Heroquest - Quest 2: The Rescue of Sir Ragnar

Preamble...

Brizzy the Bookie looked sceptically at Brighttower.

“So you reckon you can rescue Sir Ragnar, the monies good but you know why no one has rescued him to date though?”

“Yes, I’ve heard rumours about him...”

Fairtree interrupted “yes, I heard them to - true I’m sure!”

“What is it they say about Dwarfs?” questioned Stumpgrinder, only having realised a conversation was happening.  Of course, he, in his typically Dwarfish attitude struck out with a conversation of his own making.

Everyone turned to look at the Dwarf, confused expressions on their faces.

“Just asking, everyone says it, so what is it they say about Dwarfs?”

Brizzy the Bookie decided to head off the whole nonsensical interruption and returned to the topic.

“Sir Ragnar is a rather happy chappie who enjoys an extremely gay and carefree existence. He’s not liked at court, the Ladies all complain that he looks better in a frock than they do.”

At this comment, the Barbarian Axebiter looked up from his knitting* and his face grew as grim as his first name dictated.

“He wears a dress?”

“Only when he’s in company, otherwise I’m told it’s just chainmail underwear.” Brizzy replied shivering at the thought, “what it must do you in winter, I daren’t think.”

A perplexing expression warred on Axebiters face as some conflicting emotions were fighting a battle of unknown and best unsaid proportions.

“We’ll take the job,” he replied. “I can do with the money, and I’ve an exceptionally large and blunt instrument I’d like to introduce him to in return for the favour of rescuing Sir Ragnar.”

All the other persons involved with the conversation all looked down at Axebiter (yes he was sitting, what did you think it was referring to?). 

“This will not end well...”, murmured Brighttower to Brizzy the Bookie.

* Today's knitting was a rainbow beanie...

The Rescue of Sir Ragnar

The second Quest in the Quest Book for Heroquest.

In this game it took the player 24 turns to complete the Quest with every character surviving, though mauled to some degree.

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

Turn 1

Elf searches the room for treasure – Gold! 50gc

Wizard searches the room for treasure – Gold! Bottom fell out of bag and spilled the coins. Miss the next turn collecting 30 gold coins off the floor.

Dwarf seaches the room for treasure and finds a Trap! Takes 1 wound.

Barbarian searched the room for treasure and finds a Potion of Speed.

GM twiddles his thumbs waiting...

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) 30gc

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 2

Elf moves, fights Goblin, kills Goblin.

Wizard gets up and moves.

Dwarf moves along corridor.

Barbarian moves along corridor.

GM moves a Goblin to attack the Barbarian. 1 wound inflicted.

Elf (Body 6) (1 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) 30gc

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (0 kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 3

Elf moves.

Wizard moves.

Dwarf moves.

Barbarian fights Goblin, dead Goblin a result.

GM moves Goblins to attack Barbarian. 1 wound inflicted on Barbarian.

Elf (Body 6) (1 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 4) (0 kills) 30gc

Dwarf (Body 6/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 Goblin kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 4

Elf fights Goblin, dead Goblin.

Wizard fights Orc, dead Orc.

Dwarf moves and find Treasue Chest, it’s a TRAP, takes 1 wound.

Barbarian fights Goblin, dead Goblin.

GM moves an Orc to fight Wizard, Wizard takes 1 wound.

Elf (Body 6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 Orc kills) 30gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (2 Goblin kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 5

Elf fights an Orc, no effect.

Wizard moves and fights Orc, dead Orc.

Dwarf searches room for secret doors, none found.

Barbarian moves.

GM moves the Orcs. Orc fights Barbarian, inflicts 1 wound.

Elf (Body 6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 Orc kills) 30gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 6

Elf searches room for treasure, Wandering Monster!  Orc attacks and has no effect.

Wizard moves and fights an Orc, dead Orc.

Dwarf moves.

Barbarian fights an Orc, dead Orc.

GM moves an Orc against the Barbarian, inflicts 1 wound.

Elf (Body 6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills) 30gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 1 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 7

Elf searches for a secret door, finds one.

Wizard moves and searches for treasure, finds Jewels! 50gc

Dwarf moves.

Barbarian fights and Orc, kills and Orc.

GM has the Fimir move against the Elf, inflicts 1 wound.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 4/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 8

Elf fights the Fimir, nil effect.

Wizard fights the Fimir, kills the Fimir.

Dwarf moves.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds a Potion of Healing which he consumes immediately.  4 body points restored, full health achieved.

