tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25741532625619255512024-02-07T18:36:27.604+01:00Calamity Research LabsA Weblog on all things diceyMarth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.comBlogger227125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-79950509360892376902023-05-16T21:58:00.007+02:002023-05-16T21:59:34.051+02:00CRS - Collection SidegradesI will start off by quoting myself. I hate doing it, and it's not the fine way of doing things, but I am in an appropriately unruly mood.<div><br /></div><div>"<span class="s1">I‘d </span><span class="s2">hate </span><span class="s1">to reach S3 right now," I said in my last post. And for the most part, I stand by that. Maybe add "...the end of [S3]..." in.</span></div><div><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div><span class="s1">Let's snap this b***h.</span></div><div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div>From this day forward, a lot of things change in snap, some significantly (FU, DeathHulkWave!) for the better. One of the best things - the token shop getting a mystery S3 card for 1k tokens option - wasn't even in there!</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm not talking about that now. I wanna rag... I mean, ven... I mean, <i>talk</i> about the economy changes. A specific subset of those. The bad ones.</div><div>Not "Release straight to S4" or "Drop from S5 straight to S3" - those are good. Mostly.</div><div>But two things irk me. </div><div><br /></div><div>And "Yeah we're gonna increase the have/have-nots gap by keeping some cards permanently S4, fuck you S3 complete F2Plebbers!" is actually the lesser of the two evils to me. The BBEGs (Thanos/Galactus/Kang, currently (yikes)), due to their high 6k tokens price, gameplay power, and never being made more available, create a wide gap between the players who have them, and those who don't. And as per usual, the latter group will generally be more numerous.</div><div>Dark Hawk and Knull not going down to three, while being lower costed, less game-turning and more readily available (bc of the Collector's cache pity timer on S4 cards), will widen that gap, because time to grind and credits are limited.</div><div>Also, personal gripe, I was finally looking forward to getting Knull as my free-off through the token shop, cuz I'm a completionist on a budget. And let's not forget that with Modok and Zabu, another two impactful cards are on their shortlist of being gatekept from the wider public.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which brings me to my essential frustration: them going "yooo, that reliable plan of cards being downgraded? Fuck that, we do what we want now. But don't worry, we trust in ze numberz, so no hard feelings, no, yes?"</div><div><br /></div><div>SHOW US YOUR NUMBERS, 2ND DINNER, THEN WE'LL TALK!</div><div><br /></div><div>They are a company and shouldn't be trusted to make the right decision at any rate. Also, going by which cards they chose to downgrade, I can tell this already about their "numbers":</div><div><br /></div><div>The less a card is played, the faster/more certainly it gets downgraded.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup. In my not-so-humble-opinion, this disincentivises getting and playing new cards, bc you'd then get them faster for less.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is Deflation in card acquisition. Who saw that one coming? I didn't, but I hope they get a taste of fresh air and think about what they've done.</div><div><br /></div><div>But for now, remember it's all fun and games until you open an ugly pixel variant!</div><div><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div><span class="s1"><br /></span></div>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-59363722881053301862023-03-27T22:54:00.003+02:002023-03-27T22:54:35.405+02:00CRS - Keep Calm<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">I like to spend my weekend by relaxing and playing games, mostly. Which is why I hadn‘t done a post on Orchi‘s Forge, or Asteroid M. But my relaxation last week was soured by something else, and I didn't post this while ai was fuming, but pondered, and decided:</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">Spicy hot take afoot. </span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">Let‘s </span><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-size: 18.36px; font-style: italic;">snap</span><span class="s1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"> this b***h.</span></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">Recently, 2nd Dinner announced changes to Marvel Snap, which we had reasons to expect to be „overly convoluted marginal improvements“ (roughly quoting Jeff Hoogland).</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">What we couldn‘t expect was their planned move to remove Series 3 (S3) cards from the token shop.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">Yeah, you heard that right. And if you don‘t use social media at all (good on you!), then you possibly hadn‘t heard it until now. Outside of Collector’s Caches / Reserves, you will only get one (i.e. 1) card per season. Mind you, it‘s free, and completely your choice, but still - do not let yourself be distracted by the smoke and mirrors of people telling you „uhhh, you were getting roughly 1 card a month from the shop anyway.“</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">The „roughly“ part is </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-size: 18.36px; font-style: italic;">significant</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">. There were bundles with tokens. You received 3000 Collector‘s Tokens just for reaching CL 500, iirc. So there were opportunities to get more than one S3 card. And unless you were S3 complete (or nearly complete to the point were have all you desired), there is this uncomfortable reality:</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">80% of S3 cards only work on their own in 20% of all cases. Most powerful S3 plays require </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-size: 18.36px; font-style: italic;">more</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"> than one card. Only Patriot can easily work as a deck concept without any of the other S3s, but it profits </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-size: 18.36px; font-style: italic;">so much</span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"> from Mystique.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">So if you want to play any other S3 deck - particularly those you see propagated by content creators - you know you‘ll be lagging behind your aspirations by roughly a quarter of a year.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">Per deck.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">And any formerly existing method to accelerate it will be no more. And then there are the series drops that fatten S3 each month, keeping your odds at getting cards you really want/need low while you slog on through S3. Any more frequent or more numrous releases and they‘ll turn S3 completion into a death march where you can‘t acquire enough Reserves to make progress before the next drop - unless you play a big lot, or pay up.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">I‘d </span><span class="s2" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-size: 18.36px; font-style: italic;">hate </span><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">to reach S3 right now, and if I talk about this any further, might actually advise against it, though it‘d be futile since the CL system pushes you over the edge eventually. Yeah, I need to stop rn, or I‘ll bust an artery. God I hope they put sensibility back on the menue at 2nd Dinner sooner than later.</span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 23.8px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;"></span><br /></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 18.4px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 18.36px;">So, farewell until next time, and remember: Keep calm, and Series 3 now means war.</span></p>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-67571342960400589262023-03-03T16:06:00.002+01:002023-03-03T16:06:16.496+01:00CRS - spittin' hot takesI was going to do an "after the fact" on Quantum Realm, but then 2nd Dinner revealed the next season and...<div><br /></div><div>...well. In short, Cerebro 2 loves Q.R. to bits, and any card scaling its power (like Devil Dinosaur) is really good fpr breaking the equity. No long answer here.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now, let's <i>snap</i>.<br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Three locations were shown in their reveal video which feels a lot like the HS reveal videos back in Ungoro days - I guess it's a Brode thing - these being:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Orchi's Forge</b>: after you play a card here, add a Sentinel to your hand.</div><div><b>Krakoa</b>: On Turn 5, takes over and plays Player's cards for them.</div><div><b>Asteroid M</b>: After you play a 3 or 4 cost card, move it here.</div><div><br /></div><div>My, oh my. Orchi's Forge really jams up your hand. Unless you're playing a Devil Dino deck that doesn't generate many cards itself (i.e neither Coulson nor Moongirl), you <i>will</i> run out of hand space. Ronan and Darkhawk will spike when this is featured. Annoying location you'll not play into if you can avoid it.</div><div>Krakao seems <i>Urotora</i>-disruptive (jap. ultra with a capital U). Turn 5 is potentially the most significant turn in the game, because for many decks, this is when the final prep for the payout on Turn 6 is supposed to be done. It is the turn when, for example, Magik MUST and Kang or Aero can be played. Meddling with this turn will be very uncomfortable for players. Disruptive, but can be seen a mile away.</div><div>Asteroid M is of most interest for movement decks, particularly Vulture and Dr. Strange. I think the video is misleading here - it looks as if Deathlok blew up the Sentinel by accident, insinuating it was Asteroid M that moved him here, but that shouldn't work this way. Looks amusing, will cause misplays.</div><div><br /></div><div>These already look better than what February had to offer!</div><div><br /></div><div>Farewell an remember: It's all fun and games until Scarlet Witch flips Krakoa. On turn <i>four</i>.</div>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-30822422436149826992023-02-24T18:15:00.001+01:002023-02-24T18:15:05.034+01:00CRS - but then we got Le HighA blog like this seems to be the <i>perfect</i> spot to talk/rant about new locations, both in advance, and after the fact. Those articles will be shorter, generally, and between a location article, a potential deck showcase article on stuff I play, and some other article, that'll be enough for me to write.<div><br /></div><div>I'll kick things off with "after the fact" by talking about this week's featured location, Camp *Punsworth* Lehigh. Because i now have more articulated thoughts than "boring".</div><div><br /></div><div>With that - let's <i>snap</i>.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Since I'm only starting this series now, here's the recap of my hot take as the Quantum Realm locations were revealed:</div><div>"Huh. Looks boring? Like The Hub, but less."</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, after a day of playing with it, I have a more articulated take on this location:</div><div>1.) Yes, it looks <i>boring</i>, but compared to the polarising tiltfest that was Quantum Tunnel or Altar of Death - that's a good thing.</div><div>2.) It is the Hub, but less. Which is good, because less variance means better predictability. See, The Hub can give you Agatha (as can Agent 13). Camp Lehigh can't, which is a good thing. You have a lot better of an idea of what you can get - it's only 43 cards. And the number of complete <i>duds</i> boils down to Black Cat, Lady Sif, Patriot, and Sauron. Sure, some more are good mostly in specific decks (say, Vulture), but that's still a playable card in roughly 75% of the cases.</div><div>3.) What can happen is, for example, getting King when you run Aero (and who doesn't). Or get a second mystique for your Cerebro or Devil Dinosaur (they won't be ready). Or a Cerebro allows you to switch your gameplan. Or a Silver Surfer, y'know. Worst case, it's discard fodder.</div><div><br /></div><div>Farewell, and remember, it's all fun and games until Scarlet Snitch gets <i>le high</i>.</div>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-71118040365618779882023-02-20T19:44:00.002+01:002023-02-20T20:13:48.307+01:00CRS - Into the unknown<div>A key feature of Marvel Snap are the three locations you get every match. Those are revealed one a round, but you can play into them from the get-go. Unrevealed locations have no effects or restrictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>But - is it more sensible to play into an unrevealed location, or not? And for what reasons? I'll look at most locations, and some other cases at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well then. Let's <i>Snap</i>.</div><span></span><div><br /></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></div><div>To me, locations fall into three camps: Those where it doesn't really matter beyond general principles of the game; those which make you regret it; and those which make you go "Who's got two thumbs and is good at this game? ME!".</div><div><br /></div><div>For obvious reason, I'm not covering the first category. Regarding the other two, I've identified a few sub groups which I'll talk about. Specific locations will be mentioned where appropriate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Among the locations which'll make you regret it, I found three groups.</div><div><b>1.</b>) Locations which will disrupt your <i>de facto</i> on-board gameplan. I'm talking about Murderworld, Oscorp Tower, Rickety Bridge and Warrior Falls. It could always be Sunspot that dies there! Honourable mentions go out to Sakaar, which could always drag a destroy card into it.</div><div><b>2.