"The Best is Not Always Better!"
Life has jumped in the way of my VTES playing for the last week (aside from JOL) so I have no new insights on decks at the moment. Instead I want to talk about a topic dear to my heart. Looking for alternative ideas/cards for deck design.
There is a not-famous sequence of lines from "Searching for Bobby Fischer" that always resonated with me. I didn't remember the exact lines so I had to look up the transcript. But I always thought it applied well to VTES. The scene is where Josh is with his teacher and Josh is presented with a chess problem.
--------
"So what's your best move?"
"Rook to d ."
"What about taking on e ?"
"What about it?"
"You didn't consider it. You're still not considering it."
"Sit up."
"I'm right. Rook to d is the best move."
"You didn't study the board."
"You're moving before I know the answers."
--------
"You didn't consider it. You're still not considering it." I think that this is most common thing that all experienced VTES players do. While VTES is not as complex as Chess or Go, it still has over 1350 vampires and over 2150 library cards. That is complex enough I think for this discussion.
Why is the best move not always the better move? Seems counter-intuitive. I am a strong believer of the following statements.
1) There is a place for every card.
2) Every deck can be changed due to metagame for the better.
[There are other statements that I thought of under this genre, but in editing this blog, these two are really the core I believe.]
Explanation:
1) There is a place for every card ----
Yeah yeah yeah... Eyes of the Dead. But really, the trick is to determine if the odds that card being used outweighs the card slot that you are putting it in. If you are considering all the possible decks out there, then yes, a lot of times certain cards give the highest value. But there are other factors that should be considered for adding cards.
Examples:
- The Sleeping Mind costs a blood compared to Seduction but how much 2nd trad and Animalism untap do you see?
- Dreams of the Sphinx is good, but everyone plays it. Do you want to play the contesting game? If you are just using it to set up hand as opposed to acceleration, consider Fragment Book of Nod.
- Don't own enough Deep Songs? Remember that you can't rush allies with it. Consider Harass for Carrion Crow goodness.
2) Every deck can be changed due to metagame for the better ----
What is your metagame like? What do your players play? Are they combat junkies? Star vampire favorites? This type of knowledge can let you play 'edge' cards to greater effect. And I'm not talk about about hoser cards mind you, but cards and ratios that make your deck that much more effective.
Examples:
A lot of allies out there? Consider Mental Maze as opposed to Obedience.
Close range combat? More Swallowed by the Night for that desprate maneuver.
Villein/Voter Cap running around? More Delaying Tactics or perhaps The Rising?
Multiact decks? Consider Direct Intervention as opposed to Sudden Reversal for that pesky freak drive.
------
You have to understand, most of the time, the best card IS the best move. BUT THINK ABOUT IT. Consider the options.
----
Below is one of my favorite decks. It is a somewhat standard Weenie Auspex deck, where my thought process went through the following below. It has gone through many iterations where the version (step 7) below is untested. But it is the thoughts behind it that apply to this blog post. I took a less aggressive version of it the finals at the Boston Qualifer two years ago, but due to a bad misplay on my part I was ousted. But it did very well.
1) Want a weenie Auspex deck with guns.
2) A 90 card deck can be made better with 80 cards.
3) What to do with those extra 10 cards? Ah - 'hoser' cards can wreck a game. That's funny but can be quite good when it hits.
4) But what hoser cards? Obviously only the ones that I can defend.
5) But I don't want it to clog my hand - so need the cycle cards to get them out as well as cycle for intercept or conceal-gun combo.
6) One of the cycle cards is Powerbase: Los Angeles. Can I add an anarch angle for more forward push?
7) Someone just gave me the idea that Spike thrower with IR googles is very strong.
etc etc
Deck Name: Weenie Hosers!
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: A weenie auspex deck with hoser cards! I picked the ones I can defend and two other real good ones. They are:
Oath of Loyalty
Children of Osiris
Cultivated Blood Shortage
Malkavian Derangement: Paranoia
Detection
Vicissitude Poisoning
Mistaken Identity
Break the Code
Malkavian Seven Miseries, (for voters)
Cycling is very strong due to the cycle cards and the theme of the deck (i.e. wall). So even the high number of masters seems to be fine.
One of the fun things of this deck is the fact you can change it in many ways and still have fun. I've done adding monkey wrench (to go with lilth's Blessing), or Target Vitals with Taste.
