Card Game DB
Sign In
Create Account
Welcome to Card Game DB
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
1
Fall of Astapor: AGoT Pack Review
Jun 01 2017 08:00 AM |
scantrell24
in Strategy
All my victories turn to dross in my hands, she thought. Whatever I do, all I make is death and horror. When word of what had befallen Astapor reached the streets, as it surely would, tens of thousands of newly freed Meereenese slaves would doubtless decide to follow her when she went west, for fear of what awaited them if they stayed . . . yet it might well be that worse would await them on the march. Even if she emptied every granary in the city and left Meereen to starve, how could she feed so many? The way before her was fraught with hardship, bloodshed, and danger. Ser Jorah had warned her of that. He'd warned her of so many things . . . Our staff has put together a first blush analysis of the newly released “Fall of Astapor†chapter pack. You can find answers to frequently asked rules questions here, and on the individual card pages on thronesdb.com. Cards are listed in numeric order and scored on a scale ranging from one through five, with five being the best possible score. Going forward, we’ll provide an average score for each card rather than a total. Let us know in the comments how you feel about the cards in this pack!
Now onto the reviews, starting with....
Roaming Wolfpack (1.8 Average)
Barnie25 - 3 out of 5
I actually like this card because locally the Direwolf themed deck has had tremendous success, and Roaming Wolfpack is the first 6 drop focused on their theme. But as kidohearts says, I’d also give it 2,5 if possible.
kidohearts- 2 out of 5
If we could give halves, it would be 1.5. I just don’t see this getting on the board in any Stark deck. Sure you could build a direwolf deck and try to get those STR reducing direwolves going, but it would be too inconsistent. Sorry Stark fans, not this one.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 1 out of 5
“Oh hey, I’m a shiny new Intimidate card! I’m part of tribal synergy that rarely features near the top tables, and which is not a big fan of all-out-attack, in a bloated cost slot that only gives a so-so boost, but hey, as long as there’s no new card in this pack that hoses 6-costers, I should be ok!â€
scantrell24 - 1 out of 5
Roaming Wolfpack is reminiscent of “bombs†from early in first edition that rightfully never saw any play. It’s a big dumb stick that does only one job. Furthermore, high-cost non-unique characters are at a huge disadvantage compared to unique characters right now because of Great Hall. And for the final nail in the coffin, these guys are non-unique but Intimidate can only resolve once per challenge.
Von Wibble - 2 out of 5
With only 1 icon it’s a 1 trick pony - go first, intimidate with at least 8 strength, likely more since other mil monocons may as well join in, and either kneel out their biggest guy as a result of intimidate, or make them kneel a lot just to defend. Which is fair enough but costly, and if you go second achieves a lot less. In Stark the 6+ cost slot has plenty of competition too, so I see this making some decks which can win or lose big. This card not being loyal makes for a good choice in aggro decks that are looking to win challenges by large amounts - Targ, Tyrell and Lanni could maybe have a look. Martell and Night’s Watch could also have an interest in this as a card that works for them if they go first, leaving the opponent a very difficult choice should they win initiative. And this becomes a really strong card on a Wardens of the North turn, or when the Kennel Master is out. Also, I like the art.
The North Remembers (2.2 Average)
Barnie25 - 2 out of 5
This card could have been so much better if it were just location or character, unlike with most cards, the versatility here is making it too unreliable.
kidohearts- 1 out of 5
What? I just don’t get it. Are you suppose to do this when they have one location or character. Not even an aggro build wants this as they just choose location. I think compared to Prince’s Plan, this is hot garbage. Maybe to fuel the “fat†Cat deck, and more sacrifice theme, but I can’t see it being competitive. Stark peeps, FFG should apologize to you for this pack..
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 4 out of 5
The anti-synergy with Frozen Solid, a fine tool for Stark aggro, is annoying; otherwise, this is a very effective ‘mean’ card. After Jon Snow, only the second on-demand trigger for Robb and Catelyn (Wolves), which is strong in Joust and particularly excellent in Melee. What keeps this card from the magic 5 rating is just how much you have to build for it - it needs just the right combination of aggro, location removal and your own resource production.
scantrell24 - 2 out of 5
Does any deck want this event? Maybe a Big Catelyn-sacrifice deck would give it a chance, but those decks aren’t great, and The North Remembers is too expensive. Maybe a pressure oriented Stark deck could focus on military challenges and use Put the to Torch alongside this, but a lot would have to go right. It has potential but I don’t think the circumstances are right currently.
