Marath is an elusive, powerful beast who roams the untamed regions of his shaman-ruled world. Although many try, few have glimpsed this majestic creature. Some believe he was one of this world's progenitors and has been around since before the dawn of time. Vines twine out of the earth as he passes. Green mist rises around his feet. Some of the mist takes on animalistic forms, and new life is created as he passes by. He's infused with elemental magic, and many of the elves who share the wilds with him believe he is the source of growth and natural justice. When threatened, Marath is a ferocious opponent, striking with furious blows and predatory power.
This is an aggressive control deck, much like Jenara, Asura of War. Marath is very versatile, so it's the prime candidate for the commander of this deck. Marath can put +1/+1 counters on target creature. This is good with cards like Wood Elves, making them big beaters. Marath can deal X damage to target creature or player. Whenever Marath has deathtouch, this becomes 1, Remove 1 +1/+1 counter from Marath: Destroy target creature. Lastly, Marath can put an X/X green Elemental token onto the battlefield. This itself is versatile, say X = 4, Marath can put 4 1/1 tokens, 2 1/1 tokens and a 2/2 token, a 1/1 token and a 3/3 token, 2 2/2 tokens, or a 4/4 token onto the battlefield.
THE DECK
This deck focuses on two engines, Birthing Pod and Sunforger. The deck runs many utility creatures to take full advantage of Birthing Pod. Sunforger is there to search for answer cards to deal with threats. Between the two, most cards in the deck can be tutored for. The strategy of the deck is to basically beat down with creatures, while controlling the board with Marath itself and removal spells.
I cut 3 CMC removal for 3 CMC removal. While powerful, Beast Within doesn't deal with indestructible permanents. Chaos Warp does deal with those permanents.
Dauntless Escort has played poorly and feels like a dead card. I wanted to include Oblation and exclude Dauntless Escort. I included Oblation because I wanted another card to deal with planeswalkers.
I cut sac outlet for sac outlet. Like Dauntless Escort, Spawning Pit performed poorly. I added Ashnod's Altar because the card combos with many cards in the deck and just produces much mana.
I cut Path to Exile and added Spear of Heliod. Spear is an anthem and reusable removal, opposite of single-use Path to Exile. Spear is political too, as it discourages attacking me and encourages attacking opponents. I have high hopes for Spear of Heliod and am looking forward to testing it out along with the rest of the recent additions.
Cutting more of the token cards for more goodstuff.
I added Avenger, Resto, Reveillark, and Zealous because they're good creatures. Resto, Reveillark, and Zealous are utility, while Avenger is a win-con. If all fails, Resto/Zealous can combo with Kiki-Jiki, becoming another win-con.
I added DoJ and Hallowed Burial because Marath equipped to Basilisk Collar can only do so much. It can't deal with hexproof, and it can't deal with pro red/green/white, so I felt adding wraths was only necessary.
I added Boros Charm, Into the Core, and Wear//Tear for the deck's Sunforger package. Charm was added because it's so versatile. Into the Core and Wear//Tear were both added because the deck needed more artifact and enchantment removal.
I cut Ashnod's for Goblin Bombardment. I would rather be dealing 1 damage than adding 2 mana to my mana pool.
I cut Kher Keep and Springjack for Gavony and Homeward. I added Gavony because Airithne suggested it. I added Homeward because Olivia Voldaren shows up frequently at the local game store, and so, stealing creatures is common.
I'm finally cutting the last of the last token cards.
Sharpshooter was added because it works so well with Basilisk Collar and Nightshade Peddler, or even Bow of Nylea. This guy's like a second Marath, capable of sweeping the board every turn.
Harmonic Sliver's in because it's creature-based removal, which works wonders with Birthing Pod. It's also a nice addition to the curve.
Kitchen Finks was added because of its synergy with Marath, much like Woodfall Primus. It also works nicely with Ashnod's Altar, so I'm considering adding that back in.
Stonehewer Giant's in because it's a creature-based tutor, except it's an activated ability. It doesn't work as well with Birthing Pod as the other additions, but I still have high hopes for this guy.
Stoneforge Mystic is the card I've been dying to pick-up for the deck, and I finally have. This card is so awesome. When it enters the battlefield, it searches for an equipment and puts it into your hand... for 1W. The deck revolves around Basilisk Collar and Sunforger, so this is a perfect addition. I plan on eventually picking up Sword of Fire and Ice, now that I have Stoneforge.