GM has not actions to take.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc

Wizard (Body 3/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 9

Elf moves and searches for treasure, finds Gold! 25gc.

Wizard moves and searches for treasure, finds a Wandering Monster. Fimir versus Wizard, inflicts 1 wound.

Dwarf moves.

Barbarian searches for secret doors, finds nothing.

GM has Fimir attack Wizard, inflicts 1 wound.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills)

Barbarian (Body 8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 10

Elf opens door and finds Sir Ragnar!

Wizard moves and then casts Heal Body, 4 body points restored, now at full health.

Dwarf engages an Orc, dead Orc.

Barbarian fights and Orc, misses.

GM has Orc fight the Barbarian, 1 wound inflicted.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (1 Orc Kills)

Barbarian (Body 7/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 11

Elf moves, Sir Ragnar follows.

Wizard moves.

Dwarf engages an Orc, dead Orc.

Barbarian fight an Orc, misses.

GM has the Orc fight the Barbarian, inflicts 1 wound.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (2 Orc Kills)

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 12

Elf moves, Sir Ragnar follows.

Wizard moves.

Dwarf engages an Orc, dead Orc.

Barbarian engages Orc, misses again...

GM has the Orc fight the Barbarian, inflicts 1 wound.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (3 Orc Kills)

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed

Turn 13

Elf moves, Sir Ragnar follows.

Wizard moves, casts Pass Through Rock, use its effects next turn.

Dwarf fights an Orc, dead Orc.

Barbarian searches for treasure, finds a Gem! 50gc

GM no actions to take.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills)

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc

Turn 14

Elf moves, Sir Ragnar follows.

Wizard moves through walls, opens Treasure Chest and finds a Potion of Healing and 50gc.

Dwarf searchs a room, finds Holy Water.

Barbarian searches a room, finds a Potion of Strength.

GM takes no actions.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc, Potion of Healing, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills) Holy Water

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc, Potion of Strength.

Turn 15

Elf waits for Sir Ragnar to catch up.

Wizards searches the room for treasure, finds a Wandering Monster.  Fimir fights Wizards, inflicts 1 wound.

Dwarf engages Fimir, misses.

Barbarian engages Fimir, misses.

GM has Fimir fight Wizard, inflicts 2 wounds.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc, Potion of Healing, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills) Holy Water

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc, Potion of Strength.

Turn 16

Elf leaves the Dungeon with Ragnar.

Wizard fights the Fimir, misses.

Dwarf fights the Fimir, misses.

Barbarian fights the Fimir, misses.

GM has Fimir engage the Wizard, misses.  A lot of nothing for all sides.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc, Potion of Healing, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills) Holy Water

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc, Potion of Strength.

Turn 17

Wizard fights the Fimir, misses.

Dwarf fights the Fimir, misses.

Barbarian consumes his Potion of Strength and fights the Fimir.  All four die hit, and the smarmy git made three saves.  One wound inflicted on the Fimir, it’s dead!

GM has no actions.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc, Potion of Healing, 50gc

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills) Holy Water

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc

Turn 18

Wizard searches for treasure and finds Heroic Brew.

Dwarf searches for treasure and finds Nothing.

Barbarian searches for treasure and finds Treasure Horde! 100gc

GM has no actions.

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 Goblin kills) 50gc, 25gc

Wizard (Body 1/4) (3 Orc kills, 1 Fimir Kills) 30gc, 50gc, Potion of Healing, 50gc, Heroic Brew

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (4 Orc Kills) Holy Water

Barbarian (Body 5/8) (2 Goblin kills, 2 Orc kills, 1 Fimir kills) Potion of Speed, 50gc, 100gc

Turns 19 to 22

Wizard, Dwarf and Barbarian move to exit.

Turn 23

Wizard and Barbarian exit the Dungeon.

Turn 24

Dwarf leaves the Dungeon.

Conclusion...

Brizzy the Bookie looked at his time piece and worried.  The punters who lurked in the nearby bushes and ruins were getting anxious with the length of time passing with no sight of the Adventurers or Sir Ragnar.  All heads snapped to the Dungeon stairs at a cry which echoed from the depths.

The blurred figure of Fairtree rushed up the remaining steps and ran to cower behind Brizzy.

“Keep him away from me. Oh the pain, the pain of it all!” gasped an exhausted and bleeding Elf.

At this point Sir Ragnar staggered to the top of the steps, his clothes (yes it’s a dress) shredded from weeks of captivity with only brutish Orcoids to keep him company.

