty which the Imperial Herald had just delivered?

Before anymore could come of these developing circumstances, the doors opened and a number of heavily armed men, some showing recent signs of battle marched in.  The court was filled with whispers, weren’t these the men charged with protecting and delivering the Principalities taxes to the Emperor?

“Where are the taxes owed to the Emperor, Prince Magnus?” demanded the leader of the group.

“Why, they are in your hands Captain Hagraden, I – as well as you oversaw the monies being secured to your caravan.  Why am I now being asked where the money is?” replied Magnus with a very straight and maybe guileful face.

“This is the third year running Prince that the taxes due from your Principality have failed to reach the Imperial treasuries.  This cannot be a coincidence, once maybe, twice worrisome, thrice trending to treasonous.  I doubt the Emperor will be forgiving.”

“Is it my fault that the Emperor banished me to such troublesome lands?  I have done my duties to the letter; you should be more worried about your own skin Captain.  While it is true that the taxes have been hijacked on their way to the Capital, the Imperial Court did increase the guards at each instance.  I think it is some ploy by rivals or some nefarious machinations within the Imperial Treasury.  I will look into matters here and see if I can find the money, but you will have to report your failure to your superiors.  I do hope you have a very strong neck...”

A wicked grin spread across the Princes face, and Captain Hagraden resigned himself to his fate.  He gestured for his men to leave and followed them out.

“Right then my newly minted Champions I have a job for you! By chance I have the location of a band of bandits who have been terrorising the countryside.  I think it’s time you deal with them and return to their rightful owners – that’s me in case you might forget, any and all booty located there.”

It was only a coincidence that the gold in those chests just happened to equal the sum of the Principalities taxes.  A coincidence indeed - after all, he did have to tidy up the loose ends.

Prince Magnus’ Gold

The fourth Quest in the Quest Book for Heroquest.

In this game it took the player 22+ turns to complete the Quest with every character surviving.  However with the equipment obtained from being upgraded to Champions did provide the Characters with a better survival/killing potential than previous.  I assume that with the later Quests a greater difficulty will be found.

Here is what each Character can do at the start of the Quest.

Dwarf:

The Helmet – gives one extra combat die in defence. (Defend: 3)
The Battle axe – roll four combat die in attack, may not use with a shield. (Attack:4)

Barbarian:

 The Helmet – gives one extra combat die in defence.
Chain Mail – gives three combat dice in defence.
Shield – gives an extra combat die in defence. (Final Defend: 5)
Spear – gives two combat dice in attack, can attack diagonally, can be throw – but lost as a result.

Elf:

Shield – gives an extra combat die in defence. (Defend: 3)
Crossbow – gives three combat dice in attack, not useable against adjacent opponents.

Wizard:

Staff – two combat dice in attack, can attack diagonally. (Attack: 2)

Order of play was Dwarf (Ramble Stumpgrinder), Barbarian (Grim Axebiter), Elf (Silverleaf Fairtree),  Wizard (Barodis Brighttower), and the finally the GM or Evil Wizard.

Turn 1
Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Gem! 50gc
Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Potion of Healing.
Elf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Strength.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds 60gc, misses next turn.
GM takes no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), Potion of Strength
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills), 60gc

Turn 2
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Wizard moves, fights a Goblin, kills Goblin.
GM has Goblin fight Wizard, inflicts 1 wound.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), Potion of Strength
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc

Turn 3
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian fights Goblin, kills Goblin.
Elf searches for treasure, finds Gold! 10gc
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Gold! 50gc
GM has Orc move up corridor.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 4
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf use Crossbow to shoot Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 5
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 6
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 7
Dwarf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Barbarian moves.
Elf fights an Orc, misses.
Wizard moves.
GM has Orc fight Elf, inflicts 1 wound.

