Carcassonne Central expansion: reboot!

[mjharper]

Check out this thread

Great minds and all that 

[CKorfmann]

Hi Chris,

How about a short list of possibilities first.

Jay Tummelson
Rio Grande Games

Let the deliberations begin!

[mjharper]

I think loganmann1 put his case very well. An expansion expansion is likely to be less successful. Nevertheless, as far as I can see, there are three basic options:

• An expansion expansion
• A best of CarcassonneCentral expansion
• A single mind-blowing expansion

If Jay wants a short list, I propose we send him one of each. I also propose that we set up three new threads to discuss each, and all subsequent posts be moved to those threads until a decision is made.

Also, I have no idea how the legal stuff would work, but even if the authors do not keep the copyright, I think it would be fair to expect that any rules questions be directed to our forums, so that the authors are able to clarify issues themselves.

All my proposals can, of course, be ignored completely  

[CKorfmann]

If Jay wants a short list, I propose we send him one of each. I also propose that we set up three new threads to discuss each, and all subsequent posts be moved to those threads until a decision is made.

That's reasonable, but maybe I'll send him those three options and see if he favors one.

Also, I have no idea how the legal stuff would work, but even if the authors do not keep the copyright, I think it would be fair to expect that any rules questions be directed to our forums, so that the authors are able to clarify issues themselves.

I assume Jay is used to handling the legal stuff, but I agree that people should be pointed back here for FAQs and more.

[meepleater]

Let the deliberations begin!

Some of my personal opinions:

For the first, an expansion of fan made expansions, I think this best represents the creative expression and input into the game from CC authors.  I think it makes a strong statement about what CC is and adds to the community.  With this option I think Jay will consider the quality of the rules and its impact on the game in adding new mechanics.  Is it worth it to the game.

I think this would be a good way to go, my opinions on suitable expansions:
If several small expansions, then: mills and bakeries, fortune teller, barbarian horde, by orders of the king (I think this would be possibly the most unique and outstanding expansion), maybe some tiles from the fields series? Others such as shepherds and trading posts might also be good, althought they didn't originate on CC.
A large expansion: treasure hunt, I can easily see this as our expansion, or maybe mountains (in a slimmed-down form?)

For the second idea, expansion crossovers, I think this is less impactful as a statement about CC but perhaps more intriguing to serious fans of the games.  At least those who collect all the expansions and play Mega-Carc.  With this option I think Jay will consider his sales.  If a high percentage of those who buy the game go on to collect them all then it’s a good consideration, but producing a tile set that requires other expansion sets might not be as successful as it’s the last thing anyone will buy, once they have all the other sets.  So I think he’ll base that decision on his sales figures.  Is it worth it to distribute.

I agree, I think we can be a bit more original than this...

[CKorfmann]

Another response from Jay.  My email to him:

Jay,
     ...it's been proposed that we go one of three different ways. 
1) We offer some of our basic extra tiles that basically incorporate features from current expansions put together (i.e. a tower foundation and a dragon symbols, etc.). 
 
2) We offer a compilation of small one, two, or six tile unique expansions that cold be grouped together in 12-18 and may or may not included a special figure (i.e. Count, King, and consort only smaller).
 
3. We offer one unique expansion with a single theme that has 12-18 tiles. 

Do you have a preference?
 
Chris

His response:

I like 2.

Not much for conversation, this one. 

Let me make it clear that this choice eliminates many great, and by some opinions, the best expansions.  Then again, any choice would do the same.  I believe any success will give our authors credibility and who knows, maybe allow for future opportunities.  I'll send him several small things and let him shop.  I'm thinking The Medieval Expansion, Archery Tournament, LotM, King's Gate, Roman Road & Temple, Colleseum & Ranch (Solazy), Fortune Teller (6), Ghettos, and Market Commons.  Again, there are some great small expansions that are only a couple tiles, but use several chits.  Being that the likelyhood of this being packaged in a tuckbox seems pretty high, I doubt there'll be a lot of room for extra chits. 

