My list is focused entirely on getting a turn 2 or 3 knockout by slamming down a Nivmagus Elemental first turn and then beefing him up for the kill in any number of ways by the 2nd or 3rd turn. It's an all in combo, so I'm only concerned with really trying to knock out my opponent ASAP. It's "all in" in the sense that if I don't win by turn 3, it's gonna get a LOT harder for me to take the momentum back. I don't care about my life that much, as it's another expendable resource to fuel spells so I can get them out as quickly as possible.
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Current Modern Decks BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends." BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved." RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros." BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?" C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
In my version if I get 3 lands, Kiln Fiend, TBR + TS t3 it's hard to stop an 8/2 double strike, trample, Infect with back up pacts for defense. Ele Shotgun is a little slower but can durdle a little better then go off when they're tapped out. Look at my lists above for my artifact destruction. I'd say Hurkyl's Recall is correct for the Ele Combo, can use to clear the board or as defense if you had to, esp if theyre using an artifact land.
Epiknoob, mmmhmm, assuming you mean Gitaxian Probe and Virulent Swipe, those are good. You're list looks fine. Try it out. I was around there when I started as well. Eventually dropping Clout but it can 'do work son' on NivMaggy, esp staring down a comically small 100+$ Goyf. One thing I would suggest is the land base. Make sure to fetch R/x I've tried to color fix without R base and it ends up really bad. If you can't afford it Rainbow Pain lands work, Mana Confluence and City of Brass.
Thanks for sticking with the deck man. And hello to everyone! I've been playing this deck more often now at local FNMs. I had my fair share of the latest challenges to Modern <> you know what they are lol <>. Dismembers and colorless removal/control are more common now. Between you and me, it is a pain in the ass. Though Apostle's Blessing and Emerge Unscathed are MB against threats like Dismember, I can't seem to save them from colorless removal/control ( ex.,Spatial Contortion, Wasteland Strangler, Drowner of Hope, Eldrazi Obligator, Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger, Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, Karn Liberated...) Even with that type of adversity, I still feel we can pull wins out of no where against these decks. I nearly went 2-0 or 2-1 against a few of these colorless decks but the lack of better sideboard or cantrips might be costing me games.
I have considered UtterPandemonium's build which include additional cantrips like Slip Through Space and Manamorphose. Though I love Distortion Strike, I will need to trade it out for Slip Through Space for that extra draw power. I am not convince yet about Metamorphose but I have been looking at Twisted Image as additional cantrip option. It is good against Spellskite or to give Nivmagus or Swiftspear a +1 bonus power. But most important of all, I am looking for options against colorless target spells and abilities. These are some sideboard thoughts: Spellskite, Ranger's Guile, Mizzium Skin, or Unnatural Endurance.
Where would I go, MG? This deck is how I've always functioned since my filthy casual days of no sleeves and bending cards to shuffle. It's my pet deck and I'll always look to improve it, even if I'm not currently running it. Trying to do standard right now cause the Prowess deck is similar to this one I do wanna try this out versus the Modern field next week though (after gameday).
I think Manamorphose is a color fixing card that replaces itself and also triggers prowess(and co.) aka a 2.5/3 for 1 in here. For that I believe the default mana colors to float would, obviously, be unless you have Tainted Strike in hand.
If having issues getting through the colorless trash that is eldrazi, you/we could always MB Slip Through Space and SB Distortion Strike and be Unblockable for days. And I also like Mizzium Skin for hexproof (for me). If you're running Rainbow Pain and "ain't no thang" then Ranger's Guile is better for single threats. If we're running 14-16 threats though I'd say MS > RG since it can Overload and protect multiples; which would be an infrequent occurrence but good midgame.
Twisted Image is good antiSpellskite tech, I wouldn't MB it though. I believe Shattering Spree and Rakdos Charm is as well and also helps vs Robots and our demise that is very popular now Chalice of the Void.
AKA Twisted Image is narrow and we have the colors to decimate artifacts; I wouldn't run it, personally.
Think I've posted a Death's Shadow-less deck and am fine with not having it. But it is just such a good midgame card for us. If eldrazi does blow up and all the t1 adopters (and let's face it, there are a lot) switch to it I could see going all out combo like jokerstyle does.
Land base wise, I always say do what you can. Rainbow Pain lands are good and better in some situations than Fetch>Shock.
I do eventually want to try a Shotgun version pilot at some point, but I'm gonna need to get some more Death's Shadow once they go down in price; I traded my only two a few months ago for a Spellskite, and now I kinda regret that decision.
If the Shotgun is your prized pet deck, however, then my Ele-Combo is definitely mine. I've gotten so comfortable with the deck that I can even take on people in free for all multiplayer matches and still come out on top, not to mention I'm a terror with it at my LGS's FNMs, when I have the time to go. I've said it before, but it's quite enjoyable to see the amount of disbelief and salt that pops up on people's faces when they run decks that cost half a grand, yet still are taken out before turn 4 by the jankiest deck they've ever seen.
Current Modern Decks BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends." BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved." RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros." BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?" C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
Agreed. Death's Shadows are awesome. I will suggest everyone (if they already own them) to test them out. My decision to remove them is only for testing purposes. UtterPandemonium, what are you thoughts thus far on Stormchaser Mage? How have they fared in matches? Is the 2 CMC worth it?
While you test the SMs, I'll test out Delver. Delver of Secrets without Serum Visions may or may not work. I do run nearly 30 non-creature spells.
If you're running that many non-creature spells, I don't think Serum Visions will be an absolute necessity, as with my Ele-Combo, I usually find at least one or two of either Nivvy or Fiend in my opening hand, and then I'm set for the game, as I will 90 percent of the time keep gold-fishing non-creature spells.
I am also curious, however, how does Stormchaser Mage fare? The flying, haste, AND prowess seems very tempting to me, at least as a supporting cast member to my elementals haha.
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Current Modern Decks BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends." BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved." RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros." BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?" C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
I haven't actually played Elemental Shotgun with Stormchaser Mage in it yet. Just goldfishing and theorycraft so far. My plan is to try out the cantrip heavy list with -DS +ScM next Friday at FNM. (gonna get 1 last run through of Standard in this FNM before I do 2 Gamedays Saturday)
I am interested in Delver as well but not sure how well he'll flip. Though, 28+ spells in our decks to trigger that should have him flip 50% of the time.
Shattering SpreeCOPYSdo not get countered but the original spell does. So as long as you have you DO blow it up. And you can cast spells and get them countered to get them out of your hand and trigger prowess; a spell Casting is different than a spell Resolving. And then you could Eat the spells via Nivmagus Elemental. As I learn more about Chalice of the Void I become less and less scared of it.