Dwarf (Body 7) (1 Orc Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 5/6) (1 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 8
Dwarf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Barbarian moves.
Elf fights shoots Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Potion of Speed.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 9
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf searches for treasure, finds Gold! 20gc
Wizard searches for treasure, finew Trap! 1 wounds inflicted.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 10
Dwarf moves, jumps Pit, fails and takes 1 wound.
Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Gold! 25gc
Elf moves.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 11
Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Treasure Horde! 100gc
Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Potion of Resilience.
Elf moves and opens door to find pit which he cannot cross.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 12
Dwarf searches for secret doors, finds none.
Barbarian searches for secret doors, find one.
Elf moves.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Trap! 1 wound inflicted.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 13
Dwarf moves, jumps Pit, fails and takes 1 wound. Dwarfs should not jump pits in future!
Barbarian moves.
Elf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Healing.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 14
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 15
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Wizard moves.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 16
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian fights Orc, dead Orc.
Elf moves.
Wizard casts spell - Water of Healing, 4 body points restored, full health.
GM has an Orc fight the Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted. Orc fights Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 Goblin kills, 1 Orc Kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 17
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian fights Orc, dead Orc.
Elf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster! Fimir inflicts 1 wound.
 GM has Fimir fight Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Orc Kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (3 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc

Turn 18
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
Elf moves.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Jewels! 50gc
 GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (3 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc, 50gc

Turns 19
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Wizard moves.
 GM has an Orc fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (1 Goblin kills, 2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 5/6) (3 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc, 50gc

Turn 20
Dwarf moves.
Barbarian fights Orc, dead Orc.
Elf shoots Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard casts spell – Rock Skin on himself.
GM has Fimir fight Elf, 1 wound inflicted. Orc versus Wizard, misses. Chaos Warrior versus Wizard, misses.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (1 Goblin kills, 3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 4/6) (4 Orc kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 2/4) (1 Goblin kills), 60gc, 50gc, 50gc

Turn 21
Dwarf fights Chaos Warrior, misses.
Barbarian fights Chaos Warrior, misses.
Elf fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
Wizard fights Orc, dead Orc
GM has Chaos Warrior fight Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (1 Goblin kills, 3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 4/6) (4 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills), 60gc, 50gc, 50gc

Turn 22
Dwarf fights Chaos Warrior, dead Chaos Warrior.
Barbarian moves to chest.
Elf moves to chest.
Wizard moves to chest.
GM has no actions.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills), 50gc, 100gc
Barbarian (Body 5/8) (1 Goblin kills, 3 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Healing, 25gc, Potion of Resilience
Elf (Body 4/6) (4 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills), Potion of Strength, 10gc, 20gc, Potion of Healing
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills), 60gc, 50gc, 50gc

Turn 23...
It was determined that 1D6 movement out of the Dungeon would be tedious.  To liven the escape the Treasure cards were shuffled and a card drawn to see if a Wandering Monster! would appear each turn.  No such occurrence occurred!

Conclusion

Stumpgrinder looked up at Brighttower as he rested his battle axe on the still and bloody body of the Chaos Warrior he had just dispatched.

“What do you reckon he meant when he screamed – we had a deal?”

“I have a suspicion that Prince Magnus is not above screwing over those he has dealings with,” replied Brighttower as he prepared himself to cast a spell of healing upon his battered and bloody self.  Honestly he thought I’m tired of being the whipping boy among this lot.

Axebiter walked to each of the chest, smashed the locks and threw back the lids, revealing gold coins piled to the edges.

“How much gold do you think is in there Stumpy?”

“750 gold coins,” was the automatic reply Stumpgrinder gave without seeming to strenuously think the matter over.

“How do you know that so precisely and so quickly?”

“I just do, simple volume and dimensions, anybody with a brain can work it out,” came the disparaging reply.

Axebiter dug out a bag holding his personal wealth and showed it to the Dwarf, “how much in here?” he asked.

“100 gold coins,” came the reply after he hefted the bag and looked briefly inside. “You should really break down some of your coins to silver and copper.  Makes trading easier, not every common trader is going to have change.”

A flash of magical light announced that Brighttower had just finished his healing.

“750 gold coins, why that’s the exact amount the taxes were for the kingdom.  I think it’s about time we left this little part of the world for greener pastures.  We know too much, and Magnus is no fool.  I think we leave these chests at the castle gate, less our fee and leg it for the safety of the border.”