Like The Count of Carcassonne though, there may be a little extra room and he did not turn down the idea of a meeple expansion so I'll send him The Leper, The Horse (or a modified version without dice), and The Missionary.  Trading posts was a favorite from the polls, but I don't think 6 will fit in a tuckbox.  Something like Shepherds would just be way too many.  It would require it's own box.  Some of the custom meeples like Grim Reaple might be too hard to pull off. 

If you think there is anything obvious I'm missing, let me know.  This is exciting! 

[meepleater]

If you think there is anything obvious I'm missing, let me know.  This is exciting!  

Personally, I like the idea behind mills and bakeries, but it's up to you (obviously everyone has differing opinions). If we're going with the tuxbox idea, I'm guessing by order of the king is out.

EDIT: And yes, it is exciting

[Sekim]

Maybe if this one turns out to be a success, there might be room for a future Order of the king expansion. At least I hope so 

[CKorfmann]

Actually, I meant to include By Order of the King just to get his feedback.  I will likely do so.  I think for what he sounds interested in, Mills and Bakeries is too large.  There are a dozen excellent prospects that simply are outside the criteria for this one.  Although, I suppose we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch. 

[Sekim]

Of coarse you have to send in By order of the king, but as mentioned before, it is likely to be sorted out when looking at Jays choice. But you never know 

[loganmann1]

I'll send him several small things and let him shop.  I'm thinking The Medieval Expansion, Archery Tournament, LotM, King's Gate, Roman Road & Temple, Colleseum & Ranch (Solazy), Fortune Teller (6), Ghettos, and Market Commons.  Again, there are some great small expansions that are only a couple tiles, but use several chits. 

Like The Count of Carcassonne though, there may be a little extra room and he did not turn down the idea of a meeple expansion so I'll send him The Leper, The Horse (or a modified version without dice), and The Missionary.

I think this has a lot of variety. I think this is a good selection of small expansions.  I wish we could send mills and bakeries but it would be too big to be a compilation.  I say send trading posts anyway just to see what he thinks.  Are you sending the whole solazy set or specifically colleseum and ranch?  Isn't there a ranch equivalent for roads and cities as well?  If so I'd hope all of those are presented.  I like that idea.

Here's to Jay having an open mind!

[CKorfmann]

I did send him the whole Solazy rules document that has everything on it and I agree, it would probably be good to include the barracks and outposts.  I think I was swayed by my fondness for that particular tile and it's art. He'll have the whole thing to look at though so perhaps something will catch his eye.

I also emailed him today with a brief description of By Order of the King and attached the rules document.  He's been getting back to me pretty quick lately.  His reply:

Hi Chris,

Thanks - though suggesting a mechanic that may add random elements to the game is not
something that excites me.

Jay Tummelson
Rio Grande Games

Kind of a bummer.  He did receive my email with all the other suggestions I made from before and has been looking over those as well.

Hi Chris,

Thanks - I will take a look and email my feedback.

Jay Tummelson
Rio Grande Games

[loganmann1]

Its nice for hime to be paying some attention to this and getting back so quickly.  Wish he'd get back on just when tunnels, crop circles and the plague will get released

[JPutt927]

I figured I might throw in my two cents. Ultimately, I feel as though "By Order of the King" is my greatest work, but it's possible this opportunity may not be right for it just yet. With that said, I feel as if given my contributions, I'd like a chance to choose an expansion of mine that falls within Jay's criteria. Of all of my expansions I have made, I have played with most all of them many, many times. However, I feel that there is one that I am consistently drawn back to wanting to play over and over again. I feel the mechanic it offers is not only the simplest, but the strongest as well. It is that of the "Fortune Teller". It includes 6 tiles, falling well within Jay's parameters. It is something I would love to see Jay's input on. Obviously, I don't think we should keep bombarding Jay with ideas, however, this is an idea I feel very strong about. Do as you feel necessary, but I just figured I would let my opinion be known!   

[CKorfmann]

Great minds think alike.  Fortune Tellers was one that I sent.  

I my last communication with Jay he said that it would likely be a few weeks before he got back to us.  I sent him a considerable amount.


Thought I should update, as of 3/16, haven't heard anything.