Von Wibble - 2 out of 5
Making the opponent lose a character, even of their choosing, is nasty, though often this card will be more of a choke card, taking out their locations, which, nasty as it is, doesn’t necessarily justify 2 gold spent. At least sacrificed cards can’t be saved, in addition to the obvious synergies with Catelyn and Robb. Early game this is particularly useful, as in the late game people will often have more limited economy out than they really need, and will just lose a Roseroad to its effect. The fact you need gold when your character is killed doesn’t help matters either as plots aren’t in general an option - chances are this is happening if you lose military, but who wants to attack Stark with mil? Maybe a Rains deck where you get double duty by killing one of your guys with Wildfire? I may be underrating this, and I can see games it will singlehandedly win, but I think it’s not such an easy card to include as many seem to be claiming.
Elinor Tyrell (3.4 Average)
Barnie25 - 4 out of 5
This card is (almost) everything Tyrell wants. It gives a way to turn their card advantage into even more an an econ advantage by letting them play more limits, also duping the Arbor is finally possible guys! Good icon spread to strength ratio and a lady to boot? Yes please.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
A solid one of in Tyrell decks. Being able to dupe the Arbor and play a limited is solid and she is a lady to fuel their Lady driven events.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
Yes, this does let you dupe the Arbor (though not on setup); for those interested past the meme, the text barely matters. However, she’ll go in several Tyrell decks as a 1x simply for being a relatively cheap Lady.
scantrell24 - 4 out of 5
The Lady trait alone makes her playable (the more the merrier!), with a decent bonus effect. She’s 1x in several decks.
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
Hooray, I can dupe the Arbor! To be honest, she is a cheap Lady with decent icons and strength to cost, and that is good enough even with a blank text box. Easy 1 of in many decks for these reasons, even if she does nothing spectacular. Nice art too.
Silver Hair Net (1.8 Average)
Barnie25 - 2 out of 5
Positive attachments have generally been relegated to the binder but still I think this card has more potential than people think. For one it empowers Tyrell Rains, a deck that I like but this card also works well in some banner decks. I hope this card gets to see some play.
kidohearts- 2 out of 5
This one is not so good. I just can’t imagine what you would cut in any build to make room for this. I don’t see Tyrell using a lot of high cost events and Paxter does that and gives you a gold.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 1 out of 5
You know how every time there’s a positive attachment in one of these packs, we point out how it’s blatantly overcosted and won’t see play in serious decks? Yeah, that. It might have some value simply for providing Stealth in a faction that’s badly in need of some, but even there the trait-restriction just kills it. Or as Ire put it: “Why?â€.
scantrell24 - 2 out of 5
Stealth is useful to help trigger “win by 5s†like Superior Claim and All Men are Fools, but 2 gold is a relatively high price to pay.
Von Wibble - 2 out of 5
This is the first Tyrell card granting stealth, and that alone makes it useful, albeit overpriced without the discount on events. However, the type of deck that runs lots of Ladies to actually put this on doesn’t really have much use for this as a lot of the events they run cost 0, such as All Men are Fools, or can’t be used in most circumstances whilst the lady is in the challenge (Lady Sansa’s Rose). Hand’s Judgement being cheaper could be a thing, as could Nightmares, although you are making the timings of both more awkward. Offer of a Peach is also decent, (in fact could be a very cheeky play with the likes of Mirri). Lady Olenna certainly likes this to make her Cunning a decent cost. Looking outside the faction, the most used ladies are Arya, Asha (both have stealth), and Cersei - I could see a use in a Lanni Rose deck. But in general, nice as this is, I just can’t see it making decks. A generous 2 from me, though it feels like part of a jank deck for now.
Recruiter for the Watch (3.0 Average)
Barnie25 - 3 out of 5
Very solid character, good upside for both the defense and the offensive NW decks.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
In a defensive deck, this guy doesn’t see play, but in a discard, Queenscrown, Yoren, Varys build, this will be very effective. Any less characters you can give your opponent is awesome, while stealing out of their discard. And there are better targets than one might think for this. Also not unique and can’t be hit by FSOW. Hmmmmm……….mouse running
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
Only JC’s cynicism dips this one below a 4 for us. The effect is broadly strong, with several factions having juicy targets; the problem comes from there not being a deck currently that makes for a particularly good home for it, or at least not a top tier one. Possible sleeper card?
scantrell24 - 3 out of 5
I’ve had to think for a while about Recruiter for the Watch. He’s loyal, so you can’t mix him with other loyal pressure/aggro cards like Khal Drogo, but maybe he’ll do work for Night’s Watch Winter/choke decks. Four gold seems like a high price just to steal a chud, and Night’s Watch already has Aemon for military claim soak, so you’re mostly hoping to take away your opponent’s military claim soak. Maybe Recruiter + Eyrie to leave only big guys eligible for death?
