Ruby has the highest density of cards that interact directly with opposing characters, making it a great choice for controlling the flow games and a perfect complement to amethyst
That makes it far less costly to throw some challenges at your opponent to slow them down
Pascal, Rapunzel's Companion is a perfect turn one card that can generate a lot of lore for you if he stays on the board, while Jetsam, Ursula's Spy can Challenge and Banish Pongo, Ol' Rascal and still stay on the board
001-163 is an inkable option with the same ability, but you don't get a character attached to it
Every time Mulan quests, which also gives two lore, you can look at the top four cards of the deck and, if there is a Princess character there, you can put it in your hand