The House Of Sorrow
by Ethel Clifford - 1903
In the doorway of the House of Sorrow
I stand, and Sorrow sits within.
Through the window of the House of Sorrow
A measure from without came drifting in.
Like a strong beam of the sun, that through the window
Points to a thing unseen, the song came in;
And, listening, I stole out, and in the doorway
I stand, and Sorrow sits within.
In the doorway of the House of Sorrow
I stand, and like one blind, I lift my face
And listen, and I hear the steps of Sorrow
Who comes to seek me from the darkened place.
Like a child half-awakened, in the doorway
I stand and listen, and I hear the rain
And, from behind, the swift, sure steps of Sorrow—
O thou without, wilt thou not sing again?
------
First off, let me tell you that I take a bit of glee that anyone who Google searches for 'House of Sorrow' has a chance of coming to my analysis of this vampire card as opposed to the poem up above. But I like flavour for my posts so I started with this.
Let's start with the Card Text:
House of Sorrow
Master
1 pool
Master: Unique location. Tap to untap any card you control that is not a minion. If you do so, neither that card nor this location untap as normal on your next untap phase.
----
Why am I writing a Blog about this card?
Ever since this card came out, and people 'talk shop' about vtes. I heard that this is an interesting card to play... but with the exception of "Gather decks", I actually never see it in decks. It has the potential to double the output of any non-minion card, at the expense of not being able to use it the next turn.
The Good:
Excellent for lunge.
Throws the math off by doubling an effect
The Bad:
Can't use it or the affected card the following turn
Takes a master card slot
So why isn't it used? I'm going to make the assumption that most people feel that it is not worth the master card slot. So we are going to try an analyze what kind of decks it IS worth the card slot, and why.
We have to start with some generalizations here:
- Assume about 15-17 masters (dependent on trifles).
- A good portion of the master have to have a tap effect. This can be supplemented by other non-minion cards that have a tapping effect.
- The decks portion of pool gain should not come from masters, because that will take slots from the "tap masters" mentioned before.
I did some searches of cards that can be used with House of Sorrow and they are many!
So the first thing I did was look at clan cards, because non-clan cards can be shared by any clan. Here are the numbers:
Tap ability that House of Sorrow can affect
The number in ( ) is the 'real' number.
Clans:
Ahrimane - 0
Akunanse - 1
Assamite - 3
Baali - 0
Blood Brother - 0
Brujah - 2
Bruajah Antitribu - 2
Caitiff - 0
Daughters of Cacophony - 2 (3) [Bastille Opera House
]
Followers of Set - 4 (3) [Grand Temple of Set]
Gangrel - 3
Gangrel Antitribu - 1
Gargoyle - 0
Giovanni - 3
Guruhi - 0
Harbingers of Skulls - 3
Ishtarri - 1
Kiasyd - 0
Lasombra - 3
Malkavian - 1
Malkavian Antitribu - 0
Nagaraja - 0
Nosferatu - 5
Nosferatu Antitribu - 4 (3) [Steam Tunnels]
Osebo - 0
Pander - 1
Ravnos - 3
Salubri - 0
Salubri Antiribu - 0
Samedi - 0
Toreador - 2
Toreador Antitribu - 0
Tremere - 3 (2) [Wasserschloss Anif, Austria]
Tremere Antitribu - 1
True Brujah - 0
Tzimisce - 0
Ventrue - 3
ventrue Antitribu - 1
Imbued - 4*
*Imbued powers tap when used... you can't do some because of NRA but you can do the following 9 cards:
Abjure
Champion
Discern
Foresee
Hide
Project
PunishSurge
Vigilance
----
Now as the 'math' shows - Imbued wins by a long shot on cards that House of Sorrows can be used. But I'm not feeling an Imbued deck at the moment.
Instead, I'm going to take the second "winner" - i.e. Nosferatu and make a version of the TempleCon 2013 Champion deck by my NYC buddy Kymia Alishahi. Now I've playing against this deck dozens of times and I'm very pleased that it won - (even though it beat me in the finals!) and I'm not even going to say that the deck below is better. All that I say that it will 'use-and-abuse' House of Sorrows, thus increasing lunge potential and 'throw off the math' of opponents.
----
Deck Name: Sorrowful Robin
Created By: Adam Hulse
Description: Based on (what i guess) my buddies Kym's deck is, I never actually saw the decklist.
I have to sacrifice Sudden Reversals for House of Sorrows, but Bleeding the Vine is there now.
Monestary of Shadows and Helicopter will probably get tossed if you have any serious type of predator
and probably out of the deck all together, but it fits theme of this blog.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 18, Max: 40, Avg: 7.58)
----------------------------------------------
2 Clarissa Steinburgen ani obf 3 Nosferatu
2 Alonzo Guillen ani for OBF pot6 Nosferatu
2 Shahid ani for pro OBF POT7 Nosferatu
1 Baron Dieudonne ANI OBF POT PRO9 Nosferatu
5 Cock Robin ANI aus for OBF POT10 Nosferatu
Library: (90 cards)
-------------------
Master (22 cards)
2 Warsaw Station
1 Storm Sewers
1 Spawning Pool, The
1 Labyrinth, The
3 Dreams of the Sphinx
3 House of Sorrow
6 Villein
1 Giant`s Blood
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Bleeding the Vine
1 Fame
1 Monastery of Shadows
Action (18 cards)
1 SchreckNET
1 Aranthebes, The Immortal
3 Preternatural Strength
1 Heroic Might
12 Deep Song
Action Modifier (14 cards)
3 Enkil Cog
5 Freak Drive
3 Faceless Night
3 Lost in Crowds
Political Action (3 cards)
3 Parity Shift
Reaction (14 cards)
2 Lost in Translation
6 Second Tradition: Domain, The
6 Sense the Savage Way
Combat (11 cards)
4 Hidden Strength
6 Immortal Grapple
1 Disarm
Equipment (1 cards)
1 Helicopter
Event (2 cards)
2 Scourge of the Enochians
Combo (5 cards)
5 Swallowed by the Night
CONCLUSION
So, as we can see, House of Sorrow's is a very interesting card. A lot of the cards in the above deck are good and House of Sorrow is not necessary. But if you draw it, the possibilities are quite strong!
I hope that everyone enjoys this entry to my blog. It's an interesting card and I hope to hear others ideas and thoughts on it.
Adam
Friday, February 22, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #4
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #4
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, this my fourth deck analysis. I enjoy doing the analysis and like the challenge. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. My goal is for me to hone my deck analysis using what I have learned while playing and in previous blogs. Here is the deck below.
Name: Nadima Wall
Author: Ira Fay
Description: I noticed that Hatch the Viper isn’t in the TWDA. It seems like a really strong card, so I wanted to make a deck that used it well. I've also considered using Nehsi (with Trophies!) or Seterpenre, but I wanted to try the pure Gangrel angle due to lower capacity and nice Gangrel clan masters.
Crypt: (12)
5x Nadima(G3)
4x Mirembe Kabbada(G2)
1x Chandler Hungerford(G2)
1x Dr. Allan Woodstock(G3)
1x Ramona (advanced)(G2)
Library: (60)
Master: (13)
3x Blood Doll
1x Backways
1x Ecoterrorists
1x Fame
1x Heidelberg Castle, Germany
1x Pentex(TM) Subversion
1x Perfectionist
1x Powerbase: Montreal
1x Smiling Jack, The Anarch
1x The Rack
1x Wider View
Action: (11)
4x Dark Mirror of the Mind
2x Shadow of the Beast
1x Form of Corruption
1x Nose of the Hound
1x Restoration
1x Set's Curse
1x Soul Scan
Retainer: (9)
6x Hatch the Viper
1x Dog Pack
1x Homunculus
1x Mr. Winthrop
Equipment: (3)
1x Bowl of Convergence
1x Camera Phone
1x IR Goggles
Action Modifier: (7)
5x Freak Drive
2x Earth Control
Combat: (9)
5x Earth Meld
3x Form of Mist
1x Unflinching Persistence
Reaction: (8)
2x Eyes of Argus
2x On the Qui Vive
2x Wake with Evening's Freshness
1x Forced Awakening
1x Set's Call
-----------
WHO IS THE AUTHOR
Ira Fay is a strong vtes player who has been around the scene for some time now. I've met him at several tournaments and even traveled to one at the college where he works. He has an interesting grasp of how to table-talk and how to read a table. He asked me to review this untested deck and I agreed. Hopefully, my review will give him some advice and maybe we'll see this deck hit a tourney some day!
-----------
Name: Nadima Wall
Author: Ira Fay
Description: I noticed that Hatch the Viper isn’t in the TWDA. It seems like a really strong card, so I wanted to make a deck that used it well. I've also considered using Nehsi (with Trophies!) or Seterpenre, but I wanted to try the pure Gangrel angle due to lower capacity and nice Gangrel clan masters.
[Adam Notes:]
So here Ira wants to make a Tournament Winning Gangrel - Hatch the Viper deck. A tough challenge indeed! Well, I'm going to review this deck a little differently. If you read my previous blog "Deck Design and the Engine that Could", I am finding that by answering some key questions, one can find issues (in a general sense) very quickly. So below, I will repost the main questions, but then try to answer them (or fail to answer) has we go through different portions of the Crypt and Library.
[pick theme] - Answer: Gangrel-Hatch the Viper
1) Is my Machine a Bleed or Vote machine?
2) What is my Engine to make my machine work?
3a) What cards/decks, cause my Machine to fail?
3b) Does my Engine have an answer for it?
3c) Are those cards/decks likely to be seen?
Crypt: (12)
5x Nadima(G3)
4x Mirembe Kabbada(G2)
1x Chandler Hungerford(G2)
1x Dr. Allan Woodstock(G3)
1x Ramona (advanced)(G2)
[Adam Notes:]
1) Is my Machine a Bleed or Vote machine?
Answer: Well... it's obviously not a vote crpyt. So therefore, bleeding must be the main way to oust. There may be "Backup machines" (Smiling Jack, Fame) - but that should just be that, a backup machine if bleeding is not working out. As we go further down I can see that bleed tech is limited so this a limitation that we will have to try and correct.
Other interest options of crypt:
Antonino - the +1 stealth on undirected is great
Danielle Diron - Her ability is very useful and discipline spread fits the bill.
[for these two vamps, see comment on Book Going Forth by Night below]
Library: (60)
[Adam Notes:]
So Ira made this as a 60 card deck. Typically small decks need to be one of three things. 1) Very aggressive and focused or 2) have a type of recusion 3) focus on permaments. It seems that for this deck (Hatch the Viper), this is #3. So let's keep that in mind.
Master: (13)
3x Blood Doll
1x Backways
1x Ecoterrorists
1x Fame
1x Heidelberg Castle, Germany
1x Pentex(TM) Subversion
1x Perfectionist
1x Powerbase: Montreal
1x Smiling Jack, The Anarch
1x The Rack
1x Wider View
[Adam Notes:]
This is a fine set of master cards, even for a 90 card deck (and Ira has it a 60). Since this is such a small deck, it is very important to see if each Master card helps 1) the Machine (bleed) 2) The Engine (stealth? int? combat?) d) Answer the question 3a-b-c?
Even though this will make this analysis lengthy, we will go though each master card and try to answer the questions above.
Definite "Keeps":
Blood Doll - This helps question 3a "what causes my Machine to fail?" The answer "pool loss" is pretty straight foward. A good example why this is a staple in most decks.
Backways - Persistent stealth - minor Engine
Ecoterrorists - Persistent pool gain - Question 3a
Fame - A 'backup machine' oust mechanic to aid in bleeding
Heidelberg Castle - To aid in Engine - move retainers and bleed equipment around
Wider view - Indirectly helps machine - you need the correct vampires (limited choice) to make this work.
Questionable:
Pentex(TM) Subversion - A staple in most decks, however we have to ask - does this help Machine (bleed) or engine (toolbox, equip and hatch the viper). An argument could be made 'yes' by pentexing a blocker. But eventually one runs out of wakes to defend it. Lets put that in the 'maybe' category.
Perfectionist - Well, the idea is that it pays for the Hatch the Viper and allows blood gain faster. On the other hand, it doesn't help with bleed. And we need to make sure that we can oust.
Powerbase: Montreal - While this is a persistent pool gain - it can be used by others and the amount of actions this deck can take is limited. Bleeding will be difficult in the long run so keeping pool off the table is better.
The Rack - Same issue as Pentex, but in this case, it affects your game and not the table. So more likely to be left alone. A Strong Maybe
Smiling Jack - Again, a 'backup machine' oust mechanic so not bad.
All these questionable Master card slots allows us to consider other master cards that could be useful. Remember, the Machine is Bleeding and the Engine is permanents in terms of Hatch the Viper and bleed.
Intercept Location - The extra intercept can make the difference. People are playing with less and less stealth and relying on the built in stealth of actions to get through. Throws off the math with people trying to get by. With Nadima its even better.
Elysium: Sforzesco Castle - a underused card which in today's metagame might be worth considering. If your prey, pred OR grand predator (due to bounce) is play camarilla, then this card is excellent for such a deck that needs to stay untapped.
Carver`s Meat Packing and Storage - A strong combination with the Event Scourge of the Enochians (and even better with Aranthebes). All three stop a weakness of the deck of multiple minions overwhelming your wakes.
Creepshow Casino - If you look below, you can see the majority of actions are undirected. Thus this could be part of the engine. (Monastary of shadows is an option but only Nadima can use it).
