So, to add to this strategy, one could cast Eye of Bael on opponent mage, then cast Curse Item so now the opponent mage cannot just simply replace the cursed item. He has to either remove the curse first with a dispel and then can replace item, or he is forced to dissolve or crumble the item. Is this correct? If it is, that is 3 points of damage per upkeep phase basically forcing the opponent mage to take action against the cursed equipment. 

Does anybody still play academy on octgn? I haven't seen anyone playing it online at all this year and there were at least several people last year who played it occasionally. If anyone wants to play academy my username is henry_ketchup on octgn.

Thanks!

I didn't even know Academy was on OCTGN. I'm interested in playing on OCTGN. I've just started playing Arena on OCTGN and having Academy as an option would be a good alternative for those evenings I don't have 2 hours to invest. Though it would be pointless to set it all up if hardly anybody else plays.

Not seeing any book  from you (so maybe you already know this) but a really fun tactic against holy mages with Araxian crown is Rise Again. If you focus on their living creatures (which if they run banner they will probably have something), you can rise again before the kill then get the curse back and go onto the next creature. It's a way you can get a creature using only a quickcast. Griffins are really nice with that since they are fast and become normal speed after becoming a zombie!

Actually, no- I had a copy in one of my books a while back, but never really got use out of it. That could be a fun tactic to try indeed- I like it! Thanks for the suggestion!

Show your Paladin friend the forums so that he can see all of the strategy you can or I'm putting an asterix next to your 'victory'.

I'd be careful about being too aggressive.  Yes, aggression is good, but if you run out of gas vs an endurance mage like the paladin you are going to lose.

Well, you'll just have to put that asterisk next to my victory because my paladin friend hasn't been to the forum, even though I've tried to tell him how helpful it's been for me. I can't help it if I'm utilizing all my resources in preparation of a big match and he chooses not to ha ha!  Let's consider this a pre-match study and coaching session that he has declined.

That's the balance I'm trying to determine- rush damage vs. long-game endurance specific to the Paladin. I've always played either/or.

Quote from: Ravepig on March 10, 2017, 09:35:17 AM

Quote from: Reddicediaries on March 10, 2017, 09:32:49 AM

In that case, seeking dispel wand would be very helpful.
Or some way to heal your creatures, stop him from hitting them.
Surging wave works nicely.

I definitely like Seeking Dispel Wand and Surging Wave as a back up. I've also become very fond of Curse Item.

Don't rely on it to much. It should distract him from dealing with your threats though so that is nice.
GET rid of the banner if it shows up.
Akiro, hawkeye and fireball that thing.

Yes, I agree 100%. Banner is a must-be-destroyed card.

I believe he is talking about martyr's restoration? It removes 5 dmg and places it on the castor regarless of finite life. So cassiel could cast it. Also the new unicorn can heal through finite life.
Do you use sealed demon? He is a beast and elusive will help him hit the targets you need.
If you see cassiel, kill or chant of rage her. She is too good left alive.
The creature should be something that won't die easy. Does he use eye for an eye? If so, something that can heal would be preferable, not zombie brute as eye will just wreck him.

Oh yes, he will be bringing max eye for eye spells.

I agree with Red here. The longer it goes the more it's in his favor. Keep the curse game going and bury him in hate. Which Warlock are you using?

Arraxian Crown. Yeah, I'm thinking rush. So, I have Eagle Claw boots to counter walls ready to go. Just trying to preemptively think thru what he might throw at me to mitigate the rush. He's going to know it's coming ha ha.

Within my local gaming group, we have two undefeated Mages. I have my undefeated Warlock, and my buddy has an undefeated Paladin. The two have yet to face off, though that is the match everyone in our group is wanting to see. I agree, it would be fun to square off to once and for all declare a single undefeated mage of Central Iowa.

That said, while I have two PVS sets, I have yet to actually play as the Paladin but know he has some nasty tricks when facing demons and non-living. For those well-versed in Paladin-play, what advice can you give this somewhat nervous Warlock for when he faces his arch-rival in the Arena? 

My initial thought is to just rush with the tried and true Fire Ring/Hawkeye strategy and fireball his arse up and down the arena. Throwing out a deathlock or poisone blood if needed- maybe load up on dissolves to keep him from getting that nasty sword to hand.

I love pairing the Warlock up with twin blood demons, but with the Paladin's banner and creature library, I'm not exactly wanting to give him time to build up either.

Thoughts, ideas and suggestions welcome!