</b>) Locations which will put an enemy at an advantage without them <i>needing</i> to play into it. Bar with No Name and Jotunheim are the most obvious dangers. But you'll also hate to find out that your 1/2-drop is no standing in Necrosha, The Nexus, Negative Zone, The Space Throne (big Yikes), or Vormir (where it could've been better used as a sacrifice).</div><div><b>3.</b>) Locations where you miss out on a bonus. Think Kamar-Taj or Bar Sinister. As a matter of fact, this often concides with giving the enemy an advantage. Nothing worse than Shuri's Lab showing up, and you having a space blocked by an unbuffed card. Being early to quantum tunnel gives the enemy a big headstart to roll into sth big. And Superflow... you take away your advantage, while retaining that of the enemy.</div><div><br /></div><div>In total, the current count of bad locations is <b>17</b>.</div><div><br /></div>On the other side, locations you'll be happy having played into can be grouped into two groups:<div><b>1.</b>) Those that give <i>you</i> a tangible headstart by getting there ahead of time. This starts with those locations which specify giving sth to the first player to fill them (The Sacred Timeline and The Raft), and those that benefit a winner at a specified time (Asgard, Eternity Range, Hala), but also extends to those doing sth you might consider bad when playing into them (Lechuguilla, Machineworld, Vibranium Mines), and Muir Island, whose intrinsic power scaling rewards being there on time.</div><div><b>2.</b>) The remaining locations are united by being 50 shades of inaccessibility. [Space reserved for friend zone pun.] The tough end sports Altar of Death, Death's Domain, Luke's Bar, and Sanctum Sanctorum - locations which, if you don't have reach with your deck, are lost to you. On the soft end, we have Crimson Cosmos, Danger Room, Hellfire Club, Kyln, Morag, and Plunder Castle - all of them can be played into with simple playarounds in addition to whatever works on the even less accessible. </div><div>Special shoutout to Miniaturized Lab which moves from one end of the spectrum to the other in a manner that instigates unsuitable comparisons.</div><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>The current total number of good locations is <b>19</b>.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>The standoff is therefor at 19:17 in favour of playing into unrevealed locations. But - which cards are best suited to be played into uncertainty?</div><div>To me, there are five candidates:</div><div>Armor and Colossus negate all the destructive locations, with Colossus being unilateral in his effect, and giving Negative Zone and Necrosha the finger.*</div><div>Morbius and Sunspot can really rub it in if they land in an inaccessible location.</div><div>Last is Nightcrawler, who can simply GTFO of any location he doesn't want to be at.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>And the more reach your deck has (i.e. whether it can place or move energy in inaccessible locations, the less you have to play into the unknown.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now something on location disruption, which boils down to Scarlet Witch, because Rhino and Storm cannot be played into unrevealed locations (outside of Tinkerer's Workshop flipping on turn two or Project Pegasus on turn 1 or 2). And honestly, playing Scarlet Witch into an unrevealed location is a simple tempo play, bc it changes nothing for the most part, and if you play Scarlet Witch into a revealed location - it's the same as playing into an unrevealed one; and Quake... there's way too much going on there, potentially.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>And with that big text wall done - farewell, and remember, it's all fun and games until Scarlet Snitch flips Negative Zone.</div><div><br /></div><div>*I'm not mentioning Sewer System because it is only -1. Grow a spine. ;-)</div>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-38727120412662861482023-02-12T14:24:00.000+01:002023-02-12T14:24:32.457+01:00CRS - Why Snap, anyway?Why do I play Marvel Snap, anyway? And what's keeping me around?<div><br></div><div>I'll start by saying that I picked it up <i>after </i>they announced that Nexus Events were axed with prejudice. It gave me enough hope to try it out.</div><div>• I like the simplicity and speed of the gameplay. </div><div>• Every card has exactly two stats that matter. </div><div>• Interactions with the opponent are more limited than usually, which makes positioning most important. </div><div>• The games take a fixed amount of turns, with only two exceptions.</div><div>• It's bloody comic book heroes/villains!</div><div>• The card collection requires you to <i>play the game </i>and<i> making your cards look cooler. </i>OMFG!</div><div>• The card collection has a method to it's madness through the different series. While not perfect - it rewards patience (and playing the game!!). </div><div>• The location variance and diversity really makes every game a different experience, even in the same Matchup.</div><div>• 2nd Dinner have repeatedly shown - through their card adjustments, communications, and other decisions - that they are willing to handle things in a <i>smarter</i> manner than the competition.</div><div>• International friendly games, without the social hassle of other games.</div><div><br></div><div>Now, how about any negatives? Well, there are, obviously, predatory practices being applied (Like the shop button being the first from the left, or the Season Pass always being part of the rotating main page, or buyable bundles showing up at the top of the shop, and more), but - they can be more easily stomached in comparison to other games bc they are less obnoxious about it. And some Season Pass cards had that P2W taste. And the Series system is not only a boon, but also a "curse" - when you first enter Series 3, stuff gets roooooouuuugh.*</div><div>And I'm probably very resistant to most of the common strats, thanks Hearthstone.</div><div><br></div><div>Next time's topic: Playing into the unknown.</div><div><br></div><div>Farewell and remember: it's all fun and games until Scarlet Snitch flips Rickety Bridge.</div><div><br></div><div>*I think I'll write about that in the future. Actually, I'm quite certain.</div>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-29365056124275555222023-02-11T17:02:00.002+01:002023-02-11T20:24:58.730+01:00Huh? Free real estate? Updates?<p> Well those HS articles aged like spoilt milk!</p><p>Should I delete them? IDK, honestly. They're cringe, not really helpful, and merely regurgitating info you could find anywhere else. OTOH, I at least read other articles and put them in my own words.</p><p>Which is an ability often disregarded during the last eight years.</p><p><br></p><p>I was really wondering what I should do with this blog - active Warmachine has left my hobby sphere, and I've...lost touch to other players.</p><p>So here's an update on my hobbies: it's basically all Wild Rift and Marvel Snap right now. I have picked up and dropped Legends of Runeterra in the meantime.</p><p>I still don't want to let go of this hobby/gamey blog - bc if I can keep a 6-minute diary, I can surely also do a blog post regularly.</p><p>Wild Rift is too much of a fk'n science for that, ngl. But Marvel Snap is new, popular, and I have some serious thoughts about a lot of aspects of it.</p><p><br></p><p>So... yeah, expect some laid back Calamity Research Snaps in this space. Potentially starting tomorrow, certainly next week. I have a bunch of ground to cover, and I guess I'll start with the stuff that sets it apart.</p><p>So see you then. Farewell, and remember that it's all fun and games until Scarlet Snitch flips TVA.</p>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-5654175673016975972017-02-21T00:00:00.000+01:002017-02-21T00:00:03.523+01:00Playing without a full deck (14) - Mammoth announcementsBlizzard recently announced a number of things related to the upcoming Year of the Mammoth (AKA the time after Reno).<br />
<br />
In this article I want to take a look... er... I wanna put down my thoughts. On it. I'll be dealing with the following points in particular:<br />
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1) Lost Secrets of Un'Goro<br />
2) Hall of Fame<br />
3) The end of Adventures<br />
4) Login-Rewards<br />
5) Maiev Shadowsong<br />
<br />
See you after the break!<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Lost Secrets of Un'goro</b><br />
This is actually the "old news" part - a voice actress had listed a hitherto unknown HS expansion in her resumee along with the cards she did do voice acting for. The information has been removed since (<i>as if that's any help nowadays, when will people finally learn?</i>), but we do know the first expansion of 2017 will be named Lost Secrets of Un'Goro, and just like Un'Goro crater in WoW, it'll be about Dinosaurs. And the Hunter class. If experience taught us anything, the Hunter, who is now at the bottom of the class barrel will become OP - or so it would seem. He'll be more likely get one (1) easily playable deck, and probably the only beast deck that's anywhere close to working (No, Blizzard, it doesn't work with Druid. Or rather, it would, but you created Jade Druid which is strictly better).<br />
I want to be wrong here, though.<br />
<br />
<b>Hall of Fame</b><br />
Creativity is stymied by classic cards overshadowing new releases, they say. That can be read a number of ways: 1) That's a legitimately bad thing for the game, 2) That's a bad thing for us since the players don't need to spend their precious money on the expansion, 3) That's a bad thing for our ideas/so-called creativity which we like to spoon-feed the players, since they don't latch on while we allow them these cards.<br />
Whichever of these it is in the end doesn't quite matter. Before, cards were merely nerfed (sometimes more into the ground than at other times), but when it comes to Ragnaros, Sylvanas, Azure Drake, Ice Lance, Conceal and Power Overwhelming, nerfs weren't gonna do it. They just straight get cut from the game (although to be fair - nerfed cards were also effectively cut from the game) and put into the "Hall of Fame" set, which is playable only in Wild Mode, which they apparently now seek to actually support instead of simply using it as a dumping ground.<br />
I was ready to rage as hard as I never raged before - after all, the neutral cards were my top priority to craft, and I had painstakingly done so - and then they announced they'd just give us the full dust, and let us keep the cards for Wild. Okay, I can live with that. It means that Rag and Sylv will cycle into other legendaries (Thalnos and Cairne, maybe, or Finja, or sth else entirely from the new set), and the others will plug holes in my classic collection (I still don't own a single copy of Unleash the Hounds for example).<br />
It is an okay deal.<br />
<br />
<b>The end of Adventures</b><br />
This may be more of me OMYAC*ing, but I think this is a shitty cash grab from their side. Just because people only have to pay a fixed sum of money to get all cards, or work two months at max to get the necessary gold through daily quests. It's obvious that you can reap so much more with another 130 card Expansion.<br />
On the flip side, they want to use the Solo Adventures to let players explore the story behind the set, which is a very cool idea (and would've been perfect for Gadgetzan). As for predictions - we know it'll come with the second and third expansion (and probably with the ones following it) in 2017. We know there won't be any free cards in all likelihood. I suppose there'll still be heroic mode, maybe even challenges, and probably cardbacks to be won. They'll probably be not as long as the adventures, though that will depend on how much leeway their own interface gives them. I'd guess somewhere around nine missions is plausible.<br />
<br />
<b>Login Rewards</b><br />
In order to ease over the transition *cough*, Blizzard promises daily login rewards, says they'll happen in the weeks before the new expansion. If my math doesn't fail me (and I dropped the subject before A-Levels), then this means the whole of March, that is the whole time after the next patch at the end of February. As for rewards, they promise Dust, Gold, and Packs (Gold being the least interesting of those), though there is no word on how much of that we'll get. They'll give us more information in due time (I suppose end of February) and there'll be something else too, which they still need to tell us about.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Maiev Shadowsong</b><br />
As a final "gift", everyone will receive an alternative hero skin for Rogue, Maiev Shadowsong (i.e. the angry Nightelf that safeguarded Illidan until he was freed while she was on potty break). All you have to do is win ten games in standard mode... which is basically the same as just handing it out to everybody. I like the look of the hero and was looking forward to a new Rogue hero anyway, and that it comes at so low a price is nice bonus. The only downside will be the skins proliferation, because everyone will have it, and my machine will only show me a black spot when there should be a golden or special hero.<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b>:<br />
I remain to be excited. I'm not crying dooooooom or such, but while what they're planning doesn't sound bad, there's no hype train taking off. A good number of things can be expected to be done by them for us, and I'm not acting all entitled by saying that. Just cutting cards and adventures with only the promise of new expansions and no other compensation would've been... very bad form.<br />
I just hope LSoU can paint the meta out of the corner MSoG painted it into.<br />
<br />
And that's all. Writing these is fun.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until sb runs out of cards!<br />
<br />
*OMYAC - Old Man Yelling At CloudMarth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-65606798565985285552017-02-20T11:09:00.001+01:002017-02-20T11:09:59.118+01:00Playing without a full deck (13) - Adventure Resumee: One Night in Karazhan<br />
