Wardens of the Midwest Podcast Stark Fealty 2.0

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for a deck with so many direwolves why no kennel master?

with so few intrigue icons why 2 tears of lys?

also surprised there is no rickon

@Emperor Penguin The kennel master I think was a victim of deck space. With so many new cards that needed to be fit in, it was difficult. I definitely see why it would be a good inclusion though.

The two tears are mostly to remove chuds so that military claim is more effective. But it can have a surprisingly strong effect on certain turns when they aren't really expecting it out of a Stark deck. Matt has said it has been very effective for him, especially since he prioritizes finding Catelyn as soon as possible.

And, if you listen to the cast, Matt is not a huge fan of Rickon. I think it's a solid card overall, but he just disagrees, which is why it isn't included.

I need to listen to the cast, but have you found Blackfish actually making an impact by reaching the 4 power threshold? I suppose even if he didn't the card draw alone is nice, but I am thinking about replacing him with Rickon.

If you pair Eddard (WotN) with The Blackfish, Blackfish gets to 4 power very quickly. It's more of a mid-game card than a start card because without other cards to give them power, they progress to their optimal performance very slowly - especially given that this deck isn't running any Minstrels.

@AceidolWhat @TheBrianFactorsaid. If you can get one of the two turn 1, and the other shortly thereafter, you can accumulate power on the blackfish relatively quickly. I'm not sure if Matt (the guy who built the deck on the podcast) has done it yet, but I believe he has.

Rickon is a good card. The reason it isn't in this deck is because Matt just doesn't like it, for reasons he gives in the podcast. But I think you're best off leaving the Blackfish in. He is a very good card that can really cause problems for your opponent throughout the game.

I need to list to the cast, which I'm just downloading now. Why Tears? Is it for surprise value?

@major rawneYea, it's primarily for surprise value. But it's good for clearing out claim soak so that winter is coming, Ice and Sneak Attack hurt even more. I could see a few different cards taking those slots, but ultimately, I think it's a good situational card for the deck.

Why are you even running Blackfish? You only have one other House Tully character. Just play Rodrick for draw.

@OrangeKnightIn the podcast, we discuss this.

There are strengths and weaknesses that you need to consider in the comparison between Rodrick and the Blackfish:

What is the same: Loyal 4 strength 6 cost generates draw

What Rodrik offers that the blackfish does not: Generates more card draw as more characters attack. Cannot be milked or given other negative attachments because of his no attachments except weapons.

What Blackfish offers that Rodrik does not: The lord trait Renown He does not need to be the one attacking to generate card draw He does have the potential to become a non-kneeling attacker. He can carry attachments like Nymeria and Lady, whereas Rodrik is no attachments except weapon.

Obviously, I am biased because I do prefer Blackfish over Rodrik, but I think the benefits gained from using Blackfish (renown, easier card draw, potential for non-kneeling attack, can hold non weapon items) outweigh what is gained from Rodrik (potential for huge card draw that he has to participate in, can't be given negative attachments).

@Joe From Cincinnatiany comment in why the deck isn't using the wolfswood, like warm rain, or wolf dreams?