Hey there guys! I have been working on this deck since the Commander 2013 precons were released and the idea is pretty simple: Jeleva is a wizard, and I love wizards! The problem is it tends to annoy people without actually doing anything (people will kill Jeleva offhand "just because") and there are sometimes mana issues, as wizards are not exactly curve-friendly. Additionally, the only win con is people scooping in frustration right now. Wizards are NOT known for their beatdown abilities. So, I need a direction to take it in. I could make it a dedicated mill deck but I would also like to explore other options as well! I would also like to keep in some of the wizard stuff. I would also like to avoid overlapping too much with her zombified cousin Nekusar.
My budget is pretty flexible, given that this deck is on MODO and therefore the pricing is a bit weird.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
This deck ramps harder than some green decks (you know, as long as they are snake tribal or something like that) and it has been doing fairly well for me recently on MODO and IRL. I thought I would share it and try to get some feedback on it. It used to have a dragon package, including things like Utvara Hellkite and Scourge of Valkas, but I took all but the most synergistic out for now because I am looking to make it more Voltron and less threatening early game. Additionally, I would love to make a pure dragon deck in the future, so those will definitely be more useful in their own dedicated home
A little background: I built this deck because I was looking for a budget EDH deck on MODO. I then preceded to build it in real life and spend way too much money on it in both real life and online.
Some of the all-stars in this deck are Basilisk Collar, Repercussion, and Trading Post. If one of my doublers stick, I will take over the game.
The basic strategy is pretty easy: Play Ashling and keep 6 mana open at every point in the game. Some neat interactions arise from there, for example Everflowing Chalice and Contagion Engine. My record is 18. This is all above and beyond what your main goal is, however:
1. Blow up the world with a big Ashling
2. ???
3. Profit!
*Note: I have used Swords on MODO, mainly to prevent Ashling from blowing herself up. It's almost too easy.
I'd love some input from other mono-red players on anything techy I can include as well as anything that looks like it just doesn't fit. I can't say I will take your advice (I sometimes fall in love with cards) but I will take it into consideration. The only rule: 25 MOUNTAINS!
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
I'm not sure how much work Ordered Migration would do in a 2-color deck, but everything still looks pretty sweet! Still interested in seeing more if there are any more
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
I don't have the time to look through archives of all the Magic cards ever printed, so I am posting here. My bird deck is distinctly... lacking in the non-creature bird department. SO, my request of you lovely people, would be to suggest birdy-looking things to throw into my deck. For example, Discombobulate has a bird on it! See how easy that was?
The current color identity of my general is WU. G cards will be considered for the future (notably, when Derevi is available on MODO), but for right now, I am just looking for non-bird spells with birds on the card. Thanks!
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Dove scape is miserable, in my experience. Typically I will cast it, then get stuck with a whole bunch of anthems that I draw afterward. I took it out after two miserable games with it.
I play Opposition in Kangee. It seems like this deck would be able to take full advantage of the effect. I didn't see it in your list but if it's there, great minds think alike
Awesome to see more bird enthusiasts!
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
I put this deck on MODO and I really like it so far, but I am having some problems with Emrakul (and probably other combo decks as well...). Any suggestions I could get on the list would be appreciated!
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Kaalia is mean, heartless, and cruel. She has a grudge against everyone, and won’t let a little thing like “politics” get in her way. She has a horde of angels, demons, and dragons at her back, after all. Who would dare stand up to her?
More than any of that, though, Kaalia doesn’t play by the rules. Who pays retail when you could get a creature for free? Not Kaalia, that’s for sure! In addition, Kaalia loves doing that more than once a turn! Multiple attack steps are fine by her! Add in a Sword and everything is pure AWESOME.
The plan of this deck is to beat down fast and hard. It has the removal package to offer political answers as well, in case the game gets too long. The main plan is to attack! I like this deck because I get to play all of my favorite fatties, and the flavor… it tastes like EPIC.
