SPELLFIRE FAQ
Doctor Demento
SPELLFIRE Frequently Asked Questions
Compiled by Kevin Barth (ba...@wam.umd.edu)
Version 1.1 - 10/13/94
Items that have been changed since the last edition are marked in the
index with an asterisk (*).
I. About the Spellfire FAQ
What is the Spellfire FAQ?
Why A Spellfire FAQ?
Who Maintains the Spellfire FAQ?
Where is this FAQ distributed? *
Disclaimers...
II. Spellfire: Availability and Costs
Where Can I Get Spellfire Cards? *
What are the various Spellfire Expansions to Date? *
What is the distribution of commons/uncommons/rares
Spellfire Promo Cards
How Much does Spellfire Cost?
III. Spellfire: Basic Rules
Are the Spellfire Rules Available On-Line?
Rule Changes/Errata from TSR - available via FTP
Explanations/Errata from TSR: from Duelist #2
Explanations/Errata from TSR: From Dragon #208
IV. Misc. Information
Where can I get Spellfire info? *
Is There a List of All Spellfire Cards, with Rarity Levels?
Is There a Deliniated list, suitable for Database use? *
I got a damaged card in my Pack. How can I have it Replaced?
V. The Spellfire/Magic Connection
VI. The Internet Spellfire Directory *
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I. About the Spellfire FAQ
A. What is the Spellfire FAQ?
The Spellfire FAQ is a regularly posted document
providing information for players of TSR's "Spellfire:
Master the Magic" Collectible Card Game. It eventually
will contain complete card lists for all of the
Spellfire editions, rule clarification and optional
rules (both official and unofficial), and other
information of interest to players of this game.
B. Why a Spellfire FAQ?
This is perhaps the MOST frequently asked question
(especially among Magic: The Gathering players)! While
Spellfire has not garnered nearly as much attention as
Magic (with which it has drawn inevitable comparisons)
it still has a fairly sizeable following in certain
places. In the U.S., Spellfire has done particularly
well in the midwest and in some eastern cities
(Baltimore is said to be a big Spellfire town). It is
said to be fairly popular in portions of Europe,
although I have heard no particular reports of specific
places.
Spellfire has garnered little traffic on the
rec.games.deckmaster.* hierarchy, largely because few
people are aware that the group's charter includes non-
Deckmaster games. With the publication of this FAQ
will come wider knowledge of this, and probably
additional traffic.
C. Who Maintains the Spellfire FAQ?
This FAQ is maintained by Kevin Barth
(ba...@wam.umd.edu). If you have any additions to the
FAQ, or information that you think might be of interest
to Spellfire players in general, please drop me a
line! While on irc, you can often find me as Demento,
in groups #wicca, #jeopardy, or #lumania.
D. Where is this FAQ Distributed?
I will be posting this FAQ, initially on a bi-weekly
basis, to the following usenet newsgroups.
rec.games.deckmaster
rec.games.deckmaster.marketplace
rec.collecting.cards
rec.games.frp.dnd
This FAQ is also now available via the World Wide Web!
Check out my homepage at http://www.wam.umd.edu/~barth/
A hypertext version of this list is in the works, and
will be announced when ready.
If you would like to distribute this FAQ on a private
BBS or or through your gaming group, please feel free
to do so! I ask only that you not modify the file in
any way, and that you remove no part of the file. If
you do distribute this file, please let me know - I
would like to know what kind of distribution it is
getting.
E. Disclaimers...
While all information in this document is believed to
be true, I make no guarantees as to its validity or
applicability in any specific instance. If you note
any errors in this list, please email me with the
source of your corrected information, and I will make
the change in the next edition.
"Spellfire" is a registered trademark of TSR,
Incorporated. "Magic: The Gathering" is a registered
trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Incorporated. T$R
is a political comment, and is not a trademark of
anyone. Feel free to use it as you will.
It should be unecessary to mention, but given the legal
climate today, I suppose it isn't: All opinions expressed
in this document are mine or those of the person to which
they are attributed. They do not express the opinions of
University of Maryland at College Park, or any other
institution.
II. Spellfire: Availability and Cost
A. Where Can I Get Spellfire Cards
While Spellfire has its pockets of strong interest, in
large portions of the country, the game has not sold
well. As a result, several of the original dealers
selling the game are getting out as soon as the get rid
of their first batch of cards. If you live in an area
where this is the common practice, you may be forced to
use mail-order to get Spellfire.
In most areas, however, there are at least one or two
dealers that intend to keep supporting it. Eventually,
I would like to present in this FAQ a list of local
dealers which support the game - if you own or are
aware of such a shop, please drop me a line. In the mean
time, here are a couple of shops in the DC area that carry
Spellfire, and have told me about their intention to continue
supporting it.
Barbarian Books, 2 blocks from Wheaton Metro Station,
Wheaton, Maryland.
Closet of Comics, Route 1, College Park, Maryland.
B. What are the Various Spellfire Editions Released to
Date?
First came Spellfire: First Edition. This set consists
of 400 cards, with a seperately numbered set of 25
inserts available only in booster packs. These cards
are easily identified, as they are marked: "First
Edition" on the back of the card. First Edition cards
were available in double starter decks (110 cards) or
in Booster Packs (15 cards).
Starter Decks contain 10 rare cards, 20 uncommons, and
80 commons or realms. Boosters contain 2 rares, 4
uncommons, 8 commons, and a "special" card from the 25-
card subset. These were released in June and July of
1994.
Next came Spellfire: Second Edition. Once again, the
cards are clearly marked on the back, to avoid
confusing them with the First edition cards (but see
below for an exception). In the second edition set, 25
of the rare cards were removed, and 20 new rare cards
were added. These new rare cards were numbered 401-
420, and only these cards still have the "First
Edition" markings on the back. They are still
considered to be a part of the First edition,
despite being distributed with the second edition. No
booster packs are to be released with the second
Edition Cards - just Starter Decks. These have just
started appearing in the market place as of this
writing (early September, 1994).
