TOPIC: 2008 Purple Token Survey!

Some of the discussions in the "Money and Gem Tokens" thread got me thinking so I thought I'd do a little unofficial survey regarding what the fellas at True Dungeon should do with tokens next year. Please post your responses!<br /><br /><br />#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?<br /><br /><br />#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?<br /><br /><br />#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?<br /><br /><br />#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?<br /><br /><br />#5. Any other thoughts/suggestions/ideas regarding what should or should not be done for next year?<br /><br /><br />(Bonus Question for TD Insiders): Just out of curiosity, does buying lots of tokens actually help support True Dungeon? At GenCon, I was talking to someone who claimed that tokens were sold at cost and so with a zero profit margin, buying lots of tokens didn't actually help TD at all. Then again, I thought at the beginning of the year, the newsletters mentioned that pre-ordering would help TD by providing funds to buy props. So can anyone confirm whether purchasing tokens supports True Dungeon and if so, does it help a lot or only marginally? I'm not asking for any numbers, but just a general feeling.

My responses:<br /><br /><br />

#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?

<br /><br /><br />I definitely think that Jeff and friends should continue the Choose Your Own PURP program. I don't think I would have shelled out nearly as much money this year if one didn't get to choose the PURPS - it was definitely the key deciding factor for my decision.<br /><br />Another benefit with this approach is that it implicitly provides a ceiling for the value of any particular Purple (i.e. at least initially, no one should have spent more than $250 for one of the normal 2007 Purples). This is good because it encourages trading (vs. the eBay syndrome), and there are fewer incentives for theft and counterfeiting.<br /><br /><br /><br />

#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?

<br /><br /><br />I'd go with the Horn of Plenty, Scepter of the Dead, and the Gem of Healing.<br /><br />I chose the best Purple and the two worst Purples. The Horn is simply a logistical issue. The more Horns that are printed, the more tokens that will need to be given out every year. This creates an additional burden that will increase year by year if the Horn is discontinued. (So my argument is not based on "power level" but on economics and logistics). The Scepter and Gem are really weak. Not every Purp can be a Horn, but if they're going to keep some weak Ultra-Rares, I'd rather have them cycle things out (replace the Scepter and Gem with reprints of Potion of Cure Lt Wounds +10 and Neckless of Fireballs instead).<br /><br /><br />

#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?

<br /><br /><br />I choose +2 Holy Great Sword, +2 Keen Scimitar, and +2 Bracers of Defense.<br /><br />All of these are extremely sought after, and demand easily outstrips meager supply. To avoid excessive elitism and ridiculous eBay auctions, I think they should be offered again next year (though possibly in a limited way).<br /><br /><br />

#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?

<br /><br /><br />Gearon's +2 Heavy Mace, Dragonscale Shield, and +2 Quarterstaff.<br /><br />Consistant with my answers in #3, I choose Gearon's Mace and the Dragonscale Shield, the most sought after pre-2007 Purples (except the Ring of 3 Wishes and the Ring of Regeneration before the supposed reprint). Same logic (keeping prices in check and greater access to new players).<br /><br />I choose the +2 Quarterstaff because Wizards really have crappy weapon selection, especially when it comes to Reds/Purples.<br /><br /><br />

<br />#5. Any other thoughts/suggestions/ideas regarding what should or should not be done for next year?

<br /><br /><br />- Red reprints of +1 Quarterstaff, +1 Bracers of Defense, and +1 Amulet of Armor might be good ideas as well. (Once again, giving newer players access to these tokens and creating chippie versions for the first time of these tokens).<br /><br />- Please keep the Sleep Arrow and Universal Solvent for next year. Distribution was rather odd and I know quite a few people who surprisingly received very few of either of these greens.<br /><br />- Rotate out the gems. Instead of reprinting Fluorite/ Pyrite / Sardonyx / Jade / Jasper you could instead reintroduce chippy versions of Amber / Aquamarine / Hematite / Moonstone / Onyx.<br /><br />- Avoid power creep. There were many grumblings this year about how many of the 2007 tokens were significantly better than older tokens. Creating additional tokens that are too strong risks unbalancing the game.<br /><br />- Avoid further inflation. For economic stability, keep the relative GP levels on par with 2007.

<br />#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?

<br /><br />Yes, continue the 'Pick your Purp' program!<br />Why? Because this effectively caps the price for purps at a maximum of $200 - $250. After all, when you can pick your own purp for that price and get 30 packs of tokens ta boot, who would buy one on eBay for any more than that? (unless is was an out of print token)<br />This also lets the collectors have a reasonable chance of getting the Purps they want without going really crazy doing it.<br /><br />

#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?