Brighttower looked at his companions and saw the signs of agreement.

“That’s a handy skill you have there Stumpy - you know what they say about Dwarfs.”

Stumpgrinder looked up at Brighttower, confusion written on his face.

“What is it they say about Dwarfs?”

FINAL THOUGHTS
Accumulating some money on the characters now, not much equipment they can't really afford now.  Though to be fair no one has died yet...

At the end of this Quest the Characters stats remained the same, and they were left with the following pieces of equipment.
Dwarf, Helmet, Battle Axe, 2 x Hand Axe 10gc
Elf, Shield, Crossbow, Broadsword, 15gc
Barbarian, Helmet, Chain Mail, Shield, Spear, 125gc
Wizard, Staff, 780gc

Thanks for taking the time to read, I hope you enjoyed it.

Till next time.

The Hon. John

Heroquest - Quest 3: Lair of the Orc Warlord

Preamble...

The crack of the whip elicited a cry of pain from the captive audience.

“You will repeat after me – Sir Ragnar was killed by Ulag the Orc Warlord after he was rescued,” demanded Lady Rumpunctious.  The whip cracked again.

“Sir Ragnar was killed by Ulag the Orc Warlord after he was rescued,” chimed the four Adventurers.

And not by Lady Rumpunctious, who was  piqued at Sir Ragnar for taking one of her fabulous ball gowns on the know.  Was this female hysteria, was that even a thing now thought Brighttower. He leaned quickly to the left, avoiding another crack of the whip.  What was it with this woman and her predilection to leather.

“Right then, I think you can now see my husband.” She turned herself about and marched through the doors into the court room, the two men-at-arms rolled their eyes in resignation as the band trooped past them, one whispered good luck as a parting gift before hurriedly closing the doors.

“Magnus my dear, these are the brave Adventurers who rescued poor Sir Ragnar”

“Bloody poor rescue if you ask me, my dear.  The buggers dead, and good riddance to wasted space, now if I could just have the same happen for the rest of my useless court I'd be happy. So what happened?  Speak up you bloody poor people, answer your betters now!”

“Sir Ragnar was killed by Ulag the Orc Warlord after he was rescued,” chimed the four Adventurers.  For abundantly obvious reasons the choreographed response did not fool the Prince, he raised his eyebows and looked questioningly at his wife. “I assume you had something to do with this little charade, just like last time with Sir Baldwin, and Lady Melicty, and Baron Dykin, and... I think you get the picture?”

It was a game the couple played.  Magnus was well aware of his wife, and used her petulance to eliminate those who were a threat to his principality.  Rumpunctious always thought she got away with murder – and she did.

“Well I suppose for form one must see this through to the end,” sighed the Prince. “Right then, you lot are now compelled upon pain of death to bring me the head of Ulag, you may do what you like with what’s left of his body – must be able to grow mushrooms at the least. Now bugger off and don’t come back unless you’ve done the job.  I’ll even pay a bounty on the one who kills Ulag.”

Lady Rumpunctious unfurled the whip and used it with vigour to disperse our heroes from the court.

Yes thought Brighttower, too much leather.

Lair of the Orc Warlord

The third Quest in the Quest Book for Heroquest.
In this game it took the player 20 turns to complete the Quest with every character surviving, though heavily mauled to some degrees.
Order of play was Barbarian (Grim Axebiter), Elf (Silverleaf Fairtree), Dwarf (Ramble Stumpgrinder), Wizard (Barodis Brighttower), and the finally the GM or Evil Wizard.

Turn 1
Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Gold! 20gc
Elf searches for treasure, finds Holy Water!
Dwarf searches... and finds Nothing!
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Potion of Strength.
GM takes no actions.

Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills) 20gc
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills)
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength

Turn 2
Barbarian moves, engages Goblin, kills Goblin.
Elf searches for secret doors, finds none.
Dwarf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Speed.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Jewels! 50gc
GM has Goblin engage Barbarian, has no effect.

