Hearthpwn

Archetype: Tempo/Midrange

Skill Cap: Average

Description:

Since Mean Streets of Gadgetzan, I have been trying to get Handbuff Pally to work. After many experiments, this is the list I've had most success with.

The concept of this deck relies on handbuffing Elusive minions (minions with the "Can't be targeted by spells or Hero Powers" card text). Elusive minions cannot be killed by many single-target removal, and when buffed a few times, can become gigantic threats on their own, allowing you to pressure the opponent without overextending onto the board. The downside of Elusive minions is that you yourself cannot target them with Spells, but that isn't a problem in this deck because this deck doesn't run any single-target buffing Spells (so that handbuff effects will hit as many cards as possible).

Card Choices:

Core Cards:

Smuggler's Run, Grimestreet Outfitter, Grimestreet Enforcer, Val'anyr

Echoing Ooze: Doubles the effectiveness of handbuff effects (and other buffing effects, eg. Defender of Argus, Bonemare.)

Saronite Chain Gang: Very strong card on its own, doubles the effectiveness of handbuff effects.

Doppelgangster: Triples the effectiveness of handbuff effects.

Faerie Dragon/Arcane Nullifier X-21/Spectral Knight: Elusive.

Supporting Cards:

Fungal Enchanter: The latest addition to this deck. A versatile minion that can be used to heal your minions out of board clear range, or heal your hero (depending on the matchup).

Keeper of Uldaman: A versatile minion that can be used as a single-target removal, or to buff a friendly minion. Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal, Echoing Ooze.

Acolyte of Pain: When buffed, will tend to draw a lot of cards before being killed.

Meanstreet Marshal: Card Draw.

Defender of Argus: Very powerful against both Aggro/Control matchups. Taunting up 2 gigantic buffed minions will usually seal the win against Aggro decks. Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal, Echoing Ooze.

Bonemare: A very powerful finisher. Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal and especially Echoing Ooze. I wasn't sure if this was still worth including after the nerf, will need further testing to decide.

Card Substitutions:

Chillblade Champion: A versatile minion that can push face damage, or heal your hero for ridiculous amounts when buffed.

Void Ripper: Tech against Doomsayer.

Enhance-o Mechano: Can burst the opponent down if it gives some of your gigantic minions Windfury.

Runic Egg: Replacement for Meanstreet Marshal.

 

Earthen Ring Farseer/Shroom Brewer/Gadgetzan Socialite/Voodoo Doctor: Replacement for Fungal Enchanter.

Aldor Peacekeeper: Single-target removal.

Benevolent Djinn: Include this if the meta is very Aggro-oriented. The repeated heals will force the opponent to deal with this, which may be difficult if buffed multiple times.

Sunkeeper Tarim: Doubles as removal or board buff. Not as effective in this deck because setting your minions to 3/3 will usually shrink your minions. Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal, Echoing Ooze, Saronite Chain Gang.

Loatheb: Anti-AoE.

Grimestreet Protector: Allows you to perform efficient trades without weakening your board against AoE. The Taunt is also decent against Aggro.

Cobalt Scalebane: Very strong Aggro card. Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal.

Devilsaur Egg: Anti-AoE. Allows you to pop the egg when handbuffed. Excluded because it is very vulnerable to Potion of Madness.

Anubisath Sentinel: Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal, Echoing Ooze.

Shattered Sun Cleric:Budget replacement. Has synergy with Meanstreet Marshal, Echoing Ooze.

Soggoth the Slitherer: Elusive. Excluded because it is too slow for this deck.