The Ravenloft expansion has finally hit the shops in
Demento's area...They are priced identically to the first
edition boosters, and have almost the same breakdown for rarity
- 2 rares, 4 uncommons, and 9 commons. This, and all other
expansion sets based upon specific worlds, features about 100
new cards.
The only other announced expansion set at this time is
the Dragonlance expansion, due in November or December.
Any information that you have about this set would be
appreciated.
C. WHAT IS THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMONS/UNCOMMONS/RARES?
1st Edition had 100 Rare cards, 100 Uncommon, 150
Common, 50 Realms, and of course 25 Special.
Ravenloft has 100 cards, but as yet I have seen no
breakdown according to rarity.
Rob Repp, Manager of TSR's Digital Projects Group,
notes the following distribution figures:
-----
Common Cards 1st edition: 178,336 of each and a
total of 26,750,400
Uncommon 1st edition: 111,680 of each and a total
of 11,168,000
Rare 1st edition: 53,440 of each and a total of
5,344,000
Special booster: 57,024 of each and a total of
1,425,600
Realm 1st edition: 110,080 of each and a total of
5,504,000
****************************************************
Ravenloft 1st edition: Common: 174,960 of each and a
total of 8,748,000
Uncommon: 155,200 of each and a total of 3,880,000
Rare: 77,760 of each and a total of 1,944,000
***************************************************
Spellfire 2nd edition double decks: Common: 36,000
of each and a total of 5,400,000
Uncommon: 18,000 of each and a total of 1,800,000
Realms: 36,000 of each and a total of 1,800,000
Rare: 9,000 of each and a total of 900,000
***************************************************
-----
D. Spellfire Promo Cards
While not, strictly speaking, an expansion set, I feel
that I should also mention in this section the
Spellfire Promos. TSR has released (to the best of my
knowledge) only two promotional cards for Spellfire.
These cards are labelled "Promo 1" and "Promo 2" in the
space normally reserved for the card number. Promo 1
pictures A shield with the TSR logo, and is an artifact
which makes the attached champion 10th level. Promo 2
features crossed arms and a shield, and is a holding
which makes the attached realm immune to events and
allows it to cast spells as a champion. Promo 2 was
distributed only at Gen Con 1994, while Promo 1 was
apparently distributed in specially marked Ravenloft
booster packs (any infomation on this would be helpful).
On the subject of promotional cards, Rob Repp, Manager
of TSR's Digital Projects Group, notes that, "Currently
TSR doesn't have a means to send these cards out other
than conventions. TSR isn't trying to deprive anyone of
cards. The only suggestion we have is ask a friend who
is going to get you one too."
E. How Much does Spellfire Cost?
Those who are familiar with Magic: The Gathering will
be relieved to hear that Spellfire is considerably less
expensive. At last check, the costs of starter decks
and boosters were similar between Magic and Spellfire.
However, the Spellfire starters contain nearly twice as
many cards, and proportionally more rare cards than the
Revised Magic cards (see section I.B, above). Starter
Decks retail at about $8.00, while Boosters are about
$2.50.
What does this mean in terms of the economically-minded
Spellfire player (or merely one who wants to collect a
set without breaking the bank)? One thing it means, is
that unless you are interested in collecting the 25-
card subset, available only in the boosters, you should
NEVER buy boosters. For the 8.00 starter deck you get
10 rare cards and 20 uncommons. For 10.00 worth of
boosters you will get only 8 rares and 16 uncommons.
TSR, apparently realizing this, has eliminated the
boosters from its Spellfire Second Edition release.
Since most of the trading in Spellfire is along the
lines of "a rare for a rare," it is relatively easy to
obtain a baseline figure for what you can expect to pay
for a set. Assuming copious trading, you can expect to
get the 100 rares in 1st Edition in 10 starter decks,
or about $80.00. Revised Edition Magic, by the same
method of calculation, would cost you considerably more
(can anyone provide me with a breakdown of the typical
Magic Booster pack?). Even assuming a 100% markup,
then a Spellfire set should probably cost you no more
than $160. Try to get even a revised Magic set for
that and you will get laughed off the net.
There are relatively few people selling Spellfire on
the net - but a lot of people with cards to trade.
Look around in any of the groups to which this FAQ is
ditributed and you should find someone.
III. Spellfire Rules and Interpretations
A. Are the Spellfire Rules Available On-Line?
Not to the best of my knowledge, and while I have had
several requests from people that I include them in
this FAQ, I must decline.
The reason is legal. TSR, Inc. has become rather anal
lately on the question of its' copyrights. This has
led to a lot of bad feelings and mutterings about
boycotts. If you aren't aware of the great TSR legal
position paper, check out the archives of
rec.games.frp.dnd, where there has been a lot of
discussion of it. The short version is that TSR has
sponsored an FTP site for distribution of material
that might be problematic. They are also doing
everything in their power to shut down all unauthorized
ftp sites.
Since TSR doesn't draw a distinction between semi-
permanent lists, (such as this FAQ or the "Darksun
Source Book") and ftp sites, this means that they
refuse to permit use of copyrighted materials in these
lists. In specific, I am not permitted to include text
from the rules or any other official TSR pronouncements
in the FAQ. While I personally am judgement-proof, and
would dearly love to tell TSR's lawyers to take a
flying leap, the fact is that my University is NOT
judgement-proof, and could be hurt if TSR decides to
actually go ahead with a lawsuit.
If you received a poorly-printed copy of the rule
sheet, I have been advised that you may exchange it for
a new one by mailing it to TSR's customer service
address. See "I just opened a pack and got a damaged card..."
later in this document.
B. Rule Changes/Errata from TSR
Rob Repp, Manager of TSR's Digital Projects Group,
posted to the net a lengthy set of clarifications and
rule changes for Spellfire. Unfortunately, I have been
explicitly forbidden from including them in this FAQ.
(Nice example of customer relations, TSR)!
This official document may be obtained via ftp from the
official TSR ftp site, located at ftp.mpgn.com
C. Explanations/Errata from TSR: from Duelist #2
Thomas McCambley <at...@FreeNet.Carleton.CA> kindly
provides these additional explanations:
-----Begin Quoted Document Here-----
This is the FAQ info from The 2nd Issue of Duelist. They are
taken from Steve Winter of TSR, and he of course deserves all the
credit.
