Feb 11th, 2001

    Have been out of the loop for awhile. A severe cold ruined my schedule completely. When I became active again on the lists I noticed that I hadn't missed that much. No broken combos, no new errata being issued. Damn no work for me. Well, actually there was.

    We're finalizing 2nd edition, rule book, starter decks and new cards. Yes, besides giving some cards a new clearer text, some will become obsolete or will be replaced with a complete new version. Example: Compulsion. A pain in the you-know-what for the designers/playtesters. We want to give it a cool thematic effect but it's so hard not to introduce a mechanism that will be exploited by existing combos. Providing an opponent control over one of your characters is dangerous, very dangerous. On the other hand, that is exactly what Rahvin and Graendal were doing.

    Got my first Aiel Wars tournament. Looking through the decks being played told me a lot, and frankly I didn't liked it. Most if not all Villain Aiel decks contained multiple Forsaken and a lot of Hero Aiel decks contained the Ta'veren. So no pure Aiel decks. Even with the restriction of having 10 Aiel chars and 10 Aiel troops, people still went back to include old combos and strategies. My fear that this new tournament variant will not live long becomes clearer with the day. Right now, this variant just exclude Manifest Destiny decks and Children of the Light decks. Perhaps some extra restrictions on deck contents could save this variant. I never saw people vying for control over The Waste or the Three Fold Land. Favourites of the day were Balthamel (not Sammael), and the new Ta'veren replacements combined with the player advantage The Ta'veren. In other words, brute force, many damage (preferable direct damage) generators, and dice heavy characters were the mainstream. Being original and creative was once again not a prerequisite to win.

    This style of play results in a demand for other ways to win a game. In the past I was an advocate for alternative endings by means of the prophecy cards. You've all seen were those cards brought us. I'm not going to elaborate on them any longer, the case is closed. But recently I received a set of card proposals which would allow a game to end differently. I'm not saying it should be implemented, but it could be used in your casual games. Check out the Ter'angreal section.
[Jaem]

Jan 21th, 2001

    It has been quite for the past two weeks. Everybody seems to be busy opening their boosters and building their Aiel decks. We will soon find out in which direction the meta-game is shifting. In my area I start soon with the first Aiel Wars tournament. This should allow my players to get acquinted with the majority of new cards and strategies.

    For those of you who read my article (part I) on the new expansion, you can now read the second part dealing with non-Aiel decks. Two accompanying decks will follow shortly.

    Have YOU been complaining about Strength in Diversity? I didn't, but there are a bunch of people who want an errata on this card. Well, never say we don't listen. An errata is coming.
[Jaem]

Jan 7th, 2001

    A new year for us all, the year the Children crossed the Dragon Wall and took away a fifth or our end-of-year salary. By now most of you should have access to the latest WoT expansion. I recently opened my first box and made a small article about its contents. In case you're not that wealthy and can only affort yourself one box and would like to participate in an Aiel Wars tournament, do check out the first part of the article.

    In that same article I make some predictions about the meta-game. I'm fairly sure that this new expansion will create some new deck types but will also reinforce some old (up till now weak) ones. The deck types which were now tournament winners will meet some heavy competition. As usual, your imagination will be the limit.

    I've also noticed that the trading sites are already offering Rares and Double Rares of the new expansion. Perhaps a way to trade for that last Forsaken you're still missing. (mmm...actually I miss three...).

    I've put up two basic Aiel decks. Decks that can be created with the contents of one box and some cards from earlier sets. Expect some slighty modifications later on, because I'm fine-tuning them. I will also post two non-Aiel decks later this week.
[Jaem]

Dec 17th, 2000

    In case you didn't noticed it, EotW has almost gone through all its spoilers. So it would be logical if we would start seeing the boxes in our local stores, wouldn't it?
Well we've been able to obtain this unofficial statement from [M'Heal]:
Children of the Dragon is the next (2nd) expansion for the Wheel of Time CCG. It has an un-official release date of December 30, 2000. The set contains 154 all new cards for the game. A booster box will have 24 booster packs which retail for 2.49$ a pack, a checklist/rule sheet, and a booster box insert promo - Moment of Transition.

    We've been working on the 2nd edition rulebook which will contain a new and better section dealing with multi-player games. I'm actually curious to know how much of you did participate in such an Odd-man game or Team play. In case you haven't you're missing a lot of fun especially when playing a Villain. For those of you who happen to know the B5 CCG from Precedence, it feels like playing such a game. The games are more social but tend to go on for hours (might also be caused by the amount of alcohol being served during such a session).

