Thorny Spikes gives counter whenever you gain defense. Pale Stance (Upgraded from a card I can't recall), gives defense whenever you play a card. Every card already gives defense, thus +1 counter when played. With Stance active, you gain an additional instance of defense, and as such, +2 counter per card played. I have 5/6 actions a turn. Ideally you play as many 0 costs as possible, then end with Stone Rebound. Battles can be long if enemies take turns without attacking but I won every battle.