Wesley's STCCG card of the day #234

Hi, folks,

let's be diplomatic about this card I somehow always overlooked:

SHAKA, WHEN THE WALLS FELL

Dilemma, either, uncommon.
Must have 2 Diplomacy and CUNNING >30 to communicate and proceed.
"'Shaka, when the walls fell' means inability to understand. The incomprehensible Tamarians spoke entirely in metaphors."

Can't believe I missed this one for so long. It's in nearly all of my decks and it is one of those Dilemmas that really often hit home.

First, it's planet/space. The virtues of this have already been discussed at length in other issues, but the key is that it always can be used, even if your opponent plays all planet or all space.

Second, it stays around until the requirements are met. And thus nicely guards that artifact your opponent just wanted to snatch. Granted, it does not hurt anybody, but it slows them down, often by quite a few turns and that's what you need to win. A few turns.

Of all the Dilemmas that just prevent passage, it probably has the stiffest requirements. Ancient Computer has several ORs, Wind Dancer can be passed with Youth or Music, Matriarchal Society is no longer a threat to modern decks as everyone is prepared for that and Impassable door is just embarrassing if it hits. Hologram Ruse's conditions are too interdependent (have one, have both) and the ENGINEER on Hidden Entrance is just that much easier to get than 2 Diplomats.
(Quick quiz: Which one did I leave out? No - don't go for your cards, answer that from your brain ;-) )

Affiliation analysis: The Federation obviously has the least problems with this card, Klingons might have trouble with both requirements and Romulans will have a hard time getting any Diplomacy (unless playing with Pardek). Some non-aligned support is available (Dathon among others, but that should be expected of him :-) )

Making it even stronger: The key here is the x2 behind Diplomacy. Any Dilemma that requires an opponent's choice kill is a great preparation for this card as it allows you to get rid of Dathons, Pardeks, Picards and Sareks. Male's Love interest can also help (all double Diplomats are male). Or of course Zaldan (before or after it, helps both ways)

Favorite combo(s):

- Male's Love Interest (+ Armus ) + Chalnoth + Shaka. Nearly impassable barrier.

Ratings for : SHAKA, WHEN THE WALLS FELL

Wesley's rating:                8.5
Cole's rating:                  8.0
Data's rating:                  7.5
Jack's rating:                  6.8
John's rating:                  7.5
Q's rating:                     6.0
Ray's rating:                   6.5
Richard's rating:               5.8
Tony's rating:                  6.0
Tania's rating:                 4.5
Hal's rating:                   9.4
----------------------          
AVERAGE RATING:                 6.8

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LLAP,

Wesley Crusher, the new STCCG Lord

"A couple of lightyears can't keep good friends apart"