Rushing Into CombatA look at the Uthuk Y'llan in Rune Age, the deck-building card game
Demon worshippers, barbarian slaves of Ynfernael, power-hungry shamans; the Uthuk Y’llan are a cruel and merciless warrior culture prone to self mutilation and depraved blood rites. Now, they gather in great warbands and strike out into the civilized lands, killing and enslaving all they find. They consider themselves more than mortal, and though their bodies are tainted by the demon blood that runs through their veins, their dark pacts have bestowed unto them certain unnatural gifts. In the face of the Uthuk’s mindless bloodlust and blind devotion to evil, how can the other races of Terrinoth hope to stop them?
Rune Age, Corey Konieczka’s dynamic scenario-driven deck-building card game, is already redefining how fans of deck-building think about the genre. This exciting new card game places players in control of one of four factions as they set out to meet a range of compelling objectives in the vibrant fantasy world of Mennara.
But for those who may have only recently picked up Rune Age, or perhaps have yet to do so, we’re pleased to present a series of overview articles in which we explore the unique play style and flavor of each faction. Last time, we looked at the ancient and influential Latari Elves. Today, we’ll focus on the vile, demon-worshipping Uthuk Y’llan.
Fearless Warriors, Soulless Killers
Among the fearless Uthuk Y’llan, death in battle is a way of life – a sacred offering to a warrior’s dark overlords. To spill one’s own blood in service of Ynfernael is to earn his favor, so scores of enraged Berserkers rush headlong into combat, gaining strength from their pain. The Uthuk Y’llan’s strategy, therefore, is centered on taking wounds in order to deal greater damage to enemies. Their lowest-cost unit, the Berserker, is potentially the single most cost-effective unit in the game. At a cost of just one Gold, it can add three Strength to a Battle! ...as long as it’s full power is unleashed by taking a wound.
So, how do you ensure that your Berserkers are all they can be? Both the Chaos Lord and Flesh Ripper have abilities that deal a wound upon entering play. When it’s available, you might also consider the neutral card Summon Lightning. For any other faction, it’s self-wounding text effect would be considered a costly price to pay in order to destroy this opposition. But for the Uthuk Y’llan, Summon Lightning is a win-win proposition.
You’ll have to manage your deck’s card ratios pretty carefully, though. Since you’ll be losing Berserkers so quickly, you may need to concentrate on re-purchasing them from your Barracks nearly every turn. The Warlock Chieftain can help mitigate this loss by returning a wounded unit to your deck before it has a chance to be destroyed, but this powerful ability may often be better spent on more expensive units. In short, Berserkers were born to die, and dying is what they do best.
What strategies do you employ as the Uthuk Y’llan? Share them below, and check back for more on Rune Age in the coming weeks!
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Rushing Into Combat
