For this to be a success, you need to be inviting - not condescending. It's clear that you've put a lot of work into all of this - it would be a shame for it to get ignored because you drive people away from the thread with your attitude. There have been a lot of valid criticisms in here that you have failed to answer because you believe your primer covered them - when in fact, your primer fails to cover most matchups with even half the rigor it should. I would suggest that you start by updating your primer to sort the matchups into categories (good, decent, coinflip, bad, unwinnable), then dedicate a paragraph to the key interactions of each matchup so that potential testers have some guidelines to follow.
I wish you luck - you've made something interesting here, and I hope it goes somewhere.
Well said, read this thread this morning and while It might have potential I couldn't get past the OP and his 'This deck is great and If you don't think so you're not looking hard enough' attitude. Whenever anyone asks about matchups he just get's defensive and says he's tested a lot and didn't have any problems.
If you really want us to believe this deck can hold it's own against tier 1 matchups you need to give us more than " If you know what you're doing, you can cripple them." It's especially important for the primer to have all the necessary information given about how to play the deck, you can't just say "see page 2 for details". Other than that just work on the attitude the primer is written in. Look at and compare yours to other popular primers and try to improve on it, It's the only way you'll get this deck the attention you want.
@divisionbyzorro -- I think you're jumping into the conversation late. In case you hadn't noticed, I've had quite the inviting attitude towards those who actually made valid points when talking to me -- see the replies to Forest Hex and Phoenios and Badd Business. The people I've condescended were those who didn't bother to read text that was emboldened in the header of the primer, persisted about a particular deck when it was already made clear that such a matchup was easy, or by people trying to call this "midrange" when it clearly is not.
I don't have time to answer the demands of those who want proof of this, nor those who can't read the first four words of a thread. That's not what this thread's for. I came here to share this because a small faction of people asked for a primer, because this build has started to perform incredibly well. If you want to know what this deck's statistic based matchups are so badly -- go playtest and stop being lazy: contribute your results and I'll add them to the matchups section. Otherwise I have no time nor need for statistics with the matchups. I'm just a casual player sharing a primer for a deck that holds its own fairly decently in my opinion, because other players want to use it too.
Sorry if scolding someone for not reading bold text is such a crime to you, but you really should look at entire argument before making radical judgment calls like that.
@Felix the Cat: My attitude is not "This deck is great and if you don't think so you're not looking hard enough." I never made any claims as to the potential the deck has. I simply laid out the plan as to what this deck does and how to use it, because several people from my network of friends wanted to see the build laid out in a place where it can be discussed and built upon, not criticized for not having proof.
I also did not only say "If you know what you're doing, you can cripple them." I also said to read page 2. You can do it! Scroll up! This is page 2! I said to read this page because the details were so heavy regarding pod that it's better to simply read the Pod discussion already on this page of the discussion, because lots of valid points were made, and I replied in kind as to what one's options would be in that matchup. All of this you would have known if you simply read.
I also did not come here trying to "make anyone believe" that this deck does what I claim it does. I know for a fact what it's capable of, and I know its limits as well. The point of bringing this here is to make remarks that are constructively critical, not "OMG this deck sucks OMG it dies to deck X, Y, or Z." I don't have time to reply to such tomfoolery. So yes, I'm going to condescend and turn away those who do not wish to read or make an effort to the deck's contribution, because their comments are simply a distraction from the topic at hand: the deck's primer and how other people can use it and make their own versions of this deck, as well as potentially differing strategies.
I'm sure Badd B's looking into a new CA alternative to Sky hussar, and Forest Hex is hard at work trying this deck from his point of view.
I dare ask, what will you do to help? Or did you come to call me a randomly condescending egotistical jerk rogue brewer with an awful deck too?
