{% 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 i Intercept/Combat combination — {{ card("Raven Spy") }}, {{ card("Cat's Guidance") }}, {{ card("Aid From Bats") }} and {{ card("Carrion Crows") }} — combined with z intercept and combat enhancers: {{ card("Falcon's Eye") }}, {{ card("Speak with Spirits") }}, {{ card("Ears of the Hare") }} and {{ card("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 {{ card("Deep Song") }} and dealing additional pool damage with {{ card("Fame") }} and {{ card("Dragonbound") }}.
As Ahrimanes are Sabbat, they have access to {{ card("Abbot") }}, an excellent intercept enhancer. Having z for intercept allows to drop the classical {{ card("Raven Spy") }} completely, although most builds of this archetype still include it, sometimes along {{ card("Muricia's Call") }} and some other animal retainers.
z also provides {{ card("Engling Fury") }}, an excellent blood regeneration tool which, along {{ card("Taste of Vitae") }}, helps the Master {{ link("/strategy/bloat", _("leeching"), _anchor="leeching") }} bloat module.
The i combat module always includes some cards against weapon modules to be able to handle some {{ card("Ivory Bow") }}, {{ card(".44 Magnum") }} or {{ card("Sniper Rifle") }} on the opponent side. To this effect and depending on the context, {{ card("Drawing Out the Beast") }}, {{ card("Canine Horde") }} or {{ card("Terror Frenzy") }} can be used.
If allies are expected, {{ card("Vulture's Buffet") }} can be preferred to {{ card("Engling Fury") }} and {{ card("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 {{ card("Abbot") }} for some {{ card("Anarch Revolt") }}s and access to {{ card("Field Training") }}.
The main variant is a wall construct as given in example. Some may include r cards to help on the bleeding side, like {{ card("Legal Manipulations") }} and {{ card("Aire of Elation") }}. {{ card("Underbridge Stray") }} is also a common inclusion, as well as {{ card("Smiling Jack, The Anarch") }}. {{ link("/deck-search", _("Yoann Guyader's deck"), twda_id="2013fnpf") }} from the 2013 French NC is a an exemple.
The Howler variant is less frequent, it is a group 2 build using {{ card("Howler") }} and {{ card("The Siamese") }}. Group 2 vampires are a bit more expensive and do miss a bit of superior I, so it makes including some {{ card("Animalism") }} quite necessary. On the other hand, the slightly bigger capacity allows for the use of {{ card("Sense the Savage Way") }} to increase intercept capabilities, and R is more present and allows for a more aggressive bleed module. {{ link("/deck-search", _("Stephen Sing's deck"), twda_id="2011asiancc") }} from the 2011 Asian Continental Championship is an example of this approach.
{% endblock %} {% block errata %}