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
Feels as much like an attachment as a character. Ward costs the same and hits more characters, and I’d say there is as much control available for this guy as there is for attachments. For most characters I’m not sure why you’d choose not to stand - you can always kneel next round anyway and might hit a better character with it. Marched is about the only thing you’d want the extra chud for in plot (and if Wildfire is played the opposite applies). There are still some very nice characters to take (Jorah, Bran, Viserion, Viserys, Colen) but it may be too clunky overall.
Underground Vault (4.2 Average)
Barnie25 - 4 out of 5
Finally NW gets their in-house econ location, in a fealty list it doesn’t matter if you get 2 or 1 gold from it, you are at least getting your money back when you pay for it with fealty. Against some low gold lists, you will be getting mostly a single gold from this but then still, gold is gold and NW likes locations.
kidohearts- 4 out of 5
I really can’t decide on this one. NW needs more econ for sure, but why is this one out of your control unlike the others in the same slot? I guess I do like that you can run any gold plots you want, but I have to knock it a point b/c there is nothing you can do to activate the 2 gold.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 4 out of 5
On first glance it’s annoyingly inconsistent. However, most decks typically open with a 5+ gold plot meaning this is extra-value early on (when you most want to be able to establish board position), and since it doesn’t specify printed gold, cards like Roseroad count towards the 5 - so the longer into the game, the more likely it is to always be switched on. The NW affiliation is particularly important too, for a relatively Fealty-heavy faction. One concern is that as this suite of locations continues to roll out, players may end up eschewing Roseroads (or at least going down a copy) in favour of their gold-producers - it’ll be interesting to track this one’s potency over time.
scantrell24 - 4 out of 5
With Targ’s 2 gold plot lineup dominating tournaments, Underground Vault can’t have come at a worse time, but it’s still solid in most matchups.
Von Wibble - 5 out of 5
Unlike the other economy locations of this style your opponent can pretty much decide when you get the 2 gold. I’d say that’s balanced by the fact it is likely to work even on the first plot. Night’s Watch are arguably the most in need of such a location for sure. Interesting that cards that add to plot gold such as Stone Drumm will help you here - and so many kingdom plots have 4 gold to begin with too.
Flea Bottom Bastard (2.6 Average)
Barnie25- 3 out of 5
Very solid chud, poor strength but good icons for Bara, depending on how popular Targ and Blood of the Dragon will become this might become a 2.
kidohearts- 2 out of 5
If you’re building a super Dom deck with Gendry, this will see play. Otherwise I think it sits the bench. With Targ rising like Dany’s dragons, this is toast, burnt toast.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
As Drakey puts it: “I wonder what deck this is supposed to support, such flexible design that opens up a lot of new directions & a veritable puzzle for players to solve!â€
scantrell24 - 2 out of 5
The cheap bicon is nice for Bara Crossing, if anyone tries to make that a competitive deck, but in general I’m removing 1 strength characters from my decks right now (because of Blood of the Dragon), not adding them.
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
Good for setup, cheap intrigue icon which Bara currently lack, extra sacrifice for Gendry and helps the dominance theme further. Solid if dull.
Spears of the Merling King (4.0 Average)
Barnie25- 4 out of 5
How excited am I to be able to kill my own Mel, just to get another trigger out of her. This card is the semi save for Bara, solid but less OP than a straight up save.
kidohearts- 4 out of 5
Saves are great, and it protects from Targ burn, where Iron Mines doesn’t. If you run Bara Kraken you get 6 super efficient saves regardless of the character’s faction. I think this will be a 2 to 3 of in every Bara main. Loses 1 point b/c it’s loyal, I guess they learned from Iron Mines.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
We were torn between 3 (the Finns) and 4 (Istaril/JC), with our usual cynicism rule pulling us down into the depths. The ability to keep key uniques out of the dead pile and allowing you to replay them, even at the cost of the economy setback, is pretty huge. It’s good for setup too, and loyal is, while disappointing in-and-of-itself (especially compared to Iron Mines), a tick in the column for Bara Fealty decks. Speaking of those Mines, it’s of course not as good - but then, few cards are, and not every deck is Greyjoy or Banner of the Kraken. This has a place.
scantrell24 - 5 out of 5
Amazing, especially to protect Core Mel from Dracarys and Crown of Gold. Plus with Great Hall around, replaying bombs has never been easier.
