The following is an edited transcript (for clarity) of the conference held with Decipher, Inc. on March 7th in the Gaming Card section of the Card Forum. In total, we had 29 Forum members attend the CO, or at least pop-in to see what was going on : User User ID Nod Area Name ---- ------------- --- -------- ------------------- 1H 70004,3363 OAH Rm 4 John 3H 75700,1350 LOO Rm 4 Thomas M. Smrt 4H 76551,1726 WVK Rm 4 Doug Whitehead 4H 71034,772 SPR Rm 4 Ken Hogren 5H 73752,1116 RGA Rm 4 Ken Axon 6H 76212,605 SSC Rm 4 Josh Greene 6H 75053,2032 NUV Rm 4 Shaun Ertischek 7H 75754,3567 DEL Rm 4 Decipher, Inc. 8 73220,3566 WFD Rm 4 Tom Wong 9w 72460,3165 MNN Rm 4 RayB/SL 10H 71232,2606 AAK Rm 4 nathan goodell 11H 73473,2510 SZR Rm 4 WotC - BethMo 12H 74223,1706 WNJ Rm 4 Steve M. Goldfarb 13H 72317,3662 CTP Rm 4 Mark Derrick 14H 73633,1444 BVM Rm 4 David Loveless 15H 75111,2274 TTD Rm 4 Richard 16H 71524,3603 AKC Rm 4 Pete 18H 76551,1741 DUX Rm 4 Eric Aho 18H 72722,3473 LOQ Rm 4 Bill Slankard 19 72773,1106 KBX Rm 4 Jared Shurin 20H 74277,1153 SBV Rm 4 chris bonham 21H 73531,1307 LOQ Rm 4 Adrian 23H 76146,371 FJK Rm 4 RussellF/AsstSO 25H 74051,2440 NIR Rm 4 Kirk W. Hudson 28 70673,1547 AOR Rm 4 Shane Kaser 29H 71022,2456 BWU Rm 4 Tim Burall 30H 74434,3136 MOI Rm 4 Benoit Langevin 35 75107,2017 WEN Rm 4 Greg Doyle 38H 73122,427 CQO Rm 4 Iggy (4-16,Pete) Que? go ahead Pete, we're non-formal at the moment (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Hello, Josh... (4-6,Josh Greene) Hi, I was just wanting to ask a couple of questions Hi Kirk & Eric (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (Say, Ray, I am good until about 11:30 EST). (4-18,Eric Aho) howdy. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Hello, newcommers. (4-6,Josh Greene) Hi Okay, well, we seem to have enough to start, rules are simple . . . just use '?' to get in the queue . . . use . . . at the end of a line to indicate there's more to come . .. use GA to indicate "Go Ahead" . . and do 1 question at a time to give everyone a chance . . anyone want to start ? (4-4,Doug Whitehead) Want to start what? (4-13,Mark Derrick) ? Doug: with the questions, Mark, you're (4-25,Kirk W. Hudson) Greetings all, any idea when the Star Wars game will hit the retail stores? (4-21,Adrian) We are having a big flap over one rule intepretation (4-4,Doug Whitehead) I'd like to talk about Star Wars. first, and I'd like to . . . thank Decipher for having this conference with us tonight . . Mark, GA (4-4,Doug Whitehead) Has playtesting already begun? (4-13,Mark Derrick) My first question is when can we expect to see the collector's set and will there be any surprises in it? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Collector's Set in April. Silver bordered and no Ultra-Rares inside. GA> Doug, GA (4-4,Doug Whitehead) what's GA? Go Ahead (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Go Ahead. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) I'd love to see some of the cards... (4-4,Doug Whitehead) anyone seen 'em yet? Who's doing the art? Doug: are you referring to Star Wars? (4-4,Doug Whitehead) yes. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) For Star Wars? It was announced at the American Internation Toy Fair. I imagine they had samples there. I know the people at Lucas Films also saw some. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) wow. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Parker Bros most likely saw samples as well. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) Does the game play anything like Magic? What's it like? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) There won't be any art as far as I know. Photo stills again. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) That I don't know. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) Photos are cool. Anyone with a question, just use '?' and I'll add you to the queue (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) It's supposed to be very different than ST: NG CCG and it is said to have captured the Star Wars spirit. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) You know, you guys ought to do expansion sets based on (4-4,Doug Whitehead) the comic series, book trilogies, etc. etc. (4-16,Pete) ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Lucas Films was pleased. (4-21,Adrian) 'Q" (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) GA. Pete, GA (4-4,Doug Whitehead) What about something like an "Unknown Regions" set, where folks send in ideas for cards and you guys pick out which ones are cool enough to go into the game. (4-16,Pete) when will we see a ST:CCG expansion (4-11,WotC - BethMo) ? /send 4 , Doug, please, one question at a time % Sending... ;;[4] Doug Whitehead - sure. Sorry (4-13,Mark Derrick) ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) In mid-1995. The Alternate Universes one. Every couple of months after that, we'll see a new one. GA. (4-25,Kirk W. Hudson) ? Pete, GA (4-4,Doug Whitehead) ? (4-16,Pete) done Adrian, GA (4-21,Adrian) We are having a big problem with interpretation of Red Shirting. You appear to have two separate and opposite rulings. The game manual says an away team can beam up or down at any time until stopped. In faq #1 you state once a team has started a mission it must continue. Please explain.... (4-19,Jared Shurin) ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) They can beam up and down until stopped, provided they're not attempting a Misson. Once you turn over the first Dilemma, you're commited to continuing.... (4-21,Adrian) Ok, explain that... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Explain what exactly? (4-21,Adrian) Hang on, I type slow and this will take a minute... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Okay. (4-21,Adrian) We are very concerned that if this is the case the game will become very predictable with literally everyone playing the same combination of dillemas every week in every location... (4-29,Tim Burall) ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I am still not sure we're on the same wavelength. The rules book says you may beam up and down at any time as long as you are not Stopped. The FAQ comes in and clarifies some issues. You may not beam anyone up from the planet's surface once you turn over the first Dilemma, once you start the Mission. At that point, everyone stays where they are unless you're using Emergency Transporter Armband...(Is that the title? ) GA> (4-21,Adrian) If once you encounter a dilemma you can no longer randomly beam people up or down, everyone will be playing a matriarchal society followed by a females love interest, and similar obvious combinations. GA BethMO, GA (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Give us some inside info on Ice Age! Whoops, sorry, that's what everyone's been asking me tonight. What was that question again... oh yeah. Are there going to be STTNG cards in one of the upcoming issues of the Duelist? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Oh sure, ask me one I don't know. hee hee (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) You're the one who writes for them, you tell me. The solid answer: I have no idea. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) ? (4-11,WotC - BethMo) I didn't even know about the goodies in #4. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) GA. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) okay, Mark, GA (4-4,Doug Whitehead) Star Wars.... /send 4 not yet Doug % Sending... /send 4 you're after Mark ;;[4] Doug Whitehead - sorry.... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Okay. (4-13,Mark Derrick) Regarding the Warp packs, I know they are supposed to be used to give to collectors to help them get started... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Yep. (4-13,Mark Derrick) but why put a "desireable" card like a Scotty in it. I am a retailer as well as a player and I am afraid this will encourage hoarding-hardly the desireable outcome. How should we distribute these when we get them? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) How should retailers distribute them? Again, all I can tell you is one to a customer. Everybody can write in and get one at: Decipher Inc., "Free Warp Pack Offer," 253 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510-1813. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) ? (4-13,Mark Derrick) OK, that's a good idea., thanks (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I expect that you will have instructions or advice delivered along with the cards, but I am not certain.... Why put Scotty in there? 'Cause. Everybody wants him and everybody can get him. He won't be worth much if there are six million floating around...GA. Doug, GA with your next Star Wars question (4-4,Doug Whitehead) cool, thanks. okay, what's the basic setup of the game like... you know, do you put down characters from the movie... like Darth Vader, Boba Fett, Luke Skywalker, etc. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) If I knew, I couldn't say. And I don't know. (4-4,Doug Whitehead) dang. alright, when does the VERY FIRST wave hit stores? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) This is what I know (and can disclose): First, regarding Star Wars CCG. The design was shown to Lucas last week and approved by them very enthusiastically. It is still in the development stage, but is basically very solid, with an excellent Star Wars "flavor" they liked, and many unique features that are in no other CCG (very different from ST:CCG). Also, West End Games, the experts on Star Wars and the keepers of Lucas' official technical info on the Star Wars universe, are involved with the project to help insure factual accuracy and correctness of "spirit", and have also enthusiastically approved the basic design. As to when, Fall of '95. I will have more details as fall approaches...GA. Kirk, you're next (4-25,Kirk W. Hudson) When will we see the Star Wars cards in the retail stores and are there any plans for the original Star Trek series? (4-35,Greg Doyle) hello all /send 35 Hi Greg, if you have a question, use '?' and I'll add you to the queue (4-35,Greg Doyle) HI DECIPHER! (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I was under the impression that there was, I remember it being hinted at. But, at this point, I haven't been given any details concerning it and if it is to be, it will be sometime in the future...a year, maybe, Perhaps more...I'd be happy to ask for you...GA. /send 25 Kirk, follow-up? (4-35,Greg Doyle) ? (4-25,Kirk W. Hudson) Will the Star Wars cards be first released in limited and then unlimited versions? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Yes. But not black and white bordered. They cards will have a symbol designation which version they are from on the front.... (4-25,Kirk W. Hudson) Sorry, ignore that last question. I thought the Star Wars game was a "done deal" (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) GA. (4-25,Kirk W. Hudson) Thanks! Okay, my question . . For the Collector's tin the solications mentioned. . (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Shoot. (4-23,RussellF/AsstSO) (Ray yer lisping [g]) try seeing it from this end "bonus cards", yet I've never heard what they are, any ideas? GA (4-11,WotC - BethMo) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) No, I don't. I was told specifically that they wouldn't contain Ultra-Rares, but nothing about other cards...Where did you see this? I believe the Capital solicitation mentioned it, I'll try looking it . . up, until then, Jared, GA (4-19,Jared Shurin) ummm...this also works for Bethmo if she wants to answer, how do the (4-11,WotC - BethMo) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-19,Jared Shurin) large card companies (for lack of a better term) like Decipher or WotC feel about all the small games, I like SimCity , or Star of the Guardians, that are tapping into the market? Threatened? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I get to answer first! hee hee (4-11,WotC - BethMo) GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I get to answer first! (4-35,Greg Doyle) When do I get to ask my QUESTION!??!?! (4-35,Greg Doyle) (BEG) /send 35 you're 3rd in line Greg (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Well, I know that Warren Holland does not feel threatened at all. In fact, he is rather fond of competition and I don't know believe there are any feelings of hostility to or from any company in the market. We're all one big, happy family. (4-23,RussellF/AsstSO) [g] (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Even if ST: NG CCG are worth more than MtG cards . ROFL (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) You're turn, sister. GA. (4-20,chris bonham) RF: ? /send 20 Chris, you have a question? I'll add you to the queue . . (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Wizards of the Coast is very supportive of small companies. Remember, they were a three-person company operating out of Peter's basement less than two years ago. The Duelist magazine is trying to support the entire CCG hobby, not just WotC's games. Various times I was visiting the WotC offices, I've seen people playing lots of other card games. (Don't think I've seen STTNG, though.) GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) No Trek? jared - follow up? (4-19,Jared Shurin) do you feel you're runing, or rushing (4-28,Shane Kaser) ? (4-21,Adrian) ? (4-19,Jared Shurin) yeah, ummm...how does WotC feel about the lack of success of FE? Do you , don't forget, this is Decipher's CO (4-19,Jared Shurin) feel like this market is just much of a "fad" that could ide out with all of the new interest in it? that make any sense? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) It won't idle out. (4-20,chris bonham) ? (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Lack of success? We don't think there was a lack of success. See the conference transcript over in CARDGAMES if it's been posted. (4-19,Jared Shurin) sorry, that's just been burning a whole in my brain (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) FE is a fine expansion. (4-19,Jared Shurin) I dunno, I've heard some negative things about it... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Beth>Don't forget this is a Tradinf Card Forum CO. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-21,Adrian) When will the tins be released, and what color will the border be and will they be allowed in tournaments? GA (4-19,Jared Shurin) thank you all... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Okay. Collector's Tin is due out, last I heard, in April. The borders will be silver and they won't be allowed in Tournaments. The cards are supposed to be a bargain. They're suppose to be *really* nice, but I haven't seen any so...GA. Tim, GA (Greg is next) (4-29,Tim Burall) 1) Will STNGCCG expansions be limited black border first, then unlimited later? 2) After spending hundreds of dollars buying thousands of cards, trading as best I can and STILL not getting a complete set... How about reducing the number of rare cards in future expansions. I can't afford this much longer! (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) One, yes, black first then white for expansion. Second, er.... What can I say? Decipher's policy to produce one card per sheet was to reduce "trash" cards. They've heard some complaints, but don't plan to change it... If it will make you feel any better, *I* don't even have a full set, much less half the bridge crew... GA. (4-29,Tim Burall) Okay, be that way (g). Explain warp packs and tins more. Greg, GA (Chris is next, then Shane) (4-35,Greg Doyle) ok... (4-35,Greg Doyle) 1) how many cards are going to be in this new expansion deck and will it contain new "races" to play as and as to will star trek expand much beyond the scope it is now and grow as large as the MTG game? (4-30,Benoit Langevin) Can I ask a question? /send 30 I'll add you to the Queue Benoit (4-21,Adrian) ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Okay. Right now there are three planned expansion, Alternate Universes, Q-Continuum, and Holodeck Adventures. Each one will contain 121 cards, first a run of black borders and then white. I was given permission to tell you guys a little about what Decipher has planned (that is Ultra Classified, that is). There will be more Affiliation for ST: NG CCG if all goes well. (4-35,Greg Doyle) Good... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) On the table are Ferengi, Bajoran, and Cardassian. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Cool! (4-35,Greg Doyle) YES!!! YES!!! (jumps up and down...) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) There may aslo be Maquis and Jem'Hadar, but those two would need work. this is sounding VERY interesting (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) There will eventually be a DS9 and Voyager expansion sets, but much of what is done depends on Paramount. Each card, each expansion must go through them first and they have final say on what will be produced. So... That's what's planned, but whether or not it will come to pass depends much upon our good friends at Paramount. And you wanted to leave, BethMo. GA. (4-35,Greg Doyle) Thanks decipher...I am sure it will work out. Chris, GA, (Shane next) (4-20,chris bonham) You may have covered this but ...what's the status of the Star Wars CCG: release dates, 300+ cards in the set again, Parker Bros. connection, etc. ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Okay. Star Wars is set for release in the fall of '95. I don't know more yet, but I will post it as soon as I do. It will be 363 cards, with 15 card booster and 60 card starters. There will be a Limited and Unlimited set. One will have an icon on the card, the other won't. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) ? (4-20,chris bonham) Complete set Collector's Edition? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Parker Bros is producing two-player, compatible card games for both Star Trek and Star Wars. You can use your Star Trek or Star Wars cards with the game, but the rules will be a little different. For Star Wars, a Collector's Edition is also planned. GA. Shane, GA (Benoit next) (4-28,Shane Kaser) Typeing madly ... (4-28,Shane Kaser) As luck would have it, Greg and Chris asked both of the questions I had (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Madly Reading (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-28,Shane Kaser) planned, so I'll go on to one other minor point of clarification of what you just said:... Did you mean (imply, or am I inferring?) that Decipher already has the license to produce cards for the Voyager and DS9 "universes", and just needs "clearance" from Paramount? Or will they have to go through further legal wrangles to acquire those rights? GA (4-23,RussellF/AsstSO) ((lurking gleefully) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) We need to clear everything through Paramount. It takes some time, I am told. DAnswerMan tells me all projects, including Star Wars, are on schedule. I do know that part of the last Letter from the President has to be cut because there was not approval in time. Cards, stills, text, everything goes through them. But, Hey, it's their universe...GA,. (4-28,Shane Kaser) Thanks GA Benoit, GA (then Adrian, BethMo, Greg) (4-30,Benoit Langevin) 1)I read that you will add new affiliation, but will Klingon and Romulan will have new personnel and ship because they have not strong enough for the federation. 2) And will you make more powerful dillema like Armus-Skin of Evil and Borg ship because when you play with Rare personnel card the common dillemma are a joke to beat. 3) I have read in letter that the premium card from Parker brother games will be in black border expansion sets, will it be in white or you need to buy the game to have this card. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Yes. (4-23,RussellF/AsstSO) [g] (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Planned Affiliations include, Ferengi, Bajoran, and Cardassian at the moment. Hopefully there will be more powerfull Dilemmas in the next expansion, but unfortunately, Decipher is not allowed to tell me what kinds of cards will be in the expansions. And yes, the two-player Parker Bros game will include what is called Premium cards. After a bit, the Premium cards will be rotated out and new ones will be in the packages, although, as I understand it, the rest of the cards in the game will remain the same. The Premium cards will show up in the black bordered run of the next expansion and then as a white bordered card all. All the Parker Bros cards will be compatible with the games we make and will be white-bordered. GA. Adrian, GA (next is BethMo) (4-21,Adrian) Still don't like this redshirting ruling, it makes the game too predictable. On Emer. Trans. Arm bands, why should the dilema go away if you haven't really encountered it? , single minded, huh (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) The Dilemma won't go away. It will stick around. Your Personnel will be safe. (4-21,Adrian) FAQ 3 says it goes away. Ga (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) What you can do is send one guy down to a planet to attempt the Mission. When he encounters a Dilemma, that Dilemma will be exposed and have it's affect upon him, but not a large group that you might have sent down. Lemme find it... Q: RED SHIRTS -- Can you send down a single personnel to attempt a mission, sacrificing him to see what the first dilemma is, etc.? A: Yes, the "red shirt" strategy is a major tactic and certainly is allowed. There is a risk to it, however, because some dilemmas have powerfully negative effects that are relatively easy to overcome. Yet, if you "red shirt" such a dilemma, you will release very undesirable consequences! (Future cards might also affect Red Shirt strategies). (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Did I answer your question or am I still missing the mark? (4-21,Adrian) We have a weekly tournament and this is a hot topic. It is answered, but it will be disputed locally. GA