Hey SDM, I think for you're primer you should show you're earlier decklist, that deck was very different to this one and it could help open up other ways to look at building the deck, like the Peace of Mind/Trade Routes and Ensnaring Bridge approach. Just a suggestion to maybe build a little more interest in the thread c:
@divisionbyzorro -- I think you're jumping into the conversation late. In case you hadn't noticed, I've had quite the inviting attitude towards those who actually made valid points when talking to me -- see the replies to Forest Hex and Phoenios and Badd Business. The people I've condescended were those who didn't bother to read text that was emboldened in the header of the primer, persisted about a particular deck when it was already made clear that such a matchup was easy, or by people trying to call this "midrange" when it clearly is not.
I don't have time to answer the demands of those who want proof of this, nor those who can't read the first four words of a thread. That's not what this thread's for. I came here to share this because a small faction of people asked for a primer, because this build has started to perform incredibly well. If you want to know what this deck's statistic based matchups are so badly -- go playtest and stop being lazy: contribute your results and I'll add them to the matchups section. Otherwise I have no time nor need for statistics with the matchups. I'm just a casual player sharing a primer for a deck that holds its own fairly decently in my opinion, because other players want to use it too.
Sorry if scolding someone for not reading bold text is such a crime to you, but you really should look at entire argument before making radical judgment calls like that.
@Felix the Cat: My attitude is not "This deck is great and if you don't think so you're not looking hard enough." I never made any claims as to the potential the deck has. I simply laid out the plan as to what this deck does and how to use it, because several people from my network of friends wanted to see the build laid out in a place where it can be discussed and built upon, not criticized for not having proof.
I also did not only say "If you know what you're doing, you can cripple them." I also said to read page 2. You can do it! Scroll up! This is page 2! I said to read this page because the details were so heavy regarding pod that it's better to simply read the Pod discussion already on this page of the discussion, because lots of valid points were made, and I replied in kind as to what one's options would be in that matchup. All of this you would have known if you simply read.
I also did not come here trying to "make anyone believe" that this deck does what I claim it does. I know for a fact what it's capable of, and I know its limits as well. The point of bringing this here is to make remarks that are constructively critical, not "OMG this deck sucks OMG it dies to deck X, Y, or Z." I don't have time to reply to such tomfoolery. So yes, I'm going to condescend and turn away those who do not wish to read or make an effort to the deck's contribution, because their comments are simply a distraction from the topic at hand: the deck's primer and how other people can use it and make their own versions of this deck, as well as potentially differing strategies.
I'm sure Badd B's looking into a new CA alternative to Sky hussar, and Forest Hex is hard at work trying this deck from his point of view.
I dare ask, what will you do to help? Or did you come to call me a randomly condescending egotistical jerk rogue brewer with an awful deck too?
Have to agree with the other posters. You claim that the deck is strong and complex, fine. But you don't give any numbers or breakdowns to back it up. If you want constructive advice, don't call other posters lazy for asking you questions that you should be answering. The burden of proof for this deck lies on you, it is nobody's responsibility to playtest it but yours.
The posters that are trying (fairly politely, most of them) to help you with your attitude are giving much more important advice than the ones discussing a couple of card slots. If you want discussion and interest, you need a better attitude and a willingness to answer questions.
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Slowly breaking.
Any more of this, and Team Troll will be more than just a name.
Ok hoping to spark more discussion here, I know we've all had acouple of fights over stuff on this thread, but lets hope to come together for the goal of this thread, to help build on this deck, Here's what I'm currently using (Not with a lot of success):
I based this off SDM's original and newer thread, I was wondering why did you take out Trade Routes, It is a little slow, but this deck aim is the end game, and it has sooooo much synergy with the entire deck, it gets rid of lands for Knight and Wayfarer, It returns lands to replay for Angel, it discards excess lands for draw, with LftL it gives us huge amounts of CA, and with bridge we can use it to turn Bridge off if we need to attack. It just seems to work so well, why wouldn't we want to play it?
@divisionbyzorro -- I think you're jumping into the conversation late. In case you hadn't noticed, I've had quite the inviting attitude towards those who actually made valid points when talking to me -- see the replies to Forest Hex and Phoenios and Badd Business. The people I've condescended were those who didn't bother to read text that was emboldened in the header of the primer, persisted about a particular deck when it was already made clear that such a matchup was easy, or by people trying to call this "midrange" when it clearly is not.