“Come here my Prince, I must reward you for rescuing me when so many others wouldn’t.”

Sir Ragnar continued his staggering pace towards the cowering Elf.  From the bushes came the sound of a click, a swoosh, a cry (some recall later it was a sigh of ecstasy) and a crossbow bolt punctured Sir Ragnars quer...ulous heart, ending his life of dubious call.  From out of concealment came the Lady Rumpuctious (wife of Prince Magnus) - an extreme look of satisfaction spreading across her face.  She walked to Fairtree and handed him a bag of gold containing the reward her husband had offered.  She took her time walking to Sir Ragnars body, reloading the crossbow as she went.

Looking down at the body she said “I wore it better, bitch!” and shot the bolt right between Sir Ragnars cold dead eyes.

Sounds from the stair heralded the remaining exhausted and bloodied Adventurers as they finally made it out to safety.  Brighttower looked with some confusion at the tableau before him.

“What did I miss?”

From the bottom of the stairs came the final petulant words of this written Quest...

“What is it they say about Dwarfs, come on tell me!”

FINAL THOUGHTS

This time the use of Potions and Spells to keep Characters alive was becoming obvious.  It was also one of the reasons searching rooms for treasure multiplied significantly compared to the previous Quest.

The Wizard has very little to spend his cash on so he bought a Helmet for the Dwarf.  That Barbarian bought his own Helmet and the Elf a Shield. 

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

Dwarf, Helmet, 10gc

Elf, Shield, 225gc

Barbarian, Helmet, 30gc

Wizard, Staff, 10gc

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

Till next time.

The Hon. John

Heroquest - Quest 1: The Maze

Preamble...

Somewhere in the Olde Worlde south of Erengrad, west of Kislev, east of Marienburg and north of nowhere you will find the quaint and homely inn known as Eight Ways.  No greater scum or villainy can be found there; well... all the greater scum and villainy prefer Ma Baker’s Red Tavern to be honest.  Inside this inn gathered the almost level zero heroes of the Olde Worlde, run by Old Man Buggeroff and his horde of Halfling serving staff, though you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between that and slaves.

That morning Barodis Brighttower, newly proclaimed (self made) wizard of stature entered seeking fellow adventurers to line his pockets.  Known more for his skills in sleight of hand than any real magic he made his coin through the old and noble art of the con.  Surveying the smoke saturated tavern room (honestly would it hurt anyone to open a window) he saw that there were only three other customers still sober and standing.  He espied a Dwarf standing at the bar waving his hands above the counter top trying to get the attention of Old Man Buggeroff, at the other end of the bar clearly trying to keep clear of the filth (which included the Dwarf) lounged an Elf.  Sitting near the fire pit he saw a wild man from the north, clad in naught but a loin cloth and knitting a rainbow coloured vest!

“Hail people of note I seek adventurers to line my... er our pockets.  Who’s game?” he shouted, though why when the room was so quiet - perhaps out of habit?

Almost as if it had been choreographed (it had), the three soon to be adventurers cried “I am, anything to get me out of this place”.

A small stampede of three made their way to Brighttower.  First there was the Elf who introduced himself as Silverleaf Fairtree, next came Grim Axebiter the northman and finally Ramble Stumpgrinder the Dwarf.

“Well chumps... er chums lets be off I know of a small dalliance called The Maze.”

The Maze

The first Quest in the Quest Book for Heroquest – can I say quest one more time!

In this game it took the player 14 turns to complete the Quest with every character surviving, though mauled to some degree.

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

Turn 1

Dwarf makes his way to a room and searches it, finding a Potion of Speed.

Elf moves along the corridor.

Wizard enters a room containing an Orc.  Wizard fails to kill the Orc.

Barbarian moves along the corridor.

GM has the Orc already engaged with the Wizard to attack him, which he does and inflicts a wound on the Wizard.  First blood.

Dwarf (Body 7) (0 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills)

Wizard (Body 3/4) (0 kills)

Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills)

Turn 2

Dwarf searches the room and is surprised by an Orc ambush (Wandering Monster).  Orc attacks and fails to wound.

Elf searches a room and finds Gem! Worth 50gc.

Wizard enters a room, encounters an Orc and kills it.  Here was the first error in the game, we know now that “characters may always search instead of making an attack or casting a spell”.  At the time we were still working out the order in which activations occurred.  In this instance the Wizard moved and then searched, after the combat, finding a Treasure Horde! – 100gc.

Barbarian continues to move rather slowly along a very long corridor.

