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Anssi Alkio Wins the 2010 EUCC!
Elite Minion Anssi Alkio may be a quiet, unassuming player, but he is also one of the fiercest competitors on the Darkmoon Faire circuit. With a 2009 Worlds Top 8 finish and a win at Darkmoon Faire Amsterdam, the Finnish wunderkind was already having a pretty good season. He'll be a player to watch in the Hero of the Year race considering his past performances this season . . . but it's his bright future that should really have you quaking.
Playing a Lord Benjamin Tremendouson build very similar deck to the one that Tim Rivera piloted to the top of the NACC a mere week ago, Anssi embodied the Darwinian notion of 'adapt or die' this weekend. Most of his opponents wound up doing the latter as he hacked and slashed his way through over 300 players en route to claiming the title. Anssi took only 3 losses over 20 rounds of battle, entering the Top 8 as the second seed and never looking back. If you got an EA Mystic Denial from Anssi whis weekend, well, then you earned it!
Congratulations to Helsinki's own Anssi Alkio--your 2010 European Continental Champion!
Playing a Lord Benjamin Tremendouson build very similar deck to the one that Tim Rivera piloted to the top of the NACC a mere week ago, Anssi embodied the Darwinian notion of 'adapt or die' this weekend. Most of his opponents wound up doing the latter as he hacked and slashed his way through over 300 players en route to claiming the title. Anssi took only 3 losses over 20 rounds of battle, entering the Top 8 as the second seed and never looking back. If you got an EA Mystic Denial from Anssi whis weekend, well, then you earned it!
Congratulations to Helsinki's own Anssi Alkio--your 2010 European Continental Champion!
EUCC Finals – Vitus Volbracht vs. Anssi Alkio
by Will Brinkman
“We tested at first with Flickers, but eventually we said ‘Nahhhhh,’” Vitus related regretfully. Flickers From the Past would certainly be great against Anssi Alkio’s Lord Benjamin Tremendouson deck, thanks to the potency of Brittilize and Spell Suppression in the matchup. While Vor’na has a reasonable chance against the Alliance Warrior, Spellweaver Jihan’s is pretty slim without Flickers--even with the Warrior hate like Call to Arms: Eye of the Storm. 2010 NACC quarterfinalist Corey Burkhart experienced that first-hand en route to being routed by champion Tim Rivera. Would history repeat itself in the EUCC finals?
Vitus won the die roll, but Anssi had Guardian’s Plate Bracers. That merited a Jihan flip and The Taste of Arcana, interrupting the armor. Lady Bancroft landed for the Mage team, a fine start to the game. Keys to the Armory met a second Taste, and Lady Bancroft attacked for 2 damage. Mikael the Blunt joined Jihan’s team, but he was quickly bumped off the table by Lord Benjamin and Death Wish. Everlasting Cold hit Lord Ben, and Lady Bancroft made it 9 damage on the Warrior. Keys to the Armory fetched Bonefist Gauntlets, and they stuck.
The armor prevented the 2 points from Lady Bancroft, but Myriam Starcaller threatened to make it a quick first game. Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive daggered the Alliance Druid, and Anssi replaced his thrown weapon with Vindicator’s Brand. Vitus dug with a quest, eventually throwing down a second Everlasting Cold while gripping double Myriam Starcaller in hand. Vitus screamed “Noooooo!” as Anssi exhausted his resources, only to breathe a sigh of relief when it was Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive. Anssi then exhausted the rest of his resources and played Amani Mask of Death. Slow-rolled!
“At least search it out--don’t just have it!” cried Volbracht. The two Mage debuffs went to the yard, and the game was suddenly up for grabs once more. Seer’s Signet allowed the Mage to blow up the Death Wish, but Anssi kept on clawing back. Anssi attacked Jihan for 3 with his hero, and a second Vindicator’s Brand sent the ring to the yard. A Rare Bean on 'rare' revealed Death Wish, allowing Lord Ben to kill a new Myriam Starcaller.
Vitus played his third Myriam, but a flip from the Warrior and an attack wiped the Mage’s party. The last card in Vitus’s hand, Mana Sapphire, was Pummeled into nothing. Never has a card been so literal! Volbracht quested in response, but came up with no interrupts. An Everlasting Cold was casually flipped on Lord Ben, but Vitus suddenly thought better of it and simply conceded.
Alkio - 1, Volbracht - 0
Vitus drew his initial seven and threw back his small fish. That hand would’ve been nothing but speed bumps for any reasonable start from Anssi. Alkio mulliganed as well, drawing into Guardian’s Plate Bracers. Vitus drew a hand of double Blizzard and Myriam Starcaller--not exactly the hand he wanted, but there weren’t too many hands available that would qualify under that condition.
Anssi led off with the Bracers and had turn 2 Death Wish to put Jihan at 3 damage. Call to Arms: Eye of the Storms kept the Warrior at bay for a couple turns, and Anssi spent the time playing Vindicator’s Brand and Bloody Ritual. Spell Suppression turned off Death Wish, and Brittilize smashed the Plate Bracers.
This game was certainly looking up for Vitus! Bonefist Gauntlets gave Lord Ben some protection, but Jihan would be able to protect her new Myriam Starcaller with Eye of the Storm. Death Wish came into play uncontested, and Eye of the Storm stopped the Warrior's attack. Lord Benjamin equipped a Goblin Rocket Launcher, almost simply for style points.
“Just 1 Myriam doesn’t do enough damage, and 2 Myriams are destroyed by Amani Mask of Death,” lamented Vitus. He decided to gamble and play a second Myriam. Mikael the Blunt also tried its best to stay around, but Goblin Rocket Launcher fired for 2. Brittilize with a Jihan flip dealt 3 to Lord Benjamin and stopped the attack, but Keys to the Armory for Amani Mask of Death was enough to win the match and the European Continental Championship.
Nice. Card.
Alkio - 2, Volbracht - 0
DMF Champion Anssi Alkio has added a new title to his resume: European Continental Champion!
Vitus won the die roll, but Anssi had Guardian’s Plate Bracers. That merited a Jihan flip and The Taste of Arcana, interrupting the armor. Lady Bancroft landed for the Mage team, a fine start to the game. Keys to the Armory met a second Taste, and Lady Bancroft attacked for 2 damage. Mikael the Blunt joined Jihan’s team, but he was quickly bumped off the table by Lord Benjamin and Death Wish. Everlasting Cold hit Lord Ben, and Lady Bancroft made it 9 damage on the Warrior. Keys to the Armory fetched Bonefist Gauntlets, and they stuck.
The armor prevented the 2 points from Lady Bancroft, but Myriam Starcaller threatened to make it a quick first game. Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive daggered the Alliance Druid, and Anssi replaced his thrown weapon with Vindicator’s Brand. Vitus dug with a quest, eventually throwing down a second Everlasting Cold while gripping double Myriam Starcaller in hand. Vitus screamed “Noooooo!” as Anssi exhausted his resources, only to breathe a sigh of relief when it was Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive. Anssi then exhausted the rest of his resources and played Amani Mask of Death. Slow-rolled!
“At least search it out--don’t just have it!” cried Volbracht. The two Mage debuffs went to the yard, and the game was suddenly up for grabs once more. Seer’s Signet allowed the Mage to blow up the Death Wish, but Anssi kept on clawing back. Anssi attacked Jihan for 3 with his hero, and a second Vindicator’s Brand sent the ring to the yard. A Rare Bean on 'rare' revealed Death Wish, allowing Lord Ben to kill a new Myriam Starcaller.
Vitus played his third Myriam, but a flip from the Warrior and an attack wiped the Mage’s party. The last card in Vitus’s hand, Mana Sapphire, was Pummeled into nothing. Never has a card been so literal! Volbracht quested in response, but came up with no interrupts. An Everlasting Cold was casually flipped on Lord Ben, but Vitus suddenly thought better of it and simply conceded.
