OATH'S PATREON -details

[Strag]

So in addition to waiting for my decks for years 2-4, I'm now waiting an indefinate time for a different Mystery deck from the one I ordered? Beyond confused and happier than ever I decided to stop Patreon last year.

[Bikefanatic]

Judging from the pictures bdawg shown and looking at the deck through the diamond shape cut, with the silver on silver back showing, it doesn't look like it'll pop well like the gold on gold sample cards we got from the Patrons Year 1 rewards. It looks all silver and looks flat.

To be fair, I put the sample of the gold on gold cards in an empty Redemption deck box, it still has an better outline/pop/shine than gold on silver.

[felicityk]

Just out of curiosity, does Qalif have the same courts as Arabesque and Moresque?

This is what I hope to see eventually, but I'm not holding my breath:

• Codex
• Foiled Golden Rule

While I'm wishing, I have both the original Silk Red and the Players Sand edition. What I'd really like is a hybrid of the two with color courts on white for better contrast.

[balrog326]

So Lotrek just sent out an update about Mystery lll. I know ppl hate more delays but I'm excited about this one. He is changing alot about the deck including both cards and tuck so I'm excited it will still be a suprise when completed. More good news is that Lotrek is generously giving a free deck to all whom ordered the Mystery lll, which is freaking awesome because the deck looks incredible. I find this extremely generous but maybe I'm just an outsider as I don't normally collect Oath. IMO huge props to Lotrek, definitely got a happy backer here, I will probably order an additional since its so beautiful.

[steampunk52]

So in addition to waiting for my decks for years 2-4, I'm now waiting an indefinate time for a different Mystery deck from the one I ordered? Beyond confused and happier than ever I decided to stop Patreon last year.

No disagreement from me that it all seems more confusing than it needs to be. However, one way to look at the Mystery deck is that we receive 2 gift decks (the Mystery v1 and then the 'actual' Mystery deck) and now the 'paid for' deck because he decided to go in another direction. So while a year delayed, we kind of have the Mystery deck shortly on its way with a Mystery II forthcoming.

I've was getting very frustrated for a while but then kind of just quit thinking about it much. Actually, was very happy to finally receive the Y1 rewards. All the test prints, long wait, etc kinda stole the thunder for me but between receiving that and now, what, 10 gift decks? I think has allowed me to chill out about it. As confusing and messy as it is, he is definitely trying to keep folks happy. After getting burned on NPCCD, Marvelous decks, and Native Tongue, I appreciate that he is still plugging away trying to get caught up.

That said, I completely understand where you are coming from. It's been a frustrating ride. While I'm very interested in Codex, I am actually hoping it's delayed a while. I dont know that I can stomach another pre-paid TBD delivery of a deck that may not ship for 2+ years

[kevork]

So in addition to waiting for my decks for years 2-4, I'm now waiting an indefinate time for a different Mystery deck from the one I ordered? Beyond confused and happier than ever I decided to stop Patreon last year.

To be fair, you ordered a Mystery deck knowing nothing about it. The principle is still the same, but with no action involved, you are getting a free deck out of it. The downside is waiting longer, which I understand can be frustrating, especially on top of the delayed Patreon rewards.

Just out of curiosity, does Qalif have the same courts as Arabesque and Moresque?

This is what I hope to see eventually, but I'm not holding my breath:

• Codex
• Foiled Golden Rule

Yes, Qalif has the same courts with slight modifications to the colors/design to fit the new deck. Thankfully a foiled Golden Rule is part of the Year 2 rewards which we'll hopefully see soon! I'm actually fine with waiting on Codex as I'd much rather Lotrek focus on the projects outstanding first and foremost. I understand a lot of the printing process involves waiting, so he's naturally going to pursue other new endeavors like he has with Fragmenta, but adding more to his plate seems risky.

No disagreement from me that it all seems more confusing than it needs to be. However, one way to look at the Mystery deck is that we receive 2 gift decks (the Mystery v1 and then the 'actual' Mystery deck) and now the 'paid for' deck because he decided to go in another direction. So while a year delayed, we kind of have the Mystery deck shortly on its way with a Mystery II forthcoming.

I've was getting very frustrated for a while but then kind of just quit thinking about it much. Actually, was very happy to finally receive the Y1 rewards. All the test prints, long wait, etc kinda stole the thunder for me but between receiving that and now, what, 10 gift decks? I think has allowed me to chill out about it. As confusing and messy as it is, he is definitely trying to keep folks happy. After getting burned on NPCCD, Marvelous decks, and Native Tongue, I appreciate that he is still plugging away trying to get caught up.

That said, I completely understand where you are coming from. It's been a frustrating ride. While, Im very interested in Codex, I am actually hoping it's delayed a while. I dont know that I can stomach another pre-paid TBD delivery of a deck that may not ship for 2+ years

You shared all my sentiments steampunk. Very well said.

[kevork]

Redemption VIV, Silk Rule, uses the purple card stock similar to Royal Silk Purple. Here, you can see it by using flash, or alternatively looking at the deck in sunlight. Caution, you may be blinded by the foil's reflectivity. I am not responsible for this.

[laitostarr777]

-3- this is absurd…
If I read correctly on Lotrek’s latest post, Mystery III will be a different thing than Craft Edition. And this “reprint of the supposed Mystery III” is now housed as QALIF

Gawd, Lotrek, ENOUGH with the plot twists already

Kevork, I like you, but I started to feel Lotrek is like a psycho card producer DX

[kevork]

Kevork, I like you, but I started to feel Lotrek is like a psycho card producer DX

His highest tier is called Asylum, after all

[jasonx73it]

-3- this is absurd…
If I read correctly on Lotrek’s latest post, Mystery III will be a different thing than Craft Edition. And this “reprint of the supposed Mystery III” is now housed as QALIF

Gawd, Lotrek, ENOUGH with the plot twists already

Kevork, I like you, but I started to feel Lotrek is like a psycho card producer DX

Call me crazy but I find everything so exciting and unpredictable. And I’m usually a controlling freak.

