TGO said: That is true, but the fact that we finished 1st-3rd in swiss rounds has to account for something. Also, that is the second regional we accomished that goal with near identical DS decks. Playing out the top 4 would have just been the 3 of us beating each other. Did you play against any of us during the tournament? Yes I did. And as I noted, I'm not taking anything away from the decks or the players per se. Just making it clear that the winning deck, didn't actually WIN the event.

JMCB said: http://toptiergaming.com/decks?cmd=searchresults&title=Mt.+Prospect All star pod of the weekend was NOT the Renegade Squadron, but Preparation for Battle instead. Saw play in the top 3 decks. Winner was playing Rebel/Navy, with second place playing Jedi/Something…. Just a note to people: When 'Winning' deck is listed, keep in mind that of the three elimination matches for Top 4, only one game was ACTUALLY played. The others were concessions by Meta-mates. Does that take anything away from the strength of the decks/players? Not really. But it does give a little less validity to 'Winner's Deck had it. Sheik

This is not the Two-Bladed Sabre you are looking for. Move along.

Who has a two-bladed Sith Saber and is going to be there? This guy!

As a card carrying member of the inaugural Drunk Draft, I feel it is my responsibility to attend as well. Drunk, draft, good friends, how do you NOT take part?!?!?!?!!? Looking forward to seeing the gang, been too long seeing some of you guys. Adam "Sheik"

After having attended two Regionals in two weeks, great players at both (two World Champs) and seeing a variety of decks, something caught my eye. Over the two Regionals I saw many trait-based decks: Bolton, Knight, Brotherhood, Dayne/Knight, Wildlings and even two Tully-driven decks (one was only moderately so). I've heard numerous comments about Stark Direwolves being fun and possibly brutal with the Grey Winf/Shaggydog combo going off. So, like last week's discussion, based on the current metagame, card pool and player base, are there any dedicated trait-based decks (NOT trait manipulation!) that can perform consistently on a competative level? Could a trait-based deck, where the trait is the DRIVER, not an incidental component, be a real threat? If so, which one(s)? As before, please give your reasoning. Discuss!

TofuBones and I are currently planning on going to the Chicago Regional. Ktom is iffy at this point. Just seemed wrong to go 4 hours for a Regional, but not go 1.5 hrs to another.

Stasis said: Maybe this should be what are their top 10 best cards? I don't know that I could isolate a single one. Stasis said: Maybe this should be what are their top 10 best cards? I don't know that I could isolate a single one. These conversation often stray, I'm trying to keep it tight and on point. We can certainly pursue other house's but let's try and focus on Martell right now. That said. I think the inclusion of Paper Shield in the environment actually helped He Calls it Thinking, as this is a fantastic target for HCiT, though I appreciate your point that Paper Shield is a solid answer for HCiT as well. There were several games at Iowa where I was in a Paper Shield/HCiT duel. I believe both games against Eric and I played head to head at Iowa had this exchange.

While at the Iowa Reqional last weekend, Shives McShivers, Maester_Luke and I were having a discussion when Shives asks the following: Given the current metagame, what is Martell's best card? Knowing Shives as I do, I know he already has his thoughts and is fielding discussion. Luke pipes in with Venomous Blade, repeatable, free (after the 1st 2G) kill is very powerful. The ability to remove an opponent's utility and/or claim soak can be huge. I found myself agreeing with Luke, after pausing to consider Red Vengeance and Burning on the Sands and A Game of Cyvasse. Ultimately I agreed with Luke. Shives says no, it's He Calls it Thinking. A free cancel for any non-influence response is huge, especially one that cancels dupes being used as saves. After some back and forth Luke and I found Shives reasoning to be pretty sound. So, given the current state of the game, restricted list, meta strengths, etc. what do you feel is currently the best Martell card in the environment? And importantly, why?

Maester_LUke said: Sheik said: Tofubones and I will be helping Ktom represent the ChiTown Meta this weekend. Looking forward to seeing all the old gang again. For those who know if it, I'll be bringing a batch of 'The Green' salsa for public consumption. Is Tofubones the Tony that I remember? The one responsible for y'all's absence from GenCon? It'll be great to see him, and you, and Kevin again. And not just for the presence of "The Green." Indeed, the very same Tony. We'll be staying over Saturday night as I have never been able to stay over and enjoyed the Old Chicago festivities and have regretted it every time. Hopefully 'The Green' is allowed in the store. It's ready and in the fridge, if not we'll just set it outside and get strange looks from passersby why gamers are hanging on a street corner. Now to put the finishing tweeks on some very bad decks.

