C R Y P T - Mystery deck n.3

[justplaycards]

Although I did see some collector on Instagram spoiling the upper half of the inner case this morning....

I don't think that would particularly spoil anything to be honest. The more you look at the cards though, the more you appreciate the execution. They fan, spring and riffle really well. I couldn't help myself

[Decknowledgy]

OK, me and my flatmate after spending one full hour WOWing the frick out of the unboxing experience, here's my verdict.

This deck IS Deck of the Year 2020. Period.

We'll have to see how Jackson comes up with the LotR deck and Robin Hood deck to compete, but even then it will be a major challenge when considering the stock, finish, and touch in full. (KWP prints tucks and cards with conventional printers like USPCC and EPCC, that kinda deducts from the "custom" aspects of things). Lotrek completely matches the texture with the artwork on CRYPT, no doubt.

In terms of the unboxing experience, without spoiling any of the details, I would just show the following as a straightforward comparison of the mind-blowing experience:

Roman mosaic floor found under Italian vineyard --- May 26, 2020

It's safe to say that even the inner tuck being spoiled by certain persons on social media, it DOES NOT deduct from anything forthcoming. It's simply more than Keanu Reeves level "breathtaking."

For those who are not that impressed, I could understand since there are some elements that come straight from Lotrek's bag of tricks. However, I urge you to look again, for the small "squares" on the back design is randomized from card to card while they are unified on the front. That makes this deck completely custom from card to card. I cannot recall any deck from the past with this level of detailed attention ... Is this deck done with a smooth finish? Yes and no. If you haven't seen a deck that completes its finish/varnish WITH the art, look no further, THIS IS THE ONE.

Last but not least, would I call this a "playing card unboxing experience"?
No, absolutely no. My flatmate who is nowhere near a playing card user says the same. This is definitely opening a fantastic artpiece without any impression of holding a deck of poker cards in your palms.

[Harvonsgard]

This deck IS Deck of the Year 2020. Period.

I'll wait till I see Oath Codex .

[Bradius]

Sooo.....I guess you liked it Decknowledgy?

I liked the visuals and a bit more hints on how to carefully inspect the deck. Nice explanation without details.

I had mine sent to my office, but they are having to close for a few weeks, so unless mine shows up in the next couple of days, it may be awhile before I get to inspect it first hand. Ah well, something to look forward to.

While KWP's LotR decks is doubtless going to be amazing, especially as a package of goodies (I am also really looking forward to his map of Middle Earth as I am a bit of a LotR nut as well). However, I am positive the decks will not be in our hands before the end of the year. There just isn't enough time. So, I would take that one off the table for 2020 DotY.

[Decknowledgy]

Sooo.....I guess you liked it Decknowledgy?

I liked the visuals and a bit more hints on how to carefully inspect the deck. Nice explanation without details.

I had mine sent to my office, but they are having to close for a few weeks, so unless mine shows up in the next couple of days, it may be awhile before I get to inspect it first hand. Ah well, something to look forward to.

While KWP's LotR decks is doubtless going to be amazing, especially as a package of goodies (I am also really looking forward to his map of Middle Earth as I am a bit of a LotR nut as well). However, I am positive the decks will not be in our hands before the end of the year. There just isn't enough time. So, I would take that one off the table for 2020 DotY.

MAX likey.
This deck is definitely one that I'll pull out to show to my friends clueless about playing card customizations

Thanks for the encouragement; I try to describe as closely as possible without revealing anything. Y'all could still judge accordingly once you've got and handled this piece of artwork. Since playing cards for me have always been what I like to call "affordable artworks playable and examinable by hand" compared to far more expensive portraits and paintings, this one for me would be the crown jewel of that motto.

I'll wait till I see Oath Codex .

Are you confident that deck would be finished and fulfilled by the end of this year?

[Harvonsgard]

Checkmate...

[Lotrek]

Wow, Decknowledgy, I am amazed to read in a review ALL of my intentions. This is exactly what I wanted people to feel when opening the deck. I am also very glad that you saw the tiny detail of the randomness of the square dots throughout the deck. It’s my perception of luxury: It’s not loud, it may go unnoticed but it IS there!
Thank you so much!