Alkio - 1, Volbracht - 0
Vitus drew his initial seven and threw back his small fish. That hand would’ve been nothing but speed bumps for any reasonable start from Anssi. Alkio mulliganed as well, drawing into Guardian’s Plate Bracers. Vitus drew a hand of double Blizzard and Myriam Starcaller--not exactly the hand he wanted, but there weren’t too many hands available that would qualify under that condition.
Anssi led off with the Bracers and had turn 2 Death Wish to put Jihan at 3 damage. Call to Arms: Eye of the Storms kept the Warrior at bay for a couple turns, and Anssi spent the time playing Vindicator’s Brand and Bloody Ritual. Spell Suppression turned off Death Wish, and Brittilize smashed the Plate Bracers.
“Just 1 Myriam doesn’t do enough damage, and 2 Myriams are destroyed by Amani Mask of Death,” lamented Vitus. He decided to gamble and play a second Myriam. Mikael the Blunt also tried its best to stay around, but Goblin Rocket Launcher fired for 2. Brittilize with a Jihan flip dealt 3 to Lord Benjamin and stopped the attack, but Keys to the Armory for Amani Mask of Death was enough to win the match and the European Continental Championship.
Nice. Card.
Alkio - 2, Volbracht - 0
DMF Champion Anssi Alkio has added a new title to his resume: European Continental Champion!
Not Quite Side Events
by Will Brinkman
For those who didn’t make the cut to Day 2 in the European Continental Championship, Cryptozoic ran multiple side events on Sunday to keep players happy. Of course, the name “side events” is a bit of a misnomer, as they come with some amazing prizes that anybody can win--prizes quite comparable to the ones available in the EUCC!
The Welcome Back! event ran with iPads to the top finishers, along with Spectral Tiger and Blazing Hippogryph Loot cards to the entire Top 8. Those players also won free passes into Day 2 at the World Championship at Gen Con. And if you weren’t doing well? You could stick it out, as Cryptozoic gave away iPads and other prizes randomly for participation.
For those that didn’t make the Welcome Back! event, the Gadgetzan ran all weekend with gift cards to the top finishers. We also gave away Cryptozoic gear like hats and tee shirts, as well as rare uncut sheets. Plus, just like at the NACC, we had Blizzard employees as bounties in our events, dropping Wrathgate booster packs as they fell.
Finally, players could catch some games in the League event. Random packs were filled with promos, and some even contained Loot! The league also afforded an opportunity to play against all-stars like Anssi Alkio. When he wasn’t busy with the EUCC performance that took him to the finals (as of this report), you could find him battling in the League and dropping EA Mystic Denials to anyone who bested him.
And this is just the beginning. When we come back to Europe, we’ll have even more events and prizes available. When, you ask? Can we take a page from a friend’s book and simply say, “Soon?” *wink*
For those who didn’t make the cut to Day 2 in the European Continental Championship, Cryptozoic ran multiple side events on Sunday to keep players happy. Of course, the name “side events” is a bit of a misnomer, as they come with some amazing prizes that anybody can win--prizes quite comparable to the ones available in the EUCC!
The Welcome Back! event ran with iPads to the top finishers, along with Spectral Tiger and Blazing Hippogryph Loot cards to the entire Top 8. Those players also won free passes into Day 2 at the World Championship at Gen Con. And if you weren’t doing well? You could stick it out, as Cryptozoic gave away iPads and other prizes randomly for participation.
For those that didn’t make the Welcome Back! event, the Gadgetzan ran all weekend with gift cards to the top finishers. We also gave away Cryptozoic gear like hats and tee shirts, as well as rare uncut sheets. Plus, just like at the NACC, we had Blizzard employees as bounties in our events, dropping Wrathgate booster packs as they fell.
Finally, players could catch some games in the League event. Random packs were filled with promos, and some even contained Loot! The league also afforded an opportunity to play against all-stars like Anssi Alkio. When he wasn’t busy with the EUCC performance that took him to the finals (as of this report), you could find him battling in the League and dropping EA Mystic Denials to anyone who bested him.
And this is just the beginning. When we come back to Europe, we’ll have even more events and prizes available. When, you ask? Can we take a page from a friend’s book and simply say, “Soon?” *wink*
EUCC Semifinals – Anssi Alkio vs. Luca Magni
by David Sutcliffe
For Great Honor and with Concerted Efforts, Luca Magni of Italy and Anssi Alkio of Finland had each dispatched the final two British hopes in the quarterfinals, setting up an intriguing semifinal between two different builds of the Fury Warrior deck.
Anssi won the die roll and placed A Rare Bean. On his first turn, Luca placed a Bane of the Illidari, and revealed his Guardian’s Plate Bracers from hand. That armor was a crucial edge in this matchup. Both players followed up with a Death Wish, but it was his Plate Bracers that allowed Luca to actually take advantage and begin the slugfest. On his third turn, Anssi Alkio trumped the Guardian’s Plate Bracers with some Greaves of Ancient Evil, while Luca threw down a Vindicator’s Brand. Alkio answered with his own Vindicator’s Brand!
This was turning into something of an arms race, with both players preparing for the proverbial finish lone but neither willing to trigger what could be a global meltdown. Although slightly behind on the board, as his Bracers were strictly worse that Alkio’s Greaves, Luca Magni had good reason to be confident--he had laid 4 quests, while Anssi had already placed 3 resources facedown. Anssi attempted to utilize his Keys to the Armory, but Luca had a Shuriken of Negation in the hand to foil that plan, and the Italian swiftly moved to attack with the Shuriken, dealing 2 more damage and returning it to hand for the next turn.
Placing yet another quest, Luca sprang onto the attack again, striking with his Vindicator’s Brand and fueling his hate with a Death Wish. Alkio soaked the damage as best he could with the Greaves of Ancient Evil but went up to 8 damage on his hero. Drawing a card from Bane of the Illidari, Luca then used A Rare Bean to call for a rare card, pulling up Tanks For Everything, Dalaran--another critical step in this arms race. Luca then played his own Greaves of Ancient Evil.
This game seemed to be nearing an end as Magni built a sizeable advantage, but the Italian was always cautious in pushing his lead only as far as he knew was safe. A second Rare Bean handed him the Girdle of Razuvious, and on his next turn Magni played a Vindicator’s Brand to remove Anssi’s Greaves and went on the offensive, putting the Finn on 11 damage. Alkio needed to find an answer, and quickly. A second Vindicator’s Brand would help, destroying Luca's Death Wish, but A Rare Bean immediately found him a replacement. There would be no respite from Luca Magni’s assault--this time he attacked for 3 damage with Death Wish, then readied his hero with the Greaves and played a Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive to strike for another 5 damage, putting Anssi on 19 damage and surely just a single turn from a messy demise.
On the ropes, Alkio sunk everything into revealing himself to be Kel’thuzad, but with no allies in Luca’s hand or graveyard, he could only hide behind a lone Dethvir the Malignant. Luca wasted little time in slaughtering his treacherous former ally--he then readied his hero with the Greaves of Ancient Evil and played the Girdle of Razuvious to search the Betrayer of Humanity into play. That huge axe first served to destroy his Vindicator’s Brand, then sliced Kel’thuzad in half to give the Italian the first game.
Magni - 1, Alkio - 0
Game 2, and Anssi had the first turn again, but again he found himself behind on tempo immediately--Luca Magni had his Guardian’s Plate Bracers in hand for a second time, trumping Anssi’s Perdition’s Blade. On his third turn, Anssi played his Greaves of Ancient Evil but was unable to attack, while Luca’s third turn was just a humble Broderick Langforth.
