Starter Decklists

V.4.0 May, 2018—The Forgotten Age Edition

This document contains sample starter decks for each released investigator for Arkham Horror: The Card Game. The most recent version of
this document is considered a supplement to the Arkham Horror: The Card Game Rules Reference.
New Investigator Starter Decks: Leo Anderson, Ursula Downs, Finn Edwards, Father Mateo, and Calvin Wright.
 We Unfortunate Few
It is an unfortunate fact that relatively obscure men like myself
and my associates, connected only with a small university, have
little chance of making an impression where matters of a wildly
bizarre or highly controversial nature are concerned. It is further
against us that we are not, in the strictest sense, specialists in the
fields which came primarily to be concerned.
–H. P. Lovecraft, At the Mountains of Madness

Sample Starter Decks

Roland Banks Strategy Tips
Investigating the events occurring throughout Arkham is dangerous
Roland is a capable fighter and clue gatherer. Since his ability allows him
work. You will confront monstrosities far beyond your ken, and the to automatically discover clues by defeating enemies, you will want to
knowledge you seek may cause irreparable harm to your psyche. hunt down any easy-to-kill enemies you can find, especially if they are
You’ll need the best tools, strong allies, and useful skills if you are to in a location with a high shroud value. Try to get a weapon out as soon as
succeed in the campaigns to come. possible (such as a .45 Automatic, Machete, or Roland’s .38 Special) so that
To help you in your investigations, we have provided a sample starter you are prepared to tackle any enemies that may appear. Beat Cop, Guard
Dog and Physical Training can all help you take down enemies, as well.
deck for each investigator in Arkham Horror: The Card Game. These
decks are a gateway into the world of Arkham, and are each one If you are still having trouble investigating, you may wish to carry a
example of the kinds of decks that can be built for each investigator Magnifying Glass or have Dr. Milan Christopher help you. Evidence! and
Working a Hunch can also allow you to discover clues automatically in
in the game. These decks are ideal for players who wish to get into the
locations with high shroud.
action as fast as possible, or for inexperienced deckbuilders who wish
to be provided with a starter deck they did not need to assemble on While Roland is physically tough, he has a low sanity and is especially
their own. susceptible to horror. Allies like Beat Cop or Dr. Milan Christopher can
help soak some horror if you uncover something terrifying. Otherwise,
Each of the provided decks is accompanied by tips and tricks don’t be afraid to play First Aid and use an entire turn healing horror if you
for playing that deck, explaining how to make the best use of an are close to being defeated—you want to avoid mental trauma at all costs!
investigator’s ability, or demonstrating card synergy within the deck. Should you be compelled to Cover Up any strange events happening
These starter decks are meant to be used at the beginning of a in your vicinity, don’t forget you can use card effects such as Roland’s
campaign, and thus have 0 experience points spent. The number ability, Evidence!, or Working a Hunch to remove these clues, instead
of investigating.
in parentheses next to each card is its card collector number. If a
card does not specify the number of copies you should use, use only
1 copy of that card.

Core Set Starter Decks

The following starter decks are for Roland Banks, the Fed
the five investigators included in the
Arkham Horror: The Card Game core Investigator Events (8)
• Roland Banks (1) • Evidence! (22)
set. Using the contents of only a single • Dodge (23)
copy of the core set, up to two of these Assets (17) • Dynamite Blast (24)
starter decks may be built at the same • Roland’s .38 Special (6) • Mind over Matter (36)
time, in the following combinations: • .45 Automatic (16) • Working a Hunch (37)
Roland and Agnes, Roland and Wendy, • Physical Training (17) • Barricade (38)
• Beat Cop (18) • 2 copies of Emergency
Daisy and Skids, Daisy and Wendy, • First Aid (19) Cache (88)
or Agnes and Skids. With a second copy of the core set, any four of • Machete (20)
these starter decks may be built simultaneously. • Guard Dog (21) Skills (6)
• Magnifying Glass (30) • Vicious Blow (25)
• Old Book of Lore (31) • Deduction (39)
• Research Librarian (32) • 2 copies of Guts (89)
• Dr. Milan Christopher (33) • 2 copies of Manual
• Hyperawareness (34) Dexterity (92)
• Medical Texts (35)
• 2 copies of Knife (86) Weaknesses (2)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (87) • Cover Up (7)
• 1 random basic weakness

2
STARTER DECKLISTS
Daisy Walker Strategy Tips “Skids” O’Toole Strategy Tips
Daisy is a high-intellect investigator who favors a support role or a rush-for- “Skids” is a well-rounded character who is decent at combat, evasion, and
clues approach. Since her ability is dependent upon Tome assets, getting investigation. Your investigator ability and weakness both require you to
one in play as soon as possible should be your primary concern. Old Book have resources, so keeping a high quantity in your resource pool is usually
of Lore is the ideal Tome to get out early, but having Medical Texts with a good idea. You can generate extra resources by making judicious use of
Daisy’s high intellect can be a life-saver. If you don’t draw either of these Burglary and Emergency Cache, or simply by taking a “Gain 1 resource”
cards in your opening hand, a Research Librarian can help you search action whenever you’re unsure what to do.
for one, and also serves as a convenient damage buffer when the going Because “Skids” has high agility and decent combat, you have the option
gets rough. of deciding whether to take enemies on through brute force or avoid them
Daisy’s intellect is high enough that she doesn’t usually need help altogether. It is usually best to decide based on the enemy in question—
investigating, but if you’re trying to rush for clues, equip a Magnifying Glass fight enemies with high evade values and evade enemies with high health
and get Dr. Milan Christopher into play as soon as possible. and fight values. As you have quite a few weapons in your deck, don’t be
Because her combat and agility are both on the low end, dealing with afraid to take a guns-blazing approach when you have to!
enemies can be problematic for Daisy. Luckily, you have a few tricks up Extra actions are your most powerful tool as “Skids.” Between Leo De Luca
your sleeve. Blinding Light and Shrivelling allow you to use your willpower and your investigator ability, you may have as many as 5 actions in a single
instead of agility or combat to evade or attack enemies, respectively. You turn. Save your resources early on to play Leo and your other assets, but
can also use Holy Rosary to boost your willpower higher. If you find a mid to late game, spend your money and use your extra actions to take out
location with lots of clues and there are hunter enemies around, you can use enemies, investigate locations, or move to right where you need to be.
Barricade to gather those clues in relative safety. Finally, Mind over Matter Your low willpower means you are likely to succumb to many of the encounter
is your clutch card. Because Daisy’s intellect is so high, try to save Mind deck’s tricks. If you’re feeling swamped, On the Lam is your panic button. The
over Matter for the turn you need it most! ability to essentially ignore all non-Elite enemies for a whole round is extremely
If you already have both your Old Book of Lore and Medical Texts in play, potent. Use it to take move or investigate actions while engaged with enemies,
try to get Daisy’s Tote Bag out before The Necronomicon enters play, or to engage enemies away from your allies without fear of reprisal. Using this
otherwise you’ll end up losing one of your other books. event at the right time can mean the difference between defeat and success.