    And for those of you who are in role-playing too, Wizards of the Coast has bought the rights for a Wheel of Time RPG. It should follow the new D&D 3rd edition rules and should appear somewhere in August next year. Speaking of next year, expect some new decks containing CoTD cards, as a matter of fact, they are some of my playtest decks.
[Jaem]

Nov 28th, 2000

    Just this, EotW released the rarity list for Children of the Dragon. And yes, we have two levels of rarity. In this case 46 rares, and 8 rare rares. According to Precedence the chance to get such a R2 is as high as getting a DP Forsaken. So you should be able to pull al least one or two out of a box. It's already clear that the card everybody will want to keep will be Tam al'Thor since you will want to put three of them in your Light deck. Ah well, business before pleasure, right?
[Jaem]

Nov 25th, 2000

    We've all seen appearing the new cards from the CotD expansion at the Eye of the World site and by now a lot of you are anxious to get their hands on them. An exact release date is not yet announced, but based on the news that all cards are approved by RJ, all art is in, and all type setting is finished, pre-press has started. If you want an estimation, think mid-Decembre.

    The spoilers on EofW, did initiate a discussion on Weapon advantages, or more specific the targeting of a character with more than one weapon advantage, like playing Ruby Dagger and Perrin's Axe on Perrin. To minimize rules, clarifications or errata we came up with the following:
Weapons: Cards which are the target of a Weapon Advantage may not be targeted by another Weapon Advantage. As a limited event, a player may discard a non-Unique Weapon Advantage which targets a card he controls.
    This rule will be included in the 2nd edition rule book you will find in each starter. Speaking of starters, there will be a new Villain.
[Jaem]

Nov 12th, 2000

    Nothing spectacular to report, except that Lines of Loyalty is no longer banned but has recieved a new effect text. Check out our errata section or visit the Eye of the World.
Speaking of, I've updated my errata section and added some more clarifications, just to be in sync with the Eye.

    If you didn't heard it from someone else, well, then get from me, Premiere Edition and Dark Prophecies are sold out. If your local store doesn't have more boxes, chance is he will not get them anymore from his distributors. Some large distributors still might have some stock but take this serious, the Precedence's stock is EMPTY. This means that the 2nd edition will be pushed a bit. That's good for you, bad for me, I've got to playtest the revised cards. The 2nd edition will contain starter decks and boosters. A number of cards will disappear, some will replaced with newer text, and a few new onces will be introduced. Although, don't expect them this year, Children of the Dragon first.
[Jaem]

Nov 5th, 2000

    Halloween has passed, so no more nasty surprises. What do you think of a pleasant surprise, something like, Eye of the World is showing the new cards of the Children of the Dragon Expansion. Sofar, three a day, but I think the number will go up since the expansion should come out this month. Sofar, I didn't heard of any delay.

    For those of you who already kept an eye on the Eye, you might have noticed a new type of advantage card, called a starting advantage. I thought I knew how to play this but even I missed an important feature of the card. To summaries it:
A player may begin the game with 1 (and only 1) Starting Advantage card. If a player chooses to begin play with a Starting Advantage, it comes into play after all players choose their starting hands, and does not count against the cards in his opening hand or deck. Otherwise, a Starting Advantage may be placed in his opening hand or deck, as per a normal advantage. Regardless of how a Starting Advantage enters play, once it is in play it cannot be the target of cards or effects.

    Of course, since the Eye already showed two of those starting advantages, questions came in about the discard line in the effect text of each advantage. That's why I'll give you the clarification right away:
if an advantage in play tells you to discard something or itself and doesn't clearly state that you only have to make this discard when the card first enters play, then it is a continous effect that requires you to discard anytime you meet one of the discard requirements. This is the default - not only when it enters play.

    If you happen to have questions on the cards appearing on the Eye and you're not on any WoT list , feel free to bother me, Jaem.

    I've already suggested it in previous postings, but you will be able to create three distinct Aiel decks, six if we count in both sides. Those starting advantages should give you an indication as how and with what to build them. However, this set still allows you to build regular decks with some extra Aiel characters and troops. Right now we're discussing a new tournament format consisting of all Aiel decks, sofar called Aiel Wars. You will hear more about it when it is official.
[Jaem]

Oct 8th, 2000

    Wow, look who's talking! Yes, thank you, I'm alive and well. Why it took me so long to address you again. Well, THAT you know already. It's called Children of the Dragon.

    Will it be on time? Probably, yes. Right now, we're looking at version 5, really, version 5 of the cards. We hear and read a lot about people complaining that we are not doing our job, well, you're always welcome to take over. People tend to forget that we playtesters are a small group that have to similate a whole players community. Our time is limited, our playgroups are small, but not our responsability. And it will not become easier because each expansion brings 150 new cards that can be/has to be combined with the existing ones. You have to find a decent balance between the new cards so all types of existing decks get some new stuff but on the other hand you have to provide means to let players create new decks and deck types.

