If your willing to go into B splash however there are new and interesting things to look into. Whip for example.
But as mentioned Mogis, God of Slaughter is not impactfull enough against Dragons and "pure" Control has the Vaults to get rid of it or even in that super-late stage can outrace it trough other means (for example your creature return through Ashiok).
A think I have been wondering however is how much viable it is again to go into Jund colours. The Thoughtseizes are there, the Green Recursion boat (of Raptors and Den Protectors) is available and supplemented with Burn and Discard I do think there is something viable enough for this meta game.
To add to that, the recursion is very effective against UBw Dragons if you can supplement it with the right type tempo slower, like Thoughtseize.
Yup, there are ramp decks, I think Jund Reanimator featuring Whip of Erebos and Dragonlord Atarka. It is fun, but I'm not sure I'm up for it.
Worth noting that while the black splash is cool, going BB earlier than turn 5 is pretty much undoable unless you're interested in running 25 lands. Also 2+ Mana Confluence with a set of Llanowar Wastes. Add Thoughtseize into the fray and you're walking into dangerous territory.
By keeping the B splash light, you're mitigating some of those issues while maintaining some of the explosive spells like the rakdos dragons and Murderous Cut.
I know right ? At first glance, it looks kinda cute and a bit fancy, but turns out it is the answer to today's removals. On Haven of the Spirit Dragon subject, I think 2-3 is alright for 8-10 dragons, depending on how frequent you intend to use its ability. With Den Protector, 1-2 Haven should be alright.
I've been playing this deck for a while now on Cockatrice. I dont have all the cards IRL but it has made me quite happy online. My biggest complaints, draconic roar seems increasingly useless with all the UBx decks in circulation. Too much hexproof. Thinking of reducing to 0, increasing craters claw +1/+2 and increasing dramokas command to 4x
I've also been less than satisfied with surrak. I may cut him and put in something smaller. The haste rarely makes him worth while.. I'm thinking 2x Ashcloud Phenoix, as my biggest struggle is with control.
Lands can sometimes be slightly clunky. Maybe reducing tap lands and increasing regular land/fetch.
I like to side early acceleration for removal and wipes. Boon satyr acts as a 3 mana kill spell for Rabble Master, and Can be used to suit up a Caryatid, or Courser for effective blocks. I use a similar tactic for Jeskai decks and R/W Tokens. Except I also bring in reclamation sage to deal with their enchantments.
Not much I really Can board in here. But I try to get rid of dead cards. Need some better sideboard tech for them.
Abzan
-2 Phoenix
+2 Roast
-1 Polukranos
+1 Whisperwood
(If I see whip)
-2 Chandra
+2 Reclamation Sage
Looking for any sideboarding advice against Esper Dragons and Abzan. I can manage most RDW and Jeskai style decks with little or no sideboarding. Esper Dragon's is my hardest matchup. Abzan feels like a 50/50 in my local meta.
Also some timely SBDs and misplays by Jon Lim. Either way, between GP Shanghai and SCG DFW, RG Monsters is back. The deck is very good in green mirrors.
So far GR Dragons has always been good against green midranges because of the fliers. Nathan's sideboard definitely looking a bit awkward. I wonder if Display of Dominance is any good against UBx or not. And with these results, I wonder if splashing the third colour to be more valuable.
So far GR Dragons has always been good against green midranges because of the fliers. Nathan's sideboard definitely looking a bit awkward. I wonder if Display of Dominance is any good against UBx or not. And with these results, I wonder if splashing the third colour to be more valuable.
Comming from the UBx corner, I dont feel Display of Dominance is incredible against control decks, mainly because the only card you can destroy with it actually is Ashiok in that match up. Which is reasonably decent but also incredibly narrow because most lists only run 2 Ashiok to begin with.
The protection you gain is more decent. Granted with Thunderbreak and Stormbreath allready being immume to Bile Blight I wouldn't overly worry about it. Additionally it doesn't get past Foul-Tongue or Crux of Fate so it basicly comes down to 'countering' Hero's Downfall or maby a single Utter End.
Now I do feel the card itself has some more worth though as it does seem to be a nice way to awnser a Whip versus Sultai. The biggest 'downside' that makes Display too narrow for me would be the fact that it can actually be counterd, meaning it isn't even perse doing it's job.
