EDITORIAL
Time for a Change
by the Rule Bender
Dear carrier of the Chaos virus,
With the four factions of the world of X610Z embarked on a dangerous quest to turn the tide in the Primordial wars, I have found some well earned rest to bring you this newly styled newsletter. “Newly styled?” I hear you asking, “what was wrong with the old one?”. My response to such a bold question would be: “well, nothing my young friend. But change is sometimes needed for the amusement of the Rule Bender. “Yes, I’m just funny that way!”.
This month’s newsletter contains:
- In From the Arnunnian Archives my old friend Pirken the librarian shows us a small glimpse of history. This month, he tells us the true story of the Chaos virus.
- We are happy to announce that the X610Z crew has claimed a stronghold at Spiel Essen 2011. More information about the upcoming Living Card and Boardgame in What will Tomorrow Bring?
- In Interview with a Rogue Sky Captain, the daring warrior Shard talks about the ACT III: Soul Rage playtests.
- This month, the notorious Ring of M’Ghal will be the subject of Twanx’ Card Dissection Corner. “Oh, how I look forward to seeing it pried from the finger of that cute Muljanii!”
That concludes this month’s offerings. I hope you have fun reading! And please remember: never hide a mystic crystal underneath a cage of battery hens. Take it from me, there is little pleasure in being chased around by a 22 feet high omelet-ooze...
See you next month,
The Rule Bender.
How the Chaos Virus changed our world
by Arrie ten Wolde en John Lopez
Pirken awoke from his uneasy slumber with a yelp that was as high-pitched as it sounded terrified. As his senses adjusted to being rudely disturbed, he realized that someone was banging furiously on the doors to his small study in the library of Arnunnia. He must have fallen asleep in his chair again.
He muttered something about the cursed luck of librarians as he carefully made his way around the piles of books stacked almost to the roof. The few smoldering embers in the fireplace gave off just enough light for Pirken to see his door bulging inward with each heavy blow.
“Who goes there”, Pirken cried out. The response was a loud rambunctious laughter accompanied by a strong smell of stale wine. “We mean you no harm librarian, but merely wish an answer to an honest wager!” Pirken sighed. He recognized the accent. A member of the Pirate Confederacy, probably one of the recent diplomatic visitors to the city of Arnunnia. The dire threat of the Primordial war had brought all factions together.
Pirken nervously opened the doors to let his new guests in. A large bearded man dressed in a garishly colored coat entered his study, accompanied by a smaller man in black robes whose rotting skin seemed to be peeling away from his face. A zombie of the Undead Legion.
“Our thanks librarian!”, the bearded man said, “Don't mind my silent friend here, I won his tongue in an earlier wager.” The pirate pointed at the grizzly prize hanging from his large belt. “We have come to settle one last wager before the Primordials invade and burn your great library! You see, my undead friend refuses to believe that the Chaos virus was magical in nature.”, the bearded man roared in laughter while his zombie friend rolled his eyes impatiently.
Pirken's hands trembled. Did he dare tell the truth and maybe risk his own tongue? It was almost as if the embers in his fireplace burned brighter and hotter as Pirken started to sweat profusely.
“I'm afraid your friend is quite right.”, the librarian muttered. “All our historical evidence points to an ancient time when forgotten science and technological wonder fueled an unrelenting quest for progress, which eventually became mankind's downfall.” Pirken cleared his throat as he recited centuries old scrolls he had long ago memorized: “A dangerous scientific experiment called X-6-10-Z resulted in what has since become known as the Chaos virus, causing strange mutations and plummeting the ancient world of science into a new age of magic.”
The fireplace in Pirken's study burned brightly as he finished his story. The zombie happily claimed his prize as the bearded man threw his friend's dripping tongue on the table in a fit of rage. “My sssincere thanksss, librarian.”, the undead spoke when he re-attached his lost tongue. “Your wisssdom has won me our final wager.”. He turned his attention to his pirate friend. “Let usss now claim my prize, a tongue for a leg was it?. We ssshall make you a true pirate tonight, eh?”
The door to his study slammed shut as the two bickering companions made their way to the nearest chopping block. Pirken settled back into his chair and yawned sleepily in the warmth of his study. His fireplace was burning hot. He wondered if one of his unexpected visitors had added some wood to the fire. As he finally fell asleep, the fire burned and crackled and popped. A lone spark flew through the chimney to carry the tale of the Chaos virus to its Primordial masters.