Card Choices
Kaalia Targets
Angels Karmic Guide - Recursion is good. She’s probably my weakest creature offensively, but the creature she gets back sure won’t be! Angelic Skirmisher - I won’t usually be cheating her in with Kaalia, but she is relatively cheap to hard-cast. She can give lifelink or vigilance on my turn, and first strike on everyone else’s so I don’t have to worry as much about trading. Aurelia, the Warleader - Again, I won’t cheat her in with Kaalia’s trigger, as she’s more useful when she attacks on her own. Again, she’s relatively cheap. Deathless Angel - She will at the very least protect your best guy. As long as they aren’t wearing greaves! Darksteel Plate might be better in this slot, but that is currently in Ashling. Angel of Despair - Vindicate onnastick. I’m rarely disappointed by this topdeck. Angel of Serenity - Gets three guys out of the way (bonus: get someone to destroy her while the trigger’s on the stack for a pretty good permanent answer to problem guys) or gets three guys back, or a little of both. Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - One of the best creatures in the deck. Naturally, one of the biggest targets, too. Don’t drop it until you win the game. Demons Bloodgift Demon - Any extra draws off of him are gravy, but I expect him to be removed or stolen, really. Ob Nixilis, the Fallen - He gets out of hand quickly. Move the Greaves or Boots to him if you can manage it. Harvester of Souls - If he gets dropped right before a wrath, he has the potential to draw you a great deal of cards (just not off the Rhys player, unfortunately). Remember his trigger! Oni of Wild Places - Not a bad size, and he has haste. Also, he serves as an Erratic Portal for the next guy… Rakdos the Defiler - Old Rakdos, Kaalia’s bff. Best saved for someone who draws your ire, so as not to make enemies early on. Don’t hesitate to sac some lands and swing if given the opportunity. Life’s more fun that way! Lord of the Void - One of the awesome Gatecrash additions to the deck. Swing once, he’s good. Swing twice, you’re probably winning. Rune-Scarred Demon - Drop him, tutor and cast Savage Beating, gg. Dragons Hellkite Charger - Like his buddy Aurelia, he doesn’t like being cheated in as much. Give him Sword of Feast and Famine for giggles. Hellkite Tyrant - Those are nice mana rocks. Mind if I borrow them? Forever? That’s right, your opponents don’t get their stuff back if they kill him. Seems fair. Hoard-Smelter Dragon - Typically, I will use him purely for artifact removal. He’s scary enough to some to draw removal, but if he is cheated in, you will typically have enough mana to take something down with him. Oros, the Avenger - I haven’t had a chance to play him yet, but he is in here for flavor reasons as much as he is here for board-wipe potential. Fun fact: most of the small guys in the deck are white. Ryusei, the Falling Star - He really wishes he was Kokopuffs, but he is fun nonetheless. Steel Hellkite - One of the most versatile creatures in the deck. You can pick off a problem permanent, or a horde of tokens. He is a pretty big removal target. Balefire Dragon - Targeted wrath? Don’t mind if I do! Scourge of Kher Ridges - I haven’t had a chance to use him yet, but his flexibility makes him a really attractive member of the team. Utvara Hellkite - His ability is activated by dragons. This deck plays dragons. No brainer, really (but his ability isn’t triggered by Kaalia-aided attacks, unfortunately)
Other Creatures
You might have noticed all of the non-Angel/Demon/Dragon creatures have the subtype of Cleric. So does Kaalia! Pretty neat, huh? Mother of Runes - Rarely ever lives long enough to do her job well, but she draws removal pretty handily and can easily result in a 2-for-1. Also c’mon, she’s MOM Weathered Wayfarer - I have loved this guy twice as much ever since I found out he was a Human Soldier Cleric. Like Mom, he typically doesn’t stick around long, but that is typically long enough to at least grab a Reliquary Tower if I need one. Also a mini-beatstick if the rest of your opponents are mana-screwed. Grand Abolisher - Counterspells? No thanks! A bit of a nostalgia factor here as well, but he can also get rid of a piece of removal early game… not on my turn, of course~ Doomed Necromancer - Honestly haven’t used him yet, but I like him enough to include him anyway. Mikaeus, the Unhallowed - This deck isn’t packing the persist creatures to really abuse him, but allowing my meaty guys to survive a Wrath is pretty cool. He’s also a beating on his own.
Other Spells
Sol Ring, Boros Signet, Orzhov Signet, Rakdos Signet, Darksteel Ingot - Mana rocks. Signets over cluestones or keyrunes because they get Kaalia out a turn faster, which their Standard counterparts don’t Lightning Greaves, Swiftfoot Boots - Pretty standard. Greaves is better than Boots because of the lower equip cost, but it’s nice to have redundancy. I typically won’t play Kaalia (except maybe early game if there is very little removal about) without having one of these out first. Sword of Feast and Famine - Very good for this deck. Combos with Charger and Relentless Assault occasionally for LOTS of attacks, but I prefer spreading the love rather than going infinite. The possibility is there, though Sword of War and Peace - Considering most non-Wrath board wipes are red and damage-based, this provides protection to a key creature. The lifegain is pretty nice, too. Quicksilver Amulet - If Kaalia is too expensive, I will end up hard-casting most of my fatties. This takes some of the strain off of my mana requirements. Instant speed is another benefit. Seize the Day, Waves of Aggression, World at War, Savage Beating - Multiple attack steps are very, very fun! With Aurelia, I can get at least three attacks. Savage Beating can win a game on its own, entwined. Aggravated Assault[/card] - This is the one I can reuse most efficiently (unlike Waves, which requires that I have lands in hand) Fervent Charge - Mostly here for flavor reasons, as it is the only non-legendary Oros card, but also because it can get insane if there are multiple attack steps in a turn. Unburial Rites - Believe it or not, this stuff gets dead a lot. Being able to pick them out of my graveyard when it’s convenient for me is nice. Doing it twice a turn (as opposed to Beacon of Unrest) is good too. Syphon Mind - Card draw. I haven’t really focused on this aspect of the deck so far. It definitely isn’t the best card for the price, especially one on one, but in multiplayer (which is what this deck typically plays), it’ll draw me at least three Hallowed Burial, Merciless Eviction, Blasphemous Act - Wraths. I especially like how Hallowed Burial and Eviction get past things like undying and indestructibility, and Eviction’s multiple modes. Act never costs me more than :r:, ever, and sometimes I just want to reset the board. Boros Charm - I have never used this for anything other than indestructibility Rakdos Charm - All of its modes are useful in my opinion Path to Exile, Terminate, Dismember, Mortify, Unmake, Chaos Warp, Oblation - Removal. Chaos Warp and Oblation have the benefit of tucking generals as well. Wear/Tear, Orim's Thunder, Return to Dust - All of these are very versatile disenchant effects. Nice to get rid of an inconvenient O-ring AND someone’s Gilded Lotus! Ghostway - I just added this card, but I’ve seen it in action in another deck. I figure that I’m not playing tokens, so why not? Stranglehold - We've all been in a game where that guy takes seven turns and plays with himself for a half an hour. At least my extra attack steps are for delivering beats only.