Depends on what you want to do! Just keep the master card package somewhat intact! Also, could remove Anarch tech if so choose.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 4, Max: 18, Avg: 2.666)
---------------------------------------------
1 Aleph AUS dom 4 Malkavian
1 Victoria AUS cel obf 5 Malkavian
1 Zoe AUS cel obf 3 Malkavian
1 Idalia AUS dem 4 Malkavian Antitribu
1 Miriam Benyona AUS for obe 5 Salubri
1 Dorian Strack AUS cel 4 Toreador
1 Dieter Kleist aus 2 Toreador
5 Anarch Convert none 1 Caitiff
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (25 cards)
1 Barrens, The
1 Dreams of the Sphinx
1 Fragment of the Book of Nod
1 Powerbase: Los Angeles
1 Oath of Loyalty
1 Children of Osiris
1 Cultivated Blood Shortage
1 Malkavian Derangement: Paranoia
1 Malkavian Seven Miseries, The
1 Detection
1 Vicissitude Poisoning
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Club Illusion
1 Giant`s Blood
1 Guardian Angel
1 Twilight Camp
1 Smiling Jack, The Anarch
1 Asylum Hunting Ground
1 Society Hunting Ground
4 Vessel
1 Powerbase: Montreal
1 Lilith's Blessing
Action (5 cards)
1 Aranthebes, The Immortal
1 Nose of the Hound
3 Constant Revolution
Reaction (36 cards)
1 Mistaken Identity
4 Eyes of Argus
4 On the Qui Vive
4 Forced Awakening
4 Spirit`s Touch
4 Enhanced Senses
4 Eagle`s Sight
3 Precognition
5 Telepathic Misdirection
2 My Enemy`s Enemy
1 Final Loosening
Combat (11 cards)
7 Concealed Weapon
4 Groundfighting
Equipment (11 cards)
1 Sniper Rifle
6 .44 Magnum
1 Ivory Bow
1 Bowl of Convergence
1 Spike-Thrower
1 IR Goggles
Event (2 cards)
1 Break the Code
1 Anthelios, the Red Star
---------
So the deck may not be your cup of tea. But it should give an example of what I'm trying to talk about here. Could this weenie auspex be "better" without the clan hosers? SURE! But I adjusted the deck to make them viable, and when the card hits it definitely gives the target something he didn't expect.
There are always versions of your decks to play. Don't be nailed down to one version and just think "oh I lost because of XYZ". Think. Determine. Improve.
Just consider it.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Quick Guide to Toreador Prince decks
I've been playing Toreador Prince decks again on JOL and they have been doing remarkably well. But I always use the Group 1/2 or group 2/3. Makes me wonder what can be done with other groups. And what other vamps (titled) are used as support. ***I wanted to write a blog on "It's not better, its Different!" rant/discussion that is a precursor to this blog. (why use other groups when Toreador 1/2 is SO good. Ugh, so annoying.) But that is still in the collecting-thoughts process. Next week perhaps.
So this blog is the short short version of comparisons of Toreador Prince/Justicar. I won't list the Toreador Princes but will just make notes that you can confirm via various deck builders.
The idea is for readers to look at these comparisons and will give you an example how to play to certain groupings strengths and not just use the same library with a different crypt. I believe that this lesson has to be learned by many players, old and new. Otherwise, one is just stuck using the older vampires. But I digress.
Toreador Group 1/2
- Home of the AAA decks (Anson, Anneke, Alexandria). Strong abilities with full set of disciplines.
Strengths - All the vamps have strong abilities. Can get support princes of Rake, Calebros, Volker (dependent on focusing on PRE or CEL)
Conclusion: This is the main choice of Toreador title decks. We know its good so I won't focus on it.
Toreador Group 2/3
- Get all the group 2 vamps but in exchange for Anson and Anneke, you get Ira Rivers and Madame Guil... AND Jaroslav Pascek! Jaroslav, Ira Rivers with 2nd trad is 3 intercept as oppossed to the normal 2 (Ira only against political actions).
- Ira is good. Eyes of Argus, Quicken Sight, Eagle sight, Telepathic Misdirection. Look into abusing her ability. Good stuff.
- Pascek and Madame has foritude for forced march. Pascek, Francois, Klaus, Suzanne Kadim and Antoinette has obf. Strong bleed/vote at stealth that not possible at group 1/2.
- Micheal Luther is awesome.
