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WOTC CHAT REPORT
February 22, 2002 - by CHRISBO

OK, we've got about one more week until the release of Neo: Destiny, so it's still too soon for the MT's to be answering questions about it yet. But, they said that they should be able to start answering questions next week, so come to the chat and have them ready.

Also, in case you haven't heard yet, the Professor Program test is now online and available for ages 15+ to take. And let me tell you, it is monster-tough!! Make sure you're well prepared beforehand. We have more information about it and other details below.

Read on,
- CHRISBO


NEO: DESTINY: 

master_trainer_mike says, "Just so you all know, since Neo Destiny has not been widely released yet we will NOT be answering any rules questions about it yet. Fair is fair after all :) We may tease you about Neo Destiny (what a great set!) but no rules questions yet, ok?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #257 from monkeyman8889:
How much have you playtested neo 4 for modified before it came out master_trainer_mike says, "skidoodles"
master_trainer_mike says, "new deck types!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "psychic makes a comeback! ask DMTM about his Dark Gengar deck!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Fire gets a boost!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Quite a bit, though I wish we had more time to do more. That's always the case though when you have to know so many games" 
master_trainer_pat says, "I've been really enjoying playing my Dark Crobat direct damage deck."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #269 from articjedi:
what do you think is the best card in the neo 4 set
master_trainer_pat says, "To early to say right now. There are some really
fun evolutions with cool attacks and powers"
master_trainer_mike says, "Dark Gengar is cool!"
master_trainer_mike says, "So is Dark Espeon!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Dark Quilava!"
master_trainer_mike says, "I like Dark Tyranitar too!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Dark Quilava is really good!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Hello B. Magmar's LavaBurst for 2 fire!!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Lots of cool art in the set too"

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #278 from ericsmewtwo:
What do you guys really think of the Shining Pokemon? And so far, which is
your favorite?
master_trainer_mike says, "I like Shining Tyranitar as possibly playable in
a Dark Tyranitar deck."
master_trainer_pat says, "Honestly, I really don't like anyone of them for
gameplay, but they look really cool. Especially Dark Tyranitar."
master_trainer_mike says, "You might be able to able Shining Noctowl if you
were playing a Lightning/Psychic deck."
master_trainer_pat says, "Shining Mewtwo is my pick for gameplay purposes."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #279 from articjedi:
what about dark amphy?
master_trainer_pat says, "His power is cool but it is not cumulative."
master_trainer_mike says, "it might be a good tech card like Slowking is"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #270 from articjedi:
dmtm, if you are here can you tell us about your Dark Gengar deck?
master_trainer_mike says, "He is busy, I think he is writing an article
about it, watch the web site for it."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #290 from
ericsmewtwo:
Will there be any more mail-in contests on the WotC website similar to when
you offered the Happy Birthday Pikachu?
master_trainer_mike says, "There should be a Destiny contest online soon."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #205 from
team_europe_golduck:
Since there now no longer are official release dates for new sets, does that
mean that you in Europe can play with Destiny as soon as you get the US
cards?
master_trainer_mike says, "That is up to the local offices to decide. It is
usually based upon when the product releases in the local language that is
the starting point."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #234 from
team_europe_golduck:
RE: 205: My country, Norway, does not have a local language version
(norwegian is a far too narrow language), and our cards are english. That
means playing with Neo 4 should be OK, then?
master_trainer_mike says, "You really have to talk with your local office,
probably in your case the Belgium office. They have the final say."