Welcome Tod! Aphotic Wisps this deck really gets value of out that card cycle, thanks for bringing this tech to light. Good option for Eldrazi Trash, gonna find some copies in case they're infesting my meta.
Discards MB are fine, your deck will be slower though. I would drop them and some Gut Shots for more cantrips. I'd Drop a Death's Shadow for another land, but try 16 lands first if you think it will work. Besides that it looks good to me. is nice but just gives you access to unblockable or Stormchaser Mage
And again if you do want a cheaper way to splash all colors rainbow pain lands are a great choice here: Mana ConfluenceCity of Brass
So it looks good to me, give it a shot online or in paper. And most of all have some fun, blow up a $1000 deck with this $200 deck
EDIT: Wild Slash Sideboard tech to *stop damage prevention and Fog affects.
TodFlashesIn, your english is good! Most foreigners say that but type more coherent sentences than those native to the language.
I had the same initial thoughts on Shattering Spree but our superior knowledge and synergies are this decks greatest weapon. This isn't an easy deck to pilot, we need to know triggers and the stack in and out.
Yeah, Manamorphose is very antiNivMaggy. Not sure where I wanna go but I will still test out a heavy cantrip version this FNM. Maybe Delver of Secrets MB and NmE sideboard, idk.
SSG can be good in Ele Combo, I do not like it in Elemental Shotgun. When initially playing I slowly trimmed copies of SSG til there were 1/2. Then ended up just cutting them. It is the WORST top deck, but is the BEST turn 1 in hand with Kiln Fiend and a land. Kind of why I went up from 16 to 17 lands. Looking for more consistency less Explosion. Oh, and also to support TBR > Assault Strobe
Sabre (WELCOME!!!)
1. Check out my mana base.
2. Make sure you're not automatically skipping stuff before starting the game, it should prompt you same time as it would Leyline of Sanctity (I believe, I don't play on MTGO but do watch it a lot).
3. Shotgun version Really Doesn't work great with SSG, I'd cut em.
4. We've been rocking Death's Shadow as a 2 of since Monastery Swiftspear was released.
5. I'd vote for Distortion Strike with NivMaggy in the MB, see my comments below.
6. I'd cut them for your reasons. Some games you don't want to drop your life so much, too.
7. That's why Slaughter Pact is here, you use as defense late if you MUST or you use them as free spells to trigger stuff then eat with NivMaggy for a double boost, or to get through blockers. The low land count burns ya in this aspect.
8. I'd rather have 3 Thoughtseize than Gut Shot in Sideboard. If anything max for Gut Shot I'd do 1 MB and 1 SB. Easy card to drop if they don't have mana dorks or x/1's. Then if they do bring in 2.
So, I was in a rush, it's a theme..., and couldn't find a 2nd City of Brass so I threw in a Polluted Delta; Protip, don't do that late game it can't even hit your mountain so it's a dead card. But it looked like i had something in my hand!
2/19 FNM 31 people, 5 rounds
1. Eldrazi B. Mull to 5. Durdle but don't draw the unblockable to get through creatures and Apostle's doesn't get through colorless. G2 Drop 3 ScM, 3 Mm, 1 AB, bring in 4 NivMaggy, 2 RdC 1 LB; keep 1 land kiln fiend. Drop Fiend t2, protect t2 w free MgG. T3 TBRTS for 14 infect. G3 2 MSs 1 KF TS, draw into Slaughter and Negation pacts, I SP his blocker Matter Reshaper and he gets a Spellskite... he doesn't block though, and I PoN his Doom blade and have enough prowess dmg to kill him. 2-1
2. 1-0, UW Eldrazi. Get 2 MSs and swing into his Eldrazi Displacer, kill him off. But then he gets the drowner of hope and taps down my Shadow 2x and mimics and other bull*****. G2, Drop normal 3 ScM 3 Mm bring in 3 NmE 3 LB. Get NmE and MSs out eat 2 spells and beat for 8 t2. Then he mimics and TKS and I didnt top a miracle draw. 0-2
3. 1-1, UW control. Win game 1. Side out normal side in normal. Durdle and dead draw lands couldn't win. G3 brought in 3 Spree and 1 RC for spellskite. Go to time and on t4 I go off but drop it. Using PoN knowing I don't have another turn, :-). 1-1-1
4. 1-1-1, RB eldrazi, casual guy. Lose game 1 cause I dead draw then he exiled only threat. Drop norm bring in norm. Beat him with TBR TS through 1 blocker. Drop AB for rest of burn. Do the same next game. 2-1
5. 2-1-1, BANT Coco. Win game 1 w taylor and 6 spells for infect dmg t3. G2 drop ScM Mm for 3 NmE 2 LB 1 SS. He chain casts Reflector Mage and tempo win. Drop the SS for a 3rd LB. I couldn't pull the it off.
2-2-1, pros: the possible free cantrip chains are explosive but unplannable. Cons: you NEED 2 lands.
Sticking with NivMaggy and dropping ScM, going back to Rebound spells since they are better with NivMaggy, and dropping tons of Cantrips. I really wanted to just give this a shot even though my goldfish testing was leaning towards meh Thursday, opposed to Great from quick tests before.
Thoughts:
Our deck is very similar to Infect, where if they were to ban our deck they'd need to get rid of infect first because they do what we do but more consistently. Same with the Eldrazi Menace they are way more consistent and have insane value threats, they're more inevitable than us. They are also a much bigger percentage of the field than Elly Shotgun/Combo.
And though it's geared towards Standard mainly, I see a few parallels between it and some of the builds in this forum.
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Current Modern Decks BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends." BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved." RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros." BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?" C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
Yeah, now that you reminded me, I did question some of their choices when it came to cards. Although now I am pretty fired up to try building a Prowess deck. I've been experimenting on and off with Grixis Delver as well.
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Current Modern Decks BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends." BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved." RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros." BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?" C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
Jund colors so no blue stuff for Pact of NegationDistortion Strike
Just a variant I've been goldfishing. An inbetween Suicide Zoo and Elemental Shotgun. Become Immense is a Nonbo with Nivmagus Elemental kinda why I, and this thread, got away from Become Immense before.
Gonna run 8rack at FNM tomorrow but will probably switch back next week to something with Kiln Fiend in it.
I didn't see much discussion of it here, but what are your feelings on the Death's Shadow Aggro (aka Suicide Zoo) build that showed up at Pro Tour OGW?
I guess none of these builds play Nivmagus Elemental, but a big part of my following this thread and these other decks is wanting to see what builds perform best in the meta, especially when it comes to Nivmagus Elemental and Death's Shadow. How do you guys think our multicolor elemental buddy stacks up to Delve-ier strategies? I can't seem to overcome how nuts awesome Kiln Fiend is, but with Elemental Shotgun do Nivmagus Elemental and Death's Shadow just - sorry, not sorry - overshadow him?
