Here is my decklist for my Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief EDH deck. It's one of my earliest decks that I have kept updating throughout the years. I'm very happy with the deck and enjoy playing it all the time. There are a few holes in the deck I want to fix though.
Cards that I'm not totally satisfied with: Thought Vessel - I like the card but I don't need the mana rock that much and I don't draw enough for the unlimited hand size to be relevant. I probably will replace it with Venser's Journal for the lifegain and Necropotence interactions. Ashnod's Altar - I like the mana but I don't run enough cheap cards to generate value from it. I want the sac outlet for the deck but the mana has not been that helpful. It may stay if I get a Bitterblossom though. Profane Command - I don't like that it can't end the game or gain me life like Exsanguinate since it only hits one player. I do like that it can kill one player and return a creature to play though.
Torment + Exsanguinate I like, but not really Torment over it. Ex can be a finisher or just a solid play with a few open Mana to keep your life up. Torment is much more situational when it'll be a good card.
You're completely right. I am never going to take out Exsanguinate but I do think I should be playing both. I like Torment of Hailfire a lot after using it in my The Gitrog Monster deck. I just don't have a second copy right now. I think it should probably replace Profane Command. What do you think?
Torment of Hailfire is one of my new favorite cards. It's so demoralizing to resolve it for X = 12+. I don't want to say it will be a mono-black staple, but it's definitely worth a slot here. Profane Command is an okay cut for it.
Also, I think Venser's Journal is a trap. It's a 5 mana artifact that doesn't affect the board, gives you the weakest resource, and has a minor rider in no hand size. Yes, black does tend to use a lot of life as a resource, but not to the point of justifying the Journal. Thought Vessel ramps, even just a little, which is basically the best thing you can do in EDH.
You look a little light on card draw for my tastes. I guess you don't need as much in a voltron deck since you always have a credible threat, so I'm not sure. Do you find yourself out of gas at times?
Torment of Hailfire is one of my new favorite cards. It's so demoralizing to resolve it for X = 12+. I don't want to say it will be a mono-black staple, but it's definitely worth a slot here. Profane Command is an okay cut for it.
Also, I think Venser's Journal is a trap. It's a 5 mana artifact that doesn't affect the board, gives you the weakest resource, and has a minor rider in no hand size. Yes, black does tend to use a lot of life as a resource, but not to the point of justifying the Journal. Thought Vessel ramps, even just a little, which is basically the best thing you can do in EDH.
You look a little light on card draw for my tastes. I guess you don't need as much in a voltron deck since you always have a credible threat, so I'm not sure. Do you find yourself out of gas at times?
I am a little light on draw. It's something I have noticed. That was one of my reason for thinking of including Venser's Journal so that I could draw as much as I ever wanted from Necropotence. I probably should be playing just more straight draw though. What draw do you think I should include? I would think probably Phyrexian Arena but what else?
Also on the topic of how much life I loose in this deck. I play Whip of Erebos but I was thinking that it should be Exquisite Blood. Should I make the swap or play both and/or are there any other lifegain sources I'm forgetting that I should be playing?
Lastly, on the topic of Thought Vessel in general, since most black draw cost life I don't think I need the max hand size ability that much. In my opinion I think I have enough mana rocks in the deck already so I was thinking it could be replaced by Jet Medallion.
I am a little light on draw. It's something I have noticed. That was one of my reason for thinking of including Venser's Journal so that I could draw as much as I ever wanted from Necropotence. I probably should be playing just more straight draw though. What draw do you think I should include? I would think probably Phyrexian Arena but what else?
Also on the topic of how much life I loose in this deck. I play Whip of Erebos but I was thinking that it should be Exquisite Blood. Should I make the swap or play both and/or are there any other lifegain sources I'm forgetting that I should be playing?
Lastly, on the topic of Thought Vessel in general, since most black draw cost life I don't think I need the max hand size ability that much. In my opinion I think I have enough mana rocks in the deck already so I was thinking it could be replaced by Jet Medallion.
