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brownsl wrote: ↑Sat Jun 22, 2024 5:57 pm Has anyone else who ordered a White Patron still not receive a shipping email yet?

No, although I receive Lotrek shipping emails once every 8 orders.

If in the USA, you can sign up for / check USPS informed delivery. If he used regular mail for your package, it may show up there (mine did before I got any email from him)

brownsl wrote: ↑Sat Jun 22, 2024 5:57 pm Has anyone else who ordered a White Patron still not receive a shipping email yet?

I haven't either, but Lotrek is currently on vacation, so shipments are on pause until he's back on the 30th.

KGthePrince wrote: ↑Sat Jun 22, 2024 4:50 pm Did Silk Rule ever ship?

He did hint that it might ship along with White Patrons but that was never confirmed.

Soemone posted pictures of White Patrons that they have received so I believe the tracking number is for White Patrons Deck

zlexander wrote: ↑Mon Jun 24, 2024 4:14 pm Soemone posted pictures of White Patrons that they have received so I believe the tracking number is for White Patrons Deck

That's what I'm envious about when it comes to Mystery III's eventual release. People in Europe will post pictures of it and the mystery will vanish before I can see it in person. I may need to hide under a rock temporarily during that time.

A bit hypocritical of me but here are the aforementioned pics from Facebook:

Dang! Thanks for sharing the photos. Maybe I better nab 5 more so I have a brick....

I'm glad I don't feel anything when I see lotrek card pics, except maybe when I first saw Damask.
I'm glad I feel this way, otherwise I'll be in the rabbit hole with all you guys.

I have the redemption version of these and I'm glad I didn't go for the white. Not enough different for me to justify $60.

Adamthinks wrote: ↑Mon Jun 24, 2024 6:25 pm I have the redemption version of these and I'm glad I didn't go for the white. Not enough different for me to justify $60.

Fair. After all, that redemption version was slated to be the final one if it weren't for some minor issues. The average collector may be okay with just that one.

I think those Redemption decks were WAY cheaper. 55 Euro. Huge discount over 60 Euro.... (71 still available)

That said, I do understand why one version would be enough. I do get it. I really like the Redemption version with the slightly less well applied foil. I think it looks cool as is. However, when I can get some of his two-foil decks for 55-60 Euro, it is just hard for me to pass up. I only have two of his Sanctus decks when he had them for sale for $60....It still hurts...more nuts to gather.

Bradius wrote: ↑Mon Jun 24, 2024 7:53 pm I think those Redemption decks were WAY cheaper. 55 Euro. Huge discount over 60 Euro....

That said, I do understand why one version would be enough. I do get it. I really like the Redemption version with the slightly less well applied foil. I think it looks cool as is. However, when I can get some of his two-foil decks for 55-60 Euro, it is just hard for me to pass up. I only have two of his Sanctus decks when he had them for sale for $60....It still hurts...more nuts to gather.

Lol. It wasn't the price, it was more that I didn't want to spend that when I already had one that's nearly the same. I open all my decks and am just not really interested in doubles.

Dang, I really like those courts!

I just received some of my White Patrons. The backs look fantastic. The number cards look great. I do note that the foil impressions are bleeding through onto the face side, but not a big deal to me. The court cards though do have minor to major issues with the ink being removed due I think to the varnish application. I think Lotrek mentioned this and had to go through all these cards by hand to build these back, which was why these didn't make it to be the Patron's deck and were placed as a special release. Now that I remembered this, what I am seeing makes more sense. Anyway, I just thought I would mention to my OCD friends, this is not a perfect deck. Expect to see some flaws.

Ah, now that I just file that away. I like what I like and just deal with this isn't perfect. The courts looked great on the Redemption VI decks and the backs look great on the White Patrons. Glad I am not producing playing cards for a living.

Below is my best effort to show one of the courts that was the most imperfect in the deck I opened:

It is just the court ink that appears to be the issue, not any of the other ink or the foil as best I noticed. You might see what appears to be an issue with the foil on the right side border, but that is just didn't come out great with my bad photograph.

And if someone is nitpicky with the foil but really loves the courts, there's the Patrons Test Print from 2022 that would fit the bill for you. Wonderful deck.

Hmm, i thought he said he had been able to sort them and eliminate the defective cards. Honestly that's pretty lame for that price.