Erciyes Fragments - Free. Usually not stolen and with auspex on Nadima, you have 3 of the 4 most common discipline to call upon (ani aus for but no dom). Consider it a resource for extra wakes.
Haven Uncovered - While not a Pentex this allows you to take out key minion and only that minion can remove the haven, which you can defend.
As a deck without bounce or votes, Archon Investigation, Direct Intervention, and Sudden Reversal are very important.
BONUS OPTION - Instead of that crypt, one can basically do the same but with Anarch Converts. This gives extra options of things like Anarch Railroad, Piper, Anarch Revolt, Club Illusion and even Smear Campaign to get rid of things like Enkil Cog. And that is just master card options. [And you don't have to play Wider view]
------------
Action: (11)
4x Dark Mirror of the Mind
2x Shadow of the Beast
1x Form of Corruption
1x Nose of the Hound
1x Restoration
1x Set's Curse
1x Soul Scan
[Adam Notes:]
Actions! Okay, so in a 60 card deck, each slot is important. So I think we can take the time to go more into detail here.
Dark Mirror of the Mind:
I happen to know that Ira is huge fan of Dark Mirror of the Mind (see TWD and Finals report: Member of the Entourage on www.vekn.net) but sorry Ira, I just think that you have more important actions to take (or not take and stay up to defend) with the one vamp (Nadima) who can play it. [So that give us 4 card slots]
Shadow of the Beast - These are permaments which are pretty good.
Form of Corruption - As a deck that cannot stop a forward motion prey too much, this is a fine card.
Nose of the Hound - Okay, a surprise rush. But only Nadima and Dr. Alllan can play it. A disciplineless rush or Taunt the Caged beast is good. Sense Death at animalism is okay if you want a stealth rush, but limited by capacity.
Resotration - Nice idea, but only Nadima can really use it. A funny thing about this card is that I've never seen it blocked. Ever. So maybe not for this deck, but something to consider. [1 card slot]
Set's Curse - Interesting card. I'd keep it as a surprise.
Soul Scan - So this card is draw Nadima. But only Dr. Allan can play it. If you don't draw Nadima, that means you are likely to draw Mirembe Kabbada. So will likely have Mirembe and Dr Allan in play, that is 10 pool. Bringing out Nadima is possible, but unclear. Better playing with the little guys in that situatino. [1 card slot]
So that's 6 card action card slots. We are going to hold on to those until we review the other actions (retainers and equipment).
Retainer: (9)
6x Hatch the Viper
1x Dog Pack
1x Homunculus
1x Mr. Winthrop
[Adam Notes:]
Not bad. But since this is a bleed deck, J.s Simmons and Tasha Morgan may be good here.
Equipment: (3)
1x Bowl of Convergence
1x Camera Phone
1x IR Goggles
[Adam Notes:]
Bowl of Convergence can only be used by two minions. Perhaps Sport Bike or Phased Motion Detector if you want to save on pool. More bleed equipment and bleed retainers would be good.
Action Modifier: (7)
5x Freak Drive
2x Earth Control
[Adam Notes:]
Looks okay, I might steal an earth meld or two for more earth control. With so many permanents, you need to make sure they 'stick'.
[Adam's Notes: ACTION REVIEW]
So Ira has 23 actions. Should have 2-3 minions, assume 2 actions a turn. First vampire comes out around turn 2. And games end around turn 12-13. So the math seems correct about right there. So let's recap.
The deck is a bleed deck (cause its not vote), with some other minor attacking pool options, Fame and Smiling Jack. But just the fact that the "Backup Machine" is only two cards means that we have to increase the bleed option here. - Here is some thoughts:
Heidelberg will allow retainers and equipment to move around - A second copy is possible.
Even if HeidelBurg is not drawn, having each minion bleed for two is more forward. So J.S Simmons, Tasha Morgan, Camera phone(s). In a 60 card deck, having 6 bleed permaments is pretty good. Getting 3 in play doubles your oust potential.
OTHER ACTIONS -
Book of Going Forth by Night. Allows others to get Hatch the Viper as well as killing allies gives them to you.
Jack of Both Sides - While this probably won't make the cut in a 60 card deck, it works for the majority of the cards. And people tend not to block because it doesn't put the key action in the ashheap. (Works well with earth meld).
Aranthebes - you are limited by your wakes. This stops some actions.
Gather - When used with House of Sorrows (which works with Ecoterrorists, Backways, Heileberg, Aranthebes)
Ivory Bow - with 1-2 Hatch the Vipers, burning guys is not too hard.
Covenant of Blood - Independents have trouble getting permament rush. This is an option...
Combat: (9)
5x Earth Meld
3x Form of Mist
1x Unflinching Persistence
[Adam Notes:]
Ira seems to be trying to avoid the manuever-to-long issue. Instead of Unflinching Persistence, Drawing out the Beast seems strong.
Reaction: (8)
2x Eyes of Argus
2x On the Qui Vive
2x Wake with Evening's Freshness
1x Forced Awakening
1x Set's Call
[Adam Notes:] The Eyes of Argus can only be used at inferior here, which may have been Ira's point (+2 int for D actions), but Forced Vigilance is an option as is Steadfastness as well. Or just more other wakes.
OTHER CARDS
The Uncoiling - An excellent player by the name of Darby Keeney once stated that if you are not using Gehenna events, you should always play this card. Anthelios, Unmasking as examples are just too strong.
Scourge of the Enochians - You only have so many wakes. Get those 1-2 caps off the table.
Rapid Change - Instead of more Earth Control like I mentioned early, 1-2 of these for versatility.
Army of Rats - Another "Backup Machine" reduce pool effect.
Agg poke - If you don't have one in there, you can't keep 'em 'honest'. Burns vampires too with hatch the viper.
CONCLUSION -
So this deck is an interesting concept, but in my opinion it needs a bit of work. In the current version, it doesn't vote and it doesn't bleed, and has limited rush even. In the past, I made two votes versions of this. One was with the setites and gangrel. The Setites call KRC and Free State Rant (villien and voter cap for pool gain). Hatch the Viper for defence and torporing guys with low blood. The other was Group 4 starring Xendil, Gangrel anti bleed and vote. (cute tech is that the Path of Feral Heart makes Hatch the Viper free).
Thanks to Ira for letting me review his deck. I know I did not place it on laurels, but it was an interesting review and hopefully my input will help you in the future deck designs of it.
Adam
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, this my fourth deck analysis. I enjoy doing the analysis and like the challenge. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. My goal is for me to hone my deck analysis using what I have learned while playing and in previous blogs. Here is the deck below.
Name: Nadima Wall
Author: Ira Fay
Description: I noticed that Hatch the Viper isn’t in the TWDA. It seems like a really strong card, so I wanted to make a deck that used it well. I've also considered using Nehsi (with Trophies!) or Seterpenre, but I wanted to try the pure Gangrel angle due to lower capacity and nice Gangrel clan masters.
Crypt: (12)
5x Nadima(G3)
4x Mirembe Kabbada(G2)
1x Chandler Hungerford(G2)
1x Dr. Allan Woodstock(G3)
1x Ramona (advanced)(G2)
Library: (60)
Master: (13)
3x Blood Doll
1x Backways
1x Ecoterrorists
1x Fame
1x Heidelberg Castle, Germany
1x Pentex(TM) Subversion
1x Perfectionist
1x Powerbase: Montreal
1x Smiling Jack, The Anarch
1x The Rack
1x Wider View
Action: (11)
4x Dark Mirror of the Mind
2x Shadow of the Beast
1x Form of Corruption
1x Nose of the Hound
1x Restoration
1x Set's Curse
1x Soul Scan
Retainer: (9)
6x Hatch the Viper
1x Dog Pack
1x Homunculus
1x Mr. Winthrop
Equipment: (3)
1x Bowl of Convergence
1x Camera Phone
1x IR Goggles
Action Modifier: (7)
5x Freak Drive
2x Earth Control
Combat: (9)
5x Earth Meld
3x Form of Mist
1x Unflinching Persistence
Reaction: (8)
2x Eyes of Argus
2x On the Qui Vive
2x Wake with Evening's Freshness
1x Forced Awakening
1x Set's Call
-----------
WHO IS THE AUTHOR
Ira Fay is a strong vtes player who has been around the scene for some time now. I've met him at several tournaments and even traveled to one at the college where he works. He has an interesting grasp of how to table-talk and how to read a table. He asked me to review this untested deck and I agreed. Hopefully, my review will give him some advice and maybe we'll see this deck hit a tourney some day!
-----------
Name: Nadima Wall
Author: Ira Fay
Description: I noticed that Hatch the Viper isn’t in the TWDA. It seems like a really strong card, so I wanted to make a deck that used it well. I've also considered using Nehsi (with Trophies!) or Seterpenre, but I wanted to try the pure Gangrel angle due to lower capacity and nice Gangrel clan masters.
[Adam Notes:]
So here Ira wants to make a Tournament Winning Gangrel - Hatch the Viper deck. A tough challenge indeed! Well, I'm going to review this deck a little differently. If you read my previous blog "Deck Design and the Engine that Could", I am finding that by answering some key questions, one can find issues (in a general sense) very quickly. So below, I will repost the main questions, but then try to answer them (or fail to answer) has we go through different portions of the Crypt and Library.
[pick theme] - Answer: Gangrel-Hatch the Viper
1) Is my Machine a Bleed or Vote machine?
2) What is my Engine to make my machine work?
3a) What cards/decks, cause my Machine to fail?
3b) Does my Engine have an answer for it?
3c) Are those cards/decks likely to be seen?
Crypt: (12)
5x Nadima(G3)
4x Mirembe Kabbada(G2)
1x Chandler Hungerford(G2)
1x Dr. Allan Woodstock(G3)
1x Ramona (advanced)(G2)
[Adam Notes:]
1) Is my Machine a Bleed or Vote machine?
Answer: Well... it's obviously not a vote crpyt. So therefore, bleeding must be the main way to oust. There may be "Backup machines" (Smiling Jack, Fame) - but that should just be that, a backup machine if bleeding is not working out. As we go further down I can see that bleed tech is limited so this a limitation that we will have to try and correct.
Other interest options of crypt:
Antonino - the +1 stealth on undirected is great
Danielle Diron - Her ability is very useful and discipline spread fits the bill.
[for these two vamps, see comment on Book Going Forth by Night below]
Library: (60)
[Adam Notes:]
So Ira made this as a 60 card deck. Typically small decks need to be one of three things. 1) Very aggressive and focused or 2) have a type of recusion 3) focus on permaments. It seems that for this deck (Hatch the Viper), this is #3. So let's keep that in mind.
Master: (13)
3x Blood Doll
1x Backways
1x Ecoterrorists
1x Fame
1x Heidelberg Castle, Germany
1x Pentex(TM) Subversion
1x Perfectionist
1x Powerbase: Montreal
1x Smiling Jack, The Anarch
1x The Rack
1x Wider View
[Adam Notes:]
This is a fine set of master cards, even for a 90 card deck (and Ira has it a 60). Since this is such a small deck, it is very important to see if each Master card helps 1) the Machine (bleed) 2) The Engine (stealth? int? combat?) d) Answer the question 3a-b-c?
Even though this will make this analysis lengthy, we will go though each master card and try to answer the questions above.
Definite "Keeps":
Blood Doll - This helps question 3a "what causes my Machine to fail?" The answer "pool loss" is pretty straight foward. A good example why this is a staple in most decks.
Backways - Persistent stealth - minor Engine
Ecoterrorists - Persistent pool gain - Question 3a
Fame - A 'backup machine' oust mechanic to aid in bleeding
Heidelberg Castle - To aid in Engine - move retainers and bleed equipment around
Wider view - Indirectly helps machine - you need the correct vampires (limited choice) to make this work.
Questionable:
Pentex(TM) Subversion - A staple in most decks, however we have to ask - does this help Machine (bleed) or engine (toolbox, equip and hatch the viper). An argument could be made 'yes' by pentexing a blocker. But eventually one runs out of wakes to defend it. Lets put that in the 'maybe' category.
Perfectionist - Well, the idea is that it pays for the Hatch the Viper and allows blood gain faster. On the other hand, it doesn't help with bleed. And we need to make sure that we can oust.
Powerbase: Montreal - While this is a persistent pool gain - it can be used by others and the amount of actions this deck can take is limited. Bleeding will be difficult in the long run so keeping pool off the table is better.
The Rack - Same issue as Pentex, but in this case, it affects your game and not the table. So more likely to be left alone. A Strong Maybe
Smiling Jack - Again, a 'backup machine' oust mechanic so not bad.
All these questionable Master card slots allows us to consider other master cards that could be useful. Remember, the Machine is Bleeding and the Engine is permanents in terms of Hatch the Viper and bleed.
Intercept Location - The extra intercept can make the difference. People are playing with less and less stealth and relying on the built in stealth of actions to get through. Throws off the math with people trying to get by. With Nadima its even better.
Elysium: Sforzesco Castle - a underused card which in today's metagame might be worth considering. If your prey, pred OR grand predator (due to bounce) is play camarilla, then this card is excellent for such a deck that needs to stay untapped.
Carver`s Meat Packing and Storage - A strong combination with the Event Scourge of the Enochians (and even better with Aranthebes). All three stop a weakness of the deck of multiple minions overwhelming your wakes.
Creepshow Casino - If you look below, you can see the majority of actions are undirected. Thus this could be part of the engine. (Monastary of shadows is an option but only Nadima can use it).
