Delirium has been a mechanic thats up for debate between a few people. While it doesnt necessarily seem difficult to get online, the subject of the debate is if its worth it, since you basically have to build around the mechanic to be effective/efficient. Mostly, I am of the opinion that its not a good idea to build around it or depend on it, and instead just use it as icing on the cake. However, to help my deck building, and because I'm bored, I'd like to try for a Delirium Deck. Having looked at some of the cards, there are quite a few that are good, however, cheap and good ones are a bit more rare. It looks to me that Green, Blue, and Black have some of the best. For this deck, I'm choosing Blue/Black because of two particular spells. Invasive Surgery and Pick the Brain. I love extraction effects and am one of the people that assumes they are way more powerful than they are (but hey, I admit it).
So lets look at the best shell for this, and try to keep it on theme, since it probably is a more "fun" deck than overly competitive.
Extraction Effects: Invasive Surgery = Hits sorceries, which should be pretty prevalent in this meta, Declaration in Stone, Languish, Ruinous Path, Descend on the Sinful, Explosive Vegetation all should see decent play, and taking them completely out of the deck is pretty mean. Pick the Brain = Hits anything in their hand, creatures, instants, planeswalkers, enchantments. Its 2B, but in the right shell, should be worth it. Infinite Obliteration = 1BB is a lot worse than 2B, but its effect is great and on theme with the "Name" not in-hand requirement, hoses a lot of stuff. Shamble Back = Not necessarily a true extraction effect, but gets a troublesome creature in a pinch, gives us an untapped 2/2, and gives us some minimal lifegain. Probably more of a SB card, but we shall see. Transgress the Mind = Again, not a true extraction effect, but still very strong, and fits with the deck. A turn earlier than PtB is relevant, and better at hosing cards that are usually more of a singleton (if you can tell). Grave Birthing = Similar to Shamble Back, less selective, card instead of life, ramp/blocker, more expensive. Probably not including.
Any other card with exile also is somewhat of an extraction effect, and these colors have a lot. Lets move on to some of the rest of the deck.
Delirium effects: Mindwrack Demon = A pretty freaking solid finisher, and his downside is mitigated due to the build around style of the deck. To the Slaughter = Value? Yes please. Great PW removal, and creature removal, and instant speed. Manic Scribe = Eh, if we have room. Delirium is nice on him, provides more pressure, and hes a decent 1U blocker.
So it looks like based on the shell, we're pretty much in a control type build. What else would fit that?
On-theme Control Cards: Void Shatter = Hey look, more exile, yay! Horribly Awry = Again, more exile, and cheap, deals with threats Transgress cant. Flaying Tendrils = More aggro and mana dork hate, plus exiles!!! Grip of Desolation = I like it, exiling lands HURTS, but needs a creature to hit, and hopefully at T6 or later they wont have too many creatures, probably not a good card. Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet = Another pseudo finisher, plus life which is nice, and exiles, maybe a two of, he dies easy. Liliana, Heretical Healer = Doesnt really fit, kinda hard to flip in this deck. Oblivion Strike = 3B for Sorcery speed, and only creatures, we're not that desperate. Possessed Skaab = Take that GDD... oh wait, nevermind lmao Sire of Stagnation = What a cool card! Too bad its so expensive its not really playable. Spell Shrivel = Hi, are you related to Void Shatter? Oh, you're his weaker, younger brother, ah ok, go away. Witness the End = Another card I really like thats probably not worth it lol. Jace, Vryn's Prodigy = Im not a budget player, but $100 for a card that wont be legal for a while is not on my to-do list, run it if you have it probably. Jace, Unraveler of Secrets = I have one, so probably will run 1, decent card and ultimate shuts down games. Ob Nixilis Reignited = Similar to Jace, UoS. Thing in the Ice = Great finisher.
