We have had some requests to place the Talisman rulebook on the website, and in doing so we have corrected a few of the errors that crept into the printed rulebook.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Version 1.1 (4th November 2007)

The FAQ is divided into 6 sections:

1. Rule Book
2. Game Board
3. Character Cards
4. Adventure Cards
5. Spell Cards

A note about ‘Optional’ rules: optional rules should only be used with the consent of all players before play begins.

1. Rule Book

1.1
Q: Setting up - this states that ‘the diagram on page 5 details the information on each Character Card’. Shouldn’t this be on page 6?
A: Yes, this is a printing error - it should indeed be on page 6.

1.2
Q: Rule 4:3 - this states that ‘the Character Card is placed with the unused Character Cards. The player whose Character has died may start again, at the next Turn, with a new Character drawn at random from the unused Character Cards if, and only if, no Character has yet reached the Crown of Command during the game. If any Character has reached the Crown of Command, the player whose Character dies is out of the game’. Does this therefore follow that a Player could play with a Character that has already been killed during the game?
A: No, once a Character has been killed during a game it is removed from play.

1.3
Q: Rule 11:5 - this states that ‘a Character may decide at any time to move back towards the Plain of Peril. Movement is still 1 Space per Turn but the instructions for Encounters are ignored when retreating’. Does a Character have to move all the way back to the Plain of Peril or can they change their mind half way through?
A: Once a Character has declared their intention to move back, they cannot change their mind and they must go all the way back to the Plain of Peril. Once there, a Character may either attempt to encounter the Inner Region again or leave the Inner Region.

1.4
Q: Rule 11:12 - ‘characters defeating or evading the Sentinel may continue their Move by entering the Middle Region. Characters defeated by the Sentinel lose 1 Life and must end their Move in the Sentinel Space. Characters in a stand-off with the Sentinel do not lose a Life but must end their Move in the Sentinel Space’. Does this imply that Characters continue their Turn in the Sentinel Space?
A; No, in both instances the Character’s Turn ends immediately.

1.5
Q: Rule 11:24 - ‘characters attempting to open the Portal follow the instructions on the Portal of Power Space. If successful, the Character’s Turn ends on the Plain of Peril. If unsuccessful, the Character’s Move ends on the Portal of Power Space’. Does this imply that Characters continue their Turn in the Portal of Power Space?
A: No, in both instances the Character’s Turn ends immediately.

1.6
Q: Rule 13:4 - if a Character drops a number of Followers or Objects onto a draw card space, does this mean that a Character cannot draw Adventure cards there until someone picks them all up?
A: Yes, if there are already any cards of any type on the space, then only enough cards to make up the given number may be drawn.

1.7
Q: Rule 15:2 - ‘if two of the same numbers are present, handle them in alphabetical order’. This seems a bit unfair if a Character draws say, the Evil Darkness and Raiders together and they immediately miss their Turn, preventing them from encountering the Raiders. Is this correct?
A: Yes, this is correct.
Optional rule - amend the rule to read as follows: ‘If two of the same numbers are present, handle them in the order that they were drawn’. Therefore, in this example if the Raiders are drawn first and the Evil Darkness second, they must be encountered in that order.

1.8
Q: Rule 15:4 - ‘the instructions on the card must be followed. Any that result in the loss of a Turn by the Character Encountering them, end the Character’s Turn there and then; they do not miss the next Turn too’. Does this count as a missed Turn for that Character, if they have already rolled and moved that Turn?
A: Yes, it does count as a missed Turn.
Optional rule - amend the rule to read as follows: ‘the instructions on the card must be followed. Any that result in the loss of a Turn by the Character Encountering them, end the Character’s Turn there and then if, and only if, there are other cards still to be Encountered that Turn; they do not miss their next Turn too. Otherwise, they must miss their next Turn instead’.

1.9
Q: Rule 18:2 - in part 3 of the rule it states that ‘Any creature depicted on an Adventure Card that the Character does not wish to encounter, for example, the Hag, the Imp or Witch.’ However, can a Character evade the Black Knight, as it doesn’t seem to be covered by the wording of the rule?
A: Yes, the Black Knight may be evaded.

1.10
Q: Rule 19:1 - if a Toad has a Random Spell cast at it or a Toad visits the City Enchantress or Witch and it rolls a ‘1’, is its time as a Toad extended by three more turns?
A: Yes, the Toad remains as a Toad for three more turns.

