New deck: Ultimate Deck, by Stranger&stranger, produced by D&D

[Don Boyer]

Expect the Ultimate Deck, people. Just saying

Gee, ya think?  Was the Facebook header a giveaway for ya? 

I'll just merge the two topics, then.

[MrMollusk]

My heart skipped a beat when I read "Ultimate deck"
But the more I'm digging into this, the more likely it seems that Stranger and Stranger had it produced as their Christmas present to give out, rather than something available to the public.
I do hope it's not another recolor or reprint. I'll be staking it out. Paypal at the ready.

I suspect that the Ultimate Deck was a lot like the Robert Graham deck.  They never actually distributed that deck unless it was a mystery deck or part of a Variety Box.  I think this might be something different that they've kept off the radar.  We don't even know for certain that it's a deck - it could be another Variety Box, a DVD, salad tongs, spare tires; y'know, the usual stuff they carry at Dan & Dave's Goods and Sundry Items... 

You forgot D&D custom potpourri.

[Strag]

You forgot D&D custom potpourri.

But how does it fan?  Does it clump?

[DrianAbara]

You forgot D&D custom potpourri.

But how does it fan?  Does it clump?

If it clumps at least it'll be good for cuts

[Knobz1]

You forgot D&D custom potpourri.

But how does it fan?  Does it clump?

If it clumps at least it'll be good for cuts

And smell good too while your performing!

[Don Boyer]

You forgot D&D custom potpourri.

But how does it fan?  Does it clump?

If it clumps at least it'll be good for cuts

And smell good too while your performing!

OK, OK, that's enough now.  Move along, nothin' to see here... 

Let's keep closer to the topic - the Ultimate deck.  Is it really ultimate?  What about the Ultimate Marked Deck?  That was ultimate, too... 

Seriously, though, D&D or not, it's an art deck.  Who wants to buy this?

[Michael]

Whatever it is, it will be released 8PM PST!

From their Twitter again:
"Siri, remind me to visit dananddave.com tomorrow night at 8pm PST."

[MrMollusk]

You forgot D&D custom potpourri.

But how does it fan?  Does it clump?

If it clumps at least it'll be good for cuts

And smell good too while your performing!

OK, OK, that's enough now.  Move along, nothin' to see here... 

Let's keep closer to the topic - the Ultimate deck.  Is it really ultimate?  What about the Ultimate Marked Deck?  That was ultimate, too... 

Seriously, though, D&D or not, it's an art deck.  Who wants to buy this?

I like art decks. The collector in me loves this deck. I like the art, and the gilded edges are pretty cool. Me want.

[see_squared]

It's a great art deck for sure, especially if you're a fan of Stranger & Stranger's artwork & designs. 

I've seen the photos of the cards with gilded edges however the deck I have does not have gilded edges.  Perhaps a smaller batch were made for the exclusive clients of S&S with gilded edges....we'll see tonight.

[PlayingKards]

This deck is coming out tonight!

[Michael]

Link is live!

http://shop.dananddave.com/ultimate-deck.html

If I'm reading this right it's $24.95 per deck :/ and the corresponding uncut sheet for $64.95! I guess I will pass on it this time

[KPopFever605]

This product baffles me.

"Featuring 54 unique works of art, and an elaborate back design."
- So were the Anne Stokes decks, still no where near this price tag.

"Packaged in a gorgeous tuck-case of extraordinary detail that incorporates embossed elements and foil accents."
- Embossed elements, and foil accents? Weren't the Rebels that way?

"Each deck is hand sealed with a vintage-inspired tax stamp, perforated for easy opening."
- Weren't the Mystery decks "hand-sealed"? Still sold for only like $5. I doubt the jagged tax stamps did much, because the Rebels again had them, and their still under $10.

Then again, I not one to complain. This deck, in my eyes, is beautiful, and as with certain pieces of art, they have their own price tags. Although I might not be getting this deck personally, i might be getting them in my Custom AIP. I've been meaning to get one, and this may be my change.

P.S. - Oh, and the edges are shiny too!

P.P.S. - if the backs are not metallic, why did D&D/S&S decide to make the back design dark on dark. If it was metallic, I could see the reason, but for now, I don't.

