Fistful of Lead: Tales of Horror - Hunter Group Creation Question

[Philhelm]

For those of you who play Fistful of Lead: Tales of Horror, I have some questions regarding Hunter group creation since the written written rules seem different from the example group.

Aside the effects of certain Hunter group traits (such as Workshop), it seems that the Leader and the Specialist each start with one weapon and one Relic (which can be exchanged for a second weapon) and one piece of Hunter Gear that can be given to either the Leader or the Specialist.  I was thrown off since the sample Hunter group has a Leader with a Pistol and Wooden Stakes (Relic) and a Specialist with a Pistol and Doctor's Bag (Hunter Gear), which would mean that the Specialist within the sample list could have a Relic as well.

Within the Relics list, I assume Silver Weapons are close combat weapons?  If so, is it an upgrade to a close combat weapon already carried by the model (along with the weapon bonus such as with a Sword, Spear, Axe, Mace, etc.), or is it a generic weapon whose only bonus is +1 against opponents susceptible to silver?  Also, does the +1 to Wound bonus from the Silver Weapon vs. werewolves mean that the normal -1 to Wound a werewolf in close combat becomes a net +0, or does the Silver Weapon gain a net +1 to Wound since it overrides the werewolf's defenses?  Finally, I assume the +1 to Wound only applies to werewolves despite the wording of the entry ("Silver weapons have a +1 to Wound rolls. Certain monsters are more or less effected by silver.")?  It could be interpreted that Silver Weapons always have a +1 to Wound but I assume the intent was only against werewolves.

Within the Hunter Gear list, one of the entries is "Holy Items and Relics."  Does that mean that all Relics can also be taken as Hunter Gear?  For example, could I take a Silver Weapon as my Relic and Sacred Bullets as my Hunter Gear, both items that only appear in the Relic list?  The Hunter Gear list explicitly provides duplicates from the Relic List (such as Garlic, Holy Water, and Wooden Stakes), so perhaps that entry only meant to refer to Holy Items?

Within the Hunter Gear list, the Blessed Weapon states that it usually contains silver.  However, it refers to the "Holy Items and Relics" entry above regarding the +1 to Wound against undead.  Is the Blessed Weapon meant to confer a +1 to Wound bonus vs. both undead and werewolves, or just undead?

Is it intentional that Sacred Bullets (Relic) have a +1 to Wound bonus vs. vampires but the Blessed Ammunition (Hunter Gear) does not?

Finally, what is your favorite Hunter Group Trait?

[BaronVonJ]

I'll try to break this down into smaller bits.
- "I was thrown off since the sample Hunter group has a Leader with a Pistol and Wooden Stakes (Relic) and a Specialist with a Pistol and Doctor's Bag (Hunter Gear), which would mean that the Specialist within the sample list could have a Relic as well." - Page 9 under Specialist: "They may either have a ranged weapon or close combat weapon along with a Relic". So Yes, he could have Relic AND another piece of Gear from the Doctor's Bag.

- "Within the Relics list, I assume Silver Weapons are close combat weapons?" As Silver Bullets are a separate entry, you assume correctly. If you want a pre-gunpowder setting, change Slver Bullets to Arrowheads.

- "If so, is it an upgrade to a close combat weapon already carried by the model (along with the weapon bonus such as with a Sword, Spear, Axe, Mace, etc.), or is it a generic weapon whose only bonus is +1 against opponents susceptible to silver?" You add the bonus from it being silver the weapon's innate ability. But you have to choose what weapon is going to help the mosy.

- "Also, does the +1 to Wound bonus from the Silver Weapon vs. werewolves mean that the normal -1 to Wound a werewolf in close combat becomes a net +0, or does the Silver Weapon gain a net +1 to Wound since it overrides the werewolf's defenses?" Net zero. Encourages the classic Silver bullet myth.

- "Finally, I assume the +1 to Wound only applies to werewolves despite the wording of the entry ("Silver weapons have a +1 to Wound rolls. Certain monsters are more or less effected by silver.")?  It could be interpreted that Silver Weapons always have a +1 to Wound but I assume the intent was only against werewolves." Only against Werewolves. That's why it's worded that way. If in your world you feel it should be different, you can of course change it. But let your opponent know these changes to the rules.

- "Within the Hunter Gear list, one of the entries is "Holy Items and Relics."  Does that mean that all Relics can also be taken as Hunter Gear?"  Not All, just ones listed. "For example, could I take a Silver Weapon as my Relic and Sacred Bullets as my Hunter Gear, both items that only appear in the Relic list?  "Yes. One is listed as a relic, one is listed as gear. (but remember you get ONE piece of gear for the whole group). I think you might be overthinking it. There are items that appear in both lists. Just follow the rules of Leader and Specialist may have a relic each, and the Hunter Group as a whole can have a piece of Gear (although Doctor bag can change this). In our last game,the Leader and Specialist were ripped to shreads 2nd turn so all those relics and gear to didn't mean much.

- "Is it intentional that Sacred Bullets (Relic) have a +1 to Wound bonus vs. vampires but the Blessed Ammunition (Hunter Gear) does not?" Sacred Ammo and Blessed are the same thing. +1 to Wound Vampires.

- "Finally, what is your favorite Hunter Group Trait?" Depends on who your main opponent is.

As an aside, I don't normally scour LAF for Fistful of Lead questions. They usually get sent to me by others. The best way to contact us with questions is through the store site (wiley-games.com) or on the Facebook group. You'll usually get a better response time. Otherwise, I might miss it.

[Philhelm]

Well that answers that!

Thanks.  I think that I was definitely overthinking it.