Archivist comes in for some incredible card draw potential, replacing our cost reducer who wasnt pulling the weight I would have wanted. Gatekeeper was in to synergize with Mentor but due to the heavy hate for creatures in my meta, I'd prefer this effect on an enchantment instead for now. Mox Opal for Embargo. Embargo will definitely see play at another point but I wanna test this configuration of stax elements first. Supreme Verdict for the Key so we can still untap some mana rocks when we cant do so with Brago, activate Metalcraft for Opal, etc. Touch, since we have Archivist, and not a huge need to stop creatures, is replaced by Everflowing chalice as another 2 cost mana rock (or better) and activates metalcraft.
have you looked at any of the new set yet for your build.
-authority of the consuls
-cataclysmic Gearhulk
-aetherworks marvel
-Dovin Baan
-consulate surveillance
-glassblower's puzzleknot
these all seem like they would have some interesting effects with brago's ability or seem to fit in with the deck.
also have you ever put any thought into
-glen elendra archmage
-spine of Ish sah
-protective bubble
Cataclysmic Gearhulk doesn't feel like a good fit here imo. You would have to sac all of the extra mana rocks that are allowing Brago to break stax parity.
Some other interesting choices if you are going for value, though Dovin's ultimate is hilarious. I've been playing this list and it is super fun (for me), but I'm going to do a Brago incremental value one too. I'm guessing you have to balance stax lock or value pieces and what slots you value most
have you looked at any of the new set yet for your build.
-authority of the consuls
-cataclysmic Gearhulk
-aetherworks marvel
-Dovin Baan
-consulate surveillance
-glassblower's puzzleknot
these all seem like they would have some interesting effects with brago's ability or seem to fit in with the deck.
also have you ever put any thought into
-glen elendra archmage
-spine of Ish sah
-protective bubble
The only one of these lists I've considered is Glen Elendra. The rest are too slow. This is a more competitive Brago and I'm not trying to play 20 turn games where Spine is worthwhile when Reality Acid, which is close to getting cut, serves the same purpose.
Also, why would Aetherworks marvel work? We blink things, we dont sacrifice them. Huh?
In addition, while the energy counter thing is cute, I'd rather run more strict tutors. If tutors are banned in your playgroup, perhaps?
is that on purpose or you just didn't have those cards
also what is the purpose of spreading seas in this deck?
Mystic Gate I do not own sadly, cant seem to find one. Port Town isn't on my radar, as I have enough ETB tapped lands and so many nonbasics I fear it wont be more than a guildgate.
Helm and Rest were added as another wincon, rather than just burning our opponents out via infinite with Resonator. They replace both impersonators. They performed well, but honestly dont help our gameplan much. We also need more removal that isnt contigent on Brago, so Reality Acid is removed for Swords to Plowshares. Finally, Seat was removed for another dual land.
Mentor is far too slow and mana intensive for the deck, and we dont run enough creatures to take advantage. It might as well be a Wall of Omens. Cursed Totem enters to help with metalcraft and shut down numerous strategies, including Breya shenanigans.
Found that kismet is incredibly difficult to cast, and awkward to use. It helps with a Stasis lock, but since Stasis lock isn't our primary goal, but a helpful lock, this piece had to go. Sphere comes in as another artifact for Mox Opal, and I'd also like to get an Inventors' Fair to also synergize. But most importantly, Sphere is an efficient taxing piece, particularly alongside Rhystic Study.
What are your thoughts on Trophy Mage? It can tutor Basalt Monolith/Rings combo in same turn with a Brago flicker, or get Tangle Wire, Static Orb, etc?
What are your thoughts on Trophy Mage? It can tutor Basalt Monolith/Rings combo in same turn with a Brago flicker, or get Tangle Wire, Static Orb, etc?
can this deck function adequately without some of the tutors? it seems really dialed in so i'm wondering if it just falls apart without the extra consistency. i'm thinking about building it on a budget, hence no enlightened or mystical tutors.
also, have you tried archaeomancer? armageddon/cyclonic rift lock seems fun.