Finally, we definitely need a way to hit delirium, hopefully as fast as possible. Sinister Concoction = Can potentially hit Delirium on T2 with this and the next card. Enchantment + 2 cards into GY, and counts as removal, PERFECT! Can I play 6 please? Evolving Wilds = Mana fixing (although slow) + Delirium, yay, enables a Christmassy T2 Delirium with Sinister Concoction. Dead Weight = B for cheap removal, and puts enchants in GY. Jace's Sanctum = Expensive, but decent maybe as a 1-2 of. Oath of Jace = Draws, fuels GY, enchantment, probably include 1-2, scrys with PWs Sphinx's Tutelage = Kinda fits with extraction, but more of a distraction for them. Tainted Remedy = Silly card that could be SB tech, probably not included. Trail of Evidence = Could be nice, probably overkill. Vessel of Malignity = Pretty good, fits theme. Vessel of Paramnesia = Same as above. Virulent Plague = Definite SB tech, really good against some decks. Aligned Hedron Network = Kinda an oh-***** button, could have uses, probably too niche. Angel's Tomb = Good card, not in this deck Hangarback Walker = Artifact and Creature, woohoo! And can cast for 0 to dump it. Hedron Crawler = Mana is good, double type is good, definite consideration. Pilgrim's Eye = Double Type, mana fixing, chump blocker. Blighted Cataract = Expensive Draw, but land into GY. Blighted Fen = Removal that puts land into GY.
Some deck stats and initial notes:
26 B symbols, 12 U symbols, 13 1 symbols, 8 2 symbols, and 8 X symbols.
14 B sources, 8 U sources, 4 B or U tapped fetching, 5 C sources
9 creatures
6 artifacts
7 enchantments
25 lands
10 sorcery
9 instant
I think the list looks pretty decent overall, it definitely has some glaring weaknesses though, and I'm not sure about the mana-base, but it'd probably work.
First, the removal isnt as easy as most removal, but with the counters, and extraction it shouldnt be horrible.
Second, there is no lifegain, that means we need to do whatever bs we are doing, and do it quick.
Third, very little card draw, and its only conditional card draw via lands.
Having said that, I think it can do a few certain things pretty well.
I believe it will VERY reliably hit delirium, fairly early.
I believe it *should* be able to mitigate a good bit of *most* decks early damage, and only get hit badly by extremely fast decks.
I believe its overlapping extraction effects can be devastating to a LOT of decks.
So now I pass it off to yall, what are my horrible mistakes in this, what are my chances to make it better. No need to sugar-coat things, I can handle a painful truth, however, I'd like to have some ideas that can make it as close to competitive as possible while keeping with a delirium/extraction theme. Sideboard I'm leaving off for now, but there are definitely some obvious choices for it.
I could try to squeeze another finisher in there, not sure who'd be better, probably Jace, Unraveler of Secrets since his +1 doesnt hurt us, and draws better.
I can get behind taking out the Horribly Awry, it definitely could be a card we just look at and hate lol. The sinister concoction though seems like an auto include playset for the delirium enabling.
Crush of Tentacles could more or less sub as another win-con too. Displacement Wave I feel like it may be a bit mana intensive for this deck without as much of a clear upside, possibly though
Seer's Lantern, I assume this is just replacing Hedron Crawler to help with the scry? That would help, but part of the reason I went Hedron was to chump, and get the double typing.
I'll have to check out the suggestions, thanks for the input.
Ya, the Crawler just dies to everything and that's why I don't like them. But in this deck, maybe you want to them to die? The lantern has been amazing in every control deck that I've played it in. It's like a better crystal ball.
Hedron Crawler always suffers in a deck like this. Consider Eldrazi Skyspawner, especially if you are only going to run 2 copies. He gives you a bit of ramp for bigger spells, and doubles as a hedge vs aggressive decks regarding board parity. In that sense, he is very much like a signet, but instead of fixing mana, he is fixing board state. It also helps he's a decent flier for the cost.
I think Hangarback Walker is better relegated to a sideboard choice or a 2/2 list split, depending on other deck decisions. Maybe include Drowner of Hope? I am just a big fan of that card. it does wonders for mucking up battlefield combat and closing games.
