You are Here:
Dragonlord Gold Playing Cards by TCC

Author (Read 1611 times)

Dragonlord Gold Playing Cards by TCC
« on: June 22, 2024, 07:44:47 AM »
 

EndersGame

  • Frequent Flyer
  • *
  • 860
    Posts
  • Reputation: 43
  • BoardGameGeek reviewer EndersGame
Dragonlord Gold Playing Cards by TCC

TCC has released a number of projects on Kickstarter, but in several instances they've also just produced new custom decks of luxury playing cards and made them directly available for order via their website. 

From 18 June onwards they are having summer sale, to coincide with a release of a new version of their new Dragonlord Gold deck.  Every purchase of the new Dragonlord Gold deck comes with a free Dragonlord Red deck.  They are also running a special promotion with a discounted offer for their previously released Monkey King deck (with options now including a new box set).

Dragonlord Gold Playing Cards

The Dragonlord deck is not entirely new, because different editions of it have appeared previously in other colours and styles.  A Red edition exists, as do Bicycle-branded editions in both black and white.  This new version takes the dragon to a place worthy of this mythical creature: gold.   

Link: https://tccplayingcard.com/products/dragonlord-playing-cards-by-tcc



The artwork was designed by Sam Hayles, and takes its inspiration from a central tradition of Chinese culture: the dragon.  The dragon has a long history in Chinese culture, and is closely associated with good fortune, and connected with hopes and dreams for prosperity and bounty.  The deck is a wonderful tribute to this important cultural icon, especially because it celebrates the fact that according to the Chinese calendar this is the Year of the Dragon.

The exquisite gold tuck box is an immediate highlight, with a three dimensional effect produced by embossing and gilding. 



It's a limited edition with just 500 copies, all individually numbered.



The design aims to capture the best of modern styling along with the legacy of tradition, and the ornate details pay homage to the changing seasons, and other aspects closely linked to the heritage of the Chinese dragon.

Gold foil can have a dramatic impact, and hot foil stamping is also used on the back of the cards for a look of true luxury.  The way this has been done gives a sense and feel of sparkling dragon scales, and is sure to impress.



In Chinese tradition, the combination of the colours red and gold has long been associated with good luck and prosperity.



For the faces, with the Hearts and Diamonds we are treated to a gold colour, which also makes an appearance in places on the court cards.  While it's not foil, it matches the card backs well, and the overall effect on the red backdrop is very striking.

Of course the Ace of Spades is another highlight, with an intricate design worthy of the rest of the deck, although adding a touch of gold in the design here may have been a nice idea.



For the rest the card faces stick with tradition, with a classical look that largely adopts the style of the court cards and number cards we are used to.  But there are some important differences, because the red background makes them immediately unique. 



This is a wonderful deck that will prove to be a highlight when used for card games, with the traditional faces making it well-suited for that purpose, or just to be enjoyed by collectors.



As mentioned already, during their summer sale, all purchases of the Gold Dragonlord deck will receive a Red Dragonlord deck for free.

Monkey King Playing Cards

To celebrate the release of the Gold Dragon deck, TCC is running a special promo for their Monkey King Playing Cards, which was originally released in November 2023 together with Journey to the West Playing Cards.

Link: https://tccplayingcard.com/products/silent-playing-cards-by-alpha

When this was first released, four different options were made available, which are now discounted under the current promotion:
● Monkey King Holo deck (now $18, retail $25)
● Journey to the West standard deck (now $12, retail $15)
● Journey to the West classic box set (now $30, retail $40)
● Journey to the West black box set (now $50, retail $75)
● Journey to the West wooden box set (now $120, retail $150)

The Journey to the West Classic Box set is the new addition that was not previously available, and it includes both the standard deck and the retro deck.



The Monkey King is a beloved and influential mythological figure in China, which originates in the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. The central character of this classic novel is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.  After being imprisoned by the Buddha, he is accompanied by a monk and two other disciples on a special journey to the West to retrieve Buddhist sutras. The Monkey King character has been reimagined in numerous forms across literature, drama, and film, and even today is a symbol of wit and courage in East Asian culture.

Journey to the West standard deck

The tuck boxes of all these decks incorporate detailed elements like overhanging eaves, coiled dragons, scriptures, sacred relics, cloud patterns, and mythical beasts, all accentuated by the embossing.  The style of the artwork on the faces merges traditional architecture and woodblock printing.



The four Aces picture four main protagonists from the story, and the court cards depict other characters.   The two Jokers combine to form a diptych that shows the White Dragon and White Dragon horse.



Journey to the West retro deck

This deck gives the cards a whole new look and feel.





To learn more about the other Monkey King and the Journey to the West decks, see my article here:

Monkey King Playing Cards by Alpha

Link to product pages
Dragonlord Gold Playing Cards
Monkey King deck

BoardGameGeek reviewer EndersGame =>  Playing Card Reviews <=>  Magic Reviews <=> Board Game Reviews <=