Deck Idea: If want a unique deck, you can combine, prince and Magiji! Falhu Shibaba for Forced march angle or Kisha Bhimji for obfuscate [cel obf AUS]. Add a No Secrets or three...
Toreador Group 3/4
- This one is harder to consider for Toreador and not think about Titled Cam in general. Who does one get?
Eugene - Only a primogen, but goes very well with Madamne Guil.
Can have a strong crypt of Madame Guil, Annabelle Triabell, Eugene, Muhandis, Fahd al-Zawba`a, (adding support of Mustafa the Heir perhaps), and abuse the hell out of Toreador Grandball with freak drive and forced march. Add some third traditions and embraces and have Annabelle Triabell go to town.
- This is good for a meta game where intercept is prevalent.
Toreador Group 4/5
- This is the hardest one because of the limit of what is available. Can a Toreador Prince(ish) deck be made that is viable? What does one get that you don't get in other decks?
- The Dominate is interesting... Rafael de Corazon, Montecalme, Epikasta Rigatos makes a good Govern chain. Ransam, The Old Man and Sheva Carr at the bottom. But why them as opposed to Ventrue? Well Rafeal has OBF, but so does Arika.
- Abilities? Epikasta Rigatos is good but one needs a small deck to really use his special. Montecalme ability is nice, but no real steath and no multi-act.
CONCLUSION
--- I think that a Toreador PRINCE deck is NOT viable (in comparison to other groups), there is not enough specials, that make it worth it as opposed to Ventrue (who are very strong in 4/5).
--- BUT that's okay! Toreador Group 4/5 have still a lot going for it that is not a Prince themed (except for the Vidal Jarbeaux idea, see below!). Below are some things that make one want to use Toreador group 4/5, particularly in Tornaments.
1) Rafael de Corazon - Get OBF and Alexandria becomes not that great. I know that it seems like not a great ability, but for those who go to tournaments, how often does AAA hit the table? I thought so. :-) Using Rafael with Flurry of Action for Bleed/Vote is strong. Weenie AUS as support to flush out AI and bounce with Revelations.
2) Montecalme is a interesting vampire who I haven't seen play yet. His ability almost always ensures that he can get a voter cap off. He also has DOM so 2nd Tradition with Obedience and Deflection (since you remain untapped) is good. I would use him with Epikasta Rigatos. Montecalme versus Mary Anne Blaire? If one goes pure AUS DOM, Mary wins out. But mary has no stealth discipline at all, while Montecalme has CEL and obt. (not to mention Grand Ball of course). Resist the Earth's Grasp is great card. Stealth and man long for Majesty. The 6 cap prince Vasily is good support.
3) Vidal Jarbeaux is cool. A version of Mata Hari but with a Bleed discpline. Options:
--- add to Title guys mention above and play the Vote locations of other clans. He can even play one parity shift. :)
--- Presence bleed deck (has obf) and add wall allies like Ambrosius.
Okay, so this blog did not go exactly how I expected but it did give me a interesting ideas for Toreador Group 3/4... will make that deck soon and report back.
Adam
I've been playing Toreador Prince decks again on JOL and they have been doing remarkably well. But I always use the Group 1/2 or group 2/3. Makes me wonder what can be done with other groups. And what other vamps (titled) are used as support. ***I wanted to write a blog on "It's not better, its Different!" rant/discussion that is a precursor to this blog. (why use other groups when Toreador 1/2 is SO good. Ugh, so annoying.) But that is still in the collecting-thoughts process. Next week perhaps.
So this blog is the short short version of comparisons of Toreador Prince/Justicar. I won't list the Toreador Princes but will just make notes that you can confirm via various deck builders.
The idea is for readers to look at these comparisons and will give you an example how to play to certain groupings strengths and not just use the same library with a different crypt. I believe that this lesson has to be learned by many players, old and new. Otherwise, one is just stuck using the older vampires. But I digress.
Toreador Group 1/2
- Home of the AAA decks (Anson, Anneke, Alexandria). Strong abilities with full set of disciplines.
Strengths - All the vamps have strong abilities. Can get support princes of Rake, Calebros, Volker (dependent on focusing on PRE or CEL)
Conclusion: This is the main choice of Toreador title decks. We know its good so I won't focus on it.
Toreador Group 2/3
- Get all the group 2 vamps but in exchange for Anson and Anneke, you get Ira Rivers and Madame Guil... AND Jaroslav Pascek! Jaroslav, Ira Rivers with 2nd trad is 3 intercept as oppossed to the normal 2 (Ira only against political actions).