Both players played identical turn 4s, passing the turn and then using Darkness Calling--Anssi discarded a Keys to the Armory while Luca disposed of a Netherbane. Turn 5 passed from Anssi and still no play, while Luca was content to put down a second Broderick Langforth and wait for the Finn to make the first move. Alkio finally did make a move on his next turn, playing a Death Wish to draw out Luca Magni’s Shuriken of Negation, then quickly aiming a Puncture at the Shuriken before Magni could summon it back to his hand. That was a smart move, and meant that Alkio didn’t need to worry so much about his abilities being interrupted. Taking this opportunity to build a few points of damage, Luca sent his Brodericks into the fray, dealing 2 damage. Anssi had a Pummel on hand to interrupt Luca’s Death Wish, but nothing for a Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive and a further 2 points went onto Benjamin Tremendouson. On his next turn Anssi had nothing to do but pass the board back to his Italian opponent, and Luca sent his Brodericks forward for a second time. This time, Alkio struck back with his Perdition’s Blade to kill one of the two allies.
Luca then used a Keys to the Armory to find his Bulwark of the Ancient Kings, and Alkio responded by aiming a Smash at the Guardian’s Plate Bracers. Another passed turn was not a good sign for Anssi Alkio, though. He had cards in hand to burn, but only a Perdition’s Blade and Greaves of Ancient Evil in play. Across the table, Luca Magni protected himself behind a Guardian’s Plate Bracers and his own Greaves of Ancient Evil, as well as that Bulwark of the Ancient Kings.
But still, neither player had a clear advantage, and certainly neither was near victory. Playing a Vindicator’s Brand and choosing to keep his Perdition’s Blade, Alkio removed the Bulwark of Ancient Kings, with a Shuriken of Negation spare to interrupt Luca Magni’s Puncture. The threat from Alkio was clear--on 9 resources, he was only a turn away from Kel’thuzad. He only had 2 cards in hand, so Luca had to be wondering if he even had the Master Hero at his disposal?
Those 2 cards became 1 when Anssi used a Pummel on Magni’s attempt to Reconstruct his Shuriken of Negation. A Rare Bean provided the Finn with Guardian’s Plate Bracers, and he then played his own Shuriken of Negation and attacked to finally remove Luca’s second Broderick. Things were tightly poised now. Both players had Bracers and Greaves, while Anssi Alkio had a Perdition’s Blade and Magni had Tanks For Everything, Dalaran.
Then Alkio drew a card that could potentially change everything: Bloody Ritual. Gladly accepting the 4 damage on his hero, he sucked up a whole new hand of cards. With Anssi having Shuriken of Negation waiting in his hand, Luca Magni would never be able to get his own Bloody Ritual to resolve even if he drew it. Vindicator’s Brand removed Luca’s Greaves, and a turn later Anssi revealed that he had finally found Kel’thuzad and brought the lich to the board, calling Dethvir and Broderick to do his bidding.
This was now a one-way battle, and when Anssi Alkio played Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse on his next turn, Luca Magni conceded defeat.
Magni - 1, Alkio - 1
The deciding game would determine who went on to the finals, with the whole EUCC title on the line. Luca Magni began it exactly as he had the previous two games, with a Guardian’s Plate Bracers, this time matched with a Broderick Langforth. Anssi Alkio played a Death Wish that allowed him to kill Broderick, then a Vindicator’s Brand. Responding in kind with his own Vindicator’s Brand, Luca was unable to really take advantage of the situation as Alkio donned some Greaves of Ancient Evil to match the Italian for 3 DEF of armor apiece.
The tension on both players was palpable now--you could almost feel that the instincts of the two players were opposed. Luca Magni was looking for the opening that would win him the match, while the cooler Anssi Alkio was happy to wait and deflect his opponent’s blows until he could get an edge. In keeping with that, Magni braved playing a Bloody Ritual, but it was interrupted by Alkio’s Pummel. Stealing his opponent’s idea, Anssi went for his own Bloody Ritual. When Luca attempted to Pummel it, the Finn revealed a second Pummel of his own to ensure that he got to draw his four cards. He then used Keys to the Armory to search up his Shuriken of Negation.
That little exchange certainly seemed to have handed an edge to the Finn, and Magni again seemed moved to speed the game to a conclusion. Not waiting for Anssi to get his Shuriken available, Luca threw his abilities down--Puncture on Anssi’s Greaves, Death Wish into play, and his own Shuriken with Keys to the Armory.
Still looking to play the control game, Anssi spent his turn laying a Ring of Blood: Brokentoe, playing a second Vindicator’s Brand to remove Luca’s Death Wish, and then leaving open enough resources to Shuriken whatever the Italian had to offer. What the Italian had to offer was his Fleshwork Throwing Glaive though, and he snuck in for a few points of damage. Through all this fencing for position, Anssi had been leaking damage points here and there, not the least of which he'd dealt himself with the Ritual. He had a sizable 13 damage on his hero, and needed to get moving.
The first step was to play some more armor. Bonefist Gauntlets not only offered protection from the Throwing Glaive but also gave Luca Magni reason to worry about the arrival of Jin’rohk a little earlier than usual. With Guardian’s Plate Bracers as his only piece of armor, he could find himself dangerously exposed as soon as Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse hit play! It would discard Anssi's Brand and destroy Magni's only armor.
But however much he might worry about Jin’rohk, what Luca Magni didn’t have was an answer available. The best he could do was continue to attempt attacking the Finn, getting another 2 points of damage through. On Anssi’s next turn, the Italian’s worst fears were realized--Girdle of Razuvious arrived, bringing with it Anssi’s Jin’rohk. Luca struck back with his Vindicator’s Brand, but only 1 point got past Anssi’s armor as he lost 3 resources to the blow. Another turn of Jin’rohk damage would be crippling for the Italian, but the damage that Anssi had taken from bringing his Jin’rohk into play had put him near death as well!
Striking with his Vindicator’s Brand, Luca Magni put the Finn on 26 damage and then played a Netherbane to replace his Brand and remove Jin’rohk from play. With Jin’rohk gone, would Anssi Alkio pay the ultimate price for having dealt 11 damage to himself during the course of the game?
Putting some extra distance between himself and death, Alkio played Kel’thuzad, not only increasing his hero’s health to 33 but also pulling a Dethvir the Malignant and Broderick Langforth to his side in the bargain. Luca hit back with a Death Wish and Throwing Glaive to remove Dethvir. Readying his resources for the first time as Kel’thuzad, Anssi Alkio now had a simple goal--avoid dying. He was firmly in control of the game, and far ahead on cards and resources, but only 7 damage from a horrid demise. He still had to do 23 damage to his opponent.
Alkio began the offensive, attacking for 3 with his hero, but Luca showed that the nerves had perhaps begun to get to him--he played a Vindicator’s Brand, accidentally sacrificing his Netherbane instead of the Brand. Reconstructing his Jin’rohk, Alkio wasted little time in taking advantage and hit back, this time for 6 damage thanks to Kel'thuzad's natural strength. It was a mortal blow from which Luca Magni could not recover. He offered his hand--despite his best efforts, it would be Anssi Alkio who advanced to the final!
Magni - 1, Alkio - 2
Anssi Alkio advances!
Anssi won the die roll and placed A Rare Bean. On his first turn, Luca placed a Bane of the Illidari, and revealed his Guardian’s Plate Bracers from hand. That armor was a crucial edge in this matchup. Both players followed up with a Death Wish, but it was his Plate Bracers that allowed Luca to actually take advantage and begin the slugfest. On his third turn, Anssi Alkio trumped the Guardian’s Plate Bracers with some Greaves of Ancient Evil, while Luca threw down a Vindicator’s Brand. Alkio answered with his own Vindicator’s Brand!
This was turning into something of an arms race, with both players preparing for the proverbial finish lone but neither willing to trigger what could be a global meltdown. Although slightly behind on the board, as his Bracers were strictly worse that Alkio’s Greaves, Luca Magni had good reason to be confident--he had laid 4 quests, while Anssi had already placed 3 resources facedown. Anssi attempted to utilize his Keys to the Armory, but Luca had a Shuriken of Negation in the hand to foil that plan, and the Italian swiftly moved to attack with the Shuriken, dealing 2 more damage and returning it to hand for the next turn.