Daisy Walker, the Librarian “Skids” O’Toole, the Ex-Con

Investigator Events (8) Investigator Events (9)
• Daisy Walker (2) • Mind over Matter (36) • “Skids” O’Toole (3) • On the Lam (10)
• Working a Hunch (37) • Evidence! (22)
Assets (17) • Barricade (38) Assets (16) • Dodge (23)
• Daisy’s Tote Bag (8) • Drawn to the Flame (64) • .45 Automatic (16) • Dynamite Blast (24)
• Magnifying Glass (30) • Ward of Protection (65) • Physical Training (17) • Elusive (50)
• Old Book of Lore (31) • Blinding Light (66) • Beat Cop (18) • Backstab (51)
• Research Librarian (32) • 2 copies of Emergency • First Aid (19) • Sneak Attack (52)
• Dr. Milan Christopher (33) Cache (88) • Machete (20) • 2 copies of
• Hyperawareness (34) • Guard Dog (21) Emergency Cache (88)
• Medical Texts (35) Skills (6) • Switchblade (44)
• Forbidden Knowledge (58) • Deduction (39) • Burglary (45) Skills (6)
• Holy Rosary (59) • Fearless (67) • Pickpocketing (46) • Vicious Blow (25)
• Shrivelling (60) • 2 copies of Perception (90) • .41 Derringer (47) • Opportunist (53)
• Scrying (61) • 2 copies of Manual • Leo De Luca (48) • 2 copies of Guts (89)
• Arcane Studies (62) Dexterity (92) • Hard Knocks (49) • 2 copies of Overpower (91)
• Arcane Initiate (63) • 2 copies of Knife (86)
• 2 copies of Knife (86) Weaknesses (2) • 2 copies of Flashlight (87) Weaknesses (2)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (87) • The Necronomicon (John Dee • Hospital Debts (11)
Translation) (9) • 1 random basic weakness
• 1 random basic weakness

3
STARTER DECKLISTS
 Agnes Baker Strategy Tips Wendy Adams Strategy Tips
Agnes is a high-willpower spellcaster who is particularly good at dispatching Wendy is a slippery investigator who is great at avoiding danger. Making use
enemies. Since her ability can trigger once per phase after she takes horror, of her ability to cancel and re-draw chaos tokens during critical skill tests is
the more on-demand ways you can deal horror to yourself, the better. key to succeeding as Wendy. Be sure to keep enough cards in your hand to
Forbidden Knowledge is probably your best tool for fueling Agnes’s ability: fuel her ability at all times. Pickpocketing and Rabbit’s Foot are both ideal
Take 1 horror, gain 1 resource, and deal 1 damage anytime you want! You can cards to put into play early, allowing you to draw cards through evading
also trigger her ability through Ward of Protection, or even Shrivelling if you enemies and failing tests.
are lucky (?) enough to draw a chaos token with a , , , , or  symbol Her high agility and low combat means you should primarily be evading
on it. Use this ability to easily take out enemies with only 1 health remaining, and running from enemies, but a well-timed Backstab or Sneak Attack
or to put extra damage on bigger enemies. can also get rid of a troublesome enemy. Stray Cat, Cunning Distraction,
But beware! Since Agnes’s ability only triggers when horror is actually placed and Survival Instinct can all help you get out of sticky situations. When all
on her, you’re going to want to soak or heal horror as well. Holy Rosary is a else fails, pull out a .41 Derringer or a Baseball Bat and don’t be afraid to
must-play card, since it boosts Agnes’s willpower and also provides you with over‑commit cards!
a way to protect against horror when you don’t wish to trigger Agnes’s ability. Wendy’s Amulet is a tricky card, but playing around its ability and Forced
Shrivelling and your investigator ability are your two primary ways of effect can be especially rewarding. It is usually best to keep the Amulet
defeating enemies, but a Baseball Bat is a good back-up plan. If you are having in hand until there are a few events in your discard pile. Once it’s in play,
trouble investigating, you can use “Look what I found!” or Drawn to the Flame always be aware of the topmost event in your discard pile, (especially if it’s
to discover as many as 4 clues without having to succeed at an intellect test. Lucky!) since you can play it using Wendy’s Amulet. Don’t forget that once
Finally, since you are quite dependent upon your Spell cards, getting an the Amulet is in play, all events you play are placed on the bottom of your
Arcane Initiate in play early can be a huge benefit to you. Make sure the deck (regardless of whether you are playing the event from your hand or
doom threshold on the current agenda isn’t close to being satisfied, then play using the Amulet’s ability).
Arcane Initiate and make the most out of its ability each turn. When doom
is close to the threshold, if you can discard it from play (usually by assigning
damage or horror to it), you can be rid of the doom on it as well.

Agnes Baker, the Waitress Wendy Adams, the Urchin

Investigator Events (8) Investigator Events (8)
• Agnes Baker (4) • Drawn to the Flame (64) • Wendy Adams (5) • Elusive (50)
• Ward of Protection (65) • Backstab (51)
Assets (17) • Blinding Light (66) Assets (17) • Sneak Attack (52)
• Heirloom of Hyperborea (12) • Cunning Distraction (78) • Wendy’s Amulet (14) • Cunning Distraction (78)
• Forbidden Knowledge (58) • “Look what I found!” (79) • Switchblade (44) • “Look what I found!” (79)
• Holy Rosary (59) • Lucky! (80) • Burglary (45) • Lucky! (80)
• Shrivelling (60) • 2 copies of • Pickpocketing (46) • 2 copies of
• Scrying (61) Emergency Cache (88) • .41 Derringer (47) Emergency Cache (88)
• Arcane Studies (62) • Leo De Luca (48)
• Arcane Initiate (63) Skills (6) • Hard Knocks (49) Skills (6)
• Leather Coat (72) • Fearless (67) • Leather Coat (72) • Opportunist (53)
• Scavenging (73) • Survival Instinct (81) • Scavenging (73) • Survival Instinct (81)
• Baseball Bat (74) • 2 copies of Perception (90) • Baseball Bat (74) • 2 copies of Overpower (91)
• Rabbit’s Foot (75) • 2 copies of Unexpected • Rabbit’s Foot (75) • 2 copies of Unexpected
• Stray Cat (76) Courage (93) • Stray Cat (76) Courage (93)
• Dig Deep (77) • Dig Deep (77)
• 2 copies of Knife (86) Weaknesses (2) • 2 copies of Knife (86) Weaknesses (2)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (87) • Dark Memory (13) • 2 copies of Flashlight (87) • Abandoned and Alone (15)
• 1 random basic weakness • 1 random basic weakness

