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Received mine today, being one of his top 3 best designs to date of course I'm happy with it, wish I had backed for both instead of just the red but couldn't swing it at the time. However the one niggle I have is the same niggle I have with all of his red decks and probably why I prefer the other colours, the red cardstock is always too bright, it needs to be deeper and darker. As it is it clashes with the gold and works against the otherwise luxurious look. He must have his reasons considering it's been the same on Damask, Grotesk Macabre and Ambassadors but it doesn't feel right to me. The red on Gio's SINS Anima is more like what I would expect, or even more wine-like than that.

Got mine today too. Have to agree, the red doesn't look quite right. Perhaps deciding to use a stock that's closer to oxblood in hue than red ... just an idea. The blue is the pick of the tucks tho.

Got my decks today. I was pleasantly surprised that they came in a brick box. Thanks Lotrek!

Spectre wrote:Got my decks today. I was pleasantly surprised that they came in a brick box. Thanks Lotrek!

That's a nice backdrop, too! Velveteen?

There are two types of brick boxes, which was the reason for my two 4/4/4 mixed bricks. I should get them soon.

That’s brick box looks sweet Spectre. Thanks for posting the photo.

I still haven't received anything. At what point should I be contacting Lotrek about this?

CupcakeBaron,

I would be contacting him now. I have reached out to him on a couple of occasions when I have had some confusion with my orders. He has always been nothing but helpful and graceful in responding.

CupcakeBaron wrote:I still haven't received anything. At what point should I be contacting Lotrek about this?

Cupcake I have not received my brick either but at least I have a tracking number from GW.. You know what they say Number one pledger , number 245674298 shipping hehehe

Well, I'm way back in 64th position. Still waiting. I did get a message a few days ago "something" was coming from GW, but who knows what it is. It could already be waiting for me at the office. Not worried, it will show up, or I will show up in Athens.

Spectre wrote:CupcakeBaron,

I would be contacting him now. I have reached out to him on a couple of occasions when I have had some confusion with my orders. He has always been nothing but helpful and graceful in responding.

Should we contact him on KS PM or via his personal emails? Gamblers never sent me a tracking number and left out some info. Now my shipping consolidator needs the tracking number confirm the package is indeed mine.

Eric,

Email I think is a better option. KS would probably work, but might delay a response.

As said, contact Lotrek by email.

Don't bother trying to contact GW. I don't think they even know what a customer service department does since it is apparent they don't have a customer service person working there. Trying to get information from them is not going to happen. All of this is so surprising to me. They ought to have so much stuff they could cross reference in a database. I mean they should be able to pull up all my shipments just by my name and shipping address if nothing else. But, that would be a no. They can't even tell me what they shipped me. They don't even know who I am even though they ship stuff to me all the time. I mean, really?

It is easy, set up a dang database and track stuff. Even I can set up a simple database they could use, and I am about the equivalent of a 5 year old when it comes to programming.

Then again, maybe I should have just asked to speak to "Amy". My personal shipping agent there.

Thanks guys! Shipping agent just emailed saying order confirmation will do as well so I'm sending the KS survey confirmation. Hope it works.

BTW, I gave up on GW a long time ago unless something got lost. There was 1 case where my colleague was going back to US for a wedding and agreed to collect an order on my behalf. I placed an order via GW's store, Playingcards.net. Order was shipped to my friend and she brought it back to me.

I opened the package to find 1 deck missing and 1 Postit note in the package saying that the deck was out of stock and what I wanted in replacement.

Really? A Postit note in the day and age of the internet and email?

I emailed them and got a reply. They were good enough to send the replacement order to me in Malaysia.

