Druid Seedling Pod

[Squirrelmaster]

The Druid is my favourite mage, she is really powerful once treeboned (going from average to excellent). She has great board control, her plants are cheap and strong, some pretty awesome conjurations and Barkskin is one of my favourite cards.
I've had some pretty good success with the Druid using the Vine Tree so thought I'd try the Samara Tree.
Suggestions welcome.

[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]Pod Time[/spellbookname]
[mage]Druid[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1a08]2 x  Geyser[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNA01]4 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNJ10]2 x  Stranglevine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ02]2 x  Corrosive Orchid[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ03]1 x  Etherian Lifetree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ06]2 x  Nightshade Lotus[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ09]1 x  Samara Tree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ08]4 x  Seedling Pod[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j22]2 x  Tanglevine[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNC17]1 x  Tataree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC06]1 x  Kralathor, The Devourer[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC10]4 x  Raptor Vine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1c36]1 x  Tarok, the Skyhunter[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC21]2 x  Thornlasher[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC18]1 x  Togorah, Forest Sentinel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC20]4 x  Vine Snapper[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1e20]1 x  Harmonize[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNE01]1 x  Barkskin[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e36]2 x  Rhino Hide[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]2 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e29]2 x  Nullify[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNQ04]1 x  Druid's Leaf Ring[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q02]1 x  Bearskin[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ07]1 x  Veteran's Belt[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ06]1 x  Mohktari's Branch[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q19]1 x  Mage Wand[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q07]1 x  Elemental Cloak[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ08]1 x  Vinewhip Staff[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1i23]2 x  Rouse the Beast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i06]2 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i24]2 x  Seeking Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]2 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=FWI04]1 x  Force Wave[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]2 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNI02]4 x  Burst of Thorns[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]


Turn 1: 20 mana deploy vine marker in same zone, QC Samara Tree main phase cast Harmonise on tree.
Turn 2: 19 mana and two on Tree. Deploy vine marker in adjacent zone. Deploy Pod on first vine marker. QC Pod in adjacent zone. main phase cast Tataree.
Turn 3: 19 mana, two on tree and one on each pod. deploy vine marker. deploy pod using a vine marker. QC either Druids Leaf Ring/ Life tree (if playing Necro or low creature build). main phase. Tataree to put a mana on pod in starting zone. 16/11 mana cast face down nulify on self.
Turn 4: lets say we cast the ring. 24 mana two on tree, three on one pod, two on another and one on the last. deploy vine marker. deploy pod using a vine marker. At this point I can cast anything in the book

As you can see this build generates mana pretty quick. I know the pods are fragile but they are cheap and have cantrip so meh. If the opponent concentrates on killing your pods, then you can hard cast what plants you need to kill him and if not let your garden flourish.

[V10lentray]

I never found the [mwcard=DNJ09]Samara Tree[/mwcard]to be of any use other than a distraction forcing your opponent to attack the pods over the other things on the board.

Every time I've gone with heavy strategy to make the [mwcard=DNJ08]Seedling Pod[/mwcard] the focus of the deck it didn't work. You pay 2 points for the additional tree then, between 1-6 additional points for the pods. so you are dedicating 8 Point to this idea.

The pods cost 3 mana to play (1 from tree \ 2 of yours) or just 2 of yours if you cast them yourself with [mwcard=DNQ04]Druid's Leaf Ring[/mwcard]. Then you have to hope it survives 3 turns to pop a creature from it. And the tree mana can only be used to cast the pods, not offset the costs of whatever comes from the pods.

You could have [mwcard=DNC17]Tataree[/mwcard] flutter around to add additional mana until your opponent casts [mwcard=FWI08]Sniper Shot[/mwcard] and destroys her.

For me it was never a viable strategy other than a distraction.

[Halewijn]

I also agree that the vine tree is drastically superior to the samara tree. However its fun to try and it allows you to build up without spending many recources and cast whatever you want, depending on the opponent. However, you will have immense problems against rushes and such.

Another possibility is using both trees in combination with meditation amulet. Dont spawn a pod ebery turn then.

I kinda hope the alternative druid will introduce new cards/abilities that synch with the samara tree.

[Gogolski]

I'm in the process of testing and refining a samara/wolf spider book. It's difficult to get it to work, but that's the fun, isn't it!?

I feel that seedling pods are relatively safe gathering three mana (but if they gather (much) more, they attract a lot of unwelcome attention) as long as they are somewhat spread on the board and there are other threats on the board. Remember that the tree can cast a pod in its own zone or an adjacent zone without using a vinemarker.

Rush builds are a bit of a problem, but if you open with something like leaf ring + samara tree (only 8 mana) it should leave you with enough mana in round 2 (21 mana) to cast a decent animal creature + rouse the beast in case of a rush...

The seedling pods are slow, but it has been mentioned before that they are more than mana generators. They are delayed actions on the board.

Not really easy to play, but loads of fun!

[Puddnhead]

ACG did a Samara book a few months back called "The Procrastinator".  Might find some good tips there.  I agree with the sentiment that having a few solid animals to cast is a very good plan.  It will interrupt your Meditation plan a little, but get those other threats out there to make sure your pods can mature.

[Biblofilter]

Havnt really got the time to test the Samara Tree myself.

I think I played the ACG build once.

I actually like the Samara Tree and the "interesting" ways you can misuse the Wall of Thorns.

Seedling Pods can cast Wall of Thorns in any zone bordering it. As it deploys in deployment you can pretty much auto push them without them being able to do anything. [mwcard=DNW01]Bloodspine Wall[/mwcard might be almost as good.
That strategy would require a lot more dissolves, rusts and some anti-battleforge messures like 3 surging waves combined with Hawkeye and Akiros Favor. It means going forward early with your Druid so even a Battleforge might be good.