4
STARTER DECKLISTS
 The Dunwich Legacy
Starter Decks
The following starter decks are for the
five investigators included in The Dunwich
Legacy deluxe expansion. Using the
contents of a single copy of the core set
and a single copy of The Dunwich Legacy
expansion, up to two of these starter
decks may be built at the same time, in the
following combinations: Zoey and Rex,
Zoey and Pete, Rex and Jim, Jenny and
Jim, or Jenny and Pete. With a second copy of the core set, any four of these
starter decks may be built simultaneously. Zoey Samaras Strategy Tips
Zoey is a straightforward monster hunter who excels at engaging and
dispatching enemies. As her ability rewards you for engaging enemies, you
should be able to maintain a steady stream of resources simply by hunting
down monsters. Use these resources to play weapons and allies that can
help you stay alive and defeat even the toughest of foes.
Since you want to engage enemies whenever possible, Taunt is your best
friend. Use it to engage Aloof enemies without spending an action, or to
engage enemies that are threatening other investigators. Once you have
Zoey’s Cross in play, you can forego the extra resources from Zoey’s ability
in exchange for automatic damage, which is almost always better.
While your high willpower allows you to resist many of the effects the
encounter deck will throw your way, this deck also contains a few other
ways for you to make use of your willpower. Rite of Seeking allows you to
investigate with your willpower, while Blinding Light allows you to evade
using your willpower (and do some damage). Finally, Holy Rosary boosts
your willpower and shores up one of Zoey’s weaknesses—her sanity.
Speaking of sanity, should you feel the need to Smite the Wicked, it is
important to consider how far away the newly-spawned enemy is, and
how tough it is to fight. An easy-to-kill enemy that is also nearby should
absolutely be a priority. But be careful of biting off more than you can
chew—trying to smite a dangerous enemy may end up costing you, in
the end.

Zoey Samaras, the Chef

Investigator Events (9)
• Zoey Samaras (TDL 1) • Evidence! (Core 22)
• Dodge (Core 23)
Assets (16) • Dynamite Blast (Core 24)
• Zoey’s Cross (TDL 6) • Blinding Light (Core 66)
• .45 Automatic (Core 16) • 2 copies of Taunt (TDL 17)
• Physical Training (Core 17) • Teamwork (TDL 18)
• Beat Cop (Core 18) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• First Aid (Core 19) (Core 88)
• Machete (Core 20)
• Guard Dog (Core 21) Skills (6)
• Holy Rosary (Core 59) • Vicious Blow (Core 25)
• Rite of Seeking (TDL 28) • Fearless (Core 67)
• Clarity of Mind (TDL 30) • 2 copies of Overpower
• Blackjack (TDL 16) (Core 91)
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • 2 copies of Guts (Core 89)
• 2 copies of Flashlight
(Core 87) Weaknesses (2)
• Kukri (TDL 36) • Smite the Wicked (TDL 7)
• 1 random basic weakness

5
STARTER DECKLISTS
 Rex Murphy Strategy Tips Jenny Barnes Strategy Tips
Rex is a high-intellect investigator and an expert at discovering clues. Jenny is the quintessential jack-of-all-trades, with a value of 3 in each skill
Because he has the potential to discover multiple clues each time he and a steady influx of resources to help you pay for any cards you want. She is
investigates—especially in locations with a low shroud value—he can a great solo investigator, but is also very good at shoring up an investigation
discover clues at a rapid pace. If you can get a Flashlight out early, you can team’s weaknesses by providing whatever is needed at any given moment.
advance quickly and rush through the act deck. Jenny has the tools to handle pretty much every aspect of the game. Because
Additionally, this deck has a few tricks you can use alongside Rex’s ability to you get extra resources every round, building a heavy board state with
great effect. For example, if you investigate using Burglary and succeed by 2 numerous assets is a viable strategy. You can also collect a bank of resources
or more, you can gain resources and discover a clue simultaneously. Likewise, and spend them with Hard Knocks, which will help tremendously in
if you investigate using Seeking Answers and succeed by 2 or more, you can dealing with enemies, either by defeating them or evading them.
discover a clue at your location, in addition to a clue in a connecting location. If you find yourself overflowing with resources, play Jenny’s Twin .45s and
Rex is also adept at holding onto a large hand, using his elder sign ability, pile on as much ammo as you want—the more, the better. Finally, if you
Laboratory Assistant, Pickpocketing, and Search for the Truth to keep his are playing with other investigators, you can also share the wealth using
hand flush with cards. Use these cards to guarantee success in crucial skill Teamwork. You might also play an expensive asset and pass it to another
tests, especially when attempting to evade dangerous enemies. Rex isn’t investigator using Teamwork!
shabby at evasion, but a well-timed Think on Your Feet or Mind over Matter While Jenny is adept at many aspects of the game, her greatest downfall is
can help bail you out of a sticky situation. that she is not a specialist. You will have to depend on your assets and skills
Unfortunately, Rex’s bad luck often catches up with him at the worst when you need to succeed at high-difficulty tests.
time. When you are afflicted by Rex’s Curse, you will eventually fail a test, If you find a sign of your sister Isabelle, you might find yourself compelled
sometimes spectacularly. Depending on how close you are to the end of to drop everything you’re doing and begin Searching for Izzie. While this
the scenario, you should either go all-in and hope to succeed at every test is often the correct choice, Jenny has a decent amount of sanity, so don’t be
despite the curse, or perform skill tests you don’t care too much about afraid to abandon this task should it prove too difficult.
losing, in the hopes the curse gets shuffled back into your deck.