Erciyes Fragments - Free. Usually not stolen and with auspex on Nadima, you have 3 of the 4 most common discipline to call upon (ani aus for but no dom). Consider it a resource for extra wakes.
Haven Uncovered - While not a Pentex this allows you to take out key minion and only that minion can remove the haven, which you can defend.
As a deck without bounce or votes, Archon Investigation, Direct Intervention, and Sudden Reversal are very important.
BONUS OPTION - Instead of that crypt, one can basically do the same but with Anarch Converts. This gives extra options of things like Anarch Railroad, Piper, Anarch Revolt, Club Illusion and even Smear Campaign to get rid of things like Enkil Cog. And that is just master card options. [And you don't have to play Wider view]
------------
Action: (11)
4x Dark Mirror of the Mind
2x Shadow of the Beast
1x Form of Corruption
1x Nose of the Hound
1x Restoration
1x Set's Curse
1x Soul Scan
[Adam Notes:]
Actions! Okay, so in a 60 card deck, each slot is important. So I think we can take the time to go more into detail here.
Dark Mirror of the Mind:
I happen to know that Ira is huge fan of Dark Mirror of the Mind (see TWD and Finals report: Member of the Entourage on www.vekn.net) but sorry Ira, I just think that you have more important actions to take (or not take and stay up to defend) with the one vamp (Nadima) who can play it. [So that give us 4 card slots]
Shadow of the Beast - These are permaments which are pretty good.
Form of Corruption - As a deck that cannot stop a forward motion prey too much, this is a fine card.
Nose of the Hound - Okay, a surprise rush. But only Nadima and Dr. Alllan can play it. A disciplineless rush or Taunt the Caged beast is good. Sense Death at animalism is okay if you want a stealth rush, but limited by capacity.
Resotration - Nice idea, but only Nadima can really use it. A funny thing about this card is that I've never seen it blocked. Ever. So maybe not for this deck, but something to consider. [1 card slot]
Set's Curse - Interesting card. I'd keep it as a surprise.
Soul Scan - So this card is draw Nadima. But only Dr. Allan can play it. If you don't draw Nadima, that means you are likely to draw Mirembe Kabbada. So will likely have Mirembe and Dr Allan in play, that is 10 pool. Bringing out Nadima is possible, but unclear. Better playing with the little guys in that situatino. [1 card slot]
So that's 6 card action card slots. We are going to hold on to those until we review the other actions (retainers and equipment).
Retainer: (9)
6x Hatch the Viper
1x Dog Pack
1x Homunculus
1x Mr. Winthrop
[Adam Notes:]
Not bad. But since this is a bleed deck, J.s Simmons and Tasha Morgan may be good here.
Equipment: (3)
1x Bowl of Convergence
1x Camera Phone
1x IR Goggles
[Adam Notes:]
Bowl of Convergence can only be used by two minions. Perhaps Sport Bike or Phased Motion Detector if you want to save on pool. More bleed equipment and bleed retainers would be good.
Action Modifier: (7)
5x Freak Drive
2x Earth Control
[Adam Notes:]
Looks okay, I might steal an earth meld or two for more earth control. With so many permanents, you need to make sure they 'stick'.
[Adam's Notes: ACTION REVIEW]
So Ira has 23 actions. Should have 2-3 minions, assume 2 actions a turn. First vampire comes out around turn 2. And games end around turn 12-13. So the math seems correct about right there. So let's recap.
The deck is a bleed deck (cause its not vote), with some other minor attacking pool options, Fame and Smiling Jack. But just the fact that the "Backup Machine" is only two cards means that we have to increase the bleed option here. - Here is some thoughts:
Heidelberg will allow retainers and equipment to move around - A second copy is possible.
Even if HeidelBurg is not drawn, having each minion bleed for two is more forward. So J.S Simmons, Tasha Morgan, Camera phone(s). In a 60 card deck, having 6 bleed permaments is pretty good. Getting 3 in play doubles your oust potential.
OTHER ACTIONS -
Book of Going Forth by Night. Allows others to get Hatch the Viper as well as killing allies gives them to you.
Jack of Both Sides - While this probably won't make the cut in a 60 card deck, it works for the majority of the cards. And people tend not to block because it doesn't put the key action in the ashheap. (Works well with earth meld).
Aranthebes - you are limited by your wakes. This stops some actions.
Gather - When used with House of Sorrows (which works with Ecoterrorists, Backways, Heileberg, Aranthebes)
Ivory Bow - with 1-2 Hatch the Vipers, burning guys is not too hard.
Covenant of Blood - Independents have trouble getting permament rush. This is an option...
Combat: (9)
5x Earth Meld
3x Form of Mist
1x Unflinching Persistence
[Adam Notes:]
Ira seems to be trying to avoid the manuever-to-long issue. Instead of Unflinching Persistence, Drawing out the Beast seems strong.
Reaction: (8)
2x Eyes of Argus
2x On the Qui Vive
2x Wake with Evening's Freshness
1x Forced Awakening
1x Set's Call
[Adam Notes:] The Eyes of Argus can only be used at inferior here, which may have been Ira's point (+2 int for D actions), but Forced Vigilance is an option as is Steadfastness as well. Or just more other wakes.
OTHER CARDS
The Uncoiling - An excellent player by the name of Darby Keeney once stated that if you are not using Gehenna events, you should always play this card. Anthelios, Unmasking as examples are just too strong.
Scourge of the Enochians - You only have so many wakes. Get those 1-2 caps off the table.
Rapid Change - Instead of more Earth Control like I mentioned early, 1-2 of these for versatility.
Army of Rats - Another "Backup Machine" reduce pool effect.
Agg poke - If you don't have one in there, you can't keep 'em 'honest'. Burns vampires too with hatch the viper.
CONCLUSION -
So this deck is an interesting concept, but in my opinion it needs a bit of work. In the current version, it doesn't vote and it doesn't bleed, and has limited rush even. In the past, I made two votes versions of this. One was with the setites and gangrel. The Setites call KRC and Free State Rant (villien and voter cap for pool gain). Hatch the Viper for defence and torporing guys with low blood. The other was Group 4 starring Xendil, Gangrel anti bleed and vote. (cute tech is that the Path of Feral Heart makes Hatch the Viper free).
Thanks to Ira for letting me review his deck. I know I did not place it on laurels, but it was an interesting review and hopefully my input will help you in the future deck designs of it.
Adam
Thursday, January 3, 2013
NEW YORK CITY VTES LEAGUE #3
NEW YORK CITY VTES LEAGUE RULES (UPDATED for 2013!)
Introduction: So what do you do when you have a small play group, not many tournaments and are trying to make things not stagnant for your players? You start up a league that's what! This is a description of what the New York City VTES league rules will be. Other people are free to use this idea, or hopefully use this idea to spice up this great game in other ways.
Disclaimer: This is not a "official" tournament in terms of VEKN records and rulings. This is an exercise to have fun while being competitive and hopefully to encourage my New York players to try out new decks.
Background: The New York VTES crew is about 8 consistent players and 6 inconsistent players. We play every Wednesday and Friday. It is a good group of people with interesting decks and varying play styles. Okay, enough of this, on to the League!
LEAGUE RULES
The rules are simple.
OVERALL RULES
1) First person to Five Game Wins (GW) wins the league.
2) If someone gets a GW, THAT PERSON Victory Points (VP) in that game are NOT counted.
3) If someone gets VPs but does not get a GW, those points ARE COUNTED.
4) Half points (.5) are not counted.
5) If the is NO game win, then Victory Points (VP) are counted.
6) FIVE Victory Points equal one Game Win
7) In 6 player game (see below), X effects (ex: Conservative Agitation, Parity Shift, Slave Auction) are capped at 5.
8) When a deck has won a Game win (not due to 5VP = 1GW), that deck cannot be played again BY THAT PERSON for the rest of the League.
RULES IN TEST
1) No 3-player league games
2) 4 player - time limit: 1 hour 30 minutes
3) 5 player - time limit: 2 hours
4) 6 player - time limit: 2 hour 30 minutes
5) 1 League game per day per player
Common questions asked in development:
1) Q: Why have a league?
A: To add a bit of competitiveness with some actual prizes.
2) Q: Why only to 5 Game Wins?
A: I want the leagues to be short, to test out some League rules and to get prizes in the hands of the people who play. If someone wins early... okay next League! So far in the first two leagues we have averaged about 4 months, which for me this is just about right.
3) Doesn't the people who go to Wed and Fri games have an advantage?
A: Technically... yes. But the purpose of the League is to encourage people to play. And the person who plays the extra day still needs to win of course.
4) Q: Are you still going to have tournaments?
A: Yes. A smaller tournament is in the works but I want to try and get out of towners to come.
5) Q: What is the prize support?
A: Currently the prize support is 10 packs. In addition, for those who RSVP AND show up (obviously) for a night of gaming will get a bonus random pack. The winner of the league can choose to trade 1-pack for a rare (not-super rare) of my collection.
6) Q: Why allow 6 player games?
A: Because I don't want to penalize people for showing up. RULE: If we have 7 players, 1 person will play two games but can only win on one table (decided randomly and hidden to that player).
Introduction: So what do you do when you have a small play group, not many tournaments and are trying to make things not stagnant for your players? You start up a league that's what! This is a description of what the New York City VTES league rules will be. Other people are free to use this idea, or hopefully use this idea to spice up this great game in other ways.
Disclaimer: This is not a "official" tournament in terms of VEKN records and rulings. This is an exercise to have fun while being competitive and hopefully to encourage my New York players to try out new decks.
Background: The New York VTES crew is about 8 consistent players and 6 inconsistent players. We play every Wednesday and Friday. It is a good group of people with interesting decks and varying play styles. Okay, enough of this, on to the League!
LEAGUE RULES
The rules are simple.
OVERALL RULES
1) First person to Five Game Wins (GW) wins the league.
2) If someone gets a GW, THAT PERSON Victory Points (VP) in that game are NOT counted.
3) If someone gets VPs but does not get a GW, those points ARE COUNTED.
4) Half points (.5) are not counted.
5) If the is NO game win, then Victory Points (VP) are counted.
6) FIVE Victory Points equal one Game Win
7) In 6 player game (see below), X effects (ex: Conservative Agitation, Parity Shift, Slave Auction) are capped at 5.
8) When a deck has won a Game win (not due to 5VP = 1GW), that deck cannot be played again BY THAT PERSON for the rest of the League.
RULES IN TEST
1) No 3-player league games
2) 4 player - time limit: 1 hour 30 minutes
3) 5 player - time limit: 2 hours
4) 6 player - time limit: 2 hour 30 minutes
5) 1 League game per day per player
Common questions asked in development:
1) Q: Why have a league?
A: To add a bit of competitiveness with some actual prizes.
2) Q: Why only to 5 Game Wins?
A: I want the leagues to be short, to test out some League rules and to get prizes in the hands of the people who play. If someone wins early... okay next League! So far in the first two leagues we have averaged about 4 months, which for me this is just about right.
3) Doesn't the people who go to Wed and Fri games have an advantage?
A: Technically... yes. But the purpose of the League is to encourage people to play. And the person who plays the extra day still needs to win of course.
4) Q: Are you still going to have tournaments?
A: Yes. A smaller tournament is in the works but I want to try and get out of towners to come.
5) Q: What is the prize support?
A: Currently the prize support is 10 packs. In addition, for those who RSVP AND show up (obviously) for a night of gaming will get a bonus random pack. The winner of the league can choose to trade 1-pack for a rare (not-super rare) of my collection.
6) Q: Why allow 6 player games?
A: Because I don't want to penalize people for showing up. RULE: If we have 7 players, 1 person will play two games but can only win on one table (decided randomly and hidden to that player).
Deck Design and the Engine that Could
Marching thus at night, a battalion is doubly impressive. The silent monster is full of restrained power; resolute in its onward sweep, impervious to danger, it looks a menacing engine of destruction, steady to its goal, and certain of its mission.
-- Patrick MacGill
Deck Design and the Engine that Could
Hello all, for this blog I decided to do something different. Over the last year (ever since the last NAC 2012) or so I have had many discussions with various excellent players about deck design. I have gone over many people decks and discussed their thought processes about their ideas.
I was holding off on writing this particular blog because I wanted to really solidify my thoughts on it. It wasn't until a recent conversation and how the core of a deck is really an "engine" (will get more into that below) that a lot of thoughts snapped into place and I wanted to share it with the rest of you.
We have to start off with a couple of premises and key terms in order for you to relate to my analogies.
- Your Deck (Library/Crypt) is your "Machine". It is the tool in which you play the game To Win.
- In order to win, you have to remove Pool from the table. After much discussion, the two main ways to do that is Bleed and Vote. So these are the Two types of Machines. Bleed Machine and Vote Machine. [As stated in previous blog, other methods of Pool loss (example: Fame) is a "Backup Machine"]
- In order for your machine to run, you need an Engine. The 3 classic Engines are Stealth, Intercept, and Combat Engine. Variations can usually fit under one of those categories (example: Tap and Bleed).
So to be put simply, the better your Engine, the better your Machine will run.
Examples:
Consider some of the decks that are popular but just struggle to work.
Stealthy decks - don't ever want to get caught. A common problem is that there is TOO much stealth and one cannot draw the cards needs to actually win.
Intercept Wall - Block it all! But games can go to time.
Rush Combat decks - your torpor your targets, but after a couple of rescues, you can run out of juice.
So what happens here? Here the designer focused so much on the Engine, that he didn't focus on the Machine idea that the deck was supposed to do, i.e. remove pool.
