Always a Pleasure
By Trent McCrow

The oceans roll and crash against the cities pylons. Rain is forever falling from the sky and is so thick at times no starship would dare venture into the sky. And here on Kamino is Jango's base of operations. Within the snow white corridors of the city his private quarters lie where he is cleaning up after his latest job. "Dad! Taun We's here!" his unaltered clone Boba calls. Jango goes to meet Taun We and is greeted by a familiar face from his last hunt. "Jango, this is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi." "Always a pleasure to meet a Jedi."

This week we will be taking a closer look at the personnel that worked on the FOTR set. Many hard hours were put into the IDC's first set and there were many hands involved. Now that the FOTR expansion has been released, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce the IDC team to you and help you get in inside look into their character. After all it is always a pleasure to meet an IDC member.....

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CARD DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

What is your real name?
Brian Weeks

What is your online Alias?
Skywlkr

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Shawnee, OK

Where do you currently Reside?
Norman, OK

What is your current work status?
Architect - Project Manager

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Card Development Sub-Committee Chairperson

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I was first introduced to the SWTCG at Celebration 2 in Indianapolis. WOTC had demos running all weekend. I was instantly hooked. I then introduced the game to my friends in JediOKC (RedneckJedi, Darthwalls and others). I then got the weekly tournaments started at a local game shop in Norman, OK. I participated in the Sunday tournaments (every other Sunday) for three years. I may have missed no more than 5 total. I also participated in three qualifiers in those years.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
I could go either way. I love my LS pilot deck (arguably the best LS deck I ever made) and my DS Asteroids deck (my best DS deck ever).

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
I would have to say Lightsaber Collection (A). I came up with this card for the set. I think by combining 'Let the Cube Decide' with an equipment card accurately depicts the use of multiple lightsabers by General Grievous.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Besides being an architect, I also dabble in graphic design. I also enjoy football (University of Oklahoma Sooners primarily). But most of my other free time is spent either with my family or with JediOKC - Oklahoma City Star Wars Fan Club. I am a Council Member, Treasurer and Newsletter Editor for the club. We just celebrated our 5th anniversary and serve our community through Charity Events, parades and costume appearances. You can check our website out at www.jediokc.com.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Cody Barnett

What is your online Alias?
Grand Moff Nicodemus Fett

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Hazard, Kentucky

Where do you currently Reside?
Hazard, Kentucky

What is your current work status?
Student

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Card Development Workgroup Leader

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I first started collecting the game at its release. Its very design is what got me interested in gameplay. So I read the rulebook, bought Wal-Mart's entire stock, and began building decks. Lack of interest in my area prevented me from playing until 2003, when I joined the Rebelbasers online community and began playing online.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Dark Side. I've always been Dark Side, and with some of the new cards, it's getting easier to stay in the Dark. I don't mind playing Light, but the Dark is just so cool.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
Tough question. There are so many good cards in this set it's really hard to choose just one. However, gameplay wise, I'm going to go with 501st Legion (A). Another big help for my ever-growing Imperial deck. Picture wise, Captured Temple and Death of Liberty are the greatest card pictures I've ever seen.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Well, I too am a Halo 2 addict. I play almost everyday. I also love to read and write (when I get the time).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Brad Norman

What is your online Alias?
Cyber Sith

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Lansing, MI

Where do you currently Reside?
Lansing, MI

What is your current work status?
Student

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Board Member, Effects and Mechanics Workgroup Leader

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
When AOTC came out.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Dark!

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
I like 501st Legion, very balanced card, going to be used a lot.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I love to do graphic design, play Halo2 on Xbox Live (Level 31 biznatches!)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Clay O'Dell

What is your online Alias?
unduli

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Georgia

Where do you currently Reside?
Georgia (all my life)

What is your current work status?
Production/Shipping Department at my church

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Research and Accuracy Workgroup Leader

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
A couple months after its release (before SR)

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
I enjoy playing the Light Side better because the Dark Side builds first. I'm a careful player and I like to see what my opponent is going to do before I make my move.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
I like a lot of them, but two in particular I enjoy are Sly Moore (A), who helps out DS Diplomat decks immensely, and also Jedi Temple Briefing Room, which is a really cool card and can replace the use of Recognition of Valor in Jedi decks

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I enjoy comics, video games, movies, and friends

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Ryan Searby

What is your online Alias?
pocketaces98

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Champaign, Illinois, U.S.A.