Placing yet another quest, Luca sprang onto the attack again, striking with his Vindicator’s Brand and fueling his hate with a Death Wish. Alkio soaked the damage as best he could with the Greaves of Ancient Evil but went up to 8 damage on his hero. Drawing a card from Bane of the Illidari, Luca then used A Rare Bean to call for a rare card, pulling up Tanks For Everything, Dalaran--another critical step in this arms race. Luca then played his own Greaves of Ancient Evil.
This game seemed to be nearing an end as Magni built a sizeable advantage, but the Italian was always cautious in pushing his lead only as far as he knew was safe. A second Rare Bean handed him the Girdle of Razuvious, and on his next turn Magni played a Vindicator’s Brand to remove Anssi’s Greaves and went on the offensive, putting the Finn on 11 damage. Alkio needed to find an answer, and quickly. A second Vindicator’s Brand would help, destroying Luca's Death Wish, but A Rare Bean immediately found him a replacement. There would be no respite from Luca Magni’s assault--this time he attacked for 3 damage with Death Wish, then readied his hero with the Greaves and played a Fleshwerk Throwing Glaive to strike for another 5 damage, putting Anssi on 19 damage and surely just a single turn from a messy demise.
On the ropes, Alkio sunk everything into revealing himself to be Kel’thuzad, but with no allies in Luca’s hand or graveyard, he could only hide behind a lone Dethvir the Malignant. Luca wasted little time in slaughtering his treacherous former ally--he then readied his hero with the Greaves of Ancient Evil and played the Girdle of Razuvious to search the Betrayer of Humanity into play. That huge axe first served to destroy his Vindicator’s Brand, then sliced Kel’thuzad in half to give the Italian the first game.
Magni - 1, Alkio - 0
Game 2, and Anssi had the first turn again, but again he found himself behind on tempo immediately--Luca Magni had his Guardian’s Plate Bracers in hand for a second time, trumping Anssi’s Perdition’s Blade. On his third turn, Anssi played his Greaves of Ancient Evil but was unable to attack, while Luca’s third turn was just a humble Broderick Langforth.
Luca then used a Keys to the Armory to find his Bulwark of the Ancient Kings, and Alkio responded by aiming a Smash at the Guardian’s Plate Bracers. Another passed turn was not a good sign for Anssi Alkio, though. He had cards in hand to burn, but only a Perdition’s Blade and Greaves of Ancient Evil in play. Across the table, Luca Magni protected himself behind a Guardian’s Plate Bracers and his own Greaves of Ancient Evil, as well as that Bulwark of the Ancient Kings.
But still, neither player had a clear advantage, and certainly neither was near victory. Playing a Vindicator’s Brand and choosing to keep his Perdition’s Blade, Alkio removed the Bulwark of Ancient Kings, with a Shuriken of Negation spare to interrupt Luca Magni’s Puncture. The threat from Alkio was clear--on 9 resources, he was only a turn away from Kel’thuzad. He only had 2 cards in hand, so Luca had to be wondering if he even had the Master Hero at his disposal?
Those 2 cards became 1 when Anssi used a Pummel on Magni’s attempt to Reconstruct his Shuriken of Negation. A Rare Bean provided the Finn with Guardian’s Plate Bracers, and he then played his own Shuriken of Negation and attacked to finally remove Luca’s second Broderick. Things were tightly poised now. Both players had Bracers and Greaves, while Anssi Alkio had a Perdition’s Blade and Magni had Tanks For Everything, Dalaran.
Then Alkio drew a card that could potentially change everything: Bloody Ritual. Gladly accepting the 4 damage on his hero, he sucked up a whole new hand of cards. With Anssi having Shuriken of Negation waiting in his hand, Luca Magni would never be able to get his own Bloody Ritual to resolve even if he drew it. Vindicator’s Brand removed Luca’s Greaves, and a turn later Anssi revealed that he had finally found Kel’thuzad and brought the lich to the board, calling Dethvir and Broderick to do his bidding.
This was now a one-way battle, and when Anssi Alkio played Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse on his next turn, Luca Magni conceded defeat.
Magni - 1, Alkio - 1
The deciding game would determine who went on to the finals, with the whole EUCC title on the line. Luca Magni began it exactly as he had the previous two games, with a Guardian’s Plate Bracers, this time matched with a Broderick Langforth. Anssi Alkio played a Death Wish that allowed him to kill Broderick, then a Vindicator’s Brand. Responding in kind with his own Vindicator’s Brand, Luca was unable to really take advantage of the situation as Alkio donned some Greaves of Ancient Evil to match the Italian for 3 DEF of armor apiece.
The tension on both players was palpable now--you could almost feel that the instincts of the two players were opposed. Luca Magni was looking for the opening that would win him the match, while the cooler Anssi Alkio was happy to wait and deflect his opponent’s blows until he could get an edge. In keeping with that, Magni braved playing a Bloody Ritual, but it was interrupted by Alkio’s Pummel. Stealing his opponent’s idea, Anssi went for his own Bloody Ritual. When Luca attempted to Pummel it, the Finn revealed a second Pummel of his own to ensure that he got to draw his four cards. He then used Keys to the Armory to search up his Shuriken of Negation.
That little exchange certainly seemed to have handed an edge to the Finn, and Magni again seemed moved to speed the game to a conclusion. Not waiting for Anssi to get his Shuriken available, Luca threw his abilities down--Puncture on Anssi’s Greaves, Death Wish into play, and his own Shuriken with Keys to the Armory.
The first step was to play some more armor. Bonefist Gauntlets not only offered protection from the Throwing Glaive but also gave Luca Magni reason to worry about the arrival of Jin’rohk a little earlier than usual. With Guardian’s Plate Bracers as his only piece of armor, he could find himself dangerously exposed as soon as Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse hit play! It would discard Anssi's Brand and destroy Magni's only armor.
But however much he might worry about Jin’rohk, what Luca Magni didn’t have was an answer available. The best he could do was continue to attempt attacking the Finn, getting another 2 points of damage through. On Anssi’s next turn, the Italian’s worst fears were realized--Girdle of Razuvious arrived, bringing with it Anssi’s Jin’rohk. Luca struck back with his Vindicator’s Brand, but only 1 point got past Anssi’s armor as he lost 3 resources to the blow. Another turn of Jin’rohk damage would be crippling for the Italian, but the damage that Anssi had taken from bringing his Jin’rohk into play had put him near death as well!
Striking with his Vindicator’s Brand, Luca Magni put the Finn on 26 damage and then played a Netherbane to replace his Brand and remove Jin’rohk from play. With Jin’rohk gone, would Anssi Alkio pay the ultimate price for having dealt 11 damage to himself during the course of the game?
Putting some extra distance between himself and death, Alkio played Kel’thuzad, not only increasing his hero’s health to 33 but also pulling a Dethvir the Malignant and Broderick Langforth to his side in the bargain. Luca hit back with a Death Wish and Throwing Glaive to remove Dethvir. Readying his resources for the first time as Kel’thuzad, Anssi Alkio now had a simple goal--avoid dying. He was firmly in control of the game, and far ahead on cards and resources, but only 7 damage from a horrid demise. He still had to do 23 damage to his opponent.
Alkio began the offensive, attacking for 3 with his hero, but Luca showed that the nerves had perhaps begun to get to him--he played a Vindicator’s Brand, accidentally sacrificing his Netherbane instead of the Brand. Reconstructing his Jin’rohk, Alkio wasted little time in taking advantage and hit back, this time for 6 damage thanks to Kel'thuzad's natural strength. It was a mortal blow from which Luca Magni could not recover. He offered his hand--despite his best efforts, it would be Anssi Alkio who advanced to the final!
Magni - 1, Alkio - 2
Anssi Alkio advances!
EUCC Quarterfinals – Raphael Ait Slimane vs. Stefan Urban
by Will Brinkman
The classic matchup: Mage vs. Warrior. Brains vs. brawn. The intellectual Mage attempts to outsmart brute force, sometimes outmaneuvering the angry fighter. Sometimes the haughty Mage ends up split in two--such is life. Raphael Ait Slimane sat down in the EUCC Quarterfinals with Vor’na the Wretched, a favorite control deck amongst Europeans. Stefan Urban sat down with Bloody Mary, a deck that can be explained by its hallmark card: Death Wish.