A few copies of planeswalkers wouldn't go amiss to give you some form of raw card advantage, as well as reusable ways to deal with board state. You are definitely going to need to tone down the hand disruption and get some board sweepers in there, or you are going to pick their hand apart, but still die to whatever makes it on the board.
EDIT: Yes I meant Drowner of Hope - I do that all the time
Part of the reason for the Hangarback Walkers and Hedron Crawlers were to enable a fast delirium. Theoretically, we can get a T2 Delirium in this deck for a T3 PtB. I feel like if I remove those, I'd have a much harder time hitting it early. Ideally, we want Delirium online by like T4 so we can start getting rid of ***** quick.
Jace, Vryn's Prodigy doesn't have fetches, but I think that epiphany at the drownyard may turn him into a beast.
Turn 2 Jace, turn 3 epiphany leads to a turn 4 jace flip, about where we want to be.
It is clear that white is the most powerful color in standard, and we now know what we need to beat it.
This deck is not built correctly, I guarantee it, but it showcases what epiphany and jace may be able to do going forward:
Part of the reason for the Hangarback Walkers and Hedron Crawlers were to enable a fast delirium. Theoretically, we can get a T2 Delirium in this deck for a T3 PtB. I feel like if I remove those, I'd have a much harder time hitting it early. Ideally, we want Delirium online by like T4 so we can start getting rid of ***** quick.
I don't follow. How does having a small artifact dork in play get you to delirium faster?
I think he means that if we sac sinister coercion on turn 2, and hit Crawler or Walker from either discarding from our hand or the top of the deck then we can turn on delirium for turn 3.
If that is true, then you could use any artifact and not just those ones in particular. My suggestion of Seer's lantern would work just as good for that.
I was actually referring to even resorting to T0 cast Hangarback for x=0 lol. Crawler is a bit trickier, but that comment was more towards Hangarback. Dont forget both of them also provide the creature typing too.
Casting Hangerback for zero seems like horribly bad magic. I mean, the thing is a legitimate threat to win any game on its own. I think you are getting a little too focused on reaching delirium if you are doing things like that.
I was actually referring to even resorting to T0 cast Hangarback for x=0 lol. Crawler is a bit trickier, but that comment was more towards Hangarback. Dont forget both of them also provide the creature typing too.
Like above, artifact AND creature. One card for two types so I fully support the crawler and walker.
I don't remember the name of the card, but maybe look at the new 4 cmc blue card that dumps a 2/2 zombie token onto the field for every instant and sorcery in your graveyard. Could make for a good way to close out a game, especially if post sweeper.
I think I'd want two copies of Ob Nixilis too for the card draw and removal personally.
This deck actually gets ALOT better with EMN I play a slightly different version (rise from the tides wincon) but it's very similar though I only play thing in the ice and rise as win cons and I play a more had disruptiony build with whispers of emrakul and pick the brain and duress.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
So lets look at the best shell for this, and try to keep it on theme, since it probably is a more "fun" deck than overly competitive.
Extraction Effects:
Invasive Surgery = Hits sorceries, which should be pretty prevalent in this meta, Declaration in Stone, Languish, Ruinous Path, Descend on the Sinful, Explosive Vegetation all should see decent play, and taking them completely out of the deck is pretty mean.
Pick the Brain = Hits anything in their hand, creatures, instants, planeswalkers, enchantments. Its 2B, but in the right shell, should be worth it.
Infinite Obliteration = 1BB is a lot worse than 2B, but its effect is great and on theme with the "Name" not in-hand requirement, hoses a lot of stuff.
Shamble Back = Not necessarily a true extraction effect, but gets a troublesome creature in a pinch, gives us an untapped 2/2, and gives us some minimal lifegain. Probably more of a SB card, but we shall see.
Transgress the Mind = Again, not a true extraction effect, but still very strong, and fits with the deck. A turn earlier than PtB is relevant, and better at hosing cards that are usually more of a singleton (if you can tell).