I don't have time to answer the demands of those who want proof of this, nor those who can't read the first four words of a thread. That's not what this thread's for. I came here to share this because a small faction of people asked for a primer, because this build has started to perform incredibly well. If you want to know what this deck's statistic based matchups are so badly -- go playtest and stop being lazy: contribute your results and I'll add them to the matchups section. Otherwise I have no time nor need for statistics with the matchups. I'm just a casual player sharing a primer for a deck that holds its own fairly decently in my opinion, because other players want to use it too.
Sorry if scolding someone for not reading bold text is such a crime to you, but you really should look at entire argument before making radical judgment calls like that.
@Felix the Cat: My attitude is not "This deck is great and if you don't think so you're not looking hard enough." I never made any claims as to the potential the deck has. I simply laid out the plan as to what this deck does and how to use it, because several people from my network of friends wanted to see the build laid out in a place where it can be discussed and built upon, not criticized for not having proof.
I also did not only say "If you know what you're doing, you can cripple them." I also said to read page 2. You can do it! Scroll up! This is page 2! I said to read this page because the details were so heavy regarding pod that it's better to simply read the Pod discussion already on this page of the discussion, because lots of valid points were made, and I replied in kind as to what one's options would be in that matchup. All of this you would have known if you simply read.
I also did not come here trying to "make anyone believe" that this deck does what I claim it does. I know for a fact what it's capable of, and I know its limits as well. The point of bringing this here is to make remarks that are constructively critical, not "OMG this deck sucks OMG it dies to deck X, Y, or Z." I don't have time to reply to such tomfoolery. So yes, I'm going to condescend and turn away those who do not wish to read or make an effort to the deck's contribution, because their comments are simply a distraction from the topic at hand: the deck's primer and how other people can use it and make their own versions of this deck, as well as potentially differing strategies.
I'm sure Badd B's looking into a new CA alternative to Sky hussar, and Forest Hex is hard at work trying this deck from his point of view.
I dare ask, what will you do to help? Or did you come to call me a randomly condescending egotistical jerk rogue brewer with an awful deck too?
I wouldn't look to me for developing this deck, but I would say that if you want a more reliable card advantage engine, I would play Mulldrifter, as it works favorably with emeria, and isn't bad on its own.
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Find me online - I'm on Cockatrice * Tag - Badd B - Or on MTGO - Tag - Cbus05
A reliable card advantage in here would definitely belong under mulldrifter, though a good card selection engine with both emeria and sun titan might be court hussar.
I like the idea of the survival archetype, but one card I didn't see mentioned that might be worth a shot is gift of estates. Many have already noted that this deck does terrible if it misses land drops and surely this card could help?
court hussar's main advantage with sun titan is that it has an enters the battlefield trigger whereupon if white isn't paid when you play him, he instantly dies. in essence, unless you have something better to do, he's a mini-mpulse every turn.
An interesting and unique deck. I love decks that attack the meta from new angles. I have all of these cards I will assemble the deck and give it a good test in MTGO.
I forgot that the effect of Reveillark normally only applies once unless you're playing it with Venser, the Sojourner and Momentary Blink (like I do in another deck) ^^
But as stupid as it sounds, sometimes it can be really hard to use 3 non-white manas because nearly the whole mana base consists of plains.
Then again, it won't be a problem if you keep fetching shock lands.
I guess one has to try Court Hussar out in order to see its usefullness.
It used to see a lot of play in tap out control decks for various reasons. If nothing else, there is always the blocking/wrathing option.
I see you've never heard of midrange... You should. This is a midrange deck.
The list seems too split and lacks focus. I think you should either opt for a more controllish approach or a BW sisters (in which the martyr + vizkopa combo does very well) approach and focus on your decision.
This is not a midrange, it's a mono white control variation. And a pretty neat one at that.