Lands
Blackcleave Cliffs, Blood Crypt, Dragonskull Summit, Caves of Koilos, Godless Shrine, Isolated Chapel, Clifftop Retreat, Sacred Foundry, Command Tower - Say it with me: mana fixing! Evolving Wilds, Terramorphic Expanse - Early game, they fix mana. Late game, they activate Ob Nixlis’ landfall more than once a turn is pretty neat Cavern of Souls - Typically on Cleric, as they are probably my most mana-intensive tribe early. Also saves Kaalia from being Spell Crumpled or Hindered Vault of the Archangel - My guys are so fat that the lifegain alone is worth it Hall of the Bandit Lord, Slayers' Stronghold - Haste on Kaalia or anything else is pretty neat Reliquary Tower - I don’t draw a lot of cards, but if there’s a Group Hug player (or someone pretending to be one. I’m onto you guys), it is worth fetching with Weathered Wayfarer Spinerock Knoll - I'm surprised this card is so cheap…I got my copy for free! One swing for Kaalia will activate it, or one swing from someone else at the table even Bojuka Bog - I don’t like running the bouncelands required to really abuse this card, but it is nice to have anyway. Vivid Meadow - To be honest, I got a Russian copy as a gift. This could just as easily be another basic land
6 Mountain, 7 Plains, 5 Swamp[/card] - Basic lands are always nice, especially since most Group Hug players run green to allow us to fetch them!
Wishlist
Sneak Attack - If not for anything else but flavor. It’s pretty spendy though… Sword of Light and Shadow - The recursion is pretty valuable to this deck Scrubland, Badlands, Plateau, Arid Mesa, Marsh Flats, Bloodstained Mire - Since they are just for mana fixing, I don’t see a need for them right now. If I ever get ahold of them, though, you can bet I will play the heck out of them Enlightened Tutor - Most of the key cards in my deck are enchantments or artifacts Legion’s Initiative - Could work well as a second Ghostway or something. Or just make my guys bigger! Kokusho, the Evening Star - I wish he wasn’t so expensive. Kokopuffs would definitely increase my security, life total wise
Other things, when I think of them
Credit where credit is due: I got an idea of how the deck was supposed to run from the primer of 3drinks here and also blueram’s here.
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Remember that Vizkopa Guildmage combo? I do! I didn't include it in this deck, but you could certainly throw an Exquisite Blood in there if you wanted to! I think there is a gigantic opportunity for lifegaining in Standard right now. Admittedly, this might not win any major tournaments, but it would be fun to take to your local FNM.
I played against Renounce the Guilds yesterday in a tournament and it was really good. The basic idea of this deck is to keep beating down while answering all their threats with removal. The Knights/Charms might be better off as some amount of gy hate, like Purify the Grave or the new Crypt Incursion. I like Unburial Rites in here because it allows you to get extra value off of your fatties should they get blown up.
Suggestions are welcome! There are 61 cards in this deck I believe, so if you feel like one doesn't belong, say so.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
All there is is "too good" and "not good enough." Either way, people will hate you for it.
This seems to be a pretty good indicator of opinion. I will keep that in mind next time I break out Kaalia or someone else shows up with a particularly busted deck.
Thanks!
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Note: I am using this deck as an example because this is the one I have. I am sure other examples could be found in other decks.
I have begun playing a Kaalia deck recently, and shortly after I sleeved up my deck I met someone with what I considered to be a completely insane 99 with the same lady at the helm. I'm not just talking about his alters and foils, either. I soon came to realize that Armageddon and Avacyn, Angel of Hope was quite a common combo in the deck.
What?
To me, locking all players (or even one, looking at you Iona) out of the game would be no fun. Sure, I love dropping Rakdos, Defiler of Souls on the heads of my enemies, but that's one person at a time. My two main playgroups are casual with a few odd "tier 1" feeling decks, and on the other end just painful decks to play against, but the games always go pretty long.
These questions are starting to occur to me because when I play with different people, I feel like I have neutered my deck and pay the price, because my general draws fire anyway. I am not asking about specific stuff for Kaalia, but power level in general.
Where's the line where "fun and competitive" becomes "all-out competitive"? Does that matter in EDH? And should a game essentially end on turn 4?
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Level 1 Judge
Decks
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
I am going to start out by saying that I'm the kind of player that LOVES huge haymaker plays. My two favorite cards to get with my opening hand are Parallel Lives and Warstorm Surge. This deck plays with the Devour mechanic as well as straight-up recursion. Sometimes I consider switching to Thromok the Insatiable but I like the way black works in this deck too much. I tried to organize my list by function, but some of the cards have more than one. I'd love your feedback, as well as an opinion on Thromok as a general. My mana base is as expensive as I care to go at the moment, but utility lands are something that I could consider.
