This thread is for the discussion of my latest article, Dan's Deckshop - Friendship is Magic. We would be grateful if you would let us know what you think, but please keep your comments on topic.
Thanks, glad to hear you enjoyed it. I know comments weren't available on this article till now, and that's a shame - since I want to hear if people enjoyed the article. I only keep writing because people seem to like the work.
yeah i was trying to comment on this article a week ago but i'm glad the comments are finally up.
This is definitely a deck i'd consider playing in my group because they got really mad (and annoyed) when I tried out your mono black control on them. I won eventually, but they told me to not play it anymore I think the Friendship is magic would backfire on me because my friends don't hold friendship in FFA multiplayer in high regard but Reins of Control would definitely teach them a lesson! T
hanks for your article write up and your playtesting/explanation. I haven't gotten back into magic for...8 years, last set i bought was invasion, and your articles led me to drop $90 on cards just to make your decks!
Once again, an awesome article. Gave some great budget ideas for a friend's multiplayer deck because I'm pretty much going to have to pay for those cards lol.
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If you're having creature problems I feel bad for you son
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
As usual, a great article, and the deck looks really fun to play. Your articles are far better than those on the mothership: their idea of "Building on a Budget" sounds like "put in there 2 Snapcaster Mages instead of 4, and fill the slots with other, less efficient creatures." Instead, when I read your primers I feel like a new face of an old gem has been discovered. THIS is real casual.
Keep up the good work, I'm looking forward to new articles.
I couldn't agree more. Great articles with great decks that are actually budget while still being fun and efficient.:) My only problem is that I only play multiplayer a couple of times a year and therefore I would rather build decks for duels. I'm hoping you'll make some exciting duel decks again soon.
Ahh sir Dan. Yet another amazingly well write article. Amazing deck idea! Also. The 4 deathbringer lieges you traded me sometime last year have finnaly made it to my w/r/b hybrid deck I traded them from you for. I have just started reading articles again. Yours is my main lookout slot. I also have felt the power of the darkside and am in the process of building mine! Amazing decks. Amazing trader. Ty for everything and please keep up these awesome decks
Your articles are well put to gether. Not jumpy like a lot of "deck articles". Straight to the point n the deck is just the sheezeneezy fo sho(yes I'm very white)
Nah no thanks. You can keep your nerd thug tactics. It is ridiculous that I cant trade MY cards using MY databased list which is easy to update and manage. The mod community here is the terrible, virtual MTG brownshirt club.
Ahh sir Dan. Yet another amazingly well write article. Amazing deck idea! Also. The 4 deathbringer lieges you traded me sometime last year have finnaly made it to my w/r/b hybrid deck I traded them from you for. I have just started reading articles again. Yours is my main lookout slot. I also have felt the power of the darkside and am in the process of building mine! Amazing decks. Amazing trader. Ty for everything and please keep up these awesome decks
Your articles are well put to gether. Not jumpy like a lot of "deck articles". Straight to the point n the deck is just the sheezeneezy fo sho(yes I'm very white)
Thanks! Great to hear you enjoyed it. These sure are fun to write, and my next one is going to be a real blast too. Now I just need to find the time to actually finish it.
Not to be a jerk, but your play group is clearly lacking some experience because you never, ever make a deal with the group hug player. As you said, if only one player agrees to a deal, then everyone else is signing their own death warrant by refusing, but they're signing the group hugger's death warrent as well because if all the gifts go to one player, it's the same disadvantage that makes those cards unplayed in duels. The group hugger has to spread the love or they lose as well, so you refuse the deal and take the free charity they have to give you anyway. Anyone who agrees not to hurt the group hug player is falling for a silly prisoner's dilemma.
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Zedruu: "This deck is not only able to go crazy - it also needs to do so."
Not to be a jerk, but your play group is clearly lacking some experience because you never, ever make a deal with the group hug player. As you said, if only one player agrees to a deal, then everyone else is signing their own death warrant by refusing, but they're signing the group hugger's death warrent as well because if all the gifts go to one player, it's the same disadvantage that makes those cards unplayed in duels. The group hugger has to spread the love or they lose as well, so you refuse the deal and take the free charity they have to give you anyway. Anyone who agrees not to hurt the group hug player is falling for a silly prisoner's dilemma.
That's the point. You make the table your will. You convince them to ally with you. To do what you need to win! If they fall for it then you've played your jand and deck to a tee. Just the way you needed to to get the win
Nah no thanks. You can keep your nerd thug tactics. It is ridiculous that I cant trade MY cards using MY databased list which is easy to update and manage. The mod community here is the terrible, virtual MTG brownshirt club.
...but they're signing the group hugger's death warrent as well because if all the gifts go to one player, it's the same disadvantage that makes those cards unplayed in duels. The group hugger has to spread the love or they lose as well, so you refuse the deal and take the free charity they have to give you anyway.
Usually... But not if they happen to have Reins of Power or the ability to make unblockable, lifelinked creatures with defensive options too.
If the entire table unites against the deck and absolutely refuses to compromise - you definitely will die. The funny thing is, that's kind of what happens no matter what deck you run in free-for-all, isn't it?