Oh wow. I am pleasantly surprised to come back to read this; to find mostly constructive criticism, for a change. I see a lot of fantastic ideas here and am definitely going to have to try these shoes on myself.
Something I just noticed -- Sky Hussar's Forecast is instant. That means if we are recurring Court Hussar through Emeria -- you can respond to its sacrifice by tapping it and one other dude for a draw AND a pick-from-3 trigger.
Knight of the Reliquary is also going in right away -- I always felt the creature might be too slow -- but when you showed me those interactions, I think it's worth a lot more than I previously viewed it.
Bojuka Bog is also a formidable option to consider -- especially considering Realmwright can turn it plains if I'm feeling short on Emeria. And 1 of it is plenty since lands in this deck are tutorable and blinkable.
Ranger of Eos is an issue of necessity. In practice I had always felt by turn 4 my draws were eliminating the need for searches. I'm wondering if a green splash warrants the use of Fauna Shaman, Eternal Witness or even Primal Command?
EDIT: Court Hussar is proving to be fantastic, as is Knight of the Reliquary. The only issue is hardcasting Court Hussar the first time, in which it doesnt immediately sac.
SDM MY MAN! Glad to see this thread up and running well, guess it just took some time to convince people, eh?
Also, stoked on seeing Grim Discovery back in the list, that's one of my favorite cards
Hope the deck is still going great for you!
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Thanks to Rivenor for the signature and XenoNinja for the Avi!
On the topic of reaching out for different lands like Bojuka Bog, I'm wondering if there are any other neat ones I could squeeze in. For instance -- should I consider a basic Forest/Swamp/Island for Ghost Quarters/Path to Exiles? Or could there be hidden usage in another nonbasic land?
EDIT: Mulldrifter seems to be doing better than Court Hussar -- especially in the event that lands have thinned out mid-late game. Having the creature come back when I need it to stay and block something is proving useful also.
Gideon Jura's abilities are certainly attractive for this deck. The only thing I've disliked about running any walkers, however, is that they cannot recur (Except for Ajani, Caller of the Pride). If Jura is countered/destroyed/exiled there's no getting him back unless I find another copy of it. How can we address this issue? Perhaps this should be added in conjunction with Eternal Witness? I love EW's effect but paying double-green might be a little heavy. Also, maybe Obzedat's Aid?
Maybe the better option is to simply use the 3-cost Ajani. It's not the end of the world if I lose it, and it can turn one of my early 2/2's into something fierce (Looking primarily at Vizkopa or 8 1/2 Tails), and possibly another wincon. He could also make Sun Titan incredibly deadly.
Gargoyle Castle is another great option. It's a failsafe for when I can't get any other creatures online, or if I need a comeback from an opposing board nuke like ***/Verdict.
The Grove of the Guardian looks nice, but it comes at the cost of not taking the extra draw for whichever turn I am saving up for the tap. That said, an 8/8 vig is something enemies will have to deal with, especially if activated at a flash. Partnered with KotR, they could be a disaster waiting to happen. But that case seems like a "win more" issue where I wouldn't need it.
In regards to Valakut: its interactions with Realmwright are meant to be icing on the cake, as opposed an effect you should try to instantly get online. You should focus on Realmwight to Plains (or reaching a natural Emeria 7) before focusing on Realmwright to Mountain. If the opportunity arises to get it online early, however, do take advantage of it.
Secondly, Valakut is only a 1-of. It's tutorable and it's not destructive to the mana base. If your opening hand had just this in it, you should have mulled. The only reason you'd ever keep a 1-land hand is if you happen to have both a W source and Wayfarer.
Regarding Sky Hussar: Stop for a moment, step back, and count the number of white and/or blue creatures in this deck (v2.1) that have a converted mana cost between 1 and 3. 23. That's even more than we have land cards. In this deck, Sky Hussar is almost always usable. Even if a creature croaks -- you got a valuable sac trigger out of it (or some activated/triggered ability) and will be able to not only benefit from it again (thanks to recursion efforts), but the enemy will be down a few hate spells. One way or the other -- you WILL get CA from this setup: Either by forcing their hand or utilizing yours.
