Multiplayer Domination: Druid

[iNano78]

[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]Fierce Control[/spellbookname]
[mage]Wychwood Druid[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNA01]1 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a08]1 x  Geyser[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWA03]1 x  Hail of Stones[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKA01]1 x  Surging Wave[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWBG1J01]1 x  Altar of the Iron Guard[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNW01]4 x  Bloodspine Wall[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ02]1 x  Corrosive Orchid[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ03]1 x  Etherian Lifetree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ06]3 x  Nightshade Lotus[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j22]4 x  Tanglevine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ12]1 x  Vine Tree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1w04]2 x  Wall of Thorns[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1c07]1 x  Cervere, The Forest Shadow[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC10]2 x  Raptor Vine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC21]4 x  Thornlasher[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1c37]4 x  Thunderift Falcon[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC20]3 x  Vine Snapper[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNE01]1 x  Barkskin[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]2 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]1 x  Brace Yourself[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e05]1 x  Cheetah Speed[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e20]1 x  Harmonize[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE06]1 x  Lion Savagery[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e36]1 x  Rhino Hide[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]2x  Panther Stealth[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE07]1 x  Rust[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1E04]2 x  V'Tar Force Sentry[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKQ06]1 x  Eagleclaw Boots[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q19]1 x  Mage Wand[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNI02]2 x  Burst of Thorns[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFI06]2 x  Defend[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i06]2 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i12]3 x  Force Push[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWI04]1 x  Force Wave[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]1 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i23]2 x  Rouse the Beast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i24]1 x  Seeking Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i26]1 x  Sleep[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]2 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1I02]1 x  V'Tarrian Healing Song[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]

I usually start with Vine Tree + Harmonize, then drop a Vine Snapper on the nearest Sslak and start pounding.  Thornlashers can't tap orbs, but they're great at snatching creatures away from orbs you control, especially if you can pull the creature through a Bloodspine Wall.  Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Tanglevine.

If you don't like including the Thunderrift Falcons, you could either trade them for [mwcard=MW1C36] Tarok, the Skyhunter[/mwcard] (for anti-Falcon tech) or some [mwcard=MW1I15] Knockdown[/mwcard]s (and follow up with Tanglevine), or just rely on your Thornlasher's for anti-aerial artillery and invest in Rajah or similar.

* This is part of a series of spell books designed for Free-for-all Multiplayer Domination.  The main discussion can be found here. *

[Ravepig]

[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]Fierce Control[/spellbookname]
[mage]Wychwood Druid[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNA01]1 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a08]1 x  Geyser[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWA03]1 x  Hail of Stones[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKA01]1 x  Surging Wave[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWBG1J01]1 x  Altar of the Iron Guard[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNW01]4 x  Bloodspine Wall[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ02]1 x  Corrosive Orchid[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ03]1 x  Etherian Lifetree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ06]3 x  Nightshade Lotus[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j22]4 x  Tanglevine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ12]1 x  Vine Tree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1w04]2 x  Wall of Thorns[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1c07]1 x  Cervere, The Forest Shadow[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC10]2 x  Raptor Vine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC21]4 x  Thornlasher[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1c37]4 x  Thunderift Falcon[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC20]3 x  Vine Snapper[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNE01]1 x  Barkskin[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]2 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]1 x  Brace Yourself[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e05]1 x  Cheetah Speed[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e20]1 x  Harmonize[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE06]1 x  Lion Savagery[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e36]1 x  Rhino Hide[/mwcard]
2x  Panther Stealth
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE07]1 x  Rust[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1E04]2 x  V'Tar Force Sentry[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKQ06]1 x  Eagleclaw Boots[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q19]1 x  Mage Wand[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNI02]2 x  Burst of Thorns[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFI06]2 x  Defend[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i06]2 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i12]3 x  Force Push[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWI04]1 x  Force Wave[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]1 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i23]2 x  Rouse the Beast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i24]1 x  Seeking Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i26]1 x  Sleep[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]2 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1I02]1 x  V'Tarrian Healing Song[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]

I usually start with Vine Tree + Harmonize, then drop a Vine Snapper on the nearest Sslak and start pounding.  Thronlashers can't tap orbs, but they're great at snatching creatures away from orbs you control, especially if you can pull the creature through a Bloodspine Wall.  Otherwise, you can't go wrong with Tanglevine.

