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#1
New Editions / Return to Ravnica
04-09-2012, 02:23:36 PM #3
I want to see from which posts I got karma from. Feels much better when it's tied to specific contributions instead of "you're vaguely appreciated". So if you have a flipswitch or something that makes the source of good and bad vibes visible, please use it.
#4
Deck Lists / A Plea: Please don't post random jumbles
08-08-2011, 11:10:11 PM
It's easy to post decklists as a stream of unarranged (or just alphabeticized) names and leave it at that. Whoever's interested will figure it out. Please, don't do this. It's incredibly annoying to have to sort out a decklist just so I can figure out what is even being played. If you post the deck for comments, I can almost guarantee a random jumble will have less than a list that's arranged coherently. It's not a terrible amount of work. These kinds of simple divisions are enough:
Example 1: Random jumble
Control Magic
Mirran Crusader
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Aven Mindcensor
Leonin Arbiter
Back to Basics
Gush
Fathom Seer
Armageddon
Ravages of War
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Disrupt
Black Vise
Chrome Mox
Counterspell
Memory Lapse
Cryptic Command
Dismember
Miscalculation
Stonecloaker
Example 2: Random jumble arranged:
Meat:
Fathom Seer
Leonin Arbiter
Stonecloaker
Aven Mindcensor
Mirran Crusader
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Spells:
Chrome Mox
Black Vise
Disrupt
Counterspell
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Memory Lapse
Dismember
Back to Basics
Control Magic
Cryptic Command
Armageddon
Ravages of War
Miscalculation
Gush
Notice how just this simple organization already makes it easier to determine wtf the list is in the first place? The structure helps in looking for specific cards and seeing the curve. It also divides the list into grokkable pieces that the human mind is designed to handle in the first place. It isn't designed to handle long, random jumbles that make no sense.
So please, do not post random jumbles. Even if it is just for my sanity alone.
Just.
Don't.
Do it.
Example 1: Random jumble
Control Magic
Mirran Crusader
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Aven Mindcensor
Leonin Arbiter
Back to Basics
Gush
Fathom Seer
Armageddon
Ravages of War
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Disrupt
Black Vise
Chrome Mox
Counterspell
Memory Lapse
Cryptic Command
Dismember
Miscalculation
Stonecloaker
Example 2: Random jumble arranged:
Meat:
Fathom Seer
Leonin Arbiter
Stonecloaker
Aven Mindcensor
Mirran Crusader
Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
Spells:
Chrome Mox
Black Vise
Disrupt
Counterspell
Mana Drain
Mana Leak
Memory Lapse
Dismember
Back to Basics
Control Magic
Cryptic Command
Armageddon
Ravages of War
Miscalculation
Gush
Notice how just this simple organization already makes it easier to determine wtf the list is in the first place? The structure helps in looking for specific cards and seeing the curve. It also divides the list into grokkable pieces that the human mind is designed to handle in the first place. It isn't designed to handle long, random jumbles that make no sense.
So please, do not post random jumbles. Even if it is just for my sanity alone.
Just.
Don't.
Do it.
#5
General Discussion / Vendilion Clique
03-08-2011, 03:23:50 PM
I've become quite annoyed with this card of late. It's theoretically good, but the more I play it, the more I'm left with a slight feeling of disappointment. It just feels like Clique doesn't cut it.
Everyone says it's awesome, but may it just be because we're conditioned to believe that the things it does are awesome, to the point that the Clique's inclusion is somewhat dogmatic?
Am I a heretic and just playing the card wrong, or does anyone else feel that the card is just a wee bit lackluster nowadays?
Everyone says it's awesome, but may it just be because we're conditioned to believe that the things it does are awesome, to the point that the Clique's inclusion is somewhat dogmatic?
Am I a heretic and just playing the card wrong, or does anyone else feel that the card is just a wee bit lackluster nowadays?
#6
New Editions / M12 spoilers
03-07-2011, 01:47:15 PM
White:
Angelic Destiny 2WW
Enchantment - Aura Mythic Rare
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +4/+4, has flying and first strike, and is an Angel in addition to its other types.
When enchanted creature dies, return Angelic Destiny to its owner's hand.
Big Rancor. Probably too expensive, but hey, it's Rancor. Boo for Mythicness, as always.
Gideon's Avenger 1WW
Creature - Human Soldier Rare
Whenever a creature an opponent controls becomes tapped, put a +1/+1 counter on Gideon's Avenger.
2/2
Standard-ish critter. Nothing terribly amazing, but might cut it. Then again, I've never tried to build White Weenie.
Gideon's Lawkeeper W
=Goldmeadow Harrier. Again, dunno if WW needs or wants any.
Grand Abolisher WW
Creature - Human Cleric Rare
During your turn, your opponents can't cast spells or activate abilities of artifacts, creatures or enchantments.
2/2
Heelllooo, hatebear! I could see running this in Rector. It's a critter, it's cheap, it says nono to nasty countermagic and combo interruption shenanigans. UW control will probably like it, too. Resolving Planeswalkers and other finishers without counterbackup sounds nice.
Blue:
Frost Breath 2U
Instant Common
Tap up to two target creatures. They don't untap during their controller's next untap step.
UG might like it. At least it's better than sleep. Even then, probably not.
Jace's Archivist 1UU
Creature - Vedalken Wizard Rare
{U}, {T}: Each player discards his or her hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.
Reanimator might like this, I guess.
Jace, Memory Adept 3UU
Planeswalker - Jace Mythic Rare
+1: Draw a card. Target player puts the top card of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
0: Target player puts the top ten cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
-7: Any number of target players each draw twenty cards.
Loyalty: 4
Initial verdict: Meh. Probably the final one, as well.
Mind Unbound 4UU
Enchantment Rare
At the beginning of your upkeep, put a lore counter on Mind Unbound, then draw a card for each lore counter on Mind Unbound.
Slow card advantage machine is slow.
Visions of Beyond U
Instant Rare
Draw a card. If a graveyard has twenty or more cards in it, draw three cards instead.
The million-dollar question: Can this bugger be broken somehow? I kinda doubt it. But if there's a format it might be good in, it's ours.
Black:
Devouring Swarm 1BB
Creature - Insect Common
Flying
Sacrifice a creature: Devouring Swarm gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
2/1
Husk. Husk fly now. Ugh. Pattern should like it unless the extra B proves too annoying.
Red:
Chandra, the Firebrand 3R
Planeswalker - Chandra Mythic Rare
+1: Chandra, the Firebrand deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
-2: When you cast you next instant or sorcery spell this turn, copy that spell. You may choose new targets for the copy.
-6: Chandra, the Firebrand deals 6 damage to each of up to six target creatures and/or players.
Loyalty: 3
Good planeswalker is good. That's all. Also, boo Mythic and a million dollar pricetag.
Chandra's Phoenix 1RR
Creature - Phoenix Rare
Flying
Haste
Whenever an opponent is dealt damage by a red instant or sorcery spell you control or by a red planeswalker you control, return Chandra's Phoenix from your graveyard to your hand.
2/2
Nice toys? RDW wants more nice toys.
Goblin Fireslinger R
Creature - Goblin Shaman Common
{T}: Goblin Fireslinger deals 1 damage to target player.