If the deck's main weakness is, "if everyone at once gangs up on you no matter what you do, you'll die" - it's in a pretty strong position. And, unlike other powerful decks, this one has ways as mentioned in the article to make it a really attractive proposition for players to ally with you.
Ever thought about sloting in a few Ashnod's Altar? One more reason to wave your finger in the air if someone thinks about swinging.
Makes them wonder if you have a Reins of Power and are just itching for the opportunity to sac their creatrues.
I love combining Reins of Power with sacrifice effects. However, in order to put the altar in - I'd need to take something out... And while the existing cards all work so well together - the altar would only be good with Reins of Power.
However, if you love being tricksy, you could slip a single copy of the altar into the Simic version of the deck and use Drift of Phantasms to tutor for it whenever you want. That might be fun.
It started out well. I've played a lot of FFA lately. I've told a player not to attack me with APaladin less they see a Searing Spear. I've had to punish a player with Chandra's Fury for attacking me when there's a much larger threat (and of course I ended up losing). I've had to throw away a good game of MtG and send direct my resources because one guy brought a grudge from a previous game into his decisions for the next. I've saved a player from losing so that we could go on and take down a tyrant with 158 life. I understand how the game works, and I like it that way.
But this guy makes me sick. He's even worse than my dark deals deck. My deck gives choices, real choices. If I promise you something, you get it. If you betray me, I take it all away. If you don't betray me, I don't cheat you in the finale.
This guy is a dictator, a communist despot. He gives players the illusion that he's helping them, manipulating them against each other. But while they fight, he sits, defenseless without his threats, and accrues advantage with some of the most ridiculous spells in FFA. Then he finishes by casting another ridiculous spell, in a move that sees him steal everything he gave and didn't give, giving nothing in return but crushing who he calls "friend" with an unblockable hoard of turncoat allies.
I've seen Lawful Evil. I've seen Lawful Good. But his deck pretends it is Lawful Good and then throws off its hood to reveal it is Chaotic Evil-- the guise of rules ultimately thrown aside as he can openers the last player's head. It would take one game before I was done trusting him.
It started out well. I've played a lot of FFA lately. I've told a player not to attack me with APaladin less they see a Searing Spear. I've had to punish a player with Chandra's Fury for attacking me when there's a much larger threat (and of course I ended up losing). I've had to throw away a good game of MtG and send direct my resources because one guy brought a grudge from a previous game into his decisions for the next. I've saved a player from losing so that we could go on and take down a tyrant with 158 life. I understand how the game works, and I like it that way.
But this guy makes me sick. He's even worse than my dark deals deck. My deck gives choices, real choices. If I promise you something, you get it. If you betray me, I take it all away. If you don't betray me, I don't cheat you in the finale.
This guy is a dictator, a communist despot. He gives players the illusion that he's helping them, manipulating them against each other. But while they fight, he sits, defenseless without his threats, and accrues advantage with some of the most ridiculous spells in FFA. Then he finishes by casting another ridiculous spell, in a move that sees him steal everything he gave and didn't give, giving nothing in return but crushing who he calls "friend" with an unblockable hoard of turncoat allies.
I've seen Lawful Evil. I've seen Lawful Good. But his deck pretends it is Lawful Good and then throws off its hood to reveal it is Chaotic Evil-- the guise of rules ultimately thrown aside as he can openers the last player's head. It would take one game before I was done trusting him.
didn't know wed be talking about our souls here. Ok. In stairc I feel the soul of a wizened cenn with some sneky homonculous kinda tricks somewhere. Lol jkjk
Nah no thanks. You can keep your nerd thug tactics. It is ridiculous that I cant trade MY cards using MY databased list which is easy to update and manage. The mod community here is the terrible, virtual MTG brownshirt club.
Awesome article! For the next deck, can we see something with Feudkiller's Verdict somehow? You've referenced the card at least twice now without actually doing anything with it. Perhaps giants of some sort?
Id say 4 Armadillo Cloak over 2 Behemoth Sledge. The cloak doubles as a sweet gift for the multiplayer only fattys without trample and it gains u life not the creatures controler so they cant use it aginst you. Just my 2cents tho
Bought 4 reins of power tho, still wondering where its been hideing this whole time.
Id say 4 Armadillo Cloak over 2 Behemoth Sledge. The cloak doubles as a sweet gift for the multiplayer only fattys without trample and it gains u life not the creatures controler so they cant use it aginst you. Just my 2cents tho
Armadillo Cloak is definitely awesome and a great political favor. I like how the equipment doesn't ever deal with card disadvantage, but the cloak's ability to be a great political favor might well be worth it.
If anyone tests this out, let me know how it goes. It's a really interesting idea.
I came for the title and stayed for the article.
And another great one it was! I play a LOT of casual multiplayer and Commander and the politics aspect of the game on those formats is usually pretty interesting.
I know I'm kind of late but I thought this was a great article. Virtually all I play is casual multiplayer magic so I'll definitely be reading your other articles!
