Heart of the Wild Feedback

[Otaku-sempai]

I never liked the idea of statting out animals for the purpose of turning them into opponents, but the quote is indeed very tempting!

Francesco

Well, wild animals constitute a legitimate hazard in Wilderland. Even a stag will attack if cornered (or sometimes during mating season). Wolves, bears, big cats, snakes, crocodiles and even vermin can all be dangerous, although most encounters need not lead to a fight. Add the possibiility of magically controlled beasts and a party could face some serious problems before ever encountering an actual monster.

[Rich H]

Well, wild animals constitute a legitimate hazard in Wilderland. Even a stag will attack if cornered (or sometimes during mating season). Wolves, bears, big cats, snakes, crocodiles and even vermin can all be dangerous, although most encounters need not lead to a fight.

... Which I would handle as tests using appropriate common skills. Some of the Hazards list such things so I often use those as a guide and create others.

[Mytholder]

I actually tried putting region-specific Hazards in when I started, but found they didn't work.

If I put in Hazards for each region, they either got so very specific that they could only be used on particular routes through the forest (i.e. putting the Enchanted River in as a hazard for the Woodland Realm is nice and evocative, but only applies to journeys in the southern border of that region), or so general as to be generic (infinite variations on 'you get lost in the forest'.) I also tried highlighting unique Hazards in box texts, but then you're hiding content away behind a dice roll - anything interesting enough to be a random Hazard of note could be better used as a non-random location or encounter).

My feeling is that new Hazards work best as part of an adventure, where they can be tailored to the local terrain and conditions.

[Francesco]

My feeling is that new Hazards work best as part of an adventure, where they can be tailored to the local terrain and conditions.

I agree. In fact, I tend to improvise them on the spot, even if I see the wisdom in having a list that features episodes that are creative and well thought-out.

Btw, I think it is quite safe to say that the main way to use the cards contained in the upcoming Hobbit Tales game with The One Ring serves exactly this purpose - to improvise Hazard episodes, taking cue from a drawn card and making use of a pre-defined set of consequences for failed rolls. (For those who might object that those mechanics will be available only purchasing a separate game, let me say that I think we will find a way to circulate what's in there that can be used without the cards - for example, the predefined consequences. Even if I am pretty sure you'll definitely like the cards!).

Francesco

[Mim]

Francesco, Gareth,

Thank you for your thoughtful responses! It's very exciting to read about how you develop the game

Now that you both explain your concept behind the hazards (& I'm looking forward to Hobbit Tales, BTW), I see why you tailor them for each adventure.

Actually, you may both get a chuckle when I mention that I copy & paste some of your hazards & insert them into my adventures. Some of them fit nicely - just as you write them - almost anywhere (within reason), while others require a tweak or two & then fit right in

I'll bet I'm not the only fan to do this, so please keep writing plenty of unique hazards for your future adventures.

[farinal]

This made me think how cool it would be to have devs playing the game on video

[fbnaulin]

Dear designers, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I hope to run TOR with those Hobbit Tales cards and see how it is improved.

[doctheweasel]

2. No Adventure possibilities or suggestions for the desperate Loremaster looking for a few ideas!

You and I must have read different books. I thought it was packed full of adventure potential.

[Hermes Serpent]

I'm interested to see that no-one has yet posted that south of the North Ford in the West Upper Vale is a location, while marked on the maps, doesn't appear to be labelled on any of them.

[Corvo]

I never liked the idea of statting out animals for the purpose of turning them into opponents, but the quote is indeed very tempting!

Francesco

I need a boar. A huge (white?) boar for my bardings pcs to kill, 'cause they have to prove themselves to the Woodmen, and prove that Bard the Dragonslayer is the rightful king