Arcane Duels Episode 8 - Forcemaster Vs Araxian Crown Warlock

[Intangible0]

This week Coshade and myself played the Forcemaster and Warlock. Instead of the usual aggro builds you see from these mages we instead went for board control.  I'll post the decks here and in the spell book construction page.

[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]One mind, Many Thoughts[/spellbookname]
[mage]Forcemaster[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1a09]1 x  Jet Stream[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWA02]1 x  Force Hammer[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a06]1 x  Flameblast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a08]1 x  Geyser[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFA02]1 x  Hurl Rock[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNA01]3 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1j04]1 x  Battle Forge[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j08]1 x  Hand of Bim-Shalla[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j12]2 x  Mana Crystal[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=FWC16]4 x  Thoughtspore[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1e17]1 x  Force Orb[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]2 x  Brace Yourself[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE06]1 x  Lion Savagery[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE02]1 x  Akiro's Favor[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWE05]1 x  Forcefield[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e16]2 x  Force Hold[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e27]2 x  Marked for Death[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e25]1 x  Maim Wings[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]1 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e09]2 x  Agony[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1q08]1 x  Elemental Wand[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ09]1 x  Wand of Healing[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWQ10]1 x  Storm Drake Hide[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q06]1 x  Dragonscale Hauberk[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWQ02]1 x  Defense Ring[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q15]1 x  Leather Boots[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKQ06]1 x  Eagleclaw Boots[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q23]1 x  Regrowth Belt[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ10]1 x  Meditation Amulet[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWQ01]1 x  Dancing Scimitar[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKQ05]1 x  Dispel Wand[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q04]1 x  Deflection Bracers[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWQ04]1 x  Galvitar, Force Blade[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q07]1 x  Elemental Cloak[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1i02]1 x  Battle Fury[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i06]2 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i12]3 x  Force Push[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]1 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i21]1 x  Purge Magic[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWI07]1 x  Repulse[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i24]1 x  Seeking Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]2 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFI03]1 x  Disarm[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i15]1 x  Knockdown[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]

[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]The Adversary[/spellbookname]
[mage]Warlock[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFA01]1 x  Devil's Trident[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a04]2 x  Fireball[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a12]1 x  Ring of Fire[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a06]2 x  Flameblast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNA01]2 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1j22]1 x  Tanglevine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j12]1 x  Mana Crystal[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j17]1 x  Pentagram[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFC08]3 x  Infernian Scourger[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFC13]3 x  Wildfire Imp[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1c16]1 x  Flaming Hellion[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFC02]3 x  Blood Demon[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1e09]3 x  Agony[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE03]1 x  Arcane Corruption[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e14]1 x  Enfeeble[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e08]1 x  Death Link[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e19]2 x  Ghoul Rot[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e22]1 x  Hellfire Trap[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e24]1 x  Magebane[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e25]1 x  Maim Wings[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e27]1 x  Marked for Death[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e31]1 x  Poisoned Blood[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e40]1 x  Vampirism[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWE02]1 x  Circle of Fire[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e36]1 x  Rhino Hide[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]1 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE01]1 x  Adramelech's Touch[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE02]1 x  Akiro's Favor[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE07]1 x  Rust[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]1 x  Brace Yourself[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e16]1 x  Force Hold[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1q14]1 x  Lash of Hellfire[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q06]1 x  Dragonscale Hauberk[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q10]1 x  Fireshaper Ring[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q08]1 x  Elemental Wand[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFQ02]1 x  Bloodfire Helmet[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q12]1 x  Helm of Fear[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ01]1 x  Cloak of Shadows[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q05]1 x  Demonhide Armor[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWQ09]1 x  Sectarus, Dark Rune Sword[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1i06]2 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFI05]2 x  Ignite[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i23]1 x  Rouse the Beast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i11]1 x  Explode[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFI06]1 x  Defend[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]2 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i25]1 x  Shift Enchantment[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]2 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]

[V10lentray]

Here is a link to the video -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIibiWeViQ0&list=UUJlTpUZS02GTO9rWXbR-jow&index=1

[V10lentray]

23:00 - A Restrained creature suffers a -2 penalty to all defense rolls. Justin should have been able to attempt a defense roll while restrained via the Tanglevine. p9 of the Codex under restrained

[Intangible0]

Good catch Ray. That was a big misplay on my part because I told Coshade he couldn't dodge. Looking at it now it might not have made a huge difference... but then again he did make every dodge up until that point.