Necro + Venser's Journal is an alright combo, but tutoring for Journal feels like it should instead be a tutor for a win condition or an answer that saves your bacon. I only tutor proactively if I'm far behind or on the cusp of winning. Most of the time I hold onto them. As for which draw to include, it kinda depends. Ancient Craving/Ambition's Cost are both much better than they appear on paper, and I would definitely include Night's Whisper and Read the Bones. I tend to think of the 2cmc draw two lose twos as black's version of blue's cantrips. They help you find land drops early on and effectively cycle when they're drawn late game. I have a love/hate relationship with Arena. It's great in an opening hand and comes down on turn 3, but it's a miserable topdeck on turn 10. I think it's good enough to include, though.
If you play Exquisite Blood people are going to expect you to combo out with Sanguine Bond, so I'd be wary about including it. If you play in a consistent group they'll learn it's just a lifegain mechanism, which is fine, but again I think a card solely devoted to lifegain just isn't worth it. Between Exsanguinate and Whip of Erebos you should be okay-ish maybe? Tendrils of Corruption is a fine removal card if you want to tack on some lifegain.
The problem with Jet Medallion is that it can't contribute to a Drana. That may or may not be an issue for you.
Lastly, some ideas for cuts: Burnished Hart - sooo slooow Gravestorm - I suppose it can occasionally draw cards but I would say it's inferior to Arena Syphon Mind - lots of card advantage until you realize a) you're enabling graveyard decks and b) it's not as dependable as Ancient Craving/Ambition's Cost
I am a little light on draw. It's something I have noticed. That was one of my reason for thinking of including Venser's Journal so that I could draw as much as I ever wanted from Necropotence. I probably should be playing just more straight draw though. What draw do you think I should include? I would think probably Phyrexian Arena but what else?
Also on the topic of how much life I loose in this deck. I play Whip of Erebos but I was thinking that it should be Exquisite Blood. Should I make the swap or play both and/or are there any other lifegain sources I'm forgetting that I should be playing?
Lastly, on the topic of Thought Vessel in general, since most black draw cost life I don't think I need the max hand size ability that much. In my opinion I think I have enough mana rocks in the deck already so I was thinking it could be replaced by Jet Medallion.
Necro + Venser's Journal is an alright combo, but tutoring for Journal feels like it should instead be a tutor for a win condition or an answer that saves your bacon. I only tutor proactively if I'm far behind or on the cusp of winning. Most of the time I hold onto them. As for which draw to include, it kinda depends. Ancient Craving/Ambition's Cost are both much better than they appear on paper, and I would definitely include Night's Whisper and Read the Bones. I tend to think of the 2cmc draw two lose twos as black's version of blue's cantrips. They help you find land drops early on and effectively cycle when they're drawn late game. I have a love/hate relationship with Arena. It's great in an opening hand and comes down on turn 3, but it's a miserable topdeck on turn 10. I think it's good enough to include, though.
If you play Exquisite Blood people are going to expect you to combo out with Sanguine Bond, so I'd be wary about including it. If you play in a consistent group they'll learn it's just a lifegain mechanism, which is fine, but again I think a card solely devoted to lifegain just isn't worth it. Between Exsanguinate and Whip of Erebos you should be okay-ish maybe? Tendrils of Corruption is a fine removal card if you want to tack on some lifegain.
The problem with Jet Medallion is that it can't contribute to a Drana. That may or may not be an issue for you.
Lastly, some ideas for cuts: Burnished Hart - sooo slooow Gravestorm - I suppose it can occasionally draw cards but I would say it's inferior to Arena Syphon Mind - lots of card advantage until you realize a) you're enabling graveyard decks and b) it's not as dependable as Ancient Craving/Ambition's Cost
Thanks for all the feedback. First, I think your right with what you are saying about Exquisite Blood. I keep forgetting to add my copy of Tendrils of Corruption to my deck when I should. I also have a foil Read the Bones that I will add immediately to the deck. I also need to pick up a fifth dawn Night's Whisper since the eternal masters art is horrible.