How can this help you?
There are many guidelines in order to have a good deck design. This is just another methodology that I think can aid some of you.
When making your deck, consider the following:
[After deciding "theme" (key vamp, clan, card, etc) of course]
1) Is my Machine* a Bleed or Vote machine?
2) What is my Engine to make my machine work?
3a) What cards/decks, cause my Machine to fail?
3b) Does my Engine have an answer for it?
3c) Are those cards/decks likely to be seen?
* Now, some of you are already asking, "but there are other ways to remove pool" This is true! Fame, Enticement, Anarch Revolt are just some examples. But I stand pretty strongly that these alternate methods are Supplements to the two main Machines. I call them a "Backup Machine" and they do have their place. For the price of a few card slots, one not has a smaller additional way to remove pool, in case there is a kink in the main machine. But a common problem for deck design is when someone tries to make the Backup Machine the main machine. The simple example is the rush combat decks with Fame and Tension in the Ranks. Those two cards might be enough to get a VP but no so well in getting a Game Win.
Conclusion:
So these are just my musings on how I'm going to treat deck design from now on. I already see flaws in some of my decks and I play to adjust them accordingly. Hopefully people reading this blog entry will take the same considerations into their decks. If anyone wishes to comment and discuss I would be happy to do so.
Adam Hulse
-- Patrick MacGill
Deck Design and the Engine that Could
Hello all, for this blog I decided to do something different. Over the last year (ever since the last NAC 2012) or so I have had many discussions with various excellent players about deck design. I have gone over many people decks and discussed their thought processes about their ideas.
I was holding off on writing this particular blog because I wanted to really solidify my thoughts on it. It wasn't until a recent conversation and how the core of a deck is really an "engine" (will get more into that below) that a lot of thoughts snapped into place and I wanted to share it with the rest of you.
We have to start off with a couple of premises and key terms in order for you to relate to my analogies.
- Your Deck (Library/Crypt) is your "Machine". It is the tool in which you play the game To Win.
- In order to win, you have to remove Pool from the table. After much discussion, the two main ways to do that is Bleed and Vote. So these are the Two types of Machines. Bleed Machine and Vote Machine. [As stated in previous blog, other methods of Pool loss (example: Fame) is a "Backup Machine"]
- In order for your machine to run, you need an Engine. The 3 classic Engines are Stealth, Intercept, and Combat Engine. Variations can usually fit under one of those categories (example: Tap and Bleed).
So to be put simply, the better your Engine, the better your Machine will run.
Examples:
Consider some of the decks that are popular but just struggle to work.
Stealthy decks - don't ever want to get caught. A common problem is that there is TOO much stealth and one cannot draw the cards needs to actually win.
Intercept Wall - Block it all! But games can go to time.
Rush Combat decks - your torpor your targets, but after a couple of rescues, you can run out of juice.
So what happens here? Here the designer focused so much on the Engine, that he didn't focus on the Machine idea that the deck was supposed to do, i.e. remove pool.
How can this help you?
There are many guidelines in order to have a good deck design. This is just another methodology that I think can aid some of you.
When making your deck, consider the following:
[After deciding "theme" (key vamp, clan, card, etc) of course]
1) Is my Machine* a Bleed or Vote machine?
2) What is my Engine to make my machine work?
3a) What cards/decks, cause my Machine to fail?
3b) Does my Engine have an answer for it?
3c) Are those cards/decks likely to be seen?
* Now, some of you are already asking, "but there are other ways to remove pool" This is true! Fame, Enticement, Anarch Revolt are just some examples. But I stand pretty strongly that these alternate methods are Supplements to the two main Machines. I call them a "Backup Machine" and they do have their place. For the price of a few card slots, one not has a smaller additional way to remove pool, in case there is a kink in the main machine. But a common problem for deck design is when someone tries to make the Backup Machine the main machine. The simple example is the rush combat decks with Fame and Tension in the Ranks. Those two cards might be enough to get a VP but no so well in getting a Game Win.
Conclusion:
So these are just my musings on how I'm going to treat deck design from now on. I already see flaws in some of my decks and I play to adjust them accordingly. Hopefully people reading this blog entry will take the same considerations into their decks. If anyone wishes to comment and discuss I would be happy to do so.
Adam Hulse
Monday, December 24, 2012
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #3
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #3
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, moving right along to my third deck analysis. Haven't recieved any comments yet, but I hope that people are enjoying the review. I definitely enjoy doing the analysis and like the challenge. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. Here is the deck below.
Deck Name: This Time It's Personal
Created By: Shawn Stanley
Description: The deck came out of a conversation with a friend about the general ways of causing pool damage in Jyhad. We hit upon bleeding, voting and other. I wanted to try a deck which worked solely in the realm of the third category, "other". Other, of course is a broad category, and I wanted to try and work with master cards to do it. This back in 2004/5 so anarch revolt decks were an obvious choice, but already out there, but there was a new master card which looked hopeful: personal involvement.
Earlier versions of the deck were fun to play, but the deck always struggled with the final kill package. Hence, with subsequent versions the tried and true pool reduction tactics of bleeding and voting crept into the deck. With all of the pool manipulation in the deck, necessitated by personal involvement, parity shift was an obvious choice - but still not a card to kill people with. So some other votes, and then some bleed also came into the deck
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 16, Max: 32, Avg: 6.16)
----------------------------------------------
5 Anson aus CEL dom PRE8 Toreador
1 Victoria Ash aus cel dom PRE6 Toreador
1 Ohanna dom 2 Malkavian
3 Rake aus cel pot PRE6 Brujah
1 Violette Prentiss dom PRE 4 Ventrue
1 Mariana Gilbert cel PRE 4 Toreador
Library: (70 cards)
-------------------
Master (40 cards)
1 Art Museum
7 Personal Involvement
8 Ashur Tablets
2 Parthenon, The
2 Secure Haven
2 Dummy Corporation
2 Vessel
1 Brothers Grimm
1 Carnivale
2 Sudden Reversal
1 Direct Intervention
1 Archon Investigation
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Anarch Revolt
1 Antediluvian Awakening
3 Failsafe
2 Golconda: Inner Peace
2 Dominate
Action (2 cards)
2 Entrancement
Action Modifier (5 cards)
2 Perfect Paragon
2 Alacrity
1 Siren`s Lure
Political Action (5 cards)
3 Kine Resources Contested
2 Neonate Breach
Reaction (5 cards)
5 Deflection
Combat (5 cards)
5 Majesty
Event (2 cards)
2 Anthelios, the Red Star
Combo (6 cards)
3 Murmur of the False Will
3 Resist Earth`s Grasp
WHO IS THE AUTHOR
Shawn Stanley, while a native Australian, has bummed around with us New Yorkers for several years now. He is one of our regulars and New York Vtes would not be the same without him. He is a strong player who has a tendenacy to play a lot of strong Tier 2 (he finds Tier 1 boring) decks that keeps us city-folk on our toes.
Deck Name: This Time It's Personal
Created By: Shawn Stanley
Description: The deck came out of a conversation with a friend about the general ways of causing pool damage in Jyhad. We hit upon bleeding, voting and other. I wanted to try a deck which worked solely in the realm of the third category, "other". Other, of course is a broad category, and I wanted to try and work with master cards to do it. This back in 2004/5 so anarch revolt decks were an obvious choice, but already out there, but there was a new master card which looked hopeful: personal involvement.
Earlier versions of the deck were fun to play, but the deck always struggled with the final kill package. Hence, with subsequent versions the tried and true pool reduction tactics of bleeding and voting crept into the deck. With all of the pool manipulation in the deck, necessitated by personal involvement, parity shift was an obvious choice - but still not a card to kill people with. So some other votes, and then some bleed also came into the deck
[Adam Notes:]
So I had the benefit of talking with Shawn a little but about this deck. He told me that conversation mentioned in the description was several years old. Recently, I coincidently had a similar conversation with noteable Ben Peal. To be short, we decided that the two 'Win Machines' are Bleed and Vote. (others things, like combat, are the "engines" to make the machines work). [To be discussed in next blog maybe. :) ]. So where does "Other" fit in? In my opinion, "Other" pool loss mechanic are a "Backup Machine". Smaller, useful in certain situations but should not be mistaken for the main machine. Although we are going to talk about Personal Involvement, another good example are cards like Fame, Dragonbound, and Enticement.
So what does that mean here for Shawn's deck? Well, in Shawn's original deck it is 40 masters (70 cards) with 7 Personal Involvement. While it has a little bleed, it is basically a Vote deck. So his "Machine" is Vote with a "Backup Machine" of Personal Involvement (and some other masters). So our goal is to make a STREAMLINE VOTE DECK STARRING ANSON. 60 Card size. And then Shawn can just add 8-10 Personal Involvement. Because of Anson's special, the additional masters cards should flow nicely (although we will take it into account).
Furthermore, if we take out the Masters and make that a separate discussion (while it will tie into the rest of the library) we are really making a streamlined 30-35 vote deck with all the trimmings. It's harder then it looks but lets see what we can do!
Crypt: (12 cards, Avg: 6.16)
----------------------------------------------
5 Anson aus CEL dom PRE8 Toreador
1 Victoria Ash aus cel dom PRE6 Toreador
1 Ohanna dom 2 Malkavian
3 Rake aus cel pot PRE6 Brujah
1 Violette Prentiss dom PRE 4 Ventrue
1 Mariana Gilbert cel PRE 4 Toreador
[Adam Notes:]
Okay, now that we have determined that we have only 35 cards to make a vote deck, sure that these guys are the right guys for the job. Looking at Shawn's master package, he doesn't have Ventrue Headquarters or Toreador Grand Ball (ultimate stealth!). So let's fine a crypt that allows that and still has the DOM PRE, and celerity for stealth. While, it will be mentioned again in the Master Card discussion below, it is good to state here that Wider View is very important here as it allows Shawn to get the right crypt for the right situation. More Toreador for Grand Ball for example.
Crypt: (11 cards, Avg: 5.727)
----------------------------------------------
5 Anson aus CEL dom PRE8 Toreador
1 Mariana Gilbert cel PRE 4 Toreador
1 Delilah Easton pre 2 Toreador
1 Violette Prentiss dom PRE 4 Ventrue
1 Sir Walter Nash DOM FOR PRE 7 Ventrue
1 Itzahk Levine cel pre 3 Ventrue
1 Gideon Fontaine PRE 3 Ventrue
[Adam's Note:] Note that I only made a crypt for 11 vampires. That is because I was not sure of the 12th guy. And then I realized it depends on the player. Maybe another weenie or another prince. Below is some choices I liked.
1 Rake aus cel pot PRE6 Brujah
1 Ramiel DuPre aus cel dom PRE5 Toreador
1 Victoria Ash aus cel dom PRE6 Toreador
Small note on Sir Walter Nash. He's a vamp who should really only come out if needed, most of the time he will be wider view away.
Library: (70 cards)
-------------------
Master (40 cards)
7 Personal Involvement
6 Ashur Tablets
2 Ventrue Headquarters
1 Hostile Takeover
2 Toreador Grand Ball
1 Art Museum
1 Carnivale
2 Parthenon, The
2 Secure Haven
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Anarch Revolt
1 Antediluvian Awakening
1 Dominate
1 Golconda: Inner Peace
1 Brothers Grimm
2 Failsafe
2 Vessel
3 Wider View
2 Sudden Reversal
1 Direct Intervention
1 Archon Investigation
[Adam Notes:]
So I kept with Shawn's 40 Master package but switched around the ratios in order to make room for clan cards and Wider view. Odd note is that there is no Giant's Blood in there, but I guess Shawn made that determination originally. This package is just a suggestion, the key point are the Ventrue Headquarters and the Grand Ball. This functions as vote push and "stealth". Other options are Monastary of Shadows or Creepshow Casino.
Based on Shawn's playtesting he may want to drop some master cards (1-5) to increase non-master library to 35. Or of course just make a 75 card deck! :)
------
"Non-Master" (30 Cards)
-------------------
Action (1 card)
1 Entrancement
Action Modifier (9 cards)
2 Alacrity
2 Voter Captivation
2 Awe
2 Perfect Paragon
1 Siren`s Lure
[Adam Note: With the Parity Shift and KRC being such deal-making cards, slipping 1-2 cryptic rider may be an interesting idea.]
Political Action (10 cards)
3 Parity Shift
1 Toreador Justicar
1 Ventrue Justicar
1 Banishment
3 Kine Resources Contested
1 Ancilla Empowerment
[Adam Notes:] I'm not sold on the Toreador Justicar. It is only necessary when there are other votes on table and there is intercept next to you (needing Grand ball). Dependent on what Shawn picks for 12th vampire I guess.
Reaction (4 cards)
4 Deflection
Combat (4 cards)
4 Majesty
Event (2 cards)
2 Anthelios, the Red Star
[Adam Notes:] Review of Non-Master cards - with only a 30 card deck, each card change is pretty significant. The only thing I can maybe recommend is that Shawn might want to play with the master package a little to try to get it back up to 9 Ashurs because there are so many "one-shot" cards in the non-master cards that could be useful.
CONCLUSION:
First off, I should state that this is a very hard deck to play, and kudos to Shawn for trying to make it work. In order to play Personal Involvement you have to keep your pool near your prey, which of course gets harder and harder as the pool goes down, all the while having a predator trying to kill you of course. But I suspect that "living on the edge" is one of the reasons Shawn likes playing the deck!
