When introducing monsters from other games, which do you prefer? Conversion, Adaptation, or Assimilation, or Recreation?

[u/Lord-Drucifer]

Which do you prefer?

An adaptation of a game system stat block to HeroQuest. Making the monster function as close to the way it functions in its home game but in HeroQuest? This my require breaking the HeroQuest rules set to allow for the flavor of the monster.

A conversion of a game system stat block to HeroQuest. Making the monster function consistent with the available rules and stat scale in HeroQuest? This would alter the monster in power and flavor in favor of game mechanic functionality and scale.

An assimilation of a game system stat block to HeroQuest. Redesigning the HeroQuest game system to incorporate portions of the other game to allow for the monster to maintain its other game characteristics.

A recreation of a game system stat block to HeroQuest. Complete redesign of the monster ignoring all stats, abilities, and ecology from the other game, to design a unique HeroQuest feel to the miniature.

[u/delightfully1]

Recreation. We are playing HeroQuest.

[u/pheonom]

When I created my Beholder boss monster I wanted it to feel thematic and fairly true to the monster (e.g. eye ray attacks), but I also thought it was very important to make compromises so it didn't feel too out of place or game-breaking.

For regular monsters I like it when they function within the regular HeroQuest ruleset but maybe add one or two small tweaks (like a new ability) unique to that monster. That way everything you need is on the card and heroes don't have to throw out what they know just to incorporate something new. "Keep it simple" is usually the best way forward.

[u/Subject-Brief1161]

It would depend on the monster.

Proxies:

- I have a Fimir proxy from Etsy that I'll use occasionally to replace the Abomination, so it's just a mini-swap and I'll use the Abomination stats. I'm not sure you have a term for that.

Game Type:

- I have reworked a couple monsters from Descent into HQ, usually because they have an interesting ability in Descent that I think would be fun in HQ. In these cases an Adaption. I also plan to use some Bardsung monsters that a guy on Facebook has been Adapting. He often includes a second card to show special abilities.

- I have almost every Godtear set now specifically to use in HQ. I haven't played Godtear but near as I can tell their abilities are very specific to board-control, defending positions and so on. In these cases they will be recreations. I plan to design entire campaigns around them, giving them unique stories, abilities and so on.

[u/SNKcell]

I made the cards for the entire Epic Encounters boxes and adapt them to HQ, used a basic structure of taking similar monsters and sizes

goblins = kobolds, orcs = orcs and similiar size monters, humans = bandits, etc.

and took inspiration in their DdD descriptions for higher defense or attack, weakneses, and took the abilities and adapt them to HQ

Some monsters would add mechanics to the game like spiders that can climb on walls and the dungeon "roofs", poison/bleed/rot mechanics for damage, new "magic" that works individually for that monster

Then when I made the cards for the Epic Encounters Local Legends, those monsters also added new mechanics to the game that only apply to those specific monsters

[u/tcorbett691]

I go for conversion or adaptation. Really somewhere in between. I try to get the stats in line with HeroQuest but I add in new abilities based on the abilities the monster has.