Rex Murphy and the Cursed Cryptic Grimoires

Basis of the deck is x2 Cryptic Grimoire. First, remember that you have to Resolve the tokens, not just Reveal them (so no Rod of Carnamagos shenanigans).

Rex’s infamous Rex's Curse makes you not only Reveal but also Resolve tokens TWICE per test. But wait, there’s more! After you Resolve the tokens during the initial Rex's Curse check, you return them to the bag.

This means that you can draw them again on the second part of the test, giving you a better chance of drawing the tokens and adding even more Secrets to the Cryptic Grimoire.

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You get free Fast Insight events all the time. Uncanny Growth is also Insight, so you can fill your Ravenous beast and handle enemies really easy.

You are drowning in cards because all the draw, Dream Diary, and Uncanny Growth. So you might consider Extensive Research also.

In the Thick of It start with x2 Stirring Up Trouble so you can finish the Grimoire quest in first scenario.

Blaablaa theory

Once you have set up your assets and got the game rolling, you can expect to perform 2-3 Skill tests per round, including Investigate and Treachery checks. With Rex's Curse, you get to Resolve tokens 4-6 times per round (assuming you keep succeeding in the tests so you don’t shuffle Rex's Curse back into the deck).

That’s plenty of chances to add Secrets to the Grimoire when using a deck. And what can you do with the Grimoire’s discounted Fast Insight cards? EVEN MORE Skill tests, each giving TWO chances to Resolve tokens (though most relevant Insight cards are testless). This card turns Rex's Curse into a signature boon.

There is, of course, a risk of failing Skill tests due to the tokens, but even then, you are not left high and dry because at least you get the Secrets to play your Fast Insight cards to make up for the failed test.

In addition to some Insight cards, Rex Murphy can generate tokens with Gabriel Carillo, and by throwing away his stuffy nerd glasses and replacing them with new sparkling Prismatic Spectacles.

Some notable Insight cards for Rex are Rex’s own signature card Search for the Truth, Burning the Midnight Oil, Deep Knowledge, Delve Too Deep, Drawn to the Flame, Existential Riddle, Preposterous Sketches, Stirring Up Trouble, and Ravenous Myconid's Uncanny Growth.

Blaablaa tips

Other 0 level starting cards that you cut with exp are:

2x Delve Too Deep, Fieldwork