GM has the Orc engaged with the Dwarf fight; with the Dwarf taking a hefty 2 wounds.

Dwarf (Body 5/7) (0 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills)

Turn 3

Dwarf fights the Orc, fails to kill the Orc.

Elf moves into a room occupied with an Orc and engages it, fails to kill the Orc.

Wizard searches the room for a secret door and finds one.

Barbarian continues his ponderous movement along the corridor.

GM has the Orc engaged with the Dwarf continue their death duel; with the Dwarf taking another brutal 2 wounds.  The Orc fighting the Elf fails to inflict any wounds.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (0 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (0 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (1 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 8) (0 kills)

Turn 4

Dwarf fights the Orc and finally gets the upper hand killing it.  Moves into another room and engages the Orc within but fails to kill it. It was at this point we made another error, the rules state “you may move first, then fight, or fight first, then move”.  Moving into contact with another target did not allow you to fight again, or at least that’s how we interpreted.

Elf fights the Orc and kills it. 

Wizard encounters an Orc and casts Ball of Flame resulting in a very dead Orc, well done.

Barbarian searches a room and suffers Wandering Monsters! The Orc ambush deals the Barbarian 2 wounds.

GM has the Orc continue its battle with the Barbarian for nil effect.  In fact nil effects were also dealt against the Elf and the Dwarf as well.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (1 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (1 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (0 kills)

Turn 5

Dwarf finally gets the upper hand on the Orc and slays it.

Elf fights with the Orc and results in a stalemate.

Wizard makes it to the stairs is the first out of the dungeon!

Barbarian fights and kills the Orc.

GM has an Orc fight the Elf inflicting no wounds.  An Orc fought the Barbarian causing 1 wound.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (1 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 kills)

Turn 6

Dwarf searches the room for a secret door and finds none.

Elf continues his futile battle with the Orc, inflicting no damage.

Barbarian searches a room and finds a Heroic Brew.

GM had no actions to take this turn.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (1 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 kills) Heroic Brew

Turn 7

Dwarf searches a room for a secret door and finds one.

Elf finally kills the Orc.

Barbarian searches a room and finds a Potion of Healing.

GM has no actions to take this turn.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed

Elf (Body 6) (2 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

Turn 8

Dwarf searches the room and finds Gold! A whole 10gc worth...

Elf searches and discovers a Trap! taking a wound in the process.

Barbarian searches a room and discovers Nothing.

GM an Orc finally gets an opening and moves into combat with the Dwarf, but inflicted no wounds.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed, Gold

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

Turn 9

Dwarf fights an Orc for nil effect.

Elf searches a room for secret doors and finds one.

Barbarian makes it to the foot of the stairs, almost out.

GM has the Orc fight the Dwarf for nil effect.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed, Gold

Elf (Body 5/6) (2 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

Turn 10

Dwarf fights the Orc for nil effect.

Elf searches a room and discovers a Trap! taking a wound in the process.

Barbarian while at the foot of stairs and almost to freedom succumbs to the lure of searching the room.  Yes there was a Wandering Monster lurking under the stairs. While surprised the Orc failed to wound the Barbarian.

GM has an Orc attack the Dwarf for nil effect, as was the attack on the Barbarian.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed, Gold

Elf (Body 4/6) (2 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (1 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

Turn 11

Dwarf continues his futile fight with the Orc, no wounds inflicted.

Elf searches a room for secret doors and finds one.

Barbarian fights the ambusing Orc and kills it, then legs it up the stairs to freedom.

GM continues the Orc fight with the Dwarf, nil effect.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed, Gold

Elf (Body 4/6) (2 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (2 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

Turn 12

Dwarf shows just how feeble he is by again failing to kill the Orc.

Elf seeing the Orc occupied by the Dwarf, kills the Orc from behind.

GM has no actions to take this turn.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed, Gold

Elf (Body 4/6) (3 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (2 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

  

Turn 13

Dwarf makes his way to the exit.

Elf leaves the dungeon, leaping over the Dwarf to get out.

GM has no actions to take this turn.

Dwarf (Body 3/7) (2 Kills) Potion of Speed, Gold

Elf (Body 4/6) (3 kills) Gem!

Wizard (Body 3/4) (2 kills) Treasure Horde!

Barbarian (Body 6/8) (2 kills) Heroic Brew, Potion of Healing

Turn 14

Dwarf leaves the Dungeon... last.

Conclusion

Barodis grinned with delight as he took the bookies money and waited for the others to stumble out of the dungeon.  The odds played well in his favour today, just a small wound from an over excited Orc, nothing to write home about. 

