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Talisman
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Talisman is probably the best board game ever made. I think it was Paul that first bought it back in 1983 when the first edition game out. In that edition the majority of the cards were black & white. In 1985 the second edition was released with the only real change being the introduction of full colour cards. I would not like to say how many hours we have spent playing Talisman over the years, the majority of them during the school holidays. Talisman is best played with 4 people as anymore leads to a particularly long, and sometimes boring game. The main problem with Talisman as it stands now is  the complexity of the game. The group of people that play this game have been doing so since the first edition was introduced, since then there have been 6 additional sets which expanded the game; these were released between 1986-93. Each one was incorporated into the main game and slowly added more and more strategy to the game. All of this makes it very difficult for someone who has no familiarity with the games to play competitively, if at all; just take a look at the rules!!

On this site you will find everything you could want to know about Talisman, including the history of the game, rules and scanned images of the entire game. There are also sections dedicated to the group of people who play this board games including house rules which serve to clarify the sometimes ambiguous official rules.

Finally it is probably worth mentioning that this game is no longer available as it was discontinued in 1994, although there are often a number of copies of the main game plus expansion set available on ebay.

 

TALISMAN 'THE MAGICAL QUEST GAME' 2ND EDITION (1985)                Contents   Rules

One of the most successful fantasy games of all time (it has been printed in three editions). The first and second edition are very similar with the basic difference being the inclusion of colour cards in the second edition. The third edition, instead, is a brand new one with a strong restyling of the rules and the graphic design. 

Of the three, the 2nd edition is the most sought after and had a total of 6 expansion sets released to create probably the largest board game ever made.

 

 

TALISMAN EXPANSION SET (1986)                                                                         Contents

The first expansion set, aptly named 'Talisman Expansion Set', based on new cards and characters. 

The new characters introduced, such as the Knight and Philosopher, turned out to be some of the most powerful of any in the 6 expansion. Cards like the Rod of Ruin and places such as the Arena add a new strategy to the game.

 

TALISMAN THE ADVENTURE (1986)                                                                       Contents   Rules

This is the most important expansion set of the game; without this the game is almost incomplete. There are lots of characters cards and adventure cards (to increase the variety of the game), but the most important innovation is the end of the game. You will not find the “Crown of Command”, but you draw a special card among six and this will be your final destiny.

 

TALISMAN DUNGEON (1987)                                                                                     Contents   Rules

That's a twin expansion set of the "City" but it does not expand the "Village" location, it adds a dungeon system that can be explored from anywhere on the board. The dungeon is full of new objects and powerful creatures for your amusement.

Perhaps the biggest limit of this expansion is the big difficulty to enter the dungeon system and that if you are defeated during the course you have to come back and begin again your quest.

This is really the least interesting expansion set of them all ..... although included in the new characters for this set were the very interesting Gypsy and the extremely powerful Conjurer.

 

TALISMAN TIMESCAPE (1988)                                                                                  Contents   Rules

It's the best expansion and the most amusing, but it is less fantasy oriented too. Timescape has been inserted in the game to comprehend the Warhammer 40.000 universe, for this reason there is the Space Marine, the Astronaut, the Space Pirate.

Also very important is the introduction of an important modification of the rules. Now if a player draw the "Terrible Black Void" card, in the final phase, he will not be destroyed anymore, it will be sent to the Timescape board instead.

Introduced some excellent character including Astropath, along with some interesting objects (Warp Belt, Battle Armour) and of course the Omnipotent Being.

 

 

TALISMAN CITY (1989)                                                                                                Contents   Rules

It is basically an improvement of the “City” box, usually you have only to roll 1d6 and look on the results on a special table, but now you have a full board representing the city. The most interesting addition in this set is the introduction of 'Master Characters' which add abilities to your own starting character. These Master Characters included the extremely powerful High Mage which ensures a character always has 2 spells.

A must have expansion set.

 

TALISMAN DRAGONS (1993)                                                                                     Contents   Rules

Here it is the best expansion, but the most difficult to find too. Dragons has never been sold in retail shops or hobby stores, you had to buy it only by Games Workshop's Mail Order; you have to think that after few months the new edition of the game has been released, and it was not compatible with the old one

The "final" expansion set!