Rex Murphy, the Reporter Jenny Barnes, the Dilettante

Investigator • Working a Hunch (Core 37) Investigator • Sneak Attack (Core 52)
• Rex Murphy (TDL 2) • Barricade (Core 38) • Jenny Barnes (TDL 3) • Dynamite Blast (Core 24)
• Elusive (Core 50) • Think on Your Feet (TDL 25)
Assets (13) • 2 copies of Shortcut (TDL 22) Assets (15) • Teamwork (TDL 18)
• Magnifying Glass (Core 30) • 2 copies of Seeking Answers • Jenny’s Twin .45s (TDL 10) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• Old Book of Lore (Core 31) (TDL 23) • Switchblade (Core 44) (Core 88)
• Research Librarian (Core 32) • Think on Your Feet (TDL 25) • Burglary (Core 45)
• Dr. Milan Christopher • 2 copies of Emergency Cache • Pickpocketing (Core 46) Skills (8)
(Core 33) (Core 88) • .41 Derringer (Core 47) • Opportunist (Core 53)
• Hyperawareness (Core 34) • Leo De Luca (Core 48) • 2 copies of Double or Nothing
• Medical Texts (Core 35) Skills (6) • Hard Knocks (Core 49) (TDL 26)
• Burglary (Core 45) • Deduction (Core 39) • Guard Dog (Core 21) • Vicious Blow (Core 25)
• Laboratory Assistant • Opportunist (Core 53) • 2 copies of Liquid Courage • 2 copies of Manual Dexterity
(TDL 20) • 2 copies of Perception (TDL 24) (Core 92)
• Pickpocketing (Core 46) (Core 90) • Blackjack (TDL 16) • 2 copies of Overpower
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • 2 copies of Manual Dexterity • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) (Core 91)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) (Core 92) • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87)
Weaknesses (2)
Events (12) Weaknesses (2) Events (8) • Searching for Izzie (TDL 11)
• Search for the Truth (TDL 8) • Rex’s Curse (TDL 9) • Elusive (Core 50) • 1 random basic weakness
• Mind over Matter (Core 36) • 1 random basic weakness • Backstab (Core 51)

6
STARTER DECKLISTS
Jim Culver Strategy Tips “Ashcan” Pete Strategy Tips
Jim is a reliable spellcaster with high willpower and a “toolbox of spells” “Ashcan” Pete is a unique character who is at his best when working with
approach. His ability to treat the modifier on skull tokens as a “0” improves his dog, Duke. Alone, Pete has lower-than-average skills, health, and sanity.
his chances of success at nearly any test, and the more he is able to leverage However, when allied together with his trusted hound, Pete and Duke
and manipulate this power, the better. Ritual Candles is a must-have tool become more than just the sum of their parts. Taking advantage of Duke’s
for Jim, giving him even greater odds of success, so get at least one out early. abilities is the key to playing as “Ashcan” Pete. Duke can help you fight
Because this deck doesn’t have too many options for hand slots, you should against dangerous enemies, or lead you toward clues and help you discover
be able to leave it in play for the entire game. them. Use Pete’s ability to ready Duke liberally, and you will find many uses
Jim has many tools for investigation as well as combat. Rite of Seeking, for his loyal partner.
Flashlight, Drawn to the Flame, and “Look what I found!” can all help you Don’t forget that you can also use Pete’s ability to ready other assets besides
gather clues, while Shrivelling, Kukri, and Blinding Light can help you deal Duke, such as Old Book of Lore or Rabbit’s Foot. Because Duke doesn’t
with enemies. You can also heal horror with Fearless, Clarity of Mind, and take up your ally slot, you can play Laboratory Assistant to get more cards in
the soothing tones of Jim’s Trumpet. This makes Jim a good choice to go up your hand, or Peter Sylvestre to help soak horror and resist treachery cards
against the most terrifying of creatures, although he is not quite as good at that might discard Duke from play. While there are generally no long-term
avoiding or healing damage. repercussions if Duke leaves play, keeping Duke safe is crucial to survival
With his ability, Ritual Candles, and Lucky!, Jim has a greater-than-normal for Pete.
chance for success at tests where his skill value is equal to or less than the Pete’s weakness, Wracked by Nightmares, is a hindrance you will want
test’s difficulty. His ability may even completely negate the effect of skull to get rid of as soon as possible. While it won’t hurt you in the short term,
tokens in certain scenarios. When playing as Jim, don’t be afraid to attempt it shuts off your most valuable cards, and slows you down. Keep in mind,
skill tests that might otherwise be foolhardy for other investigators. however, that most assets can still be used while exhausted—you can still
Final Rhapsody is a weakness you absolutely must plan for. Because it can investigate with a Flashlight or take a swing at enemies with a Baseball Bat
appear at any time and potentially deal a lot of damage and horror, you while Wracked by Nightmares is in play.
should try to keep your health and sanity above half whenever possible!

“Ashcan” Pete, the Drifter

Jim Culver, the Musician
Investigator • “Look what I
Investigator Events (8) • “Ashcan” Pete (TDL 5) found!” (Core 79)
• Jim Culver (TDL 4) • Drawn to the Flame (Core 64) • Lucky! (Core 80)
• Ward of Protection (Core 65) Assets (17) • Working a Hunch (Core 37)
Assets (18) • Blinding Light (Core 66) • Duke (TDL 14) • 2 copies of Bait and Switch
• Jim’s Trumpet (TDL 12) • Cunning Distraction (Core 78) • Leather Coat (Core 72) (TDL 34)
• Forbidden Knowledge • “Look what I • Scavenging (Core 73) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
(Core 58) found!” (Core 79) • Baseball Bat (Core 74) (Core 88)
• Holy Rosary (Core 59) • Lucky! (Core 80) • Rabbit’s Foot (Core 75)
• Shrivelling (Core 60) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache • Stray Cat (Core 76) Skills (6)
• Scrying (Core 61) (Core 88) • Dig Deep (Core 77) • Survival Instinct (Core 81)
• Arcane Studies (Core 62) • Magnifying Glass (Core 30) • Deduction (Core 39)
• Arcane Initiate (Core 63) Skills (5) • Laboratory Assistant • 2 copies of Unexpected
• Rabbit’s Foot (Core 75) • Fearless (Core 67) (TDL 20) Courage (Core 93)
• Rite of Seeking (TDL 28) • 2 copies of Guts (Core 89) • Old Book of Lore (Core 31) • 2 copies of Perception
• 2 copies of Ritual Candles • 2 copies of Unexpected • 2 copies of Fire Axe (TDL 32) (Core 90)
(TDL 29) Courage (Core 93) • Peter Sylvestre (TDL 33)
• Clarity of Mind (TDL 30) • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) Weaknesses (2)
• Peter Sylvestre (TDL 33) Weaknesses (2) • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • Wracked by Nightmares
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • Final Rhapsody (TDL 13) (TDL 15)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • 1 random basic weakness Events (8) • 1 random basic weakness
• Kukri (TDL 36) • Cunning Distraction (Core 78)