Both players mulliganed, and Stefan’s hand didn’t offer much in terms of threats. Raphael was content to sit on his hand and place a few quests. Stefan had a turn 1 Guardian’s Plate Bracers, and eventually he was able to Darkness Calling a Broderick into the yard. Stefan played Death wish with 3 resources up, and Raphael attempted Counterspell. Urban declined to run his Pummel, content with laying down Greaves of Ancient Evil. He remembered to attack, dealing the first point of damage in the match.
Zapped Giants revealed a Brittilize, Raphael taking the ability over both The Taste of Arcana and Nether Fissure. “Not my shoes!” cried out Urban, the boots shattering in the cold. Mary attacked for another point, and Urban played out Perdition’s Blade to increase the beats on the Traitor Mage. Raphael announced Meltdown for 2 resources, and Bloody Mary used her ready dagger to Pummel rather predictably. Counterspell protected the Meltdown, and P-Blade went to the yard. Urban declined to Reconstruct his weapon, saving it for later. Mary put the Mage at 4 damage, and the mind games continued.
A second Brittilize blew up the Plate Bracers, and Stefan replaced them with an honest payment. Mary continued the beatings, and Call to Arms: Arathi Basin revealed another Bracers with Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse. A second Call to Arms revealed double Death Wish, and Stefan stuck both. Eye of the Storm prevented Mary’s attack, saving Vor’na a lot of health.
Munkin Blackfist blew up the Bracers, and a third Call to Arms revealed Greaves of Ancient Evil, Broderick, and Vindicator’s Brand. The sword stuck, but Raphael said “no” to Greaves with a Nether Fissure. Munkin died from a Mary attack fueled by Death Wish and Broderick; Keys to the Armory fetched Greaves of Ancient Evil, and Raphael’s hands trembled as Stefan passed the turn.
“Transformation!” called out Raphael, spreading his arms like wings. He was now Illidan Stormrage, the Betrayer. The master hero immediately slammed into Bloody Mary, and Urban had the option to activate Death Wish to speed up the game. He decided to simply strike back with Vindicator’s Brand, making damage totals even at 8 apiece.
Raphael was low on cards, but one of them was Flickers from the Past. Unfortunately for Slimane, he had no ongoing abilities in his graveyard! If Stefan could go toe-to-toe with Illidan and his friends, he’d be victorious. Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse sent V-Brand to the yard, and the Brittilize destroyed in response to deal 2 to Mary. Lady Vashj joined the Betrayer, and Raphael revealed that he had ripped his second Munkin Blackfist to blow up Jin’rohk. This also improved Slimane’s Eye of the Storm to 4 counters, and Illidan ran in for another 5-shot of damage.
Reconstruct rebuilt Jin’rohk uncontested, and Puncture blew a fatal hole through the Naga queen. Greaves of Ancient Evil came on board, but not before Brittilize hit Mary for another 2 damage. Illidan passed on recruiting any of his epic friends, instead calling on Priestess of Dementia. “I think that’s your game,” laughed Urban as he shuffled up for game 2.
Ait Slimane – 1, Urban – 0
Urban kept a hand featuring Broderick, Plate Bracers, and two quests. Slimane threw away his hand and received a hand with a decent spread of counters, Brittilize, and quests.
Stefan opened with the 2/1 and the Bracers. A turn 2 Brittilize shattered the Bracers, and Broderick attacked. Death Wish made it 7 damage to 3 in favor of the German. Spell Suppression stopped Death Wish, and Stefan tried to armor up with Greaves of Ancient Evil after a Broderick beatdown. Zapped Giants revealed Brittilize, and Stefan reeled a bit from his opponent’s good fortune. The Greaves went to the graveyard, and the Brittilize also stopped Mary’s attack when she equipped Edge of Oblivion. Broderick continued to be the Warrior’s only offense, taking Vor’na to 11.
Munkin sent the axe to the scrapyard, from which it returned thanks to Reconstruct. Brittilize stopped the Warrior attack, and Keys to the Armory fetched Girdle of Razuvious. Conjured Cinnamon Roll sat on Vor’na’s board, the snack prepared to undo all of Urban’s work. Spell Suppression landed on Call to Arms: Arathi Basin, attempting to stop Mary from reloading. Ait Slimane held Brittilize, Flickers from the Past, and Counterspell. He couldn’t stop what was going to happen next.
Mary took 2 to clear out Munkin Blackfist, and Broderick put Vor’na to 13 damage. Girdle hit play, and the armory coughed up World Breaker. Mary went to 12 damage, and she equipped the two-handed mace. Vor’na healed while she could, going to 7 damage. Raphael played Flash of Brilliance and Brittilize destroyed the Plate.
Eye of the Storm prevented any attacks, but the damage was about to happen on both sides of the board. Vindicator’s Brand blew up the Flash of Brilliance and Keys coughed up Amani Mask of Death. That destroyed the two Spell Suppressions, and Raphael breathed a sigh of relief.
A half-pleasant “Thank you!” hinted at the impending car wreck, and Urban asked “Flickers?” Slimane showed him the Mage ability and Vor’na’s graveyard blew the doors off the place. Brittilize blew up the Mask, and Spell Supressions hit World Breaker and Call to Arms respectively. Cinnamon Roll stayed in the graveyard. Mary knocked the Mage to 16 damage, herself going to 13 damage.
Flash of Brilliance turned into Mana Ruby. Darkness Calling allowed Urban to dump a Broderick in the yard, and the live one pushed the Mage to 18 damage. One of the two Brittilizes stopped Mary’s attack, and Stefan attempted Reconstruct for Amani Mask of Death. Raphael used his final card in hand to Counterspell the Warrior ability, and a Keys to the Armory turned into Vindicator’s Brand. Unfortunately for the German, he was one resource short of blowing up the Mana Ruby. This allowed Ait Slimane to draw 7 cards. Munkin blew up World Breaker, and Munkin protected Vor’na from the ensuing Mary attack. After the melee, both heroes were at 20 damage.
Eye of the Storm exhausted Urban’s attackers, and he simply showed Reconstruct and uttered “World Breaker.” Raphael dug for a counter with his new Mana Sapphire and hit Nether Fracture. Stefan simply showed Pummel and the world blew up. Rapahel confirmed that they were both at 20 damage, and the two went to game three.
Ait Slimane – 1, Urban – 1
Raphael shuffled, a little stunned that he lost that game after the blowout with Flickers From the Past. Stefan spent his shuffling time laughing at the series of events, celebrating his comeback victory.
Urban had Guardian’s Plate Bracers in game one, and both players laughed that he always came equipped. Urban simply commented that it meant Raphael got more action on his Brittilizes. The Bracers stuck, and Raphael took the time to play Mana Sapphire. Keys to the Armory found Girdle of Razuvious. Raphael blew his Sapphire at the end of Stefan’s next turn, and Brittilize blew up the Bracers just like so many times before. Poor guy couldn’t keep out of the cold!
Nether Fracture made sure that Mary’s feet kept cold, sans Greaves. That cleared the way for Death Wish, and the heroes each took 3 damage. Urban’s hand was very reactionary with Pummels and Punctures, so he lacked the ability to get any early game going. Flash of Brilliance threatened, well, anything! Greaves of Ancient Evil stuck this time, but Eye of the Storm prevented any Death Wish ridiculousness.
Flash of Brilliance turned into Metalmorph targeting the Greaves. A hard-cast Pummel tried to stop it, but Counterspell made it stick. Raphael finished his turn with Blizzard, locking down Mary for a turn. Girdle of Razuvious found Vindicator’s Brand, Mary going up to 7 damage. Reconstruct brought back a broken Greaves, sending the morphed ones to the graveyard.