- Ira is good. Eyes of Argus, Quicken Sight, Eagle sight, Telepathic Misdirection. Look into abusing her ability. Good stuff.
- Pascek and Madame has foritude for forced march. Pascek, Francois, Klaus, Suzanne Kadim and Antoinette has obf. Strong bleed/vote at stealth that not possible at group 1/2.
- Micheal Luther is awesome.
Deck Idea: If want a unique deck, you can combine, prince and Magiji! Falhu Shibaba for Forced march angle or Kisha Bhimji for obfuscate [cel obf AUS]. Add a No Secrets or three...
Toreador Group 3/4
- This one is harder to consider for Toreador and not think about Titled Cam in general. Who does one get?
Eugene - Only a primogen, but goes very well with Madamne Guil.
Can have a strong crypt of Madame Guil, Annabelle Triabell, Eugene, Muhandis, Fahd al-Zawba`a, (adding support of Mustafa the Heir perhaps), and abuse the hell out of Toreador Grandball with freak drive and forced march. Add some third traditions and embraces and have Annabelle Triabell go to town.
- This is good for a meta game where intercept is prevalent.
Toreador Group 4/5
- This is the hardest one because of the limit of what is available. Can a Toreador Prince(ish) deck be made that is viable? What does one get that you don't get in other decks?
- The Dominate is interesting... Rafael de Corazon, Montecalme, Epikasta Rigatos makes a good Govern chain. Ransam, The Old Man and Sheva Carr at the bottom. But why them as opposed to Ventrue? Well Rafeal has OBF, but so does Arika.
- Abilities? Epikasta Rigatos is good but one needs a small deck to really use his special. Montecalme ability is nice, but no real steath and no multi-act.
CONCLUSION
--- I think that a Toreador PRINCE deck is NOT viable (in comparison to other groups), there is not enough specials, that make it worth it as opposed to Ventrue (who are very strong in 4/5).
--- BUT that's okay! Toreador Group 4/5 have still a lot going for it that is not a Prince themed (except for the Vidal Jarbeaux idea, see below!). Below are some things that make one want to use Toreador group 4/5, particularly in Tornaments.
1) Rafael de Corazon - Get OBF and Alexandria becomes not that great. I know that it seems like not a great ability, but for those who go to tournaments, how often does AAA hit the table? I thought so. :-) Using Rafael with Flurry of Action for Bleed/Vote is strong. Weenie AUS as support to flush out AI and bounce with Revelations.
2) Montecalme is a interesting vampire who I haven't seen play yet. His ability almost always ensures that he can get a voter cap off. He also has DOM so 2nd Tradition with Obedience and Deflection (since you remain untapped) is good. I would use him with Epikasta Rigatos. Montecalme versus Mary Anne Blaire? If one goes pure AUS DOM, Mary wins out. But mary has no stealth discipline at all, while Montecalme has CEL and obt. (not to mention Grand Ball of course). Resist the Earth's Grasp is great card. Stealth and man long for Majesty. The 6 cap prince Vasily is good support.
3) Vidal Jarbeaux is cool. A version of Mata Hari but with a Bleed discpline. Options:
--- add to Title guys mention above and play the Vote locations of other clans. He can even play one parity shift. :)
--- Presence bleed deck (has obf) and add wall allies like Ambrosius.
Okay, so this blog did not go exactly how I expected but it did give me a interesting ideas for Toreador Group 3/4... will make that deck soon and report back.
Adam
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Winning with Enkidu
So here is the deal. Enkidu.
Enkidu, The Noah 11 for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO Gangrel Antitribu 4 Sabbat. Red List: Enkidu can enter combat with any minion as a (D) action. If Enkidu succesfully performs an action to employ a retainer, he untaps at the end of the turn. He cannot have or use equipment. +2 strength
People like to play with Enkidu, he's a monster with some great abilities.
I just went to a tournament and someone played a Enkidu - raptor deck. It was the common theme, get 7 raptors on him and deck players. The player seemed to get the ratios down pretty well (earth melds, psyches, pack alpha, raptor etc) but it only got one VP and ruined a lot of peoples games. It was an interesting deck... but it didn't win.
Then there is the combat machine deck. Enkidu runs around destroying vamps. This also does not win. Will get stealth bled out or something.
