Here's a suggestion.
Why not do quests like in-game? In regards to the game, you could use quests to help them understand more of the mechanics of the game as well as good deck-building. For example you can have quests like:
1. Build a deck with only 1 element that can consistently beat AI2. Post your deck.
2. Build a deck that uses Wings as defense. Post your deck.
3. Build a deck with only 1 element that can consistently win in 8 turns or less. Post your deck.
4. Build a deck that can consistently deck-out AI3. Post your deck.
5. Build a deck built around Graboid. Post your deck.
…
Each of these quests should help them understand how different cards work or how to better put together a deck. They post their decks and then mentors can give recommendations not only on how to improve their decks, but also to explain why their suggestions will be better.
As for quests for the forum goes, you can have quests that help them explore the different areas and help prompt them to get involved in different things in the hopes they find the thing that they really like. Also, as they learn more about the game, you can put in quests to read certain posts that explain concepts more in depth. For example:
1. Write a post in the "your favorite card" thread of any element.
2. Read this money management post by kev.
3. Read the how to take a screenshot thread. Make a post on it with a screenshot.
4. Sign up for duels and duel someone!
…
If you do it right, you can intersperse forum and game quests so that they build knowledge in a natural way. This way, mentors don't have to try to reinvent the wheel with each trainee or just send them links, and players discover the depths of the game on their own. I really feel that self-discovery is a very good thing. Mentors can just be there to help guide and explain parts that they just don't understand. But let the players make their own discoveries. It'll stick better and they'll feel good for having figured some things out for themselves. That's my 2
worth.