A good rule of thumb is if you don't have good tutors go big on card draw so you have a better chance on hitting your targets. You could always swap in some value/card draw engines to up that.
If you are ever thinking of getting mystical/enlightened, it may be a good time. The price is definitely depressed due to the EMA reprints
can this deck function adequately without some of the tutors? it seems really dialed in so i'm wondering if it just falls apart without the extra consistency. i'm thinking about building it on a budget, hence no enlightened or mystical tutors.
also, have you tried archaeomancer? armageddon/cyclonic rift lock seems fun.
i mean that in the sense that it seems to depend on consistency and a quick lock clock to work well. i don't mean to imply that it's a finished project or anything (i can see you're still posting revisions)
i mean that in the sense that it seems to depend on consistency and a quick lock clock to work well. i don't mean to imply that it's a finished project or anything (i can see you're still posting revisions)
Ahh well, yes tutors do help improve the consistency. With a stax/combo deck, they're damn near essential if you want to win since you dont have five or six functional reprints of combo pieces. If tutors are out of your budget, I'd check out some other topics for a more midrange Brago. Simply drawing cards can get you gas, but it doesnt help you combo, just find more threats/answers. Right now, Enlightened and Mystical Tutors are at some of their lowest points in years due to the huge influx of Eternal Masters product to the market. Regardless of where you take the deck, including both cards should be a high priority. E tutor is about 10.5$ and Mystical is at 5.5$.
Revisions are mainly trying to aim for consistency as any combo/stax deck tries to do. For me, I struggle mostly with early gas (mana rocks and hitting land drops). This is mostly due to the changes to the mulligan rules which hit stax and combo decks pretty hard since they cant sculpt a crazy hand anymore, so for me, adding more tutors/mana rocks/draw pieces was the solution. Lately I've won about two thirds of my games with Brago just due to changes and some smart mulligans, and this is after a long string of losses and really discouraging games. I'm pretty happy where the deck has ended up, but I still have some work to do on it. I have some pet cards like Treachery which honestly dont need to be in here, but do make for some memorable/funny games.
i mean that in the sense that it seems to depend on consistency and a quick lock clock to work well. i don't mean to imply that it's a finished project or anything (i can see you're still posting revisions)
Ahh well, yes tutors do help improve the consistency. With a stax/combo deck, they're damn near essential if you want to win since you dont have five or six functional reprints of combo pieces. If tutors are out of your budget, I'd check out some other topics for a more midrange Brago. Simply drawing cards can get you gas, but it doesnt help you combo, just find more threats/answers. Right now, Enlightened and Mystical Tutors are at some of their lowest points in years due to the huge influx of Eternal Masters product to the market. Regardless of where you take the deck, including both cards should be a high priority. E tutor is about 10.5$ and Mystical is at 5.5$.
Revisions are mainly trying to aim for consistency as any combo/stax deck tries to do. For me, I struggle mostly with early gas (mana rocks and hitting land drops). This is mostly due to the changes to the mulligan rules which hit stax and combo decks pretty hard since they cant sculpt a crazy hand anymore, so for me, adding more tutors/mana rocks/draw pieces was the solution. Lately I've won about two thirds of my games with Brago just due to changes and some smart mulligans, and this is after a long string of losses and really discouraging games. I'm pretty happy where the deck has ended up, but I still have some work to do on it. I have some pet cards like Treachery which honestly dont need to be in here, but do make for some memorable/funny games.
didn’t realize that mystical was so cheap now. thanks for pointing that out. i’m building this deck to compete with a casual playgroup that has recently gotten more competitive in response to one person thinking yidris storm combo would be cute. it doesn’t have to compete in a “competitive” edh meta. so perhaps doing a budget version would be mean enough.
This pains me to do, but Teferi costs alot and does little for how fast we want this deck to be going. His best scenario is already being ahead on mana rocks/board, and being a force multiplier. My biggest troubles are hitting an early, consistent Brago with Greaves. Gift helps to fix this.