Q: Can you play a realm which you gain as a spoils of war card
if you already played a realm that turn?
A: Yes
Q: Why would someone play the Defiler, a sixth-level wizard who
destroys a friendly realm or holding if he casts a spell,
when she could cast the Preserver, a Sixth-level wizard who
doesn't have that effect?
A: They Probably wouldn't. But these pairs of cards are more
true to the roleplaying universe. In AD&D there are more
and less powerful characters, and characters with negative
counterparts, and there are in Spellfire as well.
Q: Why would you play a weaker champion when you can play with
a stronger one?
A: It's a matter of strategy. You can use the weaker champion
to block your opponent's largest champion, and lose, and
then your opponent will have to use a weaker champion
against your tougher champion.
Q: How can you cast a reactionary spell, in reaction to one of
your opponent's spells, if you can only cast spells during
the attack if your champion is of lesser level than your
opponent's champion?
A: You can cast a reactionary spell in response to any spell
that your opponent has just cast.
Q: If you use the Heartwood Spear against the Jungles of Chult
when they are being used as a defending monster, is the
realm destroyed?
A: Yes
Q: Since the Cleric of Mask is the only champion that you can
play face down, doesn't that defeat the purpose of keeping
the Champion's identity secret?
A: But you can also play his magic item's face down, so that
his true level is not apparent. There may also be Champions
in the future expansions with this ability.
Q: How does the Ally, Skulk work?
A: You play any Allies that you wish face down until your level
is higher than your opponent's, then your opponent plays as
many as she wishes until she thinks that her total is
higher. Then you may reveal that she is wrong, or play more
until you are higher. This continues until both players
don't wish to play more Allies, etc., at which time the
totals are revealed.
Q: The Giant Skeleton is an ally that causes any magic sword or
spear used by the opposing Champions to be discarded. If
this ally is played on a monster who is being blocked by a
Champion with the Heartwood Spear, is the monster destroyed
first, or is the Spear discarded first?
A: They both happen at the same time.
-----End Quoted Document Here-----
D. Additional corrections from Dragon #208
A number of additional rule changes appeared in issue #208 of
Dragon magazine. Since these same rules were sent by fax to
merchandisers carrying the Spellfire line, I am including them
here. The same issue also has optional rules for different
realm formations (and restrictions on placing holdings), use
of Treasuries, and hiring allies as "Protectors of the Realm."
-----Begin Quoted Document Here-----
1. Spellcasting and Magical Items: Magical items, some artifacts, and
spells cast by wizards and priests have a small code in parentheses
following the description of the card's effect. There is a number
that indicates in which phase the spell of item can be used, and an
offensive or defensive classification. There is a misconception that
this classification dictates whether the spell or item can be used in
attack or defense. The nature of the spell or item is listed only to
determine whether other cards are immune to the effects of that card,
(as some items and champions are immune to offensive spells or magical
items). Unless otherwise indicated in the text of the card, any spell
or magical item can be used in attacking or defending.
2. Pools: A player with no realm cards in play cannot have a pool of
champions. A realm that has been razed but not removed from the table
still is capable of supporting a pool.
3. In Play: This term refers to any cards on the table in a player's pool,
in realm formation, or in battle. Even if the card is face down (to
indicate a razed realm) it is considered in play. Cards in a player's
hand, draw pile, or discard pile are not in play.
4. Event Cards: This rule was accidentally omitted from the first printing
of the rule book. Once played, an even card never can be returned to
the player's hand by any means. Once an event card is played, it should
not be placed in the discard pile; remove it from play entirely.
5. Realm Cards: A realm retains its position in the formation even if other
realms have been razed or discarded. A realm played in position B, for
example, remains in position B even if the realm in position A has been
razed or destroyed and removed from the game.
6. Special Powers: Many realms, champions, and allies have special combat
powers. These take effect only when those cards are involved in a round
of battle. Realm powers take effect only when the realm is the target of
an attack. Exceptions are specifically stated on the cards. For example,
the GREYHAWK Ruins card states that all of the player's Greyhawk
champions gain +2 levels, in which case that card would be active at all
times until it is razed or destroyed.
7. Draws: If a card in play prevents a champion from attacking (e.g., a non-
flying champion is blocked by a wall spell) that champion is defeated but
returns to his pool, and the battle ends. A defending champion defeated
in this manner likewise returns to its pool but the attacking player may
continue battle with a new champion. The defending player cannot use the
just-defeated champion again in that battle.
8. Optional Rules: Some of the optional rules in the rule book are more
optional than others. It is strongly suggested that the following
optional rules be used once you learn the game: Aiding the Attacker or
Defender, World Bonuses, The Rule of the Cosmos, Clerics vs Undead, and
Fear of Undead. The use of these rules makes the value of certain cards
much more apparent.
-----End Quoted Document Here-----
IV. Misc. Information
A. Where can I get Spellfire info?
On usenet news: The official groups for all collectible
card games are rec.games.deckmaster (for
strategy/gameplay discussions) and its
sister, rec.games.deckmaster.marketplace
(for trade & sale notices). Despite the
group's name, discussion within it is not
limited to the Deckmaster line of card
games. Players and traders are encouraged
to post in these groups rather than in the
others that have attracted traffic in recent
months.
On irc: Unlike Magic: the Gathering, which has a number of
irc channels devoted to it, the #spellfire irc
channel is underutilized. I have used it for trades
on a few ocassions, and would like to see it become
more frequently used. Check it out when you are
on-line,
via ftp: TSR has ruled that only its own licensed ftp site
may be used for the distribution of Spellfire (and
other TSR) information. This site is ftp.mpgn.com.
There is no mirror site, and current plans call for
there never to be a mirror site, so if you cannot
get in from overseas, you are out of luck, I'm
afraid. TSR apparently considers mirrors to be
evil incarnate.
via www: Demento maintains a Spellfire page off of his
www homepage. Set your browser to:
http://www.wam.umd.edu/~barth/ and have fun!
