Return of the King of the Deep (2nd @ Cascadia 2024)

A long time ago, I built a cute Thule list that just wanted to play Manta Grid. It was one of the first posted Thule decks that performed well at a competitive event.

I took an updated version to the local Circuit Opener and won it in the (supposedly) shark infested waters of the Vancouver meta. A lesser known fact is that the second place finisher of that event was none of than Santa of Barf Thule fame. Legends say the finals of that event gave him the experience needed to build this archetype (he actually beat that Thule deck twice before losing in the finals)

Santa's done great with the Barf Thule deck for the past while. As Nationals and Continentals season started up, I was looking for a Corp deck that could put out results in the shade of the World Tree, and Thule was an old comfort.

I took this list to both Canadian West Nationals and Cascadia. Between the two events, the deck went 7-1, with the only loss to the World Champion Sokka in the finals at Cascadia.

Some of you who were watching the stream of Cascadia may have noticed the blue wristband I was wearing. One of the cool little bonus prizes that were given to random players were real Bahia Bands from Brazil. When I put it on, I was told it was a tradition to tie three knots to secure it, each knot representing a wish.

My first wish was to not scrub out of the top cut. At last year's Cascadia as well as American Continentals this year, I lost twice in quick succession and was left feeling like I needed to play better. Especially as I wouldn't be playing at Worlds and this would be my last major competitive event of the year. Honestly, second place was more than I ever wished for.

My second wish is to make new friends at Worlds this year. I'll be there as a judge but that doesn't mean I won't want to talk about this great game we play. I encourage any of you to chat with me and trade stories about jank deck ideas or tales from the old FFG days.

My third wish is for a Stock Buy-Back nearprint in Dawn.