Another way to perceive Sky Hussar is in comparison to Bob. People work their way around running it just to have the draw-on-the-upkeep of turn 3. Sky Hussar permits the same initiative: You can have two creatures in play by turn 2. Same effect, except no lifeloss and these 1/1 dorks do a lot more than Bob.
Regarding the mana base: There's nothing wrong with going towards a two-color variant of the deck. This deck stretches to 4 colors easily because of the way costs are managed: nothing requires more than one mana of the splash color, lands are tutorable and recurrable, and each color has something significant to offer the deck which inevitably leads to having more land, meaning another splash color becomes active afterward (recursion, card drawing, KotR).
So if you can manage to make a BW build that fills the gaps while following the recursive themes, then more power to you! But, the splashes are easy to make with this build, and it would be a wasted opportunity to not use such beautiful potential.
Lingering Souls, however, is a strong option and can even work well -in conjunction- with Sky Hussar as opposed to being a replacement for it. You'll notice this is already added to the "Variants" section of the OP.
Speaking of the OP, that reminds me -- updates are due to it. I'm going to get started right away and fill in the variants section/conclusion section with 2.1's info.
I've tried some red variants before, using Painter's Servant set to white for consistency with Martyr, 8 1/2, and Chaotic Backlash.
Alternatively, one would find a way to discard Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, recur it (or just hardcast it) and then use Sky Hussar. The sneakiest way to do this would be to use a TFK/Peace of Mind on the enemy EOT, with Emeria online.
I see these as working better or faster than the Dragonmaster outcast, and its low cost doesn't warrant its use since it serves no functions early-game.
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Well said, read this thread this morning and while It might have potential I couldn't get past the OP and his 'This deck is great and If you don't think so you're not looking hard enough' attitude. Whenever anyone asks about matchups he just get's defensive and says he's tested a lot and didn't have any problems.
If you really want us to believe this deck can hold it's own against tier 1 matchups you need to give us more than " If you know what you're doing, you can cripple them." It's especially important for the primer to have all the necessary information given about how to play the deck, you can't just say "see page 2 for details". Other than that just work on the attitude the primer is written in. Look at and compare yours to other popular primers and try to improve on it, It's the only way you'll get this deck the attention you want.
I don't have time to answer the demands of those who want proof of this, nor those who can't read the first four words of a thread. That's not what this thread's for. I came here to share this because a small faction of people asked for a primer, because this build has started to perform incredibly well. If you want to know what this deck's statistic based matchups are so badly -- go playtest and stop being lazy: contribute your results and I'll add them to the matchups section. Otherwise I have no time nor need for statistics with the matchups. I'm just a casual player sharing a primer for a deck that holds its own fairly decently in my opinion, because other players want to use it too.
Sorry if scolding someone for not reading bold text is such a crime to you, but you really should look at entire argument before making radical judgment calls like that.
@Felix the Cat: My attitude is not "This deck is great and if you don't think so you're not looking hard enough." I never made any claims as to the potential the deck has. I simply laid out the plan as to what this deck does and how to use it, because several people from my network of friends wanted to see the build laid out in a place where it can be discussed and built upon, not criticized for not having proof.
I also did not only say "If you know what you're doing, you can cripple them." I also said to read page 2. You can do it! Scroll up! This is page 2! I said to read this page because the details were so heavy regarding pod that it's better to simply read the Pod discussion already on this page of the discussion, because lots of valid points were made, and I replied in kind as to what one's options would be in that matchup. All of this you would have known if you simply read.
I also did not come here trying to "make anyone believe" that this deck does what I claim it does. I know for a fact what it's capable of, and I know its limits as well. The point of bringing this here is to make remarks that are constructively critical, not "OMG this deck sucks OMG it dies to deck X, Y, or Z." I don't have time to reply to such tomfoolery. So yes, I'm going to condescend and turn away those who do not wish to read or make an effort to the deck's contribution, because their comments are simply a distraction from the topic at hand: the deck's primer and how other people can use it and make their own versions of this deck, as well as potentially differing strategies.