B. Is There a List of All Spellfire Cards, with Rarity Levels?
Yes. The list is printed in Scrye Magazine #2. Dragon #207
provides a short checklist with just the numbers, by rarity
level. The Scrye list contains titles and powers, albeit in
an abbreviated form.
The following is a list provided by Jim McQuillian - in an effort
get this edition of the FAQ out in time, I have not cleaned it up
but I will do so by the next release. Please note that the list
included in the first edition of this FAQ had a number of errors,
so you should be careful about the rarity levels included in that
I believe that this version is free of errors, but should you find
one, please let me know!
1 Waterdeep Realm FR Realm n/a
2 Menzoberranzan Realm FR Realm n/a
3 Zhentil Keep Rare FR Realm 5
4 Shadowdale Realm FR Realm n/a
5 Cormyr Realm FR Realm n/a
6 Sembia Realm FR Realm n/a
7 Moonshae Isles Realm FR Realm 2
8 Thay Realm FR Realm n/a
9 Calimshan Realm FR Realm n/a
10 Pirate Isles Realm FR Realm n/a
11 Raven's Bluff Realm FR Realm n/a
12 The Great Rift Realm FR Realm n/a
13 Myth Drannor Uncommon FR Realm n/a
14 Vaasa Realm FR Realm n/a
15 Jungles of Chult Realm FR Realm 5
16 The High Forest Realm FR Realm n/a
17 Sword Coast Realm FR Realm n/a
18 Anauroch Realm FR Realm n/a
19 Impiltur Realm FR Realm n/a
20 Icewind Dale Realm FR Realm n/a
21 The High Moor Realm FR Realm n/a
22 Rashemen Realm FR Realm n/a
23 Damara Realm FR Realm n/a
24 Narfell Realm FR Realm n/a
25 Dragonspear Castle Realm FR Realm n/a
26 Daggerdale Realm FR Realm n/a
27 Darkhold Realm FR Realm n/a
28 Haunted Hall of Eveningstar Rare FR Realm n/a
29 Evermeet Realm FR Realm n/a
30 The Trollmoors Realm FR Realm n/a
31 Berdusk Uncommon FR Holding n/a
32 Tantras Uncommon FR Holding n/a
33 Mulmaster Uncommon FR Holding n/a
34 Hillsfar Uncommon FR Holding n/a
35 Suzail Uncommon FR Holding n/a
36 Arabel Uncommon FR Holding 4
37 Fortifications Uncommon FR Holding n/a
38 Fortifications Uncommon FR Holding n/a
39 Selune Uncommon FR Holding n/a
40 Peasant Militia Uncommon FR Holding n/a
41 Alias the Sell-Sword Uncommon FR Hero 6
42 King Azoun IV Rare FR Hero 7
43 Maligor the Red Rare FR Wizard 3
44 Elminster the Mage Uncommon FR Wizard 9
45 Drizzt Du'Urden Common FR Hero 8
46 Midnight, Goddess of Magic Rare FR Wizard 7
47 Torg Mac Cei, the Ironlord Uncommon FR Hero 6
48 The Pereghost Rare FR Monster 7
49 Bruenor Battlehammer Rare FR Hero 5
50 Marco Volo Uncommon FR Hero 3
51 The Harpers Common FR Hero 6
52 Gnomes of Samek Uncommon FR Hero 4
53 Adventurers! Common FR Hero 3
54 War Party Common AD&D Ally +4
55 Crime Lord Uncommon FR Hero 7
56 Adventurers Common FR Hero 4
57 The Jotunslayers Common FR Hero 4
58 Armies of Bloodstone Uncommon AD&D Ally +4
59 The Iron Legion Common AD&D Ally +3
60 Tergoz Tenhammer Common GH Hero 5
61 Myrmidons Rare AD&D Ally +4
62 The Magister Rare FR Wizard 4
63 Karlott the Shaman Uncommon FR Cleric 4
64 King Havlor II Uncommon FR Hero 5
65 Pteranadon Common AD&D Ally +2
66 Gorgosaurus Rare AD&D Ally +4
67 Greater Feyr Rare FR Monster 5
68 Cleric of Gond Rare FR Cleric 4
69 Cleric of Torm Rare FR Cleric 5
70 Cleric of Mask Rare FR Cleric 4
71 Drow Matron Uncommon FR Wizard 5
72 Dracolich Rare FR Monster 6
73 Vasos Flameslayer Rare FR Hero 5
74 Allisa of the Mist Common FR Hero 5
75 Grypht the Saurial Uncommon FR Wizard 4
76 Worden Ironfist Rare FR Hero 5
77 Amarill Uncommon FR Cleric 3
78 Joliet the Rash Common FR Hero 4
79 Dwarf of Earthfast Common FR Hero 2
80 The Black Courser Rare FR Monster 4
81 Hornhead Saurial Common AD&D Ally +3
82 Dagrande Uncommon FR Hero 4
83 Mind Flayer Rare AD&D Ally +3
84 Noble Djinni Rare AD&D Ally +4
85 Hubadai Rare FR Hero 4
86 Intellect Devourer Uncommon AD&D Ally +1
87 Shandril Common FR Hero 3
88 Triceratops Rare AD&D Ally +3
89 Cleric of Malar Common FR Cleric 4
90 Airship Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
91 Bad Omens Common AD&D Event n/a
92 Fortunate Omens Common AD&D Event n/a
93 Rod of Shapechange Uncommon FR Artifact n/a
94 Dwarven Hammer Rare AD&D Magic Item +3
95 Staff of Striking Rare AD&D Magic Item +3
96 Horrors of the Abyss Uncommon AD&D Spell(W) +5
97 Flameblade Rare AD&D Magic Item +2
98 Figurine of Wondrous Power Common AD&D Magic Item +3
99 Cataclysm! Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
100 Good Fortune Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
101 Surprise Raid Common AD&D Event n/a
102 Banner of the One-Eyed God Common AD&D Magic Item +1
103 Viperhand Uncommon AD&D Magic Item n/a
104 Orb of Doom Common AD&D Magic Item +2
105 Staff of Conjuring Common AD&D Magic Item +5
106 Spell of Formless Horror Uncommon AD&D Spell(W) -3
107 Safe Harbor! Rare AD&D Event n/a
108 Labor of Legend Common AD&D Event n/a
109 Wand of Light Uncommon AD&D Magic Item +3
110 Elf Galleon Rare AD&D Ally +3
111 The Free City of Greyhawk Rare GH Realm n/a
112 The Lands of Iuz Uncommon GH Realm n/a
113 The Pomarj Realm GH Realm n/a
114 Hold of the Sea Princes Realm GH Realm 1