[james001a]

8. Read the forum again, realise that James's comment was based on the tuck - could not believe what I was reading - third WTF moment.

Yes, but if you do read my updated comments I did eventually open the tuck and really did like the cards.

[james001a]

Got mine today in the UK, the Crypt is class, a work of art in my opinion.

I’m shocked that this deck Has been rated by a member who hasn’t even seen the cards; how disappointing must that be for the designer. Imagine putting your heart into a creation and having it rated by the tuck case only, come on people, where’s the common sense. Apology was made and rightly so.

Yes, I know. I made the apology. I was also forthright in admitting it was based on the tuck. Lotrek and I have known each other for a while and I have supported him since his early decks. After being convinced to open it, I really did like the deck. Still don't like the tuck, but I now understand what he was going for.

[Magic Tapp]

8. Read the forum again, realise that James's comment was based on the tuck - could not believe what I was reading - third WTF moment.

Yes, but if you do read my updated comments I did eventually open the tuck and really did like the cards.

That was intended as a light friendly jest (mixed with amazement)...

[james001a]

No prob. It was the seal that freaked me out lol. I don't notice any residue in the spot I peeled it off of, so WHEW! My OCD cannot take this as a semi tuckist.

[Harvonsgard]

Shoutout to great customer service from Lotrék yet again.
My Crypt had only 53 cards... it wouldn't be a Lotrék deck otherwise, right ?
The missing joker arrived today safe and sound together with a replacement for a tiny marked 7oC for my Oath Standard.

Much appreciated.

[Decknowledgy]

My Ace of Spades had a few scratches on the upper left corner index, but it doesn't affect readability. It's ok though, I see it as the testimony of artisan craftsmanship. Probably not gonna request for replacement; besides, if I shot a photo and send it to Lotrek, is Lotrek gonna have to terminate both me and himself?

[caniveski]

I wished all decks would have sturdy tucks like these ........ the deck does have that wow factor, for me it is now at the top of the pile, admittedly i dont have every Lotrek deck

[juxtaposed]

Shoutout to great customer service from Lotrék yet again.
My Crypt had only 53 cards... it wouldn't be a Lotrék deck otherwise, right ?
The missing joker arrived today safe and sound together with a replacement for a tiny marked 7oC for my Oath Standard.

Much appreciated.

just got mine. reviews later, just wanna point out...

people need to open it. not just to experience the madness of the CRYPT, but also the completion of the treasure.

i'm missing 2 cards. which... made me a really sad man after the long long wait

[Decknowledgy]

There are at least two that I would call asshats on IG that revealed the inner tuck, so stay away from these two accounts:
Deryn
Richard

People who are active on IG will know who they are. But what a great social experiment to identify attention seeking wh*res.

[justplaycards]

I saw Deryn's. I thought Richard just said he had taken photos and wished he could share them? Must be a different Richard.

To be honest I am impressed it's still a secret at this point. I am sure it will be shown further down the line, I hope though that everyone gets there decks first so it doesn't ruin the suprise for them.

[Harvonsgard]

i'm missing 2 cards. which... made me a really sad man after the long long wait

Not a big deal, if you ask me. I understand that it's a small hassle but just message Lotrék and he'll send you the missing cards.

[Decknowledgy]

I saw Deryn's. I thought Richard just said he had taken photos and wished he could share them? Must be a different Richard.

To be honest I am impressed it's still a secret at this point. I am sure it will be shown further down the line, I hope though that everyone gets there decks first so it doesn't ruin the suprise for them.

I warned him in that post, but yesterday he was the one whom I said reveal the inner tuck in his story

Yeah, that's the beauty of the whole scheme, and if anyone is trying to reveal this prior to the majority getting their decks, they are disrespectful toward the price that people have paid for the anticipation and trust in Lotrek.