Von Wibble - 4 out of 5
As above it’s good for setup, and works very well in a core Mel deck where you can start recycling Rh’llor chuds should your opponent choose to throw military challenges at you. Shireen Baratheon is also a great choice to return to hand. Although this card is loyal, the target doesn’t have to be a Baratheon character, so any out of faction character you don’t want to lose can benefit from this very nice looking Close-Call-on-a-Stick.
Cersei’s Attendant (2.8 Average)
Barnie25- 3 out of 5
The strength to cost ratio is not bad and the reaction is niche but strong when it comes up. Running Noble Lineage in Lanni becomes more and more interesting (necessary). Probably won’t make most lists but can see play in heavy intrigue lists like Rains or even Fealty.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
Solid cost to STR ratio, but 1 icon, only in Lanni main and generally would need a “attack the hand†deck, which will become more and more strong as the card pool grows.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
A loyal chud that has greater STR than cost? Neat! Oh, what’s that, something-something-textbox? Eh, probably not important.
scantrell24 - 2 out of 5
I can’t endorse a monocon with a “win more†ability. However, I’m tempted to build a Lanni hand control deck just to see if this cheap/strong intrigue icon helps make the dream a reality. Between Cersei (either one really), Wardens of the West, Without His Beard, and Early Frost, it might approach consistent-ish. Also, 3 strength characters are good right for being outside Plaza range or Blood + Dany range.
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
An intrigue monocon isn’t really what Lannister needs, even if the strength is bigger than the cost. However, the fact she is loyal helps Fealty, and Joffrey too. I have also found that decks facing new Cersei often will play out their cards quickly to stop her getting power, and we know Lanni likes draw. People are playing the Guard, I think she may be better. A generous 3 for now.
Fever Dreams (3.8 Average)
Barnie25- 4 out of 5
Lannister needs draw BADLY, this provides draw. Seems like a match made in heaven right? Turning a character into an iron throne is not bad either but usually you would want that draw. In a Rains deck you can force this by flipping into Filthy Accusations. Lanni Stag however is where this card can really shine I think with many ways to kneel characters to trigger the draw. Lanni gold, Bara kneel, dom tech and draw, seems like a good concept.
kidohearts- 4 out of 5
I really can’t decide on a score. I think people are looking at this and believe Christmas has come early. I’m just not that sold. I think it’s an amazing card in theory. I wonder how much play it will see (not early as people will of course try it out a lot). I feel like in practice this may be the card cut when it comes down to it. Lanni Stag will be a sure fire way to get this off and it is Cressen proof, I’m just wondering if it will become a mainstay. I would imagine it will find it’s way as a 1 of in all Lanni Main, but the question will be, how many to put in your deck. I guess Lanni is starving for in house draw besides Pycelle.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
“Opponent’s choice†cards generally aren’t as good as they first look, although if they choose not to kneel their best character then that’s...fine, you know? As a non-terminal attachment this has a chance of turning Lanni’s gold advantage into repeatable card advantage, which is an enticing proposition… We’ll see - we honestly can’t judge this with confidence, probably hence the middle rating.
scantrell24 - 4 out of 5
Fever Dreams is not quite Pyromancer’s Cache come again, and draw doesn’t always equal win anymore, but it’s close. Lanni should continue it’s reign of terror that hasn’t really abated since the Core set release with about 2 copies of this attachment in most decks.
Von Wibble - 4 out of 5
So, either my opponent doesn’t use their best character in challenges or they give me cards? Given this is a Lannister card you can often afford a decent sized bestow, and if the opponent isn’t cooperating try a Banner of the Stag to make them give you cards. I like the art too.
Theon Greyjoy (3.2 Average)
Barnie25- 3 out of 5
He is a bit too fragile for my taste but his ability is very good, he empowers Greyjoy Crossing making it very easy to win that first challenge.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
Very solid. A cheap way to maybe get more events off with Iron Fleet Scouts or the new event that attacks locations(bay of ice). It will be weird to see Pyke used and he stealths little guys, lol.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 4 out of 5
The ability is copied over from first edition’s Underhanded Assassin, a card we were big fans of. We also enjoy the sort-of symmetry with Balon (Core)’s ability. We’re torn on whether he actually replaces the old Theon, but the fact we’re torn suggests this is a well-designed card.
scantrell24 - 3 out of 5
This Theon can be good in some matchups, but he’s tempered by Plaza of Punishment, and by Blood of the Dragon + Daenerys... The strength pump game started by Core Balon continues. You can even try Tyrell Kraken and pump opposing characters with Margaery or Renly’s Pavilion.
