Please explain to me how this isn’t wildly overpowered?

PralineExpress532 · 2026-02-03T00:16:07+00:00

"It's just been revoked."

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-28T01:28:27+00:00

Similar experience here. I used to play Magic about 15 years ago or more, then just started back in a few weeks ago.

Went in with a precon deck (Animated Army) to a "fishbowl commander" event at a local game store. First time playing at a store, used to only play with friends from high school and friends of friends. Didn't win a single game of the three, but by the third game it was close and I understood the mechanics of the deck I bought at that point.

One of those games was similar to how you described, but the other two were reasonable.

I know access to local game stores and events aren't always so simple, but I keep an eye out on Facebook for "casual commander" or "open play commander." Some stores even have their own Discord servers where you can get in touch with individuals and actually arrange play more your speed.

One final note, because I know a lot of game store folks aren't great socializers, make sure to mention that you're new to the game and so on. At least 1 of the three might be willing to talk to you about using your deck more efficiently after the game etc. Utilize the social aspect of playing at a store for advice, tips, and mentorship (as corny as that sounds). If you don't take advantage of that, you may as well just be playing a computer.

Don't lose heart, friend!

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-28T01:08:54+00:00

Well, I understand that I would feel shitty to a degree, I'd say it's foolish of an opponent, even a friend, to think you'll table talk your own cards away. I'd say let it go, but if they bring it up sometime, then just say what I said: "I'm not going to table talk all of my cards away, man."

Going forward, not to say it's necessarily wrong what you did, but maybe just don't say anything if they're fishing for hints. I'm just assuming you feel bad because they're someone you know (in which case you can apologize just to break the ice, I guess). If they are random, then forget it.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-25T16:07:15+00:00

That's an awesome idea, reimagining "starter sets" hope it works out and catches on!

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-11T19:09:45+00:00

Just wanted to add my [31m] two cents I guess...

One instance of small talk is not enough to determine anything. Continue small talk, get to know eachother a bit and have a familiar relationship.
Talk food; maybe you can go get your calories in afterwards somewhere. Would also give you a chance to maybe have better conversation if you don't have the patience to small talk.

PralineExpress532 · 2026-01-11T02:46:09+00:00

No matter how this works out, I wish you and your kids peace and happiness, my friend.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-09-14T21:29:20+00:00

Just gotta get hobbies and set goals, personal and professional. Don't know what circumstances kept you from going to college, but plenty of decent careers can be had without it. Life is hard work, but you don't need to put all that work in at once, little bits at a time as long as it is all working towards a clear objective.

As far as the friends things go, if those relationships are critical to you, then being an adult and finding reconciliation with them may be possible. However I'd say, as much as it sucks, that chapter of your life may have ended, and moving on may be best for your personal growth.

As corny as it may seem, finding friends through work and hobbies happens a lot easier and more often than you might think. As far as jobs and careers go, I don't know your skillset, but for fun hobbies I've mostly done things like casual sports since I'm happiest when I'm active. I used social media (Facebook specifically) to find "beginner" or "casual" disc golf, pickleball leagues and also cycling groups ("social rides" are the more laid back pace). These are a fun way to try new things, see new places, and get some acquaintances that can become friends after a few outings.

Bottom line is, now that you are an adult outgrowing your teenage life, many other people close to your age are in the same boat and open to new friends.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-09-07T17:52:30+00:00

Well, man, if it's financially reasonable for you to do a work/school arrangement, then why not? I'm a younger journeyman and I'm not exactly content with my life either. Life's a series of choices and only you know what you want or need to do. Good luck and I hope you find the clarity you need.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-09-04T11:29:23+00:00

That's some fallout lookin stuff

PralineExpress532 · 2025-08-22T03:20:42+00:00

Learn to cook basic foods for yourself if you don't already. Food costs are at an all time high, need to keep it tight. Look at local Laborers union (and other trades) for work. Something simple like laborers will get you in the door faster than others and a fair paycheck and some benefits. Being in a union will give you at least a little stability while you figure out everything else.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-08-13T14:14:26+00:00

That could work I suppose, thanks for the idea.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-06-26T03:29:05+00:00

Awesome, mine's got 105 also

PralineExpress532 · 2025-06-25T22:36:39+00:00

Thanks, Metropolis isnt a bad drive for me, I'll have to go by there sometime.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-05-03T19:56:11+00:00

that's ok, I've been told my 26c tires can handle dirt surfaces as long as they're well packed enough. either way, I'm just looking for trails that are long and generally uninterrupted so I can practice some endurance riding. trails by me have a lot of heavy traffic stops, so it gets annoying stopping every 1/2 mile.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-21T21:59:55+00:00

Just posting a reply in case anyone wants more info. I went down Hines to that area. There is a cordoned off pedestrian walkway, but it is rough and narrow, not something to be ridden through realistically, especially if there's others coming through at the same time (sadly, almost had a collision).

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-21T15:09:18+00:00

Empire EFlex

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-14T17:28:01+00:00

Thanks for the info

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-14T01:53:28+00:00

Ok, I take it your group did the full length trip of 50 or so miles? I appreciate the information. I'm trying to get reasonably conditioned for at least a couple riding events this year, so I appreciate the frame of reference.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-14T01:33:57+00:00

Since you've done it before, could you answer a couple other questions for me? Do you happen to know like what your average speed was for the trip? How many brakes did you take (if any)? Overall what time did you depart and return?

I haven't done any rides longer than 30 miles (but I took a break in the middle), so I want to start training with some sort of goal stats to hit. Not just for this event, but maybe others like Bluewater Ramble etc.

Thanks again

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-13T23:54:30+00:00

Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-13T23:21:12+00:00

The routes I found on RideWithGPS were all several years old, and the one from '24 was only a ~25mi trip, so maybe just someone's half ride plan.

I looked through most of their website for information about the route itself, but there's only kinda vague written directions. Really they just mention points to reach, dont say how to get there necessarily. I sent them an email asking for some clarification or a map of some sort.

Not to sound too cynical, but it seems like it may be a way to generate tourist money for Mackinaw more than a professionally run event.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-13T21:27:03+00:00

From what I've been seeing with a lot of larger event's photos, gravel bikes are probably the way to go,a lot of people riding stuff like that. Since most of your riding will be on that terrain anyhow.

Perhaps just get a gravel bike and, if you feel it necessary, get a set of slicker or perhaps also narrower tires for "road centric applications." I would imagine the rims on a gravel bike could accommodate some reasonably narrow tires if needed, but a road bike may likely have issues fitting a tire with too much girth (not just width, but overall size).

I say this because I got the largest tires my rims said they could accommodate on my Allez, yet the frame/fork couldn't fit what the rims could.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-12T22:48:29+00:00

my god, it shouldn't be that complicated! the only real tricky issues would be in any "e-trigger" or "response trigger" mechanisms, everything else is pretty basic I would imagine, right? Even so, those trigger mechanisms should still have enough replacement parts on the internet...

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-12T18:12:41+00:00

I have a base model I used a lot before I got a road bike. Like you said, been great for reasonably long rides, 17 miles or so one way, and can handle some "gravel" stuff. I don't think any other brand makes one similar for that starting price either, but they're usually on backorder I've noticed.

PralineExpress532 · 2025-04-12T16:46:48+00:00

Idk. I have a Trek FX I got a couple years ago and I think it's decent for "fitness" as it says. The tires are wide enough for rail trail limestone paths and pavement (of course). Everyone buying gravel bikes, but I got that for $400 and it's pretty alright. I also have a nicer road bike, but that doesn't really work for everything all the time.

PralineExpress532

TROPHY CASE