{% extends "archetypes/_layout.html" %} {% import "archetypes/_layout-erratum.html" as erratum with context %} {% import "archetypes/cats.json" as deck_json %} {% block meta %} {% endblock %} {% block archetype_name %}
This is an Ahrimanes wall deck using group 4 Ahrimanes. Depending on the build, it can be a pure wall or more of a toolbox. The core concept is to use the rather classical {{ ani }} Intercept/Combat combination — {{ raven_spy }}, {{ cats_guidance }}, {{ aid_from_bats }} and {{ carrion_crows }} — combined with {{ spi }} intercept and combat enhancers: {{ falcons_eye }}, {{ speak_with_spirits }}, {{ ears_of_the_hare }} and {{ swiftness_of_the_stag }}.
This is a slow play, slowing down the prey and predator and bloating a bit with Master cards, all the while bleeding when possible with {{ deep_song }} and dealing additional pool damage with {{ fame }} and {{ dragonbound }}.
As Ahrimanes are Sabbat, they have access to {{ abbot }}, an excellent intercept enhancer. Having {{ spi }} for intercept allows to drop the classical {{ raven_spy }} completely, although most builds of this archetype still include it, sometimes along {{ muricias_call }} and some other animal retainers.
{{ spi }} also provides {{ engling_fury }}, an excellent blood regeneration tool which, along {{ taste_of_vitae }}, helps the Master {{ leeching }} bloat module.
The {{ ani }} combat module always includes some cards against weapon modules to be able to handle some {{ ivory_bow }}, {{ magnum }} or {{ sniper_rifle }} on the opponent side. To this effect and depending on the context, {{ drawing_out_the_beast }}, {{ canine_horde }} or {{ terror_frenzy }} can be used.
If allies are expected, {{ vultures_buffet }} can be preferred to {{ engling_fury }} and {{ entrancement }} can be added to the mix.
Randal Rudstam was kind enough to provide the following insights:
Getting into the three player endgame is more of a priority than getting the first or second oust.
A third way to play them is to go Anarch, remove {{ abbot }} for some {{ anarch_revolt }} and access to {{ field_training }}.
The main variant is a wall construct as given in example. Some may include {{ pre }} cards to help on the bleeding side, like {{ legal_manipulations }} and {{ aire_of_elation }}. {{ underbridge_stray }} is also a common inclusion, as well as {{ smiling_jack_the_anarch }}. {{ yoann_guyaders_deck }} from the 2013 French NC is a an exemple.
The Howler variant is less frequent, it is a group 2 build using {{ howler }} and {{ the_siamese }}. Group 2 vampires are a bit more expensive and do miss a bit of superior {{ ANI }}, so it makes including some {{ animalism }} quite necessary. On the other hand, the slightly bigger capacity allows for the use of {{ sense_the_savage_way }} to increase intercept capabilities, and {{ PRE }} is more present and allows for a more aggressive bleed module. {{ stephen_sings_deck }} from the 2011 Asian Continental Championship is an example of this approach.
{% endtrans %} {% endblock %} {% block errata %}