Delve Too Deep: Skids O'Toole

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This build is focused on getting a lean build into play as quickly as you can, then using your ability and some sneaky tricks to navigate the dangers of each scenario. Get Leo de Luca and Lone Wolf out as early as you can, then grab a Machete and go to town. Once you have this core engine up, you’re a five action a turn killing machine! Physical Training is a little more necessary for you than for the Guardians, as your initial fight skill is only 3. On top of that, it provides a nice boost to your otherwise atrocious Willpower. Be aware that Lone Wolf only requires you to be alone at the start of your turn. Feel free to end in areas with friends; just make sure they leave before you start your heroics.

Elusive and Cheap Shot are your multi-purpose utility cards. Cheap Shot gives you a base fight of 7 if you really need it, which can be useful for guaranteeing a kill. Alternatively, you can use it to evade a larger enemy while also giving it a piece of your mind. Elusive, on the other hand, lets you simply run away from all of your problems as a free action. You can also just use it to teleport to a more useful position, which is especially useful on the larger, sprawling maps featured in some adventures.

Leo de Luca, Machete, and Lone Wolf are your key necessities. Mulligan anything you draw that isn’t those (or Prepared for the Worst, for obvious reasons). You might also consider keeping Physical Training. Don’t worry about helping out early on; take the time to play out your important assets and gather some resources. Once you’re ready, you’ll more than make up for lost time.

When levelling up, there are a whole host of excellent options. Unlike most classes, I would advise against taking the permanent upgrade first, as Streetwise is too resource intensive for what you’re trying to do, and you’ll only really take advantage of half the ability. Switchblade (Level 2) is an amazing early buy, and Lockpicks is another cheap and effective buy. Replace Prepared for the Worst, one copy of Think on Your Feet, and both Flashlights for these. Ace in the Hole, Hot Streak, Chicago Typewriter, and Police Badge all make great additions to the deck if you can afford the experience cost. There are plenty of great options available, but early on it’s better to go wide with high impact, low experience cards first.