115 The Yeomanry Realm GH Realm n/a
116 Blackmoor Uncommon GH Realm n/a
117 The Horned Society Realm GH Realm n/a
118 The Wolf Nomads Realm GH Realm n/a
119 Sterich Realm GH Realm n/a
120 Nyrond Realm GH Realm n/a
121 Veluna Realm GH Realm n/a
122 Furyondy Realm GH Realm n/a
123 The Great Kingdom Rare GH Realm n/a
124 Temple of Elemental Evil Uncommon GH Realm n/a
125 Greyhawk Ruins Uncommon GH Realm n/a
126 Perrenland Realm GH Realm n/a
127 Keoland Realm GH Realm n/a
128 Celene Realm GH Realm n/a
129 The Bright Desert Realm GH Realm n/a
130 Theocracy of the Pale Realm GH Realm n/a
131 The Bone March Realm GH Realm n/a
132 The Duchy of Urnst Realm GH Realm n/a
133 The Sea Barrons Realm GH Realm n/a
134 Bissel Common GH Realm n/a
135 The Scarlet Brotherhood Uncommon GH Realm n/a
136 Irongate Realm GH Realm n/a
137 Principality of Ulek Common GH Realm n/a
138 County of Sunndi Common GH Realm n/a
139 Duchy of Tenh Common GH Realm n/a
140 Burneal Forest Common GH Realm n/a
141 Castle Hart Common GH Holding n/a
142 Arms of the Horned Society Rare GH Holding 5
143 Arms of Iuz Rare GH Holding n/a
144 Arms of Greyhawk Rare GH Holding n/a
145 Arms of the Great Kingdom Rare GH Holding n/a
146 Arms of Furyondy Rare GH Holding n/a
147 Arms of Nyrond Common GH Holding n/a
148 Skull Keep Common GH Holding +4
149 Fortification Common GH Holding n/a
150 Siege! Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
151 War Banner Common AD&D Magic Item +1
152 Codex of the Infinite Planes Common GH Artifact n/a
153 Crystal of the Ebon Flame Uncommon AD&D Magic Item +6
154 Hordes of Castle Greyhawk Rare GH Ally +5
155 Skeletal Horde Common GH Monster 5
156 Eye and Hand of Vecna Uncommon GH Artifact +5/+2
157 Orb of Dragonkind Uncommon GH Artifact +4
158 Baba Yaga's Hut Uncommon GH Artifact n/a
159 Chariot of Lyrx Rare GH Artifact +3
160 Cup of Al'Akbar Uncommon GH Artifact n/a
161 Rary the traitor Common GH Wizard 4
162 Mordenkainen Rare GH Wizard 7
163 Tyslin San Uncommon GH Wizard 5
164 Otto Rare GH Wizard 6
165 Mika the Wolf-Nomad Rare GH Wizard 7
166 Lloth, the Spider Queen Rare GH Monster 9
167 Iuz the Evil Uncommon GH Monster 8
168 Mutiny! Rare AD&D Event n/a
169 Swordwraith Rare AD&D Ally +4
170 Sysania Uncommon GH Cleric 4
171 Kiara Uncommon GH Hero 2
172 Hettman Tsurin Rare GH Hero 2
173 Griffon Rare AD&D Magic Item +2
174 Sea Zombie Rare AD&D Ally +4
175 Mist Wolf Rare AD&D Event n/a
176 Tyrinon Uncommon GH Hero 5
177 Quagmiela the Dragon Uncommon GH Monster 5
178 Seragrimm the Just Rare GH Hero 5
179 Skulk Rare AD&D Ally +1
180 Berserk Fury! Rare AD&D Event n/a
181 Wolf Nomads Common GH Hero 4
182 Zadoc Rare AD&D Ally +2
183 Miles Uncommon AD&D Ally +2
184 Trystan Common AD&D Ally +2
185 Thorvid Rare GH Hero 5
186 Fairy Madness Rare AD&D Event n/a
187 Nenioc Uncommon GH Cleric 5
188 Young Gold Dragon Common GH Monster 4
189 Arch-Druid Rare GH Cleric 4
190 Hell Hound Uncommon AD&D Ally +5
191 Griffon Rare GH Monster 4
192 Giant Skeleton Rare AD&D Ally +3
193 Skeleton Common AD&D Ally +1
194 Winged Horror Uncommon GH Monster 7
195 Treants of the Grandwood Uncommon AD&D Ally +5
196 Rangers of Hornwood Common GH Hero 4
197 Magical Barding Rare AD&D Magic Item +2
198 Border Forts Common FR Holding n/a
199 Ren's Crystal Ball Common GH Artifact n/a
200 Falcon Figurine Uncommon AD&D Magic Item +1
201 Transformation! Common AD&D Event n/a
202 Enslaved! Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
203 Siege Common AD&D Event n/a
204 Bribery Rare AD&D Event n/a
205 Charge! Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
206 Magic Sword Common AD&D Magic Item +2
207 Enlarge Rare AD&D Spell(W) +3
208 Ring of Shooting Stars Rare AD&D Magic Item +4
209 Arms of Veluna Common GH Holding n/a
210 Fast Talking! Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
211 Flight Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
212 Shapechange Rare AD&D Spell(W) +6
213 Barbarian Raiders! Rare AD&D Event n/a
214 Treasure Fleet Rare AD&D Event n/a
215 Potion of Fire-Breathing Rare AD&D Magic Item +6
216 Arms of the Shield Lands Common GH Holding n/a
217 Net of Entrapment Uncommon AD&D Magic Item n/a
218 Johydee's Mask Rare GH Artifact n/a
219 Helm of Teleportation Rare AD&D Magic Item n/a
220 Rod of Dispel Magic Uncommon GH Artifact n/a
221 Draj Realm DS Realm n/a
222 Raam Realm DS Realm n/a
223 Urik Realm DS Realm 4
224 Tyr Realm DS Realm 5
225 Gulg Uncommon DS Realm 7
226 Nibenay Uncommon DS Realm n/a
227 Balic Realm DS Realm 4
228 The Mud Palace Uncommon DS Holding n/a
229 North Ledopolus Uncommon DS Holding n/a
230 South Ledopolus Uncommon DS Holding n/a
231 Altaruk Common DS Holding n/a
232 Salt Veiw Common DS Holding n/a
233 Ogo Uncommon DS Holding n/a
234 Makla Uncommon DS Holding n/a
235 Kalidnay Common DS Holding n/a
236 Arkhold Common DS Holding n/a
237 Salt View Common DS Holding n/a
238 Waverly Rare DS Holding n/a
239 Bodach Rare DS Holding n/a
240 Giustenal Uncommon DS Holding n/a
241 Yaramuke Common DS Holding n/a