At least you got a postit note. On a few occasions on my orders from GW, they don't leave any kind of message and automatically throw in a random replacement. When I call them about it they usually tell me the deck they sent is of an equivalent value. I try to tell them I don't care about the equivalent value of the deck, I want the deck I ordered or refund my money. The part that makes me mad is they never tell me; like they expect me not to notice. My last ordeal with them included a deck that was advertised to be a limited deck with a numbered seal. The deck they sent was an overrun deck without the number seal and I spent two weeks trying to make them understand that the deck sent was not what I paid for. In their mind, the deck sent had the same cards in the box so I should just be happy with that.

They only way I buy decks from them anymore is if I'm in the Dallas area and I go there myself to pick the decks I want.

Bradius wrote:They can't even tell me what they shipped me. They don't even know who I am even though they ship stuff to me all the time. I mean, really?

If this is what they actually claim it's either a lie or negligence - don't they ship items all over the world? There must be customs paperwork, tax info, shipping receipts... if they're seriously not keeping track of all this stuff, is that even legal?

hsbc wrote:

Bradius wrote:They can't even tell me what they shipped me. They don't even know who I am even though they ship stuff to me all the time. I mean, really?

If this is what they actually claim it's either a lie or negligence - don't they ship items all over the world? There must be customs paperwork, tax info, shipping receipts... if they're seriously not keeping track of all this stuff, is that even legal?

The requirement, as I understand it, is that exporters (including US sellers and/or agents authorized to act on their behalf) must maintain the records you're describing for at least five years from the date of export, and be able to produce them for government auditors (e.g. CBP) upon request. So the short answer is no, if that paperwork isn't being maintained at all, by GW and/or their forwarder(s), to the best of my understanding that is not in compliance with US regulations.

That said, I'm not aware of any regulation requiring them to maintain this information for the benefit of, or provide it upon request by, the customer. My suspicion is that they do have these records, but that they are not organized or electronically catalogued in a way that is simple or convenient to search, and that they're not inclined to go to the trouble of pulling them for anyone they're not legally required to oblige.

I'm not sure about the recordkeeping requirements that hold for domestic shipping, but I'm guessing the underlying issue would be the same: they keep this data in a disorganized way that doesn't readily lend itself to being searched by individual recipients, and they can't be bothered.

Got my split brick and all 12 decks are double backer

badpete69 wrote:Got my split brick and all 12 decks are double backer

Same. The patience paid off.

My package from Gambler's Warehouse arrived today. I have been waiting to take a group photo of my complete Arabesque Collection.
The complete set contains some 37 decks total including:

5 - Arabesque Gold Collectors
4 - Arabesque Silver Collectors
4 - Arabesque Error
8 - Arabesque Blue Players
8 - Arabesque Red Players
8 - Arabesque Silver Players
1 - Arabesque Red Brick Box
1 - Arabesque Blue/Black Brick Box

Now this may be, and probably is, excessive. This is certainly one of the sets like HotRS and Tigers that I went gonzo over. However, this was the second set after Ambassadors that I was able to collect from the outset from Lotrek. Having just spent a small fortune collecting most of his past work, I wanted to get some extras this time! And extras I got. This started out a blind leap and really is one of my favorite works as a series by Lotrek.

This is also the first series where the decks actually fit in normal width deck sizes. However, the Silver Players cards fit insanely snug in their felt lined tucks. Still, I got all six decks in the series easily into CCC's six deck carat case. The photo above includes four complete sets in carat cases. Below is a photo of just the carat case with the set of each of the cards. It is possible to argue the error deck really isn't a part of the series. However, for me it is a part of the series. For $25 each, I think the Arabesque Silver Players is the major bargain in the series with that custom felt lined case. It's print run was almost as low as the Arabesque Gold Collectors decks.
Thanks Lotrek for a wonderful series. I truely enjoyed journey with you as you executed this amazing design so many different ways.

Bradius wrote:My package from Gambler's Warehouse arrived today. I have been waiting to take a group photo of my complete Arabesque Collection.