Since I finally cut the rest of the token cards, don't expect another big update for a while. I'm very satisfied with how the deck has been playing, so I don't intend to make many more changes.
I'd cut Path to Exile. Swords is better, and although I'm all for 1CMC removal, Naya has access to some sweet any-permanent removal. I'd try and find room for Oblation and Chaos Warp at least. Tuck is often better than removal, and the "downsides" to them are neglegible and can sometimes make friends. In tokens, Chaos Warp can flip into something more useful, and Oblation may as well be Divination in a pinch.
Unexpectedly Absent is another sweet one. Even at X=0, doing it in response to a fetch, tutor, ramp, etc basically just shuffles target nonland into their deck. Without tricks, burying something deep into someone's library still is awesome.
I find Awakening Zone to be underwhelming. I love the card, but something about it just never clicks.
Mana Echoes seems weak. Druids' Repository is better and you're already packing it.
I'd try to find room for 2-4 more lands. 34 is light, especially for green. Making room for a bit more ramp (Wood Elves and friends) will help you get farther more consistently. Also, Gavony Township is an absolute must for GW tokens. Its the bees knees.
If you find you're able, Birthing Pod is an awesome card for green and I'd try to abuse it if possible.
I run Hazezon, and these are just some of the things I noticed that helped me along. I run a bit different list, as Hazezon offers a ton of tokens at once, rather than over time like Marath. I wouldn't run nearly as much land ramp as I do, but still, Wood Elves/Farhaven Elf/Kodama's Reach/Cultivate will go a long way.
I'd cut Path to Exile. Swords is better, and although I'm all for 1CMC removal, Naya has access to some sweet any-permanent removal. I'd try and find room for Oblation and Chaos Warp at least. Tuck is often better than removal, and the "downsides" to them are neglegible and can sometimes make friends. In tokens, Chaos Warp can flip into something more useful, and Oblation may as well be Divination in a pinch.
I will find room for Chaos Warp and/or Oblation, but I won't cut Path to Exile. Early-game, PtE may be ramp, I exile a token and search for a basic land and put it onto the battlefield tapped.
Unexpectedly Absent is another sweet one. Even at X=0, doing it in response to a fetch, tutor, ramp, etc basically just shuffles target nonland into their deck. Without tricks, burying something deep into someone's library still is awesome.
I'd try to find room for 2-4 more lands. 34 is light, especially for green. Making room for a bit more ramp (Wood Elves and friends) will help you get farther more consistently. Also, Gavony Township is an absolute must for GW tokens. Its the bees knees.
I will find room for a few more lands. Recently, I have experienced mana draught. I will most likely make room for a bit ramp (Wood Elves and co) as the deck does require much mana.
Edit: Decklist typo. The deck runs 39 lands, and not 34.
I cut Gavony Township early on, as the card required a lot of mana that I would rather spend on spells.
If you find you're able, Birthing Pod is an awesome card for green and I'd try to abuse it if possible.
If I perfect my curve, and maybe add low-cost ramp creatures, I will add Birthing Pod. It is an awesome card and easily abused in the right deck.
Originally, I avoided Ashnod's Altar and combo shenanigans, but the deck needs a good sac outlet. Ashnod's Altar also produces mana to help the deck get going. I may add this.
Tempt With Vengeance seems really strong with all your cards that pump/double your tokens.
I cut 3 CMC removal for 3 CMC removal. While powerful, Beast Within doesn't deal with indestructible permanents. Chaos Warp does deal with those permanents.
Dauntless Escort has played poorly and feels like a dead card. I wanted to include Oblation and exclude Dauntless Escort. I included Oblation because I wanted another card to deal with planeswalkers.
I cut sac outlet for sac outlet. Like Dauntless Escort, Spawning Pit performed poorly. I added Ashnod's Altar because the card combos with many cards in the deck and just produces much mana.
Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions!
Edit: I want to include Sunforger. It serves as tutor for red and white instants and allows me to search for those cards. But, I fear Sunforger may be out of place within a token deck. What is everyone's stance on this card?
I cut Path to Exile and added Spear of Heliod. Spear is an anthem and reusable removal, opposite of single-use Path to Exile. Spear is political too, as it discourages attacking me and encourages attacking opponents. I have high hopes for Spear of Heliod and am looking forward to testing it out along with the rest of the recent additions.
