Change to spending courage

[Cleggster]

One thing that has cropped up in my game is, what I feel, an abuse of courage. Let me point out that I love the courage mechanic. It really helps with a mixed party like I have now. I am currently in the last chapter of DoM, and I have two characters that have played through the entire thing so far. And immortal Elf and a long in the tooth Woodman. Some other characters who are new to the party, but have some experience under the belt. And one brand new character.

So as you can see, courage aplenty. My issue has been that with all that courage free-flowing, hope has not become an issue anymore. I have stepped up the threats and have been throwing more shadow rolls at them, but many adventures wind up the the fellowship pool still full. Since the less experienced players can result all courage every session, they can spend courage at all failures. So there has not been much in the way of consequence lately.

Here is what I came up with as a possible solution, and has worked so far.


~~~

Courage does not reset per session.

The players get their total courage at the start of an adventure, but refresh each session at a rate of 1/3 of their total rounded down.

~~~


This allows the new players to still catch up, but means the experienced players have to manage their hope. Especially if they want those bonus points at the end. I thought I would throw it up here and see if anybody else feels this might solve any issues.


A side note. I just came upon the other courage idea posted here. This seems like a good idea as well.

[Rich H]

I only apply the Courage rules/points per Adventuring Phase; no refresh except after the Fellowship Phase. It hasn't been a problem at all and works pretty well in my experience.