Three years ago in March, we launched the Rathe Times in the midst of a very different FAB environment. Crucible of War had been on the shelves for 6 months - and the fact that the most recent set release was 6 months ago illustrates the difference in release cadence in those early days! We were also in the midst of a preorder frenzy concerning Monarch, of all sets; in my very first Thoughts and Baubles, I was making the case that there would ultimately be plenty of Monarch for everyone, and boy, did that turn out to be true or what?!
But much more notable than that, 2021 was still heavily influenced by the pandemic, and a significant portion of FAB organized play was occurring online via webcams and Tabletop Simulator. I participated in my first FAB tournament via Discord video calls, using an elaborate combination of screens, wires, tripods, and cameras to broadcast my playmat while keeping my opponents' in view. (I ran Azalea, of course.)
When you consider that, the state of the game today is remarkable. From an upstart TCG import with the misfortune to make its big push into international audiences in the midst of a global pandemic, to a worldwide phenomenon you can literally travel the globe playing, Flesh and Blood is a story for the gaming history books. And I've been fortunate enough to be here for it.
I started writing for FABDB - which used to support articles before spinning that portion off into the Rathe Times - within a couple months of joining the game. It felt like no one else was, and I felt that void deeply. Three years later, I'm still writing about FAB - alongside a host of talented contributors who share their thoughts under the Rathe Times banner. This gig has given me opportunities to connect with community members in ways I never thought I would, and I've been privileged to read the thoughts of great minds before anyone else, to workshop ideas with them and learn not only what they're playing, but why.
The glamour of TCGs has always been top-tier competition. We dream of proving ourselves on the big stage against players whose names we've come to know. But we're also free to engage with our hobbies at whatever level fits our lives and brings us joy. For many of us, that won't come in the form of jet-setting from one Calling to the next. For many of us, the crown we aim for is an Armory win.
As one of those players, let me assure you, your place in this community is no less. You share the same love for the game as Brodie Spurlock and Michael Hamilton. You are no less a part of this than Matt Di Marco or Pheano Black. This is your game, and it is our game. If this role with the Rathe Times has taught me anything, it's that great thoughts and inspired deckbuilding come from all corners of the hobby.
As we move forward to the next phase of the Rathe Times, I hope that central value is never lost: that we find voices from all corners of Flesh and Blood, and we give them a platform that honors and respects them. Thank you to everyone who's supported us along the way; and to the rest, I hope you'll join us as we push forward. We need your voice, we need your support, and we need your passion for this great game.