7
STARTER DECKLISTS
 The Path to Carcosa
Starter Decks
The following starter decks are for the
six investigators included in The Path
to Carcosa deluxe expansion. Using the
contents of a single copy of the core set
and a single copy of The Path to Carcosa
expansion, up to two of these starter
decks may be built at one time, in the
following combinations: Mark and Akachi,
Minh and Sefina, William and Akachi,
Minh and Mark, or Lola (by herself). With a second copy of the core set, any
four of these starter decks may be built simultaneously (except for Lola). Mark Harrigan Strategy Tips
Mark is a tough fighter who is great at dealing with enemies and supporting
a group of investigators. With his high combat and decent agility, he allows
you to choose which approach you wish to use when encountering enemies—
fighting or evading. Since his ability gives you a benefit after one of your cards
takes damage, he usually plays best when charging headfirst into danger.
Cards that can be assigned damage work well with Mark’s ability, allowing
you to draw cards while avoiding damage. Beat Cop, Guard Dog, and
True Grit are the best cards for you to play early. With Mark’s already high
combat value, the .32 Colt is a great weapon to rely on. When the going gets
rough, or if you need to perform a skill test you are not particularly good at
(such as intellect), use the Sophie asset’s ability to boost your skill value,
drawing a card in the process.
However, you must be careful. Mark is a powerful investigator while he
has 4 or less damage on him, but as soon as he has 5 damage, he becomes
significantly weaker. Sophie becomes a drain on his skills, and he is
extremely vulnerable to his Shell Shock weakness. Try to keep Mark’s
health above this threshold, and make use of First Aid and The Home Front
to heal him if he takes too much damage.
Finally, the decklist below contains a handful of off-class Tactic cards that
can get you out of sticky situations. Use Elusive to move quickly, Cunning
Distraction to evade groups of enemies, and Sneak Attack to take them out
without the need for a weapon.

Mark Harrigan, the Soldier

Investigator • 2 copies of “Let me handle
• Mark Harrigan (TPtC 1) this!” (TPtC 22)
• Barricade (Core 38)
Assets (15) • Elusive (Core 50)
• Sophie (TPtC 9) • Backstab (Core 51)
• .45 Automatic (Core 16) • Sneak Attack (Core 52)
• Physical Training (Core 17) • Cunning Distraction (Core 78)
• Beat Cop (Core 18) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• First Aid (Core 19) (Core 88)
• Machete (Core 20)
• Guard Dog (Core 21) Skills (5)
• 2 copies of .32 Colt (TPtC 20) • The Home Front (TPtC 7)
• 2 copies of True Grit (TPtC 21) • Vicious Blow (Core 25)
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • 2 copies of Overpower
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 91)
(Core 87) • Manual Dexterity (Core 92)

Events (12) Weaknesses (2)

• Evidence! (Core 22) • Shell Shock (TPtC 8)
• Dodge (Core 23) • 1 random basic weakness
• Dynamite Blast (Core 24)

8
STARTER DECKLISTS
Minh Thi Phan Strategy Tips Sefina Rousseau Strategy Tips
Minh Thi Phan is an investigator who is at her best when used to aid Sefina is a tricky investigator with a powerful starting hand and the ability
other teammates. Her ability, which allows you to add wild icons to to make forgeries of her event cards. As such, this decklist is very event-
cards committed to skill tests at her location, makes her a great character heavy, with many different events for various situations. Choosing which
for a group to rally around. She can also use Analytical Mind to aid her events to place underneath Sefina when drawing your opening hand is very
teammates from afar. important, as it will determine which events you can copy with The Painted
Minh’s ability allows you to easily boost a skill test by 2 or 3 each turn, but this World throughout the game. Be aware that this deck has only 1 copy of most
approach requires a lot of cards. Old Book of Lore and No Stone Unturned of its events, so if an event is placed underneath her, it might be the only
can help you get the cards you need when you need them. Scavenging is also copy of that event in your deck.
great with Minh, thanks to her high intellect. Use these tools along with Despite Sefina’s low combat, this deck has many ways of dealing with
Analytical Mind to keep your hand flush with wild icons at all times. enemies. Copy Backstab, Sneak Attack or Blinding Light to defeat enemies
Although she is great at supporting her allies, Minh struggles when left on at your location, or use Sleight of Hand to put a .41 Derringer into play and
her own, especially when encountering enemies. Survivor cards such as unload. Though her intellect skill is low, you can use Sleight of Hand with
Stray Cat, Cunning Distraction, and Hiding Spot can help you stay away Flashlight to investigate for your entire turn, and then get the Flashlight
from dangerous enemies, and allow you to investigate locations even while back. Finally, spending experience points on Lockpicks (TPtC 31) allows
an enemy is present. Sefina to investigate with a skill value of 6.

Your best approach with Minh is to commit 1 card to each skill test and Daring Maneuver is a tricky card that may seem useless at first, but it can
use her ability to enhance the number of icons on that card. However, The prove powerful under the right circumstances. Use it to guarantee an extra
King in Yellow counters this strategy completely. This is another reason damage with Switchblade or .41 Derringer, to get Opportunist back into
why it is important for you to keep a lot of cards in your hand—if you have your hand, or to avoid losing a supply from your Lockpicks.
6 matching icons in your hand, you can use them to get rid of The King in When confronted with the Stars of Hyades, consider carefully which event
Yellow very quickly. to discard. There may be a dire need for that event in the future!

Minh Thi Phan, the Secretary Sefina Rousseau, the Painter

Investigator Events (8) Investigator • Backstab (Core 51)
• Minh Thi Phan (TPtC 2) • Mind over Matter (Core 36) • Sefina Rousseau (TPtC 5) • Sneak Attack (Core 52)
• Working a Hunch (Core 37) • Drawn to the Flame (Core 64)
Assets (19) • “Look what I Assets (16) • Ward of Protection (Core 65)
• Analytical Mind (TPtC 10) found!” (Core 79) • Switchblade (Core 44) • Blinding Light (Core 66)
• Magnifying Glass (Core 30) • Lucky! (Core 80) • Pickpocketing (Core 46) • 2 copies of Sleight of Hand
• Old Book of Lore (Core 31) • 2 copies of No Stone Unturned • .41 Derringer (Core 47) (TPtC 29)
• Dr. Milan Christopher (TPtC 26) • Leo De Luca (Core 48) • 2 copies of Daring Maneuver
(Core 33) • 2 copies of Hiding Spot • Hard Knocks (Core 49) (TPtC 30)
• Hyperawareness (Core 34) (TPtC 38) • Holy Rosary (Core 59) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• Medical Texts (Core 35) • Shrivelling (Core 60) (Core 88)
• Leather Coat (Core 72) Skills (4) • Scrying (Core 61)
• Scavenging (Core 73) • Deduction (Core 39) • Arcane Studies (Core 62) Skills (5)
• Baseball Bat (Core 74) • Survival Instinct (Core 81) • Arcane Initiate (Core 63) • Opportunist (Core 53)
• Rabbit’s Foot (Core 75) • 2 copies of Unexpected • 2 copies of Stealth (TPtC 28) • Fearless (Core 67)
• Stray Cat (Core 76) Courage (Core 93) • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • Guts (Core 89)
• Dig Deep (Core 77) • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • Perception (Core 90)
• Archaic Glyphs (TPtC 25) Weaknesses (2) • Manual Dexterity (Core 92)
• 2 copies of Fieldwork • The King in Yellow (TPtC 11) Events (15)
(TPtC 24) • 1 random basic weakness • 3 copies of The Painted World Weaknesses (2)
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) (TPtC 12) • Stars of Hyades (TPtC 13)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • Elusive (Core 50) • 1 random basic weakness

