So I'm building a Stark/Siege of Winterfell deck for melee use, and I'm wondering what the general opinion is on what's more effective to run, the direwolf variant (Feral Pack, Shaggydog/Grey Wind, other direwolves, LoW Robb, Wolf Dreams, At Night They Howl, Old Nan) or a more vanilla army base (Host of the Bear, King Robb's Companions, Northern Cavalry Flank, King Robb's Host, etc.)

Both of course, would have plenty of military challenges available (mostly via plots like Storm of Swords and Mummer's Ford, but also with some Epic battle event/s) and run the fun Stark uniques (Old Nan, Blackfish, LoW Catelyn, LoW or ToH Eddard ) as well as locations (Widow's Watch, Frozen Outpost, Frozen Moat) and events (To Be a Wolf, Endless Endurance, Lethal Counterattack, Feigned Retreat, Routing the Charge)

From what I can tell, the advantage from the Direwolf version is Str reduction via Shaggydog (and something else I'm forgetting?), Deadly +/- via Feral Pack, and possible use of Bear Island. For the army version, there's more flexibility with running neutrals like Val, Carrion birds, or the Halfhand.

So, any thoughts?

I've never actually tried a Stark Army deck for melee, but I have a Direwolf one that does ok. The STR reduction can make people unwilling to attack you if Greywind is out, Feral Pack + Wolfswood makes for some nasty creatures, and Winterfell Kennels provides a search/draw mechanic that you don't get with the armies. The new Lucas Blackwood really helps too, can pull a Round 2 win with him even without great setup.

Lucas is amazing. Kill him in Marshalling with Grey Wind for a free mil challenge.

Update: I decided to go with Stark Army, partially because that was my original idea and partially because I didn't have all the Direwolf cards needed.

I played the deck in the Melee at the Iowa Regionals this past weekend. I only stuck around for two rounds due to travel times, but i was very pleased with the results.

First round

Opponents: Stark/Tully defense, Lannister/Clansmen, Targaryen/Maester's Path

Result: First

Second Round

Opponents: Targaryen/Heir to the Throne (w/ Dragons), Baratheon/Knights of the Realm, Stark/Tully Defense

Result: Tied for Second

What struck me most about the build was the excellent synergy of it. I have enough Tully characters to make running Edmure's Host very viable and running the Blackfish even more fun. Northern Cavalry Flank, Rodrik Cassel and Guard at Riverrun were my character all-stars; Frozen Outpost, Frozen Moat, and Widow's Watch were great utility as well. The Armies worked well with Training Grounds and Favorable Grounds.

I'll post the build over in the general discussion forum once I get my tourney report together (maybe tonight) but I just wanted to update this thread.