The deck has two main plans: overrun my opponents with bulked up tokens and use a massive amount of tokens to make my huge creatures huger. Warstorm Surge allows me to grind out longer games.
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
I've got a UR deck that I have had great success with. It utilizes some pretty sweet combos, as well as just being really good against control. It also has some really powerful finishers.
The deck has a few win conditions: Hellrider, either in multiples or copied by Phantasmal Image, Stalker-Sword, and Zealous Conscripts. My favorite ever play was tapping out against Frites to drop Hellrider on turn four. He reanimated Griselbrand and passed the turn. I played Zealous Conscripts, targeting Griselbrand, and swung with all three and hit exactly lethal.
I'vew noticed that the stragedy for this deck against unfavorable board states (such as a UW Delver opponent with a Restoration Angel-bounced Blade Splicer) is to power through it. Hellrider deals massive amounts of damage per turn, and one of the main goals of the deck is to keep my opponent from blocking. The great part is Hellrider doesn't need to attack to deal damage.
EDH
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
All feedback is appreciated!
Here we go:
4 Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge
Wizards
2 Nivix Guildmage
2 Deranged Assistant
2 Vedalken Aethermage
3 Anathemancer
3 Jhoira of the Ghitu
3 Shadowmage Infiltraitor
4 Archaeomancer
4 Riptide Director
4 Venser, Shaper Savant
4 Voidmage Husher
5 Azami, Lady of Scrolls
5 Havengul Lich
5 Izzet Chronarch
5 Magus of the Future
5 Mercurial Chemister
5 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
6 Etherium-Horn Sorcerer
6 Arcanis the Omnipotent
6 Melek, Izzet Paragon
6 Niv-Mizzet, Dracogenius
6 Vela the Night-Clad
Other Creatures
6 Tomorrow, Azami's Familiar
7 Diluvian Primordial
7 Silent-Blade Oni
8 Avatar of Woe
Instants and Sorceries
2 Dimir Charm
2 Izzet Charm
2 Rakdos Charm
2 Terminate
3 Crosis's Charm
3 Grixis Charm
3 Hero's Downfall
3 Soul Manipulation
3 Sudden Spoiling
4 Rite of Replication
4 Sever the Bloodline
4 Dismiss
4 Fact or Fiction
4 Memory Plunder
4 Steam Augery
5 Beacon of Unrest
5 Promise of Power
5 Prophetic Bolt
6 Stolen Identity
6 Opportunity
8 Decree of Pain
9 Blasphemous Act
3 Phyrexian Arena
4 Whip of Erebos
Artifacts
1 Sol Ring
2 Armillary Sphere
2 Dimir Signet
2 Izzet Signet
2 Lightning Greaves
2 Mask of Riddles
2 Strionic Resonator
2 Swiftfoot Boots
3 Coalition Reic
3 Diviner's Wand
5 Venser's Journal
Planeswalkers
8 Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker
Lands
0 Blood Crypt
0 Bojuka Bog
0 Cavern of Souls
0 Command Tower
0 Crumbling Necropolis
0 Dragonskull Summit
0 Drowned Catacomb
0 Evolving Wilds
0 Grixis Panorama
0 Hall of the Bandit Lord
0 Opal Palace
0 Reliquary Tower
0 Riptide Laboratory
0 Steam Vents
0 Sulfur Falls
0 Temple of the False God
0 Terramorphic Expanse
0 Watery Grave
8 Island
6 Mountain
7 Swamp
My budget is pretty flexible, given that this deck is on MODO and therefore the pricing is a bit weird.
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
This deck ramps harder than some green decks (you know, as long as they are snake tribal or something like that) and it has been doing fairly well for me recently on MODO and IRL. I thought I would share it and try to get some feedback on it. It used to have a dragon package, including things like Utvara Hellkite and Scourge of Valkas, but I took all but the most synergistic out for now because I am looking to make it more Voltron and less threatening early game. Additionally, I would love to make a pure dragon deck in the future, so those will definitely be more useful in their own dedicated home
A little background: I built this deck because I was looking for a budget EDH deck on MODO. I then preceded to build it in real life and spend way too much money on it in both real life and online.
Some of the all-stars in this deck are Basilisk Collar, Repercussion, and Trading Post. If one of my doublers stick, I will take over the game.
The basic strategy is pretty easy: Play Ashling and keep 6 mana open at every point in the game. Some neat interactions arise from there, for example Everflowing Chalice and Contagion Engine. My record is 18. This is all above and beyond what your main goal is, however:
1. Blow up the world with a big Ashling
2. ???