1/1
Cheap. Playable in RDW?
Green:
Dungrove Elder 2G
Creature - Treefolk Rare
Hexproof (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)
Dungrove Elder's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Forests you control.
*/*
Seems decent-ish for GB rock or a random green ramp concoction.
Garruk, Primal Hunter 2GGG
Planeswalker - Garruk Mythic Rare
+1: Put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield.
-3: Draw cards equal to the greatest power among creatures you control.
-6: Put a 6/6 green Wurm creature token onto the battlefield for each land you control.
Loyalty: 3
GREEN CARD DRAW <3<3<3
Heavy G cost, but...
GREEN CARD DRAW <3<3<3
And tokens. All in all, looks nice if you can cast it. Boo Mythic.
Garruk's Horde 5GG
Creature - Beast Rare
Trample
Play with the top card of your library revealed.
You may play the top card of your library if it's a creature card.
7/7
Too expensive, but can be NO-ed out if you're desperate to play it. Worse effect than Oracle of Mul Daya.
Hunter's Insight 2G
Instant Uncommon
Choose target creature you control. Whenever that creature deals combat damage to a player or planeswalker this turn, draw that many cards.
Risky as hell. But at least it's green.
Primordial Hydra XGG
Creature - Hydra Mythic Rare
Primordial Hydra enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
At the beginning of your upkeep, double the number of +1/+1 counters on Primordial Hydra.
Primordial Hydra has trample as long as it has ten or more +1/+1 counters on it.
0/0
Newest Lolscale Coatl. Boo Mythic.
Skinshifter 1G
Creature - Human Shaman Rare
{G}: Choose one - Until end of turn, Skinshifter becomes a 4/4 Rhino and gains trample; or until end of turn, Skinshifter becomes a 2/2 Bird and gains flying; or until end of turn, Skinshifter becomes a 0/8 Plant. Activate this ability only once each turn.
1/1
Whatever you need, this guy does it. All around nice critter.
Artifacts & Lands:
Sundial of the Infinite 2
Artifact Rare
1, {T}: End the turn. Activate this ability only during your turn.
My prize for the most interesting Magic card printed in the last couple of years. Time will tell if anything comes out of it.
Stax?
Buried Ruin
Land Uncommon
{T}: Add 1 to your mana pool.
2, {T}, Sacrifice Buried Ruin: Return target artifact card from your graveyard to your hand.
I guess it's useful. Would rather use Academy Ruins, tho.
Angelic Destiny 2WW
Enchantment - Aura Mythic Rare
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +4/+4, has flying and first strike, and is an Angel in addition to its other types.
When enchanted creature dies, return Angelic Destiny to its owner's hand.
Big Rancor. Probably too expensive, but hey, it's Rancor. Boo for Mythicness, as always.
Gideon's Avenger 1WW
Creature - Human Soldier Rare
Whenever a creature an opponent controls becomes tapped, put a +1/+1 counter on Gideon's Avenger.
2/2
Standard-ish critter. Nothing terribly amazing, but might cut it. Then again, I've never tried to build White Weenie.
Gideon's Lawkeeper W
=Goldmeadow Harrier. Again, dunno if WW needs or wants any.
Grand Abolisher WW
Creature - Human Cleric Rare
During your turn, your opponents can't cast spells or activate abilities of artifacts, creatures or enchantments.
2/2
Heelllooo, hatebear! I could see running this in Rector. It's a critter, it's cheap, it says nono to nasty countermagic and combo interruption shenanigans. UW control will probably like it, too. Resolving Planeswalkers and other finishers without counterbackup sounds nice.
Blue:
Frost Breath 2U
Instant Common
Tap up to two target creatures. They don't untap during their controller's next untap step.
UG might like it. At least it's better than sleep. Even then, probably not.
Jace's Archivist 1UU
Creature - Vedalken Wizard Rare
{U}, {T}: Each player discards his or her hand, then draws cards equal to the greatest number of cards a player discarded this way.
Reanimator might like this, I guess.
Jace, Memory Adept 3UU
Planeswalker - Jace Mythic Rare
+1: Draw a card. Target player puts the top card of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
0: Target player puts the top ten cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.
-7: Any number of target players each draw twenty cards.
Loyalty: 4
Initial verdict: Meh. Probably the final one, as well.
Mind Unbound 4UU
Enchantment Rare
At the beginning of your upkeep, put a lore counter on Mind Unbound, then draw a card for each lore counter on Mind Unbound.
Slow card advantage machine is slow.
Visions of Beyond U
Instant Rare
Draw a card. If a graveyard has twenty or more cards in it, draw three cards instead.
The million-dollar question: Can this bugger be broken somehow? I kinda doubt it. But if there's a format it might be good in, it's ours.
Black:
Devouring Swarm 1BB
Creature - Insect Common
Flying
Sacrifice a creature: Devouring Swarm gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
2/1
Husk. Husk fly now. Ugh. Pattern should like it unless the extra B proves too annoying.
Red:
Chandra, the Firebrand 3R
Planeswalker - Chandra Mythic Rare
+1: Chandra, the Firebrand deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
-2: When you cast you next instant or sorcery spell this turn, copy that spell. You may choose new targets for the copy.
-6: Chandra, the Firebrand deals 6 damage to each of up to six target creatures and/or players.
Loyalty: 3
Good planeswalker is good. That's all. Also, boo Mythic and a million dollar pricetag.
Chandra's Phoenix 1RR
Creature - Phoenix Rare
Flying
Haste
Whenever an opponent is dealt damage by a red instant or sorcery spell you control or by a red planeswalker you control, return Chandra's Phoenix from your graveyard to your hand.
2/2
Nice toys? RDW wants more nice toys.
Goblin Fireslinger R
Creature - Goblin Shaman Common
{T}: Goblin Fireslinger deals 1 damage to target player.
1/1
Cheap. Playable in RDW?
Green:
Dungrove Elder 2G
Creature - Treefolk Rare
Hexproof (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)
Dungrove Elder's power and toughness are each equal to the number of Forests you control.
*/*
Seems decent-ish for GB rock or a random green ramp concoction.
Garruk, Primal Hunter 2GGG
Planeswalker - Garruk Mythic Rare
+1: Put a 3/3 green Beast creature token onto the battlefield.
-3: Draw cards equal to the greatest power among creatures you control.
-6: Put a 6/6 green Wurm creature token onto the battlefield for each land you control.
Loyalty: 3
GREEN CARD DRAW <3<3<3
Heavy G cost, but...
GREEN CARD DRAW <3<3<3
And tokens. All in all, looks nice if you can cast it. Boo Mythic.
Garruk's Horde 5GG
Creature - Beast Rare
Trample
Play with the top card of your library revealed.
You may play the top card of your library if it's a creature card.
7/7
Too expensive, but can be NO-ed out if you're desperate to play it. Worse effect than Oracle of Mul Daya.
Hunter's Insight 2G
Instant Uncommon
Choose target creature you control. Whenever that creature deals combat damage to a player or planeswalker this turn, draw that many cards.
Risky as hell. But at least it's green.
Primordial Hydra XGG
Creature - Hydra Mythic Rare
Primordial Hydra enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it.
At the beginning of your upkeep, double the number of +1/+1 counters on Primordial Hydra.
