Okay... so I passed up this playmat during the KS because it screams "unnecessary luxury". The game itself doesn't require a mat to layout where to set cards up as it's not at all complicated as some games are. In theory, any playmat should suffice. I found it hard to justify ordering the mat at this price point, but wanted to spruce up the first solo game I've ever been this hyped on.
This is the most beautifully crafted mat I own. Super thick, beautifully stitched edges. The art is gorgeous and is muted enough not to distract from the cards but rather set the scene for them. The double sided feature offers two beautiful art options and I don't find that it slips at all during play. My sleeved cards are super easy to handle on such a robust mat. It's a table hog, but as a solo game mat I don't see the harm in that. As expensive and unnecessary as this mat is, I am shocked at how pleased I am with it. If you like the game I cannot recommend this mat enough. It's well worth not just the purchase price but even finding storage space for it 😉