R&D Journal
Don't Wake the Dragon
by Nate French
As the Starks, the Lannisters, and the Martells battle it out in tournaments around the world for A Game of Thrones supremacy, the Greyjoys and the Baratheons have quietly rebuilt themselves back into the fold as legitimate "wildcard" contenders, coming to the fight with a couple of powerful builds that are capable of winning any game in a matter of moments. As these two houses attempt to solidify their newfound status as a very real part of the contending pack, one House, the House of the Dragon, would seem to be left behind.
For those players who were around during the Ice & Fire and Valyrian blocks, when the Targaryens dominated the field and won back to back World Championships, the House of the Dragon's current position at the back of the AGoT pecking order is simply poetic justice, and the beatings they have taken are the lumps they deserve for their two year reign at the top of the game. But, as we all know, all good things (or all bad things, depending on how you feel) must end, and it's only a matter of time before the Targaryens pull themselves out of the cellar with a wicked deck that catches the rest of the field complacent and off guard.
If the Dragon Thief has anything to say about it, that time may be sooner than we think.
;)
With this card's release in the second A Clash of Arms Chapter Pack, Ancient Enemies, we're not getting an uber, game-altering effect. The Targaryens already have those in spades. Instead, we're getting a simple, efficient, punchy card, much like the cards that powered Targaryen decks in their Ice & Fire heyday. It also has the virtue of sitting right at the crossroads of the House's strengths, connecting solidly with a number of Targaryen themes.
First, and most obvious, the card is a strong source of attachment control. House Targaryen is and probably always will be the "kings" of attachment control, but this card may be the best they've seen this side of Illyrio's Estate. The Dragon Thief isn't quite as globally powerful as that beautiful card, but is is more versatile, in that it offers attachment control, and so much more.
The second useful point of the card is the Ambush keyword. In a weird way, this keyword enhances its attachment control: how often do you find yourself at odds with the need to go second because of a card (like Festering Wound or Ser Arys Oakheart or Frozen Solid) you'd like to play after your opponent marshalls, but the game seems to be demanding you go first, forcing you to hold your control character or location or attachment in your hand? With the Dragon Thief, you can go first, bait your opponent into playing that nasty attachment, and then drop the bomb in the challenge phase! In addition to this novelty, the Ambush keyword also fits nicely into Targ's ability to swarm the board (with gold and influence at their disposal, watch how fast a Targ deck can spit out characters), and it gives a few more bullets to their "after a character comes into play in the challenge phase" responses. Finally, because the card has its own "after it comes into play effect," the Dragon Thief makes a nice choice for some of Targaryen's own "return to hand" effects. (He's probably safe from being locked in the tower as well!)
A final, and not completely insignificant point on the card, is its icon mix. Some would argue that these icons are the most important in the game, and they do present an intriguing option as an ally in Pyat Pree's quest to assassinate your opponent's characters. Both Manticore Venom and Knife in the Back are looking a little more playable with the Dragon Thief in the House. Makes you wonder what he's thinking about, eh?
I hope you enjoyed this week's spoiler from the second A Clash of Arms Chapter Pack, Ancient Enemies. A turning point in the evolution of House Targaryen is imminent! Until then, Happy Shuffling!