Now that you mention it, it is probably better for the Thought Vessel slot to still be a mana rock so I can use it for Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief instead of Jet Medalion. Probably it should become Fellwar Stone for untaped colored mana production on a 2 drop rock.
So far Burnished Hart has been good for me. It is a little slow but of things that I could cut it would be lower down on the list.
On the topic of Gravestorm I like that it is graveyard removal and card draw plus 3 black mana for devotion. It maybe should be cut but I like it for now.
Lastly, I just like the potential that Syphon Mind brings. I understand what you are saying but it is a new addition to the deck that I want to try out first. A couple other people play it at my local store and I haven't seen it bite them in the butt yet.
Thanks for all the feedback. First, I think your right with what you are saying about Exquisite Blood. I keep forgetting to add my copy of Tendrils of Corruption to my deck when I should. I also have a foil Read the Bones that I will add immediately to the deck. I also need to pick up a fifth dawn Night's Whisper since the eternal masters art is horrible.*
Now that you mention it, it is probably better for the Thought Vessel slot to still be a mana rock so I can use it for Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief instead of Jet Medalion. Probably it should become Fellwar Stone for untaped colored mana production on a 2 drop rock.
So far Burnished Hart has been good for me. It is a little slow but of things that I could cut it would be lower down on the list.
On the topic of Gravestorm I like that it is graveyard removal and card draw plus 3 black mana for devotion. It maybe should be cut but I like it for now.
Lastly, I just like the potential that Syphon Mind brings. I understand what you are saying but it is a new addition to the deck that I want to try out first. A couple other people play it at my local store and I haven't seen it bite them in the butt yet.
Fellwar Stone is a fine mana rock, especially with Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth usually popping in to make it tap for black. Speaking of UTOY, be careful using it with Gauntlet of Power since it can also turn your opponent's lands into Ancient Tombs. That's the main reason I don't use it in my list.
Okay, you caught me, I'm a scrub. I can't lie: the direct drains are not the greatest cards in the world. In theory they double as win conditions and removal, but realistically I end up saving them to either kill a player or as emergency life gain. In that sense, they're virtual card disadvantage, but given that my general draws cards it's usually not an issue. On the other hand, it's very satisfying to kill people with them. I can't say I recommend them, but they're pretty fun. Better practice your Shang Tsung impression if you add them, though.
As for Suffer the Past, it's solid. My deck's subtheme is X Spell Tribal (if you couldn't tell) so I might be a little biased. That said, being able to ruin the day of the guy playing The Gitrog Monster or Karador, Ghost Chieftain is nice, and the life gain is relevant in my deck.
I think I may just try Suffer the Past. It seems like its worth testing.
I have considered Lashwrithe in the past. Some said that it is not that good so I never included it and recently I just forgot about it. I think its good and I should pick one up. I don't think I need it and Nightmare Lash and I like that Lashwrithe is a "creature".
Also, a general question for everyone. What do you guys think about Underworld Dreams? It can punish heavy draw decks and gives 3 black mana for devotion and I really want to play my promo version. I worry that it's too weak in a non Nekusar, the Mindrazer deck.
