Affinity: Elements of a Deck

If you are pondering what kind of deck to make and unsure of what affinities match your playstyle, read this blog! The following is an excerpt from the Artbook, but here it is online in blog format, to share with those who haven't seen it.

The five distinct affinities each represent a set of ideals that represent a way of life in Elyrion. Echoes of Astra TCG is a game that uses a 5-affinity design, along with a Neutral element to cover cards that may not fit into any specific affinity. When setting the mechanical distinctions for each of these affinities, cards of the same color should play consistently and contribute to an overarching theme or playstyle. When a player then picks two affinities to build their deck, the combination of these playstyles are meant to create endless variations in deckbuilding freedom, while leaving room for further expansion.

Lux represents order, light, and unity. Within Elyrion, those that pursue justice and preservation of those around them will mostly be categorized as Lux units. Equipment and Units in this element also prioritize protection, rather than aggression. The most frequently seen faction within the Lux affinity is the Republic of Concordia, a unified nation of smaller states that all joined together in hopes of a brighter future through cooperation. Cards that fall under the Lux affinity will focus mostly on unifying your troops and bolstering support for each other. They work very well with others, slotting into almost any deck combination.

Nox represents darkness, sacrifice, and death. The forces that seek out power through any means necessary are those of Nox’s influence. Shady motives and greedy deal-making represent the ideals of Nox. The vampires and demons of Valrath are the perfect representation of what it takes to embrace the darkness. Having given up their humanity in pursuit of the secrets of DNA modification, the vampire nobles of Valrath have instead achieved near immortality and wealth. Meanwhile in the slums of Valmyr, street rats and destitute citizens of the lower caste do whatever it takes to survive – even selling their own blood as a bartering resource.

The Blight also fits in Nox’s ideals. It doesn’t discriminate in who it infects, nor does it care what the cost is. It spreads darkness endlessly and consumes the dead to further its own mysterious directive.

A Nox deck openly accepts that not every card will see the battlefield. Sometimes, you just have to throw something away in exchange for opportunity.

Solara represents those that burn with passion and value raw strength over all else. The energy of Solara favors impulsiveness and violence as an answer. Rushing into battle is not looked down upon, but rather venerated as an act of bravery.

Wyrmscar’s Wastelands are littered with creatures, bandits, mercenaries, and tribes. These entities only understand physical dominance as a way of life. Dragons fly above in the open skies, tearing apart any who would intrude upon the domain of the ancient beasts. Active volcanoes bubble with the volatile power of the land itself, ready to explode at any moment. The landscape is harsh and unforgiving – leaving room only for those strong enough to endure.

If you value a straightforward playstyle that favors constant unit combat, this is the affinity to adopt. Solara cards lend well to brash, aggressive gameplay that rewards blitz maneuvers and glorious battle. Burn bright and achieve victory quickly – endurance is not the way to go here.

Terra is the affinity of the natural world, representing resilience, organic growth, and physical endurance. Its adherents are defined by their deep connection to the environment, valuing stability and the cycle of life. The forces of Terra seek to sustain and protect, often acting as a bulwark against rapid change and destruction. The Sylvan tribes and Kitsune clans of the Verdant Shroud embody these ideals, using the forest as both their home and their fortress. Many Therians also often align with Terra’s protective and instinctual nature. And of course, the Verdant Shroud itself is teeming with monstrous creatures that contribute to nature’s cycle of life and death.

Mechanically, Terra cards excel at creating resilient board states. They focus on Impeding enemies while maneuvering away from danger. A Terra unit can prove to be very sticky, using territories and equipment to create difficult to remove obstacles.

Caelum is the affinity of the spirit and the ethereal, embodying transcendence, belief, and the heavens above. Its units treat technology with reverence – as a tool to gain ascension. The Aetherion Empire, with its floating capital Aegard and deeply held religious fervor, is the primary proponent of Caelum’s ideals. They believe in rising above the terrestrial conflicts of Elyrion, viewing their elevation as a divine mandate to lead. Some within Valrath and other nations have also used science as a way to rise above others, also embodying the ideals of Caelum.

In game design, Caelum cards excel at controlling the field and generating supply. Their abilities often relate to achieving long term gains that reward patience and faith in a strategic endgame.

Neutral cards fall under the umbrella of no allegiances or vested interests. Mechanically, these units, tactics, territories, and items are of no specific playstyle and can slot into any deck. They often contain machinery, weapons, or job classes that represent all nations and beliefs. Any constructed deck can make use of Neutral affinity cards.