Primordial Hydra has trample as long as it has ten or more +1/+1 counters on it.
0/0
Newest Lolscale Coatl. Boo Mythic.
Skinshifter 1G
Creature - Human Shaman Rare
{G}: Choose one - Until end of turn, Skinshifter becomes a 4/4 Rhino and gains trample; or until end of turn, Skinshifter becomes a 2/2 Bird and gains flying; or until end of turn, Skinshifter becomes a 0/8 Plant. Activate this ability only once each turn.
1/1
Whatever you need, this guy does it. All around nice critter.
Artifacts & Lands:
Sundial of the Infinite 2
Artifact Rare
1, {T}: End the turn. Activate this ability only during your turn.
My prize for the most interesting Magic card printed in the last couple of years. Time will tell if anything comes out of it.
Stax?
Buried Ruin
Land Uncommon
{T}: Add 1 to your mana pool.
2, {T}, Sacrifice Buried Ruin: Return target artifact card from your graveyard to your hand.
I guess it's useful. Would rather use Academy Ruins, tho.
#7
Deck Lists / Leftover Esper (Now Leftover UW)
29-11-2010, 07:16:35 PM
More budgety control decks for critique! After the RUG attempt just didn't feel right no matter what I did I decided to go back to good old UW control with Elspeths and Wraths and other good stuff. The deck feels much better to play and the manabase seems to work. It is stupidly allergic to Blood Moon and Ruination, though.
Without further ado, here's the list:
//Leftover Esper
//Creatures:
Tidehollow Sculler
Wall of Omens
Vampire Nighthawk
Kitchen Finks
Mulldrifter
Plumeveil
Trinket Mage
Vendilion Clique
Aven Mindcensor
Sanctum Gargoyle
Sower of Temptation
Glen Elendra Archmage
Skinrender
Baneslayer Angel
Reveillark
Body Double
Karmic Guide
Wurmcoil Engine
//Other permanents:
Everflowing Chalice
Sensei's Divining Top
Executioner's Capsule
Nihil Spellbomb
Pithing Needle
Bitterblossom
Sword of the Meek
Thopter Foundry
Talisman of Progress
Talisman of Dominance
Azorius Signet
Courier's Capsule
Phyrexian Totem
Jace Beleren
Oblivion Ring
Mimic Vat
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Tezzeret the Seeker
//Spells:
Ancestral Vision
Spell Pierce
Condescend
Path to Exile
Swords to Plowshares
Duress
Inquisition of Kozilek
Demonic Tutor
Merchant Scroll
Counterspell
Muddle the Mixture
Mana Leak
Remand
Negate
Doom Blade
Gerrard's Verdict
Agony Warp
Esper Charm
Thirst for Knowledge
Mortify
Vindicate
Consult the Necrosages
Day of Judgment
Wrath of God
Damnation
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Mystical Teachings
Treachery
Force of Will
//Land: (36)
7x Island
5x Plains
4x Swamp
Arcane Sanctum
Scalding Tarn
Hallowed Fountain
Watery Grave
Sunken Ruins
Mystic Gate
Fetid Heath
Drowned Catacomb
Glacial Fortress
Darkslick Shores
Creeping Tar Pit
Celestial Colonnade
Vault of Whispers
Seat of the Synod
Ancient Den
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
Academy Ruins
Tectonic Edge
Maze of Ith
Mystifying Maze
Without further ado, here's the list:
//Leftover Esper
//Creatures:
Tidehollow Sculler
Wall of Omens
Vampire Nighthawk
Kitchen Finks
Mulldrifter
Plumeveil
Trinket Mage
Vendilion Clique
Aven Mindcensor
Sanctum Gargoyle
Sower of Temptation
Glen Elendra Archmage
Skinrender
Baneslayer Angel
Reveillark
Body Double
Karmic Guide
Wurmcoil Engine
//Other permanents:
Everflowing Chalice
Sensei's Divining Top
Executioner's Capsule
Nihil Spellbomb
Pithing Needle
Bitterblossom
Sword of the Meek
Thopter Foundry
Talisman of Progress
Talisman of Dominance
Azorius Signet
Courier's Capsule
Phyrexian Totem
Jace Beleren
Oblivion Ring
Mimic Vat
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Tezzeret the Seeker
//Spells:
Ancestral Vision
Spell Pierce
Condescend
Path to Exile
Swords to Plowshares
Duress
Inquisition of Kozilek
Demonic Tutor
Merchant Scroll
Counterspell
Muddle the Mixture
Mana Leak
Remand
Negate
Doom Blade
Gerrard's Verdict
Agony Warp
Esper Charm
Thirst for Knowledge
Mortify
Vindicate
Consult the Necrosages
Day of Judgment
Wrath of God
Damnation
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Mystical Teachings
Treachery
Force of Will
//Land: (36)
7x Island
5x Plains
4x Swamp
Arcane Sanctum
Scalding Tarn
Hallowed Fountain
Watery Grave
Sunken Ruins
Mystic Gate
Fetid Heath
Drowned Catacomb
Glacial Fortress
Darkslick Shores
Creeping Tar Pit
Celestial Colonnade
Vault of Whispers
Seat of the Synod
Ancient Den
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
Academy Ruins
Tectonic Edge
Maze of Ith
Mystifying Maze
#8
Deck Lists / RUG Control
25-11-2010, 06:02:29 PM
I've attempted to build a deck like this quite a few times, but never really succeeded at it. The lists always felt a bit off on paper. Here's my latest attempt:
//Creatures:
Birds of Paradise
Llanowar Elves
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Wall of Blossoms
Wall of Roots
Yavimaya Elder
Eternal Witness
Great Sable Stag
Magus of the Moon
Krosan Tusker
Mulldrifter
Ohran Viper
Trygon Predator
Glen Elendra Archmage
Venser, Shaper Savant
Mystic Snake
Swans of Bryn Argoll
Oracle of Mul Daya
Flametongue Kavu
Sower of Temptation
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
Sphinx of Jwar Isle
//Other permanents:
Sensei's Divining Top
Pithing Needle
Sylvan Library
Earthcraft
Blood Moon
Jace Beleren
Squirrel Nest
Garruk Wildspeaker
Nevinyrral's Disk
//Spells:
Lightning Bolt
Burst Lightning
Flame Slash
Skred
Search for Tomorrow
Worldly Tutor
Ancestral Vision
Ponder
Preordain
Spell Pierce
Merchant Scroll
Counterspell
Muddle the Mixture
Mana Leak
Negate
Remand
Regrowth
Into the North
Farseek
Rampant Growth
Chain of Plasma
Punishing Fire
Firespout
Cultivate
Kodama's Reach
Psionic Blast
Staggershock
Volcanic Fallout
Krosan Grip
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Mystical Teachings
Ruination
Control Magic
Force of Will
Treachery
Future Sight
Wildfire
Conflagrate
//Lands:
9x Snow-Covered Forest
9x Snow-Covered Island
6x Snow-Covered Mountain
Scalding Tarn
Evolving Wilds
Terramorphic Expanse
Stomping Ground
Breeding Pool
Steam Vents
Mouth of Ronom
Scrying Sheets
Highland Weald
Grove of the Burnwillows
Treetop Village
Raging Ravine
//Notes/questions:
All my other fetches are in another deck.