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
When attacking alone opponents have to put at least 2 characters into the challenge to successfully defend - we aren’t even talking printed strength here. Very efficient for sure, but for 1 more Core Theon can give you some power, albeit with the risk of Ward and ally hate. Since neither is too prevalent in the meta I’ll stick with the core one. The other consideration is that Greyjoy often like to get a few other characters into challenges at any rate to claim renown. Night’s Watch will hate this Theon, but core Theon is generally better.
Corsair’s Dirk (2.0 Average)
Barnie25- 2 out of 5
With Targ burn becoming stronger, I feel like the value of in-house strength is rising. This might not be interesting for many lists but some might want to run this, especially core Balon lists.
kidohearts- 2 out of 5
This maybe could be a 3, but I think the only build that jumps out to me is GJ Winter and slap this on FishWhiskers and you can get a one man “win by 5â€. I just don’t think it makes the cut otherwise.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
Unanimous opinion is “OK, fineâ€. For a positive attachment it actually looks playable for once, albeit unexciting.
scantrell24 - 2 out of 5
Meh. Greyjoy already has Iron Fleet Scout for strength buffs, and challenge phase gold stealing is pretty niche. The number of Ironborn characters is also surprisingly low.
Von Wibble - 1 out of 5
I have to admit I misread this at first, thinking it was a somewhat saltier title! To be honest I can’t see how this will make play in most decks - Throwing Axe seems stronger to me and that hasn’t seen much play. In a weapon ambushing deck, most likely Stark banner of the Kraken, maybe. In any other deck, no.
Grey Worm (4.2 Average)
Barnie25- 4 out of 5
This card is the real deal, finally the burn deck is coming together. This card will be a menace and a pain in the ass, no attachments keyword makes him a true wrecking ball that can’t be craven’d or Milked, yes please. But without renown he still gets a 4 I'd say.
kidohearts- 5 out of 5
I think he is very good and is really building the Burn package. I’m just curious who puts a defender of quality into a challenge. Which is a good thing for Targ as then they may be getting UO and knowing they need someone of 4 STR or higher. I think he dictates a lot in a challenge, maybe more than any other character. This will bring back 3x Illyrio. Loyal for fealty, can be used with Great Hall, much to like. He will be in every Targ deck, burn or not until he cycles out.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
The Finns are a bit more down on this one, with JC playing the optimist. The effect is solid, but is it worth 6 gold, particularly given the plot in this pack? That said, the “no attachments except weapon†line gives this a reasonable amount of bite in the current meta, and 5 STR bicons are rarely bad...
scantrell24 - 5 out of 5
Stupid good. Burn has officially reached a saturation point that cannot be ignored. Many players will debate whether to play the frontrunner, Targ, for Regionals, or counter with Tyrell or Lanni.
Von Wibble - 4 out of 5
If you assume the ability isn’t burning a character to 0 strength and killing them or granting unopposed power, you still sort of get 8 strength in mil or int for 6 cost, which is a decent rate of efficiency with a good chance to win challenges by 5 or more. Throw in the fact that you will scare opponents into not defending with big guys and you have a very good character for the price. The lack of power icon is the only thing that makes this guy lose out really.
Astapor (4.4 Average)
Barnie25- 4 out of 5
This card has some negative elements working against it, it is very very fragile being able to be shipwrighted, to be NML’ed, Lay Siege, but the impact and upside of the card is so high that you will probably just accept that. Making and winning challenges against Targ is becoming very, very difficult, this card will rock the meta.
kidohearts- 5 out of 5
Targ wins, targ wins. Targ has been excelling up the winning boards of late and these 2 cards in the pack are amazing for their current builds. It will be a 3x, which might also bring a rise to the Drowned Gods as they have easy answers for it. There is also an answer in this pack which might become a thing as there are very good contested locations. I was tempted with this and GW to give 4’s just on the fact that they don’t kill the characters, and I believe there are only 2 (Drac and Blood) that give the finishing blow, but being able to manipulate challenges in a way Tyrell and NW can do, put me over the top (and they aren’t “no attachmentsâ€).
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
We want to rate this higher, because it has the potential to push burn over the top. The problem comes from that highly-playable card from later in the pack that hoses this. The potential to lose a 5 gold investment to a 1 gold neutral event with no trigger condition… (Plus the usual suspects like Frozen Solid and Newly-Made Lord, of course!)
scantrell24 - 5 out of 5
Stupid good again. Obviously if you have the gold to spare, pump this baby up all the way, but even at 2 bestow gold it’s a good value. I think I’ll play Targ for Regionals.