9
STARTER DECKLISTS
 Akachi Onyele Strategy Tips William Yorick Strategy Tips
Akachi is a well-rounded spellcaster with an emphasis on assets that have William is a tenacious and surprisingly resilient survivor who can make
limited charges. Having a suite of different spell assets with various effects repeated use of discarded assets. With his high combat, lower agility, and
allows you to make use of her high willpower, and extra charges help to access to guardian cards, he prefers to hunt down and fight enemies rather
ensure that you don’t run out of uses right when you need them most. than evade them.
This deck is all about spells. Use Arcane Initiate to search for them, Uncage This deck contains many assets that can be discarded from play, and several
the Soul to play them, and your wealth of willpower icons to support them. ways of getting them back (William’s ability, Scavenging, and Resourceful).
As you earn more experience, consider spending most of that experience Leather Coat, Beat Cop, Stray Cat, Baseball Bat and Knife are perfect
on additional spells to support different playstyles, so you are ready targets for these abilities. But the real stars of this deck are Lantern and
for anything. Gravedigger’s Shovel. In addition to being useful tools in their own right,
Spirit-Speaker is one of the most important cards in this deck, because it has these assets can be discarded from play to trigger powerful effects. Use the
so many different uses. Use it to bounce a spell with no charges back to your Gravedigger’s Shovel to discover clues from locations with high shroud
hand so it can be played again, thereby refilling its charges. Or, use it to get rid values, and Lantern to deal damage to enemies with high fight values or the
of a spell you no longer need, and gain some resources in the process. Between retaliate keyword. If you defeat an enemy by discarding a Knife or Lantern,
Spirit-Speaker, Uncage the Soul, Alchemical Transmutation, Emergency you can immediately trigger William’s ability to play that asset from your
Cache, and Forbidden Knowledge, you should have lots of resources at discard pile!
your disposal. Use these resources along with Arcane Studies to investigate William’s biggest weakness is time. Playing multiple assets more than once
successfully, or to teleport wherever you need to go with Astral Travel. can be rather time-consuming, and Graveyard Ghouls can complicate
But, beware: Angered Spirits can show up at any time, demanding you move things by giving you an additional enemy to defeat. Try to make the most of
your charges onto them from your spells. This shouldn’t be too difficult to each of your turns so you do not lose via doom. To best manage your time,
accomplish, but keep in mind that doing so exhausts those assets, many of use Lucky and “Look what I found!” to turn failed skill tests into progress,
which need to be ready in order to trigger their abilities. and limit your movement whenever possible.

Akachi Onyele, the Shaman William Yorick, the Gravedigger

Investigator • Blinding Light (Core 66) Investigator
• Akachi Onyele (TPtC 4) • 2 copies of Uncage the Soul • William Yorick (TPtC 5) Events (7)
(TPtC 33) • Bury Them Deep (TPtC 16)
Assets (14) • 2 copies of Astral Travel Assets (20) • Evidence! (Core 22)
• Spirit-Speaker (TPtC 14) (TPtC 34) • Leather Coat (Core 72) • Dodge (Core 23)
• Forbidden Knowledge • 2 copies of Emergency Cache • Scavenging (Core 73) • “Look what I
(Core 58) (Core 88) • Baseball Bat (Core 74) found!” (Core 79)
• Holy Rosary (Core 59) • Rabbit’s Foot (Core 75) • Lucky! (Core 80)
• Shrivelling (Core 60) Skills (8) • Stray Cat (Core 76) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• Scrying (Core 61) • Fearless (Core 67) • Dig Deep (Core 77) (Core 88)
• Arcane Studies (Core 62) • 2 copies of Guts (Core 89) • .45 Automatic (Core 16)
• Arcane Initiate (Core 63) • 2 copies of Perception • Physical Training (Core 17) Skills (4)
• 2 copies of Alchemical (Core 90) • Beat Cop (Core 18) • Vicious Blow (Core 25)
Transmutation (TPtC 32) • Manual Dexterity (Core 92) • First Aid (Core 19) • Survival Instinct (Core 81)
• Archaic Glyphs (TPtC 25) • 2 copies of Unexpected • Machete (Core 20) • 2 copies of Resourceful
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) Courage (Core 93) • Guard Dog (Core 21) (TPtC 39)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • 2 copies of Lantern (TPtC 36)
Weaknesses (2) • 2 copies of Gravedigger’s Weaknesses (2)
Events (9) • Angered Spirits (TPtC 15) Shovel (TPtC 37) • Graveyard Ghouls (TPtC 17)
• Drawn to the Flame (Core 64) • 1 random basic weakness • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • 1 random basic weakness
• Ward of Protection (Core 65) • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87)

10
STARTER DECKLISTS
 Lola Hayes, the Actress
Investigator • “Look what I found!”
• Lola Hayes (TPtC 6) (Core 79)
• Lucky! (Core 80)
Assets (14) • No Stone Unturned
• .45 Automatic (Core 16) (TPtC 26)
• Beat Cop (Core 18) • Hiding Spot (TPtC 38)
• First Aid (Core 19) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• Machete (Core 20) (Core 88)
• Magnifying Glass (Core 30)
• Old Book of Lore (Core 31) Skills (11)
• Dr. Milan Christopher • Vicious Blow (Core 25)
Lola Hayes Strategy Tips (Core 33)
• Leather Coat (Core 72)
• Deduction (Core 39)
• Survival Instinct (Core 81)
Lola is a versatile investigator whose ability to switch roles allows her • Stray Cat (Core 76) • 2 copies of Perception
to excel at many different aspects of gameplay. She is a more advanced • True Grit (TPtC 21) (Core 90)
investigator than most, and it takes a skilled player to play her effectively. • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • 2 copies of Overpower
This deck is composed of a large number of neutral cards and the minimum • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 91)
number of required class cards (7 cards each from 3 different classes) in
(Core 87) • 2 copies of Manual Dexterity
(Core 92)
order to minimize complexity. Since Lola can always play, commit and Events (12) • 2 copies of Unexpected
trigger neutral cards, this mitigates the drawback of her ability. • 2 copies of Improvisation Courage (Core 93)
This deck focuses on 3 classes: Guardian, Survivor, and Seeker. Switch (TPtC 18)
to Guardian when you need to fight enemies or heal, Survivor when you • Dodge (Core 23) Weaknesses (3)
need to evade enemies, or Seeker when you need to investigate. Try not to • Working a Hunch (Core 37) • 2 copies of Crisis of Identity
stay in any one role for the entirety of the game, as this puts you at risk of a • Barricade (Core 38) (TPtC 19)
game‑ending Crisis of Identity. It is best to let the flow of gameplay take you
• Cunning Distraction • 1 random basic weakness
(Core 78)
naturally from one role to the next, depending on the circumstances of the
scenario and the cards you have in your hand or in play.
Cards with constant benefits are ideal when playing as Lola, since they are
always active regardless of your role. Beat Cop, Magnifying Glass, Dr. Milan
Christopher, Leather Coat, and True Grit are great to play early. When the
going gets rough, you can quickly switch roles using Improvisation and use
its cost reduction to play one of your events for free.
Although a 40-card deck is larger than most, the card draw from
Improvisation, many of your skill cards, and the search effects from Old Book
of Lore and No Stone Unturned can help you draw into the cards you need.

