Meet the Party: Sean

Next up in our Meet the Party series is Common Lands co-founder Sean. He's the technical brains behind much of what we do, with a long history in tabletop and computer gaming.

Below, Sean answers 10 questions about his gaming roots, longtime favorites, and the games he still makes time for today.

Meet the Party: Sean

What was your gateway into tabletop gaming?

I started playing MTG in 3rd grade. I bought a Visions starter deck and played with my friend, Blake. I spent a lot of time organizing my cards during that time. I don't have any pics but enjoy this artistic deck/card list I created at around that time:

What game are you most locked into right now?

When I have the time, I play MTG drafts (arena online, or at Common Lands on Saturdays). I also play various versions of EverQuest and Path of Exile.

What’s a beginner mistake you hate to see?  

Focusing on the monetary value of cards. Just collect what you love. The best gains come from underappreciated cards. Other people will probably come around to liking the card, too. 

In Magic, I hate to see people going into combat with their mana tapped. I.e., Not using their second main phase to cast creatures, etc. 

What’s the funniest or most chaotic thing you’ve seen happen at Common Lands?

Funniest: Stuart slipping on a stack of  cardboard just as we had our security cameras installed. That footage is our most popular reel on Instagram.

Most chaotic: Our grand opening. It was unbelievable how many people turned out. 

What board game can you always be talked into playing?

I have to be in the right mood, but Munchkin for my son and Scrabble for my wife. 

What’s the crown jewel of your collection?

I own 4 secret rare Alakazams from Fates Collide. Every time I pick up a collection that has that particular card, I keep it. Alakazam is my OG favorite since Pokemon red. 

What’s the grail piece you’d add to your collection if budget or reality were no object?

I would love a copy of the Alpha Power 9. In Pokemon, it would be a Skyridge Gengar or Blaine's Moltres in a PSA 10 (I have a PSA 9).

What fictional game world would you most like to visit?  

Hands down it would be EverQuest. The World of Norrath. Spent my whole childhood playing that game!

Who’s your all-time favorite Pokemon? Defend your pick.

Alakazam. I used him to carry my team through the Elite Four in Pokemon Red when I was leveling up other characters. He had Recover, so I didn’t have to burn through Potions, and he was fast enough to usually attack first. Plus, Swift basically never missed.

Last question: Love/Defeat/Banish -- Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur?

Love Squirtle, defeat Bulbasaur, and banish Charmander. Charmander is so ungrateful to Ash in the anime.  Everyone loves him but in my opinion they shouldn’t.