Additional Gemp-Lotr server for exploring format updates

[sgtdraino]

One thing I want to mention each of the errata are based on cards/combos/loops that are banned/restricted in various formats already, so there already are specific known "problems" with those cards that can be dealt with while still allowing "flavor" of the original to remain playable.

Speaking for myself, I'm still not comfortable with the idea of errata-ing cards. I much prefer X-lists and R-lists, simply tweaking formats so that the cards in question are no longer so overpowered, or even creating new cards that render the old OP cards less powerful (but not useless). The problem with errata, is it affects ALL formats, as well as changing the wording of cards that people have become accustomed to over something like a decade.

Also, I have an idea for a new format: A format for a SHORT game! The idea is to have a format that enables a game to be played in just a few minutes. The format is basically a modified version of Expanded, that I will call Abbreviated. Any deck legal for Expanded would also be legal for Abbreviated. The idea is pretty simple: Start at Site 6. Each player gets to start with 9 FP cards on the table totaling no more than 9 twilight, and 9 Shadow cards on the table totaling no more than 9 twilight.

The 9 and 9 rule is just easy to remember, it has not been tested yet, and may well need some tweaking.

Thoughts? Can we test this on the new server?

[Tbiesty]

Congratulations to both of you!

Thanks!

Also, I have an idea for a new format: A format for a SHORT game! The idea is to have a format that enables a game to be played in just a few minutes. The format is basically a modified version of Expanded, that I will call Abbreviated. Any deck legal for Expanded would also be legal for Abbreviated. The idea is pretty simple: Start at Site 6. Each player gets to start with 9 FP cards on the table totaling no more than 9 twilight, and 9 Shadow cards on the table totaling no more than 9 twilight.

The 9 and 9 rule is just easy to remember, it has not been tested yet, and may well need some tweaking.

Thoughts? Can we test this on the new server?

An interesting idea. But that's more of a different game (with different rules about site path, etc.) than just a different format.

Format update:
I will add "War of the Ring Standard" to the test server next, hopefully sometime in the next few days.

[sgtdraino]

An interesting idea. But that's more of a different game (with different rules about site path, etc.) than just a different format.

Site path rules are the same. The idea is to simply simulate starting a game that is already "in progress" and about 2/3 over.

If the reduced site path is blowing your mind, an alternative would be for players to take turns playing sites 1-6, at which point they start at site 6. Player choosing to go first would play the even-numbered sites. This would allow cards that spot/count types of sites on the path to be more relevant in Abbreviated.

[Tbiesty]

Update!

War of the Ring Standard is now available on this server.

[sgtdraino]

Just a reminder for folks: With Gemp temporarily (I hope) down, this server STILL WORKS. So, for folks who want to play, this is an excellent opportunity to try out these updated formats!

[bokizg]

they lost me on castamir erata 

[Ringbearer]

I looked it up also, its totally unneeded. This isexactly why I am against such errata. Just random changes because someone just doesnt like a card. No-one ever complained about Castamir, no reports ever for overpoweredness, never got the ban but still an errata...

This way you will just alienate players interested because the game takes too many changes to get accostumed to. I wouldnt liek to play this format ever simply because of the too many and especially unneeded erratas.

[Not a Zombie]

There have been numerous complaints against the castamir (compare him to the Witch King, cheaper and does much more, especially with raider halaberd). However, I think he's less of a problem than Corsair Marauder

[janjetina]

Corsairs balance the game by dealing with possession heavy decks. Corsair cards do not require errata.

My opinion is that, up to and including the War of the Ring block, only X-listed cards require errata. The situation is different in the Hunters block.

I've also noticed a bug in a single game I've played on the server. In a Movie 2.1 game, I was unable to play Nertea and Enquea from discard pile with Out of Sight and Shot, though they were there and the twilight was available (I was able to play Cantea, which costs 5).

[Tbiesty]

Thanks for your comments! The erratum of Castamir of Umbar has been removed.
Version 2.2 is now the current version of the formats.

Sorry I didn't get to it sooner.  These forums have been going down a lot for me lately (and it sounds like I'm not alone).

[Tbiesty]

I've also noticed a bug in a single game I've played on the server. In a Movie 2.1 game, I was unable to play Nertea and Enquea from discard pile with Out of Sight and Shot, though they were there and the twilight was available (I was able to play Cantea, which costs 5).

I checked the replay and although you had Nertea, MoDG in your discard pile, you already had Nertea, Thrall of the One in play.  That is why you could not play it.

[Ringbearer]

Is the current errata list up to date?

[sgtdraino]

This isexactly why I am against such errata. Just random changes because someone just doesnt like a card.

Agreed. In fact, I suggest that ALL the new erratas be stricken, and then as a group we discuss what changes should be made to each X-listed card one at a time. No other cards errataed until we've dealt with the X-list.

My opinion is that, up to and including the War of the Ring block, only X-listed cards require errata.

Agreed, with the possible exception of Galadriel, LR. I wouldn't even errata cards on the R-list, but I'd leave them on the R-list.

The situation is different in the Hunters block.

But not MUCH different. Expanded is not as broken as some people seem to think. #$&*@!, if it was, it wouldn't be tied for 2nd most popular format. I'm hard pressed to say anything other than Gamling/Horn/New Chapter is truly broken. MAYBE Deceit.

[Tbiesty]

Is the current errata list up to date?

Yep.

As for adding additional formats, I was going to save (Expanded/Open) for last.  Any opinions on what players would like to see next?

Examples:
Standard (sets 7-19)
WWDT (sets 9, 11-19)
Hunters (sets 15, 17, 18)
[Other formats...]

Let me know!

[Tbiesty]

Update! Hunters block, Standard, and Expanded/Open have been added.

The following formats are now all available (completely R-list and X-list free).
1) Fellowship block (sets 1-3)
2) Towers block (sets 4-6)
3) Towers standard (sets 1-6)
4) King block (sets 7, 8, 10)
5) King standard (sets 1-8, 10)
6) Movie block (sets 1-10)
7) War of the Ring block (11-14)
8) War of the Ring standard (sets 4-14)
9) Hunters block (sets 15, 17, 18)
10) Standard (sets 7-19)
11) Expanded/Open (sets 1-19)

Please give it a try and let me know how gameplay goes.  If you want to play and don't see anyone else on the server, feel free to send me an e-mail and I'll get online if I can.

Thanks!