Twin Munkin Blackfists blew up the Girdle of Razuvious and Greaves of Ancient Evil. This charged up Eye of the Storm to 4 counters and allowed Raphael to use Brittilize to prevent Mary’s attack. The Mage ability blew up in response to a Reconstruct for Greaves, and Darkness Calling allowed Urban to dump a Broderick into the yard. Puncture blew up one of the protectors, and Eye of the Storm exhausted to protect the other. Perdition’s Blade allowed Mary to ready, with Greaves combined with Tanks for Everything, Dalaran, and Death Wish giving Mary the power to punt the second protector to the yard.
Stefan passed the turn in control of the board, but Raphael had been preparing for a massive Flickers from the Past. Brittilize blew up the boots, Metalmorph landed on Vindicator’s Brand, Mana Sapphire provided future draw power, and Flash of Brilliance gave Vor’na options.
Edge of Oblivion replaced the morphed V-Brand, and time was called as Mary attempted to attack. Brittilize stopped the beatdown, and Flash of Brilliance sent Raphael to his collection. Stefan told him not to bother and conceded the match, demolished by the massive Flickers from the Past.
Ait Slimane - 2, Urban - 1
Raphael Ait Slimane marches through the cold and into the Semifinals!
The classic matchup: Mage vs. Warrior. Brains vs. brawn. The intellectual Mage attempts to outsmart brute force, sometimes outmaneuvering the angry fighter. Sometimes the haughty Mage ends up split in two--such is life. Raphael Ait Slimane sat down in the EUCC Quarterfinals with Vor’na the Wretched, a favorite control deck amongst Europeans. Stefan Urban sat down with Bloody Mary, a deck that can be explained by its hallmark card: Death Wish.
Both players mulliganed, and Stefan’s hand didn’t offer much in terms of threats. Raphael was content to sit on his hand and place a few quests. Stefan had a turn 1 Guardian’s Plate Bracers, and eventually he was able to Darkness Calling a Broderick into the yard. Stefan played Death wish with 3 resources up, and Raphael attempted Counterspell. Urban declined to run his Pummel, content with laying down Greaves of Ancient Evil. He remembered to attack, dealing the first point of damage in the match.
Zapped Giants revealed a Brittilize, Raphael taking the ability over both The Taste of Arcana and Nether Fissure. “Not my shoes!” cried out Urban, the boots shattering in the cold. Mary attacked for another point, and Urban played out Perdition’s Blade to increase the beats on the Traitor Mage. Raphael announced Meltdown for 2 resources, and Bloody Mary used her ready dagger to Pummel rather predictably. Counterspell protected the Meltdown, and P-Blade went to the yard. Urban declined to Reconstruct his weapon, saving it for later. Mary put the Mage at 4 damage, and the mind games continued.
Munkin Blackfist blew up the Bracers, and a third Call to Arms revealed Greaves of Ancient Evil, Broderick, and Vindicator’s Brand. The sword stuck, but Raphael said “no” to Greaves with a Nether Fissure. Munkin died from a Mary attack fueled by Death Wish and Broderick; Keys to the Armory fetched Greaves of Ancient Evil, and Raphael’s hands trembled as Stefan passed the turn.
“Transformation!” called out Raphael, spreading his arms like wings. He was now Illidan Stormrage, the Betrayer. The master hero immediately slammed into Bloody Mary, and Urban had the option to activate Death Wish to speed up the game. He decided to simply strike back with Vindicator’s Brand, making damage totals even at 8 apiece.
Raphael was low on cards, but one of them was Flickers from the Past. Unfortunately for Slimane, he had no ongoing abilities in his graveyard! If Stefan could go toe-to-toe with Illidan and his friends, he’d be victorious. Jin’rohk, the Great Apocalypse sent V-Brand to the yard, and the Brittilize destroyed in response to deal 2 to Mary. Lady Vashj joined the Betrayer, and Raphael revealed that he had ripped his second Munkin Blackfist to blow up Jin’rohk. This also improved Slimane’s Eye of the Storm to 4 counters, and Illidan ran in for another 5-shot of damage.
Reconstruct rebuilt Jin’rohk uncontested, and Puncture blew a fatal hole through the Naga queen. Greaves of Ancient Evil came on board, but not before Brittilize hit Mary for another 2 damage. Illidan passed on recruiting any of his epic friends, instead calling on Priestess of Dementia. “I think that’s your game,” laughed Urban as he shuffled up for game 2.
Ait Slimane – 1, Urban – 0
Urban kept a hand featuring Broderick, Plate Bracers, and two quests. Slimane threw away his hand and received a hand with a decent spread of counters, Brittilize, and quests.
Stefan opened with the 2/1 and the Bracers. A turn 2 Brittilize shattered the Bracers, and Broderick attacked. Death Wish made it 7 damage to 3 in favor of the German. Spell Suppression stopped Death Wish, and Stefan tried to armor up with Greaves of Ancient Evil after a Broderick beatdown. Zapped Giants revealed Brittilize, and Stefan reeled a bit from his opponent’s good fortune. The Greaves went to the graveyard, and the Brittilize also stopped Mary’s attack when she equipped Edge of Oblivion. Broderick continued to be the Warrior’s only offense, taking Vor’na to 11.
Munkin sent the axe to the scrapyard, from which it returned thanks to Reconstruct. Brittilize stopped the Warrior attack, and Keys to the Armory fetched Girdle of Razuvious. Conjured Cinnamon Roll sat on Vor’na’s board, the snack prepared to undo all of Urban’s work. Spell Suppression landed on Call to Arms: Arathi Basin, attempting to stop Mary from reloading. Ait Slimane held Brittilize, Flickers from the Past, and Counterspell. He couldn’t stop what was going to happen next.
Mary took 2 to clear out Munkin Blackfist, and Broderick put Vor’na to 13 damage. Girdle hit play, and the armory coughed up World Breaker. Mary went to 12 damage, and she equipped the two-handed mace. Vor’na healed while she could, going to 7 damage. Raphael played Flash of Brilliance and Brittilize destroyed the Plate.
Eye of the Storm prevented any attacks, but the damage was about to happen on both sides of the board. Vindicator’s Brand blew up the Flash of Brilliance and Keys coughed up Amani Mask of Death. That destroyed the two Spell Suppressions, and Raphael breathed a sigh of relief.
Flash of Brilliance turned into Mana Ruby. Darkness Calling allowed Urban to dump a Broderick in the yard, and the live one pushed the Mage to 18 damage. One of the two Brittilizes stopped Mary’s attack, and Stefan attempted Reconstruct for Amani Mask of Death. Raphael used his final card in hand to Counterspell the Warrior ability, and a Keys to the Armory turned into Vindicator’s Brand. Unfortunately for the German, he was one resource short of blowing up the Mana Ruby. This allowed Ait Slimane to draw 7 cards. Munkin blew up World Breaker, and Munkin protected Vor’na from the ensuing Mary attack. After the melee, both heroes were at 20 damage.
Eye of the Storm exhausted Urban’s attackers, and he simply showed Reconstruct and uttered “World Breaker.” Raphael dug for a counter with his new Mana Sapphire and hit Nether Fracture. Stefan simply showed Pummel and the world blew up. Rapahel confirmed that they were both at 20 damage, and the two went to game three.
Ait Slimane – 1, Urban – 1
Raphael shuffled, a little stunned that he lost that game after the blowout with Flickers From the Past. Stefan spent his shuffling time laughing at the series of events, celebrating his comeback victory.
Urban had Guardian’s Plate Bracers in game one, and both players laughed that he always came equipped. Urban simply commented that it meant Raphael got more action on his Brittilizes. The Bracers stuck, and Raphael took the time to play Mana Sapphire. Keys to the Armory found Girdle of Razuvious. Raphael blew his Sapphire at the end of Stefan’s next turn, and Brittilize blew up the Bracers just like so many times before. Poor guy couldn’t keep out of the cold!