Ideal cards against UBx would still be the Planeswalkers and Outpost Sieges eventually thaking over the game that otherwise is trade-based.
Seems way too reactive. I'd rather have a sideboard card that kills them. If Display hit more things I'd consider it, but at the moment UB has shifted to a Dragons plan rather than Planeswalker plan, so it's a fairly weak option.
Hi guys, I just brewed this baby up yesterday. I plan on playing this deck this coming FNM and if all goes well, I just might dump my Bant Heroic deck.
A couple things to note as you play your first FNM with that list:
- Heir of the Wilds will feel... underpowered. He was pretty bonkers when Boon Satyr and Fanatic of Xenagos were the 3 drops of choice. Now, not so much. He's really just a 2/2 deathtouch in a lot of cases.
- Not including Xenagos, the Reveler in this meta feels not entirely right. He helps you go up and over the top of other Raptor decks with mana (vs. other G decks it's about building a quick crescendo of mana and getting the top of the curve quickly; Xenagos facilitates this) and is very good against the control decks. I didn't like him in GRx beatdown this winter because he didn't really help push past Siege Rhino but Deathmist and Roast helped in that respect quite a bit.
- Atarka decks will be a problem for the list. They have similar end games but go quite a bit bigger. If you're expecting Atarka and other dragons, play Arbor Colossus in the board.
- 4x Den Protector will feel like too much since often you'll find yourself in situations where you don't have anything relevant to get back. A 2/1 for two or a 3/2 for 5 aren't super thrilling, although they have extra text that contrarians may point to.
- My best suggestion is to not splash blue. The deck's curve just doesn't find room for counterspells currently.
Game 1 (draw): He got early aggro beats with Bloodstained Champions. I was able to stabilise off accelerated Thunderbreak and Stormbreath. Note: monstrous dragons kill people fast.
Game 2 (draw): T2 Hornet Nest held off his early aggression. I ended up Clawing it for 7 later and finishing him with fliers.
GR Atarka: 1-0-1
Game 1 (play): Lots of back and forth. Ashcloud Phoenix was an all-star here. I had the initiative so kept pressure on him with Phoenix and Dragons. Eventually force the block on the Ashcloud and unmorphed for kill.
Game 2 (draw): Phoenix doing a lot of work again. Seems like one of our best cards in mirror. Arbor Colossus also makes an appearance to make his Stormbreath sad. Didn't finish, but looked to be wrapping up in my favor.
Sultai Control: 2-0
Game 1 (play): Combination of Dragon/Non-dragon/Ashcloud/Xenagos got things done. Too many angles for him to stabilise.
Game 2 (draw): Early on he killed my dork and I got stock on 2 mana with a bunch of 4s. Eventually drew 3rd mana and started casing Courser, Morphed Ashcloud, Mistcutter on 2 just to get some pressure. It seemed to work, as when I finally drew 4th land I had exhausted his answers. Screw beats Flood.
Jeskai Control: 2-0
Game 1: He had early game with Grandmasters. I eventually stablize off Thunderbreaks. Elspeth takes out my fliers, but I had a follow up of Stormbreath. Couple strikes to take care of the masters. He took a fair bit of Thunderbreak triggers through the game so it was over quick afterwards.
Sideboard: (sideboarded incorrectly thinking it was Aggro) +3 Magma Spray, +2 Hornet Nest, +2 Arbor Colossus, +1 Shamanic Revelation, -3 Xenagos, -1 Chandra, -2 Stormbreath, -2 Atarka
Game 2: He got stuck on 4 mana with Ojutai and Elspeth in hand. After some early answers I just got too far ahead.
Yes and no. I was often sweating mystic being killed early, and he did a couple times (against GR at least once and against the Sultai Control match when was mana screwed). However, his 2 power came up an awful lot too. I was able to trade off against against the Warriors deck and keep pressure on the control decks while they dealt with my bigger threats. I morphed him a few times to get a burst of mana to cast Atarka as well.
