Tommy Muldoon: The "Martyr" of Providence (Or How to Cash In on a Dog's Life Insurance)

This deck is designed for those who consider death a viable financial strategy. While Lovecraft’s protagonists go mad at the sight of a tentacle, Tommy Muldoon looks at his Guard Dog and thinks: "I hope that Shoggoth bites you soon so I can pay my mortgage."

Strategy: The Cycle of Suffering

The core mechanic is self-sacrifice. We use Solemn Vow to absorb our teammates' trauma—as if we were storing the horrors of an Elder God in a Tupperware container—and pass it onto our assets.

Meat and Metal Tank: With Tetsuo Mori and the Beat Cop, Tommy doesn't just block attacks; he converts pain into resources thanks to his passive ability. It’s basically alchemy: turning blood into bullets for Becky.

Lovecraftian Economy: Using Cherished Keepsake is vital. It’s a teddy bear that absorbs horror. Yes, in a world of Outer Gods, a stuffed animal is more resilient than a Miskatonic professor's sanity.

Clue Management: It’s not all gunfights. With Scene of the Crime, we can gather clues without using our brain—which is ideal, because after seeing a Dark Young, Tommy’s brain isn't fit for much else.

Pilot’s Manual: How to Not Die (Too Fast)

Piloting this deck is like being a twisted HR manager in the Plateau of Leng. Your goal isn't to avoid damage, but to negotiate with it.

The Mulligan: Your absolute priority is a weapon. If you don't have a Machete or Becky in your opening hand, toss it all back. A Tommy without a gun is just a guy in a nice uniform waiting to be used as dental floss by a Flying Polyp.

The Recycling Loop: Unlike other Guardians who cry when their Beat Cop dies, you celebrate. When an asset is defeated, Tommy’s ability shuffles it back into the deck and grants you resources. With Tetsuo Mori, you can also fish items like [Machete] or Steel Will out of the discard pile. It’s a circle of life and death that would make Herbert West proud.

Taking the Initiative: Use Take the Initiative early in the turn to ensure that Cultist doesn't live to see the sunrise.

Experience Curve (XP Upgrade Path)

In Arkham, you either evolve or you become a sacrifice on a stone altar. Here is your roadmap from "lucky cop" to impenetrable bulwark.

Immediate Priority (0-10 XP):

Beat Cop (Level 2) x2: The logical upgrade. Now he doesn't just hit harder; he can "accidentally" trip onto an enemy to deal direct damage, triggering your economy.

Stick to the Plan: The gold standard for Guardians. Thin your deck and have your Prepared for the Worst ready from turn one.

Consolidation (10-20 XP):

Brother Xavier: The ultimate bodyguard. He provides Willpower (so you don't end up babbling in a corner) and punishes enemies upon death. A "professional martyr."

Charisma: Mandatory. Tommy lives through his friends. Having Tetsuo and a Beat Cop on the table simultaneously is what separates a survivor from a corpse in the Arkham Gazette.

The End of the Road (20+ XP):

Custom Ammunition: Because sometimes "standard" bullets aren't enough to kill something that shouldn't exist.

Verdict

This deck is as solid as a basalt monolith in the Mountains of Madness. Tommy does not fear the abyss; Tommy charges the abyss for rent.

Pros: Constant resource generation and top-tier team protection. Cons: Heavily reliant on finding Becky or your Machete before the tentacles grab you.