11
STARTER DECKLISTS
 The Forgotten Age
Starter Decks
The following starter decks are for the six
investigators included in The Forgotten Age
deluxe expansion. Using the contents of a
single copy of the core set and a single copy
of The Path to Carcosa expansion, up to
two of these starter decks may be built at
one time, in the following combinations:
Leo and Ursula, Ursula and Finn, Mateo
and Finn, Mateo and Leo, or Calvin and
Leo. With a second copy of the core set,
any four of these starter decks may be built simultaneously. Leo Anderson Strategy Tips
Leo Anderson is a tough-as-nails leader who excels at survival. With his high
willpower and combat, he is able to fight back against most of the encounter
deck’s hazards. Leo favors an asset-heavy approach: Take some time to set up
your play area, and you’ll be prepared for anything.
Leo’s ability allows him to play Ally assets without spending valuable actions,
and at a reduced cost. Try to mulligan for an Ally in your opening hand, and
use Trusted to keep them in play for longer. While this starter deck only
contains a handful of Ally assets, you can use experience points to acquire
new Ally assets, such as Treasure Hunter (TFA25) and Cat Burglar (Core
55). The more Ally assets you can get in play, the more Leo will be capable of
at any given moment.
That said, don’t be afraid to treat your Ally assets as expendable. Taking
damage or horror on an Ally asset is almost always favorable to taking it
yourself, especially when you have a Decorated Skull in play, which gains
charges whenever one of your Ally assets is defeated.
This deck has a lot of weapons which you can use to deal with enemies, and
Flashlights for investigating. Your Venturer can be essential for giving your
Flashlights and Firearms extra uses. Don’t have a weapon or a Flashlight
yet? Search through your Backpack—you’re liable to find one!
Leo’s greatest weakness is his low agility. He can be easily caught off‑guard by
a tough enemy or a treachery requiring an agility test. Be wary!

Leo Anderson, the Expedition Leader

Investigator • 2 copies of Decorated Skull
• Leo Anderson (TFA 1) (TFA 26)
• Backpack (TFA 37)
Assets (20)
• Mitch Brown (TFA 6) Events (7)
• .45 Automatic (Core 16) • Evidence! (Core 22)
• Physical Training (Core 17) • Dodge (Core 23)
• Beat Cop (Core 18) • Dynamite Blast (Core 24)
• First Aid (Core 19) • Elusive (Core 50)
• Machete (Core 20) • Emergency Cache (Core 88)
• Guard Dog (Core 21) • 2 copies of Trusted (TFA 19)
• Switchblade (Core 44)
• .41 Derringer (Core 47) Skills (4)
• Leo De Luca (Core 48) • Vicious Blow (Core 25)
• Hard Knocks (Core 49) • Opportunist (Core 53)
• 2 copies of Flashlight • Perception (Core 90)
(Core 87) • Overpower (Core 91)
• 2 copies of Survival Knife
(TFA 17) Weaknesses (2)
• 2 copies of Venturer (TFA 18) • Bought in Blood (TFA 7)
• 1 random basic weakness

12
STARTER DECKLISTS
Ursula Downs Strategy Tips Finn Edwards Strategy Tips
Ursula Downs is a swift investigator who is great at forging ahead and Finn is a slippery rogue who is skilled in gathering clues and evading
investigating locations. Her high intellect and agility allow her to escape enemies. His high agility and his ability to take an extra evade action each
dangerous situations while continuing to gather clues at a steady pace. turn allow him to quickly escape from any enemy that attempts to pin him
Since Ursula’s ability allows her to investigate immediately after moving, down. Meanwhile, with Finn’s high intellect, you can quickly proceed
Ursula excels at exploring new locations. Don’t be afraid to venture into through any investigation.
unknown areas, especially if you have your partner, Jake Williams, in play. In addition to simply escaping danger, this deck has many other ways of
Don’t forget that you can use Ursula’s ability along with a card with a bold turning evasion into an advantage for Finn. Use Pickpocketing to draw
“Investigate” designator, such as Flashlight or Unearth the Ancients. cards whenever you evade, Sneak Attack to dispatch exhausted enemies, and
While Tooth of Eztli and The Chthonian Stone are the only Relic assets in Eavesdrop to discover clues. Likewise, this deck contains several ways of
this starter deck, there are several more Relic assets you can include in your taking advantage of Finn’s intellect, such as Burglary and Scavenging. If you
deck once you earn some experience. Disc of Itzamna is an ideal choice, really need to defeat an enemy, you can use Backstab or Finn’s Trusty .38
since it allows Ursula to deal with enemies without having to rely on her low to get the job done. Many of these cards have the Illicit trait, so you can use
combat value. Or, try including an Ancient Stone…who knows what it might Smuggled Goods to search for them in either your deck or discard pile.
become later? Finn’s low willpower means he is often at the mercy of the encounter deck.
Although Ursula is good at evading enemies, she struggles against high- While enemies are not often a problem for Finn, treacheries that test his
evade hunter enemies and enemies who must be defeated to advance the willpower will be a huge issue. This deck does not contain a lot of willpower
act. In these situations, a well-timed Knife, Barricade, or Mind Over Matter icons, either, so most of the time you will simply have to take whatever the
might do the trick, so save these cards for when you need them most! encounter deck dishes out. However, if you are faced with a particularly
rough willpower test, don’t be afraid to use “You handle this one!” to force
another investigator to take it in your stead.