Arabesque Set 1.jpg

The complete set contains some 37 decks total including:

5 - Arabesque Gold Collectors
4 - Arabesque Silver Collectors
4 - Arabesque Error
8 - Arabesque Blue Players
8 - Arabesque Red Players
8 - Arabesque Silver Players
1 - Arabesque Red Brick Box
1 - Arabesque Blue/Black Brick Box

Now this may be, and probably is, excessive. This is certainly one of the sets like HotRS and Tigers that I went gonzo over. However, this was the second set after Ambassadors that I was able to collect from the outset from Lotrek. Having just spent a small fortune collecting most of his past work, I wanted to get some extras this time! And extras I got. This started out a blind leap and really is one of my favorite works as a series by Lotrek.

This is also the first series where the decks actually fit in normal width deck sizes. However, the Silver Players cards fit insanely snug in their felt lined tucks. Still, I got all six decks in the series easily into CCC's six deck carat case. The photo above includes four complete sets in carat cases. Below is a photo of just the carat case with the set of each of the cards. It is possible to argue the error deck really isn't a part of the series. However, for me it is a part of the series. For $25 each, I think the Arabesque Silver Players is the major bargain in the series with that custom felt lined case. It's print run was almost as low as the Arabesque Gold Collectors decks.

Arabesque Carat Case.jpg

Thanks Lotrek for a wonderful series. I truely enjoyed journey with you as you executed this amazing design so many different ways.

I'm so jealous . I don't even have one

Beautiful, Brad!

chicken_ql wrote:I'm so jealous . I don't even have one

Well, PCD has just put up 6 sets for sale, but they are NOT cheap. $99.99! Still, you could use TGW's discount code for 10% off or try jack20 for 20% off (not sure if it still works)

https://playingcarddecks.com/collection ... ck-set-opc

chicken_ql wrote:I'm so jealous . I don't even have one

Chicken_ql, I have an extra set for you. Hit me up if interested.

Pablo393 wrote:

chicken_ql wrote:I'm so jealous . I don't even have one

Chicken_ql, I have an extra set for you. Hit me up if interested.

Is this for am extra set of the foil?

I meant a blue arabesque and a red arabesque. The players editions. I thought you didn't have any arabesques so was just offering to get you started.

Pablo393 wrote:I meant a blue arabesque and a red arabesque. The players editions. I thought you didn't have any arabesques so was just offering to get you started.

Thanks Pablo! Really appreciate the help but I mostly want the foil ones. I don't have the player editions and those are nice but I need to save money to get the foils one day . Thanks again so much for the call to help though!

Bradius wrote:My package from Gambler's Warehouse arrived today. I have been waiting to take a group photo of my complete Arabesque Collection.

Arabesque Set 1.jpg

The complete set contains some 37 decks total including:

5 - Arabesque Gold Collectors
4 - Arabesque Silver Collectors
4 - Arabesque Error
8 - Arabesque Blue Players
8 - Arabesque Red Players
8 - Arabesque Silver Players
1 - Arabesque Red Brick Box
1 - Arabesque Blue/Black Brick Box

Now this may be, and probably is, excessive. This is certainly one of the sets like HotRS and Tigers that I went gonzo over. However, this was the second set after Ambassadors that I was able to collect from the outset from Lotrek. Having just spent a small fortune collecting most of his past work, I wanted to get some extras this time! And extras I got. This started out a blind leap and really is one of my favorite works as a series by Lotrek.

This is also the first series where the decks actually fit in normal width deck sizes. However, the Silver Players cards fit insanely snug in their felt lined tucks. Still, I got all six decks in the series easily into CCC's six deck carat case. The photo above includes four complete sets in carat cases. Below is a photo of just the carat case with the set of each of the cards. It is possible to argue the error deck really isn't a part of the series. However, for me it is a part of the series. For $25 each, I think the Arabesque Silver Players is the major bargain in the series with that custom felt lined case. It's print run was almost as low as the Arabesque Gold Collectors decks.