I added Basilisk Collar, Bow, and Nighshade Peddler so Marath has deathtouch. I plan on adding Goblin Sharpshooter soon to take full advantage of the deathtouch.
I added Farhaven, Sakura-Tribe Elder, Solemn, and Wood Elves just to add some utility creatures.
I added Birthing Pod to take advantage of the utility creatures.
I added Kiki-Jiki to get the most-bang-for-your-buck out of the utility creatures.
I added Scavenging Ooze because I just needed some graveyard hate.
I added Slime and Woodfall just to have some permanent destruction. Woodfall plays well along with Marath.
I added Sunforger because I wanted an instant toolbox.
I added Unexpectedly Absent for my instant toolbox.
Qasali Pridemage could be a good toolbox card. Similar to Acidic Slime (Minus the ability to hit land), and it can be returned to the battlefield by Sun Titan. ^.^
Qasali Pridemage could be a good toolbox card. Similar to Acidic Slime (Minus the ability to hit land), and it can be returned to the battlefield by Sun Titan. ^.^
How's Kher Keep and Springjack Pasture worked in your deck? Been thinking of testing them, but not sure if they're relevant enough. Springjack Pasture might have too pricey activation cost...?
How's Kher Keep and Springjack Pasture worked in your deck? Been thinking of testing them, but not sure if they're relevant enough. Springjack Pasture might have too pricey activation cost...?
Both work well in the token deck, but only with other cards. With Mana Reflections, Springjack has a reasonable activation cost. With Doubling Season, the tokens add up fast. With Elesh Norn, the tokens swing for lots of damage. Both are good cards, but require other cards to be great.
Gahiji, Honored One is extremely good in just about every deck that can run it. You may not have a token build to abuse his ability with anymore, but his power lies in table politics. The more your opponents smack each other around the easier it is for you to clean up.
Natural Order is one I've noticed that ToSGod is fond of. If nothing else, you can use it early on a Marath token to grab a large threat.
Lastly, I dislike Ant Queen in Marath decks. She doesn't add any benefits to what you already have. She's like a Marath that's more expensive to use. If you're looking for something to spit out tokens, Mycoloth or Dragon Broodmother are better options. It's also good to note that after you've done your devour triggers, you can add counters to Mycoloth over the course of his duration on the board with Marath for more Saprolings.
Lastly, I dislike Ant Queen in Marath decks. She doesn't add any benefits to what you already have. She's like a Marath that's more expensive to use. If you're looking for something to spit out tokens, Mycoloth or Dragon Broodmother are better options. It's also good to note that after you've done your devour triggers, you can add counters to Mycoloth over the course of his duration on the board with Marath for more Saprolings.
I will run Genesis as soon as I pick one up.
I found Gavony slow and cut it. I would rather spend the mana putting tokens onto the battlefield than putting +1/+1 onto creatures.
I felt Gahiji just doesn't do a lot and cut it. But, after seeing people play Gahiji, I feel it does do a lot and I may add it in again.
I like Natural Order, I just need to track down a copy.
I like Ant Queen. She combos with Doubling Season/Parallel Lives/Primal Vigor and Earthcraft/Mana Reflection/Mirari's Wake for infinite tokens.
I played Mycoloth in my token deck, but cut it because I'm in the process of turning my token deck into a goodstuff deck. But, I'm not really digging the goodstuff approach and might go back to the token approach instead.
Edit: Is Rhys, the Redeemed better or worse than Marath? I ran Rhys, the Redeemed for a few years and the deck played faster and much more consistent than Marath has played.
If you go back to Rhys, it's pretty much back to tokens. They both have their ups and downs.
Marath generally provides more combo and utility than Rhys does. Your general may not be the centerpiece of your ability to win all the time, but he's your best and most consistant source of resources. Rhys is a more efficient token machine.
I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they're just different. For example, from the standpoint of a token deck, Rhys lacks my main wincon Purphoros, God of the Forge
If you go back to Rhys, it's pretty much back to tokens. They both have their ups and downs.
Marath generally provides more combo and utility than Rhys does. Your general may not be the centerpiece of your ability to win all the time, but he's your best and most consistant source of resources. Rhys is a more efficient token machine.
I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they're just different. For example, from the standpoint of a token deck, Rhys lacks my main wincon Purphoros, God of the Forge
I like that Rhys wins the old fashioned way, turning creatures sideways.