Rhymer, I like all of those decks. With grixis I don't like the bauble or sleight of hand, could drop them for apostle's blessing, distortion strike/slip through space or aphotic wisps.
I'm running a similar list (see below). I recently went 5-0.
Round 1 vs 3 Color Gifts:On the play Mulled to 4 in game 1 to find a creature, my first creature ate a PtE and my second saw a board wipe. I board out 2 faithless looting and 1 ground rift. I bring in 2 NoxRev and 1 SurgEx and Game 2, I keep a hand of 7 cards. with Niv and MS. I draw an early KF and set up to have 3 creatures attacking on turn 3. Th Kf eats a PtE and I have my opponent down to 5 life. I kept up AB and stop another PtE and win on turn 4. No sideboard changes. Game 3, I keep a 7 card hand with KF and Niv. I attack for 6 on durn two after casting Assault Strobe and eating a phyrexian spell. I left up 1 land for Apostle's blessing that protected Niv from a PtE. My opponent draws and casts IoK on their turn taking on of my 3 cards in hand and concedes. I didn't have lethal in hand anymore, but if I drew any spell I did. Win 2-1.
1-0 Round 2 vs Scapeshift: On the draw. Mulled to 6 in game 1, keeping two MS and sending land to the bottom on my scry. Drew into a KF on turn 2, but still only 1 land. Attacking with 2 MS. A Roiling Terrain takes out my only land on their turn 3. Gut shots and mutagenic growth finally get me the win on turn 4. My opponent was on 3 life, but quit to game 2 with no way to win before my MS's won the game. No SB changes. I think this is a pretty good matchup. Game 2, I keep a hand of 7 with KF and MS. Turn 1 I hit with MS and my opponent is at 17 thanks to their own stomping ground. They hit a pair of utopia sprawls I panic about an arbor elf. Turn 2 I probe and see nothing threatening. I drew another MS and cast my KF and attack for 2. My opponent plays a Kitchen Finks gaining some life and leaving a pretty good blocker. I draw and cast another MS, then probe, gut shot, and Ground rift for the win on turn 3. Win 2-0
2-0 Round 3 vs RGB Eldrazi: On the draw. I keep 7 with MS and Niv. Niv on my turn 1 and then MS on turn 2. My Niv eats a dismember and I'm helpless to save it. I have a SurEx and Gutshot, but not GY targets. My opponent puts out a Reality Smasher turn 3 but didn't attack into my MS. I draw and cast another Niv, but can't attack into a smasher. My opponent attacks with their smasher and plays an Oblivion Sower netting a City of Brass from me. They then play an X=3 Enldess One. I play out all 4 of my spells including a Ground Rift making my team unblockable and get a win on turn 4. I side out 4 ApostBless and board in 3 Dismember and 1 Death's Shadow. I keep a hand of 7 with KF and Niv. My opponent plays a land and I play a Niv turn 1. My opponent plays another land and I draw a GitProbe and take a peek at my opponents hand seeing a pair of bolts, Reality Smasher and the Eldrazi temple to cast it next turn and 2 Mind stones?. With two extra lands in my hand I cast Faithless looting. I play a series of spells exiling them and avoiding the bolts making Niv a 9/10 and hit for 9. My opponent draws and scoops. They could have played a Reality Smasher, but I had a dismember in hand. Win 2-0.
3-0 Round 4 vs Temur Worship: On the draw. I keep 7 with a Niv and a bunch of early action. My opponent plays a Celestial Colonnade and I draw a GitProbe and see a PtE in their hand. I hold out on playing my Niv until I have an answer. They also have a Spell snare and a Kitchen Finks in hand. I'll need to be careful if I draw an ApostBless. My opponent casts Spreading Seas on my Mountain and I draw more lands the next two turns. My opponent plays their Kitchen Finks and gets in early attacks. They also Ghost Quarter my Gemstone Mine. I loot and flash it back to loot again before finding a second creature, a Niv. I take another attack from the KF, but my opponent is stuck on 3 lands, one another Ghost Quarter. I play out both of my Niv's leaving up ApostBles. One immediately eats PtE. On my opponents next turn, still on 3 land, the Snap and PtE, but I protect my Niv with ApostBless. I take another hit from KF putting me to 10. My opponent is tapped out. I Gut Shot Snapcaster and my four spells including 2 ground rift and an assault strobe that I let resolve, attacking for 42 on turn 6. I side out 3 Temur battle Rage and board in 1 Surgical Extraction and 2 Death's Shadow. I keep a hand with 2 Death's Shadow and 1 Niv. I play the Niv, but it is hit with a one of Celestial Purge. I loot and find a KF. My opponent plays lands and passes. I play the KF and it meets a PtE, but I protect it with ApostBless. I cast a SurgExt on the PtE and see that my opponent has a hand with 3 lands and only has detention spheres for removal remaining. The deck looks like an anti-Eldrazi brew. My opponent plays another land onto an empty board and I play MutGrowth and attack for 6 then cast a 3/3 Death's shadow. I have another in my hand in case of DetSphere. My opponent is mana flooded and I tap my 2 Cities of Brass and attack for 6 again. I probe my opponent and see 3 lands! Poor guy! I attack for lethal on my turn 6. Win 2-0.
4-0 Round 5 vs Merfolk: On the Play. I mull to 6 after having a hand with no creatures. I keep a hand with MS and Niv. I play and attack with MS. My opponent plays a Mutavault and I loot tossing a land and another loot, attack for 2 and play Niv. My opponent plays Silvergill adept. I cast a few spells and attack putting my opponent to 8 and I have an ApostBles in hand. My opponent plays another Silvergil and an annoying Cursecatcher. I trade MS for both Silvergil and my Niv is blocked by the Curscatcher. I still have the ApostBles in hand. My opponent plasts Master of Waves and I play the Apostles blessing giving pro-U and cast and exile a Ground Rift, then attack for the win on my turn 5. I don't board anything. I keep 7 with Niv and KF and the possibility for a turn 2 kill if I draw gas. My opponent plays a turn 1 vial and I draw a MS and play the Niv. My opponent ticks up vial and plays Tidebinder mage tapping my Niv. I play my KF and pass. My opponent ticks up vial and attacks for 2. I play MS and attack. I double gut shot before damage on the Tidebringer. My opponent vials in Harbringer of the tides targeting my KF, but I cast ApostBless and put my opponent to 1. They scoop and another turn 3 win. Win 2-0.
5-0 in rounds and 10-1 in games. I've played MANY versions of the deck toying with cards like Tainted Strike, Artful Dodge, Ranger's Guile, Pacts, etc. I really liked sticking with nearly mono red. I think Mana Confluence may replace some of my mountains. I have also played with 6 red fetches, but keep coming back to just Mountains. Sometimes I do need the extra life for phyrexian mana spells. I am set on 17 lands. Some games I really need to get to 3 lands to win. I'm testing this deck out for taking to GP LA in May. Its competing with my other options: Affinity, Esper Tokens, and Abzan company. I chose these so that I am more prepared for bans in April - there will be bans.