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Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
This is definitely a deck i'd consider playing in my group because they got really mad (and annoyed) when I tried out your mono black control on them. I won eventually, but they told me to not play it anymore I think the Friendship is magic would backfire on me because my friends don't hold friendship in FFA multiplayer in high regard but Reins of Control would definitely teach them a lesson! T
hanks for your article write up and your playtesting/explanation. I haven't gotten back into magic for...8 years, last set i bought was invasion, and your articles led me to drop $90 on cards just to make your decks!
You got 99 attackers but I'm blocking with 1.
The Winner is Judge | 7
This Winner is Also Judge | 6
Club Flamingo | Lots
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
I couldn't agree more. Great articles with great decks that are actually budget while still being fun and efficient.:) My only problem is that I only play multiplayer a couple of times a year and therefore I would rather build decks for duels. I'm hoping you'll make some exciting duel decks again soon.
Your articles are well put to gether. Not jumpy like a lot of "deck articles". Straight to the point n the deck is just the sheezeneezy fo sho(yes I'm very white)
BBBClan Mono-Black's Ex-Disiple of The Order of
"The Order"BBB
Funniest thing ive heard on here.
Was told to update list with haves
Thanks! Great to hear you enjoyed it. These sure are fun to write, and my next one is going to be a real blast too. Now I just need to find the time to actually finish it.
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
I couldn't help but notice only 23 of the 25 lands were called out in the post play test deck (GU version). I slotted in 2 Simic Growth Vats. Cheers!
Not to be a jerk, but your play group is clearly lacking some experience because you never, ever make a deal with the group hug player. As you said, if only one player agrees to a deal, then everyone else is signing their own death warrant by refusing, but they're signing the group hugger's death warrent as well because if all the gifts go to one player, it's the same disadvantage that makes those cards unplayed in duels. The group hugger has to spread the love or they lose as well, so you refuse the deal and take the free charity they have to give you anyway. Anyone who agrees not to hurt the group hug player is falling for a silly prisoner's dilemma.
That's the point. You make the table your will. You convince them to ally with you. To do what you need to win! If they fall for it then you've played your jand and deck to a tee. Just the way you needed to to get the win
BBBClan Mono-Black's Ex-Disiple of The Order of
"The Order"BBB
Funniest thing ive heard on here.
Was told to update list with haves
Awesome, let me know how it goes!
Usually... But not if they happen to have Reins of Power or the ability to make unblockable, lifelinked creatures with defensive options too.
If the entire table unites against the deck and absolutely refuses to compromise - you definitely will die. The funny thing is, that's kind of what happens no matter what deck you run in free-for-all, isn't it?
If the deck's main weakness is, "if everyone at once gangs up on you no matter what you do, you'll die" - it's in a pretty strong position. And, unlike other powerful decks, this one has ways as mentioned in the article to make it a really attractive proposition for players to ally with you.
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
Makes them wonder if you have a Reins of Power and are just itching for the opportunity to sac their creatrues.
I love combining Reins of Power with sacrifice effects. However, in order to put the altar in - I'd need to take something out... And while the existing cards all work so well together - the altar would only be good with Reins of Power.
However, if you love being tricksy, you could slip a single copy of the altar into the Simic version of the deck and use Drift of Phantasms to tutor for it whenever you want. That might be fun.
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
But this guy makes me sick. He's even worse than my dark deals deck. My deck gives choices, real choices. If I promise you something, you get it. If you betray me, I take it all away. If you don't betray me, I don't cheat you in the finale.
This guy is a dictator, a communist despot. He gives players the illusion that he's helping them, manipulating them against each other. But while they fight, he sits, defenseless without his threats, and accrues advantage with some of the most ridiculous spells in FFA. Then he finishes by casting another ridiculous spell, in a move that sees him steal everything he gave and didn't give, giving nothing in return but crushing who he calls "friend" with an unblockable hoard of turncoat allies.
I've seen Lawful Evil. I've seen Lawful Good. But his deck pretends it is Lawful Good and then throws off its hood to reveal it is Chaotic Evil-- the guise of rules ultimately thrown aside as he can openers the last player's head. It would take one game before I was done trusting him.
BBBClan Mono-Black's Ex-Disiple of The Order of
"The Order"BBB
Funniest thing ive heard on here.
Was told to update list with haves
WUBRGCommander Decklists - PaperWUBRG
CCCCCommander Decklists - TheorycraftCCCC
Sig Credit: Pegasus Bishop
Bought 4 reins of power tho, still wondering where its been hideing this whole time.
Armadillo Cloak is definitely awesome and a great political favor. I like how the equipment doesn't ever deal with card disadvantage, but the cloak's ability to be a great political favor might well be worth it.
If anyone tests this out, let me know how it goes. It's a really interesting idea.
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
How come?
Because it's not usually a subtle value color. However, my next deck is heavily based in red and it's been wicked fun to playtest!
Remaking Magic - A Podcast for those that love MTG and Game Design
The Dungeon Master's Guide - A Podcast for those that love RPGs and Game Design
Sig-Heroes of the Plane
And another great one it was! I play a LOT of casual multiplayer and Commander and the politics aspect of the game on those formats is usually pretty interesting.