The final tally was three broken limbs, a shattered collarbone, a dozen smashed fingers, two horses that had to be put down, and more cuts, sprains, and bruises than anyone cared to count. Much later, after he had taken the girls back through the city and seen them both safe in bed, Sansa with her dreams and Arya with her bruises, Ned ascended to his own chambers atop the Tower of the Hand.
– George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
The festivities are at an end, and envoys from across the Seven Kingdoms have returned to their liege lords to give their reports. But if you weren’t able to attend Days of Ice and Fire 2011, the recent celebration of FFG’s games set in George R.R. Martin’s beloved fantasy setting, take heart. Today, we’re pleased to present an overview of this exciting event!
Struggling for the throne
Attendees from as far away as Missouri and New York came to share their appreciation for George R.R. Martin’s beloved fantasy series. Authentic Westerosi Lemon Cakes (made from a delicious recipe courtesy of The Inn at the Crossroads) tempted the taste buds, while our Ice and Fire Trivia Showdown separated the fans from the fanatics.
But most attendees came to test their mettle on the field of battle. A Game of Thrones: The Board Game Second Edition debuted to an enthusiastic reception, and following an engaging Q&A, five lucky guests were able to play with designer and CEO Christian T. Petersen himself! Battles of Westeros players likewise had much to celebrate. Designer Rob Kouba was on hand to offer demos and answer questions, and attendees were treated to a sneak peek of the upcoming Brotherhood Without Banners expansion.
The only game that matters
But the biggest attraction by far was our weekend-long card game competition. The Days of Ice and Fire 2011 tournament for A Game of Thrones: The Card Game drew the largest field the Fantasy Flight Games Event Center has hosted for the game, and easily boasted some of the greatest talent ever assembled in one Minnesotan location. Friday’s multiplayer Melee featured battles and intrigues between 32 players, and 45 players competed head-to-head in Saturday’s Joust.
After all the contenders placed their bids, Chad Jamnik ended the weekend atop the Iron Throne as the weekend’s overall champion. He earned a large share of his points and put any question of his championship to rest by meeting and defeating his competitors one by one in the Joust, which he won. For his efforts, he received a replica of Arya Stark’s sword, Needle.
Meanwhile, Andy Mills snaked his way to victory in the Melee with a Martell Sand Snakes deck that overcame a diverse final table. Houses Baratheon (William Cutcher), Greyjoy (Brian Aurelio), and Targaryen (Kyle Vancil) also made their way to the final competition, but Andy and House Martell rose Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken. Heading into what turned out to be the final turn, Kyle was poised to win. He was going first and had excellent board position with three power on Daenerys (Queen of Dragons, 22) and 11 on his house card. However, Bryan marshaled the Horn of Dragons (A Song of Silence, 70), and because Daenerys had Rhaegar’s Harp (Battle of Ruby Ford, 84) to make her a Dragon, Bryan stole her. Bryan then got to 15 power on his turn and would have won, except that he still had a chain on his agenda after he was done with his challenges. Then, Andy, going fourth, was able to win three straight challenges with five non-kneeling Sandsnakes, each with Renown, who won the game for him.
Overall, the tournament revealed that A Game of Thrones: The Card Game is as healthy as ever and still growing. Players drew from a tremendous diversity of decks, and Joe Becker even managed to carry a Neutral deck into the top eight for Joust. In addition to Needle, prizes included new deck boxes and uncut sheets of the upcoming Chapter Pack, On Dangerous Grounds. Players were also excited to get early looks at some of the exciting new cards coming in the Lannister box expansion, Lions of the Rock.
Melee Final Table:
Andy Mills, Martell (Champion, far right)
William Cutcher, Baratheon
Brian Aurelio, Greyjoy
Kyle Vancil, Targaryen
Joust Top 8:
Chad Jamnik, Lannister (Champion, right)
Dan Seefeldt, Greyjoy(finalist)
Lucas Reed, Martell
Rick Reinhart, Stark
Joe Becker, Neutral
Kyle Vancil, Targaryen
Erick A. Butzlaff, Lannister
Brian Aurelio, Martell
Overall Champion: Chad Jamnik
Our thanks go out to everyone who helped make Days of Ice and Fire 2011 a success for the second year in a row!
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