Lotus Cobra is in another deck as well. Move the bugger here?
Is Krosan Tusker even sensible in your opinion? Would Sea Gate Oracle or the like work better?
Too much "cute" stuff with squirrelcraft, punishing fire, swans, snow? If so, what to cut?
//Creatures:
Birds of Paradise
Llanowar Elves
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Wall of Blossoms
Wall of Roots
Yavimaya Elder
Eternal Witness
Great Sable Stag
Magus of the Moon
Krosan Tusker
Mulldrifter
Ohran Viper
Trygon Predator
Glen Elendra Archmage
Venser, Shaper Savant
Mystic Snake
Swans of Bryn Argoll
Oracle of Mul Daya
Flametongue Kavu
Sower of Temptation
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
Sphinx of Jwar Isle
//Other permanents:
Sensei's Divining Top
Pithing Needle
Sylvan Library
Earthcraft
Blood Moon
Jace Beleren
Squirrel Nest
Garruk Wildspeaker
Nevinyrral's Disk
//Spells:
Lightning Bolt
Burst Lightning
Flame Slash
Skred
Search for Tomorrow
Worldly Tutor
Ancestral Vision
Ponder
Preordain
Spell Pierce
Merchant Scroll
Counterspell
Muddle the Mixture
Mana Leak
Negate
Remand
Regrowth
Into the North
Farseek
Rampant Growth
Chain of Plasma
Punishing Fire
Firespout
Cultivate
Kodama's Reach
Psionic Blast
Staggershock
Volcanic Fallout
Krosan Grip
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Mystical Teachings
Ruination
Control Magic
Force of Will
Treachery
Future Sight
Wildfire
Conflagrate
//Lands:
9x Snow-Covered Forest
9x Snow-Covered Island
6x Snow-Covered Mountain
Scalding Tarn
Evolving Wilds
Terramorphic Expanse
Stomping Ground
Breeding Pool
Steam Vents
Mouth of Ronom
Scrying Sheets
Highland Weald
Grove of the Burnwillows
Treetop Village
Raging Ravine
//Notes/questions:
All my other fetches are in another deck.
Lotus Cobra is in another deck as well. Move the bugger here?
Is Krosan Tusker even sensible in your opinion? Would Sea Gate Oracle or the like work better?
Too much "cute" stuff with squirrelcraft, punishing fire, swans, snow? If so, what to cut?
#9
Deck Lists / Bant Control
23-09-2010, 02:54:36 AM
One of our playgroup's regulars just quit Highlander, leaving a Bant slot open in our meta. Since I had a ton of nice non-combo cards leftover from my Pattern-Rector deck, I threw together a Bant-Thopter deck:
//Creatures:
Llanowar Elves
Birds of Paradise
Wall of Omens
Wall of Blossoms
Stoneforge Mystic
Aven Mindcensor
Trygon Predator
Vendilion Clique
Great Sable Stag
Ohran Viper
Eternal Witness
Trinket Mage
Chameleon Colossus
Mycoid Shepherd
Solemn Simulacrum
Glen Elendra Archmage
Venser, Shaper Savant
Mystic Snake
Wickerbough Elder
Baneslayer Angel
Draining Whelk
//Other permanents:
Sensei's Divining Top
Relic of Progenitus
Expedition Map
Sylvan Library
Sword of the Meek
Thopter Foundry
Talisman of Progress
Talisman of Unity
Simic Signet
Azorius Signet
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
Oblivion Ring
Jace Beleren
Faith's Fetters
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Garruk Wildspeaker
Tezzeret the Seeker
//Spells:
Ancestral Vision
Ponder
Swords to Plowshares
Path to Exile
Worldly Tutor
Counterspell
Muddle the Mixture
Negate
Remand
Regrowth
Hinder
Dissipate
Voidslime
Thirst for Knowledge
Bant Charm
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Cryptic Command
Wrath of God
Control Magic
Rout
Bribery
Treachery
Force of Will
Martial Coup
//Land:
36x land, including Maze of Ith
Notes:
Noble Hierarch isn't available, as I only have one and it's in the combo deck.
No Mind Sculptor/Goyf/similar uberexpensives unless I happen to win a lottery.
//Creatures:
Llanowar Elves
Birds of Paradise
Wall of Omens
Wall of Blossoms
Stoneforge Mystic
Aven Mindcensor
Trygon Predator
Vendilion Clique
Great Sable Stag
Ohran Viper
Eternal Witness
Trinket Mage
Chameleon Colossus
Mycoid Shepherd
Solemn Simulacrum
Glen Elendra Archmage
Venser, Shaper Savant
Mystic Snake
Wickerbough Elder
Baneslayer Angel
Draining Whelk
//Other permanents:
Sensei's Divining Top
Relic of Progenitus
Expedition Map
Sylvan Library
Sword of the Meek
Thopter Foundry
Talisman of Progress
Talisman of Unity
Simic Signet
Azorius Signet
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
Oblivion Ring
Jace Beleren
Faith's Fetters
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Garruk Wildspeaker
Tezzeret the Seeker
//Spells:
Ancestral Vision
Ponder
Swords to Plowshares
Path to Exile
Worldly Tutor
Counterspell
Muddle the Mixture
Negate
Remand
Regrowth
Hinder
Dissipate
Voidslime
Thirst for Knowledge
Bant Charm
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Cryptic Command
Wrath of God
Control Magic
Rout
Bribery
Treachery
Force of Will
Martial Coup
//Land:
36x land, including Maze of Ith
Notes:
Noble Hierarch isn't available, as I only have one and it's in the combo deck.
No Mind Sculptor/Goyf/similar uberexpensives unless I happen to win a lottery.
#10
Deck Lists / Killbant.dec
07-06-2010, 11:25:54 PM
Problem: Bant is dominating the local metagame
Solution: Kill it with fire. Or, in this case, a Blightning Beatdown deck.
Any and all criticism welcome, as this is the first time I'm trying to construct anything RB aggroish in Highlander.
//Meat
Figure of Destiny
Tattermunge Maniac
Magus of the Scroll
Grim Lavamancer
Spark Elemental
Stigma Lasher
Blood Knight
Black Knight
Goblin Outlander
Hellspark Elemental
Keldon Marauders
Oona's Prowler
Sygg, River Cutthroat
Kargan Dragonlord
Magus of the Moon
Ashenmoor Gouger
Shambling Remains
Fulminator Mage
Hell's Thunder
Hypnotic Specter
Vampire Nighthawk
Mirri the Cursed
Ashling, the Extinguisher
Avalance Riders
Blazing Specter
Flametongue Kavu
Giant Solifuge
Viscera Dragger
Shriekmaw
Siege-Gang Commander
Demigod of Revenge
Dread
//Other permanents
Sensei's Divining Top
Phyrexian Arena
Blood Moon
Sulfuric Vortex
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
//Spells
Slaughter Pact
Duress
Thoughtseize
Lightning Bolt
Burst Lightning
Flame Slash
Dark Ritual
Banefire
Night's Whisper
Hymn to Tourach
Wrench Mind
Incinerate
Terminate
Doom Blade
Demonic Tutor
Tainted Pact
Stupor
Blightning
Unburden
Char
Flame Javelin
Staggershock
Ruination
Bituminous Blast
Solution: Kill it with fire. Or, in this case, a Blightning Beatdown deck.