Von Wibble - 5 out of 5
Even if it is visible, the effects this has on challenge maths are huge, even before the applications to burn are considered. It’s a big tempo hit, but even at bestow 2 you are putting almost every character into Dracarys! range. The best art in a pack that has some very nice cards for art. Nasty card to face for sure, thankfully there are answers, one of which is coming later in this pack...
Maester of Sunspear (3.2 Average)
Barnie25- 3 out of 5
Boring, non unique Maester with an ability. I don’t see this card making waves.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
I think this guy is pretty solid. There are many attachments that he will want to target. Works on both offense and defense. Martell is beginning to gain ways of giving icons so he could be in different challenges. I like it, some nice control.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 4 out of 5
Very respectable ability given the cost. We like the slow creep of Maester synergy too. A card that either wins you intrigue every round or keeps Milks off your Nymeria, Bodyguards off their key character before the Valar, and the like.
scantrell24 - 3 out of 5
It’s about time for more attachment control, but you have to chump block the challenge just to trigger it (or lose on attack, but that’s not reliable). He’s a Maester though!
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
Martell need options at the 2 cost slot, and another Maester makes for a decent seed card for when we get the agenda. His ability isn’t bad either, some combo play with the Princes Plans can ensure you lose the right type of challenge with him and we know how much of a problem Milk can be for Nymeria, Arianne, and Doran. Removing it even for just 1 challenge (and maybe more permanently with intrigue claim or Vipers Eyes) could be game changing.
Dornish Fiefdoms (4.8 Average)
Barnie25- 5 out of 5
This card empowers Martell to finally become relevant again (maybe??). Many high initiative plots have low gold, if you want to win initiative you probably can and this card rewards you for it. If you only get a single gold for it? Thats still fine, econ is econ.
kidohearts- 4 out of 5
Again, you don’t have total control over getting the extra gold, but still what each house needs. It gives more control than the NW one, but how many high initiative plots do you use in Martell and what number will the sweet spot be. All this in house economy and Guild Hall are pushing big guys back, and I wonder if lots of econ will turn out to be good or bad for the game.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 5 out of 5
The easy part is giving this a 5 - it’s the best of the 2-cost econ locations so far - but the harder part is gauging how much impact it will have on the faction. Is it the missing piece to make some of those expensive cards like Starfall Cavalry or Venomous Blade more playable? Is it a supplementary card that allows the plot decks to reduce their gold and play more effect-based plot lines? Is it just some neat efficiency that doesn’t change decks but just makes them better?
scantrell24 - 5 out of 5
Amazing. Martell’s “go second†theme loves having Retaliation back in the card pool, but they still need some better high-end characters worth marshaling with this extra gold. Until then, not much else matters.
Von Wibble - 5 out of 5
Martell need economy for sure, and we know the effect this has had for Targ already. I have found that the Doran deck is very effective once the pieces are out but getting to that stage can take too much time. Martell have plenty of good plots with high initiative available, most notably Retaliation, so getting the 2 gold shouldn’t be too difficult. Oh, yeah - I like the art on this one too.
Frey Lordling (2.6 Average)
Barnie25- 2 out of 5
I dont know how much of an impact this card will have, it is surely good to see more neutral support for crossing lists but I feel that without much help from other Frey related cards this might be a dud.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
I like how they are sticking to the 3rd challenge theme. Wildlings for winter and Freys for Crossing. He doesn’t have to be in the challenge so by 3rd challenge in Crossing he’s a 3 cost 7 str character. I like it.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 2 out of 5
Frey not particularly excite-ling. Istaril likes him, because of the Frey trait mostly. The rest of us are bored and unimpressed in equal measure.
scantrell24 - 3 out of 5
If you thought remembering Tyrion triggers was difficult, get a load of this guy.
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
A vanilla card in general with decent traits and a solid enough ability. He will help flesh out the Frey theme in general, and I don’t necessarily see him as Crossing decks only, though he is better there. Note Tinder Margaery can’t interact with him as he isn’t unique.
The Twins (3.2 Average)
Barnie25- 3 out of 5
Claim raise is always dangerous but then again at this point we don’t have many Frey characters to trigger it, for now at least. When we get more Frey’s this card might become a staple in the Frey Crossing list.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
Again just another solid Crossing card. Your Freys are not only pumped up with some renown, they can now raise the claim. This looks like a fun theme, and you don’t need to play Crossing for it to be good. Aggressive builds will like this as well.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 3 out of 5
Istaril again likes it more than the rest of us, with JC playing pessimist. We think it’s strong in principle; the disagreement comes over whether the deck it’s good in exists yet, will exist, or can exist. Don’t sleep on repeated claim raise.
scantrell24 - 4 out of 5
I love claim raising, and these conditions aren’t that difficult to meet. A deck with Core Cersei, Sunspear, etc. should be able to consistently threaten 3 claim challenges every round. Also, beautiful artwork reminiscent of 1st edition’s Harrenhal.