INTERVIEW WITH A ROGUE SKY CAPTAIN
Shard about playtesting ACT III
by Patrick Ruedisueli
Initially, ACT III of X610Z was only being play-tested in Eindhoven (the Netherlands), but with the arrival of new rogue Sky Captains from Groningen (Purperen Draak) and Ede (Tinnen Soldaat), we’ve found more and more players willing to 'get into the game'.Martijn Beljaars is such a player...
Please explain to the readers who you are.
My name is Martijn Beljaars, 28 years old, and in my non-X610Z life I’m a PHD student at the university of Groningen. I’m trying to make the world a greener place by developing a recyclable plastic to use in things like car dashboards or hot tubs.
What do you think about Act III?
I like it. It’s a nice set that fills a lot of holes. Strategies that were effectively broken using only cards from Act I and Act II have suddenly become viable. For example, Summon decks are finally competitive! Furthermore, I love the new and quirky ways to win that are now possible. Act III is just what X610Z needed!
Do you have a favorite strategy?
That’s easy. Everyone who has ever seen me play, knows that I’m a big fan of “my” direct damage deck! I practically designed it; it was one of the seven original decks, but was deemed to have little potential. However, with a little work it turned into a viable deck that keeps surprising people when they first see it.
The main reason I like it so much is because the deck turns the game upside-down and tries to win in a different and quirky manner. All your cards work together to help you achieve that goal.
Name the cards from Act III that appeal to you the most.
It should come as no surprise that my first two picks are Ingrabb Storm Riders and The Concept of Peace. Both are key cards in my direct damage deck.
Two cards that hold great personal value to me are Kixxi’s Wrath and Blessed crystal. The original concept for Kixxi’s Wrath would have crippled act III. Fortunately, we were able to give feedback so it could be fixed. Blessed Crystal was initially a SR. I felt that a card that fits in nearly every deck is not really fair in a SR slot.
To me, these cards represent the appreciation the X610Z crew has for its players. They are also proof that they actively listen to their player base!
What is your favorite artwork from Act III?
I love artwork that really represents the working of the card, and also tells a tale. For example, Mirror of M'Ghal and Gunhilld. I also think Aluri Desert Dragon is quite beautifully done. I'd like to give honorary mention to Thor's Hammer, who doesn't enjoy American Gladiator style ladies!
Tell us about the reactions of your fellow test-players.
Everyone shares my opinion that Act III manages to fill some large holes and contains elements that will appeal to every kind of player. I'm always pleasantly surprised when I hear players say: “Hey! They changed the card face. Awesome!” As I had the privilege to see Act III a few weeks before the play-tests, new terms like 'catalyst' and 'flux' were already known to me. However, I still pick up my deck and sometimes say to myself: “Oh, right! The cards used to be black...” The consistent art direction, new map and cardface were all good decisions. Everyone is eagerly awaiting Act III.
TWANX’ CARD DISSECTION CORNER
he Legendary Ring of M’Ghal
by Robèr Coolen
“Right, pay attention or risk losing 'yer fingers! In this first anatomical dissection session we'll take apart the legendary Ring of M'Ghal. Should 'ye come across this powerful artifact during battles to come, it is best to be prepared. I suggest 'ye listen closely...”
The story behind the card
As the first Arnunnian to use energy crystals to power his spells, M'Ghal was the founder of what we know think of as magic and wizardry. After his mysterious disappearance several of his artifacts were found scattered across the world. Legend has it that he who brings together these artifacts of M'Ghal will be granted all his ancient knowledge and power.
One of the artifacts, the Ring of M'Ghal, is rumored to be in the possession of Muljanii, High Magistrate of the Arnunnian Alliance and head of the Mystic Council. Rumor has it that she'll go to any lengths to retrieve the other artifacts and claim M'Ghal's power.
The inner workings
Ring of M'Ghal is a very versatile card. Its colorless energy cost makes it a viable option in any deck. This card has the potential to turn the tide of any game. For example, as a response to an opponent's Mystic Councilor, or by copying key cards in one's own deck, such as a Rogue Sky Captain.
The artist
Julia Laud loves browsing the internet, playing video games, watching movies, music, TV commercials, hanging out with friends and eating Cadburry Dairy Milk chocolate bars. She also loves to read the “Martine” series by Delahaye and Marlier over and over again for inspiration.
“This was today’s dissection, thank 'ye for 'yer attention and don’t forget to wash 'yer face on the way out!”
Twanx, owner of the Mad Miracle Shop