Barbarian (Body 8) (1 Goblin kills) 20gc
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills) Potion of Speed
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 3
Barbarian fights Goblin, kills Goblin.
Elf moves.
Dwarf moves.
Wizards searches for treasure, finds Trap! 1 wound taken.
GM takes no actions.

Barbarian (Body 8) (2 Goblin kills) 20gc
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills) Potion of Speed
Wizard (Body 3/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 4
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Dward moves.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Gold! 50gc
GM Orc fights Dwarf, inflicts 1 wound.  Orc fights Dwarf, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 8) (2 Goblin kills) 20gc
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 5
Barbarian fights Orc, dead Orc.
Elf moves.
Dwarf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard moves.
GM has Orc fight Dwarf, inflicts 1 wound. Fimir fights Barbarian, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills) 20gc
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 4/7) (1 Orc Kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 6
Barbarian fights Fimir, dead Fimir.
Elf moves.
Dwarf fights Orc, dead Orc.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Wandering Monster. Orc fights Wizard, inflicts 1 wound.
GM has Orc fight Wizard, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills) 20gc
Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 4/7) (2 Orc Kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 7
Barbarian searches for treasure, finds Spear from Armoury.
Elf fights an Orc, kills Orc.
Dwarf moves.
Wizards cast spell – Water of Healing, 4 body points restored, full health.
GM has an Orc engage the Dwarf, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 8
Barbarian moves.
Elf moves.
Dwarf fights an Orc, kills Orc.
Wizard moves.
GM positions monster in a defensive formation (laughing at that one)!

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills) Holy Water
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc

Turn 9
Barbarian moves.
Elf searches for treasure, finds Potion of Healing.
Dwarf moves.
Wizard searches for treasure, finds Potion of Resilience.

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills) Holy Water, Potion of Healing
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience

Turn 10
Barbarian fights a Fimir, kills a Fimir.
Elf searches cupboard, finds Potion of Healing, 30gc.
Dwarf fights a Fimir, kills a Fimir.
Wizard fights an Orc, misses!
GM has a Orc fight the Wizard, 1 wound inflicted. Orc fights the Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 6) (1 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience

Turn 11
Barbarian fights an Orc, kills an Orc.
Elf fights and Orc, kills an Orc.
Dwarf moves.
Wizard casts a spell – Heal Body, 4 body points restored, full health.
GM takes no action.

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience

Turn 12
Barbarian fights a Chaos Warrior, misses.
Elf engages Ulag, misses.
Dwarf moves.
Wizards searches for treasure, finds Home Brew
GM has the Chaos Warrior fight the Barbarian, inflicts 1 wound.  Ulag fights the Elf, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 2/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience

Turn 13
Barbarian fights a Chaos Warrior, misses.
Elf engages Ulag, misses.
Dwarf fights the Chaos Warrior, misses.
Wizard searches, finds a Wandering Monster!  Orc inflicts 1 wound.
GM has the Chaos Warrior fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted. Ulag fights the Elf, inflicts 1 wound. Orc fights the Wizard, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 4/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (0 kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience

Turn 14
Barbarian fights a Chaos Warrior, misses.
Elf engages Ulag, misses.
Dwarf fights the Chaos Warrior, misses.
Wizard fights an Orc, kills an Orc.
GM has the Chaos Warrior fight Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted. Ulag fights the Elf, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Orc kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience

Turn 15
Barbarian fights a Chaos Warrior, kills the Chaos Warrior.
Elf engages Ulag, misses.
Dwarf fights the Chaos Warrior, misses.
Wizard searches, finds Gold! 10gc
GM has Ulag fight the Elf, inflicts 1 wound.

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 2/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 1/4) (1 Orc kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience, 10gc

Turn 16
Barbarian fights Ulag, misses.
Elf fights Ulag, misses.
Dwarf fights Ulag, misses.
Wizard searches, finds Potion of Healing, consumes immediately – 4 body points restored, full health.
GM Ulag fights the Elf, 1 wound inflicted.