Rhymer, I like all of those decks. With grixis I don't like the bauble or sleight of hand, could drop them for apostle's blessing, distortion strike/slip through space or aphotic wisps.
I agree. I've tried Bauble in decks, and Bauble is better than most folks think, but not the right fit for this deck. Slight helps you get your pieces, but often at the cost of a turn or two. This type of deck is too fast for that heavy of a digging suite. Apostle's is certainly a must.
Great report and congratulations. This variation is a lot closer to my comfort zone I think. I've been testing out [[Noxious Revival]] myself. How has it been working for you? What do you usually target with it? Creatures post-removal? Spells to recast? I imagine Strobe, Rift, Revival, Rift is a pretty boss turn 3.
Loving all the activity in this thread, wish I could play more to contribute some more to you guys.
This a little on the side, but it appears that SoI is going to have more prowess creatures as well, plus I'm already seeing a few interesting spells from spoilers. Anyone think anything leaked so far has some potential? Also, MTG Goldfish has what appears to be a fun-looking Pauper version of our deck archetype.
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Current Modern Decks BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends." BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved." RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros." BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?" C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
Great report and congratulations. This variation is a lot closer to my comfort zone I think. I've been testing out [[Noxious Revival]] myself. How has it been working for you? What do you usually target with it? Creatures post-removal? Spells to recast? I imagine Strobe, Rift, Revival, Rift is a pretty boss turn 3.
Thanks! I had been playing Noxious Revival in my main for a while, but found I liked Surgical Extraction much better. I could be more proactive at targeting a PtE or other threats. I once probed a player and saw two more Scalding Tarns in hand plus the one they just fetched with in the gy. The look on their face when they read "other than a basic land." I use Noxious Revival on myself to get back my own creatures/needed card or against a deck like Living End. Its best to target on your own upkeep before you draw if targeting yourself to get any triggers to last for the turn if needed. The probe plan you drew up would definitely work. I've also used it to put a fetch land or something I know they can't use to kill me now on top of my opponents library to slow them down a turn. For a meta where decks with lots of tokens abound, I could see Marrow Shards being a solid sb card in place of Noxious Revival or even Dismember. I'm no longer running fetches, so sometimes an early turn gy target doesn't exist for Noxious revival/ Surgical extraction which can be awkward sometimes. I lucked out not running into Spellskite - I love that card only when I'm the one playing it. LOL
Loving all the activity in this thread, wish I could play more to contribute some more to you guys.
This a little on the side, but it appears that SoI is going to have more prowess creatures as well, plus I'm already seeing a few interesting spells from spoilers. Anyone think anything leaked so far has some potential? Also, MTG Goldfish has what appears to be a fun-looking Pauper version of our deck archetype.
Nivix Blitz or Eye Candy as I've seen it called have been around pauper for a long time. Its fun to play, but can be a challenge to compete with a more traditional Delver build or MBC, two of the top decks in the format. Got to love playing cards like Gush and Shadow rift however. People forget how powerful Shadow can be; they must not have been playing Dauthi Slayer back in 97-98.
@neurod
First of all congrats! That looks like a pretty good decklist, I'm definetly gonna incorportate some of the things you have on there into mine.(especially because I can barely afford fetches) If you do decide to take this to a GP you'll definetly have to update the thread on your thoughts. ^^
@joker
Prowess is the new U/R evergreen, so we can only hope for more creatures. ^^ I'm not quite sure on anything spoiled so far, but i'm really hoping for another one-drop prowess creature to act as Monastery Swiftspears 5-8 (well, or however many we will want to play).
I remember reading something about how Kiln Fiend decks are pretty high on the pauper tier-list, but since I don't play the format I wouldn't know. A lot of our deck is common, so I can definetly see it being a thing in pauper. A quick forum search shows this: http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/magic-online-formats/pauper/established/509381-primer-ur-dragonaut-eye-candy-nivix-blitz so I suppose it is a thing!
For my own contributions lately:
Not a whole lot, I've not had chance to play my deck too much. I can however confirm that playing it in a FFA Multiplayer game is as bad an idea as it sounds. Hopefully I'm gonna be able to play some more, but modern-players are sparse around here, and I can't afford to drive out to the weekly tournaments all that often.
I used to play Izzet/Grixis Blitz a lot and I would jump into multiplayer games, kill two players and then get hosed by everyone. Every time. It's not very fun for that sort of thing for anyone involved.
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Well, if I understand your question correctly, I can go with what my current build, without a Nivmagus Elemental can (possibly but unlikely) do.
This is all purely goldfish and in an actual game it'd probably be slower due to having to watch out for removal.
T1: City of Brass , Simian Spirit Guide into a Kiln Fiend
T2: Mana Confluence , Slip Through Space, Tainted Strike, Mutagenic Growth , swing for 14 Infect
Sorry if I misunderstood your question and this isn't what you were looking for.
4 Bloodstained Mire
4 Blood Crypt
4 Steam Vents
1 Wooded Foothills
5 Mountain
Creatures
4 Nivmagus Elemental
4 Kiln Fiend
2 Flamekin Harbinger
4 Apostle's Blessing
4 Assault Strobe
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Ground Rift
4 Slaughter Pact
4 Mutagenic Growth
3 Tainted Strike
3 Distortion Strike
2 Gut Shot
3 Dismember
2 Dragon's Claw
2 Hurkyl's Recall
2 Rakdos Charm
2 Rending Volley
2 Spell Pierce
2 Tormod's Crypt
My list is focused entirely on getting a turn 2 or 3 knockout by slamming down a Nivmagus Elemental first turn and then beefing him up for the kill in any number of ways by the 2nd or 3rd turn. It's an all in combo, so I'm only concerned with really trying to knock out my opponent ASAP. It's "all in" in the sense that if I don't win by turn 3, it's gonna get a LOT harder for me to take the momentum back. I don't care about my life that much, as it's another expendable resource to fuel spells so I can get them out as quickly as possible.
BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends."
BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved."
RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros."
BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?"
C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
In my version if I get 3 lands, Kiln Fiend, TBR + TS t3 it's hard to stop an 8/2 double strike, trample, Infect with back up pacts for defense. Ele Shotgun is a little slower but can durdle a little better then go off when they're tapped out. Look at my lists above for my artifact destruction. I'd say Hurkyl's Recall is correct for the Ele Combo, can use to clear the board or as defense if you had to, esp if theyre using an artifact land.
