Disciple of C'Thun

Disciple of C'Thun is a rare neutral minion card, from the Whispers of the Old Gods set.

Strategy
While this card obviously has a place in a C'Thun deck, its Battlecry allows decks without C'Thun to benefit from it. Its use is comparable to Ironforge Rifleman: the 1 extra damage from its Battlecry can result in a better trade, but its 1 Health makes it more susceptible to removal.

It is by far the most aggressive and early game of the C'Thun-related cards, and makes an excellent counter to early attempts by the opponent to develop their board. It can be used in the later game for efficient trading or small minion removal.

Of note also is the card's synergy with return to hand effects (such as those from Youthful Brewmaster or Shadowstep). Such effects allow the player to rapidly build up their C'Thun, while also dealing a substantial amount of targeted damage, allowing for great control over the board.

Note that this card counters a slow-controlling opening by a Shaman: its Battlecry kills any Hero Power totem, and three out of four totems summoned by the Hero Power die if this card attacks them, leaving the Disciple unscathed. The only totem from the Shaman's Hero Power that can kill C'Thun's Disciple is Searing Totem.

Lore
This minion clearly holds a special position within the ranks of one of C'Thun's cults. This is also the first known instance of pandaren serving the Old Gods.

Trivia

 * This card was designed by Mike Donais. It was "the last piece of the puzzle" of making C'Thun balanced but also interesting, with sufficient gameplay and interaction.

Patch changes

 * Added.