I might be too stupid to use Idol's deck?

[Frosty™]

I must be missing something about the intended playstyle of Idol's deck in Dark Knowledge because Equalize doesn't bring in very good card draw and none of the cards have any attack value to start at. There's only one default copy of Forte in the deck and burning through Quarter notes and Double Eighth notes to take down the bugs is extremely punishing if I need to stay ahead of the threat level.

I sort of understand that the Forte is intended to allow the note cards to get an extra 2 damage swing in, but the end boss of the area does so much damage all at once while its drones are (effectively) immune to the Quarter notes unless I burn a Forte on it.

Miki and Airi are basically useless for the later rounds when there are four or more enemies and there isn't a Forte to burn on them.

Is there some other mechanic that I'm not understanding here?

[Draconispax]

I'm with you, i just don't get how she's supposed to work

[glass]

Take a look at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2D_RztAoik
And also the google doc attached in the description.

The anti-stalling-threat system is different after update (outdated), but the core of idol should still be similar.

having done comet with idol's starter deck, i'd trust Ritona has really understood idol and is a good place to pick up tips from.

[M4he]

Yep, definitely recommend watching Ritona play. I learnt a lot from her. As an Idol main, I can give you the following general tips:

1) Idol relies heavily on the execute mechanic, however try favoring Miki's and Airi's active ability for that to keep drawing cards instead of the manual execution unless you are executing more than one card at a time. Keep Miki and Airi on the field for their ability if possible.

2) Keep your deck small, quality over quantity. Due to the draw mechanics of Miki, Airi and Equalize, it is important to not flood your deck with useless cards. Try to keep the synergy up between draw effects and note damage/effects also for the cards that you add from the loot. I rarely hit the deck limit with Idol in shorter battles. Also it's important to have easier access to Reprogram.

3) Regarding Equalize: I mostly use it to trash a note which can be recovered with Airi directly afterwards and played directly to the field.

4) Regarding Forte: don't try to burn it on notes solely. If not under pressure, you can use it to enhance Miki and Airi as well as Equalize with some bonus attack. Use Miki's or Airi's ability to sacrifice it after filling the rest of the row to buff all. That way all cards are buffed but not executed (except for Forte) and you can keep them on the field for regular damage without executions.

5) Try to keep an eye out for Reprogram and play accordingly. It's helpful to have Reprogram at hand when needed. Don't hesitate to Reprogram often. The new threat system favors quick plays and regular Reprogram'ing even more. Due to Miki's and Airi's abilities it's quite easy to get cards on the field pretty quick after a Reprogram. Again, keep the deck small for that to work best.

[VNLover]

Small deck, incorporate utility pieces using cache hit, try and make it so you always have reprogram on hand, as getting stuck with no gas in hand and reprogram somewhere in your deck is the quickest way to lose. You'll need to fly a bit close to the sun since this will keep your health low, but bloating your deck as IDOL to increase your health will just get you killed.