Grave Birthing = Similar to Shamble Back, less selective, card instead of life, ramp/blocker, more expensive. Probably not including.
Any other card with exile also is somewhat of an extraction effect, and these colors have a lot. Lets move on to some of the rest of the deck.
Delirium effects:
Mindwrack Demon = A pretty freaking solid finisher, and his downside is mitigated due to the build around style of the deck.
To the Slaughter = Value? Yes please. Great PW removal, and creature removal, and instant speed.
Manic Scribe = Eh, if we have room. Delirium is nice on him, provides more pressure, and hes a decent 1U blocker.
So it looks like based on the shell, we're pretty much in a control type build. What else would fit that?
On-theme Control Cards:
Void Shatter = Hey look, more exile, yay!
Horribly Awry = Again, more exile, and cheap, deals with threats Transgress cant.
Flaying Tendrils = More aggro and mana dork hate, plus exiles!!!
Grip of Desolation = I like it, exiling lands HURTS, but needs a creature to hit, and hopefully at T6 or later they wont have too many creatures, probably not a good card.
Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet = Another pseudo finisher, plus life which is nice, and exiles, maybe a two of, he dies easy.
Liliana, Heretical Healer = Doesnt really fit, kinda hard to flip in this deck.
Oblivion Strike = 3B for Sorcery speed, and only creatures, we're not that desperate.
Possessed Skaab = Take that GDD... oh wait, nevermind lmao
Sire of Stagnation = What a cool card! Too bad its so expensive its not really playable.
Spell Shrivel = Hi, are you related to Void Shatter? Oh, you're his weaker, younger brother, ah ok, go away.
Witness the End = Another card I really like thats probably not worth it lol.
Jace, Vryn's Prodigy = Im not a budget player, but $100 for a card that wont be legal for a while is not on my to-do list, run it if you have it probably.
Jace, Unraveler of Secrets = I have one, so probably will run 1, decent card and ultimate shuts down games.
Ob Nixilis Reignited = Similar to Jace, UoS.
Thing in the Ice = Great finisher.
Finally, we definitely need a way to hit delirium, hopefully as fast as possible.
Sinister Concoction = Can potentially hit Delirium on T2 with this and the next card. Enchantment + 2 cards into GY, and counts as removal, PERFECT! Can I play 6 please?
Evolving Wilds = Mana fixing (although slow) + Delirium, yay, enables a Christmassy T2 Delirium with Sinister Concoction.
Dead Weight = B for cheap removal, and puts enchants in GY.
Jace's Sanctum = Expensive, but decent maybe as a 1-2 of.
Oath of Jace = Draws, fuels GY, enchantment, probably include 1-2, scrys with PWs
Sphinx's Tutelage = Kinda fits with extraction, but more of a distraction for them.
Tainted Remedy = Silly card that could be SB tech, probably not included.
Trail of Evidence = Could be nice, probably overkill.
Vessel of Malignity = Pretty good, fits theme.
Vessel of Paramnesia = Same as above.
Virulent Plague = Definite SB tech, really good against some decks.
Aligned Hedron Network = Kinda an oh-***** button, could have uses, probably too niche.
Angel's Tomb = Good card, not in this deck
Hangarback Walker = Artifact and Creature, woohoo! And can cast for 0 to dump it.
Hedron Crawler = Mana is good, double type is good, definite consideration.
Pilgrim's Eye = Double Type, mana fixing, chump blocker.
Blighted Cataract = Expensive Draw, but land into GY.
Blighted Fen = Removal that puts land into GY.
Well thats a lot of cards to choose from (and there are a ton more), lets see what we can do.