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A<strike>bout a month</strike> long time ago, I finished "One Night in Karazhan". Not only on normal... but on heroic as well. Now I've finally found the time to <strike>write</strike> complete my review of the adventure.</div>
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To reiterate, these are the four points I look at everytime:</div>
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> Optics</div>
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> Plot</div>
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> Bosses</div>
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> Cards</div>
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See you after the break!</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Optics</b>: There is something unique to ONiK that stands out even before the colour aspect: This adventure does not proceed from the top down like all before it, but from the bottom up, underlining the notion of being in the Tower of Karazhan. The predominant colour of the adventure is violet (in several shades), dark brown, and then a bunch of other colours in darker shades. This makes it look quite extravagant and regal, which is probably what Blizzard wanted.</div>
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<b>Plot</b>: Compared to LoE (the adventure before), this is less expansive, yet more concise. It's the same length (13 Bosses), and only covers a short amount of time. Briefly before the party, Medivh has his run-in with Malchezaar, and you hasten up the tower to save him just in time before things go awry. Clean, simple, devious. I like it. The feeling of urgency is created by Moroes often talking to you about the situation in the hall with hi-fucking-larious references (my preferred ones are the ones about Executus and Illidan).</div>
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<b>Bosses</b>: I'll split this into general and Heroic as usual. This time is special. I liked most of them, but it felt to me like the second and third wing were mere push-overs and could use some more OOMPH. And that's in heroic mode. Like it wasn't even funny. The last wing's first two bosses felt more like it, and Malchezaar2... made me craft Kethu-freaking-zad just to make it. But the one that really took it home for me here was that thrice-damned Magic Mirror. I hated that fight. It was BRM levels of bullshit. And it was very therapeutic when I finally beat it with a Priest, C'thun, and all the healing you could find. (Also, Explosive Sheep) </div>
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The most memorable fights besides those are, I guess, Terestian Illhoof, the Big Bad Wolf and Netherspite since they change the game the most. Really good fun.</div>
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It's bad that Malchezaar doesn't have individual emote responses like Kelthu-Freakin'-Zad - on the flip side - Medivh does in the opening fight, the Mirror does, and there are fun interactions - play a Direwolf Alpha in the BBW fight and you'll see.</div>
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<b>Cards</b>: Karazhan's cards - whilst there are semi-obvious duds like Purify - have proven highly popular, which is likely due to Blizzard not overly trying to force a deck type on us through them (we'll still not play beast druid, thank you very much). As for card highlights... I love the voice acting on Pompous Thespian. My most played card is probably Swashburglar. Or Priest of the Feast, I seriously enjoy that one. I once said that Arcane Anomaly was some of the best sex Priest would have - turns out, PotF beats that one easily.</div>
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<b>Resumee</b>: I liked this adventure, and I'm sad it'll have been the last of its kind. I didn't enjoy it as much as I did LoE, though, it was a tad too easy - with the exception of the Free Medivh! mission on heroic, which made me craft Kel'thuzad. Still, I'll recommend this adventure for anybody starting out in Hearthstone, since it'll last us until (roughly) April 2018. But more on that in my next article.<br />
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<b>Addendum</b>: I'm trying to write this as unbiased through Mean Streets of Gadgetzan as possible, but that's not easy to do. I was pushing to get it finally done. Also, at the time of this writing, I finished Heroic LoE and am merely Neferian1 and Nefarian2 away from finishing BRM.<br />
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Thanks for reading, and remember:</div>
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It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!</div>
Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-24024057786619546402016-11-20T00:28:00.001+01:002016-11-20T19:25:36.996+01:00Big and slow?<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">...or how it took over four year to finish <b>one </b>model.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hi there everyone, Arides here with a mayor update on one of my oldest huge-based (120mm) model painting projects.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I hereby announce that on Thursday November 17th 2016...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I finialised my <b>Stormwall</b>!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Wait I feel thoughts coming up: "What is he making such a fuss about a painted Colossal? I painted my Gargossal in <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">roughly seven day<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s</span></span>."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For all of you out there who think they paint slow here is something to think about:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I bought my SW when it hit the shelves in Europe back in 2012, went totally crazy and screwed (I used real screws) together like a week or two later. So far nothing out of the ordinary.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started painting almost immidiately and finished the SW Body by April 2013 and brought it along to the ClogCon. There I realized an (for me) amazing way to both store the Lightningpods (which were about 2/3 done at the time) and keep me from forgetting to deploy them. Thankfully the base was still a blank piece of plastic.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By May 2013 I had the base design figured out, cut from polystyrene and ready to be finished but could not find the right material I wanted to use for the surface texture... and boy inspiration sure took iths time.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Some time mid 2015 I finally found it in the form of tileglue.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Aaaaand last week I joined some fellow tabletopnuts for a Terrain-Build-Weekend and finally covered the (almost) untreated polystyrene on the bases with a nice coat of woodglue, water and tileglue for texture and had it painted a day later. All which was left was painting up the Lightningpods... and this was done last Thursday during our monthly Paint+Build Night.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So acording to the timeframe given by pictures on my harddrive the whole thing took me about:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">4 years, one month and two days. In this time I also finished my job training and moved to a new <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">apartment</span> twice.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So if you ever feel you take too long for a miniature remember:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>My <span style="color: #cc0000;">Forgeguard </span>is still not finished and I bought them when they were released back in <span style="color: #cc0000;">Mk.1</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">until next time,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For Crown and Swansong</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Arides </span></span>Arideshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12417571132379554015noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-48974091900169453662016-09-24T09:02:00.001+02:002016-09-24T09:02:04.206+02:00The state of Research......or: What if it's the WTC and I couldn't care less?<br />
<br />
Seriously, I can't be bothered this year. Faithful readers of this blog might have already wondered why there's absolutely no coverage of the WTC (like there was last year), or of Warmachine at any rate.<br />
The answer is: Since ClogCon '15, I only touched my models to put them into cases, and those cases into my basement. Between work and two children (the younger of which requiring way more attention than his sibling) there's just not enough time to break out the models, play, and produce content. Also, there was Mk3 rocking the general boat.<br />
They're not gone, though, and once time permits, games will be had, and you will know about it!<br />
<br />
On Hearthstone: I've promised an ONiK review, and that'll come, but it was delayed since... I wanted to clear it in heroic mode, and now that that's done, it's coming. I'll start typing today. The post series will, however, be "rebranded" as they say, into "Playing without a full deck", but only the name, not the numbers. This has two reasons: 1) I think that, now that I did my first adventure in heroic, I have a good inkling of what I'm doing in general and 2) that name is easy to translate into German with both versions being as idiomatic as possible. Yes, select posts of the series will be translated, and linked to the Hearthstone Deutschland FB page.<br />
<br />
Until next time,<br />
farewell.Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-52042052405566417572016-08-12T00:00:00.000+02:002016-08-12T00:00:27.018+02:00Falling up the Stairs (12) - One Night in Karazhan... or Kazachstan, according to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaH5P4fcQPM&index=2&list=WL" target="_blank">Gaara</a>. Best slip of the tongue ever!<br />
<br />
So yeah, I'm doing a review of the cards spoiled for the new adventure "One Night in Karazhan" (ONiK) releasing for Hearthstone today (the 12th, at least in EU). "Review" meaning that I spout my human-sciences, semi-ambitious-casual-on-a-glorified-typewriter opinion onto the internet for you all to read.<br />
<br />
If you're looking for a cutting edge gamer review/opinion - you might be wrong here but you're welcome anyways! In all other instances, you're right here, and welcome.<br />
<br />
I will go through the list of playable cards (as in: has a mana cost and come into your collection) in the order they appear on <a href="http://www.hearthpwn.com/cards?filter-set=106" target="_blank">Hearthpwn</a>, so by clicking the link you can see the actual card pictures. As used in other places on this blog, I'll use a star-based rating system that is a scale of 0-4.<br />
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Also, I'd like you all to tell me the card you're looking forward to the most in the comments!<br />
Spoilers: I like it. I also use the word Niché. Often. And <i>et aliter</i> means "and others".<br />
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Let's go, shall we? <br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>Arcane Giant</b> (****)<br />
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It's a bit awkward that this guy shows up right at the start - here's the gist: A lot of things in ONiK (Oink?) are about casting numerous spells. My take is that this guy will be seen a lot. Not everywhere, sure, but its reduction trigger is ubiquitous, certain decks run large numbers of spells... and you get a sweet 8/8 epic card without the bloody randomness that is opening packs. One of the best/most promising cards in the set.<br />
<br />
<b>Medivh, the Guardian</b> (***)<br />
This is neutral heavy which gives you a weapon - Atiesh is a 1/3 that summons a minion of equal mana cost after(?) every time you cast a spell, then loses 1 durability. It's interesting to note that this will be a weapon for all classes, so even Mage/Priest/Warlock can punch some face in, albeit pitifully. Those classes do however really appreciate the minion. This guy and Summoning Stone has me giggle. And Medivh is an acceptable body on the board as well and a good heavy for player with less-than-stellar collections.<br />
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<b>Firelands Portal</b> (*)<br />
Deals five damage, summons 5-Mana minion. Initially, this reminded me of Holy Fire (costs 6, deals 5, heals 5 Priest spell), which has always annoyed me to no end, so I can see this one being a thing. The board swing provided is not insignificant, though a lot of the minions at this cost are taken for their battlecries. The best this could pull is probably... the Psychotron. With it's high cost, this is more of a niché card for Mage.<br />
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<b>The Curator</b> (**)<br />
It's a 4/6 Taunt for 7 that draws you cards. That by itself doesn't sound too bad... thing is, it doesn't just draw cards of the top, it fishes for three specific subsets (Beast, Dragon, Murloc) from your deck, which is both curse and blessing in that you can clearly dictate what it'll draw, at the risk of missing out because you either don't have them in your deck or already have them in hand. I can see including an 8-Mana Beast and 9-Mana Dragon to fill out your curve alongside this, but still think it's rather Niché.<br />
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<b>Moonglade Portal</b> ()<br />
Druid - at least, competitive Druid - doesn't play heal spells. Not for the cost of 6 Mana, when the Minion you get is random. Actually, ok, this gives minions outside of your class, but still. I can't currently imagine this getting play above Rank 10.<br />
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<b>Book Wyrm</b> (***)<br />