3. Profit!
Decklist (Numbers indicate CMC)
2 Ashling the Pilgrim
Creatures:12
4 Solemn Simulacrum
5 Hoarding Dragon
5 Kumano, Master Yamabushi
6 Darksteel Sentinel
6 Godo, Bandit Warlord
6 Hellkite Tyrant
6 Ryusei, the Falling Star
6 Steel Hellkite
7 Balefire Dragon
7 Hellkite Igniter
7 Molten Primordial
8 Scourge of Kher Ridges
Artifacts:33
0 Everflowing Chalice
1 Basilisk Collar
1 Codex Shredder
1 Expedition Map
1 Relic of Progenitus
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Wayfarer's Bauble
2 Darksteel Pendant
2 Ichor Wellspring
2 Lightning Greaves
2 Mind Stone
2 Mycosynth Wellspring
2 Swiftfoot Boots
3 Darksteel Plate
3 Loxodon Warhammer
3 Mimic Vat
3 Oblivion Stone
3 Rings of Brighthearth
3 Strata Scythe
4 Gemstone Array
4 Lux Cannon
4 Nevinyrral's Disk
4 Sword of Kaldra
4 Trading Post
5 Gauntlet of Power
5 Gilded Lotus
6 Argentum Armor
6 Caged Sun
6 Contagion Engine
6 Staff of Nin
7 Akroma's Memorial
7 Spine of Ish Sah
1 Vandalblast
2 Molten Disaster
3 Trash for Treasure
4 Chain Reaction
7 All Is Dust
9 Blasphemous Act
Instants:6
2 Starstorm
3 Chaos Warp
3 Reiterate
4 Grab the Reins
5 Cinder Cloud
5 Fissure
Enchantments:3
2 Braid of Fire
3 Repercussion
4 Stranglehold
Lands:39
0 Blasted Landscape
0 Buried Ruin
0 Encroaching Wastes
0 Forgotten Cave
0 Ghost Quarter
0 High Market
0 Kher Keep
0 Opal Palace
0 Smoldering Crater
0 Spinerock Knoll
0 Temple of the False God
0 Thespian's Stage
0 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
0 Vesuva
25 Mountain
Potential Changes:
Other Potential Additions
*Note: I have used Swords on MODO, mainly to prevent Ashling from blowing herself up. It's almost too easy.
I'd love some input from other mono-red players on anything techy I can include as well as anything that looks like it just doesn't fit. I can't say I will take your advice (I sometimes fall in love with cards) but I will take it into consideration. The only rule: 25 MOUNTAINS!
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
The current color identity of my general is WU. G cards will be considered for the future (notably, when Derevi is available on MODO), but for right now, I am just looking for non-bird spells with birds on the card. Thanks!
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
I play Opposition in Kangee. It seems like this deck would be able to take full advantage of the effect. I didn't see it in your list but if it's there, great minds think alike
Awesome to see more bird enthusiasts!
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
Here's the list:
3 Soul's Attendant
3 Martyr of Sands
4 Serra Ascendant
2 Auriok Champion
4 Ajani's Pridemate
4 Squadron Hawk
3 Ranger of Eos
4 Honor of the Pure
4 Path to Exile
2 Cavern of Souls
2 Windbrisk Heights
17 Plains
3 Brave the Elements
2 Sundering Growth
3 Rest in Peace
2 Stony Silence
3 Suppression Field
2 Hero of Bladehold
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
More than any of that, though, Kaalia doesn’t play by the rules. Who pays retail when you could get a creature for free? Not Kaalia, that’s for sure! In addition, Kaalia loves doing that more than once a turn! Multiple attack steps are fine by her! Add in a Sword and everything is pure AWESOME.
Without further ado, here is the decklist:
The Army
1 Mother of Runes
1 Weathered Wayfarer
2 Grand Abolisher
3 Doomed Necromancer
5 Bloodgift Demon
5 Karmic Guide
5 Ob Nixilis, the Fallen
6 Angelic Skirmisher
6 Aurelia, the Warleader
6 Deathless Angel
6 Harvester of Souls
6 Hellkite Charger
6 Hellkite Tyrant
6 Hoard-Smelter Dragon
6 Mikaeus, the Unhallowed
6 Oni of Wild Places
6 Oros, the Avenger
6 Rakdos the Defiler
6 Ryusei, the Falling Star
6 Steel Hellkite
7 Angel of Despair
7 Angel of Serenity
7 Balefire Dragon
7 Gisela, Blade of Goldnight
7 Lord of the Void
7 Rune-Scarred Demon
8 Scourge of Kher Ridges
8 Utvara Hellkite
1 Sol Ring
2 Boros Signet
2 Orzhov Signet
2 Rakdos Signet
2 Lightning Greaves
2 Swiftfoot Boots
3 Darksteel Ingot
3 Sword of Feast and Famine
3 Sword of War and Peace
4 Quicksilver Amulet
The Artillary
1 Path to Exile
2 Boros Charm
2 Terminate
2 Rakdos Charm
3 Chaos Warp
3 Dismember
3 Ghostway
3 Mortify
3 Oblation
3 Unmake
3 Wear/Tear
4 Orim's Thunder
4 Return to Dust
4 Savage Beating
4 Seize the Day
4 Syphon Mind
5 Hallowed Burial
5 Unburial Rites
5 Waves of Aggression
5 World at War
6 Merciless Eviction
9 Blasphemous Act
3 Aggravated Assault
4 Fervent Charge
4 Stranglehold
The Battleground
0 Blackcleave Cliffs
0 Blood Crypt
0 Bojuka Bog
0 Cavern of Souls
0 Caves of Koilos
0 Clifftop Retreat
0 Command Tower
0 Dragonskull Summit
0 Evolving Wilds
0 Godless Shrine
0 Hall of the Bandit Lord
0 Isolated Chapel
0 Reliquary Tower
0 Sacred Foundry
0 Slayers' Stronghold
0 Spinerock Knoll
0 Terramorphic Expanse
0 Vault of the Archangel
0 Vivid Meadow
6 Mountain
7 Plains
5 Swamp
Card Choices
Kaalia Targets
Karmic Guide - Recursion is good. She’s probably my weakest creature offensively, but the creature she gets back sure won’t be!