    Did we manage that? On that level we are certain, the existing mono-allegiance decks will be boosted, the multi-allegiance decks will get some cards, some typical Forsaken decks will be promoted through new character advantages and some entirely new deck types will see the light. Deck types that can be played both by Hero or Villain. Which one, you ask. Now really, what children of the Dragon do you know? Wise Ones? Maidens? Chiefs?

    I'm going to change topic here before Precedence folks starts sending me emails. Something else that seems to heat the lists is the distribution of Rares. And I mean here the fact that there are R1, R2 and R3 rares in the DP set and probably will be in the CotD set. If you don't know what R1's are, just start counting your recruitable Forsaken. There is an average of 2 R1's in one booster box. This has caused a lot of frustation amongst the collectors and players. Even if you have enough money to buy six boxes or more you still can come short in your Forsaken by one or two. On the other hand how much are you willing to pay for a missing Faile or Be'lal. Our community was known to trade a rare for a rare. That has all changed now. It's more like 'you get my Rahvin for 2 of your rares plus an Angreal'. It was a wrong move from Precedence, but something that was decided upon after the playtesting so don't you start blaiming us again ;-)

    Now my dear Aiel if you want to blaim someone, start throwing your spears towards Inquest. Their latest issue contains the promo Pitched Battle (you can see the card at Eye of the World). It appears that the majority of the cards contain faults that could be caused at the moment of packaging. Anyway, I still haven't seen an Inquest in my area. If you happen to come across such an abused card, let me know ASAP, Precedence is investigating the matter.

    Something else that has been lying here on my desk covered by my playtest decks is a request from Rick Don from Precedence. They are seeking artists. I let Rick do the explaining:

This is mainly out to the European Prec-Reps but all may listen in and see if they know of someone who fits the bill...

We are looking to put together a network of *high* quality fantasy Sci-Fi artists. We have heard that several potential artists of this calibre may be in in Europe (especially Eastern Europe) and having problems getting themselves discovered. We would like to create a win-win situation where we would be able to buy the use rights of pieces of art. We would be looking for the artists to create roughly 11-inch tall by 8.5-inch wide fantasy oil paintings for us that we can use in upcoming supplements instead of just going with the standard fantasy artists known to everyone. If anyone knows of any art schools, etc. over in Europe that this information could be passed on to, please do so.

We would be looking for a small letter from the artist introducing himself or herself, and one sample of the artists work to be mailed to:
Precedence Entertainment
PO Box 28397
Tempe, AZ 85285
USA
Attn: Art Director

    Since playtesting is almost done, I will have more time for the site and the mails I got from you guys. I'm taking the opportunity here to thank you all for your suggestions, and card proposals even if they don't make it to my page or one of the (coming) expansions.
[Jaem]

Sept 6th, 2000

    Based on the numerous questions I get from readers and from my own players I intend to update the Hand of the Light section soon with a more entensive errata section in that each errated card will get some more background. What was its initial intention or format, how was it abused and how should you play with the errated version. Of course, part of the update is to explain to readers that we playtesters are only human and that we have to work within a restricted time scheme so errors, typos and under-estimated cards can slip past us.

    Speaking of updating. I will add a CotL deck to the Aiel Waste.
[Jaem]

Sept 4th, 2000

    Playtesting the next expansion has started because Precedence really wants to bring out Children of the Dragon at the same time as the new Robert Jordan book. All means are good to promote the CCG, right? What I'm playtesting? Can't really tell you, you know that. Just this, expect a lot of new Aiel.

    And don't worry, we're trying to tell the designers not to incorporate too much heavy-hitters like we had in Dark Prophecies. Right now, we're considering to introduce a new mechanism that should have an influence on the way certain people play. Don't ask me, can't tell you.

    Since we're playtesting we have given the Warders the task to playtest two new (coming) errata. You might try them out for yourself and give feedback to me or your local Warder. In short, play Pull as if only the first effect is available, meaning retrieving only Ta'veren. Secondly, Min is now only able to get Ta'veren replacements with a pattern requirement.

    My personal opinion on this. The speed is considerably toned down, but with the result that Pull and Min will only be played with Elayne the Accepted. And as such has narrowed the number of starting variants to one which is not a good thing.
As with each errata, there is a risk you're unbalancing the game in another place. With the Light less powerfull early in the game you risk to get a Genocide on your head on turn one or two. And that early a Genocide can put you back for a couple of turns.
Secondly, the Lanfear - Selene combo and the double Forsaken start can push you further into the defensive. Time will tell if we didn't hold the Light too much on a leash.