I had a similar result, the only difference was I chose Stoneforge Mystic instead of steelshaper's gift, mostly because she is repeatable with Brago. I only play lightning greaves and swiftfoot boots in Staxx anyway, but still.
Have you thought of adding Inventors' Fair? You run so many artifacts that you should t have any problem turning on the tutor function. It doesn't help for quick lightning greaves but helps with finding stax pieces or combo piece later
Have you thought of adding Inventors' Fair? You run so many artifacts that you should t have any problem turning on the tutor function. It doesn't help for quick lightning greaves but helps with finding stax pieces or combo piece later
Oh definitely. I own one and it's in Breya, trying to get more of them!
I had a similar result, the only difference was I chose Stoneforge Mystic instead of steelshaper's gift, mostly because she is repeatable with Brago. I only play lightning greaves and swiftfoot boots in Staxx anyway, but still.
I'm hoping to trade into one soon! It's on the list.
Right now just for Mentor of the Meek synergy. It will probably get replaced
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Added:
Archivist comes in for some incredible card draw potential, replacing our cost reducer who wasnt pulling the weight I would have wanted. Gatekeeper was in to synergize with Mentor but due to the heavy hate for creatures in my meta, I'd prefer this effect on an enchantment instead for now. Mox Opal for Embargo. Embargo will definitely see play at another point but I wanna test this configuration of stax elements first. Supreme Verdict for the Key so we can still untap some mana rocks when we cant do so with Brago, activate Metalcraft for Opal, etc. Touch, since we have Archivist, and not a huge need to stop creatures, is replaced by Everflowing chalice as another 2 cost mana rock (or better) and activates metalcraft.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
-authority of the consuls
-cataclysmic Gearhulk
-aetherworks marvel
-Dovin Baan
-consulate surveillance
-glassblower's puzzleknot
these all seem like they would have some interesting effects with brago's ability or seem to fit in with the deck.
also have you ever put any thought into
-glen elendra archmage
-spine of Ish sah
-protective bubble
Some other interesting choices if you are going for value, though Dovin's ultimate is hilarious. I've been playing this list and it is super fun (for me), but I'm going to do a Brago incremental value one too. I'm guessing you have to balance stax lock or value pieces and what slots you value most
G Azusa, Wherever I May Roam
UG Rashmi Simic Power
WB Kambal Life Gain Kills
URG Maelstrom Wanderer Howdy
The only one of these lists I've considered is Glen Elendra. The rest are too slow. This is a more competitive Brago and I'm not trying to play 20 turn games where Spine is worthwhile when Reality Acid, which is close to getting cut, serves the same purpose.
Also, why would Aetherworks marvel work? We blink things, we dont sacrifice them. Huh?
In addition, while the energy counter thing is cute, I'd rather run more strict tutors. If tutors are banned in your playgroup, perhaps?
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
is that on purpose or you just didn't have those cards
also what is the purpose of spreading seas in this deck?
G Azusa, Wherever I May Roam
UG Rashmi Simic Power
WB Kambal Life Gain Kills
URG Maelstrom Wanderer Howdy
Mystic Gate I do not own sadly, cant seem to find one. Port Town isn't on my radar, as I have enough ETB tapped lands and so many nonbasics I fear it wont be more than a guildgate.