Very lame - I have sent back cards to Isolated Thunderstorm for less

I agree. For that price they should be flawless. Seems like they were better suited as a redemption deck. I regret ordering extras if that’s what I get.

oof. That does not look good. I don't think you need to nitpick at all to take issue with that. Wouldn't pass my QA test.

And yet, still excited to receive mine lol

I know lotrek's doing some weird printing techniques or something, and that's what he's been known for. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like something even WJPC can do without issues. Even Cartamundi could have done it back in their day and these would've been done and dusted already.

Yikes, that is not good at all. At that price, to be honest, that is unacceptable. Wish I had not bought 6.

Disenchanted_11 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2024 9:50 pm I know lotrek's doing some weird printing techniques or something, and that's what he's been known for. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like something even WJPC can do without issues. Even Cartamundi could have done it back in their day and these would've been done and dusted already.

I like some of his decks mainly for the artwork. The "special techniques" don't feel that special to me. You're right, most big printers can do a lot of what Oath does: multiple foils on a single side, foiling to the edges, metallic inks. All on far superior stocks and frankly with better quality control. If the trademark Oath designs were printed by Legends or Cartamundi or hell even MPC, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

The only real advantage I think Oath has is using colored stock (sacrificing handling ability). There's only a couple instances where I genuinely liked this, however, so I can't say I really see the experimental value in Oath.

crazy_lazy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:43 am

Disenchanted_11 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2024 9:50 pm I know lotrek's doing some weird printing techniques or something, and that's what he's been known for. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like something even WJPC can do without issues. Even Cartamundi could have done it back in their day and these would've been done and dusted already.

I like some of his decks mainly for the artwork. The "special techniques" don't feel that special to me. You're right, most big printers can do a lot of what Oath does: multiple foils on a single side, foiling to the edges, metallic inks. All on far superior stocks and frankly with better quality control. If the trademark Oath designs were printed by Legends or Cartamundi or hell even MPC, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

The only real advantage I think Oath has is using colored stock (sacrificing handling ability). There's only a couple instances where I genuinely liked this, however, so I can't say I really see the experimental value in Oath.

I'm actually curious about these decks you guys speak of that have multiple hot foil applications. Point me in the direction where I can buy them please.

kevork wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:46 am

crazy_lazy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:43 am

Disenchanted_11 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2024 9:50 pm I know lotrek's doing some weird printing techniques or something, and that's what he's been known for. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like something even WJPC can do without issues. Even Cartamundi could have done it back in their day and these would've been done and dusted already.

I like some of his decks mainly for the artwork. The "special techniques" don't feel that special to me. You're right, most big printers can do a lot of what Oath does: multiple foils on a single side, foiling to the edges, metallic inks. All on far superior stocks and frankly with better quality control. If the trademark Oath designs were printed by Legends or Cartamundi or hell even MPC, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

The only real advantage I think Oath has is using colored stock (sacrificing handling ability). There's only a couple instances where I genuinely liked this, however, so I can't say I really see the experimental value in Oath.

I'm actually curious about these decks you guys speak of that have multiple hot foil applications. Point me in the direction where I can buy them please.

I was thinking of the Successor and Tale of the Tempest decks when I made my comment. Certain editions from Cartamundi had both gold and silver foil faces, though they are not hot foil like Oath decks, and admittedly probably don’t look as shiny now that I consider hot vs cold foil application

That was my worst card. I am not saying the other court cards are perfect, but they are better in varying degrees. I think folks need to understand that because of how Lotrek prints, this does happen on the journey. I am honestly not upset and fine with my multiple copies. Also, keep in mind the courts are the cards that have any issue (and yeah I get it. They are the courts). The backs are stunning and the registration is right on target. The varnish has been a challenge for Lotrek on a number of occasions.

Anyway, to each their own. I still like the deck for what it is and not upset. Your mileage may vary.

kevork wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:46 am I'm actually curious about these decks you guys speak of that have multiple hot foil applications. Point me in the direction where I can buy them please.

