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Wrathgate Previews - Alliance Class Captains

May 2, 2010

-by Mark Slack

Wrathgate is on its way, and with it comes beaters!

We've got 2 Alliance allies to look at today, and both of them bring the pain.  As someone who ran Alliance at Worlds two years running, I definitely like what I see here.

First, let’s look at a friend to all Paladins: Bronthea the Resolute!

This ability actually has multiple hidden benefits.  First, it vastly improves the Hammer of Justice problem.  Solo decks, and in particular Paladin solo decks, have a hard time dealing with Hammer of Justice, Blackout Truncheon, et cetera.  However, since you don't have to swing your weapon until you get to combat, you can see whether it's your hero or Bronthea that's going to actually make it to combat before committing your weapon. Your opponent must have an answer for both.

Second, since Bronthea is able to use your hero's weapons and armor when she attacks, she’s essentially like a little mini-hero—a mini-hero with 5 ATK.  Sometimes you just need to smash one thing hard, and using Bronthea to smash it while still being able to use your armor to save her will ensure she can hit again next turn.

Also, the ability to either swing with your weapon and use your armor on Bronthea or wait until you attack with your hero leaves your opponent in a very tough tactical place.  It gives you the ability to pick your battles much better than you could without this power.  Find out what tricks your opponent has, and then come in full-bore with either Bronthea or your hero himself based on what you learn. 

And last but not least, my Sanctity Aura deck needed a 6-drop.

Now for the card some may call the “class captain:” Devona Berkshire

The obvious first place to look for a companion to power up Devona is your hero - you can always count on her to have a class.  For Hunters and Shamans, you have a 5/4 attacker with no drawback, which is up there with the aforementioned Adam Eternum and Flint Shadowmore as one of the biggest 3-drop attackers ever printed.  She also is just big enough to handle some of the more annoying protectors out there, such as Jek'kresh.

For Death Knights and Warriors, you get a 3/4 protector for 3.  Kinda makes ol' Vindicator Enkallus a bit jealous, doesn't it?

And last but not least, for Priest and Druid, mend 2 can be incredibly annoying.  Devona becomes an immediate target for an aggro deck because they can't handle the 3/4 sitting there and healing every turn. In that, it’s like she has a form of protector anyway.

But that's not all you get, oh no.  Devona also gets the associated bonus from any allies in play that satisfy her condition.  Devona leaves Mage, Paladin, Rogue and Warlock out in the cold, so Flint Shadowmore doesn't help much.  Adam Eternum, however, is a Warrior and grants Devona protector.  So does Weldon Barov, not that she'll need protector with him on the table.  Mikael the Blunt, Gromble the Apt and Marksman Glous are all Hunters and common in Alliance ally-based decks, so you can feel good about Devona’s chances at swinging for 5 damage.  Instructor Giralo is a Priest, so you can go that way as well if you're so inclined. 

Plus, there's also something here for the crazy deckbuilder in me.  I look at Devona Berkshire and my brain goes "you know, that Sanctity Aura deck I built really does need a better 3-drop".  Of course, you'll have to run a Sanctity Aura deck out of Paladin, so you don't get a free bonus on Devona, but Sanctity Aura itself effectively grants assault 2 anyway, so I think we'll be fine.

But no matter which way you go, even a 3/4 for 3 is a fine ally, and the upside is way, way up.

Those are just two of the busted Alliance allies you'll see when you crack open those Wrathgate packs. Look for the new hotness at a release celebration near you!