Game 3 vs Jeskai Heroic (W 2-0)
This was a pretty easy match-up for me for he doesn't have answers to fliers. Game 1, I won with a bestowed Boon Satyr on a Stormbreath Dragon. Game 2, I think he boarded in Ordeal of Heliod to outrace me. He gained 10 life one time but a turn 2 Goblin Rabblemaster and 2 Stormbreath Dragons was too much for him. My life total was never threatened throughout the match.
Game 4 vs Mardu Dragons (L 1-2)
The die roll was critical in this one, which I lost. He had removal for days in the form of Crackling Doom, Draconic Roar and Foul-Tongue Invocation. Foul-Tongue Invocation really screws up combat math big time. He surprised me by dashing a Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury that attacked alongside a Thunderbreak Regent, taking away a chunk of my life total in game 1. I was not able to recover and I scooped, the 5 toughness was just too much and my only available removal that was viable against his deck was Crater's Claw, which sadly, is sorcery speed. Game 2 was a quick one, I curved out perfectly. A turn 2 Goblin Rabblemaster followed up by Thunderbreak Regent and a Stormbreath Dragon was enough to make him scoop. Game 3, I made the error of not removing Goblin Rabblemaster on the draw. I removed all the burn, putting in Arbor Colossus, Ashcloud Phoenix and Hornet Nest. I was able to cast a Hornet Nest early but it met an Ultimate Price. He then casted a card that I didn't see on games 1 and 2, a Soulfire Grand Master. Late game, he teed off on a Crackling Doom with buyback breaking the stalemate of dragons, and with no removal to take care of Soulfire Grand Master, I succumbed and took my first loss of the event. He then went on to go first, losing only to my fifth opponent.
Game 5 U/B Control (W 2-0)
Surprisingly, the match-up that I thought was going to be the hardest match up against my deck was quite easy. My threat density outmatches their removal and counterspell suite. Ashcloud Phoenix was an all star in this match-up. A 2nd turn Boon Satyr, Goblin Rabblemaster or any form of early pressure in the form of Heir of the Wilds and an aggressive Rattleclaw Mystic is enough to put them in a back pedal. As long as we force their removals and counterspells, we will eventually resolve a big threat which they cannot answer.
Thoughts after the event:
• Surrak, the Hunt Caller is not worthy of two spots in the main, maybe as a one-of is enough. Ashcloud Phoenix deserves more spots in the main board because it is very good against a my dragon-filled meta.
• Plummet should be in the board, maybe two copies. I made a mistake of removing the card in my deck before the tournament expecting many Abzan decks and suffered the consequences in my lone loss. Plummet and Arbor Colossus will really shine in the right environment.
• A single copy of Mob Rule in the 75 might be good.
• I've played both midrange (Sylvan Caryatid, Courser of Kruphix, Xenagos, the Reveler and Dragonlord Atarka) and aggressive builds and I think that the aggro build is a tad better than it's midrange counterpart against a meta filled with control decks.
• I'm quite disappointed that I wasn't paired up against any Abzan variation. I hope to play against more Abzan in the future to test the deck further and make adjustments accordingly.
Ashcloud was very good for me. I agree with upping the number main. I'd suggest moving the SB copy main and replacing it with whatever. You mention plummet, which would do.
As far as Surrak. He was ok when I tested. Very aggressive with the right curve out, but he's a ground pounder without trample so sometimes had a hard time getting the job done when needed.
I'd suggest some more early interaction by upping your Draconic Roar count to 4x. 2x + a Roast doesn't seem like enough.
To make room for 2x Roar and the 1x Phoenix you could cut the 2x Surrak and shave 1x Claws. Claws is a bit awkward sometimes early when you are trying to develop the board. It shines once you get 4 power in play.
Has anyone tested a singleton Becoming Immense, I am running one main and I like it.
Anyone Running Atarka's command? I been quite alright for me so far.
Yup, there are ramp decks, I think Jund Reanimator featuring Whip of Erebos and Dragonlord Atarka. It is fun, but I'm not sure I'm up for it.
I agree with think. I would splash black and keep it light. With 8-10 dragons, playing Foul-Tongue Invocation gains 4 life quite beneficial as well. Not to mention some other light removals i.e. Thoughtseize, Duress, Ultimate Price, Self-Inflicted Wound easily played.
