Custom Palette Review - From the Dregs of the Abyss
Hello realmrunners, it’s time to finally take a dive into my first custom Palette from The Monsters of Norso!
I thought I’d start with the one that is quickly proving to be the one I’m most looking forward to thoroughly testing out. Although it is definitely one that’s mainly Achrom-leaning it has the potential to throw in some surprising Chroma wins in some situations. So let’s jump right in; here’s the full list.
The main idea of the Palette is to try and gradually set up a growing Resolve, mainly utilising steal, with cards that can all take the drain from The Abyss. Whilst this is happening there’s a fair amount of Find and a but of extra Trade abilities that thin out what's left to try and get to Detestatio, the Chimera specifically as this turns very much into a-board-in-a-can when you have out The Abyss and Cerberus is in your Dregs. So let’s get into the details on each card.
The Abyss - An incredibly powerful new Legendary Location - the drain this card can cause is sure to make it a winning card, just be careful when you play it as it will be a big target for removal.
Detestatio, the Chimera - It's no secret this is my favourite new Rare, and with good reason. The ability to bring back any Character, even only temporarily, can really ramp up your Resolve abilities. It's worth noting that if its ability is triggered on an opponent's turn the Character it revives doesn't get Erased until the end of your turn.
Gunnar of Brisgavi - A lot of cards in here have Achrom shards on them so the drain side of his Resolve can really mount up. There's a few cyan coloured ones too to get some gain off of him although this won't be as effective.
Cerberus - This, in conjunction with The Abyss and Detestatio, the Chimera allows you to double-Dig for a Character every turn while also pinging down smaller Characters.
Gorgon Guide - Arguably the strongest Uncommon released so far; Rebound a card, which can include itself, to Find any location you want?! What's not to get out of this?
Magnus of Lacringi - Repeatable Dig ability Character that Detestatio, the Chimera can Dig itself so it enables the use of Characters as Trade fodder when needed.
The Crescendo - High value Character with a decent drain stapled on. Its Vengeance ability also has some application as it has the ability to take out Characters of up to 6 Shard Value when used in conjunction with The Abyss.
Astar’s Domain - Allows you to get further benefits from having The Abyss on the Canvas; you can either draw a big chunk of cards or double down on how many shards you're taking off your opponent.
Brisgavi Falls - With a combination of ways to Find any Location plus having access to a fair amount of Rebound this card becomes a repeatable way to Dig your Characters that has a strong resolve for its cost. The latter ability of it, in this build, is pretty much irrelevant outside of a couple of Locations.
Alliance Headquarters - A good valued Location that grabs a couple of different Actions depending on the situation, otherwise it's a good option to Trade.
Brisgavi Cave Dwelling / Lacringi Cliff Dwelling - Locations to help Find relevant Characters whilst also able to survive the drain from The Abyss.
Hunting Ground - Although this Location won't survive The Abyss, I felt it was a necessary addition as it gives you another way to trigger Detestatio, the Chimera or, if it comes to it, draw cards off of Astar's Domain.
The Elder’s Hut - It survives The Abyss while stealing shards and gives more access to Rebound so fit well.
The Monsters of Norso / The Warriors of Wishwell - Similar to above - they're great value cards that tick a lot of boxes so made sense to fit them in.
Fishing Dock - Allows you to cycle through more cards off the top of your Palette to reach the key pieces. You don't generally mind Trading all your Characters as you have several options to Dig them back. A lot of the cards in this Palette have a Shard Value of at least 4 so this card should regularly pay for itself the same turn it goes down.
Lacringi Way / Strike of Justice - Couple of control options; the former can be searched off of Alliance Headquarters despite being more conditional than the latter.
Tufter’s Companionship - Searchable off of Alliance Headquarters, this card allows you to deploy cards like Detestatio, the Chimera, Gorgon Guide and The Crescendo for only a single shard, possibly more if you have some on your Canvas already. With all the access to Dig you have I felt it was still worth doubling up on this card despite the lesser number of options to deploy with it.
Some other cards you could include are the following;
Astar, the Minotaur - Although it would replace The Abyss if you played this Character, triggering its Vengeance ability a couple of times a turn allows you to wipe out a lot of cards that are commonly used. He's also a Creature so can be deployed with Tufter's Companionship for super cheap.
Athen - A strong Character with a couple of benefits; the fact it has Guard means that, when Detestatio, the Chimera Digs it out, it won't be Erased at the end of the turn; also its ability allows you to damage cards for just a single shard.
The Abandoned Axe - High value Object that has a decent steal resolve attached while also being able to trigger your Vengeance abilities as well as possibly even damage opponent's cards as well.
Corrupted Diamant Troll - Gives you further card draw, I chose not to run it due to most cards draining 2 shards so it wouldn't survive.
Aqueduct of the Abyss - Adds to your Characters' Shard Values, during your turn only, so they can take bigger hits.
That's all from me for now guys - if you want to pick up any of the Achroma product currently available on the Five Realms website, don't forget to use the code ACHROMACRAIG10 when you checkout for 10% off your purchase! Also don’t forget to grab yourself the new set, The Monsters of Norso, to get your hands on all of these new cards!
See ya real soon folks!
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