[Sailor Vulcan]

What was the very next d12 result that was rolled in the game?

[Intangible0]

Unfortunately the next roll was during the corrupted part of the video. I honestly don't remember what it was. He pretty much only rolled 7's and 12's... so there's really no way of telling.

I think what's more important to note is that he didn't try to dodge any more attacks for the last two rounds because of he was restrained. He had his mage's ability and the deflection bracers on. So with those two dodges against 3-4 attacks (one from my mage) he had a 33% chance to dodge two attacks.

Pretty big miscall on my part really. I'm considering having us roll a few dice just to see how much it would have mattered. Get the guilt off my chest 

[V10lentray]

As soon as you said that, I knew it was wrong. we played a game before with my druid, and I had a creature of yours tanglevined who had a defense roll, and you rolled as if not restrained, so when I got home I looked it up. 

That's the tricky part of this game, there are so many nuances and tricks that it's hard to remember everything.

While I do not think in this case the end result would have changed, I still think the warlord, I mean warlock (haha) wins. it might have taken you an extra round of two to finish the job.

[Coshade]

Hey guys,

So I watched the video and thought I would ask you guys for some opinions.

My original thoughts on opening was to Mana crystal and [mwcard=FWC16]Thoughtspore[/mwcard] for two rounds in order to gain the channeling necessary to cast the spells needed. I've been thinking of opening Thoughtspore and Battle Forge instead. This allows me to be more flexible depending on how aggressive the opponent is being. If he's super aggressive then I can get out the proper equipment. The less aggressive he is the more I can cast Thoughtspores and mana crystals.

So for this game if I did a Thoughtspore and Battle Forge opening I could have gotten the proper equipment for a holdout and kill any creatures he tried to attack me with.

I think a big mistake of mine was to go after the [mwcard=MW1J17]Pentagram[/mwcard]. In my original build I was going to have [mwcard=MW1A13]Thunderbolt[/mwcard] and have a thoughtspore position me with [mwcard=MW1I12]Force Push[/mwcard] so I could get range. I think even that is a weak move and probably a waste of mana to try and destroy the Pentagram. After the two Fireballs destroyed my thoughtspores I noticed I pretty much had 2 Mana Crystals and not much more to show for it. So in the future I think avoiding the pentagram is the best move.

I think the Forcehold was a misplay on my part. I should have just let it go and bank on the mana. Alternatively I decided to regroup on the other side of the map then not power up enough. I should have stayed by my Battleforge longer and try to build myself up more.I have a lot of options for defense and armor and 3 demons shouldn't frighten me at all.

I would like to hear what you guys think I could do to protect my Thoughtspores more. I noticed the Fireball just barely is able to kill them every time. I was thinking something like [mwcard=MW1E34]Reverse Attack[/mwcard] or [mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]Brace Yourself[/mwcard]. I put a [mwcard=MW1E17]Force Orb[/mwcard] in there as well but i don't think it's worth it on a thoughtspore (not sure). They are really hard to protect.

[Coshade]

Unfortunately the next roll was during the corrupted part of the video. I honestly don't remember what it was. He pretty much only rolled 7's and 12's... so there's really no way of telling.

I think what's more important to note is that he didn't try to dodge any more attacks for the last two rounds because of he was restrained. He had his mage's ability and the deflection bracers on. So with those two dodges against 3-4 attacks (one from my mage) he had a 33% chance to dodge two attacks.

Pretty big miscall on my part really. I'm considering having us roll a few dice just to see how much it would have mattered. Get the guilt off my chest 

No biggie. I don't think the dodges are what lost me the game in the long run. It probably would have bought me a little more time. The opening was the biggest problem for me.

[sdougla2]

If you want to destroy Pentagram as the Forcemaster, Galvitar and Invisible Fist are better options than Jet Stream and Force Hammer. If you used Doublestrike on the Pentagram, you should be able to kill it with an Invisible Fist reasonably consistently, and you can just make a Sweeping attack against it next round if that fails.

[Biblofilter]

I have never played a Forcemaster, but i´ll have to try Flying Mage Wands!

