by Gewar
Short answer - I do recomand this game, even if you are not planning to buy any expansion.- An average spellbook contains 60-70 cards.
- Core set is good enough to build 4 playable spellbooks.
- With Core set only, you can build many very different and interesting spellbooks, if you want to.
- If you want pre-set spellbooks, I recomand revised version, you can find here https://www.dropbox.com/s/edb0um2s0pijokg/UpdatedSpell%20Lis... - they are much more interesting, balanced and flavored than those listed in the rulebook.
- Although, you should be advised that single play of MW will take 1h to 1,5h (and even more for the first plays)
EDIT - for your first plays and teaching other I strongly recomand Apprientice mode (smaller spellbooks, smaller arena, less life, less confusing cards) https://www.dropbox.com/s/k9jctaxkobxcw00/Mage%20Wars-How%20...