Taking Courage

[mica]

Used this optional rule for the first time last session. There is a ranger (now other characters have retired, the leader with 60+ xp) and a bunch of newbs. Each of the newbs ended up with 4 courage points (heart and relative xp). With twice baked honey cakes and a hobbit there was a fellowship pool of 7. An elf song added a further 2 (for the elf). So all in all a combined pool (not to split hairs over who can and can't use them) of 25!
Yeah I appreciate that some were held back for advancement and xp but despite facing a mixed bag of 30+ goblins, orcs, orc guards and a hill troll in a single encounter only the ranger burned any hope (with much griping it has to be said). As this was an atypically challenging encounter, made harder by a revelation episode I can see courage making the game somewhat easy.

[Indur Dawndeath]

I could see why a Ranger would keep his distance from the more experienced veteran. An easy way to get Hope, when the fellowship pool is off limits.
Less Bouts of Madness for the Newbs with all that Hope, not sure how that will effect the game! I think the Fall is essential to the atmosphere of the game...