Grim was the next out his rainbow coloured vest now scarlet from the blood he had shed, while he had acquired some potions, they were quickly removed from him by the Dungeon staff with the excuse of waste not want not, and these are for the next batch of heroes.

Silverleaf bounded out of the exit just ahead of the Dwarfish curses that followed him.

“That one counts as mine your pointy eared git!”

Stumping out last was Ramble, red faced, panting and clutching his tiny winnings of 10 gold coins.

Barodis, having concealed his illicit gold, exclaimed in delight at the gem Silverleaf had found and valued it at some 50 gold coins – with the Dwarfs gold that made a take of 60 gold for the day.

“Right lads, how do you want to divvy up the takings?”

The stares from the others did not bode well for a loving and sharing band of brothers...

FINAL THOUGHTS

As always with playing a game and half remembering the rules, and trying not to get other game rules mixed into the lot, there were some mistakes.  The first Quest helped iron out a lot of the activity operations and now we feel more confident in playing the next one “The Rescue of Sir Ragnar”.

We also decided that the Treasure Horde which was found by the Wizard would not count, he got the 100gc for leaving the Dungeon first so we thought that that was a fair cop.  Nobody used the potions oddly enough, they weren’t too sure what else might have been coming.  Mind you with the prolonged combats concern was rising.

The Wizard spent his 100gc on a trusty Staff, the other members held onto their gold coins and cried into their beer when the other items vanished once they left the dungeon.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for the next adventure writ up soon.

Undead - 3rd Edition WFB - 1500 points

The Undead Army (1500 points)

Vampire (Lv5), Heavy Armour - Spell Tempered Armour, Hand Weapon - Hellhoned Blade

369 points

Necromancer (Lv15)

155 points

Undead Chariot, Scythed Wheels, Shields & Bow

116 points

Skeleton Warriors, Shields - Unit (20), Unit (20), Unit (10)

220 points, 220 points, 110 points

Zombies - Unit (20)

80 points

Carrion

45 points

Plague Cart

100 points

Undead War Machine - Screaming Skull Ammunition

85 points

At the end of this month Omar and I will be battling at the Blind Pig.  It's been a while since I have played so I shall spend the time remaining reading the rules and writing a back story for this battle.

Till next time.

The Hon. John

Ackerley Returns

It has indeed been a very long time between drinks since I last posted any Pulp Alley Adventures.  Sadly my life continues in a downward spiral and I just have been unable to find the enthusiasm to get back into my former swing of things.  With my wife now loosing her job, things have gotten even harder in this household, so I'll try not to bore you anymore with my trivial life worries.

So Ackerley has been on a bit of a holiday, which means my grasp and recall of the rules is.... at best dodgy, so it's going to take me a while to get back into the swing of things.  Hopefully my storey telling will make up for the lacklustre rules explanations until I'm up to speed.  So without any more preamble it's storey time....

A Storey...

The gentlemans club which Ackerley and his chums were members of was secreted off Brompton Road in Knightsbridge.  It's clientele were select members of society most noted for their eccentricities and well padded cheque books than who they might be nobby with, though that did help.  The Bored Boars Club was both envied and reviled within society, it really depended on whether any of the members had done you a turn or you had been done in turn by any of the members.

It was a typical summer downpour in London, the already dim smoking room where Ackerley had seated himself was darker than usual.  He had just found THE comfy chair! The smoking room had dozens of plush chairs suitable to take ease in, but only one was THE comfy one.  The staff took great delight in swapping the chairs around everyday to ensure that the chair was never in the same place twice.  This game of finding the chair was a marvellous game for members and wagers were placed when members entered as to whether they could find the chair. Any Member foolish enough to be found marking the chair in anyway to allow them to find the chair in future visits would be immediately stripped of their membership, as well as suffering a humiliating defrocking ceremony involving a badger, a pound of goose fat, a slice of lemon and a croquet mallet.  Best not to dwell to long on those thoughts I'd wager.

So Ackerley has finally found THE chair and had settled in nicely.  The rain was beating itself against the windows creating a rhythm most relaxing, the low murmurs from the other members just low enough not to register as detailed conversations, the head waiter had just brought him a double malt scotch, when as the story requires it... an interruption occurs!

From outside the room could be heard some commotion and raised voices.  There was definitely the sound of broken crockery, glassware, hmm sounded like a sideboard, some chairs.

The other Members looked over at Ackerley with pitying looks, they had given it before a number of times.  The doors to the room opened and the Manager briskly entered, only hobbling slightly as he did so.