Just recently read about someone complaining that the Dark has become too powerfull. A Sammael/Brend - King Stephanos start with Traders and Illian is indeed good but never forget that the Light can play a similar starting hand and can pull it off before the Villain player. There are a number of other strong Dark One starting hands but they rely on multiple recruitable Forsaken in your deck, and I mean multiple. I don't think that many of my readers here have all recruitable Forsaken let alone in doubles or triples. Up here, Lanfear-Selene is the most popular and a Lord Dragon-Couladin also seems a strong contender.
[Jaem]

August 21th, 2000

    Let me start today with no clarifications, no errata, but some news on future expansions and when to expect them. I'll just quote [M'Hael] :
"Actual release dates, set sizes, and additional details (starter/no starter), are all still pending, but the order of the releases has been standardized (detailed below)

Children of the Dragon - (Aiel Theme) 150 card set out in November 2000

2nd Edition - early 2001. New starter decks.

The White Tower - (Aes Sedai, Asha'man, white/little/black towers) - mid 2001.

The Borderlands - (border kingdoms, the blight, sword forms) - late 2001.

The Crystal Throne - (the seanchan, the sea folk) - late spring / early summer 2002
The World of Dreams - (tel'aran'rhiod) - late fall 2002"

    Now, something about those errata. All DP cards recieving errata will be reprinted in 2nd edition with the corrected text. All errata will also be listed on the Children of the Dragon checklist. You can find the first DP errata in the Hand of the Light section of this site. In short, Lines of Loyalty is banned, The Pattern Decrees in errated, as is Plans within Plans. Pull of Ta'veren is still on the Watch List, together with the Genocide - Invasion combo.

    Another card that will change is the recruitable Be'lal. It occured to us, that this Forsaken had a typo in that it could be discarded from play instead of from your hand like the other Forsaken. So, and here goes [M'Heal] again:"I'm going to officially re-change DP Be'lal's discard ability to just - discard this card 'from your hand' to add 5 support... This was the way he was supposed to see print - which can be seen from other recruitable forsaken in set."

    And not a moment to soon! Have you guys tried out Asmodean - Be'lal - The Stone Shall Fall - Callandor. Devastating, even against a speed Light deck.

    One last thing, promos. Yes. A new batch of them is being shown now on Eye of the World. When and where you can catch them all (yuck, what a phrase) is still unknown.
[Jaem]

August 5th, 2000

    Ok, where shall I start. With that what worries you all? Light! Yep, Light, or should I say, the Light Side. Have they become stronger? Yes. Have they become too strong? No.
Let me explain. Lately a number of you people have been sending me e-mails about their over-the-top starting hand. It seems you guys are never satisfied. First they were too vulnerable, and now they are too strong. I'm teasing you.
The starting hands they mention are known and were known by the playtesters before DP came out. We toned them down, you know.
It's not Elayne the Accepted, it's not Pull of Ta'veren that is a problem. And apparently Lines of Loyalty is a mixed bag. The Pattern Decrees is too strong, on that we all agree and believe me it is the only card that will get errated soon. The others are placed on what we call a Watch List. Based on feedback from tournaments, warders, playtesters and you, the designers will make a decission to ban, errate or ignore the card.

    The problem is the combo of Elayne tA with Lines of Loyalty. With LoL, there are two possibilities, the card gets banned, yes, banned, actually the first in Precedence history, or you will have to discard a character to get another character. Now that is painfull, considering that only 50% of your deck may consist of characters and troops. Like I said, it's on the Watch List, and expect a change after GenCon. Right now, do me and your opponent on the table a favor a play The Pattern Decrees once per challenge and with 1 support/opposition per pattern token. Personally, I don't think that an event should get you more than an advantage like The Seals.

Oh and James R, play a Genocide on turn two with a starting hand, something like Sammael, Ishamael, Into the Fight, Genocide. And to all you Dark Side players, don't weep, play with Lanfear and Selene. And I got more news to you, up here we don't play with those speedy Light hand, no Aes Sedai decks either, but Aiel. Wash the spears!
[Jaem]

July 20th, 2000

    It has been relatively quiet the last three weeks. Everybody is digesting the new expansion it seems. And everybody is trying to break Pull of Ta'veren , the Lines of Loyalty and all those replacements.

    The first reactions from Origins, a large convention in the States, showed us that those combos are NOT broken, in fact, they were hardly used or should I say misused. The Light won a larger number of games but like I told you before that was the designers first intention. To help the Light side early in the game. A lot of Illian decks, some Andor, some Forsaken/Monster decks but nothing spectacular new or daring. That tournament might have been too early after the DP release.