I'm sure Badd B's looking into a new CA alternative to Sky hussar, and Forest Hex is hard at work trying this deck from his point of view.
I dare ask, what will you do to help? Or did you come to call me a randomly condescending egotistical jerk rogue brewer with an awful deck too?
Have to agree with the other posters. You claim that the deck is strong and complex, fine. But you don't give any numbers or breakdowns to back it up. If you want constructive advice, don't call other posters lazy for asking you questions that you should be answering. The burden of proof for this deck lies on you, it is nobody's responsibility to playtest it but yours.
The posters that are trying (fairly politely, most of them) to help you with your attitude are giving much more important advice than the ones discussing a couple of card slots. If you want discussion and interest, you need a better attitude and a willingness to answer questions.
Any more of this, and Team Troll will be more than just a name.
I know where you post.
3 Ghost Quarter
3 Arid Mesa
3 Marsh Flats
6 Plains
2 Horizon Canopy
3 Hallowed Fountain
2 Temple Garden
4 Martyr of Sands
4 Kami of False Hope
2 Sun Titan
2 Admonition Angel
4 Weathered Wayfarer
4 Knight of the White Orchid
3 Trade Routes
4 Path to Exile
3 Wrath of God
3 Life from the Loam
I based this off SDM's original and newer thread, I was wondering why did you take out Trade Routes, It is a little slow, but this deck aim is the end game, and it has sooooo much synergy with the entire deck, it gets rid of lands for Knight and Wayfarer, It returns lands to replay for Angel, it discards excess lands for draw, with LftL it gives us huge amounts of CA, and with bridge we can use it to turn Bridge off if we need to attack. It just seems to work so well, why wouldn't we want to play it?
I wouldn't look to me for developing this deck, but I would say that if you want a more reliable card advantage engine, I would play Mulldrifter, as it works favorably with emeria, and isn't bad on its own.
I like the idea of the survival archetype, but one card I didn't see mentioned that might be worth a shot is gift of estates. Many have already noted that this deck does terrible if it misses land drops and surely this card could help?
Credit to DolZero for this awesome sig!
Credit to DolZero for this awesome sig!
It used to see a lot of play in tap out control decks for various reasons. If nothing else, there is always the blocking/wrathing option.
Credit to DolZero for this awesome sig!
This is not a midrange, it's a mono white control variation. And a pretty neat one at that.
Something I just noticed -- Sky Hussar's Forecast is instant. That means if we are recurring Court Hussar through Emeria -- you can respond to its sacrifice by tapping it and one other dude for a draw AND a pick-from-3 trigger.
Knight of the Reliquary is also going in right away -- I always felt the creature might be too slow -- but when you showed me those interactions, I think it's worth a lot more than I previously viewed it.
Bojuka Bog is also a formidable option to consider -- especially considering Realmwright can turn it plains if I'm feeling short on Emeria. And 1 of it is plenty since lands in this deck are tutorable and blinkable.
Ranger of Eos is an issue of necessity. In practice I had always felt by turn 4 my draws were eliminating the need for searches. I'm wondering if a green splash warrants the use of Fauna Shaman, Eternal Witness or even Primal Command?
EDIT: Court Hussar is proving to be fantastic, as is Knight of the Reliquary. The only issue is hardcasting Court Hussar the first time, in which it doesnt immediately sac.
4 Weathered Wayfarer
4 Martyr of Sands
2 Kami of False Hope
2 Realmwright
2 Knight of the White Orchid
2 Vizkopa Guildmage
2 Eight-and-a-Half-Tails
2 Knight of the Reliquary
2 Court Hussar
3 Sky Hussar
2 Sun Titan
2 Admonition Angel
3 Path to Exile
3 Grim Discovery
3 Wrath of God
Lands (22)
2 Emeria, the Sky Ruin
1 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
1 Bojuka Bog
2 Ghost Quarter
2 Marsh Flats
2 Arid Mesa
2 Godless Shrine
2 Hallowed Fountain
2 Temple Garden
6 Plains
3 Leyline of Sanctity
2 Stony Silence
3 Pithing Needle
2 Aura of Silence
3 Grand Abolisher
2 Torpor Orb
Also, stoked on seeing Grim Discovery back in the list, that's one of my favorite cards
Hope the deck is still going great for you!