Whenever Marath wins by Purphoros dealing damage, or Marath dealing infinite damage, it feels un-token. Marath just feels like a combo deck and not like a token deck.
I like that Rhys wins the old fashioned way, turning creatures sideways.
Whenever Marath wins by Purphoros dealing damage, or Marath dealing infinite damage, it feels un-token. Marath just feels like a combo deck and not like a token deck.
There are reasons why my deck is built in an... Odd way. There are no infinite combos, and unless someone at the table is being a jerk, I won't tutor for my main win combo (Purphoros, God of the Forge, Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, Avenger of Zendikar, and at least nine lands) and even that win con requires a ton of setup and is easily disrupted.
Marath can work like that, but you have to avoid those combos, or at least take out the piece to let you go infinite (for example, I run Cathars' Crusade, but not Earthcraft which causes it to go infinite with Marath). But yes, like Ghave and Prossh, Marath naturally excels at comboing off because of his abilities.
It still runs like a normal token deck, but I get to use my favorite Naya card, Godsire.
If you want to make the switch to Rhys however, there are bound to be a few good lists here to start.
There are reasons why my deck is built in an... Odd way. There are no infinite combos, and unless someone at the table is being a jerk, I won't tutor for my main win combo (Purphoros, God of the Forge, Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, Avenger of Zendikar, and at least nine lands) and even that win con requires a ton of setup and is easily disrupted.
Marath can work like that, but you have to avoid those combos, or at least take out the piece to let you go infinite (for example, I run Cathars' Crusade, but not Earthcraft which causes it to go infinite with Marath). But yes, like Ghave and Prossh, Marath naturally excels at comboing off because of his abilities.
It still runs like a normal token deck, but I get to use my favorite Naya card, Godsire.
If you want to make the switch to Rhys however, there are bound to be a few good lists here to start.
Edit: Because apparently auto correct hates me.
After a few games today, I am liking goodstuff Marath more and more. I'm cutting the rest of the token deck cards and going all in on the goodstuff approach.
I am rebuilding Rhys the Redeemed with the token deck cards, expect a thread within a few days.
Gahiji, Honored One is extremely good in just about every deck that can run it. You may not have a token build to abuse his ability with anymore, but his power lies in table politics. The more your opponents smack each other around the easier it is for you to clean up.
I really need to test this out. I just don't know what to cut because I hate raising my CMC ever. So when I lower it's a lot harder for me to justify raising it again.
Natural Order is one I've noticed that ToSGod is fond of. If nothing else, you can use it early on a Marath token to grab a large threat.
Card is broken. Twice last night I had turn 3 Nat order into Primordial... My deck wants turn 2 Marath every game. So that means more turn 1 ramp dudes to sac for a turn 3 Nat. Every time over drawn it it's been incredible. Even the one game I Nat ordered for Peddler and mowed my opponents team over and bashed in for 20. The fair ways to use this card are still extremely good.
I always want to love this card and use it effectively. But my play group has become extremely hostile to grave hate over the years and I'm afraid of using it. Plus it's expensive in an already mana hungry deck.
I found Gavony slow and cut it. I would rather spend the mana putting tokens onto the battlefield than putting +1/+1 onto creatures.
I'll state first I am a sucker for spell lands. And yes it's slow, but it's that you can spend mana to permanently pump your team without having to dedicate resources to do it.
I like Ant Queen. She combos with Doubling Season/Parallel Lives/Primal Vigor and Earthcraft/Mana Reflection/Mirari's Wake for infinite tokens.
Any instance that you would get infinite tokens from Queen you can get infinite tokens from Marath and fireball the table for the win. And you "always" have access to Marath. I would dedicate the spot to something more threatening or faster.
I played Mycoloth in my token deck, but cut it because I'm in the process of turning my token deck into a goodstuff deck. But, I'm not really digging the goodstuff approach and might go back to the token approach instead.
Just my opinion here but I hate this card. Actual it's more of my hate for the Devour mechanic entirely. It's card disadvantage for a pretty good but slow token producer. And I just don't see it winning games often.
Edit: Is Rhys, the Redeemed better or worse than Marath? I ran Rhys, the Redeemed for a few years and the deck played faster and much more consistent than Marath has played.
Rhys is more focused and direct yes. Which means she will be faster at what she does. While Marath is much more versatile. So he can stand against a wider verity of decks and do well.