3 Courser of Kruphix
4 Den Protector
2 Dragonlord Atarka
4 Elvish Mystic
4 Stormbreath Dragon
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Thunderbreak Regent
3 Xenagos, the Reveler
Spells
2 Crater's Claws
2 Draconic Roar
2 Foul-Tongue Invocation
2 Roast
Lands
4 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
2 Bloodstained Mire
2 Llanowar Wastes
2 Temple of Malice
1 Swamp
3 Forest
3 Mountain
1 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2 Mana Confluence
My current 60 (too bad no Deathmist Raptor, the price goes up like flying to the moon).
Still sticking with CVM's list as my locals still full with Abzans. Den Protector's role is to fetch removals.
Modern : RG Titan Shift RG | RG Revolt Zoo RG | RG Ponza RG | RGW Naya Burn RGW
Legacy : RG Belcher RG
I like the list. What's the normal number of Haven these days? I had tried 3x in my last build, albeit I didn't have a third color at the time.
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
Modern : RG Titan Shift RG | RG Revolt Zoo RG | RG Ponza RG | RGW Naya Burn RGW
Legacy : RG Belcher RG
The Return of GR Dragons
Here's the TR;DR decklist:
1 Ashcloud Phoenix
3 Den Protector
4 Elvish Mystic
4 Stormbreath Dragon
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Thunderbreak Regent
3 Courser of Kruphix
2 Dragonlord Atarka
Planeswalkers
3 Xenagos, the Reveler
4 Draconic Roar
3 Crater's Claws
2 Roast
Lands (23)
5 Forest
3 Mountain
3 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2 Mana Confluence
2 Rugged Highlands
4 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
2 Ashcloud Phoenix
3 Hornet Nest
1 Destructive Revelry
1 Magma Spray
2 Rending Volley
1 Chandra, Pyromaster
1 Nissa, Worldwaker
1 Roast
3 Seismic Rupture
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
I've also been less than satisfied with surrak. I may cut him and put in something smaller. The haste rarely makes him worth while.. I'm thinking 2x Ashcloud Phenoix, as my biggest struggle is with control.
Lands can sometimes be slightly clunky. Maybe reducing tap lands and increasing regular land/fetch.
4 Thunderbreak Regent
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Elvish Mystic
3 Dragonlord Dromoka
4 Courser of Kruphix
2 Surrak, the Hunt Caller
2 Crater's Claws
2 Draconic Roar
3 Dromoka's Command
1 Roast
4 Forest
3 Mountain
2 Plains
2 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2 Mana Confluence
2 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
2 Windswept Heath
2 Temple of Plenty
2 Temple of Triumph
2 Nissa, Worldwaker
2 Hornet Nest
2 Destructive Revelry
1 Xenagos, the Reveler
2 Arashin Cleric
2 Genesis Hydra
2 Arbor Colossus
2 Seismic Rupture
Any suggestions/advice? Thoughts/comments/concerns?
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
Currently thinking of trying Mistcutter Hydra. Worked well against the Sphinx Rev decks.
Current list
4 Elvish Mystic
4 Sylvan Caryatid
Card Advantage Dudes
3 Courser of Kruphix
4 Hornet's Nest
Threats
2 Stormbreath Dragon
2 Ashcloud Phoenix
2 Polukranos, World Eater
2 Whisperwood Elemental
1 Hornet's Queen
4 Chord of Calling
1 Crater's Claws
3 Setessan Tactics
Planeswalker Dudes
3 Xenagos, The Reveler
2 Chandra, Pyromaster
1 WhisperWood elemental
2 Magma Spray
2 Roast
2 Anger of the gods
2 Boon Satyr
2 Arbor Colossus
2 Reclamation Sage
1 Crater's Claws
1 Nylea's Disciple
Currently Sideboarding Strategy
Mono-Red Aggro
-2 Setessan Tactics
+2 Magma Spray
-4 Elvish Mystic
+ 2 Anger
+ 1 Nylea's Disciple
-2 Phoenix
+ 2 Boon Satyr
+1 Disciple
I like to side early acceleration for removal and wipes. Boon satyr acts as a 3 mana kill spell for Rabble Master, and Can be used to suit up a Caryatid, or Courser for effective blocks. I use a similar tactic for Jeskai decks and R/W Tokens. Except I also bring in reclamation sage to deal with their enchantments.
