Ron the 'Cuser

Really? Another Ronin deck? Think again! It's a half-Ronin deck, at most. It's Ron!

Here's a deck concept I've been playing with: getting value out of Ronin without using most of the other Ronin-associated cards. Gamora, like many heroes in the game, doesn't have a single standout stat and she doesn't innately benefit from her basic activation beyond a perfectly serviceable 2 THW/ATK. This deck builds up Gamora's defense just enough so she can use her basic DEF activation as fuel for what she really wants to do -- play lots of attack and thwart events.

Becoming Ron

This deck uses just two Ronin cards: Ronin and Stand Alone. The latter is the deck's most important card, hence the second copy . We supplement these with additional cheap, defense staples to either beef up our defense a little further (Armored Vest) or benefit us when we defend (Change of Fortune, Electrostatic Armor, Unflappable). These are all 2 ER upgrades, giving Gamora time to either deal with villain pressure or set up her Keen Instincts. In sum, they effectively give Gamora 2 retaliate when she performs a basic DEF and the chance to draw up to 3 additional cards during the villain's phase.

Gamora's 2 DEF may make her seem vulnerable during the build up phase, but Protection has the tools to help with that. "Come Get Me, Bub!" provides a heal, a tough, and fetches a minion you can either dispatch to proc Change of Fortune or you can squeeze a second tough card from them later with Hard Knocks, potentially powered by a copy of Keen Instincts. Gamora usually doesn't like a lot of set-up cards but these all work together well.

Cruisin' for an Accusin'

Stand Alone's not just for the villain phase! You can also trigger it during a Taunt or a Toe to Toe to safely generate card draw or damage. 4 DEF will protect you from some villain attacks, and the deck's toughs and heals will keep you healthy to face the rest while you punish the villain with Powerful Punches, a cheap Counter-Punch, or a Crosscounter to power up a Decisive Blow.

Expertly Ron

Rule of three dictates I blab some more, but that's really whole the deck. Gamora is a damage monster when you load her up with cheap events. This deck gives her a downright scrappy feel as she repeatedly butts heads with the villain, dusts herself off, and jumps right back in. It's a lot of fun.

I also think there's potential to use the "half-Ronin" core with other characters who don't have great basic hero activations but also don't want to slowly build up their DEF stat. This was a nice palette cleanser after playing other "pure Ronin" decks. Those builds are very fun and powerful, but I think the Ronin card has plenty of strength and versatility even without playing the full Ronin suite.

Thanks for stopping by and I enjoyed this write up and the deck!