242 Lost Oasis Common DS Holding n/a
243 Grak's Pool Common DS Holding +5
244 Silver Spring Common DS Holding n/a
245 Bitter Well Common DS Holding n/a
246 Black Waters Common DS Holding n/a
247 Fort Melidor Common DS Holding n/a
248 Dungeon of Gulg Common DS Holding n/a
249 Ziggurat Uncommon DS Holding n/a
250 Temple Common DS Holding n/a
251 Mogadisho's Horde Common AD&D Ally +1
252 Assassins Uncommon AD&D Ally +2
253 Halfling Mercenaries Common AD&D Ally +1
254 War Band Common AD&D Ally +3
255 Kank Lancers Uncommon AD&D Ally +6
256 Nomad Mercenaries Common AD&D Ally +2
257 Gladiators Uncommon AD&D Ally +9
258 Rikus Uncommon DS Hero 6
259 Neeva Rare DS Hero 7
260 Sadira Common DS Wizard 4
261 Agis Uncommon DS Hero 5
262 Anavis Rare DS Hero 2
263 Vaerhirmana Rare DS Wizard 4
264 Herminard Common DS Hero 4
265 T'kkl Common DS Hero 3
266 Azhul Uncommon DS Hero 4
267 Chividal Rare DS Hero 2
268 Bagual Common DS Cleric 2
269 Rowan Uncommon AD&D Ally +1
270 Shayira Common DS Cleric 3
271 Ashathra Common AD&D Ally +2
272 Stug Common AD&D Ally +2
273 Ka'Cha Uncommon AD&D Ally +3
274 Galek Common AD&D Ally +2
275 Wind Dancers Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
276 Water Hunters Common AD&D Event n/a
277 Silver Hands Uncommon AD&D Event n/a
278 Sky Singers Common AD&D Event n/a
279 Silt Stalkers Common AD&D Ally +3
280 Night Runners Uncommon AD&D Ally +2
281 So-ut Rare AD&D Ally +3
282 Cistern Fiend Common DS Monster 2
283 Sloth Common AD&D Ally +1
284 Mul Savage Rare DS Monster 6
285 Inhuman Uncommon AD&D Ally +2
286 Pyreen Rare AD&D Ally +3
287 Cha'thrang Uncommon AD&D Ally +1
288 Spirit of the land Rare AD&D Event n/a
289 Thri-kreen Rare AD&D Ally +3
290 Wijon Common AD&D Ally +2
291 Mikor Uncommon AD&D Ally +3
292 Salicia Rare AD&D Ally +3
293 Zurn Uncommon AD&D Ally +1
294 Powell Common AD&D Ally +1
295 Baber Rare AD&D Ally +3
296 Watcher Common AD&D Ally +2
297 Foucault Uncommon AD&D Ally +3
298 Stef'fa Naf'ski Rare DS Monster 5
299 Captain Kazhal Rare DS Hero 9
300 Dlasva Uncommon DS Hero 3
301 Tithian Rare DS Hero 5
302 Verrasi Uncommon AD&D Ally +2
303 Defiler Common DS Wizard 6
304 Dragon King Rare DS Monster 8
305 Borys Rare DS Monster 9
306 Preserver Common DS Wizard 6
307 Punisher Common AD&D Ally +3
308 Gith Uncommon AD&D Ally +1
309 Tiger Common AD&D Ally +1
310 Orb of Power Common AD&D Magic Item n/a
311 Ring of All Seeing Uncommon AD&D Magic Item n/a
312 Treasure Common AD&D Event n/a
313 Shield of Destruction Common AD&D Magic Item +1
314 Shield of Annihilation Uncommon AD&D Magic Item +2
315 Shield of Devastation Common AD&D Magic Item +2
316 Shield of Wickedness Common AD&D Magic Item n/a
317 Shield of Gore Uncommon AD&D Magic Item +3
318 The Heartwood Spear Common DS Artifact n/a
319 The Caravan Common AD&D Event n/a
320 The Necklace Uncommon AD&D Magic Item n/a
321 Elemental Cleric Common DS Wizard 2
322 Elven Archer Rare AD&D Ally +3
323 The Outcast Rare DS Hero 5
324 Thugs Uncommon AD&D Ally +1
325 Desert Warrior Rare DS Hero 2
326 Desert Warrior Rare DS Hero 3
327 Desert Warrior Rare DS Hero 4
328 Marauder Common AD&D Ally +3
329 Shaqat Beetles Common AD&D Ally +1
330 Tembo Uncommon DS Monster 3
331 Fireball Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
332 Lightning Bolt Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
333 Paralyze Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
334 Magic Missile Common AD&D Spell(W) +3
335 Wall of Fire Common AD&D Spell(W) +3
336 Wall of Iron Common AD&D Spell(W) +3
337 Wall of Stone Common AD&D Spell(W) +4
338 Wall of Force Common AD&D Spell(W) +5
339 Invisibility Rare AD&D Spell(W) n/a
340 Cone of Cold Common AD&D Spell(W) +5
341 Sleep Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
342 Shield Common AD&D Spell(W) +2
343 Fly Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
344 Crushing Fist Rare AD&D Spell(W) +4
345 Anti-Magic Shell Rare AD&D Spell(W) n/a
346 Dispell Magic Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
347 Improved Phantasmal Force Common AD&D Spell(W) +6
348 Fear Rare AD&D Spell(W) n/a
349 Cure Light Wounds Common AD&D Spell(C) +1
350 Cure Serious Wounds Common AD&D Spell(C) +2
351 Sticks to Snakes Common AD&D Spell(C) +4
352 Blade Barrier Rare AD&D Spell(C) n/a
353 Bless Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
354 Sanctuary Rare AD&D Spell(C) n/a
355 Wind Walk Rare AD&D Spell(C) n/a
356 Bark Skin Common AD&D Spell(C) +2
357 Charm Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
358 Dispel Magic Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
359 Darkness Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
360 Protection Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
361 Chariot of Sustarre Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
362 Sunray Rare AD&D Spell(C) n/a
363 Wall of Thorns Common AD&D Spell(C) +2
364 Wall of Fire Uncommon AD&D Spell(C) +1
365 Holy Word Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
366 Raise Dead Rare AD&D Spell(C) n/a
