Yes, I agree with under 90 minute mark goal. If we had to do it all over and had knowledge of the apprentice books at the time, we would used them, or used the more aggressive mages for the first game.

I have heard of other 1st game Wizard v Priestess games being very long when the apprentice books are not used. I think this is due to learning the game at the same time as figuring out and executing what appear to be the "best" strategies for these mages at first glance. As I see it, both of these mages have more defensive "control issues," (i.e. the priestess "wants" to make her creatures indestructable and the wizard "wants" to figure out what you are doing and use it against you.) All of these things make the game slightly longer, but multiply when you are doing them at the same time.

We had a great time that first game even though it was so long, and none of our games since has been over 90 minutes. I just think that it should be strongly suggested that (unless you want a very long 1st game) do not play the Wizard v Priestess with the 120 point starter decks the first game. Or, at least know that you should play more aggressively if you want the game to not take as long.

This is a fantastic game and we are planning on showing it to many friends who we want to love it as much as we do. It looks like you have come up with many good suggestions to keeping the first game "lighter" and shorter. I just want to warn the people who might like to ignore your well thought out suggestions.