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1x Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief
Creatures
1x Abhorrent Overlord
1x Bloodgift Demon
1x Burnished Hart
1x Chainer, Dementia Master
1x Crypt Ghast
1x Erebos, God of the Dead
1x Grave Titan
1x Gray Merchant of Asphodel
1x Kokusho, the Evening Star
1x Magus of the Coffers
1x Massacre Wurm
1x Merciless Executioner
1x Nighthowler
1x Nirkana Revenant
1x Noxious Gearhulk
1x Rune-Scarred Demon
1x Sepulchral Primordial
1x Sheoldred, Whispering One
1x Soldevi Adnate
1x Solemn Simulacrum
1x Steel Hellkite
1x Vampire Hexmage
1x Withered Wretch
1x Ashnod's Altar
1x Caged Sun
1x Everflowing Chalice
1x Expedition Map
1x Gauntlet of Power
1x Lightning Greaves
1x Memory Jar
1x Mind Stone
1x Rings of Brighthearth
1x Sol Ring
1x Spine of Ish Sah
1x Swiftfoot Boots
1x Unstable Obelisk
1x Thought Vessel
1x Wayfarer's Bauble
1x Whip of Erebos
Enchantments
1x Grave Pact
1x Gravestorm
1x Infernal Tribute
1x Necropotence
1x Strands of Night
1x Wound Reflection
Instants
1x Hero's Downfall
1x Tragic Slip
1x Vampiric Tutor
1x Ashes to Ashes
1x Beseech the Queen
1x Black Sun's Zenith
1x Damnation
1x Decree of Pain
1x Demonic Tutor
1x Exsanguinate
1x Mutilate
1x Profane Command
1x Rise of the Dark Realms
1x Sign in Blood
1x Syphon Mind
Planeswalkers
1x Liliana of the Dark Realms
1x Liliana Vess
Lands
1x Bojuka Bog
1x Cabal Coffers
1x Myriad Landscape
1x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1x Phyrexia's Core
1x Reliquary Tower
1x Strip Mine
29x Swamp
1x Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
Cards that I'm not totally satisfied with:
Thought Vessel - I like the card but I don't need the mana rock that much and I don't draw enough for the unlimited hand size to be relevant. I probably will replace it with Venser's Journal for the lifegain and Necropotence interactions.
Ashnod's Altar - I like the mana but I don't run enough cheap cards to generate value from it. I want the sac outlet for the deck but the mana has not been that helpful. It may stay if I get a Bitterblossom though.
Profane Command - I don't like that it can't end the game or gain me life like Exsanguinate since it only hits one player. I do like that it can kill one player and return a creature to play though.
Cards I'm thinking of Playing:
Bitterblossom - It generates tokens which can be used in sac outlets or as chump blockers
Razaketh, the Foulblooded - It's a tutor and a sac outlet.
Venser's Journal - It gains me life and has interactions with Necropotence.
Torment of Hailfire - It's a potential boardwipe and an easier to win with than Exsanguinate.
I hope you all enjoy my deck and any suggestion are very welcome.
You're completely right. I am never going to take out Exsanguinate but I do think I should be playing both. I like Torment of Hailfire a lot after using it in my The Gitrog Monster deck. I just don't have a second copy right now. I think it should probably replace Profane Command. What do you think?
Also, I think Venser's Journal is a trap. It's a 5 mana artifact that doesn't affect the board, gives you the weakest resource, and has a minor rider in no hand size. Yes, black does tend to use a lot of life as a resource, but not to the point of justifying the Journal. Thought Vessel ramps, even just a little, which is basically the best thing you can do in EDH.
You look a little light on card draw for my tastes. I guess you don't need as much in a voltron deck since you always have a credible threat, so I'm not sure. Do you find yourself out of gas at times?
[Primer] Erebos, God of the Dead
HONK HONK
I am a little light on draw. It's something I have noticed. That was one of my reason for thinking of including Venser's Journal so that I could draw as much as I ever wanted from Necropotence. I probably should be playing just more straight draw though. What draw do you think I should include? I would think probably Phyrexian Arena but what else?
Also on the topic of how much life I loose in this deck. I play Whip of Erebos but I was thinking that it should be Exquisite Blood. Should I make the swap or play both and/or are there any other lifegain sources I'm forgetting that I should be playing?
Lastly, on the topic of Thought Vessel in general, since most black draw cost life I don't think I need the max hand size ability that much. In my opinion I think I have enough mana rocks in the deck already so I was thinking it could be replaced by Jet Medallion.
Necro + Venser's Journal is an alright combo, but tutoring for Journal feels like it should instead be a tutor for a win condition or an answer that saves your bacon. I only tutor proactively if I'm far behind or on the cusp of winning. Most of the time I hold onto them. As for which draw to include, it kinda depends. Ancient Craving/Ambition's Cost are both much better than they appear on paper, and I would definitely include Night's Whisper and Read the Bones. I tend to think of the 2cmc draw two lose twos as black's version of blue's cantrips. They help you find land drops early on and effectively cycle when they're drawn late game. I have a love/hate relationship with Arena. It's great in an opening hand and comes down on turn 3, but it's a miserable topdeck on turn 10. I think it's good enough to include, though.
