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The Dominion After RoA
by Jonathon Leverenz Rules of Acquisition has brought a lot of changes to the world of STCCG, not least of which is the introduction of the Ferengi. But there are also a number of cards that help out the Dominion. Here's a look at the new Dominion cards and what benefits they provide: (Universal) Collect Sample
A universal alpha quadrant space mission. The Dominion has another mission of this type, it's called Construct Depot. It also is worth 30 points, has a lower span at 2, and is somewhat easier to complete, plus you get a download of Remote Supply Depot when you complete it. Oh yeah, and it's completely theft proof. Not a lot to say, leave this one in the binder and throw in a Construct Depot instead. Deliver Message
Well this is better. For one it gives the Dominion another planet mission in the Alpha quadrant. It's also rather difficult for them to complete since they don't have access to Quark SOK or Nog, and they only have 2 personnel with Acquisition. One of them is universal but they are both Gamma Quadrant personnel which means you have to shuttle them in, which makes things a little more difficult. Again, leave this one in the binder and use something easier like Impose Order instead. Deyos, ST:DS9
The newest Vorta to join the ranks of the Dominion gives them a huge boost - a card drawing ability. Bring him along to the Alpha Quadrant and use him to draw cards for Alpha Jem'Hadar you report and/or Jem'Hadar that come out of Birthing Chambers; you won't get the draw for the Young Jem'Hadar but you will when you exchange it for another Jem'Hadar at the end of the turn. SECURITY and Treachery x2 are nice but the Archaeology is practically useless. You probably won't want to risk him to dilemmas anyway. Throw him in your Q's Tent to improve your chance of getting him out early when he'll help the most. (Universal) Edan'Atal ST:DS9
Another Alpha Jem'Hadar. Let's compare him to the other universal Alpha we have, Duran'Adar. Both have a staff star and the SECURITY/ENGINEER combo, but Duran'Adar has the more useful Physics which is a requirement for Construct Depot and Geology which means he can contribute 3/4ths of the requirements for Mining Survey. Edan'Atal's Astrophysics and Honor aren't as useful for mission solving or dilemma busting. On the attribute level, both have CUNNING of 8, but Edan'Atal gives up a point of INTEGRITY for a higher STRENGTH, no really big differences here. I'd say Duran'Adar is more useful to the average Dominion deck if only because he helps out on Construct Depot more, but if you decide to go for a different mission selection then Edan'Atal might be more useful. Hanok ST:DS9
Ikat'ika ST:DS9
The first thing one notices about Ikat'ika is that he has "personnel battle" written all over him. STRENGTH of 12 is the highest in the Dominion and equals that of Data, Lore, and Roga Danar. Then there's his special ability, boosting the STRENGTH of other Jem'Hadar in battle. This isn't as impressive as it might have been, given the Dominion's ability to download equipment with various cards, but it's another enhancement that can help out a deck based on battling your opponent's personnel. Unfortunately his skills don't provide much in the way of help in solving missions or busting through the dilemmas; though Anthropology is somewhat rare in the Dominion, unfortunately it isn't worth much. Ikat'ika offers something for combat strategies but that's about all. (Universal) Inglatu ST:DS9
Inglatu probably has the biggest effect on the Dominion because he opens up a whole new deck archetype - the whiteless personnel combat deck. STRENGTH 11 is better than what any universal Jem'Hadar has, and Inglatu is a Dosi which means he can benefit from Kar'Takin. Add to that he has a few good skills, if somewhat useless ones for the most part. MEDICAL is always welcome and universal MEDICAL is even better. Greed and Acquisition allow him to take advantage of some Rules of Acquisition like the 34th and 75th. Geology is useful, as only 3 other Dominion personnel have it. A great personnel that can be the basis of an entire deck or help supplement an existing one. Krajensky Founder ST:DS9
Yet another Federation Infiltrator. Krajensky Founder is actually probably the best founder around for actually infiltrating the Federation. For one, his real life counterpart isn't likely to be seen in Federation decks, second KF has the special download for Issue Secret Orders, and third he doesn't provide any useful skills to the Dominion itself as far as solving missions or getting through dilemmas. Krajensky Founder also makes a good target for Counterintelligence because he has both Diplomacy and Engineer, two skills that many Federation decks are based upon. Ultimately KF is useful for an infiltration strategy but not much else.
(Universal) Karemman Vessel ST:DS9
Another ship for the Dominion, the Karemman Vessel has good RANGE and average SHIELDS and SHIELDS. This isn't a ship you want to use for battle although you can bring it up to 10-8-9 with Hanok, Captain's Log, and Defiant Dedication Plaque. But this ship is better doing what it
was made to do - hauling freight. With RANGE 8 and only a staff star, it's great for zipping around the Gamma Quadrant or bringing personnel to the Alpha Quadrant. You can also use it to complete Cargo Runs which might actually be a good idea with the Dominion's ability to seed up to 3 pieces of equipment at a Primary Supply Depot. You can also use Ready Room Door to download Hanok, but it's probably not worth including an RRD for just one personnel. Overall a good ship for the Dominion with several specific uses.
Jonathon Leverenz |
Well the Dominion gets their first Matching Commander, Hanok is the matching commander for the Karemman Vessel. He also supplies the unusual skills of Acquisition and Smuggling which are gaining more use with RoA. Diplomacy and Engineer round out his regular skills and are nice, Diplomacy is called for on a couple of missions and you can never have enough Engineers, especially ones with no KW icon. But it's Hanok's special ability that stands him out. There are a number of Rules cards that Hanok can make use of, but I doubt you'll find a better one than the 75th ROA which gives you 10 points or 5 Latinum for helping to complete a mission. Consider using Hanok to help solve Impose Order with an Establish Dominion Foothold seeded on it - 55 points, a Remote Supply Depot, and 5 equipment cards for an easy mission. Or you can go for the latinuum instead and then turn those 5 latinuum into 5 equipment, like maybe some Ketracel White or some hand weapons for your Jem'Hadar. Or you might go for the 34th Rule - "War is good for business." Use the Dominion's ability to battle and turn those battles into extra card draws. Hanok has average attributes, but that isn't very important; he's still a great addition to the Dominion.