[laitostarr777]

Like, forgive me if I offended all the hardcore Lotrek fans out there, but in a normie perspective, how would you feel that you are made to wait even longer times and you have been "tricked" twice already:

Let's recap - do correct me if I am wrong:

1. Mystery III was sold in different slots and timings, and that we have ZERO idea of what is it with a promise from the grandmaster: "You won't regret it."
2. About half a year later, we received notification that, "Mystery III is finished", BUT... "As an artist, I feel there's something that can be great in this print, so I'll be reprinting with a new revision". Hence, the CRAFT Edition came to be.
3. Now, about another half a year later, news came in, "It's finished again!", HOWEVER... "I feel Mystery III NEEDS to be completely different, so this newly printed deck becomes its own". Hence, QALIF came to be.

In the end, this long game has created two additional decks on a journey to ever regain enlightenment over Mystery III - two decks that shared similar artworks but different colored foil and paper stock.

I am frustrated, which lead me to assume: all of these "artistic perfectionism" and the long production are excuses to create new decks. I am aware that there are no obligations to get these decks, but when it comes to Lotrek's name, the power of FOMO is real.

I am willing to let this off the hook, if Lotrek EVER going to make fresh new deck that has Christianity theme. Islamic art is cool, but I noticed that Lotrek keeps using that theme and it starts to get old despite all the wonderful hot foils and/or gilding.

[KGthePrince]

I'm not a diehard fan, Laito. I like Lotrek plenty and don't have an issue with getting a free deck while he perfects Mystery III. I don't consider it being tricked because it's a mystery deck.

What I find frustrating, and sometimes baffling, is the poor level of communication we receive.

[joeblow]

It's amazing that Lotrek has developed a business plan based on "failed" printings. Some gifts occur, he sells the rest and moves on to the next edition.

[PiazzaDelivery]

Been away from all this for a while, just want to make sure that by not ordering the free Qalif, I get mine when my regular Mystery III ships. Yes?

[steampunk52]

Been away from all this for a while, just want to make sure that by not ordering the free Qalif, I get mine when my regular Mystery III ships. Yes?

Yes, that’s correct

[zlexander]

Been away from all this for a while, just want to make sure that by not ordering the free Qalif, I get mine when my regular Mystery III ships. Yes?

Correct

[Timmargh]

[...] Islamic art is cool, but I noticed that Lotrek keeps using that theme and it starts to get old despite all the wonderful hot foils and/or gilding.

Agreed. Aside from the constantly moving goal posts and broken promises, his decks are monotonous. Technically impressive, but boring.

[armant96]

I see many folks complaining about the delays, constant changes, and plot twists, and I totally understand it. However, most of the collectors here know Lotrek for a couple of years and know what they signed up for. It's not the first time he has made such changes or decided to do a re-print. When I purchased my Mistery III decks I acknowledged that there was a high possibility there would be delays in true Lotrek fashion but purchased them knowing that he is one of the best designers in the playing card industry. We all know that he does not have great communication and there are constant changes and delays but many still purchase decks from him because of his amazing designs and intricate work.

[mulrich]

Not uncommon for small businesses to have really interesting and great products but be really bad at running the actual business. I suspect that Oath is not big enough to justify hiring someone to help with the operations side of his company but it seems like that's what he really needs. That wouldn't fix everything but could still help a lot.

[kevork]

The die cut for the Redemption VIV allows you to peek the tuck of the Silk Rule box, not an extra card like a double backer placed there. The quality of the foiling on the tuck box isn't that great, meaning you can't see the artwork of the foil at certain angles of the light; but shining it under a bright light source can yield brilliant results. Since it's a Redemption, I don't think Lotrek was shooting for perfection here.

Here are the backs of the following from left to right: Silk Rule Gold/Gold (x/190), Silk Rule Silver/Gold (x/60), loose cards included w/ Year 1 Patreon rewards. The borders on the front of the cards are the same for both Redemptions.

Lotrek confirmed the loose cards with Year 1 Patreon rewards were on different stock compared to the Redemptions, and cutting so poorly, that he didn't pay attention if he even made a complete deck or not; he had to scrap a bunch. As I acquire more of these from fellow collectors, I'll be able to confirm and report back. My current guess is he printed a sheet of these, meaning half of a deck (assuming he probably printed the entirety of a deck across two sheets), rendering a full deck impossible.

[Leachy19]

How did you get both versions?

[kevork]

How did you get both versions?

I bought one from another collector.

[Leachy19]

Nice!

[laitostarr777]

Silk Rule
Hmm, let me guess: it’s a combination of Silk’s back design and The Golden Rule’s front design

[CourtCurator]

The die cut for the Redemption VIV allows you to peek the tuck of the Silk Rule box, not an extra card like a double backer placed there. The quality of the foiling on the tuck box isn't that great, meaning you can't see the artwork of the foil at certain angles of the light; but shining it under a bright light source can yield brilliant results. Since it's a Redemption, I don't think Lotrek was shooting for perfection here.

Thanks for posting this! When I received mine, I was so underwhelmed by the foiling seen through the die cut that I decided not to open it if that’s what the cards look like.

[Oneiros88]

Silk Rule
Hmm, let me guess: it’s a combination of Silk’s back design and The Golden Rule’s front design

It’s the newer version of the Silk background, used for the recent Silk Players (teal/sand/frost versions) and not the same as Royal Silk.

Faces are the Golden Rule designs.

[armant96]

Finally received my decks as well. The back design looks great! Looking forward to getting Qalif soon.