Skilful Silas

Someone on a discord server (apologies, I forget who) made the observation that you could in theory play this game without any cards - just taking basic actions. I'm not sure that would be a whole lot of fun but wanted to see whether, sticking to the basic action theme, you could build a playable deck using only skill cards.

The sailor with his replacement cards and Wini's basic weakness are the obvious choices. In theory Wini could have a skills only deck but I don't think she has the breadth of access to make it viable, especially in solo. Honourable mention to the student though she has a signature event.

Once you limit yourself to skills there aren't a whole lot of choices to make in building a deck. I prefer the core set skills to the desperate ones for the card draw though Say Your Prayers and Desperate Search could work but you'd probably want Fearless as well in the absence of any other soak.

For clues you've got Inquiring Mind, True Understanding (end your turn at a location with a clue) and also Cunning since you won't be spending any resources apart from the odd parley or weakness.

Enemy management is Silas' forte and we've got Able Bodied (who needs items?) and Stunning Blow for some nice flexibility. Nimble and Survival Instinct achieve similar aims so can pick depending on scenario.

Upgrades

• Brute Force is a priority, potentially replacing some icons since we can be evading with and Stunning Blow.
• Rise to the Occasion and Unrelenting both great choices.
• Cunning > Sharp Vision if struggling for clues.
• Fearless for the horror healing, especially if you've picked up a mental trauma or two.

I'm not going to pretend it's a great deck but it just about works and it's definitely an interesting way to play the game!