Any and all criticism welcome, as this is the first time I'm trying to construct anything RB aggroish in Highlander.
//Meat
Figure of Destiny
Tattermunge Maniac
Magus of the Scroll
Grim Lavamancer
Spark Elemental
Stigma Lasher
Blood Knight
Black Knight
Goblin Outlander
Hellspark Elemental
Keldon Marauders
Oona's Prowler
Sygg, River Cutthroat
Kargan Dragonlord
Magus of the Moon
Ashenmoor Gouger
Shambling Remains
Fulminator Mage
Hell's Thunder
Hypnotic Specter
Vampire Nighthawk
Mirri the Cursed
Ashling, the Extinguisher
Avalance Riders
Blazing Specter
Flametongue Kavu
Giant Solifuge
Viscera Dragger
Shriekmaw
Siege-Gang Commander
Demigod of Revenge
Dread
//Other permanents
Sensei's Divining Top
Phyrexian Arena
Blood Moon
Sulfuric Vortex
Sword of Fire and Ice
Sword of Light and Shadow
//Spells
Slaughter Pact
Duress
Thoughtseize
Lightning Bolt
Burst Lightning
Flame Slash
Dark Ritual
Banefire
Night's Whisper
Hymn to Tourach
Wrench Mind
Incinerate
Terminate
Doom Blade
Demonic Tutor
Tainted Pact
Stupor
Blightning
Unburden
Char
Flame Javelin
Staggershock
Ruination
Bituminous Blast
#11
General Discussion / Breaking Bant.meta?
04-06-2010, 08:38:16 PM
As the Highlander metagame at our local shop has evolved, it has coalesced more and more into a bunch of Bant decks. Some have a bit of black, like my old ones, some not. Pretty much all are Rock or Control. I've played blue-green-white-black Loam/lark/whatever concoctions since I started playing the format, and was pretty satisfied until now. I love the cards, but just like pre-Eldrazi Sha-Zen Standard, a bunch of midrange, however nice, eventually becomes boring.
The non-Bant decks in the shop are a multicolor Zoo build, a couple mono-black control decks, one of which has a heavy focus on discard, a Hypergenesis combo pile, Red-black Goblins, and my GWB Rector-Lark-Ranger combo deck (borrows heavily from Öhman's deck from the recent tournament in Tampere).
So far I've ascertained that my combo deck sucks against the discard deck, and has a slightly unfavourable matchup with Bant. (Or I just play badly) Needless to say, this makes playing less than enjoyable. I'm frustrated, and thus would like to ask for help: What kills Bant?
The non-Bant decks in the shop are a multicolor Zoo build, a couple mono-black control decks, one of which has a heavy focus on discard, a Hypergenesis combo pile, Red-black Goblins, and my GWB Rector-Lark-Ranger combo deck (borrows heavily from Öhman's deck from the recent tournament in Tampere).
So far I've ascertained that my combo deck sucks against the discard deck, and has a slightly unfavourable matchup with Bant. (Or I just play badly) Needless to say, this makes playing less than enjoyable. I'm frustrated, and thus would like to ask for help: What kills Bant?
#12
Deck Lists / Black Bant (Post-Survival)
05-04-2010, 12:45:05 AM
What I came up with when my old 4-color list was killed by the Survival ban and the Esper concoction designed to replace it proved frustrating to play with. It's based on an older incarnation of the 4-color Survival list, but modernized and un-Survivalized.
So far it has proven to be a really pleasant deck to play, although I'll certainly have to upgrade the lands for a tournament, at least.
//Meat
Birds of Paradise
Arbor Elf
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Wall of Roots
Shriekmaw
Tidehollow Sculler
Qasali Pridemage
Aven Mindcensor
Aven Riftwatcher
Mulldrifter
Kitchen Finks
Eternal Witness
Great Sable Stag
Vendilion Clique
Knight of the Reliquary
Rhox War Monk
Glen Elendra Archmage
Oracle of Mul Daya
Venser, Shaper Savant
Sower of Temptation
Mystic Snake
Body Double
Reveillark
Baneslayer Angel
Karmic Guide
//Other permanents
Sensei's Divining Top
Sword of the Meek
Bitterblossom
Sylvan Library
Thopter Foundry
Oblivion Ring
Pernicious Deed
Jace Beleren
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Garruk Wildspeaker
//Spells
Swords to Plowshares
Path to Exile
Worldly Tutor
Ancestral Vision
Negate
Mana Leak
Remand
Memory Lapse
Muddle the Mixture
Counterspell
Farseek
Life from the Loam
Demonic Tutor
Intuition
Compulsive Research
Vindicate
Maelstrom Pulse
Bant Charm
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Careful Consideration
Damnation
Wrath of God
Primal Command
Tidings
Force of Will
Worm Harvest
Martial Coup
//Lands
5x Island
4x Plains
4x Forest
1x Swamp
Reflecting Pool
Seaside Citadel
Verdant Catacombs
Marsh Flats
Arid Mesa
Misty Rainforest
Scalding Tarn
Polluted Delta
Windswept Heath
Flooded Strand
Lonely Sandbar
Secluded Steppe
Tranquil Thicket
Barren Moor
Temple Garden
Hallowed Fountain
Breeding Pool
Watery Grave
Overgrown Tomb
Godless Shrine
Tropical Island
Stirring Wildwood
Maze of Ith
Academy Ruins
Wasteland
Tectonic Edge
TODO/Thinking:
Get a Noble Hierarch
Include Brainstorm or Impulse, perhaps?
More acceleration?
Regrowth?
Deckstats.net analysis: http://deckstats.net/deck-98864-192a717dfb91e1c5bf5e77b19dc50cf8-en.html
So far it has proven to be a really pleasant deck to play, although I'll certainly have to upgrade the lands for a tournament, at least.
//Meat
Birds of Paradise
Arbor Elf
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Wall of Roots
Shriekmaw
Tidehollow Sculler
Qasali Pridemage
Aven Mindcensor
Aven Riftwatcher
Mulldrifter
Kitchen Finks
Eternal Witness
Great Sable Stag
Vendilion Clique
Knight of the Reliquary
Rhox War Monk
Glen Elendra Archmage
Oracle of Mul Daya
Venser, Shaper Savant
Sower of Temptation
Mystic Snake
Body Double
Reveillark
Baneslayer Angel
Karmic Guide
//Other permanents
Sensei's Divining Top
Sword of the Meek
Bitterblossom
Sylvan Library
Thopter Foundry
Oblivion Ring
Pernicious Deed
Jace Beleren
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Garruk Wildspeaker
//Spells
Swords to Plowshares
Path to Exile
Worldly Tutor
Ancestral Vision
Negate
Mana Leak
Remand
Memory Lapse
Muddle the Mixture
Counterspell
Farseek
Life from the Loam
Demonic Tutor
Intuition
Compulsive Research
Vindicate
Maelstrom Pulse
Bant Charm
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Careful Consideration
Damnation
Wrath of God
Primal Command
Tidings
Force of Will
Worm Harvest
Martial Coup
//Lands
5x Island
4x Plains
4x Forest
1x Swamp
Reflecting Pool
Seaside Citadel
Verdant Catacombs
Marsh Flats
Arid Mesa
Misty Rainforest
Scalding Tarn
Polluted Delta
Windswept Heath
Flooded Strand
Lonely Sandbar
Secluded Steppe
Tranquil Thicket
Barren Moor
Temple Garden
Hallowed Fountain
Breeding Pool
Watery Grave
Overgrown Tomb
Godless Shrine
Tropical Island
Stirring Wildwood
Maze of Ith
Academy Ruins
Wasteland
Tectonic Edge
TODO/Thinking:
Get a Noble Hierarch
Include Brainstorm or Impulse, perhaps?