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 1/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 4) (1 Orc kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience, 10gc

Turn 17
Barbarian fights Ulag, misses.
Elf fights Ulag, drinks a Potion of Healing – 4 body points restored.
Dwarf fights Ulag, misses.
Wizard searches, finds a Wandering Monster!  An Orc fights the Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.
GM Ulag fights the Elf, 1 wound inflicted. Orc fights Wizard, 1 wound inflicted.

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 4/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Orc kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience, 10gc

Turn 18
Barbarian fights Ulag, misses.
Elf fights fights Ulag, misses.
Dwarf fights Ulag, misses.
Wizard fights the Orc, kills Orc.
GM Ulag fights the Elf, 1 wound inflicted.

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 Orc kills) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience, 10gc

Turns 19
Barbarian fights Ulag, misses.
Elf fights fights Ulag, misses.
Dwarf fights Ulag, misses.
Wizard casts a spell – Ball of Flame, kills Ulag!!!!
GM has no actions to take.

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills) 20gc, Spear
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc
Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 Orc kills, 1 Ulag Kill) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience, 10gc

Turn 20
Barbarian seaches Treasure Chest, trapped, takes 1 wound, finds 100gc.
Elf searches for treasure, finds 60gc, bag splits and he misses a turn collecting the coins from the floor.
Dwarf searches for treasure, Trap! 1 wound inflicted.
Wizard searches for treasure, Gold! 25gc.
GM has no actions to take.

Barbarian (Body 3/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 2 Fimir kills, 1 Chaos Warrior kills) 20gc, Spear, 100gc
Elf (Body 3/6) (2 Orc kills) Holy Water, 2 x Potion of Healing, 30gc, 60gc
Dwarf (Body 2/7) (2 Orc Kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc
Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 Orc kills, 1 Ulag Kill) Potion of Strength, 50gc, Potion of Resilience, 10gc, 25gc

Turn 21...
One turn was granted to loot a room after which the Quest was called as completed.  For entertainment each character rolled a die to determine order they left the Dungeon – the Dwarf came out last!

Conclusion

“Right, whose got the head then?  We can’t go back and collect the reward or prove to the Prince we did the job proper.”

Brighttower looked at his three chumps waiting for the answer.

“Well you did burn him to a crisp Brighttower, not much left of him.  This reminds me you almost took out the rest of us with that pyrotechnics display.  Did you give a moment’s thought about your comrades safety and well being,” whinged Fairtree.

“I did yell DUCK, is it my fault you were too busy trying to save yourself from a superior opponent.  It was only an Orc for heaven’s sake, how difficult is an Orc to kill, even I can do it – without magic too mind you.”

Fairtree showed his disdain by brushing some of the vaporised Orc ash from his bloody clothes.  “Sounded like your f&*ked to me. Well I don’t have it Brighttower I was too exhausted from blood loss to think about the bounty.”

Brighttower glared at Axebiter and Stumpgrinder.

Stumpgrinder squirmed under the spotlight, and after a moment’s hesitation produced a blackened bag, which held the last remains of Ulag, supposed Warlord.

Axebiter held up his knitting “one pearl or two stitch?”

FINAL THOUGHTS
Becoming a Champion... yes after 3 Quests and still with everyone drawing breath the newly elevated Characters received the grateful blessing of the Emperor, a tidy sum of 500gc!  This gave the Characters quite a bit of money to spend on equipment, which was sorely needed.

Dwarf buys a Battle Axe (400gc), Elf buys a Crossbow (350gc), Barbarian buys Chain Mail (450gc) and a Shield (100gc), the Wizard kept his earnings as there was nothing to buy that interested him.

At the end of this Quest the Characters stats remained the same, and they were left with the following pieces of equipment.
Dwarf, Helmet, Battle Axe, 160gc
Elf, Shield, Crossbow, 265gc
Barbarian, Helmet, Chain Mail, Shield, Spear, 100gc
Wizard, Staff, 620gc

Seriously prepared now.

Thanks for taking the time to read, I hope you enjoyed it.

Till next time.

The Hon. John