Where do you currently Reside?
Champaign, Illinois, U.S.A.

What is your current work status?
Student (for one final year)

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Card Development Workgroup Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I am a late bloomer to the game. I first started playing in March of 2005, right before the release of Revenge of the Sith, when my friend (who was a much bigger Star Wars fan than myself) saw an old Attack of the Clones starter set at a local bookstore and decided to give it a try. We were both instantly hooked. He has since stopped playing the game, but here I am.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
My friend would never play anything but Light Side so originally I only devised strategies with the Dark Side in mind. Since he stopped playing however, I have grown more fond of Light Side cards and strategies. I disagree with IVIace Windu in that there is not as much strategy involved on the LS. I think both sides need a good streamlined focus in order to be successful.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
My favorite card would have to be Anakin Skywalker (N). I have just never felt that he has been accurately represented in this game. This card finally gives us a reason to play the Light Side's Chosen one again, and believe me, I will!

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I am finishing my final year in college. I will be student teaching next spring and will hopefully have a full time teaching position next fall. For the past three years I have been helping to coach (American ) football at my former high school. In my free time I play SW:TCG and board games with my friends.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RULES COMMITTEE

What is your real name?
Len Fowler

What is your online Alias?
RedneckJedi

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
El Reno, OK

Where do you currently Reside?
Oklahoma City, OK

What is your current work status?
Full-time Database Administrator

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Board Member and Rules Sub-Committee Chairperson

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I first started Playing/Collecting SWTCG about 6 months after the movie release. I was put-off by the SW:CCG, and figured this was just another offshoot of that. Skywlkr proved me (and others) wrong by giving a quick demo, and after trying it out, I was hooked.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
I prefer the Light side for its synergistic value, but I almost always want to play a DS deck because it gives me the most fits, and I love to see if it works effectively as intended.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
My favorite card from the FOTR set is Doing Their Job. Though it's pretty simple, I had a hand in its creation. I haven't really had time to try playing the cards to determine a favorite play-wise as my current SWTCG time is all spent on the forthcoming Rulebook.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
My other major hobbies or talents first and foremost are being a devoted husband and father of two. Otherwise, I'm on the council for our local Star Wars fan club (JediOKC) and act as its secretary/historian/webmaster, but my favorite-ist hobby of all is Superman. (Needless to say, it's Superman-nirvana right now.) I've dabbled in webpage development as part of my software development skills (which provides my personal SWTCG webpage).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
C. J. Williams

What is your online Alias?
Corjay

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
I'd prefer not to say.

Where do you currently Reside?
I'd prefer not to say.

What is your current work status?
Part-time Retail associate

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Text Finalization Workgroup Leader

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
November 1st, 2003. I just separated and needed to find something social, and went to the local hobby shop to find a game to get into and saw SWTCG being played. I started playing a couple days later and here I am.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
DS is quicker, easier, more seductive, but LS is both a challenge and satisfying to play. I guess I prefer LS.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
Anakin Skywalker (N). I think it is the triumph of the set. It not only makes him playable again, but is extremely defensive, keeping him alive for a long time, and at the same time offensive, having 8 power and decent speed.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Sci-fi writer, SWTCG article writer, artist (pencil, pen, marker, water color), Free-League coordinator, and computer junkie (hey, I use it to socialize ). I would get out and do some outdoor sports on occasion, but I have an exceptionally bad back that doesn't permit it.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PLAYTESTING COMMITTEE

What is your real name?
Nathanael Tripp

What is your online Alias?
Ketricel

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Ida, Michigan

Where do you currently Reside?
Hickory, North Carolina

What is your current work status?
Ethan Allen Furniture Inc, Maiden, NC Division (R&D)

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Play Testing Sub-Committee Chairperson / IDC Board Member

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I picked up an AOTC Starter about a month before the movie was released. I was just browsing thourgh the cards when a friend walked up with a starter and a few packs of his own. Things just snowballed from there lol.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
When I first started playing I was a hard core LS player. I would stupidly bid down to 25-26 build just so I could play my LS deck, even though it probably wasn't as strong as my DS deck. Slowly though as I got more comfortable with the cards and my play style I came around to being a DS Control player. Still though I long to have a good pure Neutral deck...