If you play Exquisite Blood people are going to expect you to combo out with Sanguine Bond, so I'd be wary about including it. If you play in a consistent group they'll learn it's just a lifegain mechanism, which is fine, but again I think a card solely devoted to lifegain just isn't worth it. Between Exsanguinate and Whip of Erebos you should be okay-ish maybe? Tendrils of Corruption is a fine removal card if you want to tack on some lifegain.
The problem with Jet Medallion is that it can't contribute to a Drana. That may or may not be an issue for you.
Lastly, some ideas for cuts:
Burnished Hart - sooo slooow
Gravestorm - I suppose it can occasionally draw cards but I would say it's inferior to Arena
Syphon Mind - lots of card advantage until you realize a) you're enabling graveyard decks and b) it's not as dependable as Ancient Craving/Ambition's Cost
[Primer] Erebos, God of the Dead
HONK HONK
Thanks for all the feedback. First, I think your right with what you are saying about Exquisite Blood. I keep forgetting to add my copy of Tendrils of Corruption to my deck when I should. I also have a foil Read the Bones that I will add immediately to the deck. I also need to pick up a fifth dawn Night's Whisper since the eternal masters art is horrible.
Now that you mention it, it is probably better for the Thought Vessel slot to still be a mana rock so I can use it for Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief instead of Jet Medalion. Probably it should become Fellwar Stone for untaped colored mana production on a 2 drop rock.
So far Burnished Hart has been good for me. It is a little slow but of things that I could cut it would be lower down on the list.
On the topic of Gravestorm I like that it is graveyard removal and card draw plus 3 black mana for devotion. It maybe should be cut but I like it for now.
Lastly, I just like the potential that Syphon Mind brings. I understand what you are saying but it is a new addition to the deck that I want to try out first. A couple other people play it at my local store and I haven't seen it bite them in the butt yet.
Edit: I was looking over your Erebos, God of the Dead decklist and was wondering how cards like Consume Spirit, Drain Life, and Suffer the Past have been for you?
Fellwar Stone is a fine mana rock, especially with Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth usually popping in to make it tap for black. Speaking of UTOY, be careful using it with Gauntlet of Power since it can also turn your opponent's lands into Ancient Tombs. That's the main reason I don't use it in my list.
*yeah that art is just terrible
Okay, you caught me, I'm a scrub. I can't lie: the direct drains are not the greatest cards in the world. In theory they double as win conditions and removal, but realistically I end up saving them to either kill a player or as emergency life gain. In that sense, they're virtual card disadvantage, but given that my general draws cards it's usually not an issue. On the other hand, it's very satisfying to kill people with them. I can't say I recommend them, but they're pretty fun. Better practice your Shang Tsung impression if you add them, though.
As for Suffer the Past, it's solid. My deck's subtheme is X Spell Tribal (if you couldn't tell) so I might be a little biased. That said, being able to ruin the day of the guy playing The Gitrog Monster or Karador, Ghost Chieftain is nice, and the life gain is relevant in my deck.
EDIT: Have you considered Lashwrithe or Nightmare Lash? They complement the voltron strategy and otherwise make one of your other creatures really, really fat. Between a Liliana of the Dark Realms -3 and Lashwrithe I was able to score a handful of wins from commander damage with Chainer, Dementia Master. Good fun.
[Primer] Erebos, God of the Dead
HONK HONK
I have considered Lashwrithe in the past. Some said that it is not that good so I never included it and recently I just forgot about it. I think its good and I should pick one up. I don't think I need it and Nightmare Lash and I like that Lashwrithe is a "creature".
Also, a general question for everyone. What do you guys think about Underworld Dreams? It can punish heavy draw decks and gives 3 black mana for devotion and I really want to play my promo version. I worry that it's too weak in a non Nekusar, the Mindrazer deck.