More acceleration?
Regrowth?
Deckstats.net analysis: http://deckstats.net/deck-98864-192a717dfb91e1c5bf5e77b19dc50cf8-en.html
#13
Deck Lists / Another UWb control list (NEW LIST)
23-03-2010, 01:17:06 PM
OLD LIST, current one in third post
Here's an Esper control deck I'm tinkering on, partly just for kicks, partly in case Survival gets the axe next month.
It's a fairly traditional board control build with a focus on card draw, sweepers and counterspells with some finishers mixed in.
//Meat
Vampire Hexmage
Tidehollow Sculler
Trinket Mage
Aven Riftwatcher
Aven Mindcensor
Kitchen Finks
Shadowmage Infiltrator
Vendilion Clique
Solemn Simulacrum
Glen Elendra Archmage
Venser, Shaper Savant
Mulldrifter
Shriekmaw
Baneslayer Angel
Draining Whelk
//Other permanents
Land Tax
Sensei's Divining Top
Executioner's Capsule
Relic of Progenitus
Azorius Signet
Dimir Signet
Orzhov Signet
Sword of the Meek
Thopter Foundry
Crucible of Worlds
Propaganda
Ghostly Prison
Oblivion Ring
Jace Beleren
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
//Spells
Swords to Plowshares
Path to Exile
Ancestral Vision
Brainstorm
Argivian Find
Duress
Muddle the Mixture
Counterspell
Negate
Remand
Demonic Tutor
Diabolic Edict
Merchant Scroll
Intuition
Thirst for Knowledge
Compulsive Research
Mortify
Vindicate
Relearn
Esper Charm
Mystical Teachings
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Wrath of God
Damnation
Day of Judgment
Cryptic Command
Force of Will
Bribery
Tidings
Mind Twist
Martial Coup
//Lands
5x Island
3x Plains
2x Swamp
Reflecting Pool
Arcane Sanctum
Vesuva
Jwar Isle Refuge
Sejiri Refuge
Marsh Flats
Polluted Delta
Flooded Strand
Windswept Heath
Verdant Catacombs
Terramorphic Expanse
Hallowed Fountain
Watery Grave
Godless Shrine
Tropical Island
Celestial Colonnade
Creeping Tar Pit
Faerie Conclave
Mishra's Factory
Ancient Den
Seat of the Synod
Vault of Whispers
Wasteland
Tectonic Edge
Tolaria West
Volrath's Stronghold
Academy Ruins
Dark Depths
I'm slightly hesitant on Draining Whelk because it has no protection (perhaps Sphinx of Jwar Isle instead?), and am wondering if I should include Loam as the deck's sole green card just for the ease of constructing mean Gifts piles. As for the Tropical Island, it's there to enable cracking green fetches for blue. Not sure if it's the best of ideas, but it should work. Any and all suggestions welcome.
Here's an Esper control deck I'm tinkering on, partly just for kicks, partly in case Survival gets the axe next month.
It's a fairly traditional board control build with a focus on card draw, sweepers and counterspells with some finishers mixed in.
//Meat
Vampire Hexmage
Tidehollow Sculler
Trinket Mage
Aven Riftwatcher
Aven Mindcensor
Kitchen Finks
Shadowmage Infiltrator
Vendilion Clique
Solemn Simulacrum
Glen Elendra Archmage
Venser, Shaper Savant
Mulldrifter
Shriekmaw
Baneslayer Angel
Draining Whelk
//Other permanents
Land Tax
Sensei's Divining Top
Executioner's Capsule
Relic of Progenitus
Azorius Signet
Dimir Signet
Orzhov Signet
Sword of the Meek
Thopter Foundry
Crucible of Worlds
Propaganda
Ghostly Prison
Oblivion Ring
Jace Beleren
Elspeth, Knight-Errant
//Spells
Swords to Plowshares
Path to Exile
Ancestral Vision
Brainstorm
Argivian Find
Duress
Muddle the Mixture
Counterspell
Negate
Remand
Demonic Tutor
Diabolic Edict
Merchant Scroll
Intuition
Thirst for Knowledge
Compulsive Research
Mortify
Vindicate
Relearn
Esper Charm
Mystical Teachings
Gifts Ungiven
Fact or Fiction
Wrath of God
Damnation
Day of Judgment
Cryptic Command
Force of Will
Bribery
Tidings
Mind Twist
Martial Coup
//Lands
5x Island
3x Plains
2x Swamp
Reflecting Pool
Arcane Sanctum
Vesuva
Jwar Isle Refuge
Sejiri Refuge
Marsh Flats
Polluted Delta
Flooded Strand
Windswept Heath
Verdant Catacombs
Terramorphic Expanse
Hallowed Fountain
Watery Grave
Godless Shrine
Tropical Island
Celestial Colonnade
Creeping Tar Pit
Faerie Conclave
Mishra's Factory
Ancient Den
Seat of the Synod
Vault of Whispers
Wasteland
Tectonic Edge
Tolaria West
Volrath's Stronghold
Academy Ruins
Dark Depths
I'm slightly hesitant on Draining Whelk because it has no protection (perhaps Sphinx of Jwar Isle instead?), and am wondering if I should include Loam as the deck's sole green card just for the ease of constructing mean Gifts piles. As for the Tropical Island, it's there to enable cracking green fetches for blue. Not sure if it's the best of ideas, but it should work. Any and all suggestions welcome.
#14
Banned List & Rules / Finnish Highlander? Again?
22-01-2010, 10:12:00 PM
The discussion on us Finns establishing our own Highlander format has surfaced again at vaihdetaan.net. The discussion so far has been both intelligent on some people's part and outright stupid on some others'. There's been discussion about ditching the special mulligan for an EDH-style free mulligan rule and other stuff (like allowing CE cards), but in the end we're mostly happy with just about everything. The one issue that's been consistently raised up, unsurprisingly, has been the banned list, and especially the way it's maintained.
Many people here feel that the way you maintain the list is odd, and at least unpredictable. They don't generally see a problem with the format having a most-played deck unless it starts warping the format into DtB + hate decks, like happened with Affinity and several others. In their opinion, cards should be banned strictly on power level concerns, or if their banning can deliver a blow to a format-warping deck. Cards shouldn't be pre-emptively banned unless they're clearly bonkers (P9, Library of Alexandria, etc.): If they cause problems, fine.
Another more common criticism is your harshness towards combo. The format's nature itself already harshly limits strategies based on specific cards, and especially ones intending to use those cards quickly enough to race aggro. Many casual players LIKE combo decks a lot, and many of the more experienced ones feel that a good combo presence in a format helps keep it healthy. As an avid combo and control player, I can personally say that I'd support loosing the reins on combo a bit.