I find that Enkidu almost has like a curse on him. But what do that mean? Well, there is the obvious table hate. "Oh its Enkidu, he will ruin my game and then get ousted." Or the obvious, "must save pentex for Enkidu". Or even the simple "well he has no intercept, i'll just bleed/vote oust him".
So what to do? This is a fun vampire to play, he has the disciplines to do many things so how do you make a strong deck with him but try and minimize this table hate. This blog is to get you give some ideas of non-standard Enkidu decks.
Deck 1:
Deck Name: Enkidu and the Pussycats
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: While most Enkidu decks are about going out and destroying you prey, a wallish deck can be made using Ahrimanes as support. Enkidu could not even come out (if you are being heavily pressured) and the deck will still function fine. Just Bring out Muricia out first is possible.
Couple of things to note:
- Enkidu is Gangrel Anti and can actually become Ahrimane.
- Maria Stone and Enkidu share a lot of disciplines. Something to consider even though she doesnt have Aninalism.
- Sabbat and Ahrimanes hunt tech is strong and focuses on retainers which goes with Enkidu's special
This particular deck focuses on untap abilities.
Ironically, Forced March did not make the cut but Maria Stone and Enkidu share it. A possible different deck?
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 21, Max: 44, Avg: 7.75)
----------------------------------------------
4 Muricia ANI PRE SPI 7 Ahrimanes
1 Gentha Shale pot spi ANI PRE6 Ahrimanes
1 Effie Lowery obf ANI SPI 5 Ahrimanes
1 Maria Stone (ADV) cel obf pre pro spi FOR5 Ahrimanes
1 Maria Stone cel obf pro FOR5 Gangrel Antitribu
4 Enkidu for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO11 Gangrel Antitribu
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (17 cards)
2 Wider View
2 Dreams of the Sphinx
4 Blood Doll
2 Villein
1 Smiling Jack, The Anarch
2 Pentex Subversion
1 Sudden Reversal
1 Perfectionist
1 Barrens, The
1 Hungry Coyote, The
Action (17 cards)
1 Aranthebes, The Immortal
2 Muricia`s Call
3 Vulture`s Buffet
4 Engling Fury
2 Sanguine Instruction
2 Abbot
2 Charge of the Buffalo
1 Nose of the Hound
Reaction (18 cards)
7 Speak with Spirits
3 Falcon`s Eye
4 Sense the Savage Way
2 Delaying Tactics
2 Ears of the Hare
Combat (21 cards)
2 Earth Meld
1 Wolf Claws
4 Carrion Crows
3 Immortal Grapple
1 Claws of the Dead
5 Taste of Vitae
2 Aid from Bats
3 Canine Horde
Retainer (7 cards)
4 Raven Spy
1 Mr. Winthrop
1 J. S. Simmons, Esq.
1 Tasha Morgan
Equipment (1 cards)
1 Camera Phone
Event (1 cards)
1 Scourge of the Enochians
Combo (8 cards)
2 Swallowed by the Night
6 Swiftness of the Stag
-----------
Deck 2:
Deck Name: Enkidu for President
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: Another deck where Enkidu is good to draw but not essential.
Enkidu is a fine contender for Regent I say. Along with certain supporting vamps this can be a Powerful bruise and Vote deck.
Why use Enkidu as supposed to some other built in vamp? Can always cycle the combat out of your hand for one and not need a rush.
Also can take advantage of unique Gangrel Anti cards and Sabbat cards.
Interesting note: Note Aeron's special with Disarm
Since this version uses a lot of big vampires, will use standard acceleration package.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 30, Max: 44, Avg: 9.33)
----------------------------------------------
2 Greensleeves for pot ANI OBF7 Nosferatu Antitribu
2 Lukas pre ser ANI OBF POT8 Nosferatu Antitribu
2 Ysador the Foul obt ANI DEM FOR OBF POT10 Nosferatu Antitribu
2 Aeron aus pro ANI OBF POT9 Nosferatu Antitribu
4 Enkidu for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO11 Gangrel Antitribu
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (26 cards)
2 Wider View
3 Dreams of the Sphinx
3 Information Highway
3 Zillah`s Valley
1 Nosferatu Kingdom
1 Giant`s Blood
3 Regent
1 Barrens, The
6 Villein
1 Black Forest Base
1 Powerbase: Madrid
1 Blood Doll
Action (4 cards)
1 Preternatural Strength
1 Eternal Vigilance
2 Abbot
Action Modifier (20 cards)
4 Animal Magnetism
7 Freak Drive
3 Lost in Crowds
3 Faceless Night
1 Enkil Cog
2 Forgotten Labyrinth
Political Action (16 cards)
1 Rumors of Gehenna
1 Political Stranglehold
1 Templar
7 Kine Resources Contested
3 Banishment
1 Ancient Influence
2 Neonate Breach
Reaction (4 cards)
3 Sense the Savage Way
1 Lost in Translation
Combat (17 cards)
5 Immortal Grapple
4 Undead Strength
3 Disarm
3 Alpha Glint
2 Taste of Vitae
Retainer (1 cards)
1 Mr. Winthrop
Combo (2 cards)
2 Swallowed by the Night
----------
And for those reading this Blog, just so you don't think I'm talking out of my ass. Here is a tournament winning deck with the same theme.