    If you think a bit longer when building your Villain deck then you now that Min is an easy target for a Gray Man. That rotating Elayne the Accepted is fine but that than she can't recruit. That Mat the Gambler and Young Bull have a lot of dice but that a Darkhound Pack don't see the difference between them anyway. If the Light player rather wants to stay home to recruit, let him, I'll recruit too and win the Pattern challenge at the same time. Ever heard of the Pattern Decrees? The Seals?

    The only card that has been put on the Watch list, like we call it, is Lines of Loyalty, especially for its second effect.

    For those of you sending me card proposals, I know I should post some of them on the site, but I have been busy with creating some anti-Pull of Ta'veren deck strategies and we're almost ready to start with the next batch of playtesting. Yes, for the next expansion.
[Jaem]

July 9th, 2000

    I died twice but came back. I lost my sword and shield somewhere, ran out of potions but with enough mana and Zeal I managed to kill Andariel....?? Oops!! Wrong game! Well now you know why it took me so long to add something to the website. One word...Diablo II. Is it Hell or Heaven?

    Now back to Wheel of Time. The Dark Prophecies expansion is out! Next week you local store owner should get his first boxes in. If not, Balefire him. The boxes will contain a list with a number of clarifications and (old) errata. Those topics that you have been wondering about that are still not clarified in that sheet will be dealt with in the second edition starter decks or will be posted on this list or through your local Warder.

    Some of you have already been experimenting with the new cards and have found out the light speed starting hand. For them and for you I can only repeat what the designers told me, they can be beaten by the Dark. Be inventive. Examine all cards and don't only create the obvious combos.

    Speaking of an obvious combo, there seems to be one seriously broken. Thanks to the one who sended it to me. The card Lines of Loyalty is too strong with card retrieving engines like Elayne the Accepted. Expect an errata on LoL.
[Jaem]

June 26nd, 2000

    Amazing to find out how addicted you all are to this section of the site. My visitor rating drops if I dare to not address you each week. Hey, I don't always have to tell you something! Well, I always CAN tell you something but REALLY you don't want to know. Ok, serious now.

    I got some card proposals. Some good, some others needed more polishing, but don't stop sending them. If they are not covered yet in one of the coming expansions, they get a place at this site. Do know, Dreamwalker cards will not be a major theme in the Children of the Dragon expansion, rather the White Tower expansion.

    Most of you have by now found out the place to get card spoilers for the coming expansion. I can only add that the release date of July 7th will be met and that the release counts for the whole world, so is not limited to the States. A good observer must have noticed that this set contains a lot of strong characters and that this time Dark and Light are more balanced. Some extra care has been taken to give the Light Side that needed boost in the starting hand. If you want to know more about the new Starting Hero variants check out the Visiting Wisdom section.

    It might have been said before but this expansion does not contain promos. No promos in Scrye or Inquest but ... a large article in Inquest about the CCG of the Year called ... Wheel of Time. Hurry and buy the July issue (I just bought some shares).
[Jaem]

June 13nd, 2000

    Hey folks, in case you didn't know it yet, spoilers are becoming available at the Eye of the World, check the site here. If you have any questions about the cards you see there and are not on the any wotccg-list, feel free to bother me, I happen to know the complete set. Right now you can see there one of the first recruitable forsaken and a new Rand al'Thor. It will now be possible to create a true Forsaken deck with up to five or more Forsaken in it, without mentioning Selene and Gyldin, two new character advantages. Don't be intimidated with their 4 OP cost. We all know Asmodean and his nifty ability, don't we?

I'm just back so give me a couple of days to start writing some new Wisdom articles about this new set.

For those of you who have enough money, be sure to preorder your boxes now. Tifan's Well had a pigeon delivering us a message from the White Tower, telling us that if the stock of Dark Prophecies is depleted, it is depleted, read, no more.

And for those of you who like to send me card proposals, we (playtesters) are starting with the next set so please send in those card proposals about Aiel-related stuff. The time is right.
[Jaem]

June 9nd, 2000

    A bit earlier with my weekly update then normal but that's because I'm not home this weekend so sorry guys, no more dashing news from me. Except this. Eye of the World will probable start with spoilers beginning next week. To quote him "cross your fingers". This also means that as soon as cards appear there I can tell you more about them. People tend to better understand and remember a card text when they have the picture in front of them. Something to do with association and Pavlov's dogs ... I think. Topics I probably tackle first will be the recruitable Forsaken, the new replacements and the new Rand variants. Start drooling dogs and see you back next week.
[Jaem]

June 2nd, 2000

    Precedence has received a green light from Robert Jordan about the coming expansion. This means that the 150 new cards will now go to the printers. Well yes, not now, its weekend, but make that the 5th. If everything works out as planned then you will find your first DP boosters by the end of the month in your local store. The cards will become visible on the Eye of the World site soon. Hey, I said soon, don't click on the link yet! Rather check out this list with the names and rarity of each card.