I still like your other option trying to lockdown your opponent with Tanglevine/Stranglevine and then let your Vinesnappers etc have a go at him.

Id recommend switching between does two and actually adopt some of Mysterys idea from Vines Everywhere and or Poison in the Jungle (which are both real good vs high armor)

Having 3 different ways to play your Druid makes it harder for your opponent.

Other stuff you could remove to get room for some of the stuff I suggested:
Force Wave hmm I don't think it fits in this books. You cant push your own creatures and your more likely to push a bunch of creatures away from you, were you really want them in the zone with you non-movable plant.

Tarok - I think hes to pricy, besides your doing good vs flyers already.

Harmonize - nope - a mana flower instead - that's 1 spellpoint.

Id also cut Veterans Belt as you don't really have that much armor

Hope you find some of the usefull

[Squirrelmaster]

I did think maybe play the vine tree as well, but then I was worried I'd just use it and neglect the samara tree and then it's just a vine tree build which I didn't want. But I do think they could possibly work well together.

I had thought to put some other animals in (other than Tarok), just in case of fire. I guess I didn't as they can't be cast from the pods and I want to get as much from them as I could.

I guess the reason for Tarok was little extra against flyers but, I do have heaps in the vine whip staff, kralathor-and togorah. I do like the theme of his card. But you are right in that he is pricey and also a tad lame.

Can't remember why I put the force wave in. It's out.
Flower is cheaper/better than harmonize in this instance. Swap them
I know veterans belt is pricey for the Druid but if I've got on barkskin and bearskin/rhino hide that's 4 armor and then it works. I'd be doing this if my Druid was in the front line whacking away with her staff.
If I get rid of Tarok that's 3 spell points and three form the harmonize swap and force wave.
6 to play with, a couple of walls and maybe an animal?

[Puddnhead]

Bridge Troll and another Rhino Hide just for him!

A second Mage Wand and an Emerald Tegu?

lots of possibilities here.

[Gogolski]

Giant wolf spider is quite a good animal for the druid as she has a lot of ways to restrain creatures.

The two dice attack seems crappy at first, but add two chances in three to deal 3 unhealable damage and you're looking at a really decent attack.

[Squirrelmaster]

Ok, so I made a few changes:

Harmonize out, mana flower in
force wave and Tarok out, and in the end decided on a mage wand and Emerald Tegu (thanks Puddnhead)
reasoning is I'm planning on binding a teleport to the wand, so I'm thinking this will be a big target. So an extra might be handy. The Tegu is one of my favourite creatures anyways, so why not.



[spellbook]
[spellbookheader]
[spellbookname]:Pod Time[/spellbookname]
[mage]Druid[/mage]
[/spellbookheader]
[spells]
[spellclass]Attack[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNA01]4 x  Acid Ball[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1a08]2 x  Geyser[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Conjuration[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNJ02]2 x  Corrosive Orchid[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ03]1 x  Etherian Lifetree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j13]1 x  Mana Flower[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ06]2 x  Nightshade Lotus[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ09]1 x  Samara Tree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ08]4 x  Seedling Pod[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNJ10]2 x  Stranglevine[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1j22]2 x  Tanglevine[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Creature[/spellclass]
[mwcard=DNC20]4 x  Vine Snapper[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC18]1 x  Togorah, Forest Sentinel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC21]2 x  Thornlasher[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC17]1 x  Tataree[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1c12]1 x  Emerald Tegu[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC06]1 x  Kralathor, The Devourer[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNC10]4 x  Raptor Vine[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Enchantment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1e29]2 x  Nullify[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e36]2 x  Rhino Hide[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1e01]2 x  Bear Strength[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNE01]1 x  Barkskin[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Equipment[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1q07]1 x  Elemental Cloak[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q19]2 x  Mage Wand[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ07]1 x  Veteran's Belt[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1q02]1 x  Bearskin[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ04]1 x  Druid's Leaf Ring[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ06]1 x  Mohktari's Branch[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNQ08]1 x  Vinewhip Staff[/mwcard]
[spellclass]Incantation[/spellclass]
[mwcard=mw1i06]2 x  Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i24]2 x  Seeking Dispel[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i28]2 x  Teleport[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i23]2 x  Rouse the Beast[/mwcard]
[mwcard=DNI02]4 x  Burst of Thorns[/mwcard]
[mwcard=mw1i07]2 x  Dissolve[/mwcard]
[/spells]
[cost]Total cost: 120 pts[/cost]
[/spellbook]

[Ravepig]

I like including a Feral Bobcat or two to feed Kralathor. Nothing better than getting one or two easy growth markers on that thing before it sets out after the enemy.

[Puddnhead]

I like including a Feral Bobcat or two to feed Kralathor. Nothing better than getting one or two easy growth markers on that thing before it sets out after the enemy.

If you're playing with Academy the Asp is even better because it only has 3 health!  Even though the defense is infinite you don't have to use it.

[Ravepig]

I like including a Feral Bobcat or two to feed Kralathor. Nothing better than getting one or two easy growth markers on that thing before it sets out after the enemy.

If you're playing with Academy the Asp is even better because it only has 3 health!  Even though the defense is infinite you don't have to use it.

Good call- I'll be making that change to my book tonight!

[V10lentray]

A second Mage Wand and an Emerald Tegu?

I run elemental wand. 2 spell points as opposed to 4, and you attach water attack spells to it. You can have 2 elemental wands in your book for the cost of one Mage Wand

[silverclawgrizzly]

A second Mage Wand and an Emerald Tegu?

I run elemental wand. 2 spell points as opposed to 4, and you attach water attack spells to it. You can have 2 elemental wands in your book for the cost of one Mage Wand

Elemental Wand is Water 2. A druid is trained in Water 1. It costs 4 spell points for her to put it in her book.