Very basically, the version suggested is attempting to get a strong amount of votes so that no one playing can run around bloating with Voter Captivation and it allows you do have more control.
I'd like to thank Shawn Stanley for letting me review his deck. It actually took longer then I expected and I had to re-think a couple of times what the overall strategy is here. The idea of "Backup Machine" for alternate pool loss will most probably be in my next blog.
Adam Hulse
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, moving right along to my third deck analysis. Haven't recieved any comments yet, but I hope that people are enjoying the review. I definitely enjoy doing the analysis and like the challenge. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. Here is the deck below.
Deck Name: This Time It's Personal
Created By: Shawn Stanley
Description: The deck came out of a conversation with a friend about the general ways of causing pool damage in Jyhad. We hit upon bleeding, voting and other. I wanted to try a deck which worked solely in the realm of the third category, "other". Other, of course is a broad category, and I wanted to try and work with master cards to do it. This back in 2004/5 so anarch revolt decks were an obvious choice, but already out there, but there was a new master card which looked hopeful: personal involvement.
Earlier versions of the deck were fun to play, but the deck always struggled with the final kill package. Hence, with subsequent versions the tried and true pool reduction tactics of bleeding and voting crept into the deck. With all of the pool manipulation in the deck, necessitated by personal involvement, parity shift was an obvious choice - but still not a card to kill people with. So some other votes, and then some bleed also came into the deck
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 16, Max: 32, Avg: 6.16)
----------------------------------------------
5 Anson aus CEL dom PRE8 Toreador
1 Victoria Ash aus cel dom PRE6 Toreador
1 Ohanna dom 2 Malkavian
3 Rake aus cel pot PRE6 Brujah
1 Violette Prentiss dom PRE 4 Ventrue
1 Mariana Gilbert cel PRE 4 Toreador
Library: (70 cards)
-------------------
Master (40 cards)
1 Art Museum
7 Personal Involvement
8 Ashur Tablets
2 Parthenon, The
2 Secure Haven
2 Dummy Corporation
2 Vessel
1 Brothers Grimm
1 Carnivale
2 Sudden Reversal
1 Direct Intervention
1 Archon Investigation
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Anarch Revolt
1 Antediluvian Awakening
3 Failsafe
2 Golconda: Inner Peace
2 Dominate
Action (2 cards)
2 Entrancement
Action Modifier (5 cards)
2 Perfect Paragon
2 Alacrity
1 Siren`s Lure
Political Action (5 cards)
3 Kine Resources Contested
2 Neonate Breach
Reaction (5 cards)
5 Deflection
Combat (5 cards)
5 Majesty
Event (2 cards)
2 Anthelios, the Red Star
Combo (6 cards)
3 Murmur of the False Will
3 Resist Earth`s Grasp
WHO IS THE AUTHOR
Shawn Stanley, while a native Australian, has bummed around with us New Yorkers for several years now. He is one of our regulars and New York Vtes would not be the same without him. He is a strong player who has a tendenacy to play a lot of strong Tier 2 (he finds Tier 1 boring) decks that keeps us city-folk on our toes.
Deck Name: This Time It's Personal
Created By: Shawn Stanley
Description: The deck came out of a conversation with a friend about the general ways of causing pool damage in Jyhad. We hit upon bleeding, voting and other. I wanted to try a deck which worked solely in the realm of the third category, "other". Other, of course is a broad category, and I wanted to try and work with master cards to do it. This back in 2004/5 so anarch revolt decks were an obvious choice, but already out there, but there was a new master card which looked hopeful: personal involvement.
Earlier versions of the deck were fun to play, but the deck always struggled with the final kill package. Hence, with subsequent versions the tried and true pool reduction tactics of bleeding and voting crept into the deck. With all of the pool manipulation in the deck, necessitated by personal involvement, parity shift was an obvious choice - but still not a card to kill people with. So some other votes, and then some bleed also came into the deck
[Adam Notes:]
So I had the benefit of talking with Shawn a little but about this deck. He told me that conversation mentioned in the description was several years old. Recently, I coincidently had a similar conversation with noteable Ben Peal. To be short, we decided that the two 'Win Machines' are Bleed and Vote. (others things, like combat, are the "engines" to make the machines work). [To be discussed in next blog maybe. :) ]. So where does "Other" fit in? In my opinion, "Other" pool loss mechanic are a "Backup Machine". Smaller, useful in certain situations but should not be mistaken for the main machine. Although we are going to talk about Personal Involvement, another good example are cards like Fame, Dragonbound, and Enticement.
So what does that mean here for Shawn's deck? Well, in Shawn's original deck it is 40 masters (70 cards) with 7 Personal Involvement. While it has a little bleed, it is basically a Vote deck. So his "Machine" is Vote with a "Backup Machine" of Personal Involvement (and some other masters). So our goal is to make a STREAMLINE VOTE DECK STARRING ANSON. 60 Card size. And then Shawn can just add 8-10 Personal Involvement. Because of Anson's special, the additional masters cards should flow nicely (although we will take it into account).
Furthermore, if we take out the Masters and make that a separate discussion (while it will tie into the rest of the library) we are really making a streamlined 30-35 vote deck with all the trimmings. It's harder then it looks but lets see what we can do!
Crypt: (12 cards, Avg: 6.16)
----------------------------------------------
5 Anson aus CEL dom PRE8 Toreador
1 Victoria Ash aus cel dom PRE6 Toreador
1 Ohanna dom 2 Malkavian
3 Rake aus cel pot PRE6 Brujah
1 Violette Prentiss dom PRE 4 Ventrue
1 Mariana Gilbert cel PRE 4 Toreador
[Adam Notes:]
Okay, now that we have determined that we have only 35 cards to make a vote deck, sure that these guys are the right guys for the job. Looking at Shawn's master package, he doesn't have Ventrue Headquarters or Toreador Grand Ball (ultimate stealth!). So let's fine a crypt that allows that and still has the DOM PRE, and celerity for stealth. While, it will be mentioned again in the Master Card discussion below, it is good to state here that Wider View is very important here as it allows Shawn to get the right crypt for the right situation. More Toreador for Grand Ball for example.
Crypt: (11 cards, Avg: 5.727)
----------------------------------------------
5 Anson aus CEL dom PRE8 Toreador
1 Mariana Gilbert cel PRE 4 Toreador
1 Delilah Easton pre 2 Toreador
1 Violette Prentiss dom PRE 4 Ventrue
1 Sir Walter Nash DOM FOR PRE 7 Ventrue
1 Itzahk Levine cel pre 3 Ventrue
1 Gideon Fontaine PRE 3 Ventrue
[Adam's Note:] Note that I only made a crypt for 11 vampires. That is because I was not sure of the 12th guy. And then I realized it depends on the player. Maybe another weenie or another prince. Below is some choices I liked.
1 Rake aus cel pot PRE6 Brujah
1 Ramiel DuPre aus cel dom PRE5 Toreador
1 Victoria Ash aus cel dom PRE6 Toreador
Small note on Sir Walter Nash. He's a vamp who should really only come out if needed, most of the time he will be wider view away.
Library: (70 cards)
-------------------
Master (40 cards)
7 Personal Involvement
6 Ashur Tablets
2 Ventrue Headquarters
1 Hostile Takeover
2 Toreador Grand Ball
1 Art Museum
1 Carnivale
2 Parthenon, The
2 Secure Haven
1 Pentex Subversion
1 Anarch Revolt
1 Antediluvian Awakening
1 Dominate
1 Golconda: Inner Peace
1 Brothers Grimm
2 Failsafe
2 Vessel
3 Wider View
2 Sudden Reversal
1 Direct Intervention
1 Archon Investigation
[Adam Notes:]
So I kept with Shawn's 40 Master package but switched around the ratios in order to make room for clan cards and Wider view. Odd note is that there is no Giant's Blood in there, but I guess Shawn made that determination originally. This package is just a suggestion, the key point are the Ventrue Headquarters and the Grand Ball. This functions as vote push and "stealth". Other options are Monastary of Shadows or Creepshow Casino.
Based on Shawn's playtesting he may want to drop some master cards (1-5) to increase non-master library to 35. Or of course just make a 75 card deck! :)
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"Non-Master" (30 Cards)
-------------------
Action (1 card)
1 Entrancement
Action Modifier (9 cards)
2 Alacrity
2 Voter Captivation
2 Awe
2 Perfect Paragon
1 Siren`s Lure
[Adam Note: With the Parity Shift and KRC being such deal-making cards, slipping 1-2 cryptic rider may be an interesting idea.]
Political Action (10 cards)
3 Parity Shift
1 Toreador Justicar
1 Ventrue Justicar
1 Banishment
3 Kine Resources Contested
1 Ancilla Empowerment
[Adam Notes:] I'm not sold on the Toreador Justicar. It is only necessary when there are other votes on table and there is intercept next to you (needing Grand ball). Dependent on what Shawn picks for 12th vampire I guess.
Reaction (4 cards)
4 Deflection
Combat (4 cards)
4 Majesty
Event (2 cards)
2 Anthelios, the Red Star
[Adam Notes:] Review of Non-Master cards - with only a 30 card deck, each card change is pretty significant. The only thing I can maybe recommend is that Shawn might want to play with the master package a little to try to get it back up to 9 Ashurs because there are so many "one-shot" cards in the non-master cards that could be useful.
CONCLUSION:
First off, I should state that this is a very hard deck to play, and kudos to Shawn for trying to make it work. In order to play Personal Involvement you have to keep your pool near your prey, which of course gets harder and harder as the pool goes down, all the while having a predator trying to kill you of course. But I suspect that "living on the edge" is one of the reasons Shawn likes playing the deck!
Very basically, the version suggested is attempting to get a strong amount of votes so that no one playing can run around bloating with Voter Captivation and it allows you do have more control.
I'd like to thank Shawn Stanley for letting me review his deck. It actually took longer then I expected and I had to re-think a couple of times what the overall strategy is here. The idea of "Backup Machine" for alternate pool loss will most probably be in my next blog.
Adam Hulse
Thursday, November 29, 2012
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #2
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #2
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, this is my second post of where I analyze a deck and post my findings for my readers to look through. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. Here is the deck below.
Deck Name : Prying Open My Third Eye
Author : Matt Hirsch
Description : !Salubri combat/blood denial
The general idea is to present a scary-looking combat deck, but actually use more blood denial tricks than just direct rushing and blocking. Blood denial itself is not a winning strategy, but it makes combat targets a lot easier to knock down.
Built for the Pawtucket VTES tournament, so the expected metagame was stealth/bleed heavy, hence the heavy use of anti-bleed cards. Combat was expected to be light, so I didn't feel the need to beef up too much in that regard. I wouldn't bring this deck to a combat heavy environment.
Also, it's important to note that the crypt is a bit Auspex light in this Auspex deck; the player should be careful about getting superior auspex on the table early. Don't influence out Qawiyya first, unless the Auspex skill card is in hand.
Crypt [12 vampires] Capacity min: 3 max: 9 average: 6.5
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3x Qawiyya el-Ghaduba 9 FOR POT VAL aus pre !Salubri:5
3x Uriel 8 AUS FOR VAL ani obe bishop !Salubri:4
2x Langa 5 VAL for !Salubri:4
1x Aredhel 5 FOR VAL aus !Salubri:4
1x Neighbor John 5 AUS dom for !Ventrue:4
1x Nkechi 4 aus for val !Salubri:4
1x Rashiel 3 for val !Salubri:4
Library [90 cards]
------------------------------------------------------------
Master [16]
1x Admonitions, The
1x Archon Investigation
1x Auspex
4x Blood Doll
1x Depravity
1x Dreams of the Sphinx
2x Fame
2x Haven Uncovered
1x Path of Retribution, The
1x Two Wrongs
1x Wash
Reaction [31]
1x Delaying Tactics
2x Eagle's Sight
2x Enhanced Senses
2x Eyes of Argus
3x Forced Awakening
5x Hide the Heart
1x My Enemy's Enemy
2x On the Qui Vive
3x Precognition
2x Spirit's Touch
2x Telepathic Counter
4x Telepathic Misdirection
2x Wake with Evening's Freshness
Combat [22]
1x Amaranth
4x Armor of Caine's Fury
2x Blissful Agony
1x Boxed In
2x Death Seeker
2x Eye of Unforgiving Heaven
1x Hidden Strength
1x Indomitability
1x Pulled Fangs
1x Rolling with the Punches
1x Skin of Rock
2x Taste of Vitae
2x Trap
1x Weighted Walking Stick
Ally [4]
1x Gregory Winter
1x Impundulu
1x Neighborhood Watch Commander (Hunter)
1x Ossian
Action [9]
4x Brother in Arms
1x Harass
1x Rayzeel's Song
1x Revelations
2x Sense Death
Action Modifier [2]
1x Freak Drive
1x Kiss of Ra, The
Action Modifier/Combat [4]
4x Burning Touch
Equipment [2]
1x Codex of the Edenic Groundskeepers
1x Palatial Estate
------
WHO IS THE AUTHOR
Matt Hirsch is a friend of mine from the Boston area, and is the Prince of that play group. He was also the 2010 NAC Champion with a strong Hannibal Bleed-Vote deck. I've always been impressed with some of his unique deck ideas (as we can see with the deck listed)! However, in reviewing this deck, I think I see a couple of ideas that may help this deck out.
------
Deck Name : Prying Open My Third Eye
Author : Matt Hirsch
Description : !Salubri combat/blood denial
The general idea is to present a scary-looking combat deck, but actually use more blood denial tricks than just direct rushing and blocking. Blood denial itself is not a winning strategy, but it makes combat targets a lot easier to knock down.