Nether Fracture made sure that Mary’s feet kept cold, sans Greaves. That cleared the way for Death Wish, and the heroes each took 3 damage. Urban’s hand was very reactionary with Pummels and Punctures, so he lacked the ability to get any early game going. Flash of Brilliance threatened, well, anything! Greaves of Ancient Evil stuck this time, but Eye of the Storm prevented any Death Wish ridiculousness.
Flash of Brilliance turned into Metalmorph targeting the Greaves. A hard-cast Pummel tried to stop it, but Counterspell made it stick. Raphael finished his turn with Blizzard, locking down Mary for a turn. Girdle of Razuvious found Vindicator’s Brand, Mary going up to 7 damage. Reconstruct brought back a broken Greaves, sending the morphed ones to the graveyard.
Twin Munkin Blackfists blew up the Girdle of Razuvious and Greaves of Ancient Evil. This charged up Eye of the Storm to 4 counters and allowed Raphael to use Brittilize to prevent Mary’s attack. The Mage ability blew up in response to a Reconstruct for Greaves, and Darkness Calling allowed Urban to dump a Broderick into the yard. Puncture blew up one of the protectors, and Eye of the Storm exhausted to protect the other. Perdition’s Blade allowed Mary to ready, with Greaves combined with Tanks for Everything, Dalaran, and Death Wish giving Mary the power to punt the second protector to the yard.
Stefan passed the turn in control of the board, but Raphael had been preparing for a massive Flickers from the Past. Brittilize blew up the boots, Metalmorph landed on Vindicator’s Brand, Mana Sapphire provided future draw power, and Flash of Brilliance gave Vor’na options.
Edge of Oblivion replaced the morphed V-Brand, and time was called as Mary attempted to attack. Brittilize stopped the beatdown, and Flash of Brilliance sent Raphael to his collection. Stefan told him not to bother and conceded the match, demolished by the massive Flickers from the Past.
Ait Slimane - 2, Urban - 1
Raphael Ait Slimane marches through the cold and into the Semifinals!
EUCC Top 8 Profiles
Country: Germany
Game Store/Club: Freuland
Hero/Deck: Bloody Mary - Fury Warrior
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: [Stefan couldn't decide on his favorite thing, so I'm going to say . . . succubi. Yeah, they're pretty cool.]
Favorite thing about Paris, France: Good question!
---
Country: Finland
Game Store/Club: None
Hero/Deck: Lord Benjamin Tremendouson - Death Wish Warrior
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: Good resource system, a lot of viable decks.
Favorite thing about Paris, France: The Metro system is great!
---
Country: Italy
Game Store/Club: LLP Collecting - Arcore
Hero/Deck: Bloody Mary - Death Wish Warrior
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: The community, I think it’s the best of any TCG.
Favorite thing about Paris, France: The beauty of the monuments.
---
Country: France
Game Store/Club: Le Repaire du Dragon
Hero/Deck: "Black Ice" Fizzlefreeze
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: [Laurent also couldn't decide on his favorite thing, but I'd hedge that it's The Taste of Arcana in the morning.]
Favorite thing about Paris, France: I live here!
---
Country: Germany
Game Store/Club: Thunder From Down Under [I'm letting this slide. You got away with nothing!]
Hero/Deck: Spellweaver Jihan
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: Spectral Tigers!
Favorite Thing About Paris, France: [Vitus just couldn't think of any one thing, it would seem. Troubling.]
---
Country: Scotland
Game Store/Club: Spellbound Games, Glasgow
Hero/Deck: Vor’na the Wretched
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: It’s not [a certain other game. No, not that one. The other one. Yeah, that one.]
Favorite thing about Paris, France: [Martin must be a wee bit homesick--he's in a hurry to get back!]
---
Country: UK
Game Store/Club: Aldershot Games Shop
Hero/Deck: Timmo Shadestep Ramp
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: The resource system.
Favorite thing about Paris, France: It was easy to get here!
---
Country: France
Game Store/Club: Le Repaire du Dragon
Hero/Deck: Vor’na the Wretched
Favorite thing about World of Warcraft: The quest and resource system.
Favorite thing about Paris, France: My house!
Round 17 – David Kromnow vs. Marc Roca Ferrer
by Will Brinkman
Comeback! Both players exchanged stories about how they were now able to play for a spot in the Top 8. Sweden’s David Kromnow started out 1-4, while Spain’s Marc Roca Ferrer opened up with a 2-3 record. Now, the winner was in the hunt for a chance at the Top 8 in the European Continental Championship.
Marc won the die roll and both players kept. David had no quest on turn 1, but he did have Grumdur Bladebane. Fang powered up Grumdur to attack for 2 damage. Haranto Darkstrider hoped to put up a stop sign for the Alliance offense, but Fang attacked through anyway. Nerubian Conqueror kept the beats coming, and a hero flip from Gramm ensured that the Dwarf protector traded with Haranto. Jaroth Lightguard continued to provide protectors for the Horde team, but the Hunter took a shot at the Rogue hero anyway. Jaroth and Fang did battle, and Lord Jorach Ravenholdt threatened to lock down the board.
Boom! Explosive Shot wiped away the Horde party, but not before the Lord could exhaust Gramm. Fang got in there for 3 points, and Lesson of the Shadow was able to finally put down the doggie. Nerubian Conqueror put Zorak’tul to 15 damage, and Lady Bancroft gave David another body. Annihilate turned the Hunter gun to dust, and the Lady pinged Zorak’tul for 2 damage. Field Commander Foggo gave David a real threat, but Marc raised him with Garrosh Hellscream. Yes, somehow David was winning a game in which his opponent played both Lord Jorach Ravenholdt and Garrosh Hellscream. The two Alliance allies teamed up to take down the Orc, and Kromnow had to quest for an ally. He hit with Skaala of the Somber Watch. Bluffstalker Honovi and Emelia Darkhand were the last 2 cards in Ferrer’s hand, and Emelia fell to a Raptor Strike.
Fang pumped up Skaala’s attack. The Hunter pet and Gregory Flamewalker were enough to carry 1.
Kromnow - 1, Roca Ferrer - 0
The mood turned serious as both players shuffled up, especially with a 750 Euro travel voucher amongst the Top 8 prizes. That would certainly send someone to the World Championship!
Fang was the first ally on the table, followed by Haranto Darkstrider. The two traded, but Gramm simply called another Fang from the hand. Vuz’din joined the Horde party, and Fang went for the Troll hero’s throat for 3 damage. Justicar Maxwell Forthright looked like he’d trade with Vuz’din, but Gramm flipped to save the Rogue hater. Lesson of the Shadow ensured that the trade would happen, but Marc no longer had enough resources to play his in-hand allies.
Lyshala Ravenshot gave Thunderjaw another threat, but Winston Duskhaven was now the top dog on board. Zorak’tul flipped to exhaust Lyshala, and Fang put the Rogue hero to 9 damage. Trophy Gatherer shot Winston for 3 damage, but Annihilate sent the ranged weapon to the yard. Winston traded with Lyshala, and David kept on the pressure with another attack from Fang. A Tale of Valor healed Zorak’tul for 5 points.
Bluffstalker Honovi once again gave Marc the biggest body on the field, but it took 3 damage from Raptor Strike. Fang traded with the big Hunter ally, and Kromnow showed his third Fang. Ferrer threw up his hands in near disgust. Dorzok Shadowhand was Raptor Struck (similar to being Thunderstruck), but nothing could stop Fang from being bartered and traded with Dagger of Betrayal.
Fang flipped sides again, and Field Commander Foggo threatened to end Marc’s tournament. The Dagger once again nabbed the Hunter pet, and Marc built his team with Aurius. The Field Commander sent the charmed Fang to the yard, and David revealed his fourth Fang! The Dagger stayed put on David’s side, and Fang protected against Aurius’s attack. Emelia Darkhand gave Marc a protector, but it died to the Dagger's strike. Foggo went in to put Zorak’tul at 14 damage, and Fang made it 17. Grundur Bladebane hoped to be enough to stop the epic Paladin from sending Foggo to the grave.