Von Wibble - 3 out of 5
Unlike the Lordling I do see this as a Crossing card. Claim raise is always powerful, and this one provides a bit more flexibility than the only other location that does this (Sunspear). However, this is a terrible card if you have a weaker board, particularly if you have limited icon spread through lack of characters or facing control.
Lay Siege (4.0 Average)
Barnie25- 5 out of 5
I was bullish on Nightmares and have to admit my defeat in that debate. This card does many of the same things that Nightmares does, like preventing the Wall from triggering or not letting someone draw cards from the Red Keep. But Astapor and Harrenhal being contested make this card extremely potent and going forward locations can be pushed when accompanied by the contested trait.
kidohearts- 3 out of 5
This could be a 4. I like it in GJ and in a choke build. But there are 3 big (2 may be the biggest) Contested locations right now that see a lot of play and discarded those would be great, or just kneeling a Ghaston or Pavilion, etc…. Course this could also be a 2 as will it be as good in practice. Nightmares probably takes this spot, but there may be room for 2x.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 5 out of 5
We’re somewhat unhappy to see yet another strong neutral event. The homogenisation across factions of one of the tightest card-types to find space for marches on! Make no mistake though, this is exceptionally strong. The tempo play of kneeling a key location should not be underestimated, and the Contested kicker is just nasty. With a couple of exceptions, almost all Contested locations are big, expensive and impactful, and drawing your Lay Siege at the right time could be the difference between winning and losing. It won’t replace Nightmares, but it sure will complement it.
scantrell24 - 3 out of 5
Nightmares will almost always be preferable (until it rotates). But at this point, I’m so tired of Lanni’s Harrenhal that I welcome Lay Siege into our card pool with open arms.
VonWibble - 4 out of 5
If you aren’t playing Stark or Greyjoy this is strong location control that should be seriously considered in any deck. A lot of the strongest locations are contested, most notably both Harrenhals and Astapor, but hitting a Tourney Grounds could be good enough given the general push events are getting of late. Even if you don’t target a contested location it’s worth it for the kneel alone in many cases - Ghaston Gray for example. More good art.
Duel (4.2 Average)
Barnie25- 4 out of 5
I really wanted to give this card a 5 but I think this card only fits into a few type of decks. But the fact that this card exists does empower does decks and pushes them towards the forefront of the meta. Duel and Great Hall are two of the most polarizing cards in the game as one pushes big guy dominance and the other punishes big guy dominance. If you really want to have one big survive it is imperative that you have some other big guy to ritually sacrifice to Duel. For the deck that want to run Duel, this card provides tremendous tempo advantage. This card will have a profound impact on the meta.
kidohearts- 5 out of 5
Man, I really don’t know how to score this. I feel like with all the econ push, people will be playing bigs, but then this says “No Bigs for Youâ€, so will that make bigs disappear, which will drive this away and then bring back the bigs, lol. I love the “can’t be saved†and I have to imagine it is always going to hit an impactful character, so in that regard, maybe it’s much better than I first thought. I think if 75% or more decks have 2 6 cost or higher characters, then this card is bonkers good. It does have a condition, but you don’t have to draw it, set it up or anything, just sit back and wait, I know some factions who can do that. You neutralize one for a turn and finish the other. No wonder it’s “plot deck limit 1â€. Well done Darknoj. Now from what I understand there is usually back and forth with the design so I wonder what this once was before testing and such, lol.
The Quill & Tankard Curmudgeons - 4 out of 5
The combination of tempo hit and removal here really is incredibly potent - though, of course, its potency is matched only by its inconsistency. We expect this to change deckbuilding more than actual games - Martell and Night’s Watch players won’t care if you reveal this against them, but without adapting, Stark and Lannister players will be crying into their cups. Once the game has shifted, does this continue to see play? We’re not sure, but either way we think the impact will be felt.
scantrell24 - 4 out of 5
A tricky plot that requires building specifically for it. I actually don’t think Duel will see much play, but it will be very effective in a few decks.
Von Wibble - 4 out of 5
There are decks around that have a cost curve maxed out at 5, or could easily adapt to do so, Baratheon, Night’s Watch and Martell for example. This plot naturally fits into such decks. Otherwise I’d not bother including it but would allow for it in the meta - this can turn games round for sure.