If you don't like including the Thunderrift Falcons, you could either trade them for [mwcard=MW1C36] Tarok, the Skyhunter[/mwcard] (for anti-Falcon tech) or some [mwcard=MW1I15] Knockdown[/mwcard]s (and follow up with Tanglevine), or just rely on your Thornlasher's for anti-aerial artillery and invest in Rajah or similar.

* This is part of a series of spell books designed for Free-for-all Multiplayer Domination.  The main discussion can be found here. *

Just noticed this book- I might give this a try for our next Domination game. Thanks for sharing! If you don't mind me asking, what's your success rate with this build?

[V10lentray]

I highly suggest Strangle Vine / Nullify

Cast Strangle Vine during the final Quick Cast phase when you do not have initiative. Then during the first quick cast phase cast nullify on whatever is in the Strangle Vine to prevent the creature from being teleported out of the Strangle Vine.

Astral anchor works as well.

I really love the Druid. I really think you should look more into the water element of her ability.  I Have PvS cards in my book and I have somewhere around 10-12 level 1 water spells in my book. Acid Ball, Surging Wave, X - Attack spells, x enchantment spells, X Equipment spell....

[iNano78]

Just noticed this book- I might give this a try for our next Domination game. Thanks for sharing! If you don't mind me asking, what's your success rate with this build?

I'm 3-1-1 in three-way free-for-all Domination using this book, where in the draw, I was ahead in V'tar but behind in orbs held at the time we had to call it.

Someone else borrowed it once and lost (to me; I played a Beastmaster that day).

In general, I consider it my strongest Domination book - although it doesn't look exactly like this anymore (different wall counts; down to just 2 Thunderrift Falcons; can't remember what I added, but probably a Badger Frenzy or two, since it's a cheaper Battle Fury for your minor creatures e.g. Snappers and Falcons).  My Necromancer is up there too, and Bloodwave Warlord does very well in my group (I've got a winning record, as does BigL16).

[iNano78]

I highly suggest Strangle Vine / Nullify

Cast Strangle Vine during the final Quick Cast phase when you do not have initiative. Then during the first quick cast phase cast nullify on whatever is in the Strangle Vine to prevent the creature from being teleported out of the Strangle Vine.

Astral anchor works as well.

I really love the Druid. I really think you should look more into the water element of her ability.  I Have PvS cards in my book and I have somewhere around 10-12 level 1 water spells in my book. Acid Ball, Surging Wave, X - Attack spells, x enchantment spells, X Equipment spell....

What would you cast Stranglevine on? Usslak?  Seems awfully expensive in Domination when Tanglevine will do the job (e.g. restrain an enemy creature).

I don't find attack spells all that useful in multiplayer Domination unless they have an area-of-effect (e.g. zone) or can Slam/Stun/Daze or something.  Sure, if an attack spell can come in handy if it can finish off a damaged creature, and Acid Ball works nicely against Usslak, but that's about it.  I can't imagine casting 10-12 water spells in a 3-way Domination match that might only last 8-10 rounds.

[Kaarin]

but probably a Badger Frenzy or two, since it's a cheaper Battle Fury for your minor creatures e.g. Snappers and Falcons). 

It seems You made same mistake as I did. Badger Frenzy can't target Snappers, only animals.

[iNano78]

Updated with a few spells from PvS and Lost Grimoire v1:

