You are currently viewing HCRealms.com, The Premier HeroClix Community, as a Guest. If you would like to participate in the community, please Register to join the discussion!
If you are having problems registering to an account, feel free to Contact Us.
Our final exclusive preview from the upcoming Marvel Knights set.
Varnae - The First Vampire
Cost: 7
Team: Underworld
Activate -> Target attack gets -15 DEF this attack, and Varnae cannot be stunned this attack. Use this power only if you have three or more Underworld character cards in the KO'd pile.
Aha... What a beautiful card. First, I'm sure you would like a little back story on the first vampire.
(Much information taken from Marvel Encyclopedia Vol 6: Marvel Knights: Insert credit)
In the days before the sinking of Atlantis, a mighty warlord appeared to battle the might of the wizard-caste. Seeking vengeance for the warlord's actions, the wizards used a page from the occult tome known as the Darkhold to transform one of their number into a beast powerful enough to slay the enemies. This man became Varnae, the first of the world's vampires.
Varnae spent several thousand years alternating between being active and being in suspended animation. While sleeping, he remained aware of the world around him via dreams and visions, awakening when he hungered or glimpsed an opportunity for power.
The Vatican had eventually come into possession of the Darkhold, which contained a spell to destroy all vampires. Varnae then searched for a successor to lead the vampires
He found Dracula, who became Lord of Vampires as Varnae succumbed to death.
Dracula failed to stop Doctor Strange from using the Darkhold's power, temporarily destroying the world's vampires. The voodoo priestess Marie LaVeau used the Darkhold to summon forth the true Lord of Vampires, and Varnae was reborn.
Varnae continues to lurk in the shadows. He can control the minds of almost all other vampires, except those with extraordinary willpower, ala Dracula. He can also assume the form of mist, a bat or a wolf, or even change his shape to appear more human. He has superhuman strength and durability, of course he can transform his victims into vampires, and he has magical ability.
Now lets talk card.
When speaking to Rob Leander about this card, this is what pretty much occured
Rob: Marc, look at the picture of the Varnae card.
Me: Ok (opens picture)
Rob: Keep looking; now stare at the card. Imagine the explicit extended art of Varnae!
Me: OMG....
Some tids on Varnae: The Extended Art version:
"If they make an extended art then Varnae can really "hang" with the big boys"
"VS. can finally introduce the one keyword that R&D never wanted you to know about. The extended art Varnae is the first card to have "Reveal"."
"I'm sure the extended art Varnae is fully "equipped" with colorful detail"
"The extended art Varnae will be the first VS. System centerfold"
"When explaining the extended art version of Varnae you have to first look into his effect. Varnae's ability states he cannot be stunned this attack and the attacker loses 15 defense. Obviously upon attacking this naked pink vampire the attacker is disgusted by what he sees and closes his eyes making him miss his target and loses defense from the disturbing image."
"Think about the extended art... now add the flavor text."
We talked a bit more, more jokes ensued... Lets get to the card.
First off, the art. Varnae is supposed to be what he looks like in the picture. The art is true to Varnae, the rain is an amazing touch, and you can see from the art that he truly is controlling these other naked vampires.
He has flight, which to me, is very important. Flight is how we bust up formations, etc. His stats are weak, and if you have Varnae, you probably also want to not have the initative.
To me, Varnae looks like a wall. From what we have seen, with the new Concealment mechanic, its possible that Varnae will want to remain in the visible area so that his effect would be activated. This makes it seem to me that your opponent would have to A) Attack Varnae with more than 1 character to take him down (Seperate attacks, not team attacks, and both characters would probably get stunned back.
Then you send your Underworld concealed characters in for the kill, or the suck. ^_^ Having Underworld cards in the KO'ed pile (The cost for this effect, shouldnt be too much of a problem, since we already know there is a character that can be potentiall putting a character in the KO'ed pile every turn. (Werewolf by Night)
Plus, any card that has the word "Activate" now has the meaning - "How can Rogue: PA and Mimic exploit this effect?"
Or "Teen Titans Go! or Cosmic radiation anyone?"
Possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure, this card is a cool preview card.
And with Dark Embrace, you could have 2 Varnae's out . Sweetness extreme.
1 day away guys! Lets have fun at these Sneak Previews!
Rob: Marc, look at the picture of the Varnae card.
Me: Ok (opens picture)
Rob: Keep looking; now stare at the card. Imagine the explicit extended art of Varnae!
Me: OMG....