1.11
Q: Rule 19:2 - a Character who is turned into a Toad must drop all of their Followers, Gold Coins and Objects onto the space where the transformation occurred; are they also forced to drop the ‘Cursed by a Hag’ or ‘Poltergeist’ if they have one of them as a Follower? Can a Toad take a Follower, Gold Coin or Object if he draws one of them from the Adventure deck?
A: No, a Toad must keep these Followers; they are Event cards that become Followers, they are not actual Follower cards. The only way that you may rid yourself of these cards is by following the instructions on the card. No, a Toad cannot take any Followers, Gold Coins or Objects that are drawn from the Adventure deck; they must be left face up on the space where they were encountered.

2. Game Board

2.1
Q: City - does a Character have to visit the City, Temple and Village Spaces?
A: Yes, a Character must visit one of these Spaces. They may not choose to do nothing there.

2.2
Q: Desert - the text printed on the Desert spaces state that Characters must ‘lose a Life’, but the main section states that Characters ‘do not draw a card if there is already a card on this space’, which suggests that Characters should also draw an Adventure card, in addition to losing a Life. Is this correct?
A: Yes, Characters must draw an Adventure card in a Desert space, once they have lost a Life. Unfortunately, the information ‘Draw 1 Card’ is missing from the board.

2.3
Q: Pits - in the Pits, should the Pit Fiends have 14 Strength instead of 4, as otherwise they seem a bit weak for a Creature in the Inner Region?
A: No, the Pit Fiends should only have 4 Strength, bearing in mind that a Character normally has to fight more than one Pit Fiend.
Optional rule - if you wish to make the Pit Fiends even more challenging, have them roll two dice in Combat and use the highest one for their Combat score.

2.4
Q: Runes - the Runes Spaces state that ‘Any Enemies that you fight on the Space add 2 on their Combat die roll’. Does this also include Creatures and Enemy Spirits?
A: Yes, it does also include Creatures and Enemy Spirits.

2.5
Q: Tavern - if a Character loses at gambling in the Tavern and they do not have any Gold Coins, what happens?
A: If a Character does not have any Gold Coins in the Tavern, there is no effect.

2.6
Q: Warlock’s Cave - does a Character have to go on a Quest?
A: No, a Character may choose whether or not to go on a Quest.

2.6.1
Q: Warlock’s Cave - can a Character go on more than one Quest?
A: No, a Character may only go on one Quest at any given time.

2.6.2
Q: Warlock’s Cave - does a Character have to immediately complete their Quest?
A: Yes, a Character must attempt to complete their Quest immediately if they are able to do so. In addition, the Warlock will prevent any Character (who has agreed to go on a Quest) from opening the Portal of Power until they have first completed their Quest.

2.6.3
Q: Warlock’s Cave - can a Character complete their Quest during another Character’s Turn?
A: A Character may only complete their Quest during another Character’s Turn if their Quest is to remove a Life from another Character. Otherwise, the Quest must be completed during their own Turn.

3. Character Cards

3.1
Q: Assassin - can the Assassin assassinate Enemy Spirits?
A: No, Enemy Spirits may never be affected by a physical attack.

3.1.1
Q: Assassin - if the Assassin fails in his attempt to assassinate another Character, can the victor take an Object from the Assassin instead of a Life?
A: Yes, the victor may take an Object (inc. Magic Object) or Gold Coin from the Assassin instead of a Life (if they wish to).

3.2
Q: Druid - can the Druid change his Alignment in time, to benefit from an Event that is about to occur?
A: Yes, the Druid may change his alignment before he is affected by any card or space (but, he must immediately drop any items that oppose the Alignment he has just changed to, e.g. he cannot possess the Holy Lance if he becomes Evil).

3.3
Q: Dwarf - the Dwarf first special ability states that he does not need to roll the die in the Chasm or Crags. However, can the Dwarf elect to roll if he wishes to? Does this also apply to the Elf’s and Troll’s special ability?
A: Yes, the Dwarf may elect to roll the die if he wishes to, but he must accept the outcome of the die roll. Yes, the Elf and Troll may do the same.

3.3.1
Q: Dwarf - the Dwarf’s fourth special ability states that ‘You may add 1 to your die roll if you attempt to open the Portal of Power by Craft’. Is this correct?
A: No, this is incorrect. The special ability should read as follows: ‘You need only roll 1 die if you attempt to open the Portal of Power by Craft’.

3.4
Q: Elf - can the Elf move from one Woods space to another during the Blizzard?
A: No, the Elf can only move one space during the Blizzard, just like any other Character.

3.4.1
Q: Elf - the Elf may evade Enemies whenever he is in a Woods space. Does this only mean that Enemies may be evaded there or does it also include Characters, Enemy Spirits, Strangers and any other unfriendly Creatures? Does this also apply to the Dwarf’s special ability?
A: The Elf may evade any Characters, Enemies, Enemy Spirits, Strangers and any other unfriendly Creatures that may be encountered in a Woods space. Yes, the Dwarf may do the same.

