Hi everyone, it's been awhile since I've been in here (real life, bleeeeh) but I've managed to swing things back around and I'm starting up a new Descent group this weekend. I'm caught up with the new packs and the new FAQ but I wanted to get your opinions.

I remember a while back there were concerns back and forth about the rumor card side quests, the biggest issue being that the heroes benefit from them way more due to the fact that its extra treasure. The newer rumor quests cards all pretty much state "if the heroes don't do this quest, overlord gets the reward." Added to that is the possibility of the OL getting threat, (I firmly believe the OL needs to be using a lieutenant to balance the game better) another reason for him to throw down a quest, especially since in my opinion, threat outweighs fortune.

I was just wondering what your thoughts are on this, and do you guys "semi-house-rule" the older rumor cards, such as from LotW, to have the same mechanic of "if the heroes don't do this, OL gets the reward?" Or more specifically: do you think it is ever worth it, or what is the strategy involved in dropping a side quest or not?

Also, good to see you all. Any2cards, Zaltyre, and everyone holding it down as always I see.

They don't put as many search tokens in Rumor Quests anymore, as they did with Lair of the Wyrm. Also, there is no exp gain off them. As the OL, you can get some cool OL cards and Overlord rewards to boot and playing a Rumor Quest nets you an extra threat token. Yeah it's a risk for the OL to play them, because heroes can get some extra gold and maybe a quest reward, but some/most of those quests are OL favored.

I usually play one after the heroes lose a quest and force them to go on one.

I am thinking of running one just to give the heroes a shot to get some more gold.

As Overlord, I always play The Rumor Card quests. Yes, the Heroes have a chance to obtain some gold and resolve an additional Campaign Phase, but the rewards the OL receives for winning can be far more beneficial. For example on one of my campaigns, I obtained Unseen Wings early. That card helped me win a lot of quests. ( Choose Monster Group and Move them 3 spaces. )