Post by Rykoshet on Mar 24, 2014 19:11:28 GMT -5
System checks complete, all functions normal. Weekly self-diagnosis results: Operating within recommended parameters, auto-scheduling next diagnosis . . .
[Observation]: Leona has been hard on herself lately. The last attack by Misfit <see: Sub-profile Category ((Rejected)); Cross-Reference ((Advent Program))> has her on edge. Her negotiations with the UGC for aid to refugee-hosting nations are progressing slowly because of the perceived connection between the Rejected and the Alliance. <see: Underground Alliance; see: Leona Kitcher; see: UGC - Collective Conflict (Modern)>
[Query]: What can I do?
[Analysis]: I am limited in my capacity. I serve as a bodyguard and personal aide to Leona when the situation demands. My situation leaves me unable to provide further services.
[Conclusion]: Continuing to support Leona to the best of my current abilities may be all I can do. When times grow hard, I must be a rock for her. The hopes of millions of souls rest in her hands, I must not let her falter . . .
[Recommendation]: Perform further systems upgrades? Increased capacity will result in improvements in key areas <Monitoring sub-routine report on personal field statistics available. Read? Y/N>
[Conclusion]: Further upgrades result in further deterioration to human emotion processes. My . . . feelings tell me that I cannot lose what I have. That the part of me that still is human remains that way because my heart is clinging to the thought of Leona . . .
[Declaration]: But I must help her however I can . . . ~ Advent VIII / Codename: Giyet Han
Card Mechanics
Leona is yet another one of Advent Saga’s dual-Resource Advents: Psionic Energy and Genetic Code. Both of these types are all about control, negation, and gaining hand advantage. The latter is what Leona is all about, as her effects allow you to manipulate your hand to prepare for anything your opponent throws at you.
For two Resources, a player can swap their hand with the top cards of their deck. What sounds like a simple effect actually requires thinking multiple steps ahead. If you order your cards correctly before placing them on top of the deck, you will know (and will be able to control) exactly which cards go to your Resource area and which cards go to your hand. But it’s not that simple! Remember, many Genetic Code cards allow you to draw cards. You’ll know exactly what you are drawing into when playing those cards after swapping.
Leona’s next effect simply requires exhausting the Advent. You may then reveal the top card of your deck and treat it as if it’s in your hand. This is another effect with many layers of strategy and becomes more effective when used in conjunction with Leona’s first effect. If you know what’s on top of your deck, you can use this effect on your opponent’s turn to use it in an emergency. Or, if you haven’t swapped recently, you can simply use the effect to view the card to see if you want to send it to the Resource area or draw it. Another deceptively effective strategy is to simply use both of Leona’s effects on your turn to place a card you want to play on top of your deck and play it from these instead of your hand. Why do all that work just to play the card? Because doing so means you don’t lose a card from your hand, allowing you to maintain hand size!
If you have the resources to spare, it’s definitely worth it to make good use of both of Leona’s effects. I’ve only grazed the tip of the iceberg in regards to the strategies you can employ. Leona is definitely the Advent for those that are capable of thinking ahead and managing copious options.
Stay tuned throughout the week as we debut some powerful Tactics, capping it off with an Armada that fits perfectly in any Leona deck.