"Lord Banning I'm sorry to disturb you..."

"Ackerely" came the screech from outside!  The soundproofing doing little to deaden that voice.

"but I must ask you again to remind your mother that this is a Gentleman's Club and that woman are not permitted to enter." 

Ackerley reached into his jacket pocket, took out his wallet, removed a 10 Pound note and gave it to the Manager.

"I'm sorry you've been dealt an unwarranted blow to your... self esteem Giles.  Please put the repair bill on my account and i'll settle it at the end of the month."

"Ackerley! Get out here you ungrateful spawn." There followed a meaty thud and a high pitch gasp.

"If you would hurry m'Lord, I running out of staff who can restrain her and I would rather the other members not be disturbed any further by her presence."

Ackerley strode down the hallway towards the entrance, on his way the billiards room door opened and Barrington Mallory stuck his head out to see what the commotion was about, Looked to his right be saw his friend and smiled which quickly vanished though upon seeing Ackerleys expression.  He then looked left, saw what was in that direction and promptly disappeared back into the room, telegraphing his condolences by facial expression to his chum.

Ackerley came to halt in front of the now silent and still ensemble.  An elderly woman was pinned by two hulking staff while a third was in a foetal position rocking back and forth, clearly in agony but not issuing a sound of complaint.

Ackerley sighed, taking out his wallet he lent over the prostate man and gave him a fiver from it before swiftly coming erect and rounding with disdain on his mother.

"Mother, you know quite well the rules, yet you continue to flaunt them and bring our name to shame, which you so often lecture me is of such dire need of rescue! Now why are you here?"

He gestured to the club staff to remove themselves and gripping his mothers arm took her out into the pouring rain.  He had a change of clothes here at the club, the old hag would have to return home soaked.

Lady Wisharts face soured with the removal to the outdoors but knew she had pushed her son as far as was possible, especially as it was she who needed the favour this time.  Putting a tepid smile on her pale and cadaverous face she said.

"Baroness Cawfowl, a good friend of your father," her smile faltered somewhat at this, perhaps the rumours of there being more to their friendship was true? "has asked us a favour, or more precisely a favour of you as your fathers son!" Yes she was beginning to think there was more to their relationship. "One of her tenants a noted scientist has left and he has left his animals loose on a property she leased to him.  Normally this would not be an issue one such as you would need to be involved with, but so far four teams of groundsmen have been lost, I believe eaten by the creatures.  She'd like this taken care of discretely, and..."

Ackerley's mind was wandering while his mother was speaking this request.  He remembered Baroness Cawfowl or Aunty Lizzy as he knew her rather fondly.  A lovely woman, kind, beautiful... the exact opposite to his mother.  His father always spent a lot of time at Aunt Lizzies...

"Yes Mother, I'll go, I'm sure the lads will love the chance to bag a new trophy.  Where is this property, somewhere foreign I take it?"

"No dear boy, it's here in London.  The ruined chemical and munition warehouses that blew up in the war, well they were never rebuilt.  The locals claim the chemicals have changed those who live there. Might be why that Moreau person leased the property from her."

"Moreau you say, that name sounds familiar?"

"Well if that doesn't, then I should tell you that the Dean has been spotted in the area.  I sure you don't want him benefiting from anything do you now?"

"Damn right I don't! Of you go mother, tell Baroness Cawfowl we'll deal with the problem at once."

Ackerley pushed his mother forcefully further into the rain and onto the road, and quickly dashed back into the warmth and safety of the club.  He threw the bolts on the door just as a precaution, you never could trust the hag to stay out.

Now for a warm bath, change of clothes a feed and tomorrow morning an adventure in London!

The adversaries...

Moreau's left over creatures, the ones he left behind... or did he?

Ah, Ackerley appears to have found a bear!

Batty takes on Project X and makes a stirling job of... nothing.

The Dean spends much of the adventure directing Hagar in the pursuit of happiness?
No it was the complete opposite, no specimen caught at all!

Good old reliable Sir Garfield, wait until you see the whites of their eyes.
Bloody thing got that close I could see what poor bastard it had eat last!

Assistant Fu sadly realised he was small enough to fit inside the stomach of
a giant toad/frog, they are still determining the species.

Plant 101 had a bad case of aphids which attracted the giant mantis.

Miss Agenda found the spider, lost her heels in the muck making her exit.

Lady Wishart last seen up to her chin in chemical waste...
no one appeared to be concerned about her safety...