Okay so I think I built a relatively decent semi-budget Mayael deck. My only issue is that I still want to be able to get Avacyn, Angel of HopeandSeedborn Muse in there for sure.
Just looking on advice on what to cut and what to add. My meta consists of Animar, Brago, Rakdos, Meren, Prosh, and a few others. Surprisingly I've been winning or doing really good with this deck. Obviously with my meta there are infinite combos which is a factor to how I lose sometimes. Generally, before the infinite combo is in effect I normally have enough on the board or enough prepared to where I'd probably win within the next turn or two.
Just gonna list everything I have minus the lands just to save time because my land base and ramp doesn't need much fixing.
Okay so I think I built a relatively decent semi-budget Mayael deck. My only issue is that I still want to be able to get Avacyn, Angel of HopeandSeedborn Muse in there for sure.
Just looking on advice on what to cut and what to add. My meta consists of Animar, Brago, Rakdos, Meren, Prosh, and a few others. Surprisingly I've been winning or doing really good with this deck. Obviously with my meta there are infinite combos which is a factor to how I lose sometimes. Generally, before the infinite combo is in effect I normally have enough on the board or enough prepared to where I'd probably win within the next turn or two.
Just gonna list everything I have minus the lands just to save time because my land base and ramp doesn't need much fixing.
Hi, nice to see another Mayael player! She is very fun to bring to the table as she gets out of hand for the opponents very quickly. For some extra advice, I have a primer on her listed in my signature, if you want to get more info or ideas on your list. I run a significant flying focus in my list so it may not cater to what you are looking for, but hopefully it gives you some good ideas.
Just a few things after looking over everything.
After looking through your list, Mycoid Shepherd while he is cost efficient, his effect does not really help against combo decks as you mention are in your meta. His life gain will go highly unnoticed most of the time and you could easily find a more suitable replacement that will serve better. Dragonlord Dromoka or perhaps the cost efficient friend Grand Abolisher can keep control players off your back during your turns while you are getting ready to stampede into the combo player. Dromoka gives a very big beater on top of that and can be hit with Mayael.
Drumhunter is a little lacking, too situational on the draw, possibly try out Garruk's Packleader if you want a creature replacement or Elemental Bond. Both will get more draws off of other creatures in the list as well. The later reduces your curve some too. Nylea, God of the Hunt tested poorly for me. There are better trample enablers. I would sooner run Overwhelming Stampede or Triumph of the Hordes as win conditions in this scenario.
Is Awakening Zone simply there for the mana? If so I feel it is a good cut as it doesn't provide enough support. I's rather take a ramp spell over it most days, since they are immediate value instead of waiting until your next upkeep. Wood Elves is a good option for this or the slightly less budget friendly Lotus Cobra
I've had some luck with Arlinn Kord / Arlinn, Embraced by the Moon in my list. She caters to the creatures very well and she is almost always an upside to your board state. She would probably suit better than Domri Rade. His +1 is rarely what you want, creature in hand rather than on top for Mayael to cheat it into play, his -2 can kill a creature, but puts him in a easy to remove situation, and his ultimate is realistically not going to happen. Arlin, can at least extend value to one creature on her front side with her +1, and on her flip side all creatures you control get +1/+1 and trample with her +1.
I think both of those are good changes on Avacyn and Seedborn. Any reason you want damage wipes such as Blasphemous Act or Chandra's Ignition? A simple Wrath of God or Day of Judgment would suffice to kill all creatures. Or Austere Command for the versatility would be my choice but I know the price is driving up quickly.
Also my one buddy keeps telling me I should add more fight cards in the deck which I don't really see as a necessary solution, but he keeps arguing with me about it. So I'd also like some feedback on what you think about that as well.
Just another board wipe to have or do you recommend only having one board wipe in a Mayael Deck?
No, I just meant is there a reason to Blasphemous Act specifically when you have other wipes that are less expensive to cast and can be more flexible. Blasphemous Act will destroy most creatures except for creatures with protection from red as an example. It's not common, but it may come up when you least expect it. And I usually do not get to cast it for R very often. It usually ends up around 4 mana to cast. If that is the case, Day of Judgment is a cheaper option most of the time that will destroy all creatures aside from indestructible as usual. Or Austere Command as a great option for versatility purposes. I would definitely include 2 wipes for most decks, unless you are above average on creature count, in which case I minimize the amount of wipes. 30-35 creatures doesn't meet that in my opinion so no more than 3 wipes are probably necessary. You don't want to have to put yourself in a position where you are wiping the board often cause it will be harder for you to rebuild resources in a deck that requires creature presence, if that makes sense.
Also my one buddy keeps telling me I should add more fight cards in the deck which I don't really see as a necessary solution, but he keeps arguing with me about it. So I'd also like some feedback on what you think about that as well.