Esper Dragons
-3 Setessan Tactics
+2 Arbor Colossus
+2 Boon satyr
-4 Hornet's Nest
+1 Whisperwood Elemental
+1 Crater's Claws
+1 Nylea's Disciple
Not much I really Can board in here. But I try to get rid of dead cards. Need some better sideboard tech for them.
Abzan
-2 Phoenix
+2 Roast
-1 Polukranos
+1 Whisperwood
(If I see whip)
-2 Chandra
+2 Reclamation Sage
Looking for any sideboarding advice against Esper Dragons and Abzan. I can manage most RDW and Jeskai style decks with little or no sideboarding. Esper Dragon's is my hardest matchup. Abzan feels like a 50/50 in my local meta.
BEEEES!
Rabble Red
Modern
Burn
Infect
4 Elvish Mystic
2 Genesis Hydra
4 Stormbreath Dragon
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Thunderbreak Regent
4 Courser of Kruphix
3 Dragonlord Atarka
Planeswalkers (3)
3 Xenagos, the Reveler
Lands (24)
7 Forest
3 Mountain
3 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
1 Mana Confluence
2 Rugged Highlands
4 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
4 Draconic Roar
2 Crater's Claws
2 Roast
3 Nylea's Disciple
2 Destructive Revelry
2 Display of Dominance
2 Rending Volley
2 Nissa, Worldwaker
1 Roast
3 Seismic Rupture
Some oversideboarding IMO.
Also some timely SBDs and misplays by Jon Lim. Either way, between GP Shanghai and SCG DFW, RG Monsters is back. The deck is very good in green mirrors.
2 Ashcloud Phoenix
4 Boon Satyr
2 Den Protector
4 Elvish Mystic
4 Goblin Rabblemaster
4 Rattleclaw Mystic
4 Thunderbreak Regent
4 Stormbreath Dragon
Spells (9)
3 Arc Lightning
3 Crater's Claws
3 Draconic Roar
5 Forest
1 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2 Mana Confluence
6 Mountain
1 Rugged Highlands
4 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
1 Ashcloud Phoenix
1 Draconic Roar
2 Hornet Nest
2 Anger of the Gods
2 Outpost Siege
3 Roast
2 Sarkhan, the Dragonspeaker
2 Xenagos, the Reveler
So far GR Dragons has always been good against green midranges because of the fliers. Nathan's sideboard definitely looking a bit awkward. I wonder if Display of Dominance is any good against UBx or not. And with these results, I wonder if splashing the third colour to be more valuable.
Modern : RG Titan Shift RG | RG Revolt Zoo RG | RG Ponza RG | RGW Naya Burn RGW
Legacy : RG Belcher RG
Starcity Games winning list:
http://sales.starcitygames.com//deckdatabase/displaydeck.php?DeckID=84925
Creatures (25)
4 Elvish Mystic
2 Genesis Hydra
4 Stormbreath Dragon
4 Sylvan Caryatid
4 Thunderbreak Regent
4 Courser of Kruphix
3 Dragonlord Atarka
Planeswalkers (3)
3 Xenagos, the Reveler
Lands (24)
7 Forest
3 Mountain
3 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
1 Mana Confluence
2 Rugged Highlands
4 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
Spells (8)
4 Draconic Roar
2 Crater's Claws
2 Roast
Sideboard
3 Nylea's Disciple
2 Destructive Revelry
2 Display of Dominance
2 Rending Volley
2 Nissa, Worldwaker
1 Roast
3 Seismic Rupture
Props to DarkNightCavalier 4 da banner and SGT_Chubbz 4 avvie, here
Standard
GRAggro
GRWNaya Purphoros
GWAggro Retired 9/19/2014
RGPrimeval Titan RIP
1/5/2010 - 9/30/2011
Top 4 Channelfireball Winter series 5k Feb. 2011
3rd at California National Qualifiers 2011
40th at GP SLC 2012
Find me on MTGO @ Ruslvmusl91
That's what I thought for Display of Dominance. If 'protection' is what we are looking for, why not Ranger's Guile ? Or Mortal's Resolve.