Epiknoob, mmmhmm, assuming you mean Gitaxian Probe and Virulent Swipe, those are good. You're list looks fine. Try it out. I was around there when I started as well. Eventually dropping Clout but it can 'do work son' on NivMaggy, esp staring down a comically small 100+$ Goyf. One thing I would suggest is the land base. Make sure to fetch R/x I've tried to color fix without R base and it ends up really bad. If you can't afford it Rainbow Pain lands work, Mana Confluence and City of Brass.
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Thanks for sticking with the deck man. And hello to everyone! I've been playing this deck more often now at local FNMs. I had my fair share of the latest challenges to Modern <> you know what they are lol <>. Dismembers and colorless removal/control are more common now. Between you and me, it is a pain in the ass. Though Apostle's Blessing and Emerge Unscathed are MB against threats like Dismember, I can't seem to save them from colorless removal/control ( ex.,Spatial Contortion, Wasteland Strangler, Drowner of Hope, Eldrazi Obligator, Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger, Ugin, the Spirit Dragon, Karn Liberated...) Even with that type of adversity, I still feel we can pull wins out of no where against these decks. I nearly went 2-0 or 2-1 against a few of these colorless decks but the lack of better sideboard or cantrips might be costing me games.
I have considered UtterPandemonium's build which include additional cantrips like Slip Through Space and Manamorphose. Though I love Distortion Strike, I will need to trade it out for Slip Through Space for that extra draw power. I am not convince yet about Metamorphose but I have been looking at Twisted Image as additional cantrip option. It is good against Spellskite or to give Nivmagus or Swiftspear a +1 bonus power. But most important of all, I am looking for options against colorless target spells and abilities. These are some sideboard thoughts: Spellskite, Ranger's Guile, Mizzium Skin, or Unnatural Endurance.
I have also considered taking out Death's Shadow in place of Stormchaser Mage or Delver of Secrets. A midrange game is dangerous so I find myself on a tempo clock to insure victory.
To make sure I have the mana color, I have considered Mana Confluence or Gemstone Mine in my mana base along with City of Brass.
What are your thoughts?
Modern
C Colorless Eldrazi Stompy C
WUGC Bant Eldrazi CGUW
WBG Doran Formation GBW
Legacy
C Eldrazi Stompy C
Multiplayer Commander
GR Omnath, Locus of Rage RG
WU Brago, King Eternal UW
BG Slimefoot, the Stowaway GB
I think Manamorphose is a color fixing card that replaces itself and also triggers prowess(and co.) aka a 2.5/3 for 1 in here. For that I believe the default mana colors to float would, obviously, be unless you have Tainted Strike in hand.
If having issues getting through the colorless trash that is eldrazi, you/we could always MB Slip Through Space and SB Distortion Strike and be Unblockable for days. And I also like Mizzium Skin for hexproof (for me). If you're running Rainbow Pain and "ain't no thang" then Ranger's Guile is better for single threats. If we're running 14-16 threats though I'd say MS > RG since it can Overload and protect multiples; which would be an infrequent occurrence but good midgame.
Twisted Image is good antiSpellskite tech, I wouldn't MB it though. I believe Shattering Spree and Rakdos Charm is as well and also helps vs Robots and our demise that is very popular now Chalice of the Void.
AKA Twisted Image is narrow and we have the colors to decimate artifacts; I wouldn't run it, personally.
Think I've posted a Death's Shadow-less deck and am fine with not having it. But it is just such a good midgame card for us. If eldrazi does blow up and all the t1 adopters (and let's face it, there are a lot) switch to it I could see going all out combo like jokerstyle does.
Land base wise, I always say do what you can. Rainbow Pain lands are good and better in some situations than Fetch>Shock.
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If the Shotgun is your prized pet deck, however, then my Ele-Combo is definitely mine. I've gotten so comfortable with the deck that I can even take on people in free for all multiplayer matches and still come out on top, not to mention I'm a terror with it at my LGS's FNMs, when I have the time to go. I've said it before, but it's quite enjoyable to see the amount of disbelief and salt that pops up on people's faces when they run decks that cost half a grand, yet still are taken out before turn 4 by the jankiest deck they've ever seen.
BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends."
BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved."
RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros."
BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?"
C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
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Agreed. Death's Shadows are awesome. I will suggest everyone (if they already own them) to test them out. My decision to remove them is only for testing purposes. UtterPandemonium, what are you thoughts thus far on Stormchaser Mage? How have they fared in matches? Is the 2 CMC worth it?
While you test the SMs, I'll test out Delver. Delver of Secrets without Serum Visions may or may not work. I do run nearly 30 non-creature spells.
Modern
C Colorless Eldrazi Stompy C
WUGC Bant Eldrazi CGUW
WBG Doran Formation GBW
Legacy
C Eldrazi Stompy C
Multiplayer Commander
GR Omnath, Locus of Rage RG
WU Brago, King Eternal UW
BG Slimefoot, the Stowaway GB
If you're running that many non-creature spells, I don't think Serum Visions will be an absolute necessity, as with my Ele-Combo, I usually find at least one or two of either Nivvy or Fiend in my opening hand, and then I'm set for the game, as I will 90 percent of the time keep gold-fishing non-creature spells.
I am also curious, however, how does Stormchaser Mage fare? The flying, haste, AND prowess seems very tempting to me, at least as a supporting cast member to my elementals haha.
BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends."
BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved."
RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros."
BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?"
C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
I am interested in Delver as well but not sure how well he'll flip. Though, 28+ spells in our decks to trigger that should have him flip 50% of the time.
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Shattering Spree COPYS do not get countered but the original spell does. So as long as you have you DO blow it up. And you can cast spells and get them countered to get them out of your hand and trigger prowess; a spell Casting is different than a spell Resolving. And then you could Eat the spells via Nivmagus Elemental. As I learn more about Chalice of the Void I become less and less scared of it.
Welcome Tod!
Aphotic Wisps this deck really gets value of out that card cycle, thanks for bringing this tech to light. Good option for Eldrazi Trash, gonna find some copies in case they're infesting my meta.
Discards MB are fine, your deck will be slower though. I would drop them and some Gut Shots for more cantrips. I'd Drop a Death's Shadow for another land, but try 16 lands first if you think it will work. Besides that it looks good to me. is nice but just gives you access to unblockable or Stormchaser Mage
And again if you do want a cheaper way to splash all colors rainbow pain lands are a great choice here: Mana Confluence City of Brass
So it looks good to me, give it a shot online or in paper. And most of all have some fun, blow up a $1000 deck with this $200 deck
EDIT:
Wild Slash Sideboard tech to *stop damage prevention and Fog affects.
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I had the same initial thoughts on Shattering Spree but our superior knowledge and synergies are this decks greatest weapon. This isn't an easy deck to pilot, we need to know triggers and the stack in and out.