I love this pun. This card is one of those that'll provide the "Dragon" theme with useful cards for the future, when BRM rotates out. The fact that this destroys a targeted Minion with up to 3 attack is huge. There are a great number of impactful minions this can just take off the board, and that's good. The "have a dragon in hand" condition is also not too bad... you should have another one by turn 6, but it's present enough so you wouldn't include this everywhere (which is why it's not "a better Kodo").<br />
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<b>Ivory Knight</b> (***)<br />
4/4 for 6 is not enticing, but: You get a body, a spell, and a heal. The whole package, though, makes me think that this card is a serious consideration for inclusion, since all parts of it's package are always going to do something (unless you're just wiping your opponent, in which case it doesn't matter).<br />
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<b>Menagerie Warden</b> (*)<br />
I heard there was a Beast Druid theme, but nobody plays it because it doesn't hold up competitively (not a good reason to not play it, though), and some key cards rotated out. In ONiK, they seem to be pushing that theme again. This one summons a copy of a friendly beast already on the board. Statswise, she isn't too bad off, and if her ability works, it'll be potentially quite good. The thing is getting it to work. If you can play a perfect curve (a nice beast on 5, and then her on 6), I think it has reasonable chances of working, but heaven's forbid the board state demands sth else.<br />
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<b>Moat Lurker</b> (****)<br />
This is another of this set's ace cards for me. The shenanigans are so numerous. Kill your own deathrattle minions. Have them appear again, die again. Then N'Zoth. Kill the opponent's biggie, then silence your Lurker. Kill an injured heavy of your own, have it reappear at full health after a cataclysm. Bloody hell.<br />
<br />
<b>Fool's Bane</b> (**)<br />
Well, can't call any Warrior weapon bad while there's Tentacles for Arms... Eh, joking, Fool's Bane is actually quite nice, and the "can't attack Heroes" shouldn't come up to often... with Arm at a good level, you can go and B-Slap the board. ;-) You know, actually, it's also a stealth nerf to Malkorok and the Blingtron. While it lowers the chance of drawing cursed blade to (currently) less than 5%, suddenly there's a weapon that's not an outright damage buff. And it has ridiculous synergy with a card further down.<br />
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<b>Ironforge Portal</b> (*)<br />
I guess this is workable, even though the cost of 5 is kinda prohibitive, it's still a random minion, and an armour gain isn't affecting the board in any way.<br />
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<b>Kara Kazham</b> (**)<br />
I love this card for its style (as well as the Beauty and the Beast references). Just... why is the teapot the strongest, eh? For a cost of 5 mana, you get a 6/6 spread over three bodies. I guess this would be better in other classes, but I figure it's okay in Warlock, though it more or less directly competes with Forbidden Ritual.<br />
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<b>Avian Watcher</b> (**)<br />
If you control a secret, this becomes akin to a super Twilight Guardian. Thing is, you need a secret. This takes him down a good notch since there are six classes without access to secrets. Paladin has the best chances since it has the cheapest secrets (on turn six, play Heroic Sacrifice and this guy, for example). The best thing to have would a secret that doesn't trigger, and IMO the best one for that is Mage's Spell Shaper.<br />
<br />
<b>Ethereal Peddler</b> (***)<br />
This card is good on stats alone (5/6 for 5), and the ability is pure gravy. Priest can build a deck that mostly plays with the opponent's cards, Warlock has Renounce Darkness... now Rogue can, too. Between Burgle, Undercity Huckster, and Gang Up (the Peddler's cost reduction DOES apply to class minions you shuffle into your deck and then draw) as well as the new Pirate... there's some stealing going on. Might be a fun deck. And when in doubt, beat face.<br />
<br />
<b>Menagerie Magician</b> (*)<br />
*sigh* So it's 4/4 for 5, which means it pays off if the buff triggers only once... but it's niché. I suppose that, IF you run this card, you will most likely not look to buff all three types, but rather many of a single. This guy could be an addition to Murloc/Beast deck (that runs fairy dragons), but other than those? No.<br />
<br />
<b>Onyx Bishop</b> (**)<br />
The Priest Class is quite "Meh" at the Moment, and this Sider Tank with a Resurrect tacked onto it at no discount won't change it. I mostly dislike the randomness, because while then works out statwise, you might get only rubbish, especially later on. If played, say, on curve in a N'Zoth Priest, you're probably 50/50 on getting either a Loot Hoarder or you Ethereal Shadow/Infested Tauren, and it only gets worse from there.<br />
<br />
<b>Prince Malchezaar</b> (**)<br />
He's alright statswise, and I love the idea of extra Legends (since I don't have a lot). Sure, they might be bad, but freebies are freebies, and the potential of one of them having severe impact balances the reduced oddities in drawing your normal cards.<br />
<br />
<b>Silvermoon Portal</b> (**)<br />
Yet another 4-Mana card for Paladin. Both a buff and and minion is nice (I certainly like it more than Blessing of fucking Kings), but was has me giggling is the thought f casting this with a Djinni on the board, because it copies the whole spell. That'll be worth a one-off. :-D<br />
<br />
<b>Arcanosmith</b> (**)<br />
If your first thought is: "Well, this might be pretty good with Brann", that's a clear indicator that we're talking about a mediocre card. While the 0/5 Taunt is nice, it doesn't contest anything immediately. Sure, there are situations where that one taunt is going to save you, but in general, ANY taunt will do that in the respective situation.<br />
<br />
<b>Barnes</b> (***)<br />
Now here's a minion summoner that has people talking. Yet again, the randomness keeps it from being a definite inclusion everywhere, but there are some strong static or triggered abilities out there he can definitely leverage. Or, if you're mainly playing small deathrattle minions, you might not notice the difference between original and copy.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Priest of the Feast</b> (**)<br />
There's another 4-Mana 3/6 (Hooded Acolyte) which doesn't see play, but this Priest is at least worth a consideration. Anduin cast a good number of Spells, while too often not having Mana to Hero Power heal himself... and the Priest fixes that, without a need to resort to healing spells. I guess you could have sth in conjunction with the minions that gain +2 Attack with every heal.<br />
<br />
<b>Wicked Witchdoctor</b> (**)<br />
I almost forgot this one! I don't like it very much. SURE, you couldn't just let it summon any kind of totem with a spell (all the Totem Golems!), but being restricted to basic totems is harsh (though very nice for Primal Fusion), and blocks usage of the hero power. It should, however, be able to exceed the limitation of basic totems just the Tuskarr Totemic. Still, not a fan.<br />
<br />
<b>Protect the King</b> (***)<br />
AKA "Unleash the Taunts". It's one of those cards that get better when you are behind in the game, but with the minions not having Charge but Taunt, it also works well when you're ahead and the opponent is attempting to catch up. It also jives well with Bolster.<br />
<br />
<b>Cloaked Huntress</b> (**)<br />
She's highly reminiscent of the Kirin Tor Mage, though I'd rate her higher since her effect is static, and limited to the same turn. It does require you to still have secrets in you hand, though, lest she shall be a fancy Spider Tank.<br />
<br />
<b>Deadly Fork</b> (**)<br />
I love these tongue-in-cheek-humor cards. A 3/2 for 3 isn't exciting, but when it transforms into a Fiery Waraxe, that's good, and when then returns via N'Zoth, that's not shabby either.<br />
<br />
<b>Moroes</b> (*)<br />
I originally thought he was just 1/1 summon 1/1s. Turns out he has Stealth, which is a huge improvement. It's basically the Paladin's Hero Power for everybody. Except against Mage, Rogue, Shaman and everyone running Wild Pyromancer, where it will die a speedy death.<br />
<br />
<b>Nightbane Templar</b> (**)<br />
This card may be the start of Dragon Paladin making a comeback. If you hold a Dragon, it becomes a Chillwind Yeti instead of a River Croc. That's decent for 3 mana. Sadly, I'm not deep enough into Paladin to fully recognize the card's potential.<br />
<br />
<b>Pantry Spider</b> (**)<br />
It's a 2/6 for 3 Mana spread out over two bodies, meaning that it does have synergy with Knife Juggler and others in addition to being a solid bunch of stats in general. It's otherwise rather bland. The image is TEH CUTIEZ, tho'.<br />
<br />
<b>Silverware Golem</b> (**)<br />
The reason that this one does not get a (***) rating is the fact that it's too niché at the moment. Together with Malchezaar's Imp (see below), and cards like the Darkshire Scholar, Succubus, Doomguard, and Fist of Jaraxxus... there's a potential Aggro Deck waiting to be done. However, as with any combo piece, it loses out on a lot of value outside the combo.<br />
<br />
<b>Violet Illusionist</b> (***)<br />
Slight warning: The above rating is only general. For those classes that don't hugely benefit. For all others, its (****). Warrior-, Rogue-, and Warlock-Players are probably salivating <i>en masse</i> over this card. Not taking damage on your turn... Soul Tap? Pitlord? Eye for an eye? Going man-mode on a big taunt? Fool's Bane? Hellfire? Non-issues, all of them.<br />
<br />
<b>Zoobot</b> (*)<br />
See Meagerie wizard above, because the very same logic and arguments applie(s). At the very least, his stats are better!<br />
<br />
<b>Cat Trick</b> (***)<br />
At first, I was thinking "Nice, another secret". Then: "4/2 with Stealth is pretty crazy". Also, that pun is great. :-) But it took a little while to come to important realisations: the trigger is <i>very</i> loose, which means it's great for Eaglehorn Bow, and it triggers after the spell is done, which means you'r not going to lose board after things like Twisting Nether or Flamestrike <i>et aliter</i>, and your opponent probably can't deal with cat until his next turn. It's rad, and we'll see it for sure.<br />
<br />
<b>Maelstrom Portal</b> (**)<br />
The Zoo match is generally considered weak for Aggro Shamans, so this card would help there... but competitively speaking, it can't beat Lightning Storm. But it will be nice to have for Players that don't have Lightning Storm, I guess.<br />
<br />
<b>Purify</b> (*)<br />
The weirdest of all Priest cards. Silence a FRIENDLY minion? Why would you ever do that outside of rare cases like your enemy having cast PW: Glory or Blessing of Wisdom on it, or Moat Lurker. That last one actually earns the card its one star. Otherwise I've rarely felt the need to silence one of my minions. Sure you could slap that onto the LoE Statue, but if I wanted a 7/7 for 6 (or for 4 when playing the Purify the following turn), I'd play that (or Shaman) instead of burning a deck slot. But it could also be future-proof card, meaning that there might be minions coming which are good, but have an included drawback. Or it's intended for Wild... what was that Warlock automaton again? Exactly, in the wrong class!<br />
<br />
<b>Kindly Grandmother</b> (**)<br />
It's a 1/1 that deathrattles into a 3/2. It's a poor man's Twilight Summoner! Apparently, Hunter is becoming the next Dethrattle class (N'Zoth certainly approves). I'm liking it, and I feel a good number of players will, because that's one sticky 2-drop.<br />
<br />
<b>Medivh's Valet</b> (**)<br />
Highly reminds me of Blackwing Corruptor or Fire Elemental, which is not a bad thing. I know I ragged on the "good with Brann" thing earlier, but here that less of an issue, since Mage's secrets are more expensive than this guy, so there's every possibility of you playing the secret on turn three or four, and then going Brann + this guy on five. Now all we need for the Secret Mage to rule is a secret with no triggers. ;-)<br />
<br />
<b>Netherspite Historian</b> (**)<br />
Oh, this gal. She's awesome for Dragon Decks, even "essential". In standard, there are 24 Dragons, 21 when you dismiss the class ones, about half of them legends. The chances to something great are outstanding (even better than those of Museum Curator). It'll be interesting to see what comes in future sets on that front. If played as a two-drop, I'd keep my fingers crossed for Hungry Dragon - the historian alone should be able to trade with summoned 1-drop.<br />
<br />
<b>Pompous Thespian</b> (*)<br />
Besides the name and the art (which speak to my literature scientisty heart), this one hasn't got much to go for it. It might be good in Arena, though...<br />
<br />
<b>Spirit Claws</b> (**)<br />
These seem lacking (Everything does next to Doomhammer), but you have to consider the ease with which Shaman can get Spell Power (always 25% at worst). And then, they're a better Fiery Waraxe. Also, it's not a battle cry, so you can play the claws and grab the Spell Power later!<br />
<br />
<b>Arcane Anomaly</b> (***)<br />
This guy is rad. It's basically an inverted Manawyrm for everybody, though Mage can probably make the most out of it. Tempts me to include at least one Crazed Alchemist... The 2 attack also mean that you're not super sad if this guy bites it too soon, since he'd only do that much work anyway. I can see every Class (bar Druid, maybe) having some serious fun with this. Hell, Warrior with Rampage <i>et al</i> can make this guy hit so hard, the Innkeeper will feel it. Rogue probably never had that tough (or hard hitting... Crazed Alchemist) a minion. ;-)<br />
<br />
I'll be daring here: This card is the best sex Priest ever had in Standard. It might be the best Priest card in the whole set. In fact, I'm convinced it is. #shotsfired<br />
<br />
<b>Babbling Book</b> (***)<br />
Speaking of spells and tempo decks... this guy does both. In a world with so many cards counting your spells (Yogg-Saron, Arcane Giant, Manawyrm, Arcane Anomaly <i>et aliter</i>), this guy is money. nd with him giving only Mage Spells... there is even only one bad one (Shatter), and the jury is still out on that.<br />