[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]Fierce Control v2.0[/spellbookname]
[mage]Wychwood Druid[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNA01]1 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a08]1 x  Geyser[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWA03]1 x  Hail of Stones[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKA01]1 x  Surging Wave[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Swell[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=MWBG1J01]1 x  Altar of the Iron Guard[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNW01]3 x  Bloodspine Wall[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ02]1 x  Corrosive Orchid[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ03]1 x  Etherian Lifetree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Meredia's Blessing[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ06]2 x  Nightshade Lotus[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1J04]1 x  Raincloud[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]2 x  Swamp[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j22]3 x  Tanglevine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ12]1 x  Vine Tree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1w04]2 x  Wall of Thorns[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1c07]1 x  Cervere, The Forest Shadow[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC10]2 x  Raptor Vine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MW1C36]1 x  Tarok, the Skyhunter[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC21]3 x  Thornlasher[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1c37]2 x  Thunderift Falcon[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC20]3 x  Vine Snapper[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNE01]1 x  Barkskin[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]1 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE04]1 x  Brace Yourself[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e05]1 x  Cheetah Speed[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e20]1 x  Harmonize[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MW1E28]1 x  Mongoose Agility[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Panther Stealth[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e36]1 x  Rhino Hide[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFE07]1 x  Rust[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1E03]1 x  Sentinel of V'Tar[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1E04]1 x  V'Tar Force Sentry[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=]1 x  Chitin Armor[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX1CKQ06]1 x  Eagleclaw Boots[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Leviathin Scale Armor[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q19]1 x  Mage Wand[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x Waterfall Cloak[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNI02]2 x  Burst of Thorns[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWSTX2FFI06]2 x  Defend[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i06]1 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]1 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Extinguish[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i12]2 x  Force Push[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWI04]1 x  Force Wave[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Lesser Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=]1 x  Mending Wave[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i23]2 x  Rouse the Beast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i24]1 x  Seeking Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i26]1 x  Sleep[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]1 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=MWBG1I02]1 x  V'Tarrian Healing Song[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]

* This is part of a series of spell books designed for Free-for-all Multiplayer Domination.  The main discussion can be found here. *

[Ravepig]

Used this book tonight in a game of 3 player Domination, and whoa, did the druid dominate. By the third round it was clear she was a force to be reckoned with. At this point both opponents basically ganged up on her. By round 5, I had a full garden with creatures and flowers guarding 2 orbs, (one being a Vinesnapper w/growth marker). She basically was able to counter everything the opposing mages threw at her. Granted, the opposing mages being a wizard and priestess (not the strongest domination books I've seen), but still. A landslide victory is a landslide victory- especially when both opponents were coming at her with everything they had. The only addition I might add for next time is an Astral Anchor. Otherwise, great book!

[iNano78]

Glad you like it. I was wondering if it really needed the Armour included, but it definitely comes in handy when you get out to a strong start and discover the other mages ganging up on you!

I'm not sure how your [mwcard=DNC20]Vine Snapper[/mwcard] got a Growth marker, though. [mwcard=DNC06]Kralathor, The Devourer[/mwcard] is special in that he gets a Growth marker when he Devours a creature; but generally speaking, Devour just prevents the destroyed creature from ending up in a discard pile (for reanimation purposes) and from triggering various "upon destruction" effects (like Goblin Bomber or Plague Zombie or Ichthellid Larva) via the Obliterate trait.

[Ravepig]

Glad you like it. I was wondering if it really needed the Armour included, but it definitely comes in handy when you get out to a strong start and discover the other mages ganging up on you!

I'm not sure how your [mwcard=DNC20]Vine Snapper[/mwcard] got a Growth marker, though. [mwcard=DNC06]Kralathor, The Devourer[/mwcard] is special in that he gets a Growth marker when he Devours a creature; but generally speaking, Devour just prevents the destroyed creature from ending up in a discard pile (for reanimation purposes) and from triggering various "upon destruction" effects (like Goblin Bomber or Plague Zombie or Ichthellid Larva) via the Obliterate trait.

Probably played devour wrong then. Though it wouldn't have changed the outcome of the game. The vine snapper wasn't attacked a single time. But good to know for future reference. I would probably do well to just study one or two mages and perfect them along with all the little rules that go along with the chosen spells.

As for the armor, didn't wind up needing it, but I agree. Good to have just in case.