Yeah, Manamorphose is very antiNivMaggy. Not sure where I wanna go but I will still test out a heavy cantrip version this FNM. Maybe Delver of Secrets MB and NmE sideboard, idk.
SSG can be good in Ele Combo, I do not like it in Elemental Shotgun. When initially playing I slowly trimmed copies of SSG til there were 1/2. Then ended up just cutting them. It is the WORST top deck, but is the BEST turn 1 in hand with Kiln Fiend and a land. Kind of why I went up from 16 to 17 lands. Looking for more consistency less Explosion. Oh, and also to support TBR > Assault Strobe
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Sabre (WELCOME!!!)
1. Check out my mana base.
2. Make sure you're not automatically skipping stuff before starting the game, it should prompt you same time as it would Leyline of Sanctity (I believe, I don't play on MTGO but do watch it a lot).
3. Shotgun version Really Doesn't work great with SSG, I'd cut em.
4. We've been rocking Death's Shadow as a 2 of since Monastery Swiftspear was released.
5. I'd vote for Distortion Strike with NivMaggy in the MB, see my comments below.
6. I'd cut them for your reasons. Some games you don't want to drop your life so much, too.
7. That's why Slaughter Pact is here, you use as defense late if you MUST or you use them as free spells to trigger stuff then eat with NivMaggy for a double boost, or to get through blockers. The low land count burns ya in this aspect.
8. I'd rather have 3 Thoughtseize than Gut Shot in Sideboard. If anything max for Gut Shot I'd do 1 MB and 1 SB. Easy card to drop if they don't have mana dorks or x/1's. Then if they do bring in 2.
2 Blood Crypt
4 Bloodstained Mire
1 City of Brass
2 Mana Confluence
1 Mountain
1 Polluted Delta
2 Steam Vents
4 Wooded Foothills
// Creatures 13
4 Monastery Swiftspear
2 Death's Shadow
3 Stormchaser Mage
4 Kiln Fiend
2 Pact of Negation
3 Slaughter Pact
3 Tainted Strike
4 Mutagenic Growth
2 Temur Battle Rage
4 Apostle's Blessing
3 Manamorphose
// Sorceries
2 Serum Visions
3 Slip Through Space
4 Gitaxian Probe
3 Lightning Bolt
3 Shattering Spree
3 Wild Slash
4 Nivmagus Elemental
2 Rakdos Charm
So, I was in a rush, it's a theme..., and couldn't find a 2nd City of Brass so I threw in a Polluted Delta; Protip, don't do that late game it can't even hit your mountain so it's a dead card. But it looked like i had something in my hand!
2/19 FNM 31 people, 5 rounds
1. Eldrazi B. Mull to 5. Durdle but don't draw the unblockable to get through creatures and Apostle's doesn't get through colorless. G2 Drop 3 ScM, 3 Mm, 1 AB, bring in 4 NivMaggy, 2 RdC 1 LB; keep 1 land kiln fiend. Drop Fiend t2, protect t2 w free MgG. T3 TBR TS for 14 infect. G3 2 MSs 1 KF TS, draw into Slaughter and Negation pacts, I SP his blocker Matter Reshaper and he gets a Spellskite... he doesn't block though, and I PoN his Doom blade and have enough prowess dmg to kill him. 2-1
2. 1-0, UW Eldrazi. Get 2 MSs and swing into his Eldrazi Displacer, kill him off. But then he gets the drowner of hope and taps down my Shadow 2x and mimics and other bull*****. G2, Drop normal 3 ScM 3 Mm bring in 3 NmE 3 LB. Get NmE and MSs out eat 2 spells and beat for 8 t2. Then he mimics and TKS and I didnt top a miracle draw. 0-2
3. 1-1, UW control. Win game 1. Side out normal side in normal. Durdle and dead draw lands couldn't win. G3 brought in 3 Spree and 1 RC for spellskite. Go to time and on t4 I go off but drop it. Using PoN knowing I don't have another turn, :-). 1-1-1
4. 1-1-1, RB eldrazi, casual guy. Lose game 1 cause I dead draw then he exiled only threat. Drop norm bring in norm. Beat him with TBR TS through 1 blocker. Drop AB for rest of burn. Do the same next game. 2-1
5. 2-1-1, BANT Coco. Win game 1 w taylor and 6 spells for infect dmg t3. G2 drop ScM Mm for 3 NmE 2 LB 1 SS. He chain casts Reflector Mage and tempo win. Drop the SS for a 3rd LB. I couldn't pull the it off.
2-2-1, pros: the possible free cantrip chains are explosive but unplannable. Cons: you NEED 2 lands.
Sticking with NivMaggy and dropping ScM, going back to Rebound spells since they are better with NivMaggy, and dropping tons of Cantrips. I really wanted to just give this a shot even though my goldfish testing was leaning towards meh Thursday, opposed to Great from quick tests before.
Thoughts:
Our deck is very similar to Infect, where if they were to ban our deck they'd need to get rid of infect first because they do what we do but more consistently. Same with the Eldrazi Menace they are way more consistent and have insane value threats, they're more inevitable than us. They are also a much bigger percentage of the field than Elly Shotgun/Combo.
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Saw this little gem on MTG Goldfish:
http://www.mtggoldfish.com/articles/budget-magic-58-19-tix-standard-ur-prowess
And though it's geared towards Standard mainly, I see a few parallels between it and some of the builds in this forum.
BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends."
BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved."
RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros."
BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?"
C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
AND NO Titan's Strength wtf!?
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Yeah, now that you reminded me, I did question some of their choices when it came to cards. Although now I am pretty fired up to try building a Prowess deck. I've been experimenting on and off with Grixis Delver as well.
BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends."
BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved."
RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros."
BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?"
C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
3 Blood Crypt
4 Bloodstained Mire
1 Mountain
2 Mana Confluence
2 Stomping Ground
4 Wooded Foothills
// Creatures 12 threats
4 Monastery Swiftspear
4 Death's Shadow
4 Kiln Fiend
4 Street Wraith
3 Slaughter Pact
2 Aphotic Wisps
2 Tainted Strike
4 Mutagenic Growth
3 Temur Battle Rage
4 Apostle's Blessing
3 Dismember
3 Become Immense
// Sorceries
4 Gitaxian Probe
2 Lightning Bolt
3 Shattering Spree
2 Wild Slash
3 Thoughtseize
2 Rakdos Charm
3 Young Pyromancer
Jund colors so no blue stuff for Pact of Negation Distortion Strike
Just a variant I've been goldfishing. An inbetween Suicide Zoo and Elemental Shotgun.
Become Immense is a Nonbo with Nivmagus Elemental kinda why I, and this thread, got away from Become Immense before.