I really need to test this out. I just don't know what to cut because I hate raising my CMC ever. So when I lower it's a lot harder for me to justify raising it again.
Card is broken. Twice last night I had turn 3 Nat order into Primordial... My deck wants turn 2 Marath every game. So that means more turn 1 ramp dudes to sac for a turn 3 Nat. Every time over drawn it it's been incredible. Even the one game I Nat ordered for Peddler and mowed my opponents team over and bashed in for 20. The fair ways to use this card are still extremely good.
I always want to love this card and use it effectively. But my play group has become extremely hostile to grave hate over the years and I'm afraid of using it. Plus it's expensive in an already mana hungry deck.
I'll state first I am a sucker for spell lands. And yes it's slow, but it's that you can spend mana to permanently pump your team without having to dedicate resources to do it.
Yes. That is all...
Any instance that you would get infinite tokens from Queen you can get infinite tokens from Marath and fireball the table for the win. And you "always" have access to Marath. I would dedicate the spot to something more threatening or faster.
Just my opinion here but I hate this card. Actual it's more of my hate for the Devour mechanic entirely. It's card disadvantage for a pretty good but slow token producer. And I just don't see it winning games often.
Rhys is more focused and direct yes. Which means she will be faster at what she does. While Marath is much more versatile. So he can stand against a wider verity of decks and do well.
After a few more games, I'm liking goodstuff Marath more and more. I am slowly cutting token cards, like Ant Queen, for goodstuff cards, like Sunforger. With the token cards, I'm rebuilding my Rhys, the Redeemed token deck, expect a decklist within a few days.
Speaking of Sunforger, I am loving it. My package is:
Marath is an elusive, powerful beast who roams the untamed regions of his shaman-ruled world. Although many try, few have glimpsed this majestic creature. Some believe he was one of this world's progenitors and has been around since before the dawn of time. Vines twine out of the earth as he passes. Green mist rises around his feet. Some of the mist takes on animalistic forms, and new life is created as he passes by. He's infused with elemental magic, and many of the elves who share the wilds with him believe he is the source of growth and natural justice. When threatened, Marath is a ferocious opponent, striking with furious blows and predatory power.
This deck focuses on two engines, Birthing Pod and Sunforger. The deck runs many utility creatures to take full advantage of Birthing Pod. Sunforger is there to search for answer cards to deal with threats. Between the two, most cards in the deck can be tutored for. The strategy of the deck is to basically beat down with creatures, while controlling the board with Marath itself and removal spells.
1 Marath, Will of the Wild
Creatures (26)
1 Nightshade Peddler
1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Stoneforge Mystic
1 Eternal Witness
1 Farhaven Elf
1 Goblin Sharpshooter
1 Harmonic Sliver
1 Kitchen Finks
1 Wood Elves
1 Bloodbraid Elf
1 Flametongue Kavu
1 Restoration Angel
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Acidic Slime
1 Karmic Guide
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Reveillark
1 Seedborn Muse
1 Stonehewer Giant
1 Zealous Conscripts
1 Sun Titan
1 Avenger of Zendikar
1 Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
1 Sylvan Primordial
1 Woodfall Primus
Artifacts (7)
1 Basilisk Collar
1 Birthing Pod
1 Sensei's Divining Top
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Sunforger
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Aura Shards
1 Bow of Nylea
1 Fires of Yavimaya
1 Goblin Bombardment
1 Mana Reflection
1 Mirari's Wake
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
1 Survival of the Fittest
1 Sylvan Library
Instants (11)
1 Boros Charm
1 Chaos Warp
1 Chord of Calling
1 Eladamri's Call
1 Enlightened Tutor
1 Into the Core
1 Oblation
1 Swords to Plowshares
1 Wear//Tear
1 Worldly Tutor
1 Unexpectedly Absent
Planeswalkers (2)
1 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
1 Xenagos, the Reveler
Sorcery (6)
1 Austere Command
1 Day of Judgement
1 Green Sun's Zentih
1 Hallowed Burial
1 Idyllic Tutor
1 Tooth and Nail
Lands (38)
1 Arid Mesa
1 Clifftop Retreat
1 Command Tower
1 Dryad Arbor
1 Fire-Lit Thicket
1 Flagstones of Trokair
5 Forest
1 Gavony Township
1 Gruul Turf
1 Homeward Path
1 Jungle Shrine
1 Kor Haven
1 Krosan Verge
1 Mosswort Bridge
4 Mountains
1 Oran-Rief, the Vastwood
4 Plains
1 Raging Ravine
1 Reliquary Tower
1 Rootbound Crag
1 Rugged Prairie
1 Sacred Foundry
1 Selesnya Sanctuary
1 Stirring Wildwood
1 Stomping Ground
1 Sunpetal Grove
1 Temple Garden
1 Wooded Bastion
WIP
Unexpectedly Absent is another sweet one. Even at X=0, doing it in response to a fetch, tutor, ramp, etc basically just shuffles target nonland into their deck. Without tricks, burying something deep into someone's library still is awesome.