 

 

TALISMAN 'THE MAGICAL QUEST GAME' 2ND EDITION    Return   Top

These are components for the original game; you need this to play at all.
  • CHARACTER CARDS(14): Assassin, Druid, Dwarf, Elf, Ghoul, Minstrel, Monk, Priest, Prophetess, Sorceress, Thief, Troll, Warrior, Wizard.
  • SPELL CARDS(24): Acquisition, Alchemy, Counterspell(2), Destroy Magic, Destruction(2), Divination, Healing(2), Hex, Immobility(2), Invisibility, Mesmerism, Nullify, Preservation, Psionic Blast(2), Random(2), Teleport(2), Temporal Warp.
  • ADVENTURE CARDS(104):
    • Event(14): Angel, Blizzard, Book of Spells, Cursed by Hag, Devil, Evil Darkness, Imp, Magical Vortex, Market Day, Mephistopheles, Pestilence, Poltergeist, Raiders, Storm.
    • Enemy: Animal(6): Ape, Bear, Boar(2), Lion, Wolf.
    • Enemy: Monster(10): Bandit(2), Giant, Goblin(2), Hobgoblin(2), Ogre(2), Serpent.
    • Enemy: Dragon(3): Dragon(3).
    • Enemy: Spirit(5): Demon, Ghost(2), Spectre, Wraith.
    • Stranger(9): Enchanter, Fairy, Healer, Hermit, Mage, Phantom, Siren,Sorcerer, Witch.
    • Object(25): Armour, Axe, Bag of Gold(13), Helmet, Mule, Raft, Shield, Sword(2), Two bags of Gold(3), Water Bottle.
    • Magic Object(13): Amulet, Cross, Holy Grail, Holy Lance, Magic Belt, Orb of Knowledge, Potion of Strength, Ring, Runesword, Solomon's Crown, Talisman(2), Wand.
    • Follower(10): Alchemist, Gnome, Guide(2), Maiden, Mercinary, Pixie, Prince, Princess, Unicorn.
    • Place(9): Cave, Fountain of Wisdom, Magic Portal, Magic Stream, Market, Marsh, Maze, Pool of Life, Shrine.
  • PURCHASE CARDS(28): Armour(4), Axe(4), Helmet(4), Mule(4), Raft, Shield(4), Sword(3), Waterbottle(4).
  • MISCELLANEOUS: Main Board, Talisman Cards(4), Toad Cards(4), Alignment Change Cards(4), Stands(6), Counters(40 Strength, 40 Craft, 40 Gold, 20 Life), Rule Book.

 

TALISMAN EXPANSION SET      Return   Top

  • CHARACTER CARDS(14): Amazon, Barbarian, Gladiator, Halfling, Hobgoblin, Knight, Leprechaun, Merchant, Necromancer, Philosopher, Pilgrim, Ranger, Rogue, Satyr.
  • SPELL CARDS(6): Barrier, Brainwave, Displacement, Metamorph, Mind Steal, Slow Motion.
  • ADVENTURE CARDS(36):
    • Event(6): Astral Conjunction, Earthquake, Halloween, Patrol, Taxation, Volcano.
    • Enemy: Animal(1): Giant Lizard.
    • Enemy: Monster(5): Berserker, Doppleganger, Gargoyle, Goblin, Golem.
    • Enemy: Spirit(3): Banshee, Lich, Shade.
    • Stranger(8): Centaur, Cyclops, Demigod, Judge, Magician, Outlaw, Pegasus, Sphinx.
    • Object(6): Bag of Gold(3), Casket, Map, Shovel.
    • Magic Object(2): Rod of Ruin, Winged Boots.
    • Follower(2): Champion, Genie.
    • Place (3): Arena, Idol, Secret Door.

 