So there may be a lot of table hate concerning our friend Enkidu. Just remember, make all the Methuselah's pay attention to something else, and then let Enkidu flutter on in... and destroy everything. "What do you mean everythi... EVERYTHING!!!! (who knows what movie that quote comes from?)
Adam
Enkidu, The Noah 11 for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO Gangrel Antitribu 4 Sabbat. Red List: Enkidu can enter combat with any minion as a (D) action. If Enkidu succesfully performs an action to employ a retainer, he untaps at the end of the turn. He cannot have or use equipment. +2 strength
People like to play with Enkidu, he's a monster with some great abilities.
I just went to a tournament and someone played a Enkidu - raptor deck. It was the common theme, get 7 raptors on him and deck players. The player seemed to get the ratios down pretty well (earth melds, psyches, pack alpha, raptor etc) but it only got one VP and ruined a lot of peoples games. It was an interesting deck... but it didn't win.
Then there is the combat machine deck. Enkidu runs around destroying vamps. This also does not win. Will get stealth bled out or something.
I find that Enkidu almost has like a curse on him. But what do that mean? Well, there is the obvious table hate. "Oh its Enkidu, he will ruin my game and then get ousted." Or the obvious, "must save pentex for Enkidu". Or even the simple "well he has no intercept, i'll just bleed/vote oust him".
So what to do? This is a fun vampire to play, he has the disciplines to do many things so how do you make a strong deck with him but try and minimize this table hate. This blog is to get you give some ideas of non-standard Enkidu decks.
Deck 1:
Deck Name: Enkidu and the Pussycats
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: While most Enkidu decks are about going out and destroying you prey, a wallish deck can be made using Ahrimanes as support. Enkidu could not even come out (if you are being heavily pressured) and the deck will still function fine. Just Bring out Muricia out first is possible.
Couple of things to note:
- Enkidu is Gangrel Anti and can actually become Ahrimane.
- Maria Stone and Enkidu share a lot of disciplines. Something to consider even though she doesnt have Aninalism.
- Sabbat and Ahrimanes hunt tech is strong and focuses on retainers which goes with Enkidu's special
This particular deck focuses on untap abilities.
Ironically, Forced March did not make the cut but Maria Stone and Enkidu share it. A possible different deck?
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 21, Max: 44, Avg: 7.75)
----------------------------------------------
4 Muricia ANI PRE SPI 7 Ahrimanes
1 Gentha Shale pot spi ANI PRE6 Ahrimanes
1 Effie Lowery obf ANI SPI 5 Ahrimanes
1 Maria Stone (ADV) cel obf pre pro spi FOR5 Ahrimanes
1 Maria Stone cel obf pro FOR5 Gangrel Antitribu
4 Enkidu for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO11 Gangrel Antitribu
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (17 cards)
2 Wider View
2 Dreams of the Sphinx
4 Blood Doll
2 Villein
1 Smiling Jack, The Anarch
2 Pentex Subversion
1 Sudden Reversal
1 Perfectionist
1 Barrens, The
1 Hungry Coyote, The
Action (17 cards)
1 Aranthebes, The Immortal
2 Muricia`s Call
3 Vulture`s Buffet
4 Engling Fury
2 Sanguine Instruction
2 Abbot
2 Charge of the Buffalo
1 Nose of the Hound
Reaction (18 cards)
7 Speak with Spirits
3 Falcon`s Eye
4 Sense the Savage Way
2 Delaying Tactics
2 Ears of the Hare
Combat (21 cards)
2 Earth Meld
1 Wolf Claws
4 Carrion Crows
3 Immortal Grapple
1 Claws of the Dead
5 Taste of Vitae
2 Aid from Bats
3 Canine Horde
Retainer (7 cards)
4 Raven Spy
1 Mr. Winthrop
1 J. S. Simmons, Esq.
1 Tasha Morgan
Equipment (1 cards)
1 Camera Phone
Event (1 cards)
1 Scourge of the Enochians
Combo (8 cards)
2 Swallowed by the Night
6 Swiftness of the Stag
-----------
Deck 2:
Deck Name: Enkidu for President
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: Another deck where Enkidu is good to draw but not essential.
