My brother and I have been playing Mage Wars by email.  It requires that we trust each other on card planning (though we could both make blind emails to a third email address and verify after if that were an issue) and dice rolling (though we could use a dice roller to cover that if it were an issue).  We just keep a short text file to describe the game state, and it works quite well.  Here's an example from the end of the first game we finished:

Turn 7 (Planning)
Initiative: Andrew

Warlord (Alexander - Green) : Channeling 9, Mana Supply 12, Damage 18 / Life 36
(Meditation Amulet) (Regrowth Belt) (Dragonscale Hauberk)

Warlord (Andrew - Blue) : Channeling 9, Mana Supply 15, Damage 3 / Life 36
(Ring of Command) (Leather Gloves) (Warhammer)

A4: (B) Grimson Deadeye (A+) (D:6)
B2: (G) Knight of Westlock (A+)
B3: (G) Knight of Westlock (A+)
B3: (B) Akiro's Hammer (L:2) (D:5)
C3: (B) Warlord (Andrew) (A+) (QC+)
C3: (G) Warlord (Alexander) (A+) (QC+)

For my the Beastmaster question is one about goals.  The Straywood clearly excels at swarms, and is probably the best aggressive Mage in the game.  However, swarms have many ready counters, which leads to a meta decision to play fewer larger creatures.  Once the swarm strategy is out, the animal quickcast ability isn't as great, and Wonded Prey can be more meaningful for damage output than the Pet bonuses.  Unless, of course, everyone is playing Nonliving creatures, in which case Wounded Prey is a blank.

Personally, I've started making all my non-swarm Nature based decks with the Druid.  She just seems way better than the Johkarti, given a broader range of spells, a nice Spawnpoint, and sort-of 10 channeling.  Bows are so awkward and mana intensive, I don't miss them at all.

Some questions/observations:

1) How often do you use all of your copies of Rhino Hide or Bear Strength?

2) Given how static your game is, Fortified Position and/or Mohktari seem like good area buffs?

3) Where do you find enough space for 4 mana flowers and a Vine Tree?

1) Technically you only need to cast Idol of Pestilence to force the opponent to come to you.  The Tournament rules say that whoever took more damage in 75 minutes is defeated if there is not a conclusive (KO) outcome.  I think the greatest strength of Idol is that it is effectively 1 damage with unlimited range, and puts the onus on your opponent.

2) I really like the enchantment/curse Death Link.  If you're enchanting up the opposing Mage, getting a regen belt effect along with your damage is pretty sweet.

Yep!

If you are looking for people to play with in the Seattle area, join the Facebook group Seattle Area Mage Wars and say "hello!"

@Aylin:  You're completely right.  I should be more specific!

I agree with Jack about defense.  Warlord has a lot of defense buffs, so I'd rather get more HP.  2 armor would be perfect, but just 1 would also be fine.  I also want a soldier with a good damage output for their cost.  3 damage on a level 3 is anemic.  Panzergarde is a useful roleplayer, but it's not something I want an army of to battle my opponent with.  I want to get 5 damage like Knight of Westlock or Undead Knight.

This is a book I've played a few games with.  Essentially, there are 3 main modes:  Attrition (Barracks + Harmonize + Meditation Amulet), Siege (Archer's Tower + Grimson + Akiro's Hammer) or Aggro (summon some med-big, buff).  My feeling is that the Warlord ideally wants the largest number of moderately durable summons he can play to maximize the benefit of the Veteran ability.  My go-to plan is to make as much mana as I can to churn such guys out.  Knight of Westlock costs a ton of book points, but I've never regretted having them on the field.

Looking for feedback/input/advice.

Mage Wars deck (built using OCTGN deckbuilder) 1/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

Spellbook points: 120 used of 120 allowed

1 Warlord

---  Creature  ---
1 Grimson Deadeye, Sniper
4 Orc Butcher
1 Sir Corazin, Blademaster
1 Thorg, Chief Bodyguard
3 Knight of Westlock
4 Goblin Slinger
1 Dwarf Panzergarde

---  Enchantment  ---
1 Standard Bearer
1 Armor Ward
1 Divine Might
2 Fortified Position
1 Harmonize

---  Incantation  ---
1 Akiro's Battle Cry
1 Piercing Strike
1 Perfect Strike
1 Evade
1 Charge
1 Battle Fury
1 Sniper Shot
1 Power Strike
2 Dispel
2 Dissolve
1 Force Wave
1 Minor Heal
1 Heal

---  Conjuration  ---
1 Akiro's Hammer
1 Barracks
1 Archer's Watchtower
1 Wall of Stone

---  Equipment  ---
1 Helm of Command
1 Ring of Command
1 Eagleclaw Boots
1 Dragonscale Hauberk
1 Regrowth Belt
1 Meditation Amulet
1 Horn of Gothos
1 Wand of Healing
1 Mage Staff
1 Leather Gloves