Just now I noticed yet another suggestion for a new card to deal with some other threat in VEKN. This time it was a political action to deal with allies. Let's see what we were suggested:
Name: Trust no One
Cardtype: Political Action
Successful referendum means each Methuselah burns 2 pool for each ally he or she controls.
It is like a mix of Kindred Segregation (each ally is burned unless their owner repays their pool costs) and Anarchist Uprising (each metuselah burns a pool for each minion they control), out of which Anarchist Uprising already hurts ally decks loads. In a conventional ally deck you would most likely see one or two support allies (like Vagabond Mystic or Mylan Horseed) and from two to five main allies to do combat or bleed, supporting about three vampires. That's around six minions already, and at least later in the game suddenly losing six pool to a vote hurts. Rather a lot. In fact I lost a face-off this year in Ropecon to Ventrue princes with my Baron's Zombie Sickness, mainly because of that card. I could have taken a Parity Shift, but Anarchist Uprising (nine pool damage if I remember correctly) was a tad too much.
The most feared allies around seem to be Ossian, War Ghouls, Nephandi and Shambling Hordes. All of them for a reason, to be sure, but when we take a look at how Kindred Segregation deals with them we should see that there is really little need for a new anti-ally vote. A Nephandus deck aims to bring out three or four nephandi in addition to the vampires. If you want to keep them after Kindred Segregation you'll have to pay up six or eight pool. Once again quite a handful. The same goes for War Ghouls and their hefty cost of four pool. Kindred Segregation will not deal as much pool damage as Trust No One potentially would, but it does offer others the choice of burning their allies, or paying for them. This adds to the verstaility of VtES, which in my opinion is one of its credits. You won't just instantly and surprisingly kill off people, like you probably would in Magic the Gathering. Instead in Vampire you should be given options, and often plenty of them, of which the best (or the least horrible) one should be chosen.
It is true that Kindred Segregation will not affect Shambling Hordes or Reanimated Corpses, or other blood cost based allies, but then again Anarchist Uprising does - that is, IF we really need to turn to votes for anti ally techs. The obvious deals put aside, in which Entrancement, Far Mastery and Restructure are prime examples, how should we then learn to deal with combat allies? Arguably Nephandi can be included here.
Combat is obviously a choice, but it is hardly used in tournament decks these days. If allies feel problematic, however, most disciplines should have something to deal with them that could be used against vampires as well. Celerity and guns work wonders, obviously. Guns without Celerity should be alright as defence also. Guns cost pool to be fair, and against stealth and bleed, stealth and vote, or stealth and whatever the tournament decks throw at you just plain gun combat will not do you much good. Guns should be easy to discard, though. Viscissitude has Horrid Forms, Potence should be rather clear, Thaumaturgy has plenty of techs in combat, as does Animalism, and many disciplines have Strike: Combat Ends. Those should be included in most tournament decks anyways, at least in small amounts.
The main argument against this will most likely be that tournaments do not favour combat techs these days. If an odd ally deck happens to put decent pressure on an average tournament deck tells something about the tournament scene as is, and that hardly warrants for extra techs to deal with them - especially outside combat, if there is already a decent tech to deal with them! Allies are very fragile, even those Neppers, and once they're dead, they're dead. Even if I saw an ally deck actually winning a major tournament I would cheer more to something new than an old and dusty Kiasyd. Asking for extra defense (or, as in this case, offense) against allies is hardly warranted, and easily is interpreted as a wishlist - against something that really is not much of a threat in the first place, to be sure!
There are already votes to deal with allies. Even if votes are not your cup of tea, try beating them to ground for once. It's not like they're going to come back. A combat card or two should not wreck your bleed deck's synergy that bad. And, if you ask me, if it does, then you're just asking for it. Going a wee bit toolboxy will not hurt anyone, at least in the grander scheme of the game.
As for ideas for new cards: really think through if the game really lacks something. It is far easier to invent clan spesific cards, or vampires and balance them.
Best Accounting Software in Dubai is a cutting-edge financial management solution that helps businesses in the UAE simplify their accounting, accelerate growth, and stay ahead in a competitive market. With its advanced analytics and AI-powered insights, it enables businesses to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and optimize financial performance. By providing a single platform for all financial processes, it enhances productivity, reduces errors, and ensures compliance with local regulations.
ReplyDeleteWhen car troubles strike, the Best Roadside Assistance Service Providers In Dubai, UAE are just a call away, offering prompt and professional help to get you back on the road. PitStopArabia provides 24/7 services, including battery installation and recharging, tire installation, collision recovery, and vehicle refueling. TRAC offers towing, pull-out, and locked-out services, while Arabian Automobile Association (AAA) provides emergency roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with a large fleet of multiple car carriers, single recoveries, mobile workshops, and motorbikes. Motoring Club and TRT Recovery UAE also offer comprehensive roadside assistance services, including refuelling and lock out services.
ReplyDeletecontinental tyres in Dubai offer top-tier performance, safety, and reliability, catering to the diverse driving conditions of the UAE. Renowned for their advanced technology and superior quality, these tyres ensure excellent grip, durability, and fuel efficiency, making them a popular choice among Dubai's motorists.
ReplyDeletef you're looking to find the Best Apple Laptop Price in Pakistan, Wajahat Traders is widely regarded as the top dealer in the country. Renowned for their extensive selection of the latest MacBook models, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service, Wajahat Traders has established itself as a trusted source for all your Apple computing needs.
ReplyDeleteDubai's commercial interior design firms excel in creating dynamic and engaging work environments, blending cutting-edge design with practical solutions to meet diverse business requirements.
ReplyDeleteDiscover the best Nexen tyre price in UAE at authorized dealers with guaranteed quality.
ReplyDelete