Enkidu is a fine contender for Regent I say. Along with certain supporting vamps this can be a Powerful bruise and Vote deck.
Why use Enkidu as supposed to some other built in vamp? Can always cycle the combat out of your hand for one and not need a rush.
Also can take advantage of unique Gangrel Anti cards and Sabbat cards.
Interesting note: Note Aeron's special with Disarm
Since this version uses a lot of big vampires, will use standard acceleration package.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 30, Max: 44, Avg: 9.33)
----------------------------------------------
2 Greensleeves for pot ANI OBF7 Nosferatu Antitribu
2 Lukas pre ser ANI OBF POT8 Nosferatu Antitribu
2 Ysador the Foul obt ANI DEM FOR OBF POT10 Nosferatu Antitribu
2 Aeron aus pro ANI OBF POT9 Nosferatu Antitribu
4 Enkidu for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO11 Gangrel Antitribu
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (26 cards)
2 Wider View
3 Dreams of the Sphinx
3 Information Highway
3 Zillah`s Valley
1 Nosferatu Kingdom
1 Giant`s Blood
3 Regent
1 Barrens, The
6 Villein
1 Black Forest Base
1 Powerbase: Madrid
1 Blood Doll
Action (4 cards)
1 Preternatural Strength
1 Eternal Vigilance
2 Abbot
Action Modifier (20 cards)
4 Animal Magnetism
7 Freak Drive
3 Lost in Crowds
3 Faceless Night
1 Enkil Cog
2 Forgotten Labyrinth
Political Action (16 cards)
1 Rumors of Gehenna
1 Political Stranglehold
1 Templar
7 Kine Resources Contested
3 Banishment
1 Ancient Influence
2 Neonate Breach
Reaction (4 cards)
3 Sense the Savage Way
1 Lost in Translation
Combat (17 cards)
5 Immortal Grapple
4 Undead Strength
3 Disarm
3 Alpha Glint
2 Taste of Vitae
Retainer (1 cards)
1 Mr. Winthrop
Combo (2 cards)
2 Swallowed by the Night
----------
And for those reading this Blog, just so you don't think I'm talking out of my ass. Here is a tournament winning deck with the same theme.
-----------Monday Mayhem XX
Tampere, Finland
September 6, 2010
18 players
Ville Kaijasaari's Tournament Winning Deck
Deck name; Dorkaa ja karmeeta
(a running joke from our earlier trip to Sweden last year.) Allegedly
the deck was made for the local "bash nights" in Pori, and was cut 20
combat cards or so before arriving to Tampere.
Crypt:[12 vampires] capacity min:4 max:12 average:7.41666
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3x Enkidu, The Noah 11 for ANI CEL OBF POT PRO Gangrel Antitribu:4
1x Owain Evans, The Wanderer 8 cel pre AUS DOM FOR Ventrue Antitribu:3
1x Titus Camille 8 for AUS DOM OBF Ventrue Antitribu:4
1x Blackhorse Tanner 7 AUS DOM FOR Ventrue Antitribu:3
1x Edward Neally 7 aus pre DOM FOR Ventrue Antitribu:3
1x Joseph O'Grady 7 aus cel DOM FOR Ventrue Antitribu:3
1x Jephta Hester 5 aus DOM FOR Ventrue Antitribu:4
1x Louis de Maisonneuve 5 aus dom obf FOR Ventrue Antitribu:4
1x Neighbor John 5 dom for AUS Ventrue Antitribu:4
1x Katherine Stoddard 4 dom for Ventrue Antitribu:3
Library: [90 cards]
--------------------------------
Action:[2]
2x Govern the Unaligned
Actin Modifier:[6]
3x Conditioning
1x Enkil Cog
1x Foreshadowing Destruction
1x Threats
Combat:[40]
4x Hidden Strength
6x Pulled Fangs
2x Resilience
10x Rolling with the Punches
2x Soak
4x Target Vitals
5x Taste of Vitae
3x Trap
4x Weighted Walking Stick
Equipment:[2]
1x Heart of Nizchetus
1x Seal of Veddartha
Master:[17]
1x Archon Investigation
1x Campground Hunting Ground
1x Corporate Hunting Ground
2x Fortitude
1x Giant´s Blood
2x Lilith´s Blessing
8x Villein
1x Yawp Court
Reaction:[23]
6x Deflection
1x Delaying Tactics
1x Eluding the Arms of Morpheus
1x Enhanced Senses
2x Eyes of Argus
1x Forced Vigilance
1x My Enemy´s Enemy
7x On the Qui Vive
1x Redirection
1x Telepathic Misdirection
1x Wake with Evening´s Freshness
So there may be a lot of table hate concerning our friend Enkidu. Just remember, make all the Methuselah's pay attention to something else, and then let Enkidu flutter on in... and destroy everything. "What do you mean everythi... EVERYTHING!!!! (who knows what movie that quote comes from?)