<br />
<b>Enchanted Raven</b> (**)<br />
Gaara talks about 1-drops and "power creep". Please remember that I respect his opinion while I do my best Christopher-Lambert-as-Raiden (aka <i>Le Raidon</i>) impression: <b>I don't think so</b>. Look at other 1-drops. For stats only, they should be 1/2 or 2/1. There's only one of those (Murloc Raider), all the others have meaningful abilities on top. This guy is stats only, and a class card to boot. Were he any lower, he'd be a waste! Is he useful for Druid? In the mythical Beast Deck and Arena, I guess. Will be really nice when followed by Mark of Y'Shaarj.<br />
<br />
<b>Malchezaar's Imp</b> (***)<br />
And here we have another enabler for the Discard-o-Rama Warlock (together with the Silverware Golem above). Turning Discard into card-draw? Sure, where do I sign. and why is it in blood? It'll be intersting to know if you actually have to discard the card (I'd guess so), or if that top-deck Doomguard now comes with a free Arcane Intellect.<br />
<br />
<b>Runic Egg</b> ()<br />
So this is this adventure's egg, huh? This would've been a consideration for 0 Mana, but not like this. It doesn't give sth outside the deck, and doesn't punch face, so it might as well be something sensible for the same slot! I know there's got to be bad cards, but COME ON!<br />
<br />
<b>Swashburglar</b> (***)<br />
Thank God I can close the review on a positive note, also, another great pun. I was alluding to this card when talking about the Ethereal Peddler. A 1-drop that steal cards? Where have you been all my unsuccessful Rogue career?!? I heard some people were playing Argent Squires because Rogue's early game was pretty atrocious, but this guy really ups the ante on possibly not having to play Miracle Rogue (I like the idea of playing him and a Bladed Cultist on turn two)...<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b>:<br />
As said in the Spoilers, I like the cards. Nothing terribly new, sure, but also no clunky internal synergies, and a lot of interesting cards, causing the deckbuilding itch.<br />
Now to witness the adventure itself, optics and all. In a month, when it's done, you'll be able to read my review on that.<br />
<br />
Also, don't throw money at blizzard buying all wings in the first week. These people gave you the Diablo III Auction house. Pay with gold - the cardback isn't even fancy or interesting enough.<br />
<br />
Until next time, remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-43411909692753931072016-06-21T00:00:00.000+02:002016-06-21T12:09:56.817+02:00Falling up the Stairs (11) - Trying my luck with Warrior Decks... yet again.I suppose that's true with everybody - there are some some classes you just can't play well in Hearthstone. Whether it's lack of cards or just not having the mindset necessary.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For me, Warrior is one. I can easily get behind the concept of full-on aggro of a Zoo Hunter or Warlock, or the control powers of Magician or Warlock, or the powerful minions of Shaman and Druid. I have issues with making Paladin and Priest work. And don't ask me about Rogue, I can't play that except in premade-deck Tavern Brawls. I mean, I can play it, but I can't really win reliably.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Warrior, even though omitted in the above list, has been particular frustrating. It always felt like it should work, it's not like there was an obvious misbalance in the decks I made... but it just wouldn't work to any satsifiable degree.<br />
<br />
It doesn't help when the arguably strongest Warrior Deck at the time is also fittingly labelled "Wallet Warrior". Recently, through an article over at <a href="https://manacrystals.com/articles/166-state-of-the-meta-4-one-month-later" target="_blank">Mana Crystals</a>, I came across a Warrior Deck that gave me another one of those "You know... I kinda have the cards for that..." moments. Read all about it after the break!<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>Feno's Pirate Warrior</u> (the Original)<br />
2x N'Zoth's First Mate<br />
2x Upgrade<br />
2x Fiery War Axe<br />
2x Heroic Strike<br />
2x Bloodsail Cultist<br />
2x Frothing Berserker<br />
2x Kor'kron Elite<br />
2x Mortal Strike<br />
2x Arcanite Reaper<br />
Sir Finley Mrrglton<br />
2x South Sea Deckhand<br />
2x Bloodsail Raider<br />
2x Flame Juggler<br />
2x Argent Horserider<br />
2x Dread Corsair<br />
Leeroy Jenkins<br />
<br />
I like this deck A LOT. It's cheap (about 1/5 of the Wallet Warrior, really budget) and aggressive. This is what I'd call an actual "Tempo" Warrior. Originally, I was 11 cards short of that exact build, with 6 of those being easy to fix (aka crafting commons), 4 being more problematic, and 1 being beyond likely. Here's the build I currently settled on:<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>Beneath The Black Flag</u><br />
2x N'Zoth's First Mate<br />
Upgrade<br />
2x Fiery War Axe<br />
2x Heroic Strike<br />
Bash <br />
Blood Sail Cultist<br />
Frothing Berserker<br />
2x Fierce Monkey <br />
2x Kor'Kron Elite<br />
Mortal Strike<br />
2x Arcanite Reaper<br />
Bloodsail Corsair<br />
Sir Finley Mrrglton<br />
2x Southsea Deckhand<br />
2x Bloodsail Raider<br />
2x Flame Juggler<br />
2x Argent Horserider<br />
2x Dread Corsair<br />
*Goblin Crotchrocket (The 5/2 w/ Charge for 6)<br />
<br />
<b>Overall Idea</b>: Strike first and hard. Face is where your goal is.<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: Before I ended up with this version, I had some replacements that can still be considered, thought the sacrifice the Pirate Theme (which only matter for the Bloodsail Cultist). Wolf Riders can be subbed in for Argent Horseriders. Bash can take the place of Mortal Strike. If you're not keen on the Dread Corsair, the Fierce Monkey is a good bet. It's in here because it shares the same Mana Slot as the missing Bloodsail Corsair and Berserker. The Goblin Rocketeer fulfills the same role as Leeroy Jenkins, but might be replaced with any more expensive, powerful charger. I once had a Bloodhoof Brave since he cost as much as the missing Mortal Strike, but he just does very different things from the rest of the deck.<br />
<b>Upcoming Changes</b>: At the very least, I want another Upgrade to switch in for the Bloodsail Corsair - and I already put that guy in to swap out a cursed blade, which was to risky even for me. Another Bloodsail Cultist would be preferable. Another Mortal Strike would be gravy, but - Bash is a sensible substitute, so it's less necessary. Until those happen, though, the BS Corsair might become almost anything... he's weapon meta, so that's good in it's own right, but he could also be a Charge! to fling those Bloodsail Raiders across. That spell might be a sensible way at any rate. Also, in terms of bigger chargers... Skycap'n Kragg would be very thematically fitting, though probably not the best choice.<br />
<br />
In summary: I love this deck, from the fact that it's that cheap to the way it plays. Plain good old aggression. Just kill their Hero by turn 7. I also love that it's not dependent on it's Hero Ability so Turn 1 Finley is go! (Pray to RNGesus for Shapechange!) In casual games my win rate is currently really high, about 70%, though we all know that doesn't mean much. I'm still wondering whether I should do ladder business this month with this deck or with my Magician deck... Maybe you guys can leave a comment with your recommendation!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards.</div>
Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-46113406522553954642016-06-03T00:00:00.000+02:002016-06-06T22:38:54.296+02:00Falling up the Stairs (10) - Empirical Research regarding the Lolz of Yogg-Saron (Update!)<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">T</span><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">H</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">E</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">L</span></span><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">O</span><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">L</span><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">Z</span> of Yogg Saron!</span><br />
or: Keeping track of whether my Servant of Yogg Saron does meaningful shit.<br />
<br />
At the time of this writing, my Servant of Yogg-Saron cast this for me:<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<u><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Good <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Stuff</span></span></span></u><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Animal Companion (Grumble)</span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Arcane Bolts </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Assassination (Enemy Minion) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Astral Unity</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Avenge </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Blessing of Wis<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">dom (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">E</span>nemy Minion</span>)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Brawl (Wins) x2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Charge (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">H</span>imself)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Consecration</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Corrupt<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">ion (Enemy Minion)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Dart Trap </span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Forgotten Torch (Enemy Minion<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">)</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Flashheal (Me) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Freezing Trap</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Frost Nova </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Gang of Three (Himself)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hammer of Wrath (Enemy Minion)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hellfire</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Heroic Blow <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">x2</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Holy Light (Me) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Holy Nova </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Hunter<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">'s Ma<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">rk (Enemy Minion)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Ice Barrier </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Infest</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Jaraxxus' F<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">i</span>st (Opponent)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Light in the Dark (Leprous Gnome)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Lock & Load</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Mirror En<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">tit<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">y</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Mortal Blow (Opponent)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Mortal Coil (Enemy Minion) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Power Word: Shield (H<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">i</span>mself)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Rafaam's Curse</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Rain of Stars (5 Dam) (Enemy Minion) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Redemption x2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Resurrection </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Savage Roar </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Shadowflame (Other <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Fr<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">iendly</span></span> Minion)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Shadow<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> Word: Pain (Enemy Minion)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Shield Block </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Silence (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Enemy Minion)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Sni<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">pe</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soul<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> of the For<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">est x2</span></span> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Stand against Darkness </span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Strength of the Wild (H<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">imself)</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Thunderstorm x2</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Under the Colosseum </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Unleash the Hounds x2 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Wild Spirits</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Pointless Spells</span></span></u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Bols<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">ter x2</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Circle of Healing</span></span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Forbidden Flame (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">No Mana Left)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Forked Lighting (Only <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">One <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Enemy Minion</span>)</span> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moonfire (Enemy Minion) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Multi-Shot (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Only One Enemy