3.5
Q: Ghoul - can the Ghoul use more than one Enemy raised from the dead per Combat?
A: No, the Ghoul may only use one Enemy raised from the dead per Combat.

3.6
Q: Minstrel - if the Minstrel fails to Charm an Animal does it attack him?
A: No, as per his first special ability, Animals will not attack him.

3.7
Q: Monk - the Monk’s special ability which allows him to add his Craft to his Strength whenever he is involved in Combat seems very powerful. Is this correct?
A: Yes. However, this only allows the Monk to add his STARTING Craft to his Strength, not any of the Craft gained from Followers and Magic Objects as well.

3.7.1
Q: Monk - can the Monk possess the Holy Lance?
A: Yes, as it is not prohibited by the Monk’s Character Card.

3.8
Q: Priest - if the Priest destroys an Enemy Spirit without resorting to Psychic Combat, can he keep it for additional Craft? If not, can the Priest elect to fight an Enemy Spirit instead?
A: No, the Priest must discard the Enemy Spirit. No, the Priest cannot elect to fight an Enemy Spirit instead.

3.9
Q: Prophetess - the Prophetess’s third special ability states that ‘whenever you have to draw Adventure cards, you may draw one card more than necessary and then discard one of your choice that you do not wish to encounter’. This seems outrageously powerful. Is this correct?
A: No, this is incorrect. The special ability should read as follows: ‘whenever you have to draw Adventure cards, you may discard one card of your choice that you do not wish to encounter and draw one more card to replace it, which you must encounter’.

3.10
Q: Sorceress - can the Sorceress take the Poltergeist from another Character?
A: No, because the Poltergeist is not specifically a Follower.

3.11
Q: Thief - the Thief's special ability states that he can steal an Object whenever he visits the Market. Does this just refer to the Market Adventure card or are there any other cards/spaces that he may steal from?
A: The Thief may steal an Object from the Market and Market Day Adventure cards, but he may not steal an Object from anywhere else.

3.12
Q: Troll - can the Troll take possession of the Wand if he does not have enough Craft?
A: Yes, the Troll may possess the Wand, but he cannot take a Spell until his Craft is 3 or more.

4. Adventure Cards

4.1
Q: Alchemist - can a Character still turn Objects into Gold Coins when they have just been defeated by another Character?
A: No, they may only do this before the Combat has taken place.

4.2
Q: Amulet - can a Character cast the Command Spell while they have the Amulet in their possession?
A: No, a Character may not cast any Spells while the Amulet is in their possession.

4.2.1
Q: Amulet - does the Mesmerism Spell affect a Character with the Amulet?
A: No, Spells do not affect a Character with the Amulet (or his Followers).

4.2.2
Q: Amulet - can a Character use the Invisibility Spell to evade a Character with the Amulet? Can a Character use the Psionic Blast Spell on themselves as they are about to fight a Character with the Amulet?
A: Yes, a Character may use both of these Spells, as they do not directly affect the Character with the Amulet.

4.3
Q: Armour - if a Character possesses a suit of Armour, a Helmet and a Shield, and they lose a Life in Combat, can they roll the die for each Object or can they only roll the die for one of them?
A: No, a Character can only roll the die for one of these Objects.

4.4
Q: Bandit - if a Character evades an Enemy Bandit by giving it a Gold Coin, does the Gold Coin go onto the space or is it placed onto the Gold Coin stockpile?
A: The Gold Coin is placed onto the Gold Coin stockpile.

4.5
Q: Blizzard - do the Blizzard, Evil Darkness, Siren and Storm remain face-up on a space while they are in effect? If so, do they count as cards towards draw card spaces?
A: Yes, they remain face-up on a space until their effects have ended. They are then discarded. Yes, they do count as cards towards draw card spaces.

4.6
Q: Cave - does a Character have to roll for the Cave? Does this also apply to the Shrine?
A: Yes, a Character must always roll for the Cave. Yes, this does apply to the Shrine.

4.7
Q: Cross - if a Character destroys an Enemy Spirit with the Cross, can they keep it for additional Craft? If not, can a Character elect to fight an Enemy Spirit instead?
A: No, they must discard the Enemy Spirit. No, they cannot elect to fight an Enemy Spirit instead.

4.8
Q: Cursed by a Hag - if a Character dies, does the replacement Character retain the Cursed by a Hag and Poltergeist cards?
A: No, the Cursed by a Hag and Poltergeist cards are placed face-up onto the space where the Character died and they again become an Encounter for any Character landing there.

4.9
Q: Fountain of Wisdom - can a Character gain one point of Craft when they first draw the Fountain of Wisdom? Does this also apply to the Magic Stream and Pool of Life?
A: Yes, a Character may gain one point of Craft when the card is first drawn. Yes, this does apply to both of these cards.