BethMo, GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (I am gonna sneak this in: It thus works at any time, even when it isn't your turn. The key question revolves around whether you can look at the dilemma and then decide whether to beam up. The answer is, you can *look* at the dilemma, but if you are going to beam up you have to do so before the result of the dilemma is determined.). (Ooops, That's Emergency Transporter Armbands vs. Dilemmas) (4-11,WotC - BethMo) I was wondering, when you talked about the Star Wars cards, whether they will do something about the starter deck distribution to make sure that a starter deck is playable without fudging the rules. ;;[30] Benoit Langevin - Ray, will you put a resume of this conference in the ;;[30] Benoit Langevin - librarie, I miss first half hour. /send 30 yep, I plan on posting a transcript of the CO in Lib 4 later (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Ah ha! tee hee (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Asking more questions I don't know the answers to. Hmmm, I am not sure. I'd have to ask about that. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) That seems to be my specialty. (4-28,Shane Kaser) ? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I think I will. It's a good question. As you know, we're attempting to fix that problem for ST: NG CCG with the Warp Packs. But I don't know whether they'll do more than one card per sheet for Star Wars or not. BethMo - follow up? (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Wouldn't need to do more than one card per sheet if they stack the decks. Similar to what WotC did with Jyhad -- every starter deck got the same number of vampires. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Considering the problems they faced with ST: NG CCG, I'd assume they're thinking about that problem a lot and I wouldn't be surprised it they did *something*. That's very true. And a valid suggestion. (4-35,Greg Doyle) Later all (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) But again, . Next! An easy question, please. Bye, Greg. Any other questions, write me. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-18,Bill Slankard) Why was the decision made to go with as many rare and uncommon cards as cinnib cards? This requires a heckuva lot of money spent to get a complete set (which is of course good for Decipher, but not so hot for the collector). Why not a 1:4:9 ratio of rare to uncommon to commons, or something similar? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) It does. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) This is Decipher's offical line: "When designing the ST:CCG, both players and collectors asked us to maximize the number of cards and to try to minimize "trash cards." We attempted to accomplish this in a number of ways. First, we planned a two-player game. Since this game would be a sub-set of the entire universe of initial cards, we needed to make the "universe" of cards first (see above). Second, we created a "pure" distribution of cards on the manufacturing print sheets. There are no duplications. There are 121 different common cards, 121 different un-common cards and 121 different rare cards in the initial universe of 363 cards. Thus you acquire fewer "repeats" of cards. In the long run this is advantageous for everyone... the value of cards stay high from both a trading and playing perspective. Third, we designed most of the common ST:CCG cards to be "universal" (see the rules on page 15) meaning that you can use as many duplicates as you want. Thus, trash cards are minimized. The tradeoff for all of this is... a difficult randomizing process in the short-term for gameplay. Why choose the long-term approach? Well, for one thing Decipher's corporate culture has a long-term vision. We sincerely hope this is the best path for consumers. Think of it this way: this situation is similar to the design decisions faced by computer software companies (i.e. if they build-in extra software features, it places a greater demand on existing hardware such as not enough RAM or disk space, a very common problem). When the product first comes out, many people have problems running the software. But the computer industry is evolving so fast that people quickly catch up, at which time they are glad the extra software features are there. That is the design issue we faced. In the long run, we hope players will appreciate that they won't have many "trash cards." ;;[18] Bill Slankard - Thanks. I've been real curious about it ever since I ;;[18] Bill Slankard - found out about the 1:1:1 ratio. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Oops. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) That's too big to cut and paste. Everybody get that? I got it musta had that answer "canned" huh, (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Yes, you could tell, huh? hee hee hee Bill, that answer your question? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) He's reading, Ray. Let him be. hee hee Shane will be next (4-18,Bill Slankard) Sort of. I don't see how a 1:4:9 ratio would not be a good decision. If I were to buy 121 booster packs, and get all 121 rare cards, I'd end up with 3 of each uncommon and 11 of each common. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Can you do things like that one paragraph at a time please? I can't see the bottom of it with this @#$% interface. ROFL !! (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) That's what I thought. Want it again, Beth? (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Just the last half? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Bill, that's the only answer I have for you. (4-18,Bill Slankard) OK. Thanks. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) You can write to our Customer Service department and get a more complete one if you'd like. You can even write to out President if you wish... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Beth: (4-18,Bill Slankard) He didn't do a very good job with the baseball strike - I doubt if he'd do any better with this one. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Why choose the long-term approach? Well, for one thing Decipher's corporate culture has a long-term vision. We sincerely hope this is the best path for consumers. Think of it this way: this situation is similar to the design decisions faced by computer software companies (i.e. if they build-in extra software features, it places a greater demand on existing hardware such as not enough RAM or disk space, a very common problem). When the product first comes out, many people have problems running the software. But the computer industry is evolving so fast that people quickly catch up, at which time they are glad the extra software features are there. That is the design issue we faced. In the long run, we hope players will appreciate that they won't have many "trash cards." Is that the one? Bill>Well, it's his wife... (4-18,Bill Slankard) Oh. I'll try her. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Thanks! Shane, GA also folks, time to wind down, getting late for Decipher (4-28,Shane Kaser) Insanely pecking .... I feel a little like we're playing "find the secret word" with Groucho Marx... You said earlier that there were some things that you had been given permission to tell us, and you've told us some of those.... Are there any questions we should be asking in order to get you to tell the rest of the authorized "secrets"??? GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) An example, I knew about our doing a Star Wars game before it was announced. I wasn't supposed to go around telling people about it. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) When I scheduled this con, I asked my boss, DAnswerMan, for some...Scoops. nice to see some of them here too! thanks! (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Some interesting stuff that could only be heard here. He asked Decipher and they told him what he could tell me. Decipher had to clear it through Paramount. What I got wasn't much. (4-28,Shane Kaser) So, have you told us all of it then??? GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I don't work for Decipher directly and am not there to hear all kinds of neat stuff. Well, let me see...... Tom says: "I wish I could tell you all the other cool plans we are developing here at Decipher! I get excited about it myself! There are expansion sets the people as yet have no idea about!" He's a bastard. hee hee (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) What else... (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Hmm, Peter at least dropped the names of two secret (4-11,WotC - BethMo) projects. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) This is about it...: Regarding DS9, TOS, Voyager, and expansion to other Star Trek licenses; there are no specific time details as yet. You can say that ST:CCG has been designed from the start to link up with these other series. They each will have slightly different play, as befits their character, but will also link up with the other series smoothly. We have already anticipated much of this -- you don't see Miles or Keiko O'Brien in the TNG set because they were saved for DS9 use, etc. DS9 most probably will create at least three more "Affiliations" -- Ferengi, Cardassian, Bajoran, and possibly the Maquis and/or the Jem'Hadar (if they ever expand that plot line more!), although this depends somewhat on what happens in future episodes. The timing on these, however, is still up in the air because Paramount is still unsure when they want them released for marketing purposes, and Decipher is still talking with them about all that. It will not be until next year, however, and still isn't clear which one will come first. Voyager will undoubtedly come last, as it needs a few years under its belt before there is enough material for cards. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I *hope* that didn't scroll too fast for you, dear sister... That's about all. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) The letter I got rehashs much of what is known... (4-28,Shane Kaser) Well, at least I got you to spurt out another of your (4-28,Shane Kaser) "canned responses! GA (4-11,WotC - BethMo) It doesn't scroll, it just truncates if it's too big to fit in the size of window I have open. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I wish I knew more myself! GA. Decipher, how much more time left? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Oh, ten, fifteen minutes. I want a bath *some* time tonight. , any other questions anyone? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I am MST, so... CST here (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Good thing we can't smell you through the net? ROFL!! (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Hey, I just want to clean up a little.... (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I am telling Mom! okay, here's one, any plans to include any cards in the Star Trek related comics? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Not that I am aware. