Hey guys.

Well, I think it's time I made a comeback to the game after about 5 or so years away. Talked to some of the old players from the Sacramento meta and I think we're going try and start playing some games a few times a month with whoever is still in the area. The question now is, what did I miss and how do I load up on the new cards without immediately dropping $400? I get the whole concept behind the chapter packs and everything, but where do I start? I used to be a Baratheon player, so I'm assuming the way to start is core set and Bara expansion. Additionally, what expacs/chapter packs would be best to flesh out a core set to allow for some semi-decent decks that new players can play with without having to throw down $100+ to play again? While there is interest in getting some games going again, I doubt many of the old Sac players have or want to spend the money just to see if they like the new game concepts.

Thanks for any advice and here's to hoping Sactwon can become a viable meta again.

There are a few threads here and on cardgamedb.com that will go into more detail, but Sacs rep proceeds you so I know you are all going to be competitive players, even if you don't play in tourneys anymore.

Get the Core Set x2 the Bara expansion Kings of the Storm, and then the full cycle Brotherhood without Banners. Everything after that is up to what kind of deck you want to build on from there and what cards you feel you need, but those9 products will give you a great base to build from. You'll probably then want to take a look at King's Landing for the Shadow mechanic, especially if you like Bara control (Blacks, yo).

Thanks for the advice. That's exactly what I was looking for. I've got some bids out on eBay already to scoop up the core set, Stark, and Bara expansions for around $60. I'll definitely pick up those chapter packs first and start experimenting with some builds.

What other cycles offer another fun/pivotal mechanic to build an additional deck around to have on hand for someone thinking of coming back?

shadow stag said:

For Bara mostly? Well I'd say right now they basically have 3 different deck types.

Asshai (possibly with Shadows) - More of a control flavored Bara deck, You'll be getting good support for this out of the Brotherhood Without Banners Cycle. Although if you did want to run it with shadows some other packs which help the them are The Tower of the Hand (for The Queen of Thorns , The Black Cells , and Syrio Forel ) and City of Secrets (for Kingswood Trail and City of Lies ).

Knight - Again alot of support for this you'll have with Kings of the Storm. Knight of Flowers from Secrets and Spies is good to have though and The Laughing Storm from Gates of the Citadel is the most powerful and broken card in the game... or something like that

Rush - The new agenda from Queen of Dragons Heir to the Iron Throne gives this deck a boost and Seat of Power from Wolves of the North give it some more speed.

Very good advice - I don't have a ton to add except it would be great to see you guys at Kubla!!! We have a ton of CA folks, including Mathlete who just started again. You know we always have fun there, and we all have multiple decks.

I will be bringing my Cube Draft as well, to play with the old cards.

I would suggest getting one core set, and then trying to snipe a baratheon only starter from ebay.

Other than that, there are definitely some cards you will need. I am a sac meta player (or will be now that you guys are getting interested). I can definitely share some cards, and/or show you my bara deck so you can see what amazing cards the house has to offer.

hit me up on facebook (John Deatrick) if you are interested in meeting up and potentially starting the meta back up.

Yeah, once I saw John (mathlete) was making a comeback, I took it as a sign.

From all the great advice I'm getting, it's looking like I'll pick up the typical Bara chapter packs and build whatever I can with what's left for the other Sac players (most likely Lannister if Rave comes back). Thanks again.

rings- Kubla it is. It'll be great to see you, mathlete, and Jesse again.

Fieras- I'll definitely hit you up to try to get something going.

Also, I think you could probably find some useful thoughts on the metagame and some particular cards and strategies on our '2 Champs and a Chump' podcast, the direct link to which you'll see in my signature. We're also available on iTunes if you'd rather subscribe that way.

tempting...

What does the tourney scene look like?

Is there a tourney scene?

Who among the old timers are still around?

Kennon said:

Yeah, I'll probably listen to the podcasts at work tomorrow.

I am me said:

The Llama! ~Oh, jeez, I can here the snoring from Nebraska

Tourney scene is similar to what you guys remember. Less local OP stuff (like the Wildling tourney, or Tyrells), although hopefully that is trending. Regionals coming up (including one at Kubla), GenCon, etc.

Old-timers still are around. Me and Jesse (Wyndwalker) play from the West Coast. Mathlete just got back in after a few years away. On the boards you will recognize a few (Lord of Brew, Stag Lord, etc).

shadow stag said:

In all seriousness, it's a good podcast that has (generally speaking) continued to improve over time. The last couple of episodes have been especially good, I think.

Should I be offended that Rings didn't include me as an old-timer? I have been playing and posting since before Sea of Storms....

Kennon said:

~Its because the other message board "old timers" he referenced really are old .

Just downloaded the first podcast... an hour?

Yup, most of our episodes hit around the hour mark.

It was actually a quick listen. I found myself databasing cards as I went along. Just shows how out of it I am after 4 years.

Come play in Chico this weekend!

Dobbler said:

I meant playing COMPETATIVELY where they would remember you. ~Maybe you will start this year *oh, snap!*

Khaleesi said:

I've actually thought about it. My girlfriend used to go to Chico State and lived up there for a few years so I am very familiar with the Bear and all the hot spots. Now that there's finally a Burgers and Brew up there, might be worth the drive to play some cards and get drunk... college all over again.

add me on facebook. John Deatrick. I'll give you all the details about teh tourney if you want to come.

Also, we can talk about the new sac meta.

rings said:

Hey, I'm a very competitive bridesmaid. Consecutive top 8s at Chicon, another top 8 at Gencon, melee final table and several Regional third places.... I just can't seal the deal.

Kennon said:

Always
Be
Closing

Kennon said:

~If you have to name off finishes, you are not competative yet.

Or, in other words, 'you doth protest too much'.

ABC for sure.

Ok, the Shakespeare reference made sense, but ABC?