Minion)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sense Demons</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shatter (No Frozen Target)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Untamable (No Attack <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Value</span>)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">*Wrath of the Beast (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">No Beasts)</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><u>Bullshit</u> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Arcane Strike (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">F</span>riendly <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">M</span>inion)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Arcane Strike (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">H</span>imself)</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Backstab (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">H</span>imself)</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Bane of Doom (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">H</span>imself)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Bash (Me) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Blessing of Kings (Enemy Minion) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Earth Shock (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">H</span>imself</span>) </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">F<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">l</span>ashheal (Enemy Minion) </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Holy Smite (<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Hims</span>elf) </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Inner Fi<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">re (H<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">imself)</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">On the Hunt (Himself<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Power Overwhelming (Himself) </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">Power Word: Shield (Enemy Minion) </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><b>Conclusions</b>: You don't need a degree in maths to see that the Servant of Yogg-Saron generally puts out a beneficial effect - at least way more often than doing something which is complete shite (About 50+ positive results out of a total of about 80). There are, however, ways - or guidelines - which help facilitate beneficial results. The biggest one to me is to NOT play the Servant (or SoYS) into an empty board <i>unless absolutely necessary</i>. It works best when there are enemy minions, so all the offensive spells (and those that could go on either) actually have targets to go on. The next step is probably having friendly minions there to provide more targets for the friendly buffs that might come around (though I prefer to attack with them first. Just in case).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">The best result, obviously, is when you play him, he casts a Brawl - and then wins that Brawl. So far, it has been always followed up by either a concession or a ragequit. Fun Times! I think I'll do one more empirical update around the 200 castings mark so we can have some proper mathematical proof to the SoYS being safer than YS to use (though not as game-ending).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">But until then, thanks for reading, and remember:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;">It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards. </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-68537439108277423722016-05-31T00:00:00.000+02:002016-05-31T00:00:15.926+02:00Falling up the stairs (09) - Adventure Resumee: League of ExplorersAs I told you last friday, I plowed through the League of Explorers, finally. So today I'll talk you about LoE in the same way I did talk about BRM (in order to create a comparability. It'll come to fruition with the next adventure).<br />
<br />
To reiterate, these are my four points:<br />
> Optics<br />
> Plot<br />
> Bosses<br />
> Cards<br />
<br />
See you after the break!<a name='more'></a><b>Optics</b>: The predominant colour of LoE is a sandy yellow, and added on top of that are a variety of other colours - it's pretty colourful, all in all. Compared to BRM (also Naxx), this adventure wins the optics aspect hands and pants down. From the revelation animation with the ticket and map to the small images showing the area of incident, LoE really shows the progress the graphic design of the adventures has made (and undergone). It makes me excited for the next one, to say the least.<br /><br />
<b>Plot</b>:
Compared to BRM (of which I watched videos), this is another step up. While it's the shortest adventure to date (13 Bosses), it takes you to the most places and tells the most (flamboyant, even) story, especially in the last wing which really evokes the feeling it's going for. You travel around the world, gather the pieces of the staff, it gets nicked (D'uh), you take it back. Simple, clearcut, refreshingly varied in themes and even boards.<br />
<br />
<b>Bosses</b>:
Again I'll split this into general and Heroic. I, again, liked them all
except one - you might think there's always that one fight. Yes, Rafaam1, I'm looking at you. Or the lack of deckbuilding skills among the LoE... Also, the call it a tournament deck when it breaks a good number of the deckbuilding rules. It was hard to find a deck you could defeat with it.<br />
I'd say that the Temple Escape, Mine Cart Ride and Rafaam1 are the most memorable ones here since they are unlike any adventure fight before. SURE they are among the more RNG-y fights (well, except for the temple escape), but they are still great at telling their particular story without resorting to the old "Here's a boss with an advantageous (or in heroic: BULLSHIT GOOD) ability" scheme.<br />
Speaking
of Heroic mode... So far I have defeated the first wing, 2/3 of the second and 1/3 of the third. Haven't attempted the fourth (also, Rafaam2 being passively immune? WTF?) so far, too busy gathering gold for Arena. Shouldn't be too hard, though, I've seen a bigger number of people with the LoE cardback than with the Naxx or BRM one. On that note: Defeating a heroic LoE boss didn't give me the same amount of satisfaction as defeating a heroic boss in BRM... it had more of an "was bound to happen sometime" vibe.<br />
<br />
Yet again: It's bad that neither Rafaam1 nor Rafaam2 have individual emote responses like Kelthu-Freakin'-Zad!<br />
<br />
<b>Cards</b>: Compared to BRM cards, which were kinda bland in their design, LoE cards heavily sport the Discover mechanic. They are also not so tied to a certain theme as to be pigeonholing their applicability. I can only recall one card where I thought "Really? What's that for?", and that's the 7/7 statue which can't attack unless it's all alone. Might still work with a silence. As for memorable cards, there are so many. My personal favourites, though, purely by use I got out of them, are the Jeweled Scarab, the Rumbling Elemental, and the Raven Idol. Not to mention the orgasm that Brann Bronzebeard can be (ever had him still on the field and got to play a C'Thun? Well, then you know what I mean.).<br />
<br />
<b>Resumee</b>: I
not only liked this adventure, I seriously <i>enjoyed</i> it and if you're new to Hearthstone and wonder
whether you should do it: Hell yes. What are you waiting for? I'm really gilding Hearthstone's lily here, but I'm seriously convinced that this adventure is top-notch, and set the bar for good adventures REALLY high. And that's an after-the-fact opinion.<br />
<br />
There's just one thing... when I hadn't done all adventures, I had a drive and reason to gather those 700g as quickly as possible (in general, two weeks). Now that all is done, all I can do is gather them in anticipation. But I'll do that by a) gathering gold for arena, and b) keeping the arena spoils for adventures. That'll result in some major bookkeeping, but eh, I like bookkeeping.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-88000482601875482622016-05-27T00:00:00.000+02:002016-05-27T00:00:11.421+02:00Falling up the stairs (08) - Adventure Resumee: Blackrock SpireAs of this monday, I managed to garner the last 700 gold which would get me the final wing of League of Explorers and, within very few hours of doing so, allow me to finish the last adventure currently available.<br />
<br />
And I think that makes for a perfect time for rehashing the particular experiences, an endeavour I want to go about by looking at the following points:<br />
> Optics<br />
> Plot<br />
> Bosses<br />
> Cards<br />
<br />
And I will start with the older of the two adventures I experienced: Blackrock Spi...err...Mountain!<br />
See you after the break!<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Optics</b>: The predominant colours of BRM are black and red (and brown, which technically is a red) - which is not a bad thing <i>per se</i> - but that's all. The chapter revelation animation is kinda simplistic and repetitive, which isn't so bad since it's very similar to the one used at the end of the arena, and thusly instantly recognizable. At the very least, the background on which the bosses and stuff are overlayed isn't a repetitive picture, but a cohesive larger one. <br /><br />
<br />
<b>Plot</b>: Compared to Naxxramas (of which I watched videos), this is a step up - first, you head down into the mountain at the behest of Nefarian (which basically escapes the player unless he is deep into WoW, I guess) to kill Ragnaros. Then, you head up the mountain to liberate it from the rule of Nefarian. The whole adventure plays on the rivalry between the two, and the first fight against Nefarian is... pretty hilarious. Looking at the length, if I'm not mistaken, it's currently the longest adventure with a total of 17 bosses.<br />
<br />
<b>Bosses</b>: I'll split this into general and Heroic. I generally liked them all except one - and the fact that the third wing is just pure RNG, which is ... suboptimal design, I say, when it comes down to the whole wing. The one I didn't like was the very last one because it felt SO much more difficult than the others before him. I'd say that the Darkiron Arena, Nefarian1 and Atramedes are really the most memorable ones - and Nefarian2 for being so obnoxious as a three-stage fight.<br />
Speaking of Heroic mode... I managed to defeat the whole "Dwarves Quarter" segment already. However, Heroic Drakkisath is a steaming pile of freaking Mary Sue shit. Most obnoxious. That being said, defeating a heroic BRM boss gives you an extreme satisfaction. And I still want that Nefarian Cardback, since so few people are actually sporting that. I can guess why.<br />
<br />
Oh, also: It's bad that neither Nef1 nor Nef2 have individual emote responses like Kelthu-Freakin'-Zad!<br />
<br />
<b>Cards</b>: Compared to what you got in Naxx', the latter cards from BRM are strongly synergistic, with the whole Dragon and "cost less equal to how much stuff died" things. Especially the last wing was ... kinda lackluster in it's rewards, which is sad because if you buy into the adventure, you don't just wanna get in up to wing three, don't you? As for the most memorable cards, here's my top three: Flamewaker (God will I be sad when he rotates out), Grim Patron, and Dragon Egg. For least memorable/useful, I'd say Volcanic Dragon, Draconic Destroyer and... uh, already forgot the last one. :-D<br />
On this note: Looking at the Heroic Drakkisath battle, I deeply regret dusting Executus, something I didn't think I would when I did it.<br />
<br />
<b>Resumee</b>: I liked this adventure, and if you're new to Hearthstone and wonder whether you should do it: Just do it. There's still enough time till next may to get good value out of all the cards. (Next adventure is in Oct/Nov, right?) It is kind of a chore at times, most prominently in the RNG wings three & four.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-82902387739528274022016-05-13T22:20:00.000+02:002016-05-14T20:57:51.468+02:00Falling up the Stairs (07) - Day of the TentacleFor this post, I want to present a "fun" deck. It's not necessarily good - it may be, though, with some tweaking, I guess. Maybe. ;-)<br />
It basically came into its own with the "Forbidden Ritual" card and the Tentacle of "N'Zoth"<br />
<br />
It's for the Warlock. I call it "Day of the Tentacle".<br />
Yes, I'm that 80's.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a> <u>"Day of the Tentacle"</u> - Warlock<br />
<br />
Forbidden Ritual x2<br />
Power Overwhelming x2 <br />
Zealous Initiate x2<br />
Tentacle of N'Zoth x2<br />
Possessed Villager x2<br />
Squirming Tentacle x2<br />
Beckoner of Evil x2<br />
Shadow Bolt x2 <br />
Disciple of C'Thun x2<br />
Raid Leader x2<br />
Darkshire Councilman x2<br />
Hellfire x2 <br />
Usher of Souls x2<br />
Stormwind Champion x2<br />
C'Thun *<br />
N'Zoth * <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: Tentacles, and buffing stuff (i.e. Tentacles).<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: I don't own a bunch of those cards, so it'd be up for somebody else to try this and tell me about just HOW bad it is. ;-)<br />
<b>Potential Changes</b>: Since there's potentially lots of minions incoming via Forbidden Ritual, a Knife Juggler may be a really smart choice.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, even though this is really brief and silly.<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-91590667189443714802016-05-10T00:00:00.000+02:002016-05-10T00:00:00.211+02:00Falling up the Stairs (06) - Waiting for C'thun & Lulz of Yogg SaronAs promised in the last posting, I want to talk the deck that - surprisingly, I gotta say - took me to 14(**). I'm still kinda proud of that achievement, even though it certainly was a matter of getting the right games/matchups at the right time.<br />
<br />
It's a Magician deck featuring our Lord and Saviour C'Thun! See you after the break!<br />
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<u>"Waiting for C'Thun"</u> - Magician<br />
Frostbolt x2<br />
Beckoner of Evil x2<br />
Wizard's Apprentice x2<br />
