Kenna-Jekk Tribute Control

INTRODUCTION :

This decklist is inspired by the far more popular Skycrag Kennadins which was introduced to the current Meta with the release of FoA. Essentially, I wanted to use Kenna and Stonescar Jekk in the same deck because both cards have great Tribute synergy with Combustion Cell and would do great with End of Hostilities. In this sense, having multiple copies of Jekk offers you free recurrent removal that shuts down Revenge and Entomb and copied Kennas guarantee that you will always get your EoH and Assembly Lines back to make the loop pretty much endless.

DECKLIST COMMENTARY :

Combust : Has 3 functions in this deck. First, removal to deal with huge and troublesome non-aegis units like Titan,Tavrod and the like. Second, it is fuel to activate tribute, specially in the absence of Combustion Cell to get your combo going regardless. Thirdly, at worst, Combust can function as an aegis popper to open up the way to In Cold Blood, EoH ( if you want to copy Icaria for e.g) and Torch.

Torch : A non-negotiable staple in any fire deck. Great to deal with early threats like Teacher as well as Screamed units.

Strategize : An unquestionable must-have in any combo Control deck. In the initial version, I had both Strategize and Wisdom of The Elders ( like in the the classic Kennadins decklist) but after days of testing, I felt that Wisdom is not a great fit for this particular decklist. Strategize felt more than enough.

Assembly Line and Grenadin Drone : These two cards are essentially the bread and butter of this deck. WIthout Grenadins to tribute and sacrifice, Your game plan becomes very limited. Always keep one Grenadin generator in hand in order to play around early sweepers like Hailstorm. Don't go all out with them and leave yourself with no Gerenadin fodder for upcoming turns. I added the Granite waystone and Manufacture in Market to specially deal with such situation if you ever find yourself in one.

Scraptank : This was a recent addition to the decklist which I debated over for some time. I was, at first, uncertain if he was worth it and if he would carry his weight effectively. I was pleasantly surprised by how well he actually contributes to the deck. Firstly; he generates Grenadins, which is a great upside for both, Combustion Cell and Combust. Secondly, he grows big so fast that he can become quite the issue for your opponent, which bring me to my third point. He is a great removal bait. He eats permafrosts, Torches, Slays, Vanquishes, Relic Weapons, Killer and all shades of removal. Make him big enough, copy him with End of Hostilities and he will draw out that imminent Harsh Rule/End of Story, therefore saving your key units which are Jekk and Kenna.

In Cold Blood : This choice is heavily Meta-dependant. You can switch ICB with any other removal if you wish. However, I find it currently quite effective in dealing with popular units like : Alessi, Awakened Student, Crownwatch Press-gang, Horru Fliers, Rizan, Unseen Commando, Makto and of course, Icaria.

Combustion Cell : This is your engine, the one card that gives this deck its flavor. I often decide on whether to mulligan or not, based on whether the draw has Combustion Cell or at least Ixtun Merchant to get it. You always want Combustion Cell on as soon as possible.

Kenna, Jekk Lone Gun and End of Hostilities : These three cards are your wincons and pretty much the reason why you would want to play this type of deck. End of Hostilities can be replaced with Mirror Image if you do not have it because I understand the deck can be quite expensive to craft; however the Tribute factor is what would made Mirror Image less than an ideal as a substitute for EoH.

MARKET

The market choices are quite self-explanatory. One Jekk in case you need him. Bore if you need to deal with Obelisk, Mask of Torment, Relic weapons or any sort of attachment. Manufacture if you are running short on Grenadin fuel. Combustion Cell to get your deck going. Finally Molot & Nakova as an optional late big finisher if you ever need one to free up the board or to hit face for lethal.

CLOSING WORDSs

In truth, I play this deck because it is fun, being somewhat competitive is just more of plus-side than anything. However, It surprise me with how well it can actually do on ladder despite lacking the justice influence the Kenna Story Never End decklist had. So if you like Kenna,Jekk, or Tribute decks in generally, give it a shot.