KeFinn and the Time Bandits

Card draw simulator

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Derived from
None. Self-made deck here.
Inspiration for
None yet

Brownloaf · 674

NOTE - This deck is purely theme based however is playable. Feedback is welcome however choices have been pretty much entirely made to reflect the theme.

Intro
I have a group of friends who consider Arkham Horror to be the best game ever made (I agree with them). Then I have another group of friends who say the Time Bandits is one of the best films ever made (I agree with them also!). I've made the assumption that I'm the only person who finds themselves in the centre of this Venn diagram, so this deck will probably appeal to exactly zero other people. Regardless, in tribute to both those groups of friends who I can't be with in person atm, I've decided to put together this deck which brings the characters of my favourite film to life, in my favourite game.

What is time bandits?
Time bandits is a fantasy timetravelling adventure written and directed by legendary python Terry GIlliam. It tells the story of Kevin, a boy obsessed with history, who one night discovers that a doorway through time and space has opened in his bedroom as a band or 6 time travelling criminals burst through his wardrobe. These 6 dwarves (the 7th dwarf Horseflesh, was cut from the script to avoid copywrite issues with Disney) are on the run from the supreme being, having been fired from the botanical department of creation and stealing the map of the universe. The group adventure their way through time, eventually culminating in an epic battle with the personification of Evil. I can not recommend this film more, but make sure you've got you "Python" hat on when watching it

The Deck
As I said these are all theme choices (even the weaknesses), but it's passable and I've found it fun to play.
Finn Edwards - seemed like the obvious choice. The deck is built on the themes of time travel and robbery. Kevin and the time bandits rarely take adversaries head on, preferring to use stealth and cunning to get themselves out of scrapes. My one regret is that Finn can't take the The Gold Pocket Watch but there we go!,

Kevin's items
Flashlight, Knife and Hawk-Eye Folding Camera - all represent Kevin's belongings he takes with him on his journey, indeed his camera proves to be a crucial aid to the team towards the end of the film. Both camera and flashlight are universally useful and can rarely be criticized when in a deck. As for the knife? Well it's there for an emergency but is also used in a very tenuous knife throwing combo.

The map of the universe
It doesn't come much more situational than the Hemispheric Map, but it's a total theme win here. The map, showing all the "holes" in the fabric of the universe, is what makes the whole adventure possible. A canvas copy of it hangs proudly on the wall of my bedroom, and incidentally it bears a striking resemblance to the 4 player ffg arkham playmat! Borrowed Time is also part of this map especially if you put the "borrowed" in speech marks! The map can be brilliant in Finn at times, and with a potential extra action every turn, he can also fill borrowed time fairly effectively. I think it's just a really fun card!

The time bandits
Randell, Wally, Og, Strutter, Vermin and Figit (played by Kenny Baker) here are represented by Cat Burglar, Joey "The Rat" Vigil, Leo De Luca and Treasure Hunter. I've always liked Cat burglar, and as this deck doesn't particularly focus on killing enemies, its not quite the nonbo it first appears, particularly when locations start getting a touch "busy". Leo is always good if you can afford him. Treasure hunters I quite like. I Especially like that they "pay" for themselves by often getting you an extra resource when using Burglary(2). As for Joey? Well of pretty much a theme choice. BUT this deck does run quite rich, and has a knife throwing set up, so he can save you actions when bringing the knife back in to play. That saved action can be used to charge up borrowed time maybe? finally Charisma is an auto include as the Time Bandits are the star of the show, so I want as many of them in play as possible.

Kevin's attributes
Throughout the adventure Kevin shows Guts, Perception and Unexpected Courage. He also comes up with plans that save the day throughout the film - allowing me to to include "I've got a plan!", which obviously fills a significant combat hole. All three skills are great, and when I'm choosing skills cards I tend to use some to extend strengths and some to cover weaknesses.

The Time Bandits ........ "attributes"
They are not natural robbers, but manage to get one over on Napoleon (Ian Holm) and Agamemnon (Sean Connery). Burglary completely takes care of economy for this deck. Especially if you have Lockpicks down! Pickpocketing has to be an auto include and pretty much triggers every turn there's an enemy in play. The adventure is full of Narrow Escape's plus it's one of my favourite cards so had to go in. Scavenging is a theme win but also help with one of the few combat options in the deck. How does it work? Well its' nothing earth shattering. Throw knife. Either investigate or burglarise. Cancel AOO with narrow escape. Trigger scavenging, pick up knife. Put the knife down with Joey. Repeat!

Weaknesses
Chronophobia seemed a little bit too on theme to be ignored. Through the Gates, eeeshk, a horrible card! But I could hardly leave it out given that the main action of the story is the main characters going through gates. The Thing That Follows represents the supreme being, who is constantly pursues the group throughout the film, and completely steals the show.

Conclusion
A fun and just about playable deck. More importantly a big shout out to some good friends. Take care all.

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