Gonna run 8rack at FNM tomorrow but will probably switch back next week to something with Kiln Fiend in it.
Any suggestions? I'd like to get another 2 threats in just not sure what, Blistercoil Weird was lacking previously. Always Wild Nacatl or Goblin Guide could add a Sacred Foundry and Emerge Unscathed
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4 Blistercoil Weird
4 Kiln Fiend
3 Titan's Strength
4 Brute Force
2 Rouse the Mob
4 Mutagenic Growth
4 Assault Strobe
4 Temur Battle Rage
4 Gitaxian Probe
3 Apostle’s Blessing
3 Desperate Ritual
1 Manamorphose
16 Mountain
1 Noxious Revival
1 Gutshot
1 Electrickery
2 Lightning Bolt
1 Dismember
2 Blood Moon
2 Young Pyromancer
1 Dragon's Claw
1 Smash to Smithereens
1 Fury Charm
1 Molten Rain
1 Blood Crypt
4 Bloodstained Mire
4 Death's Shadow
4 Gitaxian Probe
2 Goblin Guide
1 Godless Shrine
2 Lightning Bolt
4 Mishra's Bauble
4 Monastery Swiftspear
4 Mutagenic Growth
1 Overgrown Tomb
1 Sacred Foundry
1 Stomping Ground
4 Street Wraith
1 Tarmogoyf
4 Temur Battle Rage
3 Thoughtseize
3 Verdant Catacombs
4 Wild Nacatl
4 Windswept Heath
1 Wooded Foothills
1 Engineered Explosives
1 Forest
2 Hooting Mandrills
2 Inquisition of Kozilek
2 Lightning Helix
1 Natural State
1 Phyrexian Unlife
1 Pyroclasm
2 Stony Silence
1 Tarmogoyf
There is also this Grixis Battle Rage deck that popped up in an SCG article.
4 Temur Battle Rage
4 Stubborn Denial
3 Mutagenic Growth
4 Gitaxian Probe
4 Kiln Fiend
4 Death's Shadow
4 Scalding Tarn
4 Mishra's Bauble
1 Blood Crypt
2 Steam Vents
1 Watery Grave
4 Serum Visions
1 Flooded Strand
4 Bloodstained Mire
4 Polluted Delta
4 Sleight of Hand
4 Lightning Bolt
2 Dismember
4 Spellskite
4 Thoughtseize
3 Leyline of the Void
1 Swamp
1 Duress
I guess none of these builds play Nivmagus Elemental, but a big part of my following this thread and these other decks is wanting to see what builds perform best in the meta, especially when it comes to Nivmagus Elemental and Death's Shadow. How do you guys think our multicolor elemental buddy stacks up to Delve-ier strategies? I can't seem to overcome how nuts awesome Kiln Fiend is, but with Elemental Shotgun do Nivmagus Elemental and Death's Shadow just - sorry, not sorry - overshadow him?
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I'm running a similar list (see below). I recently went 5-0.
Round 1 vs 3 Color Gifts:On the play Mulled to 4 in game 1 to find a creature, my first creature ate a PtE and my second saw a board wipe. I board out 2 faithless looting and 1 ground rift. I bring in 2 NoxRev and 1 SurgEx and Game 2, I keep a hand of 7 cards. with Niv and MS. I draw an early KF and set up to have 3 creatures attacking on turn 3. Th Kf eats a PtE and I have my opponent down to 5 life. I kept up AB and stop another PtE and win on turn 4. No sideboard changes. Game 3, I keep a 7 card hand with KF and Niv. I attack for 6 on durn two after casting Assault Strobe and eating a phyrexian spell. I left up 1 land for Apostle's blessing that protected Niv from a PtE. My opponent draws and casts IoK on their turn taking on of my 3 cards in hand and concedes. I didn't have lethal in hand anymore, but if I drew any spell I did. Win 2-1.
1-0 Round 2 vs Scapeshift: On the draw. Mulled to 6 in game 1, keeping two MS and sending land to the bottom on my scry. Drew into a KF on turn 2, but still only 1 land. Attacking with 2 MS. A Roiling Terrain takes out my only land on their turn 3. Gut shots and mutagenic growth finally get me the win on turn 4. My opponent was on 3 life, but quit to game 2 with no way to win before my MS's won the game. No SB changes. I think this is a pretty good matchup. Game 2, I keep a hand of 7 with KF and MS. Turn 1 I hit with MS and my opponent is at 17 thanks to their own stomping ground. They hit a pair of utopia sprawls I panic about an arbor elf. Turn 2 I probe and see nothing threatening. I drew another MS and cast my KF and attack for 2. My opponent plays a Kitchen Finks gaining some life and leaving a pretty good blocker. I draw and cast another MS, then probe, gut shot, and Ground rift for the win on turn 3. Win 2-0
2-0 Round 3 vs RGB Eldrazi: On the draw. I keep 7 with MS and Niv. Niv on my turn 1 and then MS on turn 2. My Niv eats a dismember and I'm helpless to save it. I have a SurEx and Gutshot, but not GY targets. My opponent puts out a Reality Smasher turn 3 but didn't attack into my MS. I draw and cast another Niv, but can't attack into a smasher. My opponent attacks with their smasher and plays an Oblivion Sower netting a City of Brass from me. They then play an X=3 Enldess One. I play out all 4 of my spells including a Ground Rift making my team unblockable and get a win on turn 4. I side out 4 ApostBless and board in 3 Dismember and 1 Death's Shadow. I keep a hand of 7 with KF and Niv. My opponent plays a land and I play a Niv turn 1. My opponent plays another land and I draw a GitProbe and take a peek at my opponents hand seeing a pair of bolts, Reality Smasher and the Eldrazi temple to cast it next turn and 2 Mind stones?. With two extra lands in my hand I cast Faithless looting. I play a series of spells exiling them and avoiding the bolts making Niv a 9/10 and hit for 9. My opponent draws and scoops. They could have played a Reality Smasher, but I had a dismember in hand. Win 2-0.
