As we know, Hinterlands was, at one point, a standalone, meaning that the cards had to be (and at some level are) a tad on the simpler side, at least in terms of play, if not strategy. With that in mind, I'd like to try to come up with a first game setup using Hinterlands cards. I always introduce new players with the First Game setup recommended in the Base set (sometimes throwing in Trading Post, Cutpurse, Salvager and Secret Chamber to replace Mine, Militia, Remodel and Moat, respectively), but after a while it does get a bit tedious, and I feel like I intimidate new players since I can play that setup so well (hint: open Remodel). Now, I have tried a conglomerate setup with Intrigue/Seaside, which has been discussed (Secret Chamber, Courtyard, Pearl Diver, Woodcutter, Smugglers, Warehouse, Cutpurse, Salvager, Bazaar, Trading Post) to mixed results, but I'd really like to see if one could be made with Hinterlands.
I was able to introduce Embassy and Border Village in a second game to a new player, and he handled them rather well.
First thoughts:
Oasis
Nomad Camp
Margrave
Tunnel?