[iNano78]

I made a few changes not reflected above:

-2 Falcons (2)
-1 Leviathan Scale (1)
-1 Waterfall Cloak (1)
-1 Tarok (3)
-1 Wall of Thorns (1)
+1 Gravikor (4) (or Kralathor)
+1 Astral Anchor (2)
+1 Wall of Earth (2)

Reasons:
- As good as they are, I rarely play the Falcons because I prefer to have creatures pop up where they're needed via Vine markers. Also, I needed the Falcons for another book. (How do I only have 8 Falcons with 2x 1st ed core, 1x 4th ed core and 1x spell tome 1?)
- Don't really need Leviathan Scale or Waterfall Cloak. Chitin + Rhino Hide + Barkskin should be plenty in most matches.
- Tarok was there for anti-Falcon tech... but Thornlashers, attack spells and Burst of Thorns already do this; also, same problem as Falcons (re: summoning to my zone). Kralathor has Reach and can be summoned anywhere, and is great at gobbling up Level 1's whether they're flying or not. Let him finish off a Sslak or 2 and then set him loose!
- Or, use Gravikor instead. Non-flying Falcons are easier to deal with, can be pushed/snatched through Bloodspine Walls, and are hindered by Vine markers, so they're little more than Goblin Grunts. Right now, it's a toss-up between Kralathor or Gravikor... but all my Gravikors are in other books.
- Wall of Thorns isn't as good in a format that tends to be dominated by minor creatures, and sometimes you just need an impenetrable wall - hence upgrading to a Wall of Earth.
- good call on Astral Anchor. Makes Tanglevine better, not only when used to slow something down but also when used to remove a Guard, as this prevents an easy Teleport-to-same-zone counter.

[Ravepig]

I made a few changes not reflected above:

-2 Falcons (2)
-1 Leviathan Scale (1)
-1 Waterfall Cloak (1)
-1 Tarok (3)
-1 Wall of Thorns (1)
+1 Gravikor (4) (or Kralathor)
+1 Astral Anchor (2)
+1 Wall of Earth (2)

Reasons:
- As good as they are, I rarely play the Falcons because I prefer to have creatures pop up where they're needed via Vine markers. Also, I needed the Falcons for another book. (How do I only have 8 Falcons with 2x 1st ed core, 1x 4th ed core and 1x spell tome 1?)
- Don't really need Leviathan Scale or Waterfall Cloak. Chitin + Rhino Hide + Barkskin should be plenty in most matches.
- Tarok was there for anti-Falcon tech... but Thornlashers, attack spells and Burst of Thorns already do this; also, same problem as Falcons (re: summoning to my zone). Kralathor has Reach and can be summoned anywhere, and is great at gobbling up Level 1's whether they're flying or not. Let him finish off a Sslak or 2 and then set him loose!
- Or, use Gravikor instead. Non-flying Falcons are easier to deal with, can be pushed/snatched through Bloodspine Walls, and are hindered by Vine markers, so they're little more than Goblin Grunts. Right now, it's a toss-up between Kralathor or Gravikor... but all my Gravikors are in other books.
- Wall of Thorns isn't as good in a format that tends to be dominated by minor creatures, and sometimes you just need an impenetrable wall - hence upgrading to a Wall of Earth.
- good call on Astral Anchor. Makes Tanglevine better, not only when used to slow something down but also when used to remove a Guard, as this prevents an easy Teleport-to-same-zone counter.

I think these are good choices. I was torn on the armor just in case one opponent decides to get aggressive. I also like the addition of Gravikor.

If memory serves me correctly, your group also made a house-rule of not allowing Galaxxus, correct?

[iNano78]

I think these are good choices. I was torn on the armor just in case one opponent decides to get aggressive. I also like the addition of Gravikor.

If memory serves me correctly, your group also made a house-rule of not allowing Galaxxus, correct?

Yes, we banned [mwcard=MWBG1J05]Galaxxus[/mwcard] as it turns a 3-player free-for-all into "first player to get an orb + drop Galaxxus wins." That might be ok in 2-player matches (e.g. forces the player that's behind to give up on V'tar and kill the leader... unless you're a Warlord and [mwcard=MWSTX2FFI02]Conquer[/mwcard] is an option) or team matches (e.g. Easier to combine forces to take out Galaxxus and/or its controller). It also frees up spell book points, because otherwise it's in every Domination book without exception, whether it costs single or triple.