[Azazaaz]

Received mine minutes ago. The waiting process was probably one of the toughest as reading your comments here made it unbearable.
I haven't been thrilled by a playing cards box for ages, I'm with you all on this, it's an experience by itself. The materials are great with great attention to details. I had to say it out loud: "wow". And that was even before I took the cards out of their box.
I love the color palette and again, the craftsmanship is out of this world, more than in any Lotrek's deck I've had the pleasure to handle and that says a lot. So many intricate details on each card, it just outshines most of the decks in my collection, if not all. As a bonus, the stock feels great. We're only half way through the year but this is a true contender for deck of the year imo. Will we be running a special deck of the decade as it's 2020?
My only regret is that I only could afford one at the time.

[Timmargh]

There are at least two that I would call asshats on IG that revealed the inner tuck, so stay away from these two accounts:
Deryn
Richard

[…]

Deryn posted it on Facebook too and, when I commented on it, he told me that it wasn’t the tuck. Having received mine today I not know that he was full of s**t.

I’ve hidden him on Facebook anyway.

[shkorc]

And I immediately unfollowed Richard on IG after his post today lol

[Kurama]

... Deryn... Another confirmation that I was right to unfollow that guy a long time ago... I'm never confortable peaking into someone else's ego... *Shivering*

[BaconWise]

There are at least two that I would call asshats on IG that revealed the inner tuck, so stay away from these two accounts:
Deryn
Richard

People who are active on IG will know who they are. But what a great social experiment to identify attention seeking wh*res.

I caught Richard's story the other day and quickly closed IG to avoid any further spoilers. Then I saw his feed this morning talking about how he has taken all these pictures and wants to share them (but hasn't, thankfully) and it is actually Deryn urging him to share the pics. Two peas in a pod, I guess. I am guessing I have another two weeks to wait, so here's to hoping when I open them it will be the first time seeing them. PLEASE!

[Bradius]

I am active on Instagram (at least at some level, which I am not hardly at all on any other social media platforms), but don't follow either and not sure who we are talking about. Hopefully I will not come across any spoilers as I wait for my decks. It sounds like I should have ordered more...

[Kurama]

I am active on Instagram (at least at some level, which I am not hardly at all on any other social media platforms), but don't follow either and not sure who we are talking about. Hopefully I will not come across any spoilers as I wait for my decks. It sounds like I should have ordered more...

Do I dare?.......... "More"?

[Bradius]

I only got three. I mere pittance.

On the other hand, I have 41 Charmers on the way....

[JacksandJokers]

The wait is over. I finally received my package today, it actually arrived yesterday but had to go collect it from the post office this morning.

My first thoughts were "How the hell do I open this without damaging the tuck?"

The decks I received all had 2 "deck seals" on the tuck (top & side) and I was aware after reading comments here that it should be opened from the side first.

Doing so did damage the tuck ever so slightly as the adhesive from the seal had stuck just a little too well but no such problems with the top seal.

Once I was in and got to the cards I was simply blown away.

The second they leave the tuck box and you see that back design well, it just left me speechless.
Thumbing through the deck you can't help but notice all the tiny details and how vibrant the deck looks.

Throughout the day I've had to re-open the CRYPT several times just to fan through the deck once more in order to enjoy this little treasure.
This is something I rarely do with new decks.

Without a doubt CRYPT has just become my new favourite Lotrek deck

[Harvonsgard]

Is it that hard to not follow every playing card collector on instagram? Especially when someone has an aversion towards someone?

Maybe I'm naive but I'll tend to say if you don't want to get spoiled, don't visit threads/forums that are specific to that topic and don't do social media stuff. Not that hard... but maybe I'm old fashioned .

[BaconWise]

Is it that hard to not follow every playing card collector on instagram? Especially when someone has an aversion towards someone?

Maybe I'm naive but I'll tend to say if you don't want to get spoiled, don't visit threads/forums that are specific to that topic and don't do social media stuff. Not that hard... but maybe I'm old fashioned .

That would be the best way to avoid what's happening, for sure. For me, it's difficult because I follow quite a few collectors and designers on IG and I want to see what they are up to in their normal life. It's hard to tell when one of them will randomly decide to crap on the sidewalk and spoil the fun. For now, I will just simply hide those who are threatening to spill the beans and hope it doesn't spill over to other feeds.