Modern : RG Titan Shift RG | RG Revolt Zoo RG | RG Ponza RG | RGW Naya Burn RGW
Legacy : RG Belcher RG
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
6x Forest
2x Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2x Mana Confluence
3x Mountain
2x Rugged Highlands
4x Temple of Abandon
4x Wooded Foothills
2x Ashcloud Phoenix
4x Deathmist Raptor
4x Den Protector
4x Elvish Mystic
2x Heir of the Wilds
4x Rattleclaw Mystic
4x Stormbreath Dragon
1x Surrak, the Hunt Caller
4x Thunderbreak Regent
2x Crater's Claws
2x Roast
4x Draconic Roar
I haven't played a single game yet with this kind of build. I'm currently working on the sideboard, for sure Rending Volley will be in the board to Dragonlord Ojutai, Anafenza, the Foremost, Fleecemane Lion etc. I'm also considering replacing Rugged Highlands with Frontier Bivouac so I can have access to Stubborn Denial and Encase in Ice. We'll see after FNM.
- Heir of the Wilds will feel... underpowered. He was pretty bonkers when Boon Satyr and Fanatic of Xenagos were the 3 drops of choice. Now, not so much. He's really just a 2/2 deathtouch in a lot of cases.
- Not including Xenagos, the Reveler in this meta feels not entirely right. He helps you go up and over the top of other Raptor decks with mana (vs. other G decks it's about building a quick crescendo of mana and getting the top of the curve quickly; Xenagos facilitates this) and is very good against the control decks. I didn't like him in GRx beatdown this winter because he didn't really help push past Siege Rhino but Deathmist and Roast helped in that respect quite a bit.
- Atarka decks will be a problem for the list. They have similar end games but go quite a bit bigger. If you're expecting Atarka and other dragons, play Arbor Colossus in the board.
- 4x Den Protector will feel like too much since often you'll find yourself in situations where you don't have anything relevant to get back. A 2/1 for two or a 3/2 for 5 aren't super thrilling, although they have extra text that contrarians may point to.
- My best suggestion is to not splash blue. The deck's curve just doesn't find room for counterspells currently.
4 Elvish Mystic
1 Den Protector
4 Rattleclaw Mystic
4 Courser of Kruphix
2 Ashcloud Phoenix
4 Thunderbreak Regent
4 Stormbreath Dragon
2 Dragonlord Atarka
Spells
3 Crater's Claws
4 Lightning Strike
1 Chandra, Pyromaster
3 Xenagos, the Reveler
2 Evolving Wilds
2 Mana Confluence
3 Haven of the Spirit Dragon
3 Mountain
4 Temple of Abandon
4 Wooded Foothills
6 Forest
2 Mistcutter Hydra
3 Magma Spray
2 Hornet Nest
2 Reclamation Sage
1 Chandra, Pyromaster
1 Shamanic Revelation
2 Arbor Colossus
2 Ugin, the Spirit Dragon
Matchup
B/W Warriors: 2-0
Like the build a lot. Ashcloud was MVP all night.
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
Did you feel that rattleclaw was a liability?
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
Piloted this deck to 4-1 record at a small event with 24 participants. I placed 2nd overall, winning a bunch of booster packs.
Mainboard:
4x Boon Satyr
4x Elvish Mystic
4x Goblin Rabblemaster
3x Heir of the Wilds
4x Rattleclaw Mystic
4x Stormbreath Dragon
2x Surrak, the Hunt Caller
4x Thunderbreak Regent
1x Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2x Mana Confluence
5x Mountain
1x Rugged Highlands
4x Temple of Abandon
4x Wooded Foothills
1x Roast
2x Draconic Roar
Sideboard:
2x Arbor Colossus
2x Destructive Revelry
2x Hornet Nest
1x Ashcloud Phoenix
1x Rending Volley
3x Roast
2x Xenagos, the Reveler
Round 1 vs Jund Dragons (W 2-1)
At first, I thought that I was playing a mirror. My opponent played a Bloodstained Mire fetching a Swamp, casted Foul-Tongue Invocation and revealing a Thunderbreak Regent. He was basically playing a Gruul Dragons with splash B for Foul-Tongue Invocation and Thoughtseize. The downside of his deck is that he was trading mana base consistency for powerful removals in Thoughtseize and Foul Tongue Invocation and I think his mana base was constructed poorly. He caught me off-guard Game 1 with Foul-Tongue Invocation and screwed up my math, he then outraced me with Stormbreath Dragon. Games 2 and 3, I resolved an Arbor Colossus that was left unanswered. I always left out an Elvish Mystic and/or Rattleclaw Mystic on my board to feed his Foul-Tongue Invocation. Games 2 and 3 he had major mana problems, not being able to cast his RR and GG spells.
