New Player Help

Just starting out and need a walkthrough of how to join?  You've come to the right place.  Read the rules carefully, then sign up!

What is this?
This is the Koopa Trading Card Game.  The idea is to use your favorite Mario bad guys to take over the Mushroom Kingdom.

How do I play?
For detailed rules on how to play the game, see the Rulebook.  To battle another player, you will probably want to use AIM or ICQ if you have it.  If you don't have any messenging service, feel free to use the Chatroom.

What do I get for joining?
Just for joining the game, you get 10 coins, 80 Card Points (CP), and 70 free cards.

What are Card Points?
Card Points allow you to put cards in your deck, but limit you from using all the best cards right away.  You start with 80 CP, and earn more by battling other players.  When you add a card to your deck, a certain number of CP is subtracted from your deck based on the card's rarity.  If you remove the card from your deck, the CP required to use it is added back to your total.  If you have played Paper Mario, you are familiar with this system as Badge Points.
Common cards require only 1 CP.  Uncommon cards require 3 CP, Rare cards require 5 CP, and Promo cards require 10 CP.

How do I get a deck to start?
When you first join the game, you get 70 cards for free, courtesy of me.  Your 70 cards may not include any Promos, as these are only available through special offers.  Also, you must be able to use these 70 cards as a deck, meaning that the CP required to use them may not exceed 80.  Therefore, you may choose 70 Common cards,  or 67 Common cards, 2 Uncommon cards, and 1 Rare card.  These two decks are equal to or less than 80 CP.  You may not choose 50 Common cards, 15 Uncommon cards, and 5 Rare cards, because that deck would require 120 CP, and you would not be allowed to use it when you first start the game.
When you have decided on your starting deck, email me the list of cards it includes.  I'll check that you remembered all the rules and send you a verification email.  Then you can go battle!  Only your first deck needs to be okayed.  After that, you can rearrange your cards into new (but still legal) decks any time you want.

How do I make a deck?
First, look at the available cards on the Card List.  Consider a strategy for your deck, and choose cards that support your strategy.  You must have at least one Basic Minion.  Most decks will also include Evolved Minions and Energy cards.  Add Spells and Buildings to back up your Minions.  Make sure the deck you are considering includes 70 cards, and does not require more CP than you can use.
When you are satisfied with your deck, you must get the cards for it.  If you are a new player, just take the 70 cards for free.  Otherwise, you will need to obtain the cards from Susan's Card Emporium or by trading with other players.

What do I get for battling?
Besides fun and practice with your deck, you get 10 CP to add to your total for a victory, or 3 CP just for participating in a game.  In special contests and events, you may get extra prizes for battling.

Who are the Lords and Ladies?
Lords and Ladies are players who have proven themselves to be masters of the Koopa Trading Card Game.  Each has a special Badge which is awarded to any player who can defeat them in a match.  When you collect the Badges of all the current Lords and Ladies, you become eligible to earn that title.  If there are less than five Lords and Ladies, you assume your title immediately and can make a Badge.  Otherwise, the Lords and Ladies must have a council and vote out the member of their group that they feel is the weakest player.  You may then fill the empty position.
Lords and Ladies are required to accept all challenges, and may be removed by Susan if they are not performing their duties.

What are Medals?
Only Lords and Ladies can award Badges, but any player can give their Medal to another player who has defeated them in battle.  The Medals have no special bonuses, but you can demonstrate good sportsmanship by using them to congratulate people who beat you.  If you can't make graphics, email me and I'll make one for you.

How do I get Promo cards?
Promo cards will occasionally become available, for a limited time.  They are usually obtained by competing in a tournament or by participating in some other special event.  If you miss the event, you could get the card by trading with a player who has it, or you can wait to see if the card becomes available again.

How do I participate in special events?
Watch the main page and check your email for notices about special events.  That should be all the information you need.  Just get involved!

I'm looking for X card, how do I find it?
A good place to find any card is Susan's Card Emporium.  You can try your luck with a booster pack, which contains random cards, or look to see whether the individual card you need is available.  If the card isn't there, try posting at the messageboard to see if anyone will trade you the card.  Be persistent, and you'll get it eventually.

How do I trade?
Cards may be traded by any method that is mutually agreeable to the players involved.  You can trade one card for another, or for several cards, or you can buy the card with coins.  However, CP may never be transferred in any way.

Help, I need more money!
Remember that you start with 10 coins.  If you're broke, look in the Business District for ways to earn money.  If you're desperate, you could sell your cards, but be sure you have enough left for a deck.  You cannot generate money from nowhere.  Only I have that privilege, because I own the bank.

How do I find out how much money and stuff I have?
You are responsible for keeping track of your money, your CP total, and the cards you own.  You will probably want to write this down somewhere, or save it on your computer.  This is on the honor system.  If you think someone is cheating, email me and I'll look into it.

How do I start a business?
Email me with your idea for a shop.  If you're approved, a page will be created and linked from the Business District.  Conduct transactions with other players, and let me know what's happening so I can update the page.

I have a great idea!
Let me hear it!  Good ideas are always welcome, to make the Koopa Trading Card Game even better.

I need more help!
Email me with your questions and I'll add them to this page.  If you need a one-on-one walkthrough with a more experienced player, visit Susan's Tutoring Center.

Okay, so how do I join?
If you've looked over the rules, you should be able to answer these simple questions.  Email me and get them right, and you're in.

1. How many cards are in a legal deck?
2. What does a Spell card do?
3. List three things you can do during your turn.

Also give me your webpage name and URL (if you have one), your screen names for any messenging services you use (AIM, ICQ, etc.) and let me know if anyone invited you to join the game.

Questions, comments, or suggestions? Email me!
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