Adam
Thursday, November 17, 2011
This post is a test.
Here is a test. Also to check the format since this is a VTES blog. Here is a random deck.
Deck Name: Ariadne learns from Beast the Anarch
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: Version of an Anarch Beast deck. i.e. play AR and rush the anarch's. Untested as of 11/17/11
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 4, Max: 32, Avg: 3.91)
---------------------------------------------
4 Ariadne chi ANI FOR PRO8 Gangrel
1 Keith Moody DOM 3 Tremere Antitribu
1 Ulrike Rothbart dom for 3 Ventrue Antitribu
1 Almodo Giovanni dom pot 3 Giovanni
1 Jackson Asher dom 2 Ventrue
4 Anarch Convert none 1 Caitiff
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (19 cards)
1 Powerbase: Montreal
2 Quietus
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Fame
4 Anarch Revolt
5 Villein
2 Vessel
1 Poacher's Hunting Ground
1 Hospital Food
1 Anarch Free Press, The
Action (13 cards)
1 Bum`s Rush
2 Ambush
2 Harass
2 Sense Death
1 Ritual Challenge
5 Abactor
Action Modifier (12 cards)
8 Freak Drive
4 Earth Control
Reaction (8 cards)
2 Delaying Tactics
6 Deflection
Combat (27 cards)
5 Amaranth
7 Claws of the Dead
5 Indomitability
2 Rolling with the Punches
2 Bone Spur
2 Body Flare
2 Scorpion Sting
2 Form of Mist
Retainer (6 cards)
2 Raven Spy
3 Dog Pack
1 Murder of Crows
Equipment (3 cards)
1 Ivory Bow
1 Aaron`s Feeding Razor
1 Helicopter
Combo (2 cards)
2 Steely Tenacity
Deck Name: Ariadne learns from Beast the Anarch
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: Version of an Anarch Beast deck. i.e. play AR and rush the anarch's. Untested as of 11/17/11
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 4, Max: 32, Avg: 3.91)
---------------------------------------------
4 Ariadne chi ANI FOR PRO8 Gangrel
1 Keith Moody DOM 3 Tremere Antitribu
1 Ulrike Rothbart dom for 3 Ventrue Antitribu
1 Almodo Giovanni dom pot 3 Giovanni
1 Jackson Asher dom 2 Ventrue
4 Anarch Convert none 1 Caitiff
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (19 cards)
1 Powerbase: Montreal
2 Quietus
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Fame
4 Anarch Revolt
5 Villein
2 Vessel
1 Poacher's Hunting Ground
1 Hospital Food
1 Anarch Free Press, The
Action (13 cards)
1 Bum`s Rush
2 Ambush
2 Harass
2 Sense Death
1 Ritual Challenge
5 Abactor
Action Modifier (12 cards)
8 Freak Drive
4 Earth Control
Reaction (8 cards)
2 Delaying Tactics
6 Deflection
Combat (27 cards)
5 Amaranth
7 Claws of the Dead
5 Indomitability
2 Rolling with the Punches
2 Bone Spur
2 Body Flare
2 Scorpion Sting
2 Form of Mist
Retainer (6 cards)
2 Raven Spy
3 Dog Pack
1 Murder of Crows
Equipment (3 cards)
1 Ivory Bow
1 Aaron`s Feeding Razor
1 Helicopter
Combo (2 cards)
2 Steely Tenacity
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)