<br />+2 Nightshade Shortsword (to make room for other cool 'named' tokens)<br />Cloak of the Mage<br />Gem of Healing<br /><br />

#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?

<br />? Special ('cuz people will use them from the previous year, so you have to come up with a cool idea for 'em anyways, and if you're doing that, why not produce more of them?)<br />+2 Longsword (you can never have too many good sharp swords)<br />Gloves of Dex ('cuz I don't have a chippie version yet)<br /><br />

#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?

<br />Sapphire<br />Emerald<br />Ruby<br /><br />

#5. Any other thoughts/suggestions/ideas regarding what should or should not be done for next year?

<br />I like the forum contest to create a Purp - lots of creative ideas came out of that. Definitely do it again.<br /><br />

(Bonus Question for TD Insiders): Just out of curiosity, does buying lots of tokens actually help support True Dungeon?

<br />Yes, it helps TD. Not as much as the wood tokens did (the profit margin is smaller on these) but it still helps. Buying lots at a lower profit margin means a bigger profit over all. So BUY MORE TOKENS! (I'm already saving up for next year's purchase!)<br />

I'll just say that I agree with Raven.  Its easier that way.    Well maybe not the gems for #4 but everything else, yep.<br /><br />Although one difference, my understanding was that the Chips and Woodies were about the same cost for True Dungeon.  =|

<br />#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?

<br /><br />You should always be permitted to choose which bonus token you want, even if it's not purples being chosen. For instance, if you buy 3 bags, perhaps you can get a rare of your choice. Regardless, again, I think you should be able to choose which token you receive, especially if you're putting out a significant amount of money. I for one would pay $100+ without a guarantee of something very good. <br /><br /><br />

#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?

<br /><br />For the most part, only truly hardcore players who spend exuberant amounts of money to guarantee themselves particular purps have any real chance of getting their hands on this or that token. Therefore, I see no reason to remove any. They add diversity to the game. As someone mentioned before, there may be an issue with packaging them so that they are correctly distributed.   <br /><br />I can't say what it is, but with the odds of getting this or that UR, that they are, according to some, so proliferated indicates there's something very wrong...what it is, I can't say.<br /><br />

#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?

<br /><br />Horn of Plenty, Nightshade's short sword, +1 full plate, ring of focus (ok yea, that's 4  )<br /><br />

#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?

<br /><br />Gearon's Heavy Mace, Cloak of Displacement, Ring of Regeneration<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

<br />You should always be permitted to choose which bonus token you want, even if it's not purples being chosen. For instance, if you buy 3 bags, perhaps you can get a rare of your choice. Regardless, again, I think you should be able to choose which token you receive, especially if you're putting out a significant amount of money. I for one would pay $100+ without a guarantee of something very good.

<br /><br />Riiiiight. That's an interesting concept. I'm sure the CCG companies out there would be fascinated at such an innovative idea . <br /><br />IMO, the only good reason to stick with the choose a UR for $250+ is that it's a freaking cash cow. If token sales didn't skyrocket this year compared to last, I'd put up the difference (Payable in monthly installments of $10). It spured people to buy, and to buy early. Later on, the guarenteed one purp per 250 caused people to continue to purchase. If TD isn't on much firmer financial standing because of that, it might be time to just fold up the tents and call it quits because I can't see it getting much better than that.

<br />#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?<br />

<br />Doesn't really matter to me.  I'm probably still going to buy the same amount, regardless of the bonus.  (UNLESS they come up with something I decide I can't live without.)<br /><br />

<br />#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?<br />

<br />Horn of Plenty, Girdle of Hill Giant Strength, Scepter of the Dead<br /><br />

<br />#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?<br />

<br />+2 Longsword, Gloves of Dexterity, Special ?<br /><br />

<br />#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?<br />

<br />Dragonscale Shield, Hand of Glory, (whatever)<br /><br />

<br />#5. Any other thoughts/suggestions/ideas regarding what should or should not be done for next year?<br />

<br />Jeff and Company know what will help for next year... I'm sure they'll have some awesome new additions.

1.  Yes, TD should definately continue the pick your own Purp promotion.  It made for very happy customers and had to boost token sales significantly.<br /><br />2.  The three that I'd discontinue are the Horn of Plenty, Scepter of the Dead and the +2 Flaming Short Bow.<br /><br />3.  The three that I'd continue to print are the +2 Holy Greatsword, +1 Plate and Dragonscale Armor.<br /><br />4.  The three that I think should be returned to print are the Dragonscale Shield, Gearon's +2 Mace, Fly<br /><br />5.  Definately do the contest on the forum again to design a purp.  It was a lot of fun seeing everyone's ideas.<br /><br />Kim

<br /><br />3.  The three that I'd continue to print are the +2 Holy Greatsword, +1 Plate and Dragonscale Armor.<br /><br />

<br /><br />Spoken like a true sister knight.. Huzzah .