Tofubones and I will be helping Ktom represent the ChiTown Meta this weekend. Looking forward to seeing all the old gang again. For those who know if it, I'll be bringing a batch of 'The Green' salsa for public consumption. Sheik

There are actually several of us in the Chicagoland area (Ktom, TofuBones and myself as well as several guys down in DeKalb). Several of us have even played at Games Plus back in GoT's hayday there several years back. We're rather scattered around the area, but I'm sure we could find our way to the shop for some league/casual games. PM me with the details. Thanks!

Shenanigans said: P.S. The best exchange of the day (my apologies if I didn't get it exactly correct, this is from memory) Voice from across the tables: "Hey, what does vigilant do again?" Adam: "Not a lot of Baratheon in the Southeast Michigan metagame, huh?" The best part of this is that the 'Voice' was Casey! lol Ktom, thanks for running a great event as always. To those who could make it, we hope you all had a lot of fun, and from this thread, it looks like everyone did. We especially appreciate everyone taking the time to come visit our little area of the AGoT world. It wasn't ChiCON (what could be) but ProfAJ stopping by for a quick catch-up and smile sure made it feel a little more like the old days. The new players, with new ideas and some excellent skills made for a fresh experience which really makes me happy to be a part of this community. The bridge from the old guard to the new face is underway and the future is looking bright. To all the old-timers, Matt, AY and Luke, it was awesome seeing you guys again and catching up. For all the new AGoT players met, it was my pleasure to meet all of you and I enjoyed our games, discussions and laughs. For those interested we are working on organizing a league at Xtreme Games, the store is very interested and enthusuastic about supporting the game. We'll have details for you as soon as we have them. Peace and Hodor.

For those who will be coming in from other areas, here is some hotel information. All of the below hotels are about 10-15 minutes from the Regional site (see post above by Ktom). Also, there are a ton of restaurants in the area (Reb Lobster, Outback, Lone Star, White Castle, McDonalds, Rainforest Cafe, Taco Bell, TGIF, Chili's, etc etc). Fairfield Inn - 6090 Gurnee Mills Circle East, Gurnee, IL‎ - (847) 855-8868‎ Hampton Inn - 5550 Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL‎ - (847) 662-1100‎ La Quinta - 5688 Northridge Drive, Gurnee, IL‎ - (847) 662-7600‎ Comfort Inn - 6080 Gurnee Mills Circle East, Gurnee, IL‎ - (847) 855-8866‎ There are plenty of restaurants near the Xtreme Games and outside food is allowed. Here's the store's site: http://www.xtremegamesonline.com/

ktom said: It's gonna be a good time! And someone's gotta take Shiek down. Who's in? ~I need a good spanking.

Having played Game of Thrones since weeks after the game was released, this question is as hard as it is easy to answer. Way back when the game started I latched on to Lannister immediately, I loved the picture on Tywin Lannister back in the Westeros edition and the regal authority just caught me and Lannister has always been an very dear friend of mine throughout my playing days. Iwon the first Game of Thrones tourny I was in playing Lannister, a memory I always recall when I sit down at an organized event. When Greyjoy came out, I latched on to the Valar/Saves combo and just enjoyed the newness of the house. At that time Greyjoy Maesters was a great experience to play and I've always enjoyed Maesters, in the books and in the game. Throughout the years my interest in Baratheon has come and gone, only to return again and is currently one of my favorite houses. I've never enjoyed rush decks so have always enjoyed the tempo/control style Baratheon offers instead. But my true joy is in playing Martell. Ever since the house came out I have played them. My Martell decks are usually about just being a sneaking, dirty bastard and if the reactions of many great players I've had the fortune to play against are an indication, I do okay with that. Martell's ability to just wreck well-laid plans, to control the board, often by snatching equality or even advantage from a momentary setback (vengeance!), the bounce mechanic and the consistent draw/reveal to make sure I get the cards I need, is what I love about the house.