TALISMAN ADVENTURE      Return   Top

  • CHARACTER CARDS(8): Centaur, Ninja, Orc, Samurai, Soldier, Warrior of Chaos, Witch Doctor, Woodsman.
  • SPELL CARDS(11): Finger of Death, Fireball(3), Gust of Wind, Lightening Bolt, Misdirection, Reflection, Speed, Summon Storm, Water Walking.
  • ADVENTURE CARDS(37):
    • Event(4): Fool's Gold, Jester, Werewolf, Whirlwind.
    • Enemy: Monster(4): Band of Zombies, Cave Troll, Griffon, Harpy.
    • Enemy: Dragon(1): Chinese Dragon.
    • Enemy: Spirit(4): Ghast, Shadow, Vampire, Vampire Bats.
    • Stranger(3): Instructor, Leper, Pedlar.
    • Object(10): Bag of Gold(3), Concealed Pouch, Golden Statue, Horse(2), Horse and Cart(2), Warhorse.
    • Magic Object(5): Ancient Artifact, Bag of Carrying, Staff of Mastery, Talisman(2).
    • Follower(5): Archer, Familiar, Man-at-Arms, Porter(2).
    • Place(1): Tomb.
  • MISCELLANEOUS:
    • Rule Sheet
    • Character Sheets(6), for keeping track of attributes and possessions.
    • Alternate Ending Cards(6)
      Adds the alternative endings: when you get to the Crown of Command space, you choose a card to determine the endgame.
      • Crown of command: as normal
      • Demon lord: fight a craft 12 demon with 4 lives, one psychic combat per turn; other characters can't enter the Valley of Fire.
      • Pandora's box: each turn take D6 spells and D6 adventure cards to inflict on your opponents.
      • Belt of Hercules: your total strength becomes 12 (or current, if higher than 12); you get 5 lives (or current, whichever is higher). Each turn you can teleport to the location of another character and fight "to the death" (combat continues until one of you loses all lives).
      • Horrible back void: first person to the Crown gets tossed out of the game (or sent to the Timescape if you have it); the Void card is then replaced with one of the other endings
      • Dragon King: strength 12 craft 12; his reaction is random, leading to 6 possible sub-endgames

 

TALISMAN DUNGEON      Return   Top  

Adds the Dungeon board with its own adventure deck.

  • CHARACTER CARDS(14): Conjurer, Dark Elf, Inquisitor, Gypsy, Highlander, Martial Artist, Pirate, Saracen, Scout, Sprite, Spy, Swashbuckler, Swordsman, Zulu.
  • ADVENTURE CARDS(4):
    • Place(4): Dungeon Doorway(4).
    • DUNGEON CARDS(36):
      • Event(7): Cave-In, Fire, Green Mist, Magic Mirror(2), Slaver, Trap Door.
      • Enemy: Animal(2): Giant Rat(2).
      • Enemy: Monster(8): Crawling Slime, Giant Beetle, Giant Spider(2), Giant
      • Worm, Goblin(2), Living Statue.
      • Enemy: Dragon(1): Bronze Dragon.
      • Enemy: Spirit(2): Nightmare, Phantom Hound.
      • Stranger(1): Lone Dwarf.
      • Object(5): Bag of Gold(2), Decree of Banishment, Torch(2).
      • Magic Object(2): Crystal of Power, Gauntlet of Might.
      • Follower(2): Dog, Wiseman.
      • Place(6): Altar, Chest, Gong, Secret Passage, Snake Pit, Tunnel.
  • MISCELLANEOUS: Dungeon Board, Rule Sheet, Question and Answer Sheet.

 

TALISMAN TIMESCAPE      Return   Top  

Adds the Timescape board with its own adventure deck.
  • CHARACTER CARDS(8): Archeologist, Astronaught, Astropath, Chainsaw Warrior, Cyborg, Scientist, Space Marine, Space Pirate.
  • SPELL CARDS(2): Warp Gate(2).
  • TIMESCAPE CARDS(42):
    • Hand of Fate(10): Dimensional Rift(4), Orks, Supernova(4), Warp Storm.
    • Enemy: Alien(10): Astral Hound, Alien Spores, Behemoth, Star Predator(2),
    • Sun Worm, Psychic Parasite, Space Vampire, Will o Wisp(2).
    • Stranger(2): Omnipotent Being, Time Travelers.
    • Object(17): Alien Artifact(4), Anti-Grav Platform, Battle Armour, Chameleon Suit, Combat-Enviro Suit, Force Shield, Gyro Compass, Jet Pack, Medikit(2), Mining Laser, Power Glove, Psi-Helmet, Warp Belt.
    • Follower(3): Battle Droid, Star Sprites, Symbiote.
  • PURCHASE CARDS(12): Chain Sword, Combat-Enviro Suit(2), Gyro Compass(2), Jet Pack(2), Mining Laser(2), Power Axe, Psi-Helmet(2).
  • MISCELLANEOUS: Timescape Board, Timescape Data Sheets(4), Rule Book.

