RKM

RKM is a resilient Xenan strategy that draws cards, controls the board, fills it with small units, and powers the units up with lifeforce synergies. RKM stands for "Ring Katra Matron," the three main cards this deck type is based around.

Amethyst Ring/Amber Ring - The aforementioned "Rings" serve two purposes: Amethyst Ring is repeatable lifegain/damage and Amber Ring is a unit generator that survives Harsh Rule. Both Rings have their strengths against both aggro and controlling decks. Making a chump blocker/gain life give you enough time against aggro to find an answer. Both Rings (but especially Amber) continue pressure after a board wipe against control and midrange. They are a big power investment, which could be a bit awkward when drawn in multiples. However, this deck has a low enough curve that, in the late game, you will have enough power to play your top-decks, as well as activate one or two rings.

Colony Matron - An underwhelming card at first glance, Colony Matron is a must kill threat that takes over many games easily. It's uses in the deck are similar to both of the rings (gain life, deal damage, and pump out units), but even better. Being a 1/5 flyer, Matron is a decent blocker and doesn't die to most Relic Weapons. Unless killed right away, Matron can stall out many decks.

Katra, the Devoted - Finally the knot that ties the whole deck together, Katra, the Devoted! Katra is easily the best card in the deck; Most of this deck's wins are because of her. She can make all of your small units very scary, very quickly. Remember that Katra's ability triggers on each instance of life gained, not just once per turn.

*NOTE* I have not tested Ayan, the Abductor because I do not currently own a play set. If you own Ayan, I would love to hear your results! I have my 12800 shiftstone poised to pick a play set up if you think a couple copies are worth the spot.

*11/8/17 Edit* - After testing on stream, I have a couple tips for playing the deck:

1.) Shadow based decks will usually never waste their removal on your Scribes, Priests, and tokens; They will save their removal for Katra and Matron. If you have both of those cards in hand, play the one that you would rather have killed first. Have an empty board against a control deck? Play Katra first, so the Matron sticks. Have a decent board or an Amber ring going off? Play the Matron first and wait on the Katra. It seems backwards and nonsensical, but always assume your opponent has the removal spell in hand.

2.) This deck works better when it is played as a control deck, rather than a midrange deck. Do not initiate the first move and always plan a backdoor to your opponents threats. You will be on the backfoot in most of the games you play with the deck. To this point, in a future update I will most likely be increasing the card draw, removal, and recursion.

3.) Do not run your haymakers out too early. When you are ahead on board, it's easy to think that the best idea is to slam down your hand in order to close the game out faster. This usually ends in your board getting destroyed and you left with no cards in hand. If you feel like you have stabilized or are winning on board, let your board ride out and hold up your hand.

I will be updating the deck in the future and testing again, maybe when Set 3 is released. Until then, I look forward to your takes on the deck and your experiences with it! The wonderful feedback I have been getting is greatly appreciated!

Variations:
RKM Green
RKM Red - *Coming Soon*
RKM Red (+Weapons) - *Coming Soon*
RKM Blue - *Coming Soon*
RKM Blue (+Chalice) - *Coming Soon*