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
As far as my favorite card goes I would have to choose Palpatine's Teachings for playability. This card just speaks to the control player in me. Any time I can convert damage into a benefit to me I just go crazy. When it comes to favorite card as far as looks I would have to say Delta Squad (A), that card just has so much style.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I have been playing Halo 1 and 2 since they release and enjoy playing a game or two from time to time. I also have been actively playing VS lately and have found it to be a good diversion to when I'm not playing SWTCG. Other then that I'm just a simple guy really.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Lin Meng

What is your online Alias?
mengo

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
London

Where do you currently Reside?
London

What is your current work status?
Investment Banker

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Play Testing Workgroup Leader

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
Since AOTC came out.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Dark

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
Sid H - love Sid, the picture and the stats/abilities

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Football, video games

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Jaroslav Emmer

What is your online Alias?
darthlewis

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

Where do you currently Reside?
Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic

What is your current work status?
Student

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Play Testing Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I started collecting the day it (SW TCG) came to our country. I remember that day very clearly. I was excited, young and full of interest. And since now, I am still ;D

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
I prefer LS. I think it gives more better basics. More Force adding cards, the great heroes and more stackable units especially in Space (Luke's X-wing, Obi-Wan's Starfighter, Falcon..). With the LS, I feel more safe.. But with Vader, it is also a pleasure to play DS. DS is more aggressive but also more defenseless.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
That's very easy. 501st Legion (A). It is an amazing card. Very strong, HC makes it even more deadly.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I play Volleyball on the professional level. Also interested in reading/writing and playing PC games. And I really love Death/Black metal.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Bond. James Bond.

What is your online Alias?
downed battle droid

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Born in Seattle

Where do you currently Reside?
Indiana

What is your current work status?

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Playtesting Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
December 2003

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Dark side. Everybody loves to use those multiple HC units. And the Trade Federation never has lost it's appeal to me either, especially with the release of FotR!

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
Duh. Like most everyone, I prefer 501st Legion (A) for the simple solidity and ability to have the first say in any ground battle if you HC!

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Writing short stories, reading, 4-H, piano and church activities.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Adam K

What is your online Alias?
karthanian49

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Flint, Mi

Where do you currently Reside?
Litchfield, Il

What is your current work status?
Printer Technician

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Playtesting Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
Star Wars Celebration II -- may 4th 2002

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Dark Side -- go NUTE GUNRAY go!!

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
Though I would never use it my favorite is the Chosen One because the picture is so fricking awesome-- side note great job on the pictures graphic design group

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Writing and creating role-playing games. Watching football-- go 49ers

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Alex Skywalker

What is your online Alias?
Sith Lord 13

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Coruscant

Where do you currently Reside?
Eclipse

What is your current work status?
Jedi Padawan

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Playtesting Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I started collecting the card last summer.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Light (spirits)

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
Qui-Gon's Spirit (A). I've always liked spirit decks since Jabba (C) came around and this is a good boost to that type of deck.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Acting

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Casey Shaneman

What is your online Alias?
Action Hank

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
California

Where do you currently Reside?
Idaho

What is your current work status?
Working

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Playtesting Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
Month after Release

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Dark side

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
General Grievous (A)

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I can play basketball.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Robb B

What is your online Alias?
Master Obi-Wan

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
California

Where do you currently Reside?
Texas

What is your current work status?
Student

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Playtesting Associate

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I was introduced to the game by a friend about a month after its release, so I thought what the heck and bought a bunch of cards. But because of lack of interest in my community I dropped the game, later picking it up around the release of ROTS