Fiddler is correct. I have a huge problem with Maze of Ith in the metas I play in.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Seat of the Synod
Phyrexian Metamorph
Reality Acid
Clever Impersonator
Added:
Adarkar Wastes
Swords to Plowshares
Rest in Peace
Helm of Obedience
Helm and Rest were added as another wincon, rather than just burning our opponents out via infinite with Resonator. They replace both impersonators. They performed well, but honestly dont help our gameplan much. We also need more removal that isnt contigent on Brago, so Reality Acid is removed for Swords to Plowshares. Finally, Seat was removed for another dual land.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Mentor of the Meek
Added:
Cursed Totem
Mentor is far too slow and mana intensive for the deck, and we dont run enough creatures to take advantage. It might as well be a Wall of Omens. Cursed Totem enters to help with metalcraft and shut down numerous strategies, including Breya shenanigans.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Jace's Archivist
Added:
Stupefying Touch
This hoser was needed, as my meta is moving toward powerful activated abilities. In addition, it isn't as slow as JA.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Added:
I got sick of waiting for affordable reprints, so we put proxies in
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Kismet
Added:
Sphere of Resistance
Found that kismet is incredibly difficult to cast, and awkward to use. It helps with a Stasis lock, but since Stasis lock isn't our primary goal, but a helpful lock, this piece had to go. Sphere comes in as another artifact for Mox Opal, and I'd also like to get an Inventors' Fair to also synergize. But most importantly, Sphere is an efficient taxing piece, particularly alongside Rhystic Study.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
G Azusa, Wherever I May Roam
UG Rashmi Simic Power
WB Kambal Life Gain Kills
URG Maelstrom Wanderer Howdy
It will be tested.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
also, have you tried archaeomancer? armageddon/cyclonic rift lock seems fun.
If you are ever thinking of getting mystical/enlightened, it may be a good time. The price is definitely depressed due to the EMA reprints
G Azusa, Wherever I May Roam
UG Rashmi Simic Power
WB Kambal Life Gain Kills
URG Maelstrom Wanderer Howdy
lol dialed in.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
Ahh well, yes tutors do help improve the consistency. With a stax/combo deck, they're damn near essential if you want to win since you dont have five or six functional reprints of combo pieces. If tutors are out of your budget, I'd check out some other topics for a more midrange Brago. Simply drawing cards can get you gas, but it doesnt help you combo, just find more threats/answers. Right now, Enlightened and Mystical Tutors are at some of their lowest points in years due to the huge influx of Eternal Masters product to the market. Regardless of where you take the deck, including both cards should be a high priority. E tutor is about 10.5$ and Mystical is at 5.5$.
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/price/Eternal Masters/Enlightened Tutor#paper
https://www.mtggoldfish.com/price/Eternal Masters/Mystical Tutor#paper
Revisions are mainly trying to aim for consistency as any combo/stax deck tries to do. For me, I struggle mostly with early gas (mana rocks and hitting land drops). This is mostly due to the changes to the mulligan rules which hit stax and combo decks pretty hard since they cant sculpt a crazy hand anymore, so for me, adding more tutors/mana rocks/draw pieces was the solution. Lately I've won about two thirds of my games with Brago just due to changes and some smart mulligans, and this is after a long string of losses and really discouraging games. I'm pretty happy where the deck has ended up, but I still have some work to do on it. I have some pet cards like Treachery which honestly dont need to be in here, but do make for some memorable/funny games.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
didn’t realize that mystical was so cheap now. thanks for pointing that out. i’m building this deck to compete with a casual playgroup that has recently gotten more competitive in response to one person thinking yidris storm combo would be cute. it doesn’t have to compete in a “competitive” edh meta. so perhaps doing a budget version would be mean enough.
Teferi, Temporal Archmage
Added:
Steelshaper's Gift
This pains me to do, but Teferi costs alot and does little for how fast we want this deck to be going. His best scenario is already being ahead on mana rocks/board, and being a force multiplier. My biggest troubles are hitting an early, consistent Brago with Greaves. Gift helps to fix this.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown
G Azusa, Wherever I May Roam
UG Rashmi Simic Power
WB Kambal Life Gain Kills
URG Maelstrom Wanderer Howdy
Oh definitely. I own one and it's in Breya, trying to get more of them!
I'm hoping to trade into one soon! It's on the list.
GB [Primer][Competitive][Stax][Combo] Meren of Clan Nel Toth 95% RETIRED
UW [Primer][Competitive][Combo][Stax] Brago, King Eternal RETIRED
BR Rakdos, Lord of Riots (75%)
G Titania - 75%
W SRAM - Welcome to the cheeri0s jam 95%
U Teferi - stax 100%
R Neheb - janky mono red eggs combo 90%
B Gonti - 50% valuetown