Hearthpwn

Hello guys,

I am presenting you my P.A.L.A.D.I.N. deck - my approach to make a deck that is able to compete against every other deck in the current meta. 

This is the second version of my version of a Midrange Token Paladin deck, which has been super strong half a year ago!

Here are my recorded stats for the current season, I went 25-7 so far:

In order to compete against every other deck, we have to make sure that we check these following things, which in fact are characteristic of a Midrange deck:

We need tools to generate tempo in order to dictate the game or avoiding to get crushed from the start at least.
We need value to stop our opponent from taking the initiative. Maximum value is gained by utilizing the cards to their full potential - we need high individual value and collective value --> many combos.
We need some control elements in the deck to win the game in the long haul, if it is necessary.

Let's just focus on the (less usual) card choices and on some combos:

2x Keeper of Uldaman: Whether it needs a buff on one of your minions (mostly the target is a Recruit or Scarab then) or a nerf on one of your opponent's, Uldaman offers you lots of flexibility in the mid-range game. Overall a great overall card, that saved me quite a few times.
Alternative card choices: Equality, Coghammer

MINIONS/TOKENS EVERYWHERE! The Paladin excels at filling the board, so I am going to exploit that strength BIG TIME. The flood is one of the main win conditions:
We have the usual sticky and strong minions like Shielded Minibot, Piloted Shredder and Knife Juggler - to exploit that minion spam on the one side. On the other side I included almost every (good) way to fill the board like Muster for Battle, 2x Quartermaster, Justicar Trueheart and the less-and-less played Murloc Knight. Also, Jeweled Scarab is brilliant here as well.
Especially Quartermaster, Muster for Battle and Justicar are absolute key cards. They take this deck to a higher level, generating insane pressure and giving you the opportunity to deal immense burst damage that the class otherwise lacks. Justicar is irreplacible, instead of QM you could try out Mukla's Champion.

2x Consecration: In case, your opponent starts out quite well and to generate better trades.

2x Aldor Peacekeeper: Together with Uldaman and BGH he ensures that opposing threats like Dr. Boom, Piloted Shredder, etc. are kept in check in order to control the board.

1x Jeweled Scarab: Your first reaction may be: WHAAAAT? WHYY??? Believe me, this is a very good card that can just make that tiny bit of difference between a win and a loss. It can give you another brilliant card like Muster for Battle, Coghammer or BGH. It gives your deck additional options: What about a Warhorse Trainer for your armada of recruits? Or a Murloc Warleader for synergy with murloc knight? Or a Sword of Justice for some sweet buffs? Or a Divine Favor to replenish your hand? Try it out and if it doesn't work replace it with Chow, Equality or/and a Coghammer.
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UPDATE: I took out one Jeweled Scarab and put in a Coghammer actually, as you need a better early game right now in the meta. I will put the 2nd in again, when the time is right for it.

A new addition to this deck is Arch-Thief Rafaam. He offers great versatility by letting you choose from getting one of three game-changing cards. The key here is to choose the right card dependant of the situation. Obviously you'll want to take the Lantern in most cases, but don't actually do it if you can't be sure you will be able to deliver the final blow in the next 1-2 turns. Rafaam has a place in this deck as he is another source of burst damage in this deck.

If he is too slow for your playing style, you can exchange him for just about any other card you thought of that fits this deck better. Examples being: Lay on Hands, Eadric the Pure, Ragnaros the Firelord, Harrison Jones, another Sludge Belcher, Loatheb or even a early-game card.

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UPDATE: I exchanged Rafaam for Lay on Hands. I have started laddering hard just about yesterday and at lower ranks you want the additional heal + draw over Rafaam, as you have enough power to win against faster decks without him.

Some alternate (not that common) card choices:

Truesilver Champion: As the Priest emerged in this meta, this weapon can come in quite handy. It helps you deal with Deathlords, Auchenai, Sludge Belcher, Wyrmrest Agent, Piloted Shredder, Velen'd Clerics or even Justicar.

Onyxia: If you play with Mukla's Champion instead of Quartermaster, try giving her a shot. You'll feel like you own the world if you get to win with Onyxia and her horde. And if you actually listened to this advice (what I don't recommend if you play Ranked), then also try to use an Imp Master for maximum value out of Mukla 2.0

Cult Master: Compared to this draw engine, Lay on Hands (almost) looks weak. Being played at the right moment, it can replenish your potentially empty hand and what is way more important, it gives you possibility to draw what you need later on a lot more consistently. Bonus: It synergizes brilliantly with Onyxia and Imp Master.

Lay on Hands: This card is good. Very good. More than very good. If Rafaam doesn't work out, you should put in this card instead. Unfortunately, it is too slow in this meta, as its effect will often benefit you too late. ...But this applies to Rafaam too...- in my opinion, Rafaam's ability is just so good that you the risk of it being a potentially dead/useless card. You can't say that as much about LoH, as the heal will come too late when you really need it. The draw is nice, but mostly not needed in this deck.

Nerub'ar Weblord: This is NOT a joke. Just in case, you face too many decks with Battlecry cards like Dragon Priest or Renolock, this is a really solid tech card that could just give you the edge as it slows down the game.

Tuskarr Jouster: You could try it instead of the Healbot. Ivory Knight could work, too.

I hope you like the deck and I would appreciate it, if you give me an upvote.

Sincerely,
Traambone