Third, people just can't see the sense in things like the Painter/Grindstone situation: Right now, we have an utterly useless (not to mention expensive) card in the format that nobody wants to play because it's only use is a broken combo that's been banned. Painter without Grindstone, on the other hand, has interesting but hardly broken interactions with cards like Persecute, Iona and Oona. As far as I can remember, the Painter issue is a prime example of the policy of pre-emptive banning - it could be a problem, so might as well kill it anyway. This is not liked.
With those general sentiments expressed, my own thoughts:
I'm a bit ambivalent on the issue, but would lean towards the side of Finnish criticism. Your goal of format diversity is admirable, and it's certainly true that a sufficiently diverse format helps foster interest in it. However, I feel that the "ban if it proves to be a problem/is just plain obviously broken" mentality to banning would lead to a more sensible, coherent and predictable ban list than the current philosophy of balancing archetypes does. This doesn't mean that it isn't a good idea to keep format diversity in mind: A diverse format should be more fun for more people.
Many people are irritated about Gifts, especially it's splashability. I wouldn't mind fixing the Tarmogoyf problem, but the problem is that in addition to "(blue controls)decks running Gifts" there are "Gifts (combo) decks", the latter being based around the broken piece of cardboard instead of just putting it in because it's, well, broken. Some are also annoyed at Survival and Demonic Tutor, but I haven't personally seen quite as much loathing for them. The parentheses above give away another problem: Banning Gifts would severely hurt combo, which would probably be a bad thing. How can we limit blue control without weakening combo further, while perhaps applying the new "if it's a problem" policy?
This is just one relative newcomer's suggestion, but I'd suggest the following changes to the banned list:
- = Ban
+ = Unban
- Grindstone (broken combo)
- Gifts Ungiven (very splashable and extremely powerful tutor, greatly powers up blue control)
- Library of Alexandria (breaks control mirrors in half)
- Mind Twist (very splashable, often wins the game against control on the spot.)
+ Painter's Servant (useful, but likely won't be broken without Grindstone)
+ Buried Alive (strengthens Reanimator while providing a less versatile Gifts replacement for Survival decks. If Kiki-Guide-Mite proves broken, Pestermite and Sky Hussar could perhaps get the boot: Kiki and Guide have more widespread and interesting uses.)
+ Protean Hulk (Shouldn't be so fast as to be a problem when Flash is banned, graveyard-based versions are more vulnerable to hate and require setup)
These changes have a distinct slant of pushing black graveyard strategies and weakening blue control - the latter's loss in strength should give rise to alternative board control decks to keep aggro in check (and be kept in check themselves by the strengthened combo decks). Additionally, Worldwake will bring us a land version of Tormod's Crypt, so more quality graveyard hate would be available as well.
Comments?
Many people here feel that the way you maintain the list is odd, and at least unpredictable. They don't generally see a problem with the format having a most-played deck unless it starts warping the format into DtB + hate decks, like happened with Affinity and several others. In their opinion, cards should be banned strictly on power level concerns, or if their banning can deliver a blow to a format-warping deck. Cards shouldn't be pre-emptively banned unless they're clearly bonkers (P9, Library of Alexandria, etc.): If they cause problems, fine.
Another more common criticism is your harshness towards combo. The format's nature itself already harshly limits strategies based on specific cards, and especially ones intending to use those cards quickly enough to race aggro. Many casual players LIKE combo decks a lot, and many of the more experienced ones feel that a good combo presence in a format helps keep it healthy. As an avid combo and control player, I can personally say that I'd support loosing the reins on combo a bit.
Third, people just can't see the sense in things like the Painter/Grindstone situation: Right now, we have an utterly useless (not to mention expensive) card in the format that nobody wants to play because it's only use is a broken combo that's been banned. Painter without Grindstone, on the other hand, has interesting but hardly broken interactions with cards like Persecute, Iona and Oona. As far as I can remember, the Painter issue is a prime example of the policy of pre-emptive banning - it could be a problem, so might as well kill it anyway. This is not liked.
With those general sentiments expressed, my own thoughts:
I'm a bit ambivalent on the issue, but would lean towards the side of Finnish criticism. Your goal of format diversity is admirable, and it's certainly true that a sufficiently diverse format helps foster interest in it. However, I feel that the "ban if it proves to be a problem/is just plain obviously broken" mentality to banning would lead to a more sensible, coherent and predictable ban list than the current philosophy of balancing archetypes does. This doesn't mean that it isn't a good idea to keep format diversity in mind: A diverse format should be more fun for more people.
Many people are irritated about Gifts, especially it's splashability. I wouldn't mind fixing the Tarmogoyf problem, but the problem is that in addition to "(blue controls)decks running Gifts" there are "Gifts (combo) decks", the latter being based around the broken piece of cardboard instead of just putting it in because it's, well, broken. Some are also annoyed at Survival and Demonic Tutor, but I haven't personally seen quite as much loathing for them. The parentheses above give away another problem: Banning Gifts would severely hurt combo, which would probably be a bad thing. How can we limit blue control without weakening combo further, while perhaps applying the new "if it's a problem" policy?
This is just one relative newcomer's suggestion, but I'd suggest the following changes to the banned list:
- = Ban
+ = Unban
- Grindstone (broken combo)
- Gifts Ungiven (very splashable and extremely powerful tutor, greatly powers up blue control)
- Library of Alexandria (breaks control mirrors in half)
- Mind Twist (very splashable, often wins the game against control on the spot.)
+ Painter's Servant (useful, but likely won't be broken without Grindstone)
+ Buried Alive (strengthens Reanimator while providing a less versatile Gifts replacement for Survival decks. If Kiki-Guide-Mite proves broken, Pestermite and Sky Hussar could perhaps get the boot: Kiki and Guide have more widespread and interesting uses.)
+ Protean Hulk (Shouldn't be so fast as to be a problem when Flash is banned, graveyard-based versions are more vulnerable to hate and require setup)
These changes have a distinct slant of pushing black graveyard strategies and weakening blue control - the latter's loss in strength should give rise to alternative board control decks to keep aggro in check (and be kept in check themselves by the strengthened combo decks). Additionally, Worldwake will bring us a land version of Tormod's Crypt, so more quality graveyard hate would be available as well.
Comments?
#15
Deck Lists / 4c Gifts-Lark Zurvival
15-01-2010, 03:10:03 PM
The topic pretty much says it all. This is my current Highlander deck, a 4-color Survival build with the usual suspects of Gifts, Lark, Zur, Recurring Nightmare, Genesis etc.
It's pretty basic stuff: A controlling combo deck with lots of creatures with interesting abilities and many tutors. Apart from the archetype-defining stuff above, standout cards include the Squirrelcraft combo (meaning Zur has a three-turn clock) and an alternate win condition of tinkering for Progenitus.
Protection is primarily in the form of targeted discard and a small assortment of counterspells.
As it stands, the deck is 111 cards, which might be a bit too big. Any suggestions on what to cut? Other recommendations heartily welcomed, as well.
