Origins and Backstories

The roots of the Blogatog FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) are as diverse as the subjects it addresses. From card mechanics to errata, from design philosophies to amusing anecdotes, this FAQ serves as a beacon for fans navigating the often labyrinthine rules of Magic: The Gathering and, more specifically, its quirky Un-sets.

Mark has shared that creating the FAQ was inspired by the continuous appeal of player questions, the need for a structured place to answer recurrent questions, and his desire to interact with fans in a more organized manner. Early mentions of the FAQ on his blog described it as an ambition that he just hadn’t found the time to bring to life. However, as questions dealing with various game nuances kept flooding in, the necessity for a centralized document became more apparent.

The Evolution of Rules and Terms

One persistent point of discussion revolves around how the rules and terminology used in Magic: The Gathering FAQs have evolved. Notably, the FAQ has had to adjust multiple times to reflect changes, updates, and even corrections. For instance, at one point, Mark mentioned that the FAQ had outdated terms like referencing Matt Tabak as the Rules Manager, a role now held by Eli Shiffrin. This underscores the dynamic nature of Magic's evolving rules and terminologies.

To delve deeper into specifics, the alignment and tweaking of mechanics also often feature prominently. For example, the intricacies of the silver-bordered sets such as Unstable were detailed thoroughly. "One result. It’s adapting the roll, not increasing the number of rolls," Mark replied when questioned about interactions involving The Big Idea, underlining the necessity to spell out such nuanced rules clearly in the FAQ.

Interesting Stories and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Several fascinating stories and behind-the-scenes pieces of information have also surfaced. For instance, Mark humorously recounted one of the biggest debates in R&D: "Is gum food?" Moreover, the quirky ruling that gum isn't considered food appears in the FAQ, settling arguments for cards like Fat Ass and Yule Ooze in Un-sets.

Another amusing note involved the FAQ's existence itself. At different points, Mark mentioned forgetting how to update it, misplacing instructions on how to do so, and even jokingly needing to remind himself to do it with a post-it note on his computer.

List of Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some notable recurring questions that the FAQ addresses:

• Can I use giant-sized dice for cards like Ol' Buzzbark?
• How does Vedalken Squirrel-Whacker interact with the planar die?
• Will there be mechanics or settings returning to the game?
• What are the rules for mailing cards to be signed?
• Can fractional numbers be utilized in any mechanics?
• Why was Planar Chaos not meant to set a precedent for color pie breaks?
• What counts as a hat for Goblin Haberdasher?
• Is there a set release FAQ for newly introduced sets like Unfinity?

Controversies

Certain controversies also get spotlighted within the FAQ. One notable issue discussed was the errata for cards like Training Grounds, which caused quite a stir due to its alteration and was pointed out by a concerned fan. Mark reassured that such changes are rare and typically not done lightly.

Additionally, the debate around whether silver-bordered cards should follow conventional Magic rules led to an insightful observation. "Basically, what I’m saying is this idea that Un-cards don’t work in the rules and black border cards always work in the rules, in any practical sense, isn’t true," Mark elucidated.

Trivia

The FAQ isn't without its share of trivia. One of the many funny and peculiar points involved Richard Garfield, PhD, an Unhinged card that allows casting cards outside of the game. It's clarified that the card can only be played within the restrictions of the format, a point that delights those trying to sneak oddities into their decks.

"Technically yes, but you’re doing it wrong," was Mark’s humorous response to whether backhanded compliments could fulfill the Chivalrous Chevalier card’s requirements, illustrating how even peculiar rules can lead to entertaining interactions.

Looking Forward

While Rosewater’s FAQ has become a treasurable guide, the ever-changing landscape of Magic: The Gathering ensures it remains a living document. Revisions, updates, and expansions are constant, driven by the lively engagement between Magic players and the creators shaping the game. As Mark ceremoniously claims, despite its comprehensive nature, "One of these days, I’ll have to update it."