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Mainly a LS player

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
I'd have to say Anakin (N) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (O) because they are both very solid units, and give them a chance to be played in future decks (with contesting Vader, and all that)

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Besides Star Wars, I've been playing baseball since I was a little kid, and been watching Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants tear it up on the field. I also watch football, my favorite teams being the University of Texas, and the 49ers. Other than that, I play the trombone, and loads of video games.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GRAPHIC DESIGN COMMITTEE

What is your real name?
F. May

What is your online Alias?
Mixmaster

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Where do you currently Reside?
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

What is your current work status?
Audio Engineer

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Graphic Design Sub-committee Chairperson

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
The day it hit Australia. I read about the game in magazines and the internet and knew it was coming. I bugged Toys 'R' Us for days until they finally said, "Yes, AOTC is here now."

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
Either and neither, depends if I'm winning or not. I really liked the Rebel Surrender decks and other control styles of DS, and I also like how ridiculously easy it is to make a solid LS deck.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
The first time I read through the Master List I was like, "ok, pretty cool." When I got to Lightsaber Collection my jaw dropped. I then realized it was unique, but still good nonetheless. My favourite image is Darth Sidious (H) and I'm particularly happy with how the Crab Droid (set version) turned out.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
Professional Flamer

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is your real name?
Trent McCrow

What is your online Alias?
IVIaceWindu

Where is your Hometown or Birthplace?
Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia

Where do you currently Reside?
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

What is your current work status?
Full Time Retail Assistant

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Software Workgroup Leader

When did you fist start Playing/Collecting SWTCG?
I first started playing SWTCG way back in the days of AOTC when one of my friends introduced me to the game. As this was my first Card game I did not know what to expect. I got one of my other friends into the game and we have been collecting and playing together ever since.

Do you prefer the Light, Dark or Neutral side?
I love to build Dark side decks as they have great strategy. A LS deck can have a couple off powerful units in it and it will do ok but a DS deck needs a lot more focus to get it really strong.

What is your favorite card from the FOTR set and why?
My favorite FOTR card would have to be Delta Squad (A). I am a big fan of the Republic Commando Game (On Xbox) and absolutely Love military types (Halo addict) so Delta Squad is probably my favorite of FOTR with Boga (A) coming in a second.

Besides working as part of the IDC do you have any other major hobbies or talents?
I'm a Halo addict and recently ran my first Halo tournament which went quite well. I'm also into sport (watch and play) and am actively involved in Youth Ministry for my church and participate in a Pathfinder Club (outdoor activities for teens) as a Unit counselor.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

What is your real name?
Brian Weeks

What is your online Alias?
Skywlkr

What was your Title for the FOTR expansion?
Card Development Sub-Committee Chairperson, but after our elected Public Affairs Chair stepped down about six to eight weeks before the scheduled release, a website was needed…and fast. So I stepped up, purchased the web site address, designed the web pages and kept the website updated every week with preview articles before the release. I pay for the website out of my own pocket and after the completion of the FOTR set, stepped down from the Card Development Chair position and was voted by the IDC Board to become the new PA Chair. Did I mention that I love this game?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In conclusion, a lot of work and personal hours were put into this project. I hope our love for the game shows and that you are as pleased as we were with the results. Though some Chair positions have changed and some members have left, the IDC continues on. The Card Development Committee is in the development stages of the next IDC set called…

Did you really think I could talk about it yet? More information on this next set will be released soon. Thanks for making the IDC what it is by supporting us and loving the game as much as we do.

Next week, we will be continuing our series on the creation of Fall of the Republic with a report from the Rules Committee and the issues they addressed with the development of the set.

Thoughts or comments? Visit the message board thread for this article here.

About the Author
After working in the Graphical Design Sub-Committee for the FOTR set Trent has moved on to the Card Development Sub-Committee and is working as an associate on the IDC's next project. He is a member of Rebelbasers.com and is currently the organizer of the DCCR.