Leo Anderson: Ammo and Allies

The task: make a Guardian deck that doesn't have Machete and doesn't miss it.

The main themes of this deck are:

• Burning through allies and
• Keeping guns filled with ammo

Plus a little bit of resource generation to support the heavy cost curve for the deck.

This is a two player deck designed to be paired with Minh Thi Phan. For that reason, it has no stat boosting cards, Lone Wolf is out (because you're mostly at the same location or close by), and investigation takes a back seat, but a little bit of pitching in here or there with Scene of the Crime and Flashlight doesn't hurt.

Although it's specific, it would work with anyone who has a bit of clue summoning power.

Strategy: Mulligan for any ally and .41 Derringer or .45 Automatic. Mitch Brown would be handy, but not essential. Keep your second hand slot free for sleighting in a second weapon, an early stage Flashlight, or a late stage Survival Knife.

Survival Knife is extremely useful for helping to finish off a high health enemy, or for pulling an enemy off another investigator late in a turn and not paying (as much of) the price.

Minh Thi Phan pitching skill cards to your tests is increasing the chances of the .41 Derringer doing the extra damage, mitigating its drawback. Because ammo isn't an issue in this deck, I prefer it to the .32 Colt.

Venturer keeps the guns firing and provides horror soak when he's out of supplies. He is the real star of the show. He's especially useful if your friend has discovered something strange.

Use Leo's ability or Calling in Favors to cycle allies. The chosen allies are all non-unique and, let's face it, a bit expendable. Sorry officer.

Decorated Skull and "Watch this!" are there for a bit of extra cash. Haven't had much use of the skull so far, just thought it was fun. It may get left on the side of the road along the way.

What's out: Trusted would be cool to give Beat Cop a bit more longevity but it seemed too lacklustre against all the other events in the deck. Although it's cool for a guardian to have access to Adaptable, the lvl 0 cards in this deck are pretty set.

Upgrades:

Upgrades are targeted at enhancing the themes of the deck.

1. Allies: Charisma, clearly. Haven't felt the need for a second yet, but it wouldn't hurt. Beat Cop to better Beat Cop. I'm leaving Brother Xavier behind because he's expensive, the willpower boost isn't needed and he is unique.

2. Ammo and money: Upgrade Emergency Cache for resources or supplies for Venturer to turn into ammo, whichever is needed. Extra Ammunition for when Venturer doesn't show up. Considered Hot Streak, but the deck would rarely have the money for it, so unless your partner is helping you to draw it at the right time, it might not work so well. Also, Hot Streak would often be subbed in for Emergency Cache - not here.

3. Make guns better: Upgrade Vicious Blow, upgrade the .45 Automatic before the .41 Derringer. Throw in a Lightning Gun if you've got the XP (maybe swap Decorated Skull for a second Bandolier if it's heading this way).