    This also means that you can expect some new articles about the cards in the Visiting Wisdom section in the near future. Not to mention my take on the Prophecy Card that I will offer as a Roofmistress (House) Rule.
[Jaem]

May 21st, 2000
    I'll start with the same topic as last time, playtesting. The big broken cards are out, and we're now looking into more single-nation oriented decks. Yes, it will be possible to create a one nation deck with of course some Dragon or Dark One characters to spice it up. Right now, a late June, early July appearance for the expansion is forseen. So we're on track. Concerning 2nd edition starters, they will not appear at the same time. Precedence only wants to start with new starters as the old, 1st edition ones are sold out. It seems there are still enough of them. C'mon folks, bring more people to the game.

    The adding of card proposals on my site has triggered some proposals from you guys. Thanks for the effort. I'm going to coordinate this a bit more. You know, or don't know, that the expansion following Dark Prophecies will be Children of the Dragon. So, if you send me card proposals, make them a bit theme oriented. Aiel, Tuatha'an, Shaido, Dreamwalker. And don't restrict yourself to characters, that is the easy part. The hardest thing is to create events and advantages that are useful for both sides. Balance right? Do add some flavour text, that is always appreciated by the Precedence folks.

    I'll soon start with WoT tournaments in my area but I guess something similar will start or has already started in yours. I'd like to record what types of premier decks are being played. I'm not asking for deck contents because not everybody likes to share their 'knowledge', I only like to know if it is a Hero-Andor deck, a Rahvin-Ruby dagger deck, a Hero-Aes Sedai deck, a Villain-Trolloc deck. What I do like to know is starting hands because we are currently looking into the matter of broken starting hands and might issue a rule that you can not target your opponent in turn 1. I will dedicate a section of The Aiel Waste to this.
[Jaem]

May 13nd, 2000
    Playtesting still takes a lot of my spare time and not being allowed to talk about makes it even worse. Right now, we're working with v.1.3 of the cards. Version 4 will be what you will get when opening a booster pack. To say it with Mike's words: "V1.3 is being sent off to the printers to 'begin' layout - which means that we are firm on images, card numbers, and card types - meaning there will be x many advantage, events, troops, characters, challenges ... with the following pictures. However, the ability to change text and card names is still viable and entire changes to a card can be made if need be."

    You might wonder, why, already three versions, you're making a mess of it. Less is true, actually we're trying to improve the experience. We, playtesters, have formed a consensus, in that card-based challenges should not give you Pattern tokens but other desirable goodies, leaving the Pattern challenge for obtaining Pattern tokens. Secondly, we want to make challenge participating less fatal, so that more characters (and players) interact instead of staying in the Homefront to recruit. In fact, we want to make the middle game more appealing to all sides.

    It seems that Wheel of Time is doing quite well, according to Rick Don, Precedence commercial guy. He sended me following mail: "I'd like to thank everyone of you out there working so hard on our behalf to keep these games alive and kicking. Comics Retailer just ranked Wheel of Time CCG #4 on their charts (with only Magic, Pokemon, and Star Wars ahead of it) and Babylon 5 ranked #8 on their chart! Great going team!
We ranked with (if not above) L5R, Star Trek, Young Jedi and 7th Seas."
Needless to say, that WoT players have a part in this too.
[Jaem]

May 2nd, 2000
    Time I let you guys know what's going, isn't it? The errata are now being discussed amongst the Warders, creating two sides actually. Those who find them OK, others who find them too much toned-down. Even stating that they no longer wish to play with them (in their starting hand ;-)). I tend to follow the first group. Drawing two or three cards extra per turn due to Future Returns was too much. The game evolved into a who-brings-out-FR-the-first game. Taking Advantage might be changed too much, all will depends on what future expansions will offer in terms of advantages with and without cost.
But be assured, there will be other card-drawing mechanisms in Dark Prophecies.

    Another rule which makes for a lot of controversy is the one about the Ruby Dagger and Rahvin or Perrin. Both have a special ability to deal damage to a specific target. What created annoyance was that that ruling appeared on the playlist without informing playtesters or Warders. A tactical error. I explain to you what that rule really means the moment the dust has settled down.

    While playtesting, I realized that the lexicon you find at the back of the rule book is far from complete. That is why I will create my own glossary wherein I describe some notions which slipped through the cracks of the rulebook. Check out the Karaethon Cycle section of the site.

    I just received the news that an on-line WoT CCG variant is available at DragonMount.