I find Awakening Zone to be underwhelming. I love the card, but something about it just never clicks.
Mana Echoes seems weak. Druids' Repository is better and you're already packing it.
Rhys, the Redeemed is slow for my tastes.
I'd try to find room for 2-4 more lands. 34 is light, especially for green. Making room for a bit more ramp (Wood Elves and friends) will help you get farther more consistently. Also, Gavony Township is an absolute must for GW tokens. Its the bees knees.
If you find you're able, Birthing Pod is an awesome card for green and I'd try to abuse it if possible.
I run Hazezon, and these are just some of the things I noticed that helped me along. I run a bit different list, as Hazezon offers a ton of tokens at once, rather than over time like Marath. I wouldn't run nearly as much land ramp as I do, but still, Wood Elves/Farhaven Elf/Kodama's Reach/Cultivate will go a long way.
UBRSedris, the Necromancer KingUBR
I will find room for Chaos Warp and/or Oblation,
but I won't cut Path to Exile. Early-game, PtE may be ramp, I exile a token and search for a basic land and put it onto the battlefield tapped.Edit: I cut Path of Exile in favor of Spear of Heliod.
I may find room for Unexpectedly Absent too.
I find Awakening Zone strong, and very strong along with Purphoros, God of the Forge.
Actually, Mana Echoes seems nuts. Along with Marath, Will of the Wild and Doubling Season/Earthcraft/Primal Vigor, I put infinite X/X elemental tokens onto the battlefield.
I agree, I will cut Rhys, the Redeemed.
I will find room for a few more lands.Recently, I have experienced mana draught. I will most likely make room for a bit ramp (Wood Elves and co) as the deck does require much mana.Edit: Decklist typo. The deck runs 39 lands, and not 34.
I cut Gavony Township early on, as the card required a lot of mana that I would rather spend on spells.
If I perfect my curve, and maybe add low-cost ramp creatures, I will add Birthing Pod. It is an awesome card and easily abused in the right deck.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Tempt With Vengeance seems really strong with all your cards that pump/double your tokens.
WBR: Kaalia of the Vast
GWU: Rafiq of the Many
WUB: Sydri, Galvanic Genius
URG: Riku of Two Reflections
BRG: Kresh the Bloodbraided
WUBRG: Sliver Overlord
Originally, I avoided Ashnod's Altar and combo shenanigans, but the deck needs a good sac outlet. Ashnod's Altar also produces mana to help the deck get going. I may add this.
Tempt with Vengeance and Doubling Season may be game-changing. Along with Mana Echoes, massive amounts of mana may be produced. I may add this too.
Thanks for the suggestions!
+ Chaos Warp
I cut 3 CMC removal for 3 CMC removal. While powerful, Beast Within doesn't deal with indestructible permanents. Chaos Warp does deal with those permanents.
- Dauntless Escort
+ Oblation
Dauntless Escort has played poorly and feels like a dead card. I wanted to include Oblation and exclude Dauntless Escort. I included Oblation because I wanted another card to deal with planeswalkers.
- Spawning Pit
+ Ashnod's Altar
I cut sac outlet for sac outlet. Like Dauntless Escort, Spawning Pit performed poorly. I added Ashnod's Altar because the card combos with many cards in the deck and just produces much mana.
Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions!
Edit: I want to include Sunforger. It serves as tutor for red and white instants and allows me to search for those cards. But, I fear Sunforger may be out of place within a token deck. What is everyone's stance on this card?
+ Spear of Heliod
I cut Path to Exile and added Spear of Heliod. Spear is an anthem and reusable removal, opposite of single-use Path to Exile. Spear is political too, as it discourages attacking me and encourages attacking opponents. I have high hopes for Spear of Heliod and am looking forward to testing it out along with the rest of the recent additions.