4x Evolving Wilds
3x Blighted Fen
2x Sea Gate Wreckage
4x Choked Estuary
2x Sunken Hollow
2x Island
8x Swamp
2x Hedron Crawler
3x Mindwrack Demon
4x Hangarback Walker
Extraction (9)
3x Pick the Brain
3x Invasive Surgery
3x Infinite Obliteration
4x Sinister Concoction
3x Dead Weight
Control (10)
4x Transgress the Mind
3x Horribly Awry
3x Void Shatter
Some deck stats and initial notes:
26 B symbols, 12 U symbols, 13 1 symbols, 8 2 symbols, and 8 X symbols.
14 B sources, 8 U sources, 4 B or U tapped fetching, 5 C sources
9 creatures
6 artifacts
7 enchantments
25 lands
10 sorcery
9 instant
I think the list looks pretty decent overall, it definitely has some glaring weaknesses though, and I'm not sure about the mana-base, but it'd probably work.
First, the removal isnt as easy as most removal, but with the counters, and extraction it shouldnt be horrible.
Second, there is no lifegain, that means we need to do whatever bs we are doing, and do it quick.
Third, very little card draw, and its only conditional card draw via lands.
Having said that, I think it can do a few certain things pretty well.
So now I pass it off to yall, what are my horrible mistakes in this, what are my chances to make it better. No need to sugar-coat things, I can handle a painful truth, however, I'd like to have some ideas that can make it as close to competitive as possible while keeping with a delirium/extraction theme. Sideboard I'm leaving off for now, but there are definitely some obvious choices for it.
I'm thinking about
- 3 horribly awry
- 1 sinister concoction
- 2 hedron crawler
+2 crush of tentacles
+2 Displacement wave
+2 seer's lantern
I can get behind taking out the Horribly Awry, it definitely could be a card we just look at and hate lol. The sinister concoction though seems like an auto include playset for the delirium enabling.
Crush of Tentacles could more or less sub as another win-con too.
Displacement Wave I feel like it may be a bit mana intensive for this deck without as much of a clear upside, possibly though
Seer's Lantern, I assume this is just replacing Hedron Crawler to help with the scry? That would help, but part of the reason I went Hedron was to chump, and get the double typing.
I'll have to check out the suggestions, thanks for the input.
I think Hangarback Walker is better relegated to a sideboard choice or a 2/2 list split, depending on other deck decisions. Maybe include Drowner of Hope? I am just a big fan of that card. it does wonders for mucking up battlefield combat and closing games.
A few copies of planeswalkers wouldn't go amiss to give you some form of raw card advantage, as well as reusable ways to deal with board state. You are definitely going to need to tone down the hand disruption and get some board sweepers in there, or you are going to pick their hand apart, but still die to whatever makes it on the board.
EDIT: Yes I meant Drowner of Hope - I do that all the time
Turn 2 Jace, turn 3 epiphany leads to a turn 4 jace flip, about where we want to be.
It is clear that white is the most powerful color in standard, and we now know what we need to beat it.
This deck is not built correctly, I guarantee it, but it showcases what epiphany and jace may be able to do going forward:
3 blighted fen
4 choked estuary
4 sunken hollow
4 submerged boneyard
5 island
4 swamp
4 jace, vryn's prodigy
1 possessed skaab
1 sphinx of the final word
4 epiphany at the drownyard
2 clash of wills
2 dead weight
1 anticipate
1 compelling deterrence
3 grasp of darkness
1 ultimate price
1 ruinous path
1 to the slaughter
2 scatter to the winds
2 languish
1 silumgar's command
2 dark petition
1 from under the floorboards
1 ever after
1 oath of jace
1 ob nixilis reignited
1 pick the brain
2 negate
1 kalitas, traitor of ghet
2 dragonlord silumgar
2 virulent plague
1 languish
4 self-inflicted wound
2 duress
I don't follow. How does having a small artifact dork in play get you to delirium faster?
Oh well then, why don't we just play U/B Mill?
I don't remember the name of the card, but maybe look at the new 4 cmc blue card that dumps a 2/2 zombie token onto the field for every instant and sorcery in your graveyard. Could make for a good way to close out a game, especially if post sweeper.
I think I'd want two copies of Ob Nixilis too for the card draw and removal personally.
I did think about mill with Manic Scribe some. It goes well with the shamble back and extraction.