[Don Boyer]

It's an art deck, and the lack of borders on the fronts makes for a very irregular look.  It's not something I'd use in a magic routine, the irregular indices make it impractical for even playing solitaire and I just gave away the last similar art deck I had.  If it was cheaper, I'd consider it.  For this price, I can pass without regrets.

[Curt]

Dang, I was interested in this deck since it's unique and I don't really need a deck to perform magic with... but as most can agree, that price is a bit ridiculous. But I guess that just fits with some of the other D&D business decisions.

[ruicorreia]

I confess I feel divided.
It's expensive? Yes it is.
It has no borders? No. Artifice decks doesn't have borders but they are still great.
Is it beautiful? Yes.
It's not pratical for a magic routine? No it isn't. But not all of my decks serve magic purposes.

If they sold this with the box, depending on the price, I would be more sure.

I really don't know. Part of me wants to buy it. The other part of me calls me crazy!

[KPopFever605]

If they sold this with the box, depending on the price, I would be more sure.

What do you mean when you say "if they sold this with the box"? Doesn't the deck already come into the box?

[Michael]

If they sold this with the box, depending on the price, I would be more sure.

What do you mean when you say "if they sold this with the box"? Doesn't the deck already come into the box?

I think ruicorreia meant this box, not the tuck box. Cause I think the D&D site pictures showing this deck does not show this box but just the tuck.

[Don Boyer]

If they sold this with the box, depending on the price, I would be more sure.

What do you mean when you say "if they sold this with the box"? Doesn't the deck already come into the box?

I think ruicorreia meant this box, not the tuck box. Cause I don't think the D&D site pictures showing this deck does not show this box but just the tuck.

I'm thinking that was the presentation box for these decks when Stranger and Stranger was giving them out as holiday presents.  They really must have blown a fortune getting this whole package made.

But think, Ruicorreia: that box holds a two-deck set.  At least $50 at current D&D prices...

[ruicorreia]

If they sold this with the box, depending on the price, I would be more sure.

What do you mean when you say "if they sold this with the box"? Doesn't the deck already come into the box?

I think ruicorreia meant this box, not the tuck box. Cause I think the D&D site pictures showing this deck does not show this box but just the tuck.

Exactly.

[Michael]

That "collectors' box", I guess you can call it that, is actually really attractive in my opinion. I like that little saying thing on the inside of the lid. If my eyes don't deceived me it looks like the decks can come in a little protective sock like thing that are sometimes used for phones. I'm not sure how I feel about that though.

I would get this deck for collection sake if it was maybe even half the price but the current tag on it is just ridiculous for one deck. I actually think if they wanted to make more money off this one deck, they could do sort of the opposite as Emmanuel Jose. Turn each card into a proportional two foot long card/poster and sell those individually. That would make money I'm sure and I'd buy a few select cards!

[MrMollusk]

Oh, man. If I was to get this deck, I'd want to get the uncut sheet. I think it looks AWESOME. The tuck box looks pretty classy too.
But I agree with all of you... that price... 

[CBJ]

the uncut comes with a deck

[MrMollusk]

the uncut comes with a deck

Ja. So if you buy the uncut sheet you can have the full aesthetics of the deck, and keep the deck sealed.
I'm assuming the gilded edges would slosh the handling. Plus, Blades Blood Metal edition has shiny edges, so I've already experienced the full effect.

[KPopFever605]

the uncut comes with a deck

Ja. So if you buy the uncut sheet you can have the full aesthetics of the deck, and keep the deck sealed.
I'm assuming the gilded edges would slosh the handling. Plus, Blades Blood Metal edition has shiny edges, so I've already experienced the full effect.

Well, this deck wasn't really made for flourishing, so you could kind of see this deck will be made with gilded edges.

[Magic_Orthodoxy]

...got mine yesterday (along with a bunch of others) You have to take it for what it is - an art and collector's deck. Unless you got real good at identifying each picture it's practically worthless for anything else. This would be a good deck to buy as a sheet and get framed.

It's too bad, I actually like the name and the box  - better than the actual deck. I wish there were different cards in this cool box