Built for the Pawtucket VTES tournament, so the expected metagame was stealth/bleed heavy, hence the heavy use of anti-bleed cards. Combat was expected to be light, so I didn't feel the need to beef up too much in that regard. I wouldn't bring this deck to a combat heavy environment.
Also, it's important to note that the crypt is a bit Auspex light in this Auspex deck; the player should be careful about getting superior auspex on the table early. Don't influence out Qawiyya first, unless the Auspex skill card is in hand.
[Adam's Notes:]
So according to Matt Hirsch's notes, he is supposed to look like a combat deck, but actuality he is a anti-stealth-bleed deck, while using blood denial to make his real combat enough to knock guys down. So that means we have 3 things to look at here.
DECK REQUIREMENTS: (Note this for it will be referenced alot)
1) Is the combat "scary looking"?
2) The anti stealth bleed tech
3) Blood denial tech.
Let's get crackin'!
Crypt [12 vampires] Capacity min: 3 max: 9 average: 6.5
------------------------------------------------------------
3x Qawiyya el-Ghaduba 9 FOR POT VAL aus pre !Salubri:5
3x Uriel 8 AUS FOR VAL ani obe bishop !Salubri:4
2x Langa 5 VAL for !Salubri:4
1x Aredhel 5 FOR VAL aus !Salubri:4
1x Neighbor John 5 AUS dom for !Ventrue:4
1x Nkechi 4 aus for val !Salubri:4
1x Rashiel 3 for val !Salubri:4
[Adam's Notes:]
So the main problem I see, is that the proportion of disciplines to the vampires who can play them. Matt was quick enough to mention that Qawiyya should not see play right away unless the Auspex master card was drawn. So let's continue along these these lines.
Assumption: The player wants the option to play a card at superior and only plays inferior if he has to. Note: Some cards this could be argued against, but we are just trying to gather general data.
Auspex: 19 cards (21.11%). Crypt: 4 out of 12 (25%). 2 unique vampires.
Fortitude: 6 cards (6.67%). Crypt: 7 out of 12 (58.33%). 3 Unique vampires.
Valeren: 20 cards (22.22%). Crypt: 9 out of 12 (75%). 4 Unique vampires.
So as Matt implied, this is a Auspex heavy deck, but is likely (85.9) that you will get 1 vampire with AUS. However, it is just ONE vampire to do all the AUS tech. AND its a 74.5% chance that that vamp is Uriel, who will be wanted to do the AUS and the VAL tech.
Recomendations:
- So the easiest change is switching Qawiyya for Dela Eden. Then you have many vampires that fulfill discipline requirements, could use Laibon tech [Well-marked, Powerbase: Tswanne, Swarm(???) etc]. But I suspect that Mr. Hirsch really wants to use Qawiyya so let's move on!
- Saulot is another option of course, but that would be a lot of library change work to afford so many big guys, despite his special.
- Removing a vamp for another another AUS vampire. Possible options are Solomon Batanea [5 Cap. nec AUS FOR. Laibon.] or a second Neighbor John.
- Increase the number of Auspex master card. Or perhaps a Lilth's blessing which will allow one to search for it. Or both. But that will be discussed in the Master section.
Note that through this talk we see the need for 1-2 wider view so that Matt can get his optimal crypt based on the table. But that will be discussed in the Master section.
Library [90 cards]
------------------------------------------------------------
Master [16]
1x Admonitions, The
1x Archon Investigation
1x Auspex
4x Blood Doll
1x Depravity
1x Dreams of the Sphinx
2x Fame
2x Haven Uncovered
1x Path of Retribution, The
1x Two Wrongs
1x Wash
[Adam's Notes:]
So although a lot of these cards can be changed for 'better' cards, one has to remember the theme as described by the author. Archon Investigation, Fame, Haven Uncovered, even Two Wrongs (maybe) stick to the Deck Requirements stated above.
Recommendations:
Path of Retribution should be switched with Code of Samiel. There is only 6 valeren cards in deck that cost 1 blood.
Depravity should be switched with Blooding by the Code. The Superior Valeren on someone small (like a Brother's in Arms) is great for cards like Hide the Heart.
Admonitions should be switched for the Barrens, there are a decent amount of cards that would not be used depending on the situation. But a Heart of Nizchetus might be more effective and allows for a different master card slot.
I have found that splashing a Villein in a Blood doll deck (even if you don't have the Giant's Blood I see) is a good thing. Intercept seems to be light, and using it on a hunt is rare. Villein on 5 cap for everything and then hunt is a free 5 pool, especially with all the untap. And of course this could combine with Lilith's Blessing. 3 Blood Doll, 1 Villein seems right.
Although having a Dreams is always good, another viable option which fits with blood denial is Retribution. I would give it a shot.
The Wash while useful, a wider view should be more important I think.
As per discussion with the crypt, having a second Auspex master card in this would be good. Obviously doubling the chances of drawing one.
Other possible cards to fulfill criteria: Yawp Court, Mob Connection, intercept location, Smiling Jack. [Example: By reducing the auspex package (more Hide the Heart perhaps), you can take the Auspex master card slot.] Also, I've always put Erciyes Fragments in Auspex decks.
So a "possible" master card package I would recommend would be.
Master [16]
1x Barrens, The
1x Archon Investigation
2x Auspex
3x Blood Doll
1x Villein
1x Blooding by the Code
1x Retribution
1x Fame
2x Haven Uncovered
1x Code of Samiel
1x Two Wrongs*
1x Wider View
*(Not a fan, personally would switch for a 2nd Wider view or a Erciyes Fragments or a Lilith's Blessing perhaps)
Reaction [31]
1x Delaying Tactics
2x Eagle's Sight
2x Enhanced Senses
2x Eyes of Argus
3x Forced Awakening
5x Hide the Heart
1x My Enemy's Enemy
2x On the Qui Vive
3x Precognition
2x Spirit's Touch
2x Telepathic Counter
4x Telepathic Misdirection
2x Wake with Evening's Freshness
[Adam's Notes:]
For the description that Matt gave, this is a fine package of reaction cards. The only thing would note is that the theme is to wake and block, not necessarily bounce (only 5 bounce cards). To take full advantage of the 9 wakes, I would make sure to have some permanent intercept like a Bowl of Convergence or a Sport Bike. (or both).
Since the theme of this deck is anti-bleed, and superior AUS is an issue, Matt could consider cutting some 2-3 cards (duplicates) and try out Steadfastness. The +1 int (against D actions) or reduce a bleed could fit nicely. He won't know until he tries.
Combat [22]
1x Amaranth
4x Armor of Caine's Fury
2x Blissful Agony
1x Boxed In
2x Death Seeker
2x Eye of Unforgiving Heaven
1x Hidden Strength
1x Indomitability
1x Pulled Fangs
1x Rolling with the Punches
1x Skin of Rock
2x Taste of Vitae
2x Trap
1x Weighted Walking Stick
[Adam's Notes:]
So this is the part where the combat should look scary but in reality it is effective against guys with low blood. With only 22 slots, there is not much I would change except for some minor tweaks.
- The Rolling with the Punches I would switch for a Superior Mettle or a Soak (depending on whether you want synergy with Trap or Eye of Unforgiving Heaven)
- The Taste of Vitae only gains you blood if used with Qawiyya, other fortitude cards should be better.
- The Amaranth is prayer card (which of course Matt is free to keep in), and interesting alternative for that card and the Boxed In is two copies of Lessons in the Steel. Note that it is a inferior that gives a press.
- Options is always better, I would switch the Skin of Rock for a Resilence or another Indomitability.
Ally [4]
1x Gregory Winter
1x Impundulu
1x Neighborhood Watch Commander (Hunter)
1x Ossian
[Adam's Notes:]
One can only have so many allies, I would just note that Carlton Van Wyck is annoying against your deck (not many presses, no Vengenence of Samiel). Would be better to play one yourself.
Action [9]
4x Brother in Arms
1x Harass
1x Rayzeel's Song
1x Revelations
2x Sense Death
[Adam's Notes:]
I can see the use of most of these, although Rayzeel Song does not fit with deck description. Aranthebes the Immortal would perhaps be better.
Action Modifier [2]
1x Freak Drive
1x Kiss of Ra, The
[Adam's Notes:]
Just a splash I see, these might be better as the intercept equipment mentioned above.
Action Modifier/Combat [4]
4x Burning Touch
[Adam's Notes:]
Just keeping them guessing. While the inferior is nice for them losing one blood, there are not many "must block" actions here.
Equipment [2]
1x Codex of the Edenic Groundskeepers
1x Palatial Estate
[Adam's Notes:]
While these two cards are good, I think something as simple as Camera phones should work much more effectively.
REVIEW:
CARD SLOTS ARE NEEDED! So there are a lot of different cards that can be added that would aid in the description requirements. What are possible removals which losing theme?
Based on what was written above, I would say that 2 actions, 6 action modifiers, 2 equipment, 2 combat, 3 reaction [total: 15 cards] could be swapped around for different cards each time Matt plays and still keep to theme. [Master cards were already discussed.]
Possible cards that keep to the 3 requirements stated at the beginning.
- More Hide the Heart (Blood denial)
- Young Bloods (Blood denial)
- Events: Restrictive Vitae, Dr. Marisa Fletcher, CDC, Hunger Moon. [Although with this I would increase blood gain cards] (blood denial)
- Ivory Bow (scary combat)
- Banshee Ironwail!!! [[Unique melee weapon. Cold iron. Strength +2 damage each strike. Bearer gets -1 stealth on each action. If bearer blocks an action, the acting minion burns 1 blood or life (before combat begins, if any).]] (This is scary combat and blood denial And a strong card against Kyasid Stealth Bleed.)
- Bowl of Convergence. Sport Bike. (anti Stealth bleed)
- Keep it Simple (Anti Stealth Bleed)
- Aranthebes, the Immortal (Anti Stealth Bleed)
- Flak Jacket or Kevlar Vest. The assumption is not heavy combat so preventing the hand strike consistently is strong.
CONCLUSION:
So we have now reviewed this interesting deck. It has some weaknesses, no strong oust mechanic, and weak against combat. But Matt in his criteria implies that there is a lot of stealth bleed, so table collapse is usually eminent by the 1st hour. After that, everyone is at low blood, and everyone has an oust mechanic. :)
I hope that Matt (and the rest of you) find this analysis useful. I enjoyed reviewing it and it definitely has encouraged me to take a look at Salubri Anti decks again.
Adam Hulse
Thursday, November 15, 2012
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #1
OPERATION DECK DECONSTRUCTION #1
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, this is my first blog post of where I analyze a deck and post my findings for my readers to look through. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. Here is the deck.
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Deck Name: Baron Buddies v2.9
Created By: Kevin J. Mergen
Description: Create bleed-for-2 Corpses w/Perfectionist'd vamps and
gain pool via LMCing to Lithracs in your uncontrolled.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 20, Max: 32, Avg: 6.08)
----------------------------------------------
1 The Baron FOR OBF THN 9, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Genina for OBF THN 8, Samedi
1 Reg Driscoll for OBF THN 8, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Jorge De La Muerte for OBF THN 7, Samedi, +1 bleed*
1 George Frederick FOR obf THN 6, Samedi
7 Lithrac for OBF thn 5, Samedi
* +1 bleed only against sabbat vampires
Library: (90)
-------------
Master: (19)
8x Coroner's Contact [to retrieve The Baron on Turn 1]
1x Kaymakli Nightmares [pool gain sync with LMC]
1x Information Highway [ " ]
4x Perfectionist [blood gain module]
1x Giant's Blood [ " ]
1x Anarch Troublemaker [tap two vampires/blow up equipment]
3x Sudden Reversal [to stop my prey's pool gain]
Action: (14)
12x Little Mountain Cemetery [blood+pool gain]
1x Putrescent Servitude [to steal an ally]
1x Psychic Veil [+1 stealth for everyone for a turn]
Action Modifier: (34) {24 stealth cards}
10x Freak Drive [multi-acting is good!]
4x Lost in Crowds [stealth module]
4x Cloak the Gathering [ " ]
4x Elder Impersonation [ " ]
4x Faceless Night [ " ]
4x Swallowed by the Night [ " ]
4x Under My Skin [ " ]
Ally: (15)
15x Reanimated Corpse [2 life, 2 str, 2 bleed, non-unique!]
Combat: (8)
8x Armor of Vitality [combat defense]
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Kevin M. has been kind enough to be my first victim. Kevin has been a pillar of the vtes community for a long time and has been running the North American Championship (NAC) for some time now. The deck below I have played against many times and with many versions. This is a strong deck and probably does not need some of the standard analysis.
But I'm up to the challenge! Let's see what we can see!
[For my comments: Look for the term "Adam's Notes:"]
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Deck Name: Baron Buddies v2.9
Created By: Kevin J. Mergen
Description: Create bleed-for-2 Corpses w/Perfectionist'd vamps and
gain pool via LMCing to Lithracs in your uncontrolled.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 20, Max: 32, Avg: 6.08)
----------------------------------------------
1 The Baron FOR OBF THN 9, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Genina for OBF THN 8, Samedi
1 Reg Driscoll for OBF THN 8, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Jorge De La Muerte for OBF THN 7, Samedi, +1 bleed*
1 George Frederick FOR obf THN 6, Samedi
7 Lithrac for OBF thn 5, Samedi
[Adam's Notes:]
So based on Kevin's description, this seems like a strong crypt. The chance of drawing The Baron in opening crypt is 33.3%. If you see below, Kevin has chosen 8 Coroner's Contract out of 90 card deck. According to a card calculator (http://www.unseelie.org/cgi-bin/cardco.cgi), there is a approximately 50% chance of getting one contract in starting hand. So that means the odds off drawing The Baron OR a Contract is [ .5 + .5(.33) = .665 ] or 66.5%. Not the greatest odds, but not the worst either.