PROFESSOR PROGRAM:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #215 from sanochu64:
How many people have passed the prof test?
master_trainer_mike says, "Roughly 80 registered Professors so far!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #235 from
beedrill300:
When can we expect a listing of the Professors up on the website?
master_trainer_mike says, "soon"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #232 from lance313:
Is there a problem in retaking the test (if you passed) just for the
challenge and to see what other areas you need to work harder on?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, as long as you keep it to yourself. Please
don't post questions and answers online."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #291 from sd_pokemom:
How did you guys do on the professor test? Pat?
master_trainer_mike says, "My best score has been 45 but I wrote the silly
thing (except for the judge questions) so that isn't any sort of fair
assessment."
master_trainer_pat says, "I missed 12 when I tested it last though 10 of
those were Tournament Organizer questions which I freely admit is not my
strong suit. I did pass though"
master_trainer_mike says, "I need to work on my Judging scenario skills."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #229 from sd_pokemom:
What would you like us to do if we hear of instances of cheating in the
professor test? Email you?
master_trainer_mike says, "yes, please email details in to the
dci@wizards.com"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #238 from oldman_405:
Got here late so sorry if I missed this. I've passed the professor test.
I've already TO'd 13 events this year. Does that make me a Master Professor?
master_trainer_mike says, "Master Professor hasn't started yet, we'll see."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #252 from lance313:
Will there be a specific form/application to fill out to be considered for
Master Professor?
master_trainer_mike says, "More details to come soon. Sorry but we are super
busy right now! :)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #239 from
team_europe_golduck:
Can you become a Master Professor by being a Gym Leader at the League, or do
you have to judge DCI tournaments?
master_trainer_mike says, "Must Judge sanctioned tournaments, you can
sanction League tournaments if you want."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #200 from sanochu64:
How can we write some web articles for you as Professors?
master_trainer_mike says, "I am talking with our web team about getting that
set up for you. You will be able to submit tournament reports and
playtesting reports starting soon. Web articles is another thing that is
being investigated."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #221 from
team_europe_golduck:
I've written an article for the official European Pokémon Newsletetter.
Would that count, or would I have to write an article for your web page?
master_trainer_mike says, "At this time, you can only get credit for
Tournament Reports submitted to OUR web site or playtest reports, more
details to come soon"

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #201 from
team_europe_golduck:
Will Rochester Draft be the format for the Professor Events in Europe too?
(I hope so, it sounds like a great format for the events)
master_trainer_mike says, "Not sure yet. I will hopefully be traveling over
there soon to help them get set up for their events (though I know they will
do a great job!)"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #206 from
team_europe_golduck:
Do you know at which European Events you MTs will be?
master_trainer_mike says, "Not yet."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #241 from
team_europe_golduck:
Are you sure you will travel to Europe? They don't sell Maple Bars here,
y'know. O_o Don't say I didn't warn you.
master_trainer_mike says, "Since I don't like Maple Bars (you are thinking
of Dark Master Trainer Mike) that's fine."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #285 from
matthewssandslash:
Hey MTM/MTP! My friend sayz that he won't be able to win trips to go to
Professor-only tourneys (he's almost 15+). Will he be able to?
master_trainer_mike says, "The Professor Exclusive events are at the Stadium
Challenges and at Origins. There are no official trips to win to get to
those events. Some Gym Challenge TO's are helping their winners get to
Origins though I hear."

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #294 from oldman_405:
Origins Professor event is on July 6th right?
master_trainer_pat says, "I think so yes...is that Saturday?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #203 from daytongl:
Any idea how the Judges for the Professor Championships will be selected?
master_trainer_mike says, "Not at this time. Of course several of us will be
there as head judges and TO's."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #204 from daytongl:
Will there be a change to the Reporter software to allow the K values for
Pokémon to be bumped past 16K for Master Professors involved in the tourney
or will they need to be reported manually?
master_trainer_mike says, "Variable K is still being worked on and won't be
introduced for a few more months. When we have more details we will let you
know."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #275 from oldman_405:
I've passed the professor test. If I TO an event this weekend if I make it a
K-value of 16, will it count officially?
master_trainer_mike says, "Ok gang, right now ALL Pokemon Sanctioned
tournaments at the local level are 16k. Once variable K kicks in, it will
change based upon number of participants and whether a Master Professor is
judging or not. We will announce when this starts."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #220 from articjedi:
I've looked through this Prof Program article and I still don't understand
what's the point, we could do these things without becoming a professor
master_trainer_mike says, "then don't become a professor"
master_trainer_mike says, "don't participate in exclusive events, don't help
us keep Pokemon alive, don't be rewarded for your effort"
master_trainer_mike says, "just sit back and complain"
master_trainer_mike says, "life is full of options"