Angelic Skirmisher - I won’t usually be cheating her in with Kaalia, but she is relatively cheap to hard-cast. She can give lifelink or vigilance on my turn, and first strike on everyone else’s so I don’t have to worry as much about trading.
Aurelia, the Warleader - Again, I won’t cheat her in with Kaalia’s trigger, as she’s more useful when she attacks on her own. Again, she’s relatively cheap.
Deathless Angel - She will at the very least protect your best guy. As long as they aren’t wearing greaves! Darksteel Plate might be better in this slot, but that is currently in Ashling.
Angel of Despair - Vindicate onnastick. I’m rarely disappointed by this topdeck.
Angel of Serenity - Gets three guys out of the way (bonus: get someone to destroy her while the trigger’s on the stack for a pretty good permanent answer to problem guys) or gets three guys back, or a little of both.
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - One of the best creatures in the deck. Naturally, one of the biggest targets, too. Don’t drop it until you win the game.
Demons
Bloodgift Demon - Any extra draws off of him are gravy, but I expect him to be removed or stolen, really.
Ob Nixilis, the Fallen - He gets out of hand quickly. Move the Greaves or Boots to him if you can manage it.
Harvester of Souls - If he gets dropped right before a wrath, he has the potential to draw you a great deal of cards (just not off the Rhys player, unfortunately). Remember his trigger!
Oni of Wild Places - Not a bad size, and he has haste. Also, he serves as an Erratic Portal for the next guy…
Rakdos the Defiler - Old Rakdos, Kaalia’s bff. Best saved for someone who draws your ire, so as not to make enemies early on. Don’t hesitate to sac some lands and swing if given the opportunity. Life’s more fun that way!
Lord of the Void - One of the awesome Gatecrash additions to the deck. Swing once, he’s good. Swing twice, you’re probably winning.
Rune-Scarred Demon - Drop him, tutor and cast Savage Beating, gg.
Dragons
Hellkite Charger - Like his buddy Aurelia, he doesn’t like being cheated in as much. Give him Sword of Feast and Famine for giggles.
Hellkite Tyrant - Those are nice mana rocks. Mind if I borrow them? Forever? That’s right, your opponents don’t get their stuff back if they kill him. Seems fair.
Hoard-Smelter Dragon - Typically, I will use him purely for artifact removal. He’s scary enough to some to draw removal, but if he is cheated in, you will typically have enough mana to take something down with him.
Oros, the Avenger - I haven’t had a chance to play him yet, but he is in here for flavor reasons as much as he is here for board-wipe potential. Fun fact: most of the small guys in the deck are white.
Ryusei, the Falling Star - He really wishes he was Kokopuffs, but he is fun nonetheless.
Steel Hellkite - One of the most versatile creatures in the deck. You can pick off a problem permanent, or a horde of tokens. He is a pretty big removal target.
Balefire Dragon - Targeted wrath? Don’t mind if I do!
Scourge of Kher Ridges - I haven’t had a chance to use him yet, but his flexibility makes him a really attractive member of the team.
Utvara Hellkite - His ability is activated by dragons. This deck plays dragons. No brainer, really (but his ability isn’t triggered by Kaalia-aided attacks, unfortunately)
Mother of Runes - Rarely ever lives long enough to do her job well, but she draws removal pretty handily and can easily result in a 2-for-1. Also c’mon, she’s MOM
Weathered Wayfarer - I have loved this guy twice as much ever since I found out he was a Human Soldier Cleric. Like Mom, he typically doesn’t stick around long, but that is typically long enough to at least grab a Reliquary Tower if I need one. Also a mini-beatstick if the rest of your opponents are mana-screwed.
Grand Abolisher - Counterspells? No thanks! A bit of a nostalgia factor here as well, but he can also get rid of a piece of removal early game… not on my turn, of course~
Doomed Necromancer - Honestly haven’t used him yet, but I like him enough to include him anyway.
Mikaeus, the Unhallowed - This deck isn’t packing the persist creatures to really abuse him, but allowing my meaty guys to survive a Wrath is pretty cool. He’s also a beating on his own.
Lightning Greaves, Swiftfoot Boots - Pretty standard. Greaves is better than Boots because of the lower equip cost, but it’s nice to have redundancy. I typically won’t play Kaalia (except maybe early game if there is very little removal about) without having one of these out first.
Sword of Feast and Famine - Very good for this deck. Combos with Charger and Relentless Assault occasionally for LOTS of attacks, but I prefer spreading the love rather than going infinite. The possibility is there, though
Sword of War and Peace - Considering most non-Wrath board wipes are red and damage-based, this provides protection to a key creature. The lifegain is pretty nice, too.
Quicksilver Amulet - If Kaalia is too expensive, I will end up hard-casting most of my fatties. This takes some of the strain off of my mana requirements. Instant speed is another benefit.
Seize the Day, Waves of Aggression, World at War, Savage Beating - Multiple attack steps are very, very fun! With Aurelia, I can get at least three attacks. Savage Beating can win a game on its own, entwined.