The protector did his job, but nothing would help against Lord Jorach Ravenholdt. Gramm’s attack put the Rogue to 19 damage, but Jorach locked down the rest of the offense. The Troll hero exhausted to stop a new Grumdur, and Aurius traded with Foggo. The new Lord Jorach battled with Blazemistress, and Sindo’zur the Toxifier hoped to help pull Marc into the game.
Grumdur attacked for a point, and Blazemistress Lindsey exhausted to blast the Troll hero for 4 damage. Hit and Run prevented Gramm from attacking, and Zorak’tul hung out at 24 damage. Sindo bashed Blazemistress to ensure that David couldn’t rip an ability to close out the game. Marc played Sister Colleen Tulley and Jaroth Lightguard to pull his hero out of danger, and a Garrosh Hellscream forced game three.
Kromnow - 1, Roca Ferrer - 1
David started with Grumdur Bladeblane and Fang. It was a quick 2 damage on Zorak’tul, and it was certainly the way the Hunter deck was going to win against allies like Garrosh and Lord Jorach. Dagger of Betrayal exchanged for Grumdur, and Fang slew the treacherous protector. Dagger of Betrayal made it 4 damage on Zorak’tul, and Diane Cannings gave the Horde team a body. Gramm went direct for the Rogue’s throat, pushing him to 9 damage. Diane Cannings tried to kill the Hunter pet, but a flip from Gramm made that trade work the other way.
Aurius couldn’t stop Fang from beating down, especially from the other side of the table as Dagger of Betrayal traded for the epic Paladin. Gregory Flamewalker gave the Rogue hero a tasty target for attacking, but that would make sure Aurius stayed on the Alliance side for at least a turn. Zorak’tul did Dagger Greg, and Marc spent the rest of his resources questing. The Alliance team put the Horde Rogue at 19 damage, and David had a few options in hand. With 5 resources available, he held Blazemistress Lindsey, Trophy Gatherer, Field Commander Foggo, and Justicar Maxwell Forthright. David eventually settled on Blazemistress Lindsey.
Shoulderpads of Fleshwerks killed the wolf Pet, and Dagger of Betrayal traded for the Blazemistress. Marc’s hand was sick, including Garrosh Hellscream, Sunguard Cersie, Winston Duskhaven, and Lessons of the Shadow. Aurius sent Lindsey to the yard, and Justicar Maxwell Forthright took away 2 health from the Rogue hero. Aurius was able to attack for a point, 2 of the damage absorbed by the armor. The Justicar attacked for 4, and David showed Trophy Gatherer. The gun fired the last shot of the match.
Kromnow - 2, Roca Ferrer - 1
David Kromnow wins! Now, he'll have to wait and see if his tiebreakers will be enough.
Comeback! Both players exchanged stories about how they were now able to play for a spot in the Top 8. Sweden’s David Kromnow started out 1-4, while Spain’s Marc Roca Ferrer opened up with a 2-3 record. Now, the winner was in the hunt for a chance at the Top 8 in the European Continental Championship.
Marc won the die roll and both players kept. David had no quest on turn 1, but he did have Grumdur Bladebane. Fang powered up Grumdur to attack for 2 damage. Haranto Darkstrider hoped to put up a stop sign for the Alliance offense, but Fang attacked through anyway. Nerubian Conqueror kept the beats coming, and a hero flip from Gramm ensured that the Dwarf protector traded with Haranto. Jaroth Lightguard continued to provide protectors for the Horde team, but the Hunter took a shot at the Rogue hero anyway. Jaroth and Fang did battle, and Lord Jorach Ravenholdt threatened to lock down the board.
Fang pumped up Skaala’s attack. The Hunter pet and Gregory Flamewalker were enough to carry 1.
Kromnow - 1, Roca Ferrer - 0
The mood turned serious as both players shuffled up, especially with a 750 Euro travel voucher amongst the Top 8 prizes. That would certainly send someone to the World Championship!
Fang was the first ally on the table, followed by Haranto Darkstrider. The two traded, but Gramm simply called another Fang from the hand. Vuz’din joined the Horde party, and Fang went for the Troll hero’s throat for 3 damage. Justicar Maxwell Forthright looked like he’d trade with Vuz’din, but Gramm flipped to save the Rogue hater. Lesson of the Shadow ensured that the trade would happen, but Marc no longer had enough resources to play his in-hand allies.
Lyshala Ravenshot gave Thunderjaw another threat, but Winston Duskhaven was now the top dog on board. Zorak’tul flipped to exhaust Lyshala, and Fang put the Rogue hero to 9 damage. Trophy Gatherer shot Winston for 3 damage, but Annihilate sent the ranged weapon to the yard. Winston traded with Lyshala, and David kept on the pressure with another attack from Fang. A Tale of Valor healed Zorak’tul for 5 points.
Bluffstalker Honovi once again gave Marc the biggest body on the field, but it took 3 damage from Raptor Strike. Fang traded with the big Hunter ally, and Kromnow showed his third Fang. Ferrer threw up his hands in near disgust. Dorzok Shadowhand was Raptor Struck (similar to being Thunderstruck), but nothing could stop Fang from being bartered and traded with Dagger of Betrayal.
Fang flipped sides again, and Field Commander Foggo threatened to end Marc’s tournament. The Dagger once again nabbed the Hunter pet, and Marc built his team with Aurius. The Field Commander sent the charmed Fang to the yard, and David revealed his fourth Fang! The Dagger stayed put on David’s side, and Fang protected against Aurius’s attack. Emelia Darkhand gave Marc a protector, but it died to the Dagger's strike. Foggo went in to put Zorak’tul at 14 damage, and Fang made it 17. Grundur Bladebane hoped to be enough to stop the epic Paladin from sending Foggo to the grave.
The protector did his job, but nothing would help against Lord Jorach Ravenholdt. Gramm’s attack put the Rogue to 19 damage, but Jorach locked down the rest of the offense. The Troll hero exhausted to stop a new Grumdur, and Aurius traded with Foggo. The new Lord Jorach battled with Blazemistress, and Sindo’zur the Toxifier hoped to help pull Marc into the game.
Grumdur attacked for a point, and Blazemistress Lindsey exhausted to blast the Troll hero for 4 damage. Hit and Run prevented Gramm from attacking, and Zorak’tul hung out at 24 damage. Sindo bashed Blazemistress to ensure that David couldn’t rip an ability to close out the game. Marc played Sister Colleen Tulley and Jaroth Lightguard to pull his hero out of danger, and a Garrosh Hellscream forced game three.
Kromnow - 1, Roca Ferrer - 1
Aurius couldn’t stop Fang from beating down, especially from the other side of the table as Dagger of Betrayal traded for the epic Paladin. Gregory Flamewalker gave the Rogue hero a tasty target for attacking, but that would make sure Aurius stayed on the Alliance side for at least a turn. Zorak’tul did Dagger Greg, and Marc spent the rest of his resources questing. The Alliance team put the Horde Rogue at 19 damage, and David had a few options in hand. With 5 resources available, he held Blazemistress Lindsey, Trophy Gatherer, Field Commander Foggo, and Justicar Maxwell Forthright. David eventually settled on Blazemistress Lindsey.
Shoulderpads of Fleshwerks killed the wolf Pet, and Dagger of Betrayal traded for the Blazemistress. Marc’s hand was sick, including Garrosh Hellscream, Sunguard Cersie, Winston Duskhaven, and Lessons of the Shadow. Aurius sent Lindsey to the yard, and Justicar Maxwell Forthright took away 2 health from the Rogue hero. Aurius was able to attack for a point, 2 of the damage absorbed by the armor. The Justicar attacked for 4, and David showed Trophy Gatherer. The gun fired the last shot of the match.
Kromnow - 2, Roca Ferrer - 1
David Kromnow wins! Now, he'll have to wait and see if his tiebreakers will be enough.
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