BURWGSliver Hivelord's alt wincon deck at Maze's EndBURWG
GWBSidar Kondo and Ikra Shidiq likes big butts
RUMizzix of the Izmagnus Super ThiefRU
BURWGGeneral Tazri, The Megazord AllyBURWG
BURJeleva Mill and Kill BUR
BRGrenzo's get out from under that deck!BR
WUG Roon's Enchanted Evening (enchantment deck) WUG
BUG The Undersea World of Tasigur CousteauBUG
BWGAnafenza, Counter QueenBWG
I have. I wish to add one, but I can not seem to track one down.
Not to mention with Cathars' Crusade, you get X X+1/X+1 tokens WITH HASTE.
Also, with Purphoros, that's 2X damage to all opponents.
WBR: Kaalia of the Vast
GWU: Rafiq of the Many
WUB: Sydri, Galvanic Genius
URG: Riku of Two Reflections
BRG: Kresh the Bloodbraided
WUBRG: Sliver Overlord
I'll add Tempt with Vengeance as soon as I get my hands on one. Looking forward to playing that card.
Thanks again for the suggestions!
- 14 Cards
+ Acidic Slime
+ Basilisk Collar
+ Birthing Pod
+ Bow of Nylea
+ Farhaven Elf
+ Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
+ Nightshade Peddler
+ Sakura-Tribe Elder
+ Scavenging Ooze
+ Solemn Simulacrum
+ Sunforger
+ Unexpectedly Absent
+ Wood Elves
+ Woodfall Primus
I cut many token cards for many goodstuff cards.
I added Basilisk Collar, Bow, and Nighshade Peddler so Marath has deathtouch. I plan on adding Goblin Sharpshooter soon to take full advantage of the deathtouch.
I added Farhaven, Sakura-Tribe Elder, Solemn, and Wood Elves just to add some utility creatures.
I added Birthing Pod to take advantage of the utility creatures.
I added Kiki-Jiki to get the most-bang-for-your-buck out of the utility creatures.
I added Scavenging Ooze because I just needed some graveyard hate.
I added Slime and Woodfall just to have some permanent destruction. Woodfall plays well along with Marath.
I added Sunforger because I wanted an instant toolbox.
I added Unexpectedly Absent for my instant toolbox.
My Helpdesk
[Pr] Marath | [Pr] Lovisa | Jodah | Saskia | Najeela | Yisan | Lord Windgrace | Atraxa | Meren | Gisa and Geralf
Good idea. I'll add one of those.
Both work well in the token deck, but only with other cards. With Mana Reflections, Springjack has a reasonable activation cost. With Doubling Season, the tokens add up fast. With Elesh Norn, the tokens swing for lots of damage. Both are good cards, but require other cards to be great.
For utility lands, two of the best I've found are Gavony Township and Winding Canyons. Both are also extremely synergistic with Seedborn Muse.
Gahiji, Honored One is extremely good in just about every deck that can run it. You may not have a token build to abuse his ability with anymore, but his power lies in table politics. The more your opponents smack each other around the easier it is for you to clean up.
Natural Order is one I've noticed that ToSGod is fond of. If nothing else, you can use it early on a Marath token to grab a large threat.
Lastly, I dislike Ant Queen in Marath decks. She doesn't add any benefits to what you already have. She's like a Marath that's more expensive to use. If you're looking for something to spit out tokens, Mycoloth or Dragon Broodmother are better options. It's also good to note that after you've done your devour triggers, you can add counters to Mycoloth over the course of his duration on the board with Marath for more Saprolings.
My Helpdesk
[Pr] Marath | [Pr] Lovisa | Jodah | Saskia | Najeela | Yisan | Lord Windgrace | Atraxa | Meren | Gisa and Geralf
I will run Genesis as soon as I pick one up.
I found Gavony slow and cut it. I would rather spend the mana putting tokens onto the battlefield than putting +1/+1 onto creatures.
I felt Gahiji just doesn't do a lot and cut it. But, after seeing people play Gahiji, I feel it does do a lot and I may add it in again.
I like Natural Order, I just need to track down a copy.
I like Ant Queen. She combos with Doubling Season/Parallel Lives/Primal Vigor and Earthcraft/Mana Reflection/Mirari's Wake for infinite tokens.