1. Big respect to Lotrek; he is just crazy (in a good way) for making his decks by hand.

2. I don't want to hijack this discussion, but here is some production insight: It's not a big deal to apply 3-4 hot foils on one side. It is challenging, but it depends on how much you are willing to pay. I only ordered 3 foil colors for Legendarium as I did not want to take risk with a new supplier. But if I had asked for 4-5 foils, they would have done it. By the way, they applied four foils on the box.

There is likely a difference when applying foil to non-playing-card stock, such as what Lotrek does, compared to special stock. I believe it is easier to achieve the desired structure for Lotrek decks, but there are some limitations, as durability is far worse on his stock. That's why there are more chances that WJPC or Kingstar can apply 4-5-6 foils without issues than Lotrek.

IMHO.

Imprints and yet another printing flaw - I would have to check my instagram messages with Lotrék, to check how many years ago he told me he can handle those issues. Everyone is free to purchase how many decks they want and support the Greek wizard as much as they want but from my pov I can just shake my head to how even seasoned collectors still let this rubbish slip with a „well it‘s Lotrék, lol“. No wonder his old decks get sold for a ridiculous amount of money, because it looks like when you want to have a peak Lotrék deck, you have to go to the past.

crazy_lazy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 2:31 am

kevork wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:46 am

crazy_lazy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:43 am

Disenchanted_11 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2024 9:50 pm I know lotrek's doing some weird printing techniques or something, and that's what he's been known for. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like something even WJPC can do without issues. Even Cartamundi could have done it back in their day and these would've been done and dusted already.

I like some of his decks mainly for the artwork. The "special techniques" don't feel that special to me. You're right, most big printers can do a lot of what Oath does: multiple foils on a single side, foiling to the edges, metallic inks. All on far superior stocks and frankly with better quality control. If the trademark Oath designs were printed by Legends or Cartamundi or hell even MPC, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

The only real advantage I think Oath has is using colored stock (sacrificing handling ability). There's only a couple instances where I genuinely liked this, however, so I can't say I really see the experimental value in Oath.

I'm actually curious about these decks you guys speak of that have multiple hot foil applications. Point me in the direction where I can buy them please.

I was thinking of the Successor and Tale of the Tempest decks when I made my comment. Certain editions from Cartamundi had both gold and silver foil faces, though they are not hot foil like Oath decks, and admittedly probably don’t look as shiny now that I consider hot vs cold foil application

I don’t have any Successor decks but I don’t think any of them have hot foil on the cards, they’re all cold foil, even the Dynastinae and Prism versions.

As for Tale of the Tempest, again, all cold foil except for the Dynastinae, Prism and the Wylenti editions which have hot foil (backs only on Wylenti but both sides for Dynastinae and Prism, but all three printed by Lotrek)

kevork wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:46 am

crazy_lazy wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2024 12:43 am

Disenchanted_11 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2024 9:50 pm I know lotrek's doing some weird printing techniques or something, and that's what he's been known for. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this looks like something even WJPC can do without issues. Even Cartamundi could have done it back in their day and these would've been done and dusted already.

I like some of his decks mainly for the artwork. The "special techniques" don't feel that special to me. You're right, most big printers can do a lot of what Oath does: multiple foils on a single side, foiling to the edges, metallic inks. All on far superior stocks and frankly with better quality control. If the trademark Oath designs were printed by Legends or Cartamundi or hell even MPC, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.

The only real advantage I think Oath has is using colored stock (sacrificing handling ability). There's only a couple instances where I genuinely liked this, however, so I can't say I really see the experimental value in Oath.

I'm actually curious about these decks you guys speak of that have multiple hot foil applications. Point me in the direction where I can buy them please.

Theory11 did 2 colors with the Piracy deck off the top of my head. And the Exquisite Fortuna deck from EPCC/Thirdway featured three.

The “dual hot foil” on piracy hardly compares to my eye…



as for the other deck mentioned - I hoisted a screenshot of a quote from that thread:


and I would say, with no foil on faces and a geometric back perhaps favorable to the process that this deck does not quite match up to a lotrek upper end production - though it is priced at $299 and only 500 were “handmade”

so to summarize multiple hot foils is almost the norm for lotrek while other producers do 1 or maybe 2 hot foils occasionally? Lotrek has probably done more multiple hot foil decks himself than every other card producer combined. I'm not a lotrek fanboy, but he's clearly the hot foil leader in the playing card space. I don't think anyone comes close.