What are Skirmish Events?
Skirmish is a single in-store event offered to selected GEM stores. It is a way to help grow local communities at a casual level. Each event is supported by a Skirmish prize kit, provided free of charge by Legend Story Studios (LSS).
When is Skirmish Season 5?
Skirmish events run from July 30th to August 21st.
What are the formats for Season 5?
Blitz Constructed and Uprising Sealed Deck are the formats available for Skirmish Season 5. For full details on the formats check here: Blitz, Sealed Deck.
It is up to the store to decide on their preferred format for their Skirmish event.
How will I know if I am selected for Skirmish?
Selected stores will receive an email invitation. Invited stores will be able to see and select the event type "Skirmish season 5" in their GEM account.
Entry fee?
For Blitz Events stores can charge up to USD20 / EUR20 / GBP20 / CAD30 / AUD30 / NZD30 entry or local currency equivalent.
For Sealed Events stores can charge up to USD 40 / EUR 40 / GBP 40 / CAD 55 / AUD 55 / NZD 55 or local currency equivalent.
Event Structure
All events should be run with swiss rounds, followed by a top 4 or 8 cut depending on the number of players in the event (with the exception of 8 players where there is no top cut).
*Events need a minimum of 8 players to run.
Blitz
| Players | Swiss Rounds | Top Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 | None |
| 9 - 16 | 4 | Top 4 or 8 (Organizer's discretion) |
| 17 - 32 | 5 | Top 8 |
| 33 - 64 | 6 | Top 8 |
| 64 - 128 | 7 | Top 8 |
Sealed Deck
| Players | Swiss Rounds | Top Cut |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 3 | None |
| 9 - 16 | 4 | Top 8 Draft |
| 17 - 32 | 5 | Top 8 Draft |
| 33 - 64 | 6 | Top 8 Draft |
| 64 - 128 | 7 | Top 8 Draft |
Prizes and Distribution
Organizers will receive a prize kit containing the following:
*Aether Ashwing playmat may vary from the image above.
| Prize | Distribution |
|---|---|
| 4x Dromai young Cold Foil and 4x Fai young Cold Foil | - The eight Cold Foil Young heroes should be given to the top eight players randomly after the Swiss rounds of the event. |
| 32x Silver Cold Foil |
- Should be given out as participation prizes. - If you have more than 32 players they could be awarded to the first 32 players to register or as random prizes for players outside of the top eight. - You must let players know how you will be distributing these before the start of the event. |
| 1x Phoenix Flame playmat and 1x Aether Ashwing playmat. Some kits may contain 1x Randomly inserted Limited Edition Marvel Aether Ashwing playmat instead of the 1x Aether Ashwing playmat. |
- The two playmats are for 1st and 2nd. - 1st gets first pick of the playmat |
| 1x Skirmish Blaze Headlong poster | - Should be displayed in your store once you receive the kit to help promote your event |
How do I get the Prize Kits?
The prize kits will be available to order from your GEM registered distributor. LSS will send distributors a list of invited stores to the Skirmish season once the sanctioning window has closed. Once your event has been confirmed, you will be able to contact your distribution representative and order the kit. The kits will be shipped from your preferred distributor closer to the date of your event.
Do the top players qualify for any other events?
Skirmish events do not award any invitations to future events.
Can I add prizes to the prize pool?
TO’s can add whatever additional prizes they see fit to the event. The distribution of additional prizes is up to the TO.
Rules Enforcement, Judges and Decklists
What level of rules enforcement is this event run at?
Skirmish events are run at casual rules enforcement. Please check the Penalty Guidelines for more information.
The purpose of this event is to be an enjoyable community-building exercise; if you have to adjudicate on a rules breach, we would encourage you to assume good faith on the part of the players and to treat it as an honest mistake and a learning opportunity.
The intent behind rulings is to restore the game state where possible and leave the players feeling positive after you have adjudicated the situation.
Do I need a Judge for an event?
You don’t need a judge for the event, however, we would recommend that either the TO for the event or a store staff member is familiar with documents found in the Rules & Policy Center.
If you would like to appoint a judge for the event, you can also try to find one on Judge HUB Judge Finder.
Are deck lists required for Blitz or Sealed Skirmish events?
The Skirmish series is run at a casual level so they are not required. At your discretion, you may require decklists but you should advise players well in advance if this is going to be a requirement. Decklists can be useful as it allows us to spotlight the top-performing players in your community.
Do I need to record the Hero’s played by players?
For Skirmish events, it is required for TO’s to record the hero played by the top 8 competitors. We appreciate it if stores are able to fill in the details of all heroes played for constructed events, as this helps us to improve the development of the game. The Hero Assignment feature is available in GEM and you can read up on how to use it at the link Hero Assignment.
Digital Assets and Marketing
Where do I find digital assets for social media?
There is a page of digital assets for social media and printable posters can be found here Skirmish Season Five Digital Assets.
Event Coverage
I ran an amazing event! Is there any way to get my players and their decklists featured?
We will be featuring coverage of the week's events including posting decklists, reports and photos. In order for your event to be featured, you will need to fill in the Coverage form at this link:
Skirmish Season 5 - Coverage forms
Please note we cannot feature every store that provides coverage information, but we love getting your photos, decklists and stories about how your event went!