Jonas and I went to a gaming convention in Denmark, eager to try the new format mixing Spectral Chaos with miniature wargaming. The location was an old brewery, but alcohol wasn't served until after five p.m. We nevertheless agreed that it was a reasonable idea, since one tends to become quite worn after a few days otherwise.
Our friendly Danish hosts spoke in a mixture of Cockney and Swedish, and gave us a quick run-down of the rules and how to set up figures and stat sheets in relation to the deck and battlefield. An important feature was that figures were introduced to the battlefield via roleplaying, using old Dominaria lore and the Danish community created universe as a backdrop. This aspect was more or less free-form — "You'll learn as we go, mate!"
Things took an unpleasant turn when we started playing. Jonas and I only received a few figures, and one of the Danish players was really annoyed that we didn't know the ins and outs of every single rule. Moreover, they insisted that we started the game and I had a lot of trouble setting up my figures. We had also received small piles of coins and other treasury to be used as currency in the game. My pile contained an intricate, glimmering chainmail in gold, which fit the occult high priest amongst my figures perfectly! I started roleplaying how he prepared for battle by putting on the chain mail, which turned out to be completely against the rules and the bad-tempered Danish player really freaked out!
The rules appeared to be in a constant flux, and as soon as we tried to make a play, it triggered a bunch of free plays for the Danes which soon mobilised their entire forces. I tried to explain that we were neither experts in the history of Dominaria, nor in their community created lore, but it was all in vain. When I glanced back at my part of the battlefield, the figures where in a complete mess! I desperately tried to get them in order, but it was impossible to remember all details and not upset the Danish players. That's when I woke up.
If you watch a Spectral Chaos stream, be wary of Siege of the Citadel and Mutant Chronicles in the book about Äventyrsspel before falling asleep.
- Paddan