For reference, my list is almost identical to Ari's (great minds think alike?)
My list is:
-1 Commune with the gods
-1 Sylvan Caryatid
+1 Whip of Erebos
+1 Pharika's Mender
I've actually really enjoyed the single Pharika's Mender as a way to both retrieve a whip that may have been lost to a Grisly Salvage or Satyr and as a way to recover a Nighthowler at a key point in the game. It shows up just enough to be useful, but not so much that its in the way.
My local metagame is a lot of RG and Esper. I find that I don't really have many issues with RG Monsters, so I too have eschewed Lifebane Zombie in my sideboard. But, I did replace the 2 SB Whips with Abrupt Decay/Hero's Downfall (depends on what I think I'll see more of on a given night, usually Downfalls).
I'm also considering finding spots for 2 maindeck Mistcutters, much like the role the maindeck Shadowborns play, I like the thought of being able to snag one in game 1 against certain matchups. But, I haven't figured out what 2 slots I would cut. Maybe move the 2 Deathrites to the board (he hasn't been a reliable mana source for me).
I hate to say it, but if people start playing hate cards for this, the deck is close to done. I think the best thing going for it is that is still viewed as a Tier 1.5 or Tier 2 deck at best. Scooze and Rest in Peace both have answers in the form of Abrupt Decay, which currently takes 2 slots in my board. If people start playing Crypt Incursion, thats a different story because outside of Thoughtseize, there is no good answer. It's not just that it resets our graveyard, but the life gain will make it nearly impossible to overcome. Like I said though, Until the deck wins a major event, I can't see people playing any real hate outside of the incidental Oozes that are already in some sideboards. The deck just isn't enough of a threat to most people for sideboard cards that don't impact any other matchups.
I'm glad people are jumping on the Ultimate Price train. It's the best maindeck answer for things that we might otherwise just lose to (Stormbreath, Desecration Demon, Pack Rat, all of Monoblue)
And dear lord the comments section on Conley's article are disturbing. Splashing blue for Pilfered Plans and Psychic Spiral? Come on man
In a control heavy meta, I think Golgari Charm fits better. But I think it is fair to have a few alternates depending on your meta. Against, RG heavy metas Ultimate Price makes more sense. Jund is on the rise and Hero's downfall might make more sense to get rid of Underworld Cerberus.
Does anyone actually play Underworld Cerberus? I'm more worried about Kiora. Which is why I'll probably be running 2-3 Downfalls at GP Phoenix.
I am just saying, I won't believe that this is the true promo material for the event until more sources have confirmed, because people fake ***** on the internet all the time. My theory is just a crazy conspiracy theory, I doubt it comes true. If it it does, I will be saying told ya so for about a month.
The link I provided on the previous page is to WotC's website and it was provided to me via a store owner and tournament organizer. You can doubt it if you want, but I consider it 100% authentic.
Not sure if someone else mentioned it, but your camera won't be allowed at a GP. You sign a media release (or your parent will if you're under 18) that gives WotC exclusive rights to media related to the event. You can take notes on your games and report them back, but you won't be allowed to tape them.
Has anyone considered including one or two Nighthowler in their lists? Seems like with the abundance of creature decks, bestowing this guy onto anything can mill someone out or just swing for 20+ in pretty short order. I don't think I'd play more than 2, but he's been in my conceptual lists.
The Demon here gives your opponent a choice of being killed or milled by it.
Just an FYI, when the Demon's trigger resolves and they choose to sacrifice a creature, you won't be able to tap him to mill them. You will have to tap him before the trigger resolves, at which point they won't need to sac a creature. I'm not sure if thats what you're trying to do here, but I figured I'd let you know either way.
-2 Deathrite Shaman
-1 Herald of Torment
+2 Shadowborn Demon
+1 Scavenging Ooze
Against Esper/UW Control:
-3 Herald of Torment
-3 Sylvan Caryatid
-2 Shadowborn Demon
+4 Thoughtseize
+4 Mistcutter Hydra
Against BW Midrange:
-3 Herald of Torment
-1 Deathrite Shaman
+4 Thoughtseize
Against MBD:
-4 Nemesis of Mortals
-1 Elvish Mystic
+4 Thoughtseize
+1 Scavenging Ooze
Against MUD:
-2 Deathrite Shaman
-1 Nemesis of Mortals
-1 Herald of Torment
+4 Mistcutter Hydra
My list is:
-1 Commune with the gods
-1 Sylvan Caryatid
+1 Whip of Erebos
+1 Pharika's Mender
I've actually really enjoyed the single Pharika's Mender as a way to both retrieve a whip that may have been lost to a Grisly Salvage or Satyr and as a way to recover a Nighthowler at a key point in the game. It shows up just enough to be useful, but not so much that its in the way.
My local metagame is a lot of RG and Esper. I find that I don't really have many issues with RG Monsters, so I too have eschewed Lifebane Zombie in my sideboard. But, I did replace the 2 SB Whips with Abrupt Decay/Hero's Downfall (depends on what I think I'll see more of on a given night, usually Downfalls).
I'm also considering finding spots for 2 maindeck Mistcutters, much like the role the maindeck Shadowborns play, I like the thought of being able to snag one in game 1 against certain matchups. But, I haven't figured out what 2 slots I would cut. Maybe move the 2 Deathrites to the board (he hasn't been a reliable mana source for me).
Does anyone actually play Underworld Cerberus? I'm more worried about Kiora. Which is why I'll probably be running 2-3 Downfalls at GP Phoenix.
The link I provided on the previous page is to WotC's website and it was provided to me via a store owner and tournament organizer. You can doubt it if you want, but I consider it 100% authentic.
It's 2 Theros, 1 BNG, 2 JOU and 1 seeded pack. Look at the last page under the product descriptions.
3 Phenax, God of Deception
4 Omenspeaker
2 Lazav, Dimir Mastermind
1 Nighthowler
2 Consuming Aberration
4 Pack Rat
3 Hero's Downfall
2 Essence Scatter
3 Dissolve
2 Triton Tactics
3 Far//Away
Enchantments (3)
3 Underworld Connections
2 Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
1 Jace, Memory Adept
Land(25)
4 Temple of Deceipt
4 Watery Grave
4 Mutavault
7 Island
6 Swamp
Just an FYI, when the Demon's trigger resolves and they choose to sacrifice a creature, you won't be able to tap him to mill them. You will have to tap him before the trigger resolves, at which point they won't need to sac a creature. I'm not sure if thats what you're trying to do here, but I figured I'd let you know either way.