I can see his point of view, although I do not run more than Ulvenwald Tracker which has been fantastic in play testing. Gruul Ragebeast is also very good for this which you have in your list. Much more, especially if they are one off spells, won't generate enough value. Warstorm Surge can act like a fight trigger but one sided which is much better. I can understand the reasoning of wanting to include Domri Rade for this reason, but there are better walkers that can go much further than his effect allows. I see Domri being more suited to a Ruric Thar, the Unbowed list since their creature count is through the roof. Don't feel obligated to add fight just because you have large creatures. The repeatable options will generate the most value with Ulvenwald Tracker and Gruul Ragebeast
I really appreciate the feedback I've been still doing very well with the deck I have atm. I will be adding in Ulvenwald Tracker any suggestions on what to take out for that? I was thinking Sakura-Tribe Elder. And what board wipes do you recommend me having? And Blasphemous Act doesn't get through protection? Since its all and not target wouldn't it get by? If that's the case does Day of Judgment not get passed Animar, Soul of Elements?
I really appreciate the feedback I've been still doing very well with the deck I have atm. I will be adding in Ulvenwald Tracker any suggestions on what to take out for that? I was thinking Sakura-Tribe Elder. And what board wipes do you recommend me having? And Blasphemous Act doesn't get through protection? Since its all and not target wouldn't it get by? If that's the case does Day of Judgment not get passed Animar, Soul of Elements?
Not a problem at all!
When it comes to damage, protection checks what the source of the damage is. In this case it is red, so creatures with protection from red would not take the damage from Blasphemous Act. Wrath of God is different. It does not deal damage to creatures and does not target creatures, therefore it can bypass protection altogether. When it comes to protection remember this taken form the MTG rules:
The current reminder text for protection reads “This [object] can't be blocked, targeted, dealt damage, or enchanted by anything [quality].”
The effects of protection are often described using the mnemonic DEBT. The permanent or player with protection can't be:
Damaged by sources with the given quality (all such damage is prevented)
Enchanted or equipped by permanents with the given quality
Blocked by creatures with the given quality (if it's a creature)
Targeted by spells of the given quality, or abilities with sources of the given quality.
Just looking on advice on what to cut and what to add. My meta consists of Animar, Brago, Rakdos, Meren, Prosh, and a few others. Surprisingly I've been winning or doing really good with this deck. Obviously with my meta there are infinite combos which is a factor to how I lose sometimes. Generally, before the infinite combo is in effect I normally have enough on the board or enough prepared to where I'd probably win within the next turn or two.
Just gonna list everything I have minus the lands just to save time because my land base and ramp doesn't need much fixing.
Commander:
Mayael the Anima
Creatures:
Spearbreaker Behemoth
Hamletback Goliath
Knotvine Mystic
It that Betrays
Void Winnower
Archetype of Endurance
Angel of Serenity
Molten Primordial
Gruul Ragebeast
Elvish Piper
Ruric Thar, the Unbowed
Utvara Hellkite
Dreamhunter
Soul of the Harvest
Iona, Shield of Emeria
Heliod, God of the Sun
Thunderfoot Baloth
Avenger of Zenidkar
Meglonoth
Crater Hellion
Worldspine Wurm
Balefire Dragon
Greenwarden of Murasa
Moldgraf Monstrosity
Mycoid Shepherd
Blazing Archon
Giant Adephage
Kazzul, Tyrant of the Cliffs
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight
Nylea, God of the Hunt
Terastodon
Steel Hellkite
Scourge of Kher Ridges
Sakura-Tribe Elder
Sorcery:
Titanic Ultimatum
Tempt with Discovery
Cultivate
Skyshroud Claim
Farseek
Chandra's Ignition
Wrath of God
Explosive Vegetation
Hull Breach
Enchantment:
Defense of the Heart
Sylvan Library
Asceticism
Fires of Yavimaya
Lurking Predators
Aura Shards
Awakening Zone
Warstorm Surge
Instant:
Boros Charm
Worldy Tutor
Naya Charm
Congregation at Dawn
Naturalize
Artifact:
Lightning Greaves
Swiftfoot Boots
Sol Ring
Quicksilver Amulet
Illusionist's Bracers
Planeswalker:
Domri Rade
Remainder of the cards are land cards.
Is this not the appropriate thread to post this type of question?
Hi, nice to see another Mayael player! She is very fun to bring to the table as she gets out of hand for the opponents very quickly. For some extra advice, I have a primer on her listed in my signature, if you want to get more info or ideas on your list. I run a significant flying focus in my list so it may not cater to what you are looking for, but hopefully it gives you some good ideas.
Just a few things after looking over everything.
After looking through your list, Mycoid Shepherd while he is cost efficient, his effect does not really help against combo decks as you mention are in your meta. His life gain will go highly unnoticed most of the time and you could easily find a more suitable replacement that will serve better. Dragonlord Dromoka or perhaps the cost efficient friend Grand Abolisher can keep control players off your back during your turns while you are getting ready to stampede into the combo player. Dromoka gives a very big beater on top of that and can be hit with Mayael.
