Tommy J’s Heroic The Crone – F2P Cheap/Low Cost Shaman

Tommy J generously allowed us to host his decks and guides using (mostly) Basic cards to take down One Night in Karazhan Heroic bosses. Be sure to check out his YouTube Channel.

This was a really cool fight – a nice way to end the wing, and for the third time this wing I used a 100% Free to Play Shaman Deck. I actually beat this one on my first attempt (no Twisting Nether turn 8 – phew. And killed it the next turn), so decided to try twice more, which i actually tacked on to the end of the video. The second time around I was one turn from having lethal and the Crone used Twisting Nether on turn 8, killing me instantly. The third time however I killed her on turn 7. So yeah, I feel like with the right deck this fight is actually pretty alright (and very, very cool mechanically).

So this fight will be all about making the right decisions about whether to give a minion Charge or Taunt (Obviously no putting a Magma Rageron the Taunt side). Personally I was loving Shaman since their totems all automatically get Taunt, and Flametongue Totem, Windfury, and Bloodlust just seem perfect for this fight. Keep in mind that on turn 8 Twisting Nether becomes playable and if that happens you instantly lose, so ideally you want to win before then.

Interesting, if you put a Flametongue down next to Dorothee, the opposing minions will still try to take out Dorothee not the totem. It means that she will all but kill earlier minions that try to attack her (including Flying Monkey (Heroic)).

Mulligan

Flametongue Totem, Murloc Tidehunter, and Murloc Raider are all amazing cards to start with. If you manage to get a Maelstrom Portal it may be worth holding onto also.

Cards to Add

Minions that benefit you when killed, such as Nerubian Egg or Spawn of N'Zoth, (which you can put on the Taunt Side). Dust Devil and other cheap minions with Windfury would also synergise well with this deck.

I would avoid adding minions that can’t actually attack but would be beneficial as Taunts such as the Ancient Watcher. I feel like you may find yourself lacking in boss damage. Also, try not to fall into the trap of adding big expensive minions. The goal here is to have The Crone dead by her 8th turn.

Cards to Remove

Frost Shock is probably the least useful of all the cards, followed by Pompous Thespian. Just remember not to destroy the curve by removing cheap cards and adding expensive ones, particularly in this fight where expensive cards may not even see play.

If you’re struggling with this deck, it may be worth trying just a standard Inner Fire buff Priest deck. That 0/10 on the board is perfect for it, and I would imagine with a perfect hand you could win before turn 4-5.