    And for this last point, I request your cooperation. The next expansion will contain a number of Prophecy cards. I like to know what you as a player expect of those cards. Should they be advantages, special challenges, triggered events, a new type of card or a new game mechanism. If you have an opinion, spill it out at jaem_gaidin@hotmail.
[Jaem]

Apr. 15th, 2000
    An errata for the advantage cards Future Returns and Taking Advantage are being tested. They are seriously toned down! I guess you will find them next week under the Errata section of the site.

    As playtester I have gone through almost all cards for the next expansion. We're in the stage that some of the earlier cards will see reposted again based on our comments. Sofar, I can tell you to expect some changes in deck building. A number of cards will speed up recruiting, others will help to convert damage and ability tokens. There are also cards which will help you in building one-allegiance decks and non-monster Dark One decks. Only good news actually.
[Jaem]

Apr. 8th, 2000
    The Tournament Rules are availabe and sended out to the Warders. Expect the first tournament annoucements to appear. A copy of the rules can be found under The Karaethon Cycle section of this site.

    A number of sections from the Rulebook have been rewritten. Those changes will be incorporated in the new second edition starters for the Dark Prophecies expansion. Have a look at some of those changes also under The Karaethon Cycle section.

    If you think that this site is not updated frequently enough, then you are right. Unfortunately for you, I'm in the midst of testing the cards for the new expansion which takes away the time that was dedicated for maintaining this site. I will try to post some decks soon and perhaps a new article.
[Jaem]

Apr. 1th, 2000
    Q: Are the packs prices actually going up to $2.49/pack?
A: Yes, but you are going to get another uncommon in the pack so it's a 9 card pack 5 C / 3 U / 1 R. Also, as the set is 150 cards with a 50/50/50 layout distribution, you won't get a 'variable' amount of commons/uncommons in a pack. Each pack *should* have 5 C, 3 U, and 1 R. Also note, when compared to the other *bigger* companies, this new price per pack is still one of the lowest in the industry.
[The White Tower]

(ed.note: this is NOT a joke)

Mar. 30th, 2000
    Our Tar Valon contacts are telling us that if sales of the Starter Decks are continuing as it is now, they'll be all sold out in 4 to 6 weeks. So for those of you who haven't bought a second starter, fetch them quick.(I deliberately did not use the term 'catch them all') They will not be reprinted! They will be replaced by new (2nd edition) starter decks which feature a new starting Hero or Villain and some other fixed cards.

    Because a lot of players (and Warders) have a problem with the restrictions placed on Children of the Light characters and characters with dual allegiances, expect a clarification or rule change on this when the new expansion comes out. For now, follow the restrictions as they are written in the rule book.
[Jaem]

Mar. 25th, 2000
    The first version of the tournament rules has been released amongst the Warders. The initial reaction was positive with some minor remarks on how points should be awarded to players who kill an opponent's starting character before or/and during the Last Battle. Again those familiar with SW CCG and ME:CCG should have no problem with the WoT tournament rules. I suspect a final statement and worldwide release within a week or so. Then you can finally show how good you are in playing Hero and Villain.

    Not everybody has such a close connection to the designers and representatives of Precedence as I have, and a lot of players are complaining that they haven't found a list where they can exchange ideas, decks, and questions about the game. Well, cry no more. Under the Game of Houses section you will find two links to WOT player lists. If you happen to know another, let me know, I'll add them.
[Jaem]

Mar. 18th, 2000
    If you found the basic set so cool. Then wait till you've read this:

The first expansion for the hot new Wheel of Time CCG! 150 all new cards (50R, 50U, 50C) and 2nd Edition Starter Decks with new starting hero and villain.

Introducing new Prophecy cards. Gain the game winning edge by playing and fulfilling prophecies of light and shadow.

Recruitable versions of powerful Forsaken characters. Now you can gain the support of other Forsaken to support your starting villain.

The story travels to the nation of Illian. Introducing members of the Illian council never seen in the books (revealed by Robert Jordan specially for this set!) and the Forsaken character Sammael, posing as Lord Brend.

New character and troops for all allegiances introduced in the Wheel of Time base set, including Children of the Light, Aes Sedai, Andoran, Dark One, Aiel, and Dragon.
[The White Tower]

Mar. 15th, 2000
    The WoT Tournament rules are being discussed (and tested) by the playtesters. Expect to be playing both sides during a tournament.
[Jaem]

Mar. 3th, 2000
    Today, one of Adeleas' pigeons carried an interesting message from the White Tower. It seems that our relatives in Tar Valon are working hard on the WoT tournament rules. Before Adeleas caught me watching the message I was able to figure out that the rules will be a kind of cross-over between the Middle-Earth and the Star Wars CCG.
[Jaem]