Drumhunter is a little lacking, too situational on the draw, possibly try out Garruk's Packleader if you want a creature replacement or Elemental Bond. Both will get more draws off of other creatures in the list as well. The later reduces your curve some too.
Nylea, God of the Hunt tested poorly for me. There are better trample enablers. I would sooner run Overwhelming Stampede or Triumph of the Hordes as win conditions in this scenario.
Depending on your land base, Titania, Protector of Argoth is good if you have some fetches, Strip Mine, Tectonic Edge, or even Naya Panorama or the others.
Is Awakening Zone simply there for the mana? If so I feel it is a good cut as it doesn't provide enough support. I's rather take a ramp spell over it most days, since they are immediate value instead of waiting until your next upkeep. Wood Elves is a good option for this or the slightly less budget friendly Lotus Cobra
I've had some luck with Arlinn Kord / Arlinn, Embraced by the Moon in my list. She caters to the creatures very well and she is almost always an upside to your board state. She would probably suit better than Domri Rade. His +1 is rarely what you want, creature in hand rather than on top for Mayael to cheat it into play, his -2 can kill a creature, but puts him in a easy to remove situation, and his ultimate is realistically not going to happen. Arlin, can at least extend value to one creature on her front side with her +1, and on her flip side all creatures you control get +1/+1 and trample with her +1.
I hope this helps out some.
WBR Alesha's Death Brigade WBR
WWW Brigid the Battlefield Saboteur WWW
UB Wydwen, the Biting Gale UB
I think both of those are good changes on Avacyn and Seedborn. Any reason you want damage wipes such as Blasphemous Act or Chandra's Ignition? A simple Wrath of God or Day of Judgment would suffice to kill all creatures. Or Austere Command for the versatility would be my choice but I know the price is driving up quickly.
WBR Alesha's Death Brigade WBR
WWW Brigid the Battlefield Saboteur WWW
UB Wydwen, the Biting Gale UB
No, I just meant is there a reason to Blasphemous Act specifically when you have other wipes that are less expensive to cast and can be more flexible. Blasphemous Act will destroy most creatures except for creatures with protection from red as an example. It's not common, but it may come up when you least expect it. And I usually do not get to cast it for R very often. It usually ends up around 4 mana to cast. If that is the case, Day of Judgment is a cheaper option most of the time that will destroy all creatures aside from indestructible as usual. Or Austere Command as a great option for versatility purposes. I would definitely include 2 wipes for most decks, unless you are above average on creature count, in which case I minimize the amount of wipes. 30-35 creatures doesn't meet that in my opinion so no more than 3 wipes are probably necessary. You don't want to have to put yourself in a position where you are wiping the board often cause it will be harder for you to rebuild resources in a deck that requires creature presence, if that makes sense.
I can see his point of view, although I do not run more than Ulvenwald Tracker which has been fantastic in play testing. Gruul Ragebeast is also very good for this which you have in your list. Much more, especially if they are one off spells, won't generate enough value. Warstorm Surge can act like a fight trigger but one sided which is much better. I can understand the reasoning of wanting to include Domri Rade for this reason, but there are better walkers that can go much further than his effect allows. I see Domri being more suited to a Ruric Thar, the Unbowed list since their creature count is through the roof. Don't feel obligated to add fight just because you have large creatures. The repeatable options will generate the most value with Ulvenwald Tracker and Gruul Ragebeast
WBR Alesha's Death Brigade WBR
WWW Brigid the Battlefield Saboteur WWW
UB Wydwen, the Biting Gale UB
Not a problem at all!
When it comes to damage, protection checks what the source of the damage is. In this case it is red, so creatures with protection from red would not take the damage from Blasphemous Act. Wrath of God is different. It does not deal damage to creatures and does not target creatures, therefore it can bypass protection altogether. When it comes to protection remember this taken form the MTG rules:
The current reminder text for protection reads “This [object] can't be blocked, targeted, dealt damage, or enchanted by anything [quality].”
The effects of protection are often described using the mnemonic DEBT. The permanent or player with protection can't be:
Damaged by sources with the given quality (all such damage is prevented)
Enchanted or equipped by permanents with the given quality
Blocked by creatures with the given quality (if it's a creature)
Targeted by spells of the given quality, or abilities with sources of the given quality.
As far as a cut for Ulvenwald Tracker, Mycoid Shepherd I feel does not do enough and the added removal would be better to have. I wouldn't remove Sakura-Tribe Elder since he is low cmc and ramps.
WBR Alesha's Death Brigade WBR
WWW Brigid the Battlefield Saboteur WWW
UB Wydwen, the Biting Gale UB
That combo will work especially well if I can Defense of the Heart both Avacyn, Angel of Hope and Novablast Wurm. Then that turn either get out Mayael, the Anima or use her ability and just start building.
Thoughts or commends would be appreciated as always, I think I will be updating the list as soon as I have all the cards I want/need.