First step: Is the Baron essential for the deck? Suppose you get a bad draw and get an 8-cap instead and no contracts. With the lack of pool gain, it would be hard to go for an 8-cap and then later for The Baron (9-cap). That's 16-17 pool. Probably not likely.
So the Little Mountain Cemetery will not work for 2 of the crypt (the other 8 cap and 9 cap). That is not so bad but that means you are operating with only 4 vampires. One 8 cap, Jorge, George and Lithrac.
My original draft of this analysis went into adjusting ratios so that there is a better chance of drawing The Baron (crypt and/or library). But looking at 4 vampires pumping out +2 bleeders seems strong enough. There is some minor things that can be done that can aid with drawing a Corners contract in the first 9 cards which I will discuss that below.
Conclusion: Crypt is quite optimal for this library, just remember that if The Baron is not in starting crypt and you don't have a Contract by 7-9 cards, don't be greedy and use future Contracts for the other 8 cap or The Baron. Not worth it, just get all the other vamps :)
Library: (90)
-------------
Master: (19)
8x Coroner's Contact [to retrieve The Baron on Turn 1]
1x Kaymakli Nightmares [pool gain sync with LMC]
1x Information Highway [ " ]
4x Perfectionist [blood gain module]
1x Giant's Blood [ " ]
1x Anarch Troublemaker [tap two vampires/blow up equipment]
3x Sudden Reversal [to stop my prey's pool gain]
[Adam's Notes:]
So from Kevin's note, we assume he wants to draw The Baron on turn one via the Contract. But above, I made the determination that its nice but not essential. The one blood counter that gets placed on The Baron from the contract makes one able to bring him out in 2 turns. Currently there is 49% chance (rounded to 50% above) of drawing one in 7 cards.
But let's say Kevin LOVES the Baron, and will do WHATEVER it takes to get him. How can we help him out? Changing the crypt is the easiest but above we determined that the THEME of the deck doesn't require the Baron so we don't want to mess with that.
Actually, we can increase those odds a little by realizing that he can also draw into a Coroner's Contract and play it on TURN 2. Why? Consider if he's drawn The Baron. The Baron comes into play and plays Little Mountain Cemetery. Unless its Lithrac, Kevin is going to use transfers anyway on the turn after the Baron comes out for the 2nd vampire. Therefore, if Kevin doesn't draw the Baron or a Cemetery, he gets a 2nd shot of draw a Contract by doing the transfers for his 2nd vampire first. And if he doesn't draw it on turn 2, then we go back to the "non-Baron" strategy mentioned above.
So how to increase the odds? Well, for every card he can play on turn 1, that increases the odds that he will draw into a contract. So what cards can be played? A MASTER card, and a card during the discard phase. If he can play 2 cards, he has about a 18% chance of drawing a Coroner's Contract in cards 8 and 9.
What master cards can he play on turn 1? Kaymakli Nightmares while used for pool gain normally, but gives him another great shot at The Baron. Information Highway can as well. Anarch Troublemaker is also a fine staple turn 1 card.
Suddens? While suddens are great, they prevent him from have a turn 2 master phase. Note the lack of reaction cards in this deck. Wash is almost as good and allows for the Turn 2 Coroner's Contract scenario.
What if this deck brings the Master cards to 22? In order to avoid some hand jam, changing Suddens to Wash will help and consider the use of the cards below to aid in deck theme and drawing that Turn 2 Coroner's Contract.
OPTIONAL MASTERS
- #1 Choice - The Barrens. This card is Excellent in this deck! Besides the hand jam fix this can do (always a possibility when you have many of a type of card), if this is a turn 1 master, it increases the chance up 26% of getting a Contract.
- #2 Choice - Dreams of the Sphinx. This vastly inscreases the chance of drawing the Contract and if you have the Baron already, possibly bringing him out on turn 2.
- #3 Choice - The Coven. In such a blood intensive deck, this is a viable option and it is a trifle.
Others: Secure Haven, Pentex, Golconda
HOWEVER, as stated before, Kevin is a good player and I'm sure that he's considered these choices above before. Below are some other master cards that he might have not considered that I would encourage him to try out.
BONUS MASTERS
- #1 Choice - Powerbase: Zurich. This card is excellent for this deck. And even multiple vampires can use it (only lose the edge if one is blocked).
- #2 Choice - Police Department. The Armor of Vitality stops the Torn Signpost or the Bats/Crows. This card always stops the Immortal grapple and Aid from Bats press.
- #3 Choice - Haven Uncovered. Having a bunch of guys punch for 2 can sometimes do the trick.
--------
Action: (14)
12x Little Mountain Cemetery [blood+pool gain]
1x Putrescent Servitude [to steal an ally]
1x Psychic Veil [+1 stealth for everyone for a turn]
[Adam's Notes:]
On to actions! Again, this is pretty streamlined for theme. Since the average game lasts about 13 turns, 14 actions on a deck with freak drives is a little on the light side. Lets see if we can offer Kevin some strong Action cards as possibilities to try out. If he finds that he has too many actions, he can increase the freak drives or increase the discard potential (example: Barrens).
OPTIONAL ACTIONS
- #1 Choice - Blackmail/Condemnation: Doomed/Jar the Soul. Tapping a minion and then freak driving is always a strong play. Also good to tap the deflector behind you.
- #2 Choice - Heart of Nizchetus. In a deck that has many cards of the same type, this is a good choice.
- #3 Choice - Gran Madre di Dio, Italy. An underplayed card but strong in tournament. Kills Tup dog decks, and fits with the tapping blockers.
- #4 Sargon Fragment - get your one-shot cards back.
BONUS COMBO!
- So it is commonly known the Baron/Soul Gem trick. However, one can steal from this idea and add 5 cards and "trick people" into thinking its a Soul gem deck (oh no! have to stop the Possession!) when really its not. Each is useful in its own right. But the potential of it being very strong is equally good. Kevin COULD consider putting in ONE (and only one, want to stick to theme of deck) of each of the following 5 cards and see how they play.
1) Soul gem of Etrius - with the manipulation of Coroner's Contract. The Gem does not necessarily have to go on the Baron.
2) Antedeluvian Awakening - Easiest way to make the Soul Gem go off and puts pool pressure on everyone.
3) Force of Will. - Hidden extra bleed. Can set off Gem. Using it then rescue is easy enough with that much stealth.
4) Anthelios, The Red Star - Get back a Sudden. Or perhaps an Antedeluvian Awakening...
5) Blessed Resilience - A prayer card, and probably cut. But if there is a lot of combat it can put you back in the game by bring our hero The Baron back.
--------
Action Modifier: (34) {24 stealth cards}
10x Freak Drive [multi-acting is good!]
4x Lost in Crowds [stealth module]
4x Cloak the Gathering [ " ]
4x Elder Impersonation [ " ]
4x Faceless Night [ " ]
4x Swallowed by the Night [ " ]
4x Under My Skin [ " ]
[Adam's Notes:]
So we are giving Kevin all these great ideas for more masters and more actions. So where are the card slots going to come from? Tricky Tricky... Let's say we need to make room for 8 slots. [2-3 masters, 3-4 actions, 2 reactions?]. We can probably steal 2 from the Ally count, and maybe 1 from the combat defense So we need to lose 5 cards from here and have the lease likelihood of effecting theme.*
*I would like to stress again that Kevin's deck is strong deck! But by tweaking the numbers, he can find slots to try other cards, keeping to theme and see if he likes something better.
So the simplest way would be to just take out one obfuscate stealth card each. But I'm not a fan of that. We want to maintain the COUNT of stealth effectiveness (Kevin has actually more stealth then it looks, but we will get into that below.
What exactly does Kevin have for stealth? He has 24 stealth cards, but Under My Skin gives additional stealth on on a different action. So that is +4 there. And he has 1 Psychic Veil, meaning in a worse case situation he may have 4 minions (two vampires and 2 Corpses) which is +4 stealth. But the card is at zero stealth so he needs stealth for it to get through. So lets say that he gets +2 stealth there. So he really has 30 STEALTH EFFECTS.
Can we steal slots here and keep it close to the "magic 30"? It should be noted also that There are only 5 cards currently in deck to let the Corpses bleed through.
So 1 Under My Skin Counts for 2 STEALTH effects, but we can't increase it too much because we may hand jam. Increasing it from 4 to 6 though allows use to lose 2 extra stealth cards I would loose 1 Lost in Crowds, 1 Elder Impersonation, 1 Faceless and 1 Swallowed by the Night.
Veil the Legions is a good card and only weak early game or when you draw into it on last action. So lets say be on the conservative side and say its only worth 2 Stealth effects also (can be more obviously). If one adds two, you can drop another 4 cards! This time lets drop, 1 Cloak the Gathering, 1 Elder Impersonation, 1 Faceless and 1 Swallowed by the Night.
So we have dropped 8 cards and added 4. It would look like this:
Action Modifier: (30) {20 stealth cards}
10x Freak Drive [multi-acting is good!]
3x Lost in Crowds [stealth module]
3x Cloak the Gathering [ " ]
2x Elder Impersonation [ " ]
2x Faceless Night [ " ]
2x Swallowed by the Night [ " ]
6x Under My Skin [ " ]
2x Veil the Legions [ " ]
How to gain that last card slot? Well, Kevin could just swap a master card for something like Monastary of Shadows, or Creepshow Casino, but pool is precious. Anther idea is adding Malajit Chandramouli [Lithrac and George can't use him unless go anarch but I think that's okay :) ] Another nice permanent +1 stealth is always good and he is a good deterrent. Adding him and taking out 2 cards it perfectly feasible.
A side note is that an extra Freak Drive + another Psychic Veil is another option.
--------
Ally: (15)
15x Reanimated Corpse [2 life, 2 str, 2 bleed, non-unique!]
[Adam's Notes:]
As stated above, we need to lose 2, this is the theme, but dropping 2 Corpses should be okay.
--------
Combat: (8)
8x Armor of Vitality [combat defense]
[Adam's Notes:]
As stated above, we need to lose 1, but dropping 1 Armor should be okay.
This card really seems to the best choice (and I really like it in conjuction with Police Department.)
Dust to Dust [Combat | Thanatosis/Obfuscate [obf] Press, only usable to end combat. [thn] Strike: dodge, with an optional press. [THN] As [thn] above, with an optional maneuver. ] seems like an interesting option (its free), but it doesn't allow the Corpses to survive.
--------
POSSIBLE REACTION CARDS
So I mentioned above in the Action Modifier Section that reaction cards are possible for 1 or two slots. Below is just some suggestions that could be useful but these slots can as easily be used for other cards mentioned above.
Delaying tactics/Confusion of the Eye/Poison Pill - both strong anti vote cards. Particularly Parity shift. Poison Pill can be played by an ally.
Deflection/Redirection - even 2-3 with the Baron is good. And there is also the Seal of Verdatha which helps.
--------
CONCLUSION
So we have reviewed this already strong deck. It its original form we offered the advice of what do when in 35% of the time one does not get The Baron easily (how to get a second shot at it). We have given several Master card options that Kevin can consider. [If he is getting crushed by combat for example.] We have also stated some interesting actions and equipment that help the mechanic Tap-Get-Zombie bleed through. Finally we gave some advice on how to many steal some slots from the action modifier package and still have a similar punch.
Thanks to everyone for reading my first deck analysis. And thanks to Kevin for showing me this deck and letting me pick and prod at it. A strong deck but I hope that my advice and analysis of the possibilities of other things to do with it.
Adam Hulse
[Use Soundwave's voice for full effect!]
Hello everyone, this is my first blog post of where I analyze a deck and post my findings for my readers to look through. It is my hope that with this analysis, the author and my readers get ideas for their own decks and hopefully make them look at deck designs in a new way. Here is the deck.
--------
Deck Name: Baron Buddies v2.9
Created By: Kevin J. Mergen
Description: Create bleed-for-2 Corpses w/Perfectionist'd vamps and
gain pool via LMCing to Lithracs in your uncontrolled.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 20, Max: 32, Avg: 6.08)
----------------------------------------------
1 The Baron FOR OBF THN 9, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Genina for OBF THN 8, Samedi
1 Reg Driscoll for OBF THN 8, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Jorge De La Muerte for OBF THN 7, Samedi, +1 bleed*
1 George Frederick FOR obf THN 6, Samedi
7 Lithrac for OBF thn 5, Samedi
* +1 bleed only against sabbat vampires
Library: (90)
-------------
Master: (19)
8x Coroner's Contact [to retrieve The Baron on Turn 1]
1x Kaymakli Nightmares [pool gain sync with LMC]
1x Information Highway [ " ]
4x Perfectionist [blood gain module]
1x Giant's Blood [ " ]
1x Anarch Troublemaker [tap two vampires/blow up equipment]
3x Sudden Reversal [to stop my prey's pool gain]
Action: (14)
12x Little Mountain Cemetery [blood+pool gain]
1x Putrescent Servitude [to steal an ally]
1x Psychic Veil [+1 stealth for everyone for a turn]
Action Modifier: (34) {24 stealth cards}
10x Freak Drive [multi-acting is good!]