3-0 Round 4 vs Temur Worship: On the draw. I keep 7 with a Niv and a bunch of early action. My opponent plays a Celestial Colonnade and I draw a GitProbe and see a PtE in their hand. I hold out on playing my Niv until I have an answer. They also have a Spell snare and a Kitchen Finks in hand. I'll need to be careful if I draw an ApostBless. My opponent casts Spreading Seas on my Mountain and I draw more lands the next two turns. My opponent plays their Kitchen Finks and gets in early attacks. They also Ghost Quarter my Gemstone Mine. I loot and flash it back to loot again before finding a second creature, a Niv. I take another attack from the KF, but my opponent is stuck on 3 lands, one another Ghost Quarter. I play out both of my Niv's leaving up ApostBles. One immediately eats PtE. On my opponents next turn, still on 3 land, the Snap and PtE, but I protect my Niv with ApostBless. I take another hit from KF putting me to 10. My opponent is tapped out. I Gut Shot Snapcaster and my four spells including 2 ground rift and an assault strobe that I let resolve, attacking for 42 on turn 6. I side out 3 Temur battle Rage and board in 1 Surgical Extraction and 2 Death's Shadow. I keep a hand with 2 Death's Shadow and 1 Niv. I play the Niv, but it is hit with a one of Celestial Purge. I loot and find a KF. My opponent plays lands and passes. I play the KF and it meets a PtE, but I protect it with ApostBless. I cast a SurgExt on the PtE and see that my opponent has a hand with 3 lands and only has detention spheres for removal remaining. The deck looks like an anti-Eldrazi brew. My opponent plays another land onto an empty board and I play MutGrowth and attack for 6 then cast a 3/3 Death's shadow. I have another in my hand in case of DetSphere. My opponent is mana flooded and I tap my 2 Cities of Brass and attack for 6 again. I probe my opponent and see 3 lands! Poor guy! I attack for lethal on my turn 6. Win 2-0.
4-0 Round 5 vs Merfolk: On the Play. I mull to 6 after having a hand with no creatures. I keep a hand with MS and Niv. I play and attack with MS. My opponent plays a Mutavault and I loot tossing a land and another loot, attack for 2 and play Niv. My opponent plays Silvergill adept. I cast a few spells and attack putting my opponent to 8 and I have an ApostBles in hand. My opponent plays another Silvergil and an annoying Cursecatcher. I trade MS for both Silvergil and my Niv is blocked by the Curscatcher. I still have the ApostBles in hand. My opponent plasts Master of Waves and I play the Apostles blessing giving pro-U and cast and exile a Ground Rift, then attack for the win on my turn 5. I don't board anything. I keep 7 with Niv and KF and the possibility for a turn 2 kill if I draw gas. My opponent plays a turn 1 vial and I draw a MS and play the Niv. My opponent ticks up vial and plays Tidebinder mage tapping my Niv. I play my KF and pass. My opponent ticks up vial and attacks for 2. I play MS and attack. I double gut shot before damage on the Tidebringer. My opponent vials in Harbringer of the tides targeting my KF, but I cast ApostBless and put my opponent to 1. They scoop and another turn 3 win. Win 2-0.
5-0 in rounds and 10-1 in games. I've played MANY versions of the deck toying with cards like Tainted Strike, Artful Dodge, Ranger's Guile, Pacts, etc. I really liked sticking with nearly mono red. I think Mana Confluence may replace some of my mountains. I have also played with 6 red fetches, but keep coming back to just Mountains. Sometimes I do need the extra life for phyrexian mana spells. I am set on 17 lands. Some games I really need to get to 3 lands to win. I'm testing this deck out for taking to GP LA in May. Its competing with my other options: Affinity, Esper Tokens, and Abzan company. I chose these so that I am more prepared for bans in April - there will be bans.
4 Monastery Swiftspear
4 Nivmagus Elemental
4 Apostle's Blessing
3 Temur Battle Rage
3 Ground Rift
4 Mutagenic Growth
2 Surgical Extraction
4 Gut Shot
4 Faithless Looting
4 Gitaxian Probe
3 Assault Strobe
4 City of Brass
4 Gemstone Mine
9 Mountain
1 Surgical Extraction
4 Shattering Spree
3 Dismember
3 Lightning Bolt
2 Death's Shadow
Great report and congratulations. This variation is a lot closer to my comfort zone I think. I've been testing out [[Noxious Revival]] myself. How has it been working for you? What do you usually target with it? Creatures post-removal? Spells to recast? I imagine Strobe, Rift, Revival, Rift is a pretty boss turn 3.
This a little on the side, but it appears that SoI is going to have more prowess creatures as well, plus I'm already seeing a few interesting spells from spoilers. Anyone think anything leaked so far has some potential? Also, MTG Goldfish has what appears to be a fun-looking Pauper version of our deck archetype.
BG Elves // "He's back. And he brought his friends. And their friends."
BG The Rock // "Dwayne Johnson approved."
RU Izzet Phoenix // "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."
UGW Bant Spirits // "Super Ghost Bros."
BUG Sultai Wildnerness Teachings // "How many turns did I just take again?"
C Colorless Eldrazi // "Smash you."
Thanks! I had been playing Noxious Revival in my main for a while, but found I liked Surgical Extraction much better. I could be more proactive at targeting a PtE or other threats. I once probed a player and saw two more Scalding Tarns in hand plus the one they just fetched with in the gy. The look on their face when they read "other than a basic land." I use Noxious Revival on myself to get back my own creatures/needed card or against a deck like Living End. Its best to target on your own upkeep before you draw if targeting yourself to get any triggers to last for the turn if needed. The probe plan you drew up would definitely work. I've also used it to put a fetch land or something I know they can't use to kill me now on top of my opponents library to slow them down a turn. For a meta where decks with lots of tokens abound, I could see Marrow Shards being a solid sb card in place of Noxious Revival or even Dismember. I'm no longer running fetches, so sometimes an early turn gy target doesn't exist for Noxious revival/ Surgical extraction which can be awkward sometimes. I lucked out not running into Spellskite - I love that card only when I'm the one playing it. LOL
Nivix Blitz or Eye Candy as I've seen it called have been around pauper for a long time. Its fun to play, but can be a challenge to compete with a more traditional Delver build or MBC, two of the top decks in the format. Got to love playing cards like Gush and Shadow rift however. People forget how powerful Shadow can be; they must not have been playing Dauthi Slayer back in 97-98.
First of all congrats! That looks like a pretty good decklist, I'm definetly gonna incorportate some of the things you have on there into mine.(especially because I can barely afford fetches) If you do decide to take this to a GP you'll definetly have to update the thread on your thoughts. ^^
@joker
Prowess is the new U/R evergreen, so we can only hope for more creatures. ^^ I'm not quite sure on anything spoiled so far, but i'm really hoping for another one-drop prowess creature to act as Monastery Swiftspears 5-8 (well, or however many we will want to play).
I remember reading something about how Kiln Fiend decks are pretty high on the pauper tier-list, but since I don't play the format I wouldn't know. A lot of our deck is common, so I can definetly see it being a thing in pauper. A quick forum search shows this: http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/magic-online-formats/pauper/established/509381-primer-ur-dragonaut-eye-candy-nivix-blitz so I suppose it is a thing!
For my own contributions lately:
Not a whole lot, I've not had chance to play my deck too much. I can however confirm that playing it in a FFA Multiplayer game is as bad an idea as it sounds. Hopefully I'm gonna be able to play some more, but modern-players are sparse around here, and I can't afford to drive out to the weekly tournaments all that often.