I REALLY like the idea of the item packs. But I REALLY HATE the idea that they are randomized. I can appreciate randomization for something like miniatures simply because it makes them cheaper. But with item packs, I would much rather purchase a set of cards and pay a little more than get potential repeats of a whole bunch of cards I don't like.
I see they are coming out with Adventuring Gear soon. Non-randomized. Good to hear it. But in the meantime, I was planning to buy a display case of the first set for use in my campaign. Any thoughts on buying strategies from those who already have them? I want to have a wide variety of cards available for my players so that I can represent just about any item in the core rules that I need to. What would be the best way to go about this? How many packs would I need to buy to have a good chance of completing a set? Thanks.
I REALLY like the idea of the item packs. But I REALLY HATE the idea that they are randomized.
Hello, airwalkrr!
Keep in mind that GameMastery Item Pack: Set One is not randomized--it's 54 item cards in a box just like Adventure Gear is going to be. The booster expansions guarantee you a specific assortment in each pack so they're not truly randomized--though which card you get in each slot is randomized. IE, you get two potions in each booster but which two you get is the random part.
We've found from opening several displays that you are about 12-13 cards shy of a complete set with each display.
One thing I would suggest is filling in the gaps in the item card selection with home made cards.
Simply browse the art gallery on the WoTC site for the rule books, and download the pictures of the magic items featured in the various rule books.
Then I just print them out on card stock paper, and cut the paper down to the card size.
I've found I've had to do this because their just isn't a big enough selection to cover all the various magic items that my part finds.
But it seems to work well, and it's not too much extra work.
Director of Games
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Hey there Airwalkrr,
While I can understand the random frustration, its important to keep in mind that the set packs have a limited number of certain basic cards. We wanted you, the DM, to have the ability to get the cards you need, and that means lots of potions, scrolls, and other basic items. So, when you run out of potions from the base set, you can pick up a booster and get two more without having to buy a host of other items that you don't yet need more of. Picking up a box of Item Pack 1, and a display of boosters from Heroes Hoard gives you a wide mix of items, with enough of the basics to keep you rolling for a while.
Jason Bulmahn
Item Card Lead Designer