Which chapter packs are the essential ones to pick up for Baratheon? I just started wtih the LCG and my buddy and I both bought a core set and split another one, with him taking the stark and lanister and myself taking Baratheon and Targaryen.

So far I have bought:

The Summer one

The winter raven one

Battle for Ruby ford

My buddy bought :

The first one in the kings landing ezpansion and one more from the first chapter pack cycle, but I am unsure which one but it did have claw isle.

What would be the one or two chapter packs that I need to get for Baratheon and targaryen as an after thought.

Any of the ones in LCash of Arms (except maybe battle of ruby ford- but that is good for targ....). Your buddy bought Epic battles if it has Claw Isle in it.

I'd also look into The Raven's Song (two strong characters for both houses) and The CP that has arena knight in it (can't think of it off the top of my head).

For Baratheon, I would suggest:

- Calling the Banners (specifically, "Banner for the Storm" for giving Vigilant to any Bara character that can take attachments. There is also "Zealous Collector," a 1-cost, 1-STR Asshai character with Int. and Pow. icons - an excellent chump-blocker that can help get that big Asshai Army from the Core Set into play).

- The Raven's Song (specifically for the "King" version of Renly and the plot "Desolate Passage," which always seems to work well in Bara for me).

- Refugees of War (specifically for the Refugee characters for both Houses, Arena Knight and possibly the dual House Bandits).

As you may have noticed, strong plots are scarce in LCG. Ancient Enemies chapter pack is a good pick since it contains a 5-7-1 plot for each house that has a kicker against two opposed houses. Baratheon happens to have the strongest effect:

Fury of the Stag
Gold: 5, Init: 7, Claim : 1

Power Struggle. House Bar atheon only. After you win a challenge against an opponent with a or a Martell House card, choose a character controlled by that opponent. Take control of that character.

Link to chapter pack contents: http://www.tzumainn.com/agot/cards/