Thanks to Rivenor for the signature and XenoNinja for the Avi!
Quotes:
On the topic of reaching out for different lands like Bojuka Bog, I'm wondering if there are any other neat ones I could squeeze in. For instance -- should I consider a basic Forest/Swamp/Island for Ghost Quarters/Path to Exiles? Or could there be hidden usage in another nonbasic land?
EDIT: Mulldrifter seems to be doing better than Court Hussar -- especially in the event that lands have thinned out mid-late game. Having the creature come back when I need it to stay and block something is proving useful also.
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
Maybe the better option is to simply use the 3-cost Ajani. It's not the end of the world if I lose it, and it can turn one of my early 2/2's into something fierce (Looking primarily at Vizkopa or 8 1/2 Tails), and possibly another wincon. He could also make Sun Titan incredibly deadly.
Gargoyle Castle is another great option. It's a failsafe for when I can't get any other creatures online, or if I need a comeback from an opposing board nuke like ***/Verdict.
The Grove of the Guardian looks nice, but it comes at the cost of not taking the extra draw for whichever turn I am saving up for the tap. That said, an 8/8 vig is something enemies will have to deal with, especially if activated at a flash. Partnered with KotR, they could be a disaster waiting to happen. But that case seems like a "win more" issue where I wouldn't need it.
Secondly, Valakut is only a 1-of. It's tutorable and it's not destructive to the mana base. If your opening hand had just this in it, you should have mulled. The only reason you'd ever keep a 1-land hand is if you happen to have both a W source and Wayfarer.
Regarding Sky Hussar: Stop for a moment, step back, and count the number of white and/or blue creatures in this deck (v2.1) that have a converted mana cost between 1 and 3. 23. That's even more than we have land cards. In this deck, Sky Hussar is almost always usable. Even if a creature croaks -- you got a valuable sac trigger out of it (or some activated/triggered ability) and will be able to not only benefit from it again (thanks to recursion efforts), but the enemy will be down a few hate spells. One way or the other -- you WILL get CA from this setup: Either by forcing their hand or utilizing yours.
Another way to perceive Sky Hussar is in comparison to Bob. People work their way around running it just to have the draw-on-the-upkeep of turn 3. Sky Hussar permits the same initiative: You can have two creatures in play by turn 2. Same effect, except no lifeloss and these 1/1 dorks do a lot more than Bob.
Regarding the mana base: There's nothing wrong with going towards a two-color variant of the deck. This deck stretches to 4 colors easily because of the way costs are managed: nothing requires more than one mana of the splash color, lands are tutorable and recurrable, and each color has something significant to offer the deck which inevitably leads to having more land, meaning another splash color becomes active afterward (recursion, card drawing, KotR).
So if you can manage to make a BW build that fills the gaps while following the recursive themes, then more power to you! But, the splashes are easy to make with this build, and it would be a wasted opportunity to not use such beautiful potential.
Lingering Souls, however, is a strong option and can even work well -in conjunction- with Sky Hussar as opposed to being a replacement for it. You'll notice this is already added to the "Variants" section of the OP.
Speaking of the OP, that reminds me -- updates are due to it. I'm going to get started right away and fill in the variants section/conclusion section with 2.1's info.
Alternatively, one would find a way to discard Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, recur it (or just hardcast it) and then use Sky Hussar. The sneakiest way to do this would be to use a TFK/Peace of Mind on the enemy EOT, with Emeria online.
I see these as working better or faster than the Dragonmaster outcast, and its low cost doesn't warrant its use since it serves no functions early-game.