367 Flame Strike Uncommon AD&D Spell(C) n/a
368 Protection from Lightning Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
369 Silence Uncommon AD&D Spell(C) n/a
370 Invisibility to Undead Common AD&D Spell(C) n/a
371 Wall of Fog Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
372 Forget Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
373 Web Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
374 Blink Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
375 Hold Undead Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
376 Charm Monster Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
377 Wind of Disenchantment Rare AD&D Event n/a
378 Black Tentacles Uncommon AD&D Spell(W) n/a
379 Fire Shield Uncommon AD&D Spell(W) +5
380 Ice Storm Common AD&D Event n/a
381 Phantasmal Killer Rare AD&D Spell(W) +?
382 Solid Fog Common AD&D Event n/a
383 Animate Dead Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
384 Cloudkill Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
385 Feeblemind Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
386 Magic Jar Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
387 Faithful Hound Common AD&D Event n/a
388 Passwall Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
389 Rock to Mud Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
390 Chain Lightning Common AD&D Spell(W) +5
391 Death Fog Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
392 Death Spell Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
393 Disintegrate Rare AD&D Spell(W) n/a
394 Geas Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
395 Banishment Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
396 Control Undead Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
397 Finger of Death Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
398 Spell Turning Common AD&D Spell(W) n/a
399 Ancient Curse Rare AD&D Event n/a
400 Calm Common AD&D Event n/a
401 Rare
402 Rare
403 Traitor Rare AD&D Event n/a
404 Chaos Shield Rare FR Artifact +1
405 Rare
406 Phorbes's Scrolls Rare AD&D Spell(W) +7
407 Rare
408 Living Scroll Rare FR Monster 0
409 Rare
410 The Labyrinth Map of Shuuc Rare FR Artifact +4
411 Rare
412 Scroll of 7 Leagues Rare AD&D Magic Item +7
413 Map of Life Rare AD&D Event n/a
414 Supernatural Chill Rare AD&D Event n/a
415 Map to a Mercenary Army Rare AD&D Ally +8
416 Pit Trap! Rare AD&D Event n/a
417 Rare
418 Rare
419 Ego Coin Rare AD&D Magic Item n/a
420 Chest of Many things Rare AD&D Magic Item +5
1 Sakornia Special AD&D Hero 5
2 Edormira, Red Dragon Special AD&D Monster 7
3 Gloriana Special AD&D Wizard 6
4 Gib Ekim Special AD&D Hero 5/7
5 Neirgral, Green Dragon Special AD&D Monster 7
6 Dagaronzie, Green Dragon Special AD&D Monster 8
7 Fejyelsae Special AD&D Hero 10
8 Dragon Rage! Special AD&D Event n/a
9 Shalbaal, Red Dragon Special AD&D Monster 6
10 Delsenora Special AD&D Cleric 7
11 Gib Evets Special AD&D Monster 8
12 Dori the Barbarian Special AD&D Hero 6
13 Gib Htimsen Special AD&D Monster 9
14 Darbee Special AD&D Hero 6
15 Aurum, Gold Dragon Special AD&D Monster 7
16 Halcyon Special AD&D Cleric 7
17 Stryck Special AD&D Monster 7
18 Alicia Special AD&D Wizard 8
19 Red Zeb Special AD&D Monster 9
20 The Avatar Special AD&D Event n/a
21 Smolder, Red Dragon Special AD&D Monster 8
22 Lovely Colleen Special AD&D Hero 7
23 Ember, the Red Dragon Special AD&D Monster 9
24 Andra the Wise Special AD&D Cleric 8
25 Karm, Black Dragon Special AD&D Monster 10
1 Promo
2 Geneva Conclave Promo AD&D Holding n/a
C. Is There a Deliniated list, Suitable for Database use?
A number of people have been working on such a list,
myself included. As I come closer to finishing my set,
my Dbase file becomes more complete. When finished, it
will be in PFS: Professional File (DBaseIII Format), and will
include everything you are likely to want to know about the
cards.
UPDATE: I am now down to 12 cards needed before I complete my
set unfortunately I cannot get the database off of my hard
drive (read head crash...:-()
D. I Just opened a pack and got a damaged card. How can I get it
replaced?
Rob Repp informs me that owners of mis-printed cards "should be
entitled to a replacement." The same applies also to those with
poorly printed rulebooks. Send the damaged card or rulebook to:
TSR, Inc.
P.O. Box 756
201 Sheridan Springs Rd.
Lake Geneva, WI 53147
ATTN: Customer Service
V. The Spellfire/Magic Connection
Everyone who has read the industry mags - or the rec.games.deckmaster
hierarchy - has heard it. Spellfire is a crappy game, a rip-off of
Magic: The Gathering, et cetera. Granted that since this _is_ the
Spellfire FAQ, you are not going to find a wholely unbiased
discussion of Spellfire vs. Magic. As, however, a collector (and
player) of both games, I think I can make a better shot at being
reasonably objective. In this section of the FAQ I will take the
"Spellfire is a Magic rip-off" argument and de-bunk it, by showing
the similarities and more importantly the differences between the
two games.
