Took this deck to my Thursday night Legacy tourney at the spot. Went 1-2. Lost to Reanimator (2-0) and B/G Infect (2-1). Beat Pox (2-1). We were playing full-proxy unfortunately, so I was at a disadvantage to many players. However, I Revamped the sideboard. Added 2 Bayou and a Tasigur, The Golden Fang to the main deck after tonight. When I get home, I'll edit this post with the new deck list and sideboard. Still waiting on my copies of Shadow of Doubt, 1 copy of Stoneforge and 1 Scrubland so the deck is a bit off but the Crucible of Worlds worked like a charm. I also played with a solo copy of Utter End and the Thoughtseize that helped at times. Surgical Extraction and Stony Silence were by far the best sideboard hate I had with Phyrexian Revoker.
Okay, I've done some shopping. I found two Scrublands for $50 a clip which didn't hurt my pockets much. I also managed to grab another Stoneforge Mystic. I'll update my list:
I like the way it is coming together. Some questions I do have..
-How good can Fulminator Mage be in this deck? Worth the money?
-How much green mana should be splashed to give DRS the right stuff while maintaining a playable balance? Just a solo Bayou?
-I have one solo copy of Thoughtseize. Should I be running it over a copy of IoK?
-Should Crucible of Worlds or Ensnaring Bridge be in here?
-What type of Sideboard should I run? I like Surgical Extraction, Stony Silence to break up Affinity and Storm (or other combo). Anything else I should be worried about?
-Should I run a beater. Gatekeeper is no longer in the deck, so that eliminates our best attacker. Mirran Crusader or Stillmoon Cavalier seem like my best options. Or even Geralf's Messenger
-What is a more hateful card? Engineered Plague vs. Mutilate
-Other cards to think on: Enlightened Tutor, Ghostly Prison
I don't think I've ever used a Deathrite Shaman to gain life, but I can see what you're saying. Not enough people realize that with a Shaman and Bob down, thats a 5 turn clock. Hopefully I'll have other things on the field to make it even faster but I would definitely be using it to take 2 life before gaining 2. I'm hoping the Batterskull and the StP on Bob when necessary will gain me enough life.
Green for Deathrite is more for the expanded graveyard hate than the life. Without green, Deathrite can't hose Reanimator (that deck targets big creature cards in the graveyard), can't hose Dredge as well (Deathrite can only profitably suck up Cabal Therapy/Dread Return/Faithless Looting with black mana only--what you really need gone from Dredge's yard are the Dredge cards, Narcomoeba, and Ichorid, which are all creatures), can't hose Tin Fins or Zombardment as well (both semi-fringe decks, but you never know), and lets opposing Deathrites suck up creatures with impunity.
Yeah you are right. Thanks for the help. I definitely need more practice against Dredge and Reanimator. My meta is mostly Affinity, Storm, Burn, Tribal garbage and Dark Depths shenanigans.
@Silex Cut the Gatekeepers for what? Lingering Souls? Good call by the way, I didn't even think about how frustrated I would be with a Gatekeeper in hand and 2 black mana down. Would adding some Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth help the situation or nah?
@Laser Brains Thanks! You don't feel that the Angler hurts you with Bob down? Looks like Lingering Souls is where it's at.
I don't think I've ever used a Deathrite Shaman to gain life, but I can see what you're saying. Not enough people realize that with a Shaman and Bob down, thats a 5 turn clock. Hopefully I'll have other things on the field to make it even faster but I would definitely be using it to take 2 life before gaining 2. I'm hoping the Batterskull and the StP on Bob when necessary will gain me enough life.
Played another Legacy tournament last night. My store doesn't play Modern because they don't want to ruin their Standard games. I took this deck and did very well. Winner got $160 pack of Legends but unfortunately I tied for second. I went 2-1. My problem has been locking down the board fast enough to slow down the aggro decks. I think Inquisitor Exarch or Kitchen Finks can help with that. He would be my main blink target other than Blade Splicer. So the Mirran Crusaders are finally gone. Also boarded some Phyrexian Metamorph that playtested nicely.
Match Ups
Merfolk (Lost 1-2)
First game, I was able to set up a lot quicker than the last two. I won by flying over him with Flickerwisp and Restoration Angel with a wall of Golems to block. Second game I boarded in my Wrath of Gods he had 3 True Name Nemesis down (Phantasmal Images copying them) and the clock was too quick. Didn't draw anything that helped. 3rd game was even worse. I had to Mulligan down to 5 for 2 awful hands. 1st with 5 lands and the next with no lands. No Aether Vial in 3 games.
Burn (won 2-0)
This was the deck that I lost to last week. 1st game was very close. I was down to 3 life and just had enough creatures out to do the damage needed. 2nd game, I mana-screwed him and he had to discard 3 turns in a row. He finally had 1 fetch down, I had Leonin Arbiter and Thalia down. He scooped.
Burn (won 2-0)
A different sort of Burn deck. Used 1 drop 2/2 goblins that gave me card advantage (