MTG Salvation

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This is my second 300 deck. The first was based on the original film with Cymede and her man at the helm representing Sparta's Queen Gorgo and Leonidas. This second one focuses on the naval Battle of Salamis as featured in the new film, Rise of an Empire. Both are ideal choices for Vorthosian Spikes. (This deck is based on the movie, historical inaccuracies and all. Artemisia actually had the good sense to advise Xerxes to not engage the Greeks in naval warfare. Indeed, she was the lone voice of reason in this matter amongst all of his other commanders. For more factual information about the landmark Battle of Salamis, consult VDH's Carnage and Culture.)

How does one recreate a battle at sea with Magic cards? The answer is simpler than you might think once you take a look at the decklist. (Visit TappedOut.net for this deck's sample hand generator.)
 
Flavorful Strategy
The Persians are coming.
Their numbers are like the stars in the sky, the sands by the sea. 300 of your fellow Greeks have already fallen at the Battle of Thermopylae, and though they took many Persians to the afterlife with them, Xerxes' hordes continue to advance. However, they are led by one whereas your forces benefit from the voices of the many. You fight for more than your land, more than your lives. You fight for the spirit of demokratia (Ephara, God of the Polis). Keep the Persians off your shores (Rising Waters, Overburden) and play to your naval strengths to ensure the enemy gains no more ground (Global Ruin, Armageddon). Raise your xiphos (Sword of Feast and Famine, Sword of Fire and Ice) and indulge in gratuitous slow-motion battle sequences (Static Orb). Do whatever it takes to defend your land and everything it stands for!






Changelog

How does the MLD and denial strategies work with Daxos' triggered ability?

I do enjoy flavor builds. Great work. Although I can't make any real suggestions because I am not too familiar with mythology.

Quote from psilocybianth

How does the MLD and denial strategies work with Daxos' triggered ability?

I've had a much easier time getting Daxos to connect when my opponents don't have resources to answer him. Some games, I attempt to cast Daxos on turn 2; in others, I drop him for the first time post-MLD. Daxos' low casting cost ensures I'm able to apply pressure before many of my opponents. When playing the deck, I think of Daxos as Isamaru, Hound of Konda with built-in evasion and Azorius backup.

To be quite honest, Daxos' ability isn't my primary concern, it's just icing on my Grecian cake. I wanted a human commander to represent Themistocles; I wanted it to be W for access to MLD to go with my flavor theme; I wanted it to be U for access to counters and mana denial; I wanted it to not be color-intensive; and I wanted it to have a converted mana cost of 3 or less so I could potentially 'Geddon on turn 4 with my commander on the 'field.

That left me with only two options, Daxos of Meletis or Gwafa Hazid, Profiteer. Hmmm, who to represent Themistocles, a soldier charging into battle, or a palm-greasing rogue? Plus, with limited mana on the 'field, I'd much rather pay mana to equip my commander than pay to slowly bribe my opponents' creatures.

Quote from IMProgenitus

I do enjoy flavor builds. Great work. Although I can't make any real suggestions because I am not too familiar with mythology.

Thanks, mate!

1. If you like flavorful decks, check out my other lists!
2. The Battle of Salamis actually happened. Besides the spirit of democracy and Artemis Orthia, the deck's only invented characters are Scyllias and Calisto.
3. I welcome any and all suggestions!
4. If you think of one, I can probably take care of things on the flavor end.

While I really wanted the kitsch factor of being able to run this without it, I've finally added Winter Orb. Also put in Frantic Search. Dropped Gilded Lotus and Spear of Heliod to make room. Considering dropping Storm Cauldron instead of the Spear, but when Cauldron sticks, it's devastating.

Quote from 4Lark

To be quite honest, Daxos' ability isn't my primary concern, it's just icing on my Grecian cake.

Yeah, that's what I thought Also, I saw you have a Fables themed deck in tappedout, have you posted it here in the MTGS? Would be really nice to see it!

Quote from psilocybianth

I saw you have a Fables themed deck in tappedout, have you posted it here in the MTGS? Would be really nice to see it!

psilocybianth, check my signature for the FABLES deck!

Quote from Ghaespar

Another great deck. I hope that soon i will post my own movie inspired decklist

Thanks, Ghaespar! I just designed a new deck based on faerie tales, FABLES. Link's in my signature.

If you didn't have the 300 theme, you could call this deck "Staxos." You should keep that in mind in case you ever decide to change the deck.

Quote from bloodghasts

If you didn't have the 300 theme, you could call this deck "Staxos." You should keep that in mind in case you ever decide to change the deck.

And on that note…

ADDED
Tangle Wire
Tezzeret the Seeker

REMOVED
Island Sanctuary
Storm Cauldron

It took me awhile, but I've finally figured out that sometimes mass land destruction is a better call than Winter Orb effects. Live and learn!