Arcane Intellect x2<br />
Spellshaper<br />
Flamewaker x2<br />
Disciple of C'Thun x2<br />
Fireball x2<br />
Polymorph x2<br />
Cult Apothecary x2<br />
Servant of Yogg-Saron<br />
Faceless Conjurer x2<br />
Flameblast x2<br />
North See Kraken<br />
C'Thun *<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: This is based off of the "Spell Madness" deck Formula - but built towards C'Thun instead of Yogg-Saron, whom even I consider to be way to fucking random.<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: This is actually version two. I had a Kirin Tor Magician in it but booted her out for another Cult Apothecary.<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: When it comes to changes, the only debatable candidates are the Spellshaper - and I love it because it generally doesn't get triggered, and it will likely keep your heavy safe at a really important time. (I'm still waiting for the day when she snacks a Blessing of Kings, though), and the North Sea Kraken, though I really feel that having another really big lug is a really good thing. So if I were to switch him out, it would be for another heavweight.<br />
<b>Strategies</b>: Utilize the spell power to keep the board under control until you're ready to deploy your heavies, and/or put pressure on the opposing hero so that C'Thun/anything and then a Fireball can finish him off. I always keep Beckoners and Frostbolts in the opening hand because I feel it's really important to have something that can instantly kill something with three Health in the first few turns (like Manawyrms or Northshire Clerics or Voidwalkers or...).<br />
<br />
So, that's the deck, I hope you like it. I know it has C'Thun, and everyone does nowadays, but I figure that'll even out over time, and he's only a tool in this deck, and not the main event. The things I know it's "weak" against are Tank-Warrior and that Trap-Hunter with the bow... that one's particularly aweful. So something against Weapons would be a potential insertion, God knows where though.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading this far, and remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards.<br />
<br />
Bonus Special:<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">T</span><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">H</span><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">E</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">L</span></span><span style="background-color: #a2c4c9;">O</span><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">L</span><span style="background-color: #b4a7d6;">Z</span> of Yogg Saron!</span><br />
or: Keeping track of whether my Servant of Yogg Saron does meaningful shit.<br />
<br />
At the time of this writing, I've cast Servant of Yogg-Saron fourteen times. He, in response, cast this for me:<br />
<u><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Good Pointless Bullshit</span></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Charge (himself) Strengthen Arcane Strike (friendly minion)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rafaam's Curse Circle of Healing Arcane Strike (himself)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Thunderstorm Backstab (himself)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Consecration Bane of Doom (himself)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hellfire</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Animal Companion (Grumble)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Under the Colosseum</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Freezing Trap </span></span>Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-51156142798285982642016-05-06T00:00:00.000+02:002016-05-06T00:00:07.008+02:00Falling up the stairs (05) - WotoG deck changesIn this second post on the "Whispers of the old Gods" set, I want to go into which deck changes this has inspired (for me, at least), how I think they fare in comparison to their earlier forms, and how I would evolve them (if the opportunity presents itself).<br />
<br />
But before all that, let's have a small break, shall we?<br />
<a name='more'></a><u> "Djinni ad-Din IV</u>" - Paladin<br />
<br />
Hand of Protection x2<br />
Blessing of Power x2<br />
Argent Squire x2<br />
Dragon's Egg x2<br />
Abusive Sergeant x2<br />
Leprous Gnome x2<br />
Divine Strength x2<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Truesilver Champion x2<br />
Hammer of Wrath x2<br />
Dragonkin Sorcerer x2<br />
Consecration x2<br />
Djinni of Zephyrs x2<br />
Knight of the Silver Hand x2<br />
Stormwind Champion x2<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: Playing one buff is one thing - getting two out of
them with the Djinni is more than two things. And the Paladins has
access to both cheap (Blessing of Power et al) and powerful (Blessing of
Kings et al) buffs. And now, there's one more good buff with Divine Strength!<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: When Standard hit, this deck took it in stride. When I opened two Divine Strengths, I instantly knew where they'd end up in! I also axed the Blessing of Kings (why play a +4/+4 buff for 4 mana when you can, at the very least, get a regular 4/4 for 4???) and, since I recently finished Blackrock Spire, implemented the Dragonkin Sorcerer in its place. The synergy between them and the Djinni and the cheap buffs gave me a hard-on that lasted for more than four hours.<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: Well, "Keeper of Uldaman" and "Seal of Champions" are both still on the list, though I wouldn't really know what to take out for them as of right now.<br />
<br />
Overall, I feel that this deck/its potential really ramped up with all the new stuff. And all that without playing C'Thun! On to the next one.<br />
<br />
<u>"F'taghn Rumble"</u> - Shaman<br />
Earth Shock<br />
Frost Shock<br />
Rockbiter's Weapon x2<br />
Elvish Archer x2<br />
Abusive Sergeant x2<br />
Lava Shock x2<br />
Flametongue Totem x2<br />
Bilefin Tidehunter x2<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Hex x2<br />
Disciple of C'Thun x2<br />
Fireguard Destroyer x2<br />
Rumbling Elemental x2<br />
Windspeaker x2<br />
Fire Elemental x2<br />
Northshire Kraken<br />
C'Thun *<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: Well, a lot of the C'Thun buff stuff is battlecry based. Does this make for a good thing to pair with the Rumbling Elemental?<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: It's basically my original RumbleCry with a few cards changed, based on what I got from my packs (which included only Battlecry based C'Thun buffs, as far as neutral cards go).<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: Well, I already took out the Beckoner's of Evil - while being pretty ridiculous as a 2/3 for 2 in general - they just don't do anything else. I alsoalready included a Kraken (because I think those are... pretty dope). In all honesty, I don't really know what to change.<br />
<br />
Overall, I think this deck fares WORSE than its original, though I can't really point at exactly WHY that is. It also feels... wrong. I'll be messing around with the Elemental in decks for sure, but probably without C'Thun (though maybe still with his disciple - that's a <i>really</i> good card).<br />
<br />
<u>"Talons of C'Thun"</u> - Hunter<br />
Arcane Shot x2<br />
Mark of the Hunter x2<br />
Fiery Bat x2<br />
Young Dragonhawk x2<br />
Leprous Gnome x2<br />
Forest Wolf x2<br />
Quickshot x2<br />
Explosive Trap x2<br />
Fairy Dragon x2<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Infest<br />
Kill Command x2<br />
Animal Companion x2<br />
Iron Beak Owl<br />
Disciple of C'Thun x2<br />
Grotesque Dragonhawk x2 <br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: Zoo Face Hunter, basically. With "heavy" backup.<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: The advent of Standard saw both a nerf to the Leprous Gnome and Iron Beak Owl and the loss of the Glaivezooka, which certainly took away a big bit of speed from that type of deck. Thankfully, there's the Fiery Bat to make up for that. And the Disciple of C'Thun for some key board control. The Infest also makes for a nice Crowd Control defense.<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: I think the Grotesque Dragonhawks aren't well suited to this deck. See, anybody will have an answer to at least one or two key heavies that absolutely positively <i>must</i> die. So only having two heavies which both allow the opponent to respond to it - not so good of an idea. I guess I'll replace with some other cheap beaters (Mutated Worgen, Worgen Spy or Flame Juggler come to mind) or sth that works against crowd control (Dragon Egg or Loot Hoarder).<br />
<br />
Overall, I'm having more fun with this than with any earlier version.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, see you next Tuesday for a look at the deck that took me as far as Rank 14(**), and remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-22212921315412374752016-05-04T16:50:00.000+02:002016-05-04T16:50:07.512+02:00WM/H's long 2015, Part 04 - Mk 3So, unless you've been hiding under a rock, or in your secret moon base, you will by now have heard about the fact that MK III coming out basically right when this series was supposed to end.<br />
<br />
However, I don't see a big point in writing about things that change anyway.<br />
<br />
What does it mean for the future? Well, most obviously, I'm at no shortage for topics! I could, can, and probably will, revisit each and almost everyone of them and put them into the current state of things - after MK III is out.<br />
<br />
Things are looking good so far, but the Khador spoilers haven't hit yet - so I can't call this the final post of this particular series JUST yet.<br />
<br />
But until then, farewell!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-18049542961501637122016-05-03T00:00:00.000+02:002016-05-04T17:06:04.857+02:00Falling up the stairs (04) - WotoG initial thoughts At the time of this writing, we've had "Whispers of the old Gods" (WotoG) and Standard Play for four/five days, I've had my 13 free packs and reached Rank 14 (More on that in a later article) - and am about to dust the free golden cards b/c my computer may run HS, but all special/golden (i.e. shiny) graphics are just black spots.<br />
I also think that the idea of golden cards, or at least collecting those especially, is a silly waste of time and energy. And no, I had no particular fondness or desire for foil cards in M:tG, either.<br />
<br />
In this significantly longer article, I want to talk about WotoG, my thoughts on things related to the set, the set and the cards I got out of it. But before all that - we're gonna have a break.<br />
<a name='more'></a> So, uh, WotoG. This is the first time I was around for the release of a new set, so I don't know whether these was also true for GvG and/or TGT, but I don't suppose so.<br />
<br />
<b>Theme</b>: I'm not a huuuuge Lovecraft afficiando, but I'm generally liking the concept and atmosphere, though a lot is focused on C'Thun (who happens to be the deadest giveaway I've seen. C'thulu. Second in line: Yogg-Saron/Yog-Sogoth). The theme is laid on pretty thick with myriads obvious references.<br />
<b>Release</b>: You get three packs <i>and</i> two Beckoners of Evil <i>and</i> C'Thun. The last thing is, I think, important. While handing out a Legendary to everyone (within a certain time frame) may seem silly to some, imagine the set without it. Imagine getting all the support cards without <i>potentially ever</i> getting the one (!) card they are supporting. The latter is way, way worse.<br />
<b>Dailies</b>: This is one of the things I'm unsure about, but at least for WotoG, on release day, there was a daily that gave you five more packs - which was followed by one that gave you another five. At least for me, WotoG rivals classic in total number of packs opened so far. All for winning nine standard games in total. This is, IMO, yet another thing Hearthstone is doing right.<br />
<br />
<b>Cards</b>: Here's what those packs spouted at me, in (relative) order of unpacking:<br />
- C'Thun (L)<br />
- Beckoner of Evil x2<br />
- Silithid Swarmer (R) x2<br />
- Divine Strength x3<br />
- Flamewreathed Facless x3<br />
- Bloodhoof Brave<br />
- Eldritch Horror x2<br />
- Nerubian Prophet x3<br />
- Disciple of C'Thun (R) x2<br />
- Tentacle of N'zoth x3<br />
- Cult Apothecary x2<br />
- Thistletea (R)<br />
- Dark Arakkoa x2<br />
- Hooded Acolyte x2<br />
- Evolved Kobold<br />
- Infest (R) x2<br />
- Fiery Bat x3<br />
- Power Word: Tentacles (AKA Power Word: Hentai!)<br />
- Usher of Souls<br />
- Stand against Darkness x4 (Seriously, HS?)<br />
- Feral Rage<br />
- Bladed Cultist<br />
- Twilight Darkmender (R)<br />
- Grotesque Dragonhawk x2<br />
- Mire Keeper (R)<br />
- Southsea Squidface<br />
- Vilefin Inquisitor (E)<br />
- Twisted Worgen<br />
- Bloodsail Cultist (R)<br />
- Possessed Villager<br />
- Bilefin Tidehunter x2<br />
- Faceless Behemoth x2<br />
- Twilight Geomancer x2<br />
- Shatter<br />
- Corrupted Healbot (R)<br />
- Darkshire Councilman<br />
- Spreading Madness (R)<br />
- Faceless Conjurer x2<br />
- Forbidden Ritual (R)<br />
- Brood of N'zoth<br />
- Stormcrack<br />
- Servant of Yogg-Saron (R)<br />
<br />
That's only seven cards overlap out of thirteen packs, and only commons to boot, so a quite even stretch. Only one Epic though, which apparently doesn't really do anyfin (Hah!). Out of this lot, I am most happy about double Faceless Conjurer, Fiery Bat, Divine Strength and Disciple of C'Thun, which is easily turning into one of my favourite cards out of the whole set.<br />
Overall, I think it's a very good stock of cards to build on, seeing as I still got three wings of LoE to go through before I can hit the arena with full force. Turns out - a deck I built with the support of this card pool actually took me as far as Rank 14 (**).<br />
<br />
In the next posts, I'll elaborate a bit on how I worked these cards into my existing decks.<br />
<br />