CHALLENGE SERIES:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #225 from
indigomaster33:
when will we know where worlds will be?
master_trainer_mike says, "Contracts are being worked out, hopefully soon!"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #260 from oldman_405:
Will the gym challenges still listed as TBD as well as the central & western
stadium events have their info listed soon? I really need to put in for
vacation time asap.
master_trainer_mike says, "I realize everyone wants to know now.
Unfortunately until it is settled (insurance and sites finalized, contracts
signed) we can't tell you what we don't know. I know that Jaime is working
with the TO's to get it up ASAP."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #276 from
crosstrainer:
What are the odds of the western region Stadium Challenge happening in mid
to late June?
master_trainer_mike says, "Sorry but until it is locked in we can't even
hint anything. If it were to change it would only hurt you."
master_trainer_mike says, "I am doing this for your own good."
master_trainer_mike says, "It hurts me more than it hurts you."
master_trainer_mike says, "Wipe your feet before you track mud into the
house!"
master_trainer_mike says, "EAT YOUR VEGETABLES!"
master_trainer_mike says, "DON'T YOU TALK BACK TO ME!"
master_trainer_mike says, "sorry........."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #245 from
crosstrainer:
Gym Challenge is for the under 15 age group? Will there be side events for
us older Prof. types?
master_trainer_mike says, "We have strongly encouraged all TO's to run open
ages events (we are even providing prize support if they do), most all of
them have said they will"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #267 from
monkeyman8889:
will you guys be at the Seattle challenge event
master_trainer_pat says, "Most likely, yes."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #255 from sanochu64:
Would I be able to battle you or any other MT at the Stadium challenge in
the Meadowlands? I'm 1-0 with DMTM. But I wanna fight a weedle deck :)
master_trainer_mike says, "If there is time. I will be there to run the
Professor Challenge event. Pat will be loafing in Rio!"
master_trainer_pat says, "Loafing away the hours that make up a dull day..."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #258 from
indigomaster33:
http://www.flto.150m.com/Prizes.htm that is Heidi Craig's site...she lists
prize info for the challenge series events... is her info correct?
master_trainer_mike says, "She is listing for HER event. It should be true."
[CHRISBO NOTE: Each Challenge Series event may have different prize
structures. Contact the Tournament Organizer (T.O.) for the local Challenge
event in your area for more details.]

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #259 from sanochu64:
Can professors Judge at the Gym Challenge events?
master_trainer_mike says, "You can offer your services to the local TO. I
know many of them can use some help."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #264 from
team_europe_golduck:
Will you be able to get byes based on your DCI raking on the Prof Events (as
in the latest STS)?
master_trainer_mike says, "Nope, no byes this year. Come as you are!"


POKEMON LEAGUE:

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #211 from
turbocharizard:
At a Pokemon League Tournament should the Gym Leader decide who plays who?
Should it be random?
master_trainer_mike says, "No, it should be based upon seedings. The
paperwork that came in the League goes over how to do the pairings for the
tournament."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #249 from
turbocharizard:
What's the point of winning a lot during the season for the Tournament? What
do I get? Easier Battles?
master_trainer_mike says, "You get a higher seeing in the final tournament.
That means the number 1 seed gets to play against the number 32 (or lowest
seed). This can give you an advantage in the first round."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #231 from sanochu64:
Is it possible to get some season 1 promos at my league if we had to start
in season 1?
master_trainer_mike says, "You mean if a new league started now? If they
start soon enough they would get a league season 1 kit."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #247 from articjedi:
Do you have to be a member of league to participate in the create-a-card
activity?
master_trainer_mike says, "Yup, it is a league promotion."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #299 from
team_europe_golduck:
When will the Create-a-card entries from the WCSTS be up on the Website?
master_trainer_mike says, "dunno"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #265 from
ericsmewtwo:
Aside from getting their art printed on the card, what else does the winner
get? Or is that top-secret stuff? heh
master_trainer_mike says, "I have a pocketful of lint I will offer up!"
master_trainer_mike says, "Details to come."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #233 from thamasta87:
Why is it that you have only made the create-a-card competition for North
Americans only? Isn't that racist or discrimination or some other stupid
sounding word?
master_trainer_mike says, "(sigh)...It is a Year 3 promotion. The rest of
the world is on Year 2 of the League. So logic says........?"

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #253 from thamasta87:
So, in regards to the create-a-card comp, does it mean that even if i
obtained a form either via fax or email or something, and sent it off today
first class to America, i would or wouldn't be entered?
master_trainer_pat says, "You need an original form to enter. It is only
open to North America for year 3 of the League here."
master_trainer_mike says, "The winner is designing a card for the North
America Year 3 Pokemon League. That is why it is only open to these league
members."

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #266 from thamasta87:
Meh, well i give up with this create-a-card thing, and hope it may
eventually make its way to the UK, and props to you all for coming up with
the goods, and getting such a sweet comp set up, something we all dreamed of
since seeing the vending cards b
master_trainer_mike says, "Like I said, I will be talking with the
international offices when I get over there. Who knows what the future
brings?"

master_trainer_mike presents the speaker with question #268 from ikendall:
Will every other league in the world get the same promo for the
Create-a-Snorlax then?
master_trainer_mike says, "No idea."


PROMO CARDS:

master_trainer_pat presents the speaker with question #263 from ericsmewtwo:
Will we be seeing Shining Mew in the near future as a promo?
master_trainer_pat says, "No plans to make that one right now."

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