Feb. 15th, 2000
    I see you guys are anxious for new info but have some little patience here. I'm currently writing a second part on The Limited Timeless Event article based on a long discussion between playtesters and designers. Some latest clarifications from the designers will be incorporated.
    Also, expect soon one or two decks but I'm still figuring out in what section I will place them.
[Jaem]

Feb. 11th, 2000
    "The fragments of the seal lay on her lap, and the small gem she sometimes wore in her hair spun and glittered on its gold chain from the end of her fingers. The faint blue glow faded from the stone, and a smile touched her lips. It had no power in itself, the stone, but the first use she had ever learned of the One Power, as a girl, in the Royal Palace in Cairhien, was using the stone to listen to people when they thought they were too far off to be overheard."
"The Prophecies will be fulfilled," the Aes Sedai whispered.
"The Dragon is Reborn."
[unknown source]

Feb. 4th, 2000
    For those of you who didn't know it already, even Wheel of Time has its promos. Currently there are three promos for Wheel of Time:
Filled with Power - the Freebie for Legends Club Issue 1 Dragons Reborn members
Night Raid - Should be the one for sale through Legends Club for Dragons Reborn members only
Battle Fury - comes in various boxes of the WOT CCG Boosters, but you have to buy a box to get a crack at them. Battle Fury will be available to Legends Club members later.
[The White Tower]

Feb. 1th, 2000
    Ten more days, ten more nights. I don't think I have to say more.
[Jaem]

Jan. 23rd, 2000
    Based on an interview between Joey Ward and John Myler, lead designer of Wheel of Time CCG, it seems we players have a lot more to expect from the makers. John Myler was willing to tell us that he is already working on two to three expansion for the CCG. Working titles are 'Dark Prophesies' introducing a new card type, 'Children of the Dragon' expansion focusing on the Aiel tribes, and the 'White Tower' expansion focusing on the Ajahs.
    Get the complete interview here.
[Jaem]

Jan. 16th, 2000
    Some new info has reach our cottage about the Wheel of Time Demo Days. The following information is especially aimed to store owners in the Lowlands.
Several store owners in Belgium will receive or have received already some info from me or Precedence about the coming Demo Days for Wheel of Time, Tomb Raider and Babylon5. Those interested can make contact with Precedence or myself. In the end the final arrangements will be made by me and the store owner. Be aware that you should inform me on time because the shipping of the demo decks and boosters can take up 2 to 3 weeks.

    Stores can only have ONE demo day of each product. Precedence may allow repeats later (say once every six months or something) to stores that join one of their programs, etc. They can't keep giving you free decks. As a Warder I can set up normal demos for the games any time you want. But the *Demo Days* are one shots for each product per store. Important, if the store is a chain, then each location can have one Demo Day for each product.

    For those retailers out there, you have the opportunity to become a Legendary Retailer!!
    A Legendary Retailer is a store that agrees to work out a certain amount of product from Precedence each year and give a certain amount of space in their store to prominently displaying their product. In return, Precedence give them some special features, one of which are Demo Days (this let's them have an extra demo day more than the normal one that we offer to all for each product).

    In general, it means a much stronger relationship with Precedence, and stock rotation, rebates, special offers and incentives not provided to general retailers.

Contact Richard E. Don - Marketing Support Manager, Precedence Entertainment for more info.
[Jaem]

Jan. 7th, 2000
    It appears that the WoT demo decks have reached Tar Valon. It is only a matter of time now before the Warders will get them. The moment that happens start looking for demonstration annoucements in your region. The region Goaban will initially be covered by me so be certain to revisit this site. And there is more.

    The White Tower has announced that their will be special Demo Days for the WoT CCG. These days are organized in stores and can only happen with the cooperation of those stores. So WoT fan, step to your local store and start lobbying for a Demo Day. If the store owner is interested let me know asap. What's in for store owners, you ask? Well, a Demo Day is a one-day event where a store or retailer provides space for a WoT demo. In return he gets a box of (starter) decks for free. It's up to him to decide what to with it. The demo itself is given by a Warder. That Warder gets a box of boosters and gives a boosterpack to each demo participant for free. So you see, both store owner and demo participant wins. What are waiting for!! **

    If you're a Belgian store owner and you're interested in having such an event in your shop contact me at jaem_gaidin@hotmail for further info or to fix a date. The same for you potential WoT players. Let me know if you're interested in participating in such an event and if you have found a store willing to host it.

** This Demo Day offer is available till April 30th 2000.
[Jaem]

Dec. 8th, 1999
    A new rumor is circulating in our community. Due to Trolloc incursions into the Shienaran plains the release of the Wheel of Time CCG has been delayed. A lot of speculation has been going on about how they managed to pass undetected.
    The White Tower stated that there is no cause to concern. A new date is set for February 2000.
[Jaem]