But until then remember:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-70116261480711246752016-04-15T00:00:00.000+02:002016-04-29T22:03:37.126+02:00Falling up the stairs (03) - Shaking things up As I communicated in former posts, I did the first wing of "League of Explorers". And one of those cards was/is the "Rumbling Elemental", a Shaman card. He's obviously big on the elements, but this Elemental was really different - has no "active" ability of it's own, but one that reacts to other cards by flinging two damage whenever a card with a battlecry is played.<br />
<br />
I've been pondering a deck build around it for some time. Quick interjection: That's a ridiculous idea, by the way, building around two cards out of thirty. I then went ahead and did it - a basic suite of Shaman spells, the Elemental, and then as many Battlecry cards as I could grab.<br />
<br />
Short warning: As per the most recent BattleNet update, I can't access the BN anymore, and thusly can't play Hearthstone, which is very sad, as, even though my Graphics card wasn't "supported", the game ran fine enough for me. This enrages me! I'm working on a solution, but that'll take a while.<br />
<br />
List after the break.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>RumbleCry II</u><br />
Frost Shock x2<br />
*Rock-Eater's Weapon x2<br />
Elvish Archer x2<br />
Abusive Sergeant x2 <br />
Lava Shock x2<br />
Flame Tongue Totem x2<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Shattered Sun Cleric x2<br />
*Ironforge Gunner x2<br />
Rumbling Elemental x2<br />
Wind Speaker x2<br />
*Night Blade x2<br />
*Storm Lance Commando<br />
Fire Elemental x2<br />
Frost Elemental x2<br />
Elune Priest<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Basic Idea</b>: Get the Elemental out, and watch it deal damage with all the battlecries. Work towards victory through board control, generally.<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: I swapped in the two Abusive Sergeants for a Flame Juggler and a Earthen Ring Farseer, and they're really performing well. There are two singles - the Commando and the Elune Priest - who could do with being exchanged for something else or be doubled up on, Hexes, for example, or Fireguard Destroyers - which are serious, cheap beatsticks.<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: I think this deck wants Brann Bronzebeard, probably in exchange for the Commando. He looks like an auto-include for a deck built around battlecries and the Elemental. Also, I guess I'd like to exchange the Frost Shocks for Earth Shocks, either one or both. What could also work wonderfully would including Brewmasters (the young ones, mostly, for being cheaper). The Elemental's ability would even trigger before their battlecry of bouncing a friendly minion.<br />
<b>Strategies</b>: The cards you'll always want to keep in your starting hand are the 1-Mana drops, the Scarab, and the Flametongue Totem - which'll generally hit the board in Turn 3 so you start bringing the hurt with your turn two drops. If you go second and get an Elemental, it's an ok choice to play it turn three - any hate it gets is not directed anywhere else, and it will get it anyway should you be able to follow it up with two drops or say, a Windspeaker, in turn four.<br />
<br />
In it's current iteration, this deck carried me to Rank 18** on a Win Streak (which still are rare for me), and would probably even go further were there not the aforementioned tech problems. Should those be (or: when those are) fixed, I'll go with an intro guide next.<br />
<br />
See you around, and:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards.Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-62637427564572182712016-04-12T00:00:00.000+02:002016-04-13T22:34:46.518+02:00Falling up the stairs (02) - Somebody's hurtin' Continuing on in this opening series of posts about my currently favoured Hearthstone decks, we are arrive at the one I've had ... considerable success (it got me from Rank 20 to 19 in a streak, that's kinda saying something!)*.<br />
<br />
It's a Warrior deck that, like the Pain & Response one, builds off of profiting from your own minions being damaged. Turns out, Garrosh is better at this than Jaina. And it's more fun, too. List after the break. Oh, and I don't play Hearthstone in English, so please forgive me when I... retranslate the names wrong. I'm learning.<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>Pain Mongers I</u><br />
Inner Rage x2<br />
Execute x2<br />
Whirlwind x2<br />
Dragon Egg x2<br />
Battle Rage<br />
Cleave x2<br />
Cruel Taskmaster x2<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Shield Block x2<br />
Bash<br />
Acolyte of Pain<br />
Arathi Weaponsmith<br />
Axe Thrower x2<br />
Grim Patron x2<br />
Gurubashi Berserker x2<br />
Harrison Jones *<br />
Emperor Thaurissan *<br />
Obsidian Destroyer x2<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: As said above, benefit from damaging your minions - more damage, card draw, additional minions - a lot of things go!<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: This is obviously version one, scratched together from what I have. So it's chock full of "Blackrock Spire" goodness (that Axe thrower is SO obnoxious). Harrison Jones is in there because... he my new shiny. Sue me.<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: I'd like Armorsmiths or Frothing Berserkers... but don't have those. Yet. I pick the latter generally when they come up through the scarabs, though. Most of all, I'd prefer another Battle Rage, and something to replace the Weaponsmith with. I'll also include Revenge once I crack open that particular Black Rock Spire Episode.<br />
<b>Strategies</b>: Kill them all. Utilize Inner Rage to damage your own minions when your mana wouldn't generally allow you to in order to surprise/tilt the board state and your opponents.<br />
<br />
Update: At the time of this writing, a free pack from a "Watchstone"-Quest gave me a golden Holy Fire. I have neither need nor desire for this, so I blew it to pieces. From my whole dust, I then made another Argent Squire and two Abusive Sergeants. They're doing... well. ;-)<br />
<br />
Thanks for sticking with me! Next up, we have the Deck which turned to be my biggest personal surprise hit (for a deck built around... one pair of cards, essentially). So stay tuned for the next post! See you around, and remember: It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards.<br />
<br />
*It also took me back down!Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-39644454949913900362016-04-08T15:30:00.000+02:002016-04-10T11:04:37.425+02:00Falling up the Stairs (01) - Djinni Paladin, Budget StyleI promised a look at the decks I'm currently liking the most, so here we go. Gotta start somewhere.<br />
<br />
Just to remind you, I'm playing Hearthstone for two-and-a-half months, and without spending money on it. So a lot of decks are, for the foreseeable future, quite budget in a bunch of card choices, out of necessity.<br />
<br />
This deck I'm going to talk about is based on the same idea as the deck <a href="http://www.hearthpwn.com/decks/455940-live-top-200-legend-djinni-eggladin" target="_blank">presented here</a>. And while I know it's definitely inferior to the deck presented there - let's just say that I managed to defeat Baron Geddon (heroic) with it. Not the most impressive feat, but my first heroic victory anyway, and on the first run with the deck. ;-)<br />
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Less bragging and more talk after the break.<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>Djinni ad-Din I</u> (Because Djinni-Egg-Ladin is a stupid name)<u><br /></u><br />
Hand of Protection x2<br />
Blessing of Power x2<br />
Argent Squire<br />
Dragon's Egg x2<br />
Young Dragon Falcon x2<br />
Leprous Gnome<br />
Argent Protector<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Earthen Ring Seer<br />
Truesilver Champion x2<br />
Hammer of Wrath x2<br />
Blessing of Kings x2<br />
Consecration x2<br />
Blessed Champion<br />
Djinni of Zephyrs x2<br />
Knight of the Silver Hand x2<br />
Emperor Thaurissan *<br />
Stormwind Champion x2<br />
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<b>Basic Idea</b>: Playing one buff is one thing - getting two out of them with the Djinni is more than two things. And the Paladins has access to both cheap (Blessing of Power et al) and powerful (Blessing of Kings et al) buffs.<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: This deck varies heavily from the postured original. It has no GvG or Naxxramas cards, but I think as far as cheap minions go, there are options. On the plus side, it's absolutely legal for Standard - which will be my favourite mode of play. I'm also silly in love with the scarab, you'll figure that out eventually.<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: I'd like another Argent Squire and Leprous Gnome. Abusive Sergeants would be great, too. As soon as I get around to the next episode of "League of Explorers", I'll get Keepers of Uldaman. Seal of Champions will also be a great addition (it's common, after all, so getting that is no problem unless you're out of dust). I'll keep you updated.<br />
<b>Strategies</b>: Keep board presence, spread out the buffs among the minions, use booger bubble
minions to create favourable trades/make those buffs stick around
longer, double up on them with the Djinni if possible, beat the opposing hero's face
in.<br />
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That's all for this post, I guess. It feels very short, but a) that's probably unavoidable for this type of article, and b) maybe even a good idea. I mean, who's got the time to read long articles anyway? If you dis/agree, why not just leave a comment below?<br />
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See you around, and:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards.Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2574153262561925551.post-78208107351953991582016-04-05T00:00:00.000+02:002016-04-10T11:03:20.030+02:00Falling up the stairs - my Hearthstone misadventures (00)I blame Fishc0p (that's a German Youtuber - you can find his channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/fisHC0p" target="_blank">here</a>)!<br />
<br />
I got into Hearthstone mid-February. Why? Because it's free. And I used to be seriously addicted to Magic: the Gathering, so...<br />
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However, whereas I spent an atrocious amount of money on M:tG, I'm decided not to throw a single cent Blizzard's way. This obviously "handicaps" my progress - but as far as I figure, that'll only be the case until I am caught up with the adventures (I did the first episode of "League of Explorers" and am 3/5 into "Blackrock Spire"). Once that is done, I'll be free to spend my gold on the arena. I will go into a little more detail about my recommendations for new players in a later post, though.<br />
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For this one... I guess I'll just introduce you to the deck that has "carried" me so far. Up to rank 19, at least, and that's the highest I got to this day. But I'll give you that, and some thoughts on it, after the break.<br />
<a name='more'></a><u>Pain & Response VI</u> (Magician)<br />
Arcane Bolts x2<br />
Arcane Explosion x2<br />
Amani Berserker<br />
Jeweled Scarab x2<br />
Mage's Apprentice<br />
Ice Barrier x2<br />
Forgotten Torch x2<br />
Spell Shaper<br />
Acolyte of Pain<br />
Ironfur Grizzly x2<br />
Kirin Tor Magician<br />
Raging Worgen x2<br />
Fireball x2<br />
Polymorph x2<br />
Water Elemental x2<br />
Grim Patron x2<br />
Emperor Thaurissan *<br />
Flame Blast x2<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Idea</b>: I've built the deck on the premise of Jaina's Hero Ability being usable to target any character on the board - including your own. Thusly the minions that react to being damaged.<br />
<b>Version Notes</b>: This is version six, but it's more like version five-point-five. Version five still had Gurubashi Berserkers, but I was more at odds with the mana curve (even though there weren't that many cards to begin with), and Kobold Geomancers, which I felt didn't contribute enough to warrant their place. That's the explanation for the Kirin Tor Magician, Wizard's Apprentice and others.<br />
<b>Impending Changes</b>: I want another Amani Berserker* and Acolyte of Pain to switch in for the Wizard's Apprentice and Kirin Tor Magician. Those are the easy ones since they are commons, but I'm currently out of fairy dust to just make them. Another one would be getting another Spell Shaper, buuuut... that's an Epic, so I'm not holding my breath. Thinking about it, although it hampers my crowd control, I could switch the Arcane Explosions to Frost Bolts. Doesn't sound too bad, especially since there are only two Polymorphs around, and a little attack control can go a long way. I'd love to have a Counterspell just to flip the bird to things like the Murloc Paladin, but I just don't...<br />
<b>Strategies</b>: Pressure early and often. Use the Hero Ability to trigger the bonuses of the Berserkers and Patrons (right after playing those, important). If the opponent has something with 1 Attack, let the raging Worgen attack that and then lead his additional attack wherever it helps most - it can trade up quite well.<br />
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I guess that's it for this introductory post. For the next few ones, I'll show you the decks that recently have been either the most fun or the most success I've had recently.<br />
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So, if you've read this far, thanks for sticking with me! It makes me happy that my N00b-PoV on the game has been interesting to someone. Leave a comment if you like! I don't feel ready to share my handle just yet, but I'm generally easy to convince.<br />
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See you around, and:<br />
It's all fun and games until somebody runs out of cards.<br />
<br />
<br />
*This should really be "Armani" Berserker. That'd be extra funny since "Berserker" means nothing but "dude wearing a bear's skin".Marth Frighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03287968596677869046noreply@blogger.com0