SF and MtG are both collectible card games. The cards in each game
are manufactured with a series of built-in rarity levels, which are
in some cases artificially enhanced by the abilities of the cards
themselves. They are distributed in "starter decks" of 55 or 60
cards respectively, and in various-sized "booster packs" of about
15 cards. Both games are centered around a heroic/magical fantasy
theme. Both games have "expansion sets" intended to augment the
regular set.
These, in a nutshell, are all of the similarities that I could find
when comparing the two games. They differ in many more respects
than they are similar.
One often-made complaint is that TSR copied WoTC's distribution
scheme, down to the inclusion of a forth level of commonality. In
the case of MtG, this would be the beloved land card, while SF has
the realm card. At first glance these two types of cards would seem
pretty similar. However, their functions in the game are completely
different. The realm cards are the primary focus in SF, and are, in
fact, what seperates the winners from the losers. In comparison,
most MtG players wind up tossing their extra lands after a point.
A better analogy for MtG players would be this: suppose you had cards
to represent your life points? The cards would be a lot closer in
purpose to SF realms. The first person to lay down 6 realms wins.
The game play is nearly completely different, as well. SF has been
described by some detractors as "Mordenkeinen plays War." In truth,
it is not a lot more complicated than that. While both games feature
specifically laid-out lists of phases which occur in each turn, the
phases in MtG have a lot more impact on the game than those in SF,
which could be played without the phases, with little problem.
This makes SF easier to learn.
Then there are the game world logos, which some have seen as a cheap
attempt to match MtG's colors. Ironically enough, there are also
hose who coimplain that SF has _nothing_ to match MtG's colors,
and is inferior for that reason. While there was an initial
imbalance, which made the Darksun world almost impossible to beat,
this is being corrected with the second edition release, and there
is now no good reason that a single-world deck is not a viable
playing strategy.
The most common complaint about SF has to do with its recycled
artwork and poor card quality. With regard to the artwork, I
have to be honest - you have seen it all before if you are even
an occassional purchaser of AD&D material. Some of the cards
even reuse the same image twice within the card set! Still, it
is generally attractive artwork, and you will likely find your
favorite pieces and artists well represented in this set. The
card quality is something else again. Hold a revised Magic card
in one hand and a Spellfire card in the other. Then close your
eyes. If you're like me, you will have a hard time telling which
is which. I suspect that the people complaining about SF's card-
stock are also the ones who complain about cardstock on Jyhad, the
Dark, etc.: card collectors who are used to the megastock that
the industry has taken to printing things on lately. Personally,
I have not had appreciably more problems with damaged SF cards
coming out of packs than I have had with MtG cards.
Given that SF is so much simpler, it should come as no suprise that
many MtG players consider it a "no-brainer," to be played in-
between games of Magic. A lot of the disparagement of the game has,
I think, its roots in disappointment that TSR would create a game
this simple, rather than something of the complexity of Magic. To
me, that is simply the way the game is - if you don't like it, you're
entitled, but recognize that just because it doesn't meet your
standards of complexity doesn't mean it's a bad game.
Any additions to this discussion would be welcome, as well as any
added areas that you feel SF and/or Magic are inferior. Future
editions of this FAQ will hopefully have more than my lone opinion
repesented here.
VI. The Internet Spellfire Directory
One of the many commentors on the last edition of the FAQ suggested
that as part of the list I include a directory of on-line people who are
interested in Spellfire. I think it's a great idea, and would like to
invite anyone and everyone who would be interested in being part of such
a list to email me.
If you are a dealer and would like to advertise the availability
of Spellfire-related merchandise, please specify, so I can include you in
the dealer's section rather than the trader's section.
Trader's Section
----------------
Kevin "Demento" Barth (ba...@wam.umd.edu)
Jim McQuillan (jim...@tardis.svsu.edu)
--
Kevin Barth
ba...@wam.umd.edu
************* GSS/MU d H- s++:++>+:+ g-(?) p? !au a- w+++ v+(-)
The Geek Code C++ UU+ P- L- 3- E---- N+++ K+ W@(W--) M-- V--
Version 2.1 -po+ Y+ t+@ 5 j R G tv b+(++) D- B-
************* e+++ u(*) h! f- r- n-- y+
Thomas McCambley
In a previous article, pat.t...@vdim.com (Pat Thomas) says:
>-> SPELLFIRE Frequently Asked Questions
>
>I'm sorry, but I didn't realize Spellfire was a Deckmaster product.
(rolling eyes)
Here we go again...Pat this is called Rec.games.deckmaster. But it's
about all collectable trading card games including SPELLFIRE. If in doubt
check the charter. If you don't have access email me I'll send you a copy.
(checks calendar)
yup that should do us for another month.
Cya
--
*************************************************************** /-----\
* Tom McCambley - U - 1 * My Thesis is my Life * / /-\ \
* at...@Freenet.Carleton.Ca * * / \O/ \
* tmcc...@Carleton.CCS.Ca * Friend Computer is Watching * /-----------\
David Bedno
>-> SPELLFIRE Frequently Asked Questions
>
>I'm sorry, but I didn't realize Spellfire was a Deckmaster product.
Implicit in the charter for the newsgroup is that it's for *any* collectable
trading card game. So, Spellfire, while not a Deckmaster product, is
allowed. As is Galactic Empires (which gets questions from time to time).
As will be the ST:TNG game and On the Edge. INWO is currently being
discussed on rec.games.board, although, theoretically, that discussion
should be held here as well.
Hope that makes things clearer.
--
David Bedno drs...@gorn.iuma.com
Disclaimer: I speak for myself, unless you agree with me.
"What they did for fun was to rip off chunks of language and sell them
to the highest bidder." - con...@zilker.net (Jeffrey Joy)