4x Lost in Crowds [stealth module]
4x Cloak the Gathering [ " ]
4x Elder Impersonation [ " ]
4x Faceless Night [ " ]
4x Swallowed by the Night [ " ]
4x Under My Skin [ " ]
Ally: (15)
15x Reanimated Corpse [2 life, 2 str, 2 bleed, non-unique!]
Combat: (8)
8x Armor of Vitality [combat defense]
---------
Kevin M. has been kind enough to be my first victim. Kevin has been a pillar of the vtes community for a long time and has been running the North American Championship (NAC) for some time now. The deck below I have played against many times and with many versions. This is a strong deck and probably does not need some of the standard analysis.
But I'm up to the challenge! Let's see what we can see!
[For my comments: Look for the term "Adam's Notes:"]
--------
Deck Name: Baron Buddies v2.9
Created By: Kevin J. Mergen
Description: Create bleed-for-2 Corpses w/Perfectionist'd vamps and
gain pool via LMCing to Lithracs in your uncontrolled.
Crypt: (12 cards, Min: 20, Max: 32, Avg: 6.08)
----------------------------------------------
1 The Baron FOR OBF THN 9, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Genina for OBF THN 8, Samedi
1 Reg Driscoll for OBF THN 8, Samedi, +1 bleed
1 Jorge De La Muerte for OBF THN 7, Samedi, +1 bleed*
1 George Frederick FOR obf THN 6, Samedi
7 Lithrac for OBF thn 5, Samedi
[Adam's Notes:]
So based on Kevin's description, this seems like a strong crypt. The chance of drawing The Baron in opening crypt is 33.3%. If you see below, Kevin has chosen 8 Coroner's Contract out of 90 card deck. According to a card calculator (http://www.unseelie.org/cgi-bin/cardco.cgi), there is a approximately 50% chance of getting one contract in starting hand. So that means the odds off drawing The Baron OR a Contract is [ .5 + .5(.33) = .665 ] or 66.5%. Not the greatest odds, but not the worst either.
First step: Is the Baron essential for the deck? Suppose you get a bad draw and get an 8-cap instead and no contracts. With the lack of pool gain, it would be hard to go for an 8-cap and then later for The Baron (9-cap). That's 16-17 pool. Probably not likely.
So the Little Mountain Cemetery will not work for 2 of the crypt (the other 8 cap and 9 cap). That is not so bad but that means you are operating with only 4 vampires. One 8 cap, Jorge, George and Lithrac.
My original draft of this analysis went into adjusting ratios so that there is a better chance of drawing The Baron (crypt and/or library). But looking at 4 vampires pumping out +2 bleeders seems strong enough. There is some minor things that can be done that can aid with drawing a Corners contract in the first 9 cards which I will discuss that below.
Conclusion: Crypt is quite optimal for this library, just remember that if The Baron is not in starting crypt and you don't have a Contract by 7-9 cards, don't be greedy and use future Contracts for the other 8 cap or The Baron. Not worth it, just get all the other vamps :)
Library: (90)
-------------
Master: (19)
8x Coroner's Contact [to retrieve The Baron on Turn 1]
1x Kaymakli Nightmares [pool gain sync with LMC]
1x Information Highway [ " ]
4x Perfectionist [blood gain module]
1x Giant's Blood [ " ]
1x Anarch Troublemaker [tap two vampires/blow up equipment]
3x Sudden Reversal [to stop my prey's pool gain]
[Adam's Notes:]
So from Kevin's note, we assume he wants to draw The Baron on turn one via the Contract. But above, I made the determination that its nice but not essential. The one blood counter that gets placed on The Baron from the contract makes one able to bring him out in 2 turns. Currently there is 49% chance (rounded to 50% above) of drawing one in 7 cards.
But let's say Kevin LOVES the Baron, and will do WHATEVER it takes to get him. How can we help him out? Changing the crypt is the easiest but above we determined that the THEME of the deck doesn't require the Baron so we don't want to mess with that.
Actually, we can increase those odds a little by realizing that he can also draw into a Coroner's Contract and play it on TURN 2. Why? Consider if he's drawn The Baron. The Baron comes into play and plays Little Mountain Cemetery. Unless its Lithrac, Kevin is going to use transfers anyway on the turn after the Baron comes out for the 2nd vampire. Therefore, if Kevin doesn't draw the Baron or a Cemetery, he gets a 2nd shot of draw a Contract by doing the transfers for his 2nd vampire first. And if he doesn't draw it on turn 2, then we go back to the "non-Baron" strategy mentioned above.
So how to increase the odds? Well, for every card he can play on turn 1, that increases the odds that he will draw into a contract. So what cards can be played? A MASTER card, and a card during the discard phase. If he can play 2 cards, he has about a 18% chance of drawing a Coroner's Contract in cards 8 and 9.
What master cards can he play on turn 1? Kaymakli Nightmares while used for pool gain normally, but gives him another great shot at The Baron. Information Highway can as well. Anarch Troublemaker is also a fine staple turn 1 card.
Suddens? While suddens are great, they prevent him from have a turn 2 master phase. Note the lack of reaction cards in this deck. Wash is almost as good and allows for the Turn 2 Coroner's Contract scenario.
What if this deck brings the Master cards to 22? In order to avoid some hand jam, changing Suddens to Wash will help and consider the use of the cards below to aid in deck theme and drawing that Turn 2 Coroner's Contract.
OPTIONAL MASTERS
- #1 Choice - The Barrens. This card is Excellent in this deck! Besides the hand jam fix this can do (always a possibility when you have many of a type of card), if this is a turn 1 master, it increases the chance up 26% of getting a Contract.
- #2 Choice - Dreams of the Sphinx. This vastly inscreases the chance of drawing the Contract and if you have the Baron already, possibly bringing him out on turn 2.
- #3 Choice - The Coven. In such a blood intensive deck, this is a viable option and it is a trifle.
Others: Secure Haven, Pentex, Golconda
HOWEVER, as stated before, Kevin is a good player and I'm sure that he's considered these choices above before. Below are some other master cards that he might have not considered that I would encourage him to try out.
BONUS MASTERS
- #1 Choice - Powerbase: Zurich. This card is excellent for this deck. And even multiple vampires can use it (only lose the edge if one is blocked).
- #2 Choice - Police Department. The Armor of Vitality stops the Torn Signpost or the Bats/Crows. This card always stops the Immortal grapple and Aid from Bats press.
- #3 Choice - Haven Uncovered. Having a bunch of guys punch for 2 can sometimes do the trick.
--------
Action: (14)
12x Little Mountain Cemetery [blood+pool gain]
1x Putrescent Servitude [to steal an ally]
1x Psychic Veil [+1 stealth for everyone for a turn]
[Adam's Notes:]
On to actions! Again, this is pretty streamlined for theme. Since the average game lasts about 13 turns, 14 actions on a deck with freak drives is a little on the light side. Lets see if we can offer Kevin some strong Action cards as possibilities to try out. If he finds that he has too many actions, he can increase the freak drives or increase the discard potential (example: Barrens).
OPTIONAL ACTIONS
- #1 Choice - Blackmail/Condemnation: Doomed/Jar the Soul. Tapping a minion and then freak driving is always a strong play. Also good to tap the deflector behind you.
- #2 Choice - Heart of Nizchetus. In a deck that has many cards of the same type, this is a good choice.
- #3 Choice - Gran Madre di Dio, Italy. An underplayed card but strong in tournament. Kills Tup dog decks, and fits with the tapping blockers.
- #4 Sargon Fragment - get your one-shot cards back.
BONUS COMBO!
- So it is commonly known the Baron/Soul Gem trick. However, one can steal from this idea and add 5 cards and "trick people" into thinking its a Soul gem deck (oh no! have to stop the Possession!) when really its not. Each is useful in its own right. But the potential of it being very strong is equally good. Kevin COULD consider putting in ONE (and only one, want to stick to theme of deck) of each of the following 5 cards and see how they play.
1) Soul gem of Etrius - with the manipulation of Coroner's Contract. The Gem does not necessarily have to go on the Baron.
2) Antedeluvian Awakening - Easiest way to make the Soul Gem go off and puts pool pressure on everyone.
3) Force of Will. - Hidden extra bleed. Can set off Gem. Using it then rescue is easy enough with that much stealth.
4) Anthelios, The Red Star - Get back a Sudden. Or perhaps an Antedeluvian Awakening...
5) Blessed Resilience - A prayer card, and probably cut. But if there is a lot of combat it can put you back in the game by bring our hero The Baron back.
--------
Action Modifier: (34) {24 stealth cards}
10x Freak Drive [multi-acting is good!]
4x Lost in Crowds [stealth module]
4x Cloak the Gathering [ " ]
4x Elder Impersonation [ " ]
4x Faceless Night [ " ]
4x Swallowed by the Night [ " ]
4x Under My Skin [ " ]
[Adam's Notes:]
So we are giving Kevin all these great ideas for more masters and more actions. So where are the card slots going to come from? Tricky Tricky... Let's say we need to make room for 8 slots. [2-3 masters, 3-4 actions, 2 reactions?]. We can probably steal 2 from the Ally count, and maybe 1 from the combat defense So we need to lose 5 cards from here and have the lease likelihood of effecting theme.*
*I would like to stress again that Kevin's deck is strong deck! But by tweaking the numbers, he can find slots to try other cards, keeping to theme and see if he likes something better.
So the simplest way would be to just take out one obfuscate stealth card each. But I'm not a fan of that. We want to maintain the COUNT of stealth effectiveness (Kevin has actually more stealth then it looks, but we will get into that below.
What exactly does Kevin have for stealth? He has 24 stealth cards, but Under My Skin gives additional stealth on on a different action. So that is +4 there. And he has 1 Psychic Veil, meaning in a worse case situation he may have 4 minions (two vampires and 2 Corpses) which is +4 stealth. But the card is at zero stealth so he needs stealth for it to get through. So lets say that he gets +2 stealth there. So he really has 30 STEALTH EFFECTS.
Can we steal slots here and keep it close to the "magic 30"? It should be noted also that There are only 5 cards currently in deck to let the Corpses bleed through.
So 1 Under My Skin Counts for 2 STEALTH effects, but we can't increase it too much because we may hand jam. Increasing it from 4 to 6 though allows use to lose 2 extra stealth cards I would loose 1 Lost in Crowds, 1 Elder Impersonation, 1 Faceless and 1 Swallowed by the Night.
Veil the Legions is a good card and only weak early game or when you draw into it on last action. So lets say be on the conservative side and say its only worth 2 Stealth effects also (can be more obviously). If one adds two, you can drop another 4 cards! This time lets drop, 1 Cloak the Gathering, 1 Elder Impersonation, 1 Faceless and 1 Swallowed by the Night.
So we have dropped 8 cards and added 4. It would look like this:
Action Modifier: (30) {20 stealth cards}
10x Freak Drive [multi-acting is good!]
3x Lost in Crowds [stealth module]
3x Cloak the Gathering [ " ]
2x Elder Impersonation [ " ]
2x Faceless Night [ " ]
2x Swallowed by the Night [ " ]
6x Under My Skin [ " ]
2x Veil the Legions [ " ]
How to gain that last card slot? Well, Kevin could just swap a master card for something like Monastary of Shadows, or Creepshow Casino, but pool is precious. Anther idea is adding Malajit Chandramouli [Lithrac and George can't use him unless go anarch but I think that's okay :) ] Another nice permanent +1 stealth is always good and he is a good deterrent. Adding him and taking out 2 cards it perfectly feasible.
A side note is that an extra Freak Drive + another Psychic Veil is another option.
--------
Ally: (15)
15x Reanimated Corpse [2 life, 2 str, 2 bleed, non-unique!]
[Adam's Notes:]
As stated above, we need to lose 2, this is the theme, but dropping 2 Corpses should be okay.
--------
Combat: (8)
8x Armor of Vitality [combat defense]
[Adam's Notes:]
As stated above, we need to lose 1, but dropping 1 Armor should be okay.
This card really seems to the best choice (and I really like it in conjuction with Police Department.)
Dust to Dust [Combat | Thanatosis/Obfuscate [obf] Press, only usable to end combat. [thn] Strike: dodge, with an optional press. [THN] As [thn] above, with an optional maneuver. ] seems like an interesting option (its free), but it doesn't allow the Corpses to survive.
--------
POSSIBLE REACTION CARDS
So I mentioned above in the Action Modifier Section that reaction cards are possible for 1 or two slots. Below is just some suggestions that could be useful but these slots can as easily be used for other cards mentioned above.
Delaying tactics/Confusion of the Eye/Poison Pill - both strong anti vote cards. Particularly Parity shift. Poison Pill can be played by an ally.
Deflection/Redirection - even 2-3 with the Baron is good. And there is also the Seal of Verdatha which helps.
--------
CONCLUSION
So we have reviewed this already strong deck. It its original form we offered the advice of what do when in 35% of the time one does not get The Baron easily (how to get a second shot at it). We have given several Master card options that Kevin can consider. [If he is getting crushed by combat for example.] We have also stated some interesting actions and equipment that help the mechanic Tap-Get-Zombie bleed through. Finally we gave some advice on how to many steal some slots from the action modifier package and still have a similar punch.
Thanks to everyone for reading my first deck analysis. And thanks to Kevin for showing me this deck and letting me pick and prod at it. A strong deck but I hope that my advice and analysis of the possibilities of other things to do with it.
Adam Hulse
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