Meat: 33 pieces
Arbor Elf
Birds of Paradise
Carrion Feeder
Wall of Roots
Wall of Blossoms
Mesmeric Fiend
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Tidehollow Sculler
Qasali Pridemage
Kitchen Finks
Aven Riftwatcher
Nantuko Husk
Aven Mindcensor
Knight of the Reliquary
Eternal Witness
Vampire Nighthawk
Loxodon Hierarch
Mystic Snake
Venser, Shaper Savant
Wickerbough Elder
Solemn Simulacrum
Zur the Enchanter
Glen Elendra Archmage
Academy Rector
Mulldrifter
Shriekmaw
Reveillark
Genesis
Karmic Guide
Baneslayer Angel
Body Double
Empyrial Archangel
Progenitus
Enchantments, Artifacts: 11
Sensei's Divining Top
Oversold Cemetery
Survival of the Fittest
Sylvan Library
Earthcraft
Pernicious Deed
Oblivion Ring
Phyrexian Arena
Squirrel Nest
Recurring Nightmare
Nevinyrral's Disk
Spells: 25
Path to Exile
Swords to Plowshares
Worldly Tutor
Duress
Castigate
Demonic Tutor
Negate
Merchant Scroll
Remand
Muddle the Mixture
Life from the Loam
Regrowth
Maelstrom Pulse
Putrefy
Intuition
Compulsive Research
Careful Consideration
Damnation
Natural Order
Fact or Fiction
Gifts Ungiven
Wrath of God
Primal Command
Force of Will
Worm Harvest
Land: 39
4x Island
4x Swamp
5x Forest
1x Plains
Reflecting Pool
Seaside Citadel
Verdant Catacombs
Marsh Flats
Arid Mesa
Misty Rainforest
Scalding Tarn
Polluted Delta
Windswept Heath
Flooded Strand
Lonely Sandbar
Secluded Steppe
Tranquil Thicket
Barren Moor
Temple Garden
Hallowed Fountain
Breeding Pool
Watery Grave
Overgrown Tomb
Godless Shrine
Tropical Island
Stirring Wildwood
Treetop Village
Wasteland
Tectonic Edge
It's pretty basic stuff: A controlling combo deck with lots of creatures with interesting abilities and many tutors. Apart from the archetype-defining stuff above, standout cards include the Squirrelcraft combo (meaning Zur has a three-turn clock) and an alternate win condition of tinkering for Progenitus.
Protection is primarily in the form of targeted discard and a small assortment of counterspells.
As it stands, the deck is 111 cards, which might be a bit too big. Any suggestions on what to cut? Other recommendations heartily welcomed, as well.
Meat: 33 pieces
Arbor Elf
Birds of Paradise
Carrion Feeder
Wall of Roots
Wall of Blossoms
Mesmeric Fiend
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Tidehollow Sculler
Qasali Pridemage
Kitchen Finks
Aven Riftwatcher
Nantuko Husk
Aven Mindcensor
Knight of the Reliquary
Eternal Witness
Vampire Nighthawk
Loxodon Hierarch
Mystic Snake
Venser, Shaper Savant
Wickerbough Elder
Solemn Simulacrum
Zur the Enchanter
Glen Elendra Archmage
Academy Rector
Mulldrifter
Shriekmaw
Reveillark
Genesis
Karmic Guide
Baneslayer Angel
Body Double
Empyrial Archangel
Progenitus
Enchantments, Artifacts: 11
Sensei's Divining Top
Oversold Cemetery
Survival of the Fittest
Sylvan Library
Earthcraft
Pernicious Deed
Oblivion Ring
Phyrexian Arena
Squirrel Nest
Recurring Nightmare
Nevinyrral's Disk
Spells: 25
Path to Exile
Swords to Plowshares
Worldly Tutor
Duress
Castigate
Demonic Tutor
Negate
Merchant Scroll
Remand
Muddle the Mixture
Life from the Loam
Regrowth
Maelstrom Pulse
Putrefy
Intuition
Compulsive Research
Careful Consideration
Damnation
Natural Order
Fact or Fiction
Gifts Ungiven
Wrath of God
Primal Command
Force of Will
Worm Harvest
Land: 39
4x Island
4x Swamp
5x Forest
1x Plains
Reflecting Pool
Seaside Citadel
Verdant Catacombs
Marsh Flats
Arid Mesa
Misty Rainforest
Scalding Tarn
Polluted Delta
Windswept Heath
Flooded Strand
Lonely Sandbar
Secluded Steppe
Tranquil Thicket
Barren Moor
Temple Garden
Hallowed Fountain
Breeding Pool
Watery Grave
Overgrown Tomb
Godless Shrine
Tropical Island
Stirring Wildwood
Treetop Village
Wasteland
Tectonic Edge
#16
General Discussion / The language barrier
14-01-2010, 11:00:12 PM
Hello,
I'm a Finn who has been playing German Highlander for a few months. So far, it's been pretty much the best format I've ever played, with a good mix of the best sides of being a good player (all the card analysis, deck tuning and so on) and the things that made Magic so fun in the beginning (discovery and things like killing people with squirrels).
It's not all rosy, though. Oh, I've got my complaints with the banned list (Why ban Painter and not Grindstone? You could probably also ease on the combo phobia a bit.), but those are largely insignificant to one overarching problem: Discussion.
I like discussing decks and the formats I play as a whole, but have a problem. I don't know German. Sure, there's the Finnish forums at vaihdetaan.kapsi.fi where you see pyyhttu, Nastaboi etc., and these international forums at magicplayer.org, but both are pretty quiet places at least as far as actual Highlander discussion goes. The german magicplayer.org forum seems to be more active than the two aforementioned ones combined, and I'd love to take part in the discussion but can't because of the language barrier.
German Highlander is the most played Highlander variant in Finland by a good margin, but Finns, on average, speak English much better than German. This basically splits the Finnish and German Highlander communities apart. If we had a single, shared international forum, we could have much more active discussion which in turn could get more and more players into the fold for the benefit of everyone.
I realize that I'm just a single person, but I believe the idea has merit. What do you people think about it?
I'm a Finn who has been playing German Highlander for a few months. So far, it's been pretty much the best format I've ever played, with a good mix of the best sides of being a good player (all the card analysis, deck tuning and so on) and the things that made Magic so fun in the beginning (discovery and things like killing people with squirrels).
It's not all rosy, though. Oh, I've got my complaints with the banned list (Why ban Painter and not Grindstone? You could probably also ease on the combo phobia a bit.), but those are largely insignificant to one overarching problem: Discussion.
I like discussing decks and the formats I play as a whole, but have a problem. I don't know German. Sure, there's the Finnish forums at vaihdetaan.kapsi.fi where you see pyyhttu, Nastaboi etc., and these international forums at magicplayer.org, but both are pretty quiet places at least as far as actual Highlander discussion goes. The german magicplayer.org forum seems to be more active than the two aforementioned ones combined, and I'd love to take part in the discussion but can't because of the language barrier.
German Highlander is the most played Highlander variant in Finland by a good margin, but Finns, on average, speak English much better than German. This basically splits the Finnish and German Highlander communities apart. If we had a single, shared international forum, we could have much more active discussion which in turn could get more and more players into the fold for the benefit of everyone.
I realize that I'm just a single person, but I believe the idea has merit. What do you people think about it?
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