Aggravated Assault[/card] - This is the one I can reuse most efficiently (unlike Waves, which requires that I have lands in hand)
Fervent Charge - Mostly here for flavor reasons, as it is the only non-legendary Oros card, but also because it can get insane if there are multiple attack steps in a turn.
Unburial Rites - Believe it or not, this stuff gets dead a lot. Being able to pick them out of my graveyard when it’s convenient for me is nice. Doing it twice a turn (as opposed to Beacon of Unrest) is good too.
Syphon Mind - Card draw. I haven’t really focused on this aspect of the deck so far. It definitely isn’t the best card for the price, especially one on one, but in multiplayer (which is what this deck typically plays), it’ll draw me at least three
Hallowed Burial, Merciless Eviction, Blasphemous Act - Wraths. I especially like how Hallowed Burial and Eviction get past things like undying and indestructibility, and Eviction’s multiple modes. Act never costs me more than :r:, ever, and sometimes I just want to reset the board.
Boros Charm - I have never used this for anything other than indestructibility
Rakdos Charm - All of its modes are useful in my opinion
Path to Exile, Terminate, Dismember, Mortify, Unmake, Chaos Warp, Oblation - Removal. Chaos Warp and Oblation have the benefit of tucking generals as well.
Wear/Tear, Orim's Thunder, Return to Dust - All of these are very versatile disenchant effects. Nice to get rid of an inconvenient O-ring AND someone’s Gilded Lotus!
Ghostway - I just added this card, but I’ve seen it in action in another deck. I figure that I’m not playing tokens, so why not?
Stranglehold - We've all been in a game where that guy takes seven turns and plays with himself for a half an hour. At least my extra attack steps are for delivering beats only.
Evolving Wilds, Terramorphic Expanse - Early game, they fix mana. Late game, they activate Ob Nixlis’ landfall more than once a turn is pretty neat
Cavern of Souls - Typically on Cleric, as they are probably my most mana-intensive tribe early. Also saves Kaalia from being Spell Crumpled or Hindered
Vault of the Archangel - My guys are so fat that the lifegain alone is worth it
Hall of the Bandit Lord, Slayers' Stronghold - Haste on Kaalia or anything else is pretty neat
Reliquary Tower - I don’t draw a lot of cards, but if there’s a Group Hug player (or someone pretending to be one. I’m onto you guys), it is worth fetching with Weathered Wayfarer
Spinerock Knoll - I'm surprised this card is so cheap…I got my copy for free! One swing for Kaalia will activate it, or one swing from someone else at the table even
Bojuka Bog - I don’t like running the bouncelands required to really abuse this card, but it is nice to have anyway.
Vivid Meadow - To be honest, I got a Russian copy as a gift. This could just as easily be another basic land
6 Mountain, 7 Plains, 5 Swamp[/card] - Basic lands are always nice, especially since most Group Hug players run green to allow us to fetch them!
Sword of Light and Shadow - The recursion is pretty valuable to this deck
Scrubland, Badlands, Plateau, Arid Mesa, Marsh Flats, Bloodstained Mire - Since they are just for mana fixing, I don’t see a need for them right now. If I ever get ahold of them, though, you can bet I will play the heck out of them
Enlightened Tutor - Most of the key cards in my deck are enchantments or artifacts
Legion’s Initiative - Could work well as a second Ghostway or something. Or just make my guys bigger!
Kokusho, the Evening Star - I wish he wasn’t so expensive. Kokopuffs would definitely increase my security, life total wise
Other things, when I think of them
Credit where credit is due: I got an idea of how the deck was supposed to run from the primer of 3drinks here and also blueram’s here.
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
4 Vizkopa Guildmage
4 Blood Artist
4 Vampire Nighthawk
4 Rhox Faithmender
2 Blood Barron of Vizkopa
2 Obzedat, Ghost Council
Spells (17)
3 Tragic Slip
2 Renounce the Guilds
2 Sign in Blood
2 Orzhov Charm
4 Lingering Souls
2 Murder
2 Unburial Rites
4 Godless Shrine
4 Isolated Chapel
1 Cavern of Souls (on Vampire probably)
2 Vault of the Archangel
4 Plains
9 Swamp
3 Knight of Glory
3 Knight of Infamy
2 Renounce the Guilds
3 Appetite for Brains
3 Sin Collector
1 High Priest of Penance
I played against Renounce the Guilds yesterday in a tournament and it was really good. The basic idea of this deck is to keep beating down while answering all their threats with removal. The Knights/Charms might be better off as some amount of gy hate, like Purify the Grave or the new Crypt Incursion. I like Unburial Rites in here because it allows you to get extra value off of your fatties should they get blown up.
Suggestions are welcome! There are 61 cards in this deck I believe, so if you feel like one doesn't belong, say so.
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
I can see that other people have opinions on "my" "unique" situation. Will keep that in mind in the future!
This seems to be a pretty good indicator of opinion. I will keep that in mind next time I break out Kaalia or someone else shows up with a particularly busted deck.
Thanks!
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
I have begun playing a Kaalia deck recently, and shortly after I sleeved up my deck I met someone with what I considered to be a completely insane 99 with the same lady at the helm. I'm not just talking about his alters and foils, either. I soon came to realize that Armageddon and Avacyn, Angel of Hope was quite a common combo in the deck.