A players plot deck, being the only sure-fire means of controlling what happens on a particular turn that a player has, as well as being the only known quantity at any given moment, is a powerful aspect of GoT. That being said, what strategy do people use to formulate the plot deck you use? In the past many players built a plot deck that had a particular goal in mind, then built a play deck around the plot deck. Is this approach something you use? What percentage (if any) thought put into a deck is geared towards plot effects, claim, income, inititative. Are there a certain number of plots you think need to be resets, that need claim 2? For me, I always build my play deck first. In the LCG environment the plot deck has less means of driving a specific deck type than in prior environments. There are no Others plots and the traited plots out now (other than City) do not form much cohesion of effect to facilitate building a deck around them. I do specifically try to focus on getting two 2-claim plots in my decks and at least one resent (previously this was Wildfire primarily, now Valar almost exclusively). Fleeing to the Wall is REALLY starting to be a necessity. I would say I am somewhat significantly driven by plot stats instead of effects (professional bean-counter here) and thus my plot decks can be somewhat predictable, though the sequence is purely driven by the game state.

While there is a definite correlation between house played and the inherent focus of that house and the challange it leans towards, I do tend to focus on a particular challange. For me, intrigue is by for the most important challange. Dealing with cards before they ever get played is much easier than after the fact. No need to draw kill cards if I can strip the character from your hand before you play them, thus also helping me to continue winning more challanges. The same can be said for locations, while events also don't need to be canceled if in your discard pile. Being able to limit your opponent's options is always the most important aspect of deckbuilding for me, so intrigue (and military to a lesser extent) is my primary motivation. I've often found myself looking for borderline characters with intrigue icons while playing houses with traditionally weak intrigue stats (Stark, and Greyjoy's are often smaller strength non-uniques these days). Much like Longclaw, I find my relative tendancy to ignore the power icon to sometimes hurt me as once I manage to gain control of the board it can take a while to actually then win, giving my opponent more of a chance to come back than I would like.

Wanted to toch base on the great Gathering of the Clans we had over the weekend. With folks coming in from Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and within Illinois (three metas, sortof), we had a great turnout. Games and laughs abounded and even a MIA Luke for awhile and a Pikachu (sp?) sighting! Overall the games proved interesting, especially considering there are some great players here in the Midwest who always provide a great challange. My own shout-outs: Ktom - Thanks for opening your home, making sure we were fed and watered while making sure we all didn't FUBAR the rules! You are a fantastic part of the community and a great friend. Tony - New ChiTown Meta member and nice guy, you are going to start wrecking us and we'll be so proud! lol Shives - If ever there was a Doran in this community it is you, always looking long term, plotting your plots and whipping us mercilesly when we deserve it most! Always a pleasure to get together. Now that we've gotten rid of the gawkers, maybe we can play some games in peace. Luke - Despite having no voice you still managed to talk all day. Talk about dedication to being a friend to everyone! Jesse - Shame on you for not being out of control, we expect more from you! Next time we're getting OUT OF CONTROL! Sworn Brothers - Charlie and Wrecking Ball, you guys rule. 'Ball, I want another hug!! Staton and Posse - Nice to have some young blood in the community (even the qwacking ones). Thanks again to everyone for an awesome day and reminding me why I keep playing this game. Sheik

ktom said: ShivesMcShivers said: OMGPOSTTOOSHORTLAME Ain't it though? Sweet! It'll be good to see you. Unless I've lost count, we're up to 15. And maybe you and Sheik can have one of your epic Martell-on-Martell matches. I'll be sporting Martell as well, though for some reason it doesn't run smoothly and needs some help. It seems that lately if I'm not running Lannister my decks just don't quite seem to click. And GJ Winter bull$hit has me very concerned. Sick Winter Marauders beats have been a little too frequent lately...*cough* Meanie ktom *cough* All in all though I am **** happy to be seeing Shives and everyone else this weekend!

After months of 'lurking' these boards, I'm back. For those who will make it to Ktom's on the 24th, I look forward to seeing you all, catching up and maybe capture some of the wonderful vibe that used to be before things turned...in a less favorable direction. To those who can't make it, we're sorry to be missing your presence, and hopefully we'll catch you on the next go around. Peace (you to Nate) Sheik