 

TALISMAN CITY      Return   Top  

Adds the City board, which replaces the City location on the main board.
  • CHARACTER CARDS(2): Minotaur, Valkyrie.
  • SPECIAL CHARACTER CARDS(4): High Mage, King's Champion, Master Thief, Sheriff.
  • SPELL CARDS(10): Craft, Feeble Mind, Magic Shell, Mini-Vortex, Restoration, Spell Call, Spell Turning, Syphon, Temporary Change, Weakness.
  • ADVENTURE CARDS(7):
    • Event(2): River Barge(2).
    • Event: Law(2): County Patrol(2).
    • Object(3): Broken Shield, Broken Sword, Damaged Armour.
  • DUNGEON CARDS(3):
    • Object(3): Broken Helmet, Broken Shield, Broken Sword.
  • CITY ADVENTURE CARDS(72):
    • Event(15): Conscription, Cutpurse, Drunken Revelry, Employment(2), Festival, Gambler, Heretic Priest, Horse Thief(2), Lost!, Market Day, Master Thief, Plague, War!.
    • Event: Law(10): Corrupt Sheriff, Honest Deputy, Watch(8).
    • Enemy: Animal(2): Dog Pack, Giant Fly.
    • Enemy: Monster(7): Bravo, City Rat(2), Drunken Soldier, Militia Man, Press Gang, Thug.
    • Enemy: Spirit(7): Air Elemental, Earth Elemental, Fire Elemental, Ghoul, Gremlin, Mummy, Water Elemental.
    • Stranger(10): Baker, Barterer, Beggar(3), Butcher, Grifter, Grumpy Wizard, Salesman, Street Sage.
    • Object(9): Bag of Gold(4), Broken Helmet, Damaged Armour, Dog, Money Belt, Stiletto.
    • Follower(7): Dancing Girl, Dragon Master, Druid, Errand Boy, Game Keeper, Urchin(2).
    • Place(5): Dungeon Door(2), Library, Side Show, Wishing Well.
  • PURCHASE CARDS(20): Doughnuts(4), Dragon's Bones(4), Full Face Helm, Great Axe, Horse(2), Horse and Cart, Kite Shield(2), Mule(2), Plate Mail, Two-Handed Sword, Warhorse.
  • MISCELLANEOUS: City Board, Warrant Cards(5), Loan Cards(5), Stands(6), Rule Book.

 

TALISMAN DRAGONS      Return   Top  

  • CHARACTER CARDS(4): Dragon Priest, Dragonrider, Dragon Slayer, Questing Kight
  • ADVENTURE CARDS(87):
    • Event(12): Deadly Rivals, Dragon Dawn(2), Dragon Rage(2), Dragon Raid, Dragon Sleep(2), Electrical Storm, Shaman's Bones, Surprise Attack(2)
    • Enemy: Monster(3): Wyvern(3)
    • Enemy: Dragon(17): Amber Dragon, Blue Dragon, Cloud Dragon, Dragon's Lair(2), Dragon Prince(3), Emerald Dragon, Frost Dragon, Gold Dragon(2), Mountain Dragon, Red Dragon, Sea Dragon, Shadow Dragon, Storm Dragon
    • Enemy: (3): Dragon Cultists(3)
    • Spirit: Dragon(1): Zombie Dragon
    • Object(6): Dragon Eggs, Dragon's Tears, Lance, Morning Star, Treasure Chest, Wyvern Staff
    • Magic Object(32): Arcane Scroll, Book of Dragon Lore, Bracelet of Might, Crown of Domination, Dragon Amulet, Dragon Bane, Dragon Blood, Dragonhelm, Dragonscale Shirt, Dragon Skull, Dragonskull Wand, Dragon's Teeth, Dragon Venom, Dragonwing Cape, Exorcist's Blade, Golden Gauntlet, Grimnir's Axe, Healing Potion, Horn of Horror, Magic Arrow, Magic Banner, Magic Harness, Magic Helmet, Magic Mace, Magic Ring, Magic Shield, Magic Tankard, Phoenix Potion, Psionic Wand, Ring of Command, Rod of Dragon Fire, Wand of Terror
    • Follower(5): Dragon Rider, Dragonet, Dragonslayer, Goblin Fanatic, Storm Giant
    • Place(8): Alter of Dread, Black Temple, Cave of Bones, Eagle's Lair, Sacrificial Stone, The Great Portal, Treasure Hoard, Wizard's Tower
  • MISCELLANEOUS: Dragon King, Rule Card, Stands(4)