I heard a rumor that the first expansion for Guardians will be called Dagger Isle, will have trolls and pirates in it, and some of the art may be done by Rowena. Will any of the artists who worked on the basic set be doing artwork for the expansion, and if so, which ones?
I also read in Scrye #7 (p. 91) that the expansion will focus heavily on multiplayer games (of course, we all know now that Guardians _does_ have multiplayer rules) and will have two new types of cards that form a new subdeck.
Are these two sources talking about the same expansion? Have plans changed between Scrye #7 (May/June) and the rumor (heard this week)?
Finally, what about those of us who don't play multiplayer games? Assuming the Scrye report is still accurate, will we have reason to buy the expansion?
BTW, Conjure #6 has a card list for Guardians (w/o rarities) on pp. 79-80. The list shows only three types of strongholds and what look like four stronghold upgrades (haven't seen the cards yet). Will there be any more stronghold types and upgrades in the first expansion or later expansions?
Sorry for all the questions, but I can only speculate about what the game will be like because none of the shops in this area have it yet. :(
Thanks, Jim Sanders
Subject: Re: Guardians Expansion Questions
From: locjlb@telerama.lm.com (Joe Babinsack, Jr.)
Date: 1995/08/28
Most of the original, if not all, artists will be working on the expansions. Michael Ploog has done, again, most of the sketches, but will only have a few pieces in Dagger Isle.
I also read in Scrye #7 (p. 91) that the expansion will focus heavily on multiplayer games (of course, we all know now that Guardians _does_ have multiplayer rules) and will have two new types of cards that form a new subdeck.
This is actually being debated. Playtesting is going on, and we'll see what the feedback is.
Are these two sources talking about the same expansion? Have plans changed between Scrye #7 (May/June) and the rumor (heard this week)?
There's not much mutually exclusive between the rumor and Scrye. (I'd certainly believe rumors over Scrye--but that's a personal attitude(not one held by FPG))
Finally, what about those of us who don't play multiplayer games? Assuming the Scrye report is still accurate, will we have reason to buy the expansion?
If the deck concept is still there, it would be about 20-30 cards out of the expansion. There would still be some 70-80 new Creatures, Spells and Items, along with Shield and Stronghold cards. I wouldn't say it is heavily or most or much. As I said, if it IS part of the expansion, then it will be 'some'
BTW, Conjure #6 has a card list for Guardians (w/o rarities) on pp. 79-80. The list shows only three types of strongholds and what look like four stronghold upgrades (haven't seen the cards yet). Will there be any more stronghold types and upgrades in the first expansion or later expansions?
There will be at least one stronghold in each expansion. Anyone who has opinions on Strongholds and Shields should post and/or mail me. I have a definite opinion about this, and would like to see how the gamers feel...
Sorry for all the questions, but I can only speculate about what the game will be like because none of the shops in this area have it yet. :(
Questions are not only kindly received, but encouraged as well.
Shops should have them starting Tuesday this week.
Subject: Re: Guardians Expansion Questions
From: lilzero@astral.magic.ca (LittleZero)
Date: 1995/08/31
Personally, I like the fact that Strongholds and basic shields are only found in Starter Decks, with lands being limited to one per booster also. This shows true recognition of the player who only really NEEDS one Stronghold set and one look of basic shield, as they are all functionally indentical. The fact that I could get a different Stronghold set actually encourages me to buy more starters (I mean the art on those things is killer)! The only way I could figure new Strongholds working in a expansion release (assuming that such a release will only be sold in boosters) would be the Stronghold basically being a "Chase Set" where in every 20th pack you get the whole Stronghold set. Trying to "collect" the three pieces would just be silly, and once you get your first set, these cards would become more frustrating than basic lands in Magic. Shields MIGHT be okay, as you can use a whole bunch of them, but still, they serve no purpose except to give us new art. What I would prefer to see are new land cards, which expand the game world and give us, the players, new gaming options. Valleys, Islands, Cliffs, Wastelands, Desserts, all of these could allow for new tactics, new creatures AND new art.
Obviously, Stronghold Upgrades and Standard Bearer shield will be a big part of the rares of future expansions, as well they should be. Both have nice built in limits, which prevent them from being overly powerful, while both allowing for varied play style and fun expansion of the playing field.
If you're looking for new ideas, perhaps consider items which you can "leave behind" at lands when you move your Sheild. Barriers, forts, pit traps, wall of spikes, that sort of thing, which may take out or slow down those unopposed forces (this would be extra beneficial in the 4 player game). An example might be:
"Fort: Counts as 4 Vitality under shield. May be left at a controlled disputed land. When land is entered by an unopposed opponent's shield, if that shield has less than 25 Vitality under it, it must Retreat." (I figure this could be worded nicer, but hopefully the drift comes through).
Please continue to always of the end user of the game. If you think that getting your fifth left side of the new Stronghold would be even a little frustrating then multiple that by a whole bunch and that'll be the likely reaction. And with that the case, maybe it would be the best to just NOT DO IT.
Working on my Idiot deck, Karl.
Send email at cjburke@io.com.
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