What?
To me, locking all players (or even one, looking at you Iona) out of the game would be no fun. Sure, I love dropping Rakdos, Defiler of Souls on the heads of my enemies, but that's one person at a time. My two main playgroups are casual with a few odd "tier 1" feeling decks, and on the other end just painful decks to play against, but the games always go pretty long.
These questions are starting to occur to me because when I play with different people, I feel like I have neutered my deck and pay the price, because my general draws fire anyway. I am not asking about specific stuff for Kaalia, but power level in general.
Where's the line where "fun and competitive" becomes "all-out competitive"? Does that matter in EDH? And should a game essentially end on turn 4?
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
The deck has two main plans: overrun my opponents with bulked up tokens and use a massive amount of tokens to make my huge creatures huger. Warstorm Surge allows me to grind out longer games.
Note: I am looking for In the Web of War, Cauldron of Souls, Anger, and Brawn, which I will add when I get my hands on them~
1x Sek'Kuar, Deathkeeper
Tokens
1x Mitotic Slime
1x Kessig Cagebreakers
1x Mycoloth
1x Dragonlair Spider
1x Thropter Assembly
1x Avenger of Zendikar
1x Chancellor of the Forge
1x Awakening Zone
1x Golgari Germination
1x Parallel Lives
1x Goblin Offensive
1x Fresh Meat
1x Garruk Relentless
My Tokens Runneth Over
1x Craterhoof Behemoth
1x Triumph of the Hordes
1x Overrun
1x Predatory Rampage
1x Burn at the Stake
Devourers
1x Skullmulcher
1x Thromok the Insatiable
1x Preyseizer Dragon
Combat
1x Champion of Lambholt
1x Urabrask the Hidden
1x Kresh the Bloodbraided
1x Fires of Yavimaya
1x Breath of Fury
1x Ruthless Invasion
1x Viridian Emissary
1x Dawntreader Elk
1x Civic Wayfinder
1x Borderland Ranger
1x Caravan Vigil
1x Mulch
1x Cultivate
1x Krosan Tusker (Cycling only)
Card Advantage
1x Golgari Guildmage
1x Disciple of Bolas
1x Garruk’s Packleader
1x Harvester of Souls
1x Oversold Cemetery
1x Nim Deathmantle
Utility
1x Blood Artist
1x Olivia Voldaren
1x Acidic Slime
1x Massacre Wurm
1x Mikaeus, the Unhallowed
1x Broodmate Dragon
1x Cream of the Crop
1x Exquisite Blood
1x Sol Ring
1x Lightning Greaves
1x Conjurer’s Closet
1x Rite of Consumption
1x Consuming Vapors
1x Syphon Mind
1x Black Sun’s Zenith
1x Fling
1x Krosan Grip
1x Chaos Warp
1x Seize the Soul
1x Grab the Reins
1x Bloodghast
1x Perilous Forays
1x Warstorm Surge
Lands
1x Command Tower
1x Rootbound Crag
1x Woodland Cemetery
1x Kazandu Refuge
1x Rakdos Carnarium
1x Gruul Turf
1x Golgari Rot Farm
1x Molten Slagheap
1x Skarrg, the Rage Pits
1x Kessig Wolf Run
1x Grim Backwoods
1x Terrain Generator
1x Terramorphic Expanse
1x Evolving Wilds
9x Forest
6x Swamp
6x Mountain
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control
2 Vexing Devil
3 Stromkirk Noble
2 Delver of Secrets (this deck runs more creatures than most UR lists, so Delver is less useful unless I can set it up with Ponder)
4 Invisible Stalker
2 Snapcaster Mage
2 Phantasmal Image
4 Hellrider
2 Zealous Conscripts
Artifacts
2 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Sword of War and Peace
2 Devil's Play
4 Ponder
Instants
2 Thought Scour
2 Think Twice
3 Mana Leak
2 Negate
Lands
4 Sulfur Falls
8 Mountain
8 Island
2 Evolving Wilds
1 Zealous Conscripts
3 Combust
2 Dismember
2 Spellskite
2 Ratchet Bomb
2 Hero of Oxid Ridge
3 Dissipate
The deck has a few win conditions: Hellrider, either in multiples or copied by Phantasmal Image, Stalker-Sword, and Zealous Conscripts. My favorite ever play was tapping out against Frites to drop Hellrider on turn four. He reanimated Griselbrand and passed the turn. I played Zealous Conscripts, targeting Griselbrand, and swung with all three and hit exactly lethal.
I'vew noticed that the stragedy for this deck against unfavorable board states (such as a UW Delver opponent with a Restoration Angel-bounced Blade Splicer) is to power through it. Hellrider deals massive amounts of damage per turn, and one of the main goals of the deck is to keep my opponent from blocking. The great part is Hellrider doesn't need to attack to deal damage.
Decks
(paper) Competitive Prime Speaker Zegana - Explosive Ashling
(MODO) Kangee, Aerie Keeper Bird Tribal - Sisters of Stone Death Lady Tribal - Jeleva, Nephalia's Scourge something or another - Isperia Supreme Judge Control
Legacy
Burn
Pauper (MODO)
Mono Black Control
Modern
RW Norin - UWR Control