Finn Edwards, the Bootlegger

Ursula Downs, the Explorer
Investigator • Elusive (Core 50)
Investigator Events (7) • Finn Edwards (TFA 3) • Backstab (Core 51)
• Ursula Downs (TFA 2) • Mind over Matter (Core 36) • Sneak Attack (Core 52)
• Working a Hunch (Core 37) Assets (17) e • Lucky! (Core 80)
Assets (17) • Barricade (Core 38) • Finn’s Trusty .38 (TFA 11) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
• Jake Williams (TFA 8) • 2 copies of Unearth the • Switchblade (Core 44) (Core 88)
• Magnifying Glass (Core 30) Ancients (TFA 24) • Burglary (Core 45) • 2 copies of Eavesdrop
• Old Book of Lore (Core 31) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache • Pickpocketing (Core 46) (TFA 27)
• Research Librarian (Core 32) (Core 88) • .41 Derringer (Core 47) • 2 copies of “You handle this
• Dr. Milan Christopher • Leo De Luca (Core 48) one!” (TFA 28)
(Core 33) Skills (7) • Hard Knocks (Core 49)
• Hyperawareness (Core 34) • Deduction (Core 39) • Scavenging (Core 73) Skills (4)
• Medical Texts (Core 35) • Guts (Core 89) • Rabbit’s Foot (Core 75) • Opportunist (Core 53)
• Knife (Core 86) • Perception (Core 90) • Dig Deep (Core 77) • Survival Instinct (Core 81)
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • 2 copies of Manual Dexterity • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • Perception (Core 90)
• 2 copies of Dr. Elli Horowitz (Core 92) • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • Overpower (Core 91)
(TFA 21) • 2 copies of Unexpected • 2 copies of Decorated Skull
• 2 copies of Tooth of Eztli Courage (Core 93) (TFA 26) Weaknesses (2)
(TFA 23) • Backpack (TFA 37) • Caught Red-Handed
• 2 copies of The Chthonian Weaknesses (2) (TPtC 12)
Stone (TFA 30) • Call of the Unknown (TFA 9) Events (11) • 1 random basic weakness
• Backpack (TFA 37) • 1 random basic weakness • Smuggled Goods (TFA 10)

13
STARTER DECKLISTS
 Father Mateo Strategy Tips Calvin Wright Strategy Tips
Father Mateo is a versatile investigator who can alter the contents of the Calvin is a relentless survivor who gets stronger as he takes damage and
chaos bag and help mitigate bad luck for all of the investigators. His high horror. His skills can vary between 0 and 5, depending on how many licks
willpower and decent agility allow him to defend well against the encounter he’s taken, so he tends to have a weak early game and a strong late game. As
deck’s hazards and enemies. While his special ability to change an  token such, this deck has several ways of helping Calvin through the early parts of
into an  token can only be used once each game, it can make a huge a scenario, so he can thrive during the endgame.
impact. Using his ability at the right time is crucial—you don’t want to Calvin starts each scenario with zeros in every skill, but as a survivor, he
waste it on a skill test that doesn’t matter! has many tools to help him overcome this. Use Flashlights and “Look what
Mateo has one of the best  abilities in the game, bar none. If you are I found!” to discover clues at locations with 2 shroud or less (remember that
lucky you may reveal the  once or twice during a game, but if you want your skill value cannot drop below 0, so you will almost always succeed
to truly make the most out of Father Mateo, you will want to use cards that if the shroud is also 0), and Dumb Luck to temporarily get rid of enemies
will increase the odds of it appearing. The Chthonian Stone can help with before you are able to deal with them. Lucky!, Unexpected Courage, and
this, and of course The Codex of Ages. As you gain experience, consider Last Chance can also help you succeed at tests you should have failed.
purchasing more cards that can increase your odds of drawing the  token, Once Calvin starts taking damage and horror from treacheries and enemy
such as Grotesque Statue (Core 71) or Protective Incantation (TFA 31). attacks, he becomes much stronger. Don’t be afraid to take damage and
While Mateo does not have any glaring weaknesses, he can struggle with horror when your skills are low, as this may help you in the long run—just
enemy management when he does not have Mists of R’lyeh or Shriveling in don’t go overboard! Once Calvin has 4–5 damage or horror on him, your
play. Serpents of Yig can be especially bothersome, since they seal the  tactics should switch to simply staying alive.
token. It is worth pointing out that both Serpents of Yig and The Codex of While most investigators seek to avoid trauma at all costs, Calvin can take
Ages can counter the other—if the  token is sealed on Serpents of Yig, a few points without suffering too much. Don’t be afraid to put yourself in
you cannot play The Codex of Ages, and if the  token is sealed on The dangerous situations for the good of the party. Even if you are defeated,
Codex of Ages, the Serpents of Yig cannot seal it. Use this knowledge to you’ll be back in the next scenario, tougher than before.
your advantage!

Calvin Wright, the Haunted

Father Mateo, the Priest
Investigator • 2 copies of Emergency Cache
Investigator Events (7) • Calvin Wright (TFA 5) (Core 88)
• Father Mateo (TFA 4) • Drawn to the Flame (Core 64) • 2 copies of Improvised Weapon
• Ward of Protection (Core 65) Assets (12) (TFA 33)
Assets (16) • Blinding Light (Core 66) • Until the End of Time • 2 copies of Dumb Luck
• The Codex of Ages (TFA 13) • 2 copies of Emergency Cache (TFA 15) (TFA 34)
• Forbidden Knowledge (Core 88) • Leather Coat (Core 72)
(Core 58) • 2 copies of Dark Prophecy • Scavenging (Core 73) Skills (9)
• Holy Rosary (Core 59) (TFA 32) • Baseball Bat (Core 74) • Survival Instinct (Core 81)
• Shrivelling (Core 60) • Rabbit’s Foot (Core 75) • Guts (Core 89)
• Scrying (Core 61) Skills (8) • Stray Cat (Core 76) • Perception (Core 90)
• Arcane Studies (Core 62) • Fearless (Core 67) • Dig Deep (Core 77) • Overpower (Core 91)
• Arcane Initiate (Core 63) • 2 copies of Guts (Core 89) • 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • Manual Dexterity (Core 92)
• 2 copies of Knife (Core 86) • Perception (Core 90) • 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • 2 copies of Unexpected
• 2 copies of Flashlight (Core 87) • 2 copies of Manual Dexterity • Backpack (TFA 37) Courage (Core 93)
• 2 copies of Mists of R’lyeh (Core 92) • 2 copies of Last Chance
(TFA 29) • 2 copies of Unexpected Events (10) (TFA 36)
• 2 copies of The Chthonian Courage (Core 93) • Cunning Distraction (Core 78)
Stone (TFA 30) • “Look what I Weaknesses (2)
• Backpack (TFA 37) Weaknesses (2) found!” (Core 79) • Voice of the Messenger
• Serpents of Yig (TFA 14) • Lucky! (Core 80) (TFA 16)
• 1 random basic weakness • Ward of Protection (Core 65) • 1 random basic weakness

14
STARTER DECKLISTS