I played Mycoloth in my token deck, but cut it because I'm in the process of turning my token deck into a goodstuff deck. But, I'm not really digging the goodstuff approach and might go back to the token approach instead.
Edit: Is Rhys, the Redeemed better or worse than Marath? I ran Rhys, the Redeemed for a few years and the deck played faster and much more consistent than Marath has played.
Marath generally provides more combo and utility than Rhys does. Your general may not be the centerpiece of your ability to win all the time, but he's your best and most consistant source of resources. Rhys is a more efficient token machine.
I wouldn't say one is better than the other, they're just different. For example, from the standpoint of a token deck, Rhys lacks my main wincon Purphoros, God of the Forge
My Helpdesk
[Pr] Marath | [Pr] Lovisa | Jodah | Saskia | Najeela | Yisan | Lord Windgrace | Atraxa | Meren | Gisa and Geralf
I like that Rhys wins the old fashioned way, turning creatures sideways.
Whenever Marath wins by Purphoros dealing damage, or Marath dealing infinite damage, it feels un-token. Marath just feels like a combo deck and not like a token deck.
There are reasons why my deck is built in an... Odd way. There are no infinite combos, and unless someone at the table is being a jerk, I won't tutor for my main win combo (Purphoros, God of the Forge, Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, Avenger of Zendikar, and at least nine lands) and even that win con requires a ton of setup and is easily disrupted.
Marath can work like that, but you have to avoid those combos, or at least take out the piece to let you go infinite (for example, I run Cathars' Crusade, but not Earthcraft which causes it to go infinite with Marath). But yes, like Ghave and Prossh, Marath naturally excels at comboing off because of his abilities.
It still runs like a normal token deck, but I get to use my favorite Naya card, Godsire.
If you want to make the switch to Rhys however, there are bound to be a few good lists here to start.
Edit: Because apparently auto correct hates me.
My Helpdesk
[Pr] Marath | [Pr] Lovisa | Jodah | Saskia | Najeela | Yisan | Lord Windgrace | Atraxa | Meren | Gisa and Geralf
After a few games today, I am liking goodstuff Marath more and more. I'm cutting the rest of the token deck cards and going all in on the goodstuff approach.
I am rebuilding Rhys the Redeemed with the token deck cards, expect a thread within a few days.
I really need to test this out. I just don't know what to cut because I hate raising my CMC ever.
Card is broken. Twice last night I had turn 3 Nat order into Primordial... My deck wants turn 2 Marath every game. So that means more turn 1 ramp dudes to sac for a turn 3 Nat. Every time over drawn it it's been incredible. Even the one game I Nat ordered for Peddler and mowed my opponents team over and bashed in for 20. The fair ways to use this card are still extremely good.
I always want to love this card and use it effectively. But my play group has become extremely hostile to grave hate over the years and I'm afraid of using it. Plus it's expensive in an already mana hungry deck.
I'll state first I am a sucker for spell lands. And yes it's slow, but it's that you can spend mana to permanently pump your team without having to dedicate resources to do it.
Yes. That is all...
Any instance that you would get infinite tokens from Queen you can get infinite tokens from Marath and fireball the table for the win. And you "always" have access to Marath. I would dedicate the spot to something more threatening or faster.
Just my opinion here but I hate this card. Actual it's more of my hate for the Devour mechanic entirely. It's card disadvantage for a pretty good but slow token producer. And I just don't see it winning games often.
Rhys is more focused and direct yes. Which means she will be faster at what she does. While Marath is much more versatile. So he can stand against a wider verity of decks and do well.
Thank you so much mchief111 for the amazing art!
BUG is the Jund of EDH!
Modern: Jund, Grixis Delver, Bant Eldrazi, TitanShift
Commander: Brago, Yidris, Mizzix, Marath, Atheros, Daretti
After a few more games, I'm liking goodstuff Marath more and more. I am slowly cutting token cards, like Ant Queen, for goodstuff cards, like Sunforger. With the token cards, I'm rebuilding my Rhys, the Redeemed token deck, expect a decklist within a few days.
Speaking of Sunforger, I am loving it. My package is:
Suggestions are welcome! I'm looking for versatile instants.
I am also loving the goodstuff approach. I plan on soon picking up Stoneforge Mystic, Stonehewer Giant, and Goblin Sharpshooter.
Suggestions for other goodstuff are welcome! I'm looking for low-cost utility creatures for Birthing Pod.