Arabesque Carat Case.jpg

Thanks Lotrek for a wonderful series. I truely enjoyed journey with you as you executed this amazing design so many different ways.

WOW!

I have not been on the front end of any of his campaigns as I just started collecting recently. I also have been spending a small fortune getting his earlier works. I have a Golden Oath and Liturgy Treasure coming today. His next campaign I will be doing the same as you did with this one. I would have loved to do this with Arabesque.

My collecting strategy consists of trying to get a single deck of anything that looks interesting. If I really like it, I will get a second to keep sealed. I always open one deck of everything I get. For Lotrek, Minty, Lorenzo, Montenzi and some others I have hard time restraining myself and am getting more than 2. Lol, why get 2 when I can get a third for only 50% more? Why get 3 when I can get a fourth for only 33% more? Poor logic, I know. I collect lots of things but it is really difficult to control the playing card purchases. Started off buying $10 decks off Amazon. I then progressed to $20 decks and to Ebay. I would see decks for $30 and $40 and tell myself, I am not spending that much. That did not last long at all. I discovered Lotrek and now I have been buying decks over $100.

Why buy 2 when you can buy 12?

Bradius wrote:My package from Gambler's Warehouse arrived today. I have been waiting to take a group photo of my complete Arabesque Collection.

Arabesque Set 1.jpg

The complete set contains some 37 decks total including:

5 - Arabesque Gold Collectors
4 - Arabesque Silver Collectors
4 - Arabesque Error
8 - Arabesque Blue Players
8 - Arabesque Red Players
8 - Arabesque Silver Players
1 - Arabesque Red Brick Box
1 - Arabesque Blue/Black Brick Box

Now this may be, and probably is, excessive. This is certainly one of the sets like HotRS and Tigers that I went gonzo over. However, this was the second set after Ambassadors that I was able to collect from the outset from Lotrek. Having just spent a small fortune collecting most of his past work, I wanted to get some extras this time! And extras I got. This started out a blind leap and really is one of my favorite works as a series by Lotrek.

This is also the first series where the decks actually fit in normal width deck sizes. However, the Silver Players cards fit insanely snug in their felt lined tucks. Still, I got all six decks in the series easily into CCC's six deck carat case. The photo above includes four complete sets in carat cases. Below is a photo of just the carat case with the set of each of the cards. It is possible to argue the error deck really isn't a part of the series. However, for me it is a part of the series. For $25 each, I think the Arabesque Silver Players is the major bargain in the series with that custom felt lined case. It's print run was almost as low as the Arabesque Gold Collectors decks.

Arabesque Carat Case.jpg

Thanks Lotrek for a wonderful series. I truely enjoyed journey with you as you executed this amazing design so many different ways.

What is an Arabesque error deck?

The Arabesque Gold Collectors deck was actually Lotrek's first mystery deck that he had people buy sight unseen. Pay out a ton of money and trust Lotrek would deliver something amazing. If you waited until more information or the full reveal was completed, the cost went up. Well, then after the number of decks were determined, Lotrek set to work printing the decks, which s a huge and complex process for a small operation like Lotrek. As he was getting ready to put the decks in tucks (or something like that point), he was looking at the cards and realized two of the cards had incorrect pip Indexes on the cards. He then found out that the card stock he used was unavailable and would take months at least to get shipped, so he had to scrap all that work and start the printing process over again. To help defray his cost, he sold 100 decks for $50 each as "error" decks. Now, $50 at the time seemed like a steep price for basically an unplayable deck. Then again, most folks will not extensively handle a Lotrek custom deck anyway. They did sell fairly well, but it took like a day to sell out. As the original deck was going to be delayed a few more weeks many got one just to be able to admire the cards before the corrected decks arrive.

The Gentleman Wake did a great review of the deck and explained what happened. You could also search through the forums for "Arabesque Error" and find the lengthy discussion. I imagine that is a time period Lotrek would best want to forget as a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into that first batch (in addition to money).