The second of my three MOTL Tour stops was at Three J’s. 

This store has been around since before TCGs were first created.  It had a nice play space and ample room for our event.  Several people from the first stop showed up, but most of the players were unique to this event. 

My Deck:

Hero: Crusader Michael Goodchilde

Allies
Jav Stonewall
Routeen
Quigley Slipshade
Zandar Shadesprocket
2 Durae Crystalshield
Miner Steelwhiskers
Angelista
Xanata the Lightsworn
Zaistor the Vigilant
Kiki Sparkbottom
Alhas
Orderkeeper Vesra
Orderkeeper Calister
Bulvai of the Watch
Givon
Narthadus

Abilities
Flash of Light
Blessed Protector
Aura of Fanaticism

Equipment
Doomplate Chestguard
Fanblade Pauldrons
Platinum Shield of the Valorous
Doomplate Warhelm

Quests
The Name of the Beast
Wanted: Durn the Hungerer
Survey the Land
The Spirit Polluted
Information Gathering
Hellfire Fortifications
Meeting with the Master

I wasn’t quite sure what to do with my cardpool.  I saw those beefy armor numbers and was drawn to the choice between either Warrior or Paladin.  Sadly, I didn’t get any weapons, and I didn’t get any notable Warrior abilities.  Aura of Fanaticism caught my eye, though, and I thought it would be interesting to try out.  Static attack bonuses for heroes seem good, as long as I can keep my -1 health allies alive.  My ally pool was a bit troublesome.  I didn’t see as many standouts as I did last event. 

On to the games!

Round 1 – Giang Vu (Hekto)

Giang played WOW TCG during Heroes of Azeroth and Dark Portal times, but has just picked it back up again.  I was anxious to see how my deck would perform.  I awaited to see if I picked the best strategy…

Notes from the game:

* I got out two early armors (Fanblade Pauldrons & Doomplate Chestguard) which caused a slow start to the game. 
* Giang played the ultimate counter to my armor heavy deck – Gauntlets of the Skullsplitter.  I had to read this card several times to figure out just how badly this hurt me.  It plagued me the entire game.  My only equipment disruption was Angelista who bounced the Gauntlets a few times, but I could never get rid of it entirely.
* He played a Silea that scared me due to my armor heavy field, but never played an ability.  Whew!
* I played Aura of Fanaticism, which allowed my hero to attack for several turns.  This made my attacks trickier due to the decreased health of my allies.  Eventually, though, I played a steady stream of allies and took over the board.
* We were the last game to finish, and I squeaked out the win with about one minute remaining.  Very close game!

Result: Win

Round 2 – Dustin Riley (Kilzin of the Darkspear)

Dustin and I had a really good game.  In the end, I made quite a few play errors that probably cost me the game. 

Notes from the game:
• I got out three armor quickly that minimized any early damage.
• Dustin played Stoneclaw Totem to slow my guys down.
• Dustin played Hungering Bone Cudgel and got one good swing in with it.  The next turn, however, I was prepared for it and saved enough armor back to prevent it from dealing any damage (thus being destroyed).
• I got out Aura of Fanaticism, but it wasn’t enough.  He had some big allies, including two big Scryers that sabotaged equipment. 
• Time was called and we played our extra turns out.  In an act of sheer stupidity, I ran Zandar Shadesprocket into a 7 attack ally, forgetting his drawback text.  I ended up losing the game on damage by 2 or 3. 

Result: Loss

Round 3 – James Kyles (Chancellor Velora)

This was a pretty quick game… unfortunately for me.

Notes from the game:
• My turn 1 Zandar was outdone by his turn 1 Bloodsoul.  Both allies ate away at life totals for a few turns.
• I got out three armor cards, but he played Devil-Stitched Leggings and used it to get rid of all of my allies and establish board control.
• Eventually his allies overran all of my armor.

Result: Loss

Round 4 – Andrew Mahatakulrungsi (Fallenstar)

Not… even… close…  I got beaten down so badly in this game that I didn’t have a chance to take notes during the game.  He took control early and never let up, using cards such as Xanata, Bloodskull Destroyer, Justicar Brace, and finally Gabble. 

Result: Loss

Wow… what a tournament.  I went 1-3, and two of my losses weren’t even close.  What I learned from the event:

• There is a reason why Sealed Pack tournament decks usually focus on rush and efficient allies, instead of armor and tricky abilities.  My deck really didn’t work out too well. 

• I’m not a young gamer anymore.  I started playing cards at 10 am and really didn’t stop until 10 pm.  While I used to game like this regularly, I must get sleep before the next event!

• WOW TCG players in L.A. are good!  Even in my last round at 1-2, I was given a savage beating by a great player.