Round 2 vs Esper Dragons (W 2-1)
Game 1, I kept a hand with 3 dorks and a Goblin Rabblemaster. I was able to cast a turn 2 Goblin Rabblemaster which met an Ultimate Price, after a Bile Blight to my Elvish Mystics and a resolved Dragonlord Ojutai, I was unable to build my board any longer with only 3 lands, I scooped. Game 2, I drew an excellent opening hand that is capable of a 2nd turn Boon Satyr and a 3rd turn Xenagos, the Reveler. I kept my opponent tapped out throughout the game after his main phase Hero's Downfall that targeted my Xenagos, the Reveler to prevent the token swarm. I then resolved a Stormbreath Dragon for the win. Game 3, I had a threat heavy opening hand. I casted a 2nd turn Heir of the Wilds instead of a Rattleclaw Mystic to pressure his life total early. A turn 3 Goblin Rabblemaster left a goblin token before being taken out. I then exhausted his removal and counterspells on my Thunderbreak Regent, Surrak, the Hunt Caller and Stormbreath Dragon to resolve my Arbor Colossus. A monstrous Arbor Colossus took down two Dragonlord Ojutais because he was forced to block. He had only two cards in hand and I was casting every creature card that I drew, risking a Crux of Fate blowout. Fortunately, I topdecked a Thunderbreak Regent, blanking his Crux of Fate. With only 4 life, he scooped and shook my hand.
Game 3 vs Jeskai Heroic (W 2-0)
This was a pretty easy match-up for me for he doesn't have answers to fliers. Game 1, I won with a bestowed Boon Satyr on a Stormbreath Dragon. Game 2, I think he boarded in Ordeal of Heliod to outrace me. He gained 10 life one time but a turn 2 Goblin Rabblemaster and 2 Stormbreath Dragons was too much for him. My life total was never threatened throughout the match.
Game 4 vs Mardu Dragons (L 1-2)
The die roll was critical in this one, which I lost. He had removal for days in the form of Crackling Doom, Draconic Roar and Foul-Tongue Invocation. Foul-Tongue Invocation really screws up combat math big time. He surprised me by dashing a Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury that attacked alongside a Thunderbreak Regent, taking away a chunk of my life total in game 1. I was not able to recover and I scooped, the 5 toughness was just too much and my only available removal that was viable against his deck was Crater's Claw, which sadly, is sorcery speed. Game 2 was a quick one, I curved out perfectly. A turn 2 Goblin Rabblemaster followed up by Thunderbreak Regent and a Stormbreath Dragon was enough to make him scoop. Game 3, I made the error of not removing Goblin Rabblemaster on the draw. I removed all the burn, putting in Arbor Colossus, Ashcloud Phoenix and Hornet Nest. I was able to cast a Hornet Nest early but it met an Ultimate Price. He then casted a card that I didn't see on games 1 and 2, a Soulfire Grand Master. Late game, he teed off on a Crackling Doom with buyback breaking the stalemate of dragons, and with no removal to take care of Soulfire Grand Master, I succumbed and took my first loss of the event. He then went on to go first, losing only to my fifth opponent.
Game 5 U/B Control (W 2-0)
Surprisingly, the match-up that I thought was going to be the hardest match up against my deck was quite easy. My threat density outmatches their removal and counterspell suite. Ashcloud Phoenix was an all star in this match-up. A 2nd turn Boon Satyr, Goblin Rabblemaster or any form of early pressure in the form of Heir of the Wilds and an aggressive Rattleclaw Mystic is enough to put them in a back pedal. As long as we force their removals and counterspells, we will eventually resolve a big threat which they cannot answer.
Thoughts after the event:
• Surrak, the Hunt Caller is not worthy of two spots in the main, maybe as a one-of is enough. Ashcloud Phoenix deserves more spots in the main board because it is very good against a my dragon-filled meta.
• Plummet should be in the board, maybe two copies. I made a mistake of removing the card in my deck before the tournament expecting many Abzan decks and suffered the consequences in my lone loss. Plummet and Arbor Colossus will really shine in the right environment.
• A single copy of Mob Rule in the 75 might be good.
• I've played both midrange (Sylvan Caryatid, Courser of Kruphix, Xenagos, the Reveler and Dragonlord Atarka) and aggressive builds and I think that the aggro build is a tad better than it's midrange counterpart against a meta filled with control decks.
• I'm quite disappointed that I wasn't paired up against any Abzan variation. I hope to play against more Abzan in the future to test the deck further and make adjustments accordingly.
Comments and suggestions welcome.
As far as Surrak. He was ok when I tested. Very aggressive with the right curve out, but he's a ground pounder without trample so sometimes had a hard time getting the job done when needed.
I'd suggest some more early interaction by upping your Draconic Roar count to 4x. 2x + a Roast doesn't seem like enough.
To make room for 2x Roar and the 1x Phoenix you could cut the 2x Surrak and shave 1x Claws. Claws is a bit awkward sometimes early when you are trying to develop the board. It shines once you get 4 power in play.
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
How viable will this deck be going foward, including post rotation? Looking to get into standard and this looks like a good choice.
Modern
UBR Grixis Control
U Merfolk
Pauper
U Mono U Delver
Ancestral Visions is freed
Post-rotation has to be talked about in the Standard New Card Discussion Forum, not the competitive forum.
Right now, it's a fine deck that is weak to counterspells but good against other green decks.
Modern: R Skred -- WBG Melira Co -- URW Nahiri Control
Legacy: R Mono Red Burn -- UWB Stoneblade
Commander: R Krenko, Mob Boss -- WUBRG Scion of the Ur-Dragon -- WUBRG Maze’s End
Other: R No Rares Red (Standard) -- URC Izzet Tron (Pauper)
4x Elvish Mystic
4x Satyr Wayfinder
3x Rattleclaw Mystic
3x Den Protector
4x Deathmist Raptor
2x Courser of Kruphix
4x Thunderbreak Regent
3x Stormbreath Dragon
2x Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury
Planeswalkers (2)
2x Xenagos, the Reveler
Instants and Sorceries (6)
2x Murderous Cut
2x Draconic Roar
1x Roast
1x Crater's Claws
4x Temple of Abandon
4x Wooded Foothills
1x Temple of Malice
1x Temple of Malady
2x Bloodstained Mire
1x Mana Confluence
3x Llanowar Wastes
1x Haven of the Spirit Dragon
3x Forest
2x Mountain
1x Swamp
1x back to nature
2x seismic rupture
1x xenagos, the reveler
2x crux of fate
1x temple of malice
2x kolaghan's command
1x feed the clan
1x magma spray
2x self-inflicted wound
1x dragonlord atarka
1x grim haruspex
75 for this weekend.
4x Boon Satyr
4x Elvish Mystic
4x Goblin Rabblemaster
3x Heir of the Wilds
4x Rattleclaw Mystic
4x Stormbreath Dragon
4x Thunderbreak Regent
3x Draconic Roar
3x Crater's Claws
2x Roast
1x Haven of the Spirit Dragon
2x Mana Confluence
5x Mountain
1x Rugged Highlands
4x Temple of Abandon
4x Wooded Foothills
2x Anger of the Gods
2x Arbor Colossus
2x Destructive Revelry
2x Hornet Nest
1x Mob Rule
1x Plummet
1x Rending Volley
2x Roast
2x Xenagos, the Reveler
The field was full of G/R Devotion as expected and this deck made easy work of them. I'm happy with the deck so far.
Anyone Running Atarka's command? I been quite alright for me so far.
Props to DarkNightCavalier 4 da banner and SGT_Chubbz 4 avvie, here
Standard
GRAggro
GRWNaya Purphoros
GWAggro Retired 9/19/2014
RGPrimeval Titan RIP
1/5/2010 - 9/30/2011
Top 4 Channelfireball Winter series 5k Feb. 2011
3rd at California National Qualifiers 2011
40th at GP SLC 2012
Find me on MTGO @ Ruslvmusl91