I did read some very good responces in posted FM books. (Comple Collection of Spellbooks)
http://forum.arcanewonders.com/index.php?topic=13070.0 (MANA FORCE! by Imaginator)

especially Deckbuiders thougts about the three common FM types:
#1 Solo
#2 Thoughtspores
#3 Elites

but there are a ton of other posted spellbooks and responces that deserves attention.

Anyway i think that a Guardian Angel is a great way to protect the Thoughtspores. She has intercept and a defence.

I think i would open with Guardian Angel and Battle Forge, mostly because i would like to wait with binding a spell to the Thoughtspores until i have a better idea of what i need. You might even include the Dawnbreaker Tempel to improve your defences even more.

Probably one incantation Thougtspore and one with an attack spell.

With Force Push being an option ill probably try to include a couple of Walls of Thorns. I know theres a lot of players that look down on this play, but with 2 flying wands, one with an Acid Ball, another with a Force Push. Thats a great treat, and sometimes the FM forcepull could be used to put targets in front of the Walls.

Id take out the meditation amulet, just go for melee a round or two, if you need mana.

Finally let me just say ill really enjoy your videos! Tx a lot.

[sdougla2]

Guardian Angel can't protect a Thoughtspore unless the Thoughtspore is grounded. Guard only prevents attacks against non-flying objects. Intercept can only be used when the target is non-flying.

[Biblofilter]

Guardian Angel can't protect a Thoughtspore unless the Thoughtspore is grounded. Guard only prevents attacks against non-flying objects. Intercept can only be used when the target is non-flying.

Thats a shame. I just discovered that [mwcard=MWSTX2FFI03]Disarm[/mwcard] not only works on weapons but on all equipment. Removing a pair of Eagleclaw Boots each round for "free", each round with a protected Thougtspore with a protected pair of Thoughtspores could be quite good, with the Wall of Thorns and Force Push combo.

Tx for clarifying that sdougla2

[Coshade]

If you want to destroy Pentagram as the Forcemaster, Galvitar and Invisible Fist are better options than Jet Stream and Force Hammer. If you used Doublestrike on the Pentagram, you should be able to kill it with an Invisible Fist reasonably consistently, and you can just make a Sweeping attack against it next round if that fails.

Agreed. I think that was definitely better then the tactic i tried out. For this Forcemaster I probably wouldn't go after the Pentagram unless he placed it two moves from my starting corner. Galvitar is really good and I see why a lot of people make their build around it.

[Coshade]

I have never played a Forcemaster, but i´ll have to try Flying Mage Wands!

I did read some very good responces in posted FM books. (Comple Collection of Spellbooks)
http://forum.arcanewonders.com/index.php?topic=13070.0 (MANA FORCE! by Imaginator)

especially Deckbuiders thougts about the three common FM types:
#1 Solo
#2 Thoughtspores
#3 Elites

but there are a ton of other posted spellbooks and responces that deserves attention.

Anyway i think that a Guardian Angel is a great way to protect the Thoughtspores. She has intercept and a defence.

I think i would open with Guardian Angel and Battle Forge, mostly because i would like to wait with binding a spell to the Thoughtspores until i have a better idea of what i need. You might even include the Dawnbreaker Tempel to improve your defences even more.

Probably one incantation Thougtspore and one with an attack spell.

With Force Push being an option ill probably try to include a couple of Walls of Thorns. I know theres a lot of players that look down on this play, but with 2 flying wands, one with an Acid Ball, another with a Force Push. Thats a great treat, and sometimes the FM forcepull could be used to put targets in front of the Walls.

Id take out the meditation amulet, just go for melee a round or two, if you need mana.

Finally let me just say ill really enjoy your videos! Tx a lot.

I'm wondering if there are three types of Forcemasters because there are so limited mind creatures. That being said the three types of Forcemasters can really be different and unpredictable

Flying Mage Wands is really fun. Thanks for the link btw it was really interesting to see how other people used it. Block seems like a common choice to protect the Thoughtspore.

The Wall of Thorns idea should totally work. Especially since you can still have a followup if it fails. The possibilities are endless!

Yeah I think you're right about the Meditation Amulet. It's good for the ideal circumstance which probably will never happen.

I hope you enjoy the next video! It was shot yesterday