Note: Some cards in flux. Current as of 8/4/11 9:47 am
So we all know of them. Some people swear by them, some think they are a waste. Here we will discuss the benefits of adding 1cc Allies to your decks and the problems they might cause you as well as your opponent.
First, let's go through them in no particular order:
Fire Snake- Shadow - 1/2
Spark
Kristoffer Wyld
Brigitte Skullborn - Human - 0/2 "Protector"
Hellsteed
To pregame this discussion, I am of the belief that this game is SEVERELY lacking 1cc and 2cc allies. An ally like Hellsteed
Now, because of this apparent lack of options early, going first gets blamed again. I disagree. I think going first even with the first strike mechanic is fine. If this game were to beef up it's 1cc and 2cc haste and to a lesser extent "defender" ranks, you'd see much more balance and cards could be judged more fairly. As it stands, hellsteed is probably getting nerfed (I agree it shouldn't stack, but the card itself is fine). Hopefully something is done with Skullborn as well because protector has no place on turn 1 with no real option to deal with it before his friends follow. This essentially solidifies first turn advantage for the human player against shadow an extra turn. Not good for the game.
Ok, time for the meat and potatoes: The benefits and downsides of "weenies" and why you should add them. The benefits are obvious, you get board control or you can fight for it much earlier. You can also use that last bit of floating resources on mid turns. The downside is that late game, they are dead drops and some allies are so weak, you can't even play them going second vs most decks. You have to take a look at your deck and decide if you can outweigh the late game burden with the positives of early control. Decks with above average draw capabilities should have no problem cycling through late weenies.
Why should you add them? Damage and support. No one looks at a fire snake and says "Wow! 3-4 damage before it dies!" but they should. Weenies have the ability to add substantial damage when ignored and can team up with fat allies to keep damage off them by attacking first or tack on damage to lightning strike type cards.
Weenies can also benefit your curve nicely by giving you filler for turn 1 and beyond. Casting a belladonna on turn 5 after a portal? Hellsteed
Now, what weenies to choose? Fire Snake
Should I run Kristoffer Wyld
Should I run more weenies now that everyone else is running weenies? Which are best for defense? Offense? What do I have to cut to add 4 hellsteeds? Do i need bloodlust now because hellsteed is a zero attack and humans have a new way to cripple allies? These are questions that you can only answer on a deck by deck basis. Playtesting and the hivemind (these forums) will help you make these decisions. You're not alone!
In a 30 card format choosing fragile weenies over the usual "4 of" beast cards can be a hard pill to swallow but if you make the hard choices now, you'll be making steps to be a finely tuned machine the next time you step onto the field of battle. Happy deck building.
Originally Posted by Glynn
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