4.10
Q: Gnome - a Character with the Gnome as their Follower does not need to roll the die in the Crags. However, can a Character elect to roll if they wish to? Does this also apply to the Guide and Pixie?
A: Yes, a Character may elect to roll the die if they wish to, but they must accept the outcome of the die roll. Yes, this does apply to the Guide and Pixie.

4.10.1
Q: Gnome - a Character with the Gnome as their Follower may evade Enemies whenever they are in a Hills space. Does this only mean that Enemies may be evaded there or does it also include Characters, Enemy Spirits, Strangers and any other unfriendly Creatures? Does this also apply to the Pixie?
A: A Character with the Gnome or Pixie as their Followers may evade any Characters, Enemies, Enemy Spirits, Strangers and any other unfriendly Creatures that may be encountered in a Hills or Woods space. Yes, this does apply to the Pixie.

4.11
Q: Helmet - can a Character wear a Helmet and Solomon’s Crown at the same time?
A: Yes, as only one of them is used at a time - the Helmet is used in Combat and Solomon’s Crown counts towards Craft.

4.12
Q: Lion - the Lion is an Enemy Animal. Should it not have a 2 printed on the bottom of the card?
A: Yes, this is a printing error.

4.13
Q: Mercenary - does a Character still have to pay one Gold Coin for the Mercenary to become their Follower, if they take him with the Mesmerism Spell?
A: Yes, the stipulations on the Mercenary card must still be met.

4.14
Q: Mule - can a Mule carry any type of Object? If so, are they still usable?
A: A Mule can carry any Object in the game, apart from Gold Coins or a Raft. All Objects carried by a Mule are usable. Optional rule – a Character must personally carry a suit of Armour, Axe, Helmet, Holy Lance, Magic Belt, Ring, Runesword, Shield, Solomon’s Crown or Sword, if they wish to gain benefit from them.

4.15
Q: Orb of Knowledge - ‘while the Orb of Knowledge is in your possession, it allows you to draw 1 more Adventure Card than required. You may then discard the one you do not wish to encounter, but you must encounter the other’. This seems outrageously powerful, like the Prophetesses Special Ability. Is this correct?
A: No, this is incorrect. The card should read as follows: ‘whenever you have to draw Adventure cards, you may discard one card of your choice that you do not wish to encounter and draw one more card to replace it, which you must encounter’.

4.16
Q: Raft - can a Character take possession of a Raft. If not, what happens to it?
A: No, the Raft is placed face-up onto the Space where it was found or purchased and it will remain there until the start of the Character’s next turn. It is then discarded, regardless of whether or not the Character misses his next turn.

4.17
Q: Raiders - if a Character draws Raiders while they are in the Oasis, do they immediately get to pick up all of their Gold Coins and Objects, assuming that they first defeat any Enemies or Enemy Spirits there?
A: Yes, a Character may immediately pick up their Gold Coins and Objects, once any Enemies or Enemy Spirits on the Oasis have first been defeated or evaded.

4.18
Q: Shrine - if a Character rolls a ‘6’ visiting the Shrine, do they have to Teleport to another space in the Region?
A: No, a Character only has to Teleport if they wish to.

5. Spell Cards

5.1
Q: Acquisition - can a Character cast Acquisition on an Object that they are not permitted to use and then immediately drop it onto the space?
A: No, a Character may only cast Acquisition on an Object that they may possess.

5.2
Q: Destruction - if a Character casts a Destruction Spell on a face-up card after they have completed their move, do they have to draw a new card to replace the one that they just destroyed?
A: Yes, because a Character casts the Spell before following the instructions for the Space.

5.3
Q: Healing - can a Character cast a Healing Spell when they lose their last Life or must they have at least one Life remaining?
A: No, a Character must have at least one Life remaining.

5.4
Q: Immobility - can a Character cast an Immobility Spell on another Character who has just encountered them?
A: No, a Character must cast an Immobility Spell before an encounter with another Character.

5.5
Q: Mesmerism - can a Character cast mesmerism on the Poltergeist?
A: No, because the Poltergeist is not actually a Follower.

5.6
Q: Preservation - can a Character cast the Preservation Spell on the Sentinel?
A: Yes, a Character may cast the Preservation Spell on a Character, Enemy, Enemy Spirit, Sentinel or any other unfriendly Creature that loses a Life or that is defeated in Combat or Psychic Combat.

5.7
Q: Psionic Blast - if a Character casts Psionic Blast on themselves, can they add the Craft from their Followers and Magic Objects, as well as their own Craft?
A: No, this only allows a Character to add their own Craft counters to their Strength.

5.8
Q: Teleport - can a Character cast Teleport during the Blizzard?
A: Yes. However, they may only Teleport one space away during the Blizzard.