<br />Riiiiight. That's an interesting concept. I'm sure the CCG companies out there would be fascinated at such an innovative idea . <br />

<br /><br />Clarify

<br />My responses:<br /><br /><br />

#1. For 2008, should TD continue the Choose Your Own PURP program (at least initially, for each $XXX order), stick with the Randomized PURP (per $XXX order), or nix the idea altogether (going back to relying on the "00" bags)? Why?

<br /><br /><br />I definitely think that Jeff and friends should continue the Choose Your Own PURP program. I don't think I would have shelled out nearly as much money this year if one didn't get to choose the PURPS - it was definitely the key deciding factor for my decision.<br /><br />Another benefit with this approach is that it implicitly provides a ceiling for the value of any particular Purple (i.e. at least initially, no one should have spent more than $250 for one of the normal 2007 Purples). This is good because it encourages trading (vs. the eBay syndrome), and there are fewer incentives for theft and counterfeiting.<br /><br /><br /><br />

#2. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be taken out of circulation?

<br /><br /><br />I'd go with the Horn of Plenty, Scepter of the Dead, and the Gem of Healing.<br /><br />I chose the best Purple and the two worst Purples. The Horn is simply a logistical issue. The more Horns that are printed, the more tokens that will need to be given out every year. This creates an additional burden that will increase year by year if the Horn is discontinued. (So my argument is not based on "power level" but on economics and logistics). The Scepter and Gem are really weak. Not every Purp can be a Horn, but if they're going to keep some weak Ultra-Rares, I'd rather have them cycle things out (replace the Scepter and Gem with reprints of Potion of Cure Lt Wounds +10 and Neckless of Fireballs instead).<br /><br /><br />

#3. What are the top three Purples printed in 2007 that should be continued for next year?

<br /><br /><br />I choose +2 Holy Great Sword, +2 Keen Scimitar, and +2 Bracers of Defense.<br /><br />All of these are extremely sought after, and demand easily outstrips meager supply. To avoid excessive elitism and ridiculous eBay auctions, I think they should be offered again next year (though possibly in a limited way).<br /><br /><br />

#4. What are the top three Purples NOT printed in 2007, that should be reprinted and returned to circulation next year?

<br /><br /><br />Gearon's +2 Heavy Mace, Dragonscale Shield, and +2 Quarterstaff.<br /><br />Consistant with my answers in #3, I choose Gearon's Mace and the Dragonscale Shield, the most sought after pre-2007 Purples (except the Ring of 3 Wishes and the Ring of Regeneration before the supposed reprint). Same logic (keeping prices in check and greater access to new players).<br /><br />I choose the +2 Quarterstaff because Wizards really have crappy weapon selection, especially when it comes to Reds/Purples.<br /><br /><br />

<br />#5. Any other thoughts/suggestions/ideas regarding what should or should not be done for next year?

<br /><br /><br />- Red reprints of +1 Quarterstaff, +1 Bracers of Defense, and +1 Amulet of Armor might be good ideas as well. (Once again, giving newer players access to these tokens and creating chippie versions for the first time of these tokens).<br /><br />- Please keep the Sleep Arrow and Universal Solvent for next year. Distribution was rather odd and I know quite a few people who surprisingly received very few of either of these greens.<br /><br />- Rotate out the gems. Instead of reprinting Fluorite/ Pyrite / Sardonyx / Jade / Jasper you could instead reintroduce chippy versions of Amber / Aquamarine / Hematite / Moonstone / Onyx.<br /><br />- Avoid power creep. There were many grumblings this year about how many of the 2007 tokens were significantly better than older tokens. Creating additional tokens that are too strong risks unbalancing the game.<br /><br />- Avoid further inflation. For economic stability, keep the relative GP levels on par with 2007.<br />

<br /><br />I'll vote as you did Eric!

#1 - Great incentive since a purple token costs no more to print than a brown one and yet can boost sales exponentially.<br /><br />#2  Purps to discontinue.    Horn of Plenty (for sure cant have more of these running around), +2 Holy Greatsword (great unique item), +2 Nightshades Shortsword (another money unique item)     Honorable mention to Dragonscale armor.<br /><br />#3  Continued Purps -  +2 LS, Girdle, +2 Bracer of Defense  w/ Honorable mention to +1 Plate.<br /><br />#4  Purps to bring back -  Dragonscale Shield as a normal shield (keep the uniqueness of the DS OOP), +2 heavy mace (keep the sheer power of the Gearons OOP), and a big wizzy item (not so much Neck of Fireballs but something like it)