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I am not really sure of what we'll be putting into other publications either... GA Any idea about the print run of the Collector tin? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) How big? Let me check real quick... I'm curious if orders are going to exceed the print run, causing allocations (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Nope. I heard from my local retailer getting them is... difficult. But, Ray, you're ursurping Beth's job. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) That was a hard question. Solitare rules are in the works.... I am supposed to be writing rules for online play... Fax back service should be up in April Decipher.Com is comming along, and we have Net Reps on all main online services. (4-16,Pete) ? (4-16,Pete) who is the net rep on compuserve (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Me. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Hi. hee hee (4-16,Pete) I see, sorry (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) S'okay . (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Someday I'll get Tom Braunlich (DAnswerMan) in for a conference. But right now he's pretty busy... (4-16,Pete) Thanks (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) In fact, I'd *love* to get him in on a con, but... What kinds of things would you like to see for ST: NG CCG or from Decipher? (4-11,WotC - BethMo) I'd love to have him here. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I'd have to bathe that night for sure. (4-28,Shane Kaser) Any idea when dealers (retailers/distributors) will start placing orders for the Alternate Universe expansion (ie when Deciper will start taking orders? GA (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Any other questions, comments, or interesting stuff? (4-29,Tim Burall) I Just hope that Decipher doesn't try to expansion us to death. I think WotC has put out way too many cards in too short a time (sorry Beth). (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Shane>Nope. None. It's due out this summer and is on schedule. Paramount approved all the cards. Tim>Right now, I personally think ST: NG CCG needs expansions. agreed (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) There aren't enough cards out right now to vary play a whole lot. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) WotC thinks so too, Tim. They're slowing down in '95. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I am very much looking forward to the Alternate Universes set. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Anything else? (4-29,Tim Burall) I heard that Decipher has planned as many as 3000 cards. I have nothing against expansions but a number like that is way too many. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Hmmn, I hadn't heard that. 3,000 is a bunch. @121 cards per expansion, that's a long time from now (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Yeah, I did the math. It's 21 expansions. Boy. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) Expansions are only going to be one sheet? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I would imagine so. I haven't heard something definite, but 121 looks durn familiar, you know. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) I would have thought 2. Otherwise, there's only one rarity level. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) (Psst...I don't get too involved in the collector stuff. . I know a little about sheets, but don't much keep track of rarity and stuff. I just say, "Oh look, *another* Shivan".). How do you say Shivan anyway? ROFL!! good one (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Shivan or Shivan? Actually, I think I have one..gave or traded all my others away... (4-11,WotC - BethMo) It rhymes with Steven, at least around here. (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Steven? Not around here. Well, before this breaks up, I'd like to publicly thank Decipher for hosting this conference and giving everyone a chance to get some scoops about upcoming products (round of applause) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) No problem. It makes me nervous, , but it's fun. (4-11,WotC - BethMo) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) I'll post a transcript (hopefully) in the next day or so of the CO (4-28,Shane Kaser) Thanks, Decipher, Inc. (whatever your TRUE secret identity IS!) (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) My real name is Picard, Jean-Luc Picard. And shaken, not stirred. Or hot. Nathan, Hello. Vern. (4-3,Vern Casey) hi (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Got any quick questions? (4-3,Vern Casey) no just visiting (4-28,Shane Kaser) What's the question to 42? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Shane>Hot. you REALLY don't have a full set yourself? (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) That's right. I don't even have a Picard or Enterprise. granted, took me 4.5 boxes plus trading to finish mine (4-11,WotC - BethMo) 4 boxes plus trading for me. Including trading some Legends. My Legends set was another matter entirely (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Well, I don't collect nor have I traded much Trek... I did trade neat MtG cards *for* Trek, but.... Well, folks, I am going to run along now.... Thanks for all the easy questions . Thanks again for the CO (4-11,WotC - BethMo) (4-29,Tim Burall) 'Night (4-7,Decipher, Inc.) Elvis has left the building