Total Pack Average: 3.27
Top Cards:
Dornish Fiefdoms 4.8
Astapor 4.4
Underground Vault. 4.2
Grey Worm 4.2
Duel 4.2
Bottom Cards:
Roaming Wolfpack 1.8
Silver Hair Net 1.8
Corsair’s Dirk 2.0
If you're hungry more content, check out the list of podcasts, articles, game video and more in the Community FAQ. Let us know in the comments how you feel about the cards in this box, and we’ll see you again soon to discuss the next pack, The Red Wedding!
- LorasTyrell and sdrewthomson like this
9 Comments
My 2 cents:
- I think Dornish Fiefdoms is slightly overrated for one simple fact: you'll lose initiative on a Valar turn, when you need your gold most
- Reviews for The North Remembers really surprised me, I actually think it has a lot of potential, though I do not really have any element to support my thesis. I just like the fact that you can remove a character or location on the board and you don't even need to have a condition to trigger it a part from gold
- The Martell maester is probably even worse than some reviewers wrote: it has a very nice ability, but his trigger condition is not so easy to get, since you have to lose the challenge rather then winning it (of course is a Martell theme, but meh) and you only one icon to achieve it (unless you want to use your prince's plan to give him an icon, but also boosting him making it even harder to lose the challenge); also, his str/icon spread/cost ratio is really bad
As always, thanks for the great review!
Keep in mind that it will still generate 1 Gold which is on-par with a Roseroad. Having already taken the tempo hit to play it during a different turn, the higher cost compared to Roseroad really doesn't matter. The fact is, worst case scenario, this location pays for itself over 2 turns - the one you played it on and the next. Realistically though, this location will usually already net you +1 Gold on the turn after playing it simply because you very rarely go first two rounds in a row as Martell.
Anyway, my 2 cents - I'll add the score I was "expecting" just for clarity:
-The North Remembers - overrated (by Q&T) - 2 - Gimmicky add to a bad archetype (sacrifice)
-Elinor - slightly underrated - 4 - Unique Lady with upside in Tyrell
-Recruiter - slightly underrated - 4 - Vedalken Shackles in AGoT
-Flea Bottom Bastard - slightly underrated - 3 - Good trait, ok-costed body (would be 2 STR if the text box was blank) and upside for Bara's main archetype
-Cersei's Attendant - slightly overrated - 2 - Ok cost/STR & effect, but INT Monocon is the worst possible combo in Lanni
-Fever Dreams - very overrated - 2 - High investment, potential "play arounds" and attachment cardtype
-Corsair's Dirk - overrated (mainly by Q&T) - 1 - Mostly useless effect, unexciting STR boost, attachment cardtype -> Pure garbage
-Maester of Sunspear - overrated - 2 - Monocon with a "build around" effect in "House Chud" when there are still few Maester synergies -> No thanks
Just a reminder, most of my over/under-rated comments are based on the average score of the card. Obviously, if you rated it the same as me then they don't apply to you.
Silver Hair Net is solid.
IMHO...I think Theon has been grosely under-rated.
He is gonna be a massive pain in the arse to play against, he is a body with an already printed 'mare in heat' text box.
And only at 3 cost! Yes he is susceptible to burn and ward, but he is again 3 cost, with 2 positive traits!
He is easy to play with and a nightmare to play against forcing you to kneel out your chuds to defend against him allowing the possibility of another unopposed challenged type going off.
In small boards he is brutal, 1 0n 1 (if first player, likely in GJ) he takes down the mountain.
In time I think he will join the echelons of Arya and Aemon as best 3 coster in game.
I don't think anybody doing the reviews has looked ahead to some of the leaked cards coming, particularly for House Frey. With the already-released Black Walder, it's like FFG wants you to build a Frey-focused Greyjoy-Crossing deck, and I will happily oblige.
I can already see the dream scenario: Greyjoy-Crossing, he attacks MIL first, opp only has reducers, so it goes unopposed, and then you use your Seastone Chair on your opponent's bomb... *drool*
Don't forget to follow that up with core Balon on your third challenge.
Will Lay Siege be played at all? You all said it: Nightmares is almost always better (except against Contested locations and the Table). It's even better against many big locations like the Wall, Arbor, Winterfell, Red Keep, or Great Kraken. And the versatility of Nightmares to hit big characters is just huge and can swing games. I don't see anybody cutting Nightmares for this card. This will only see play if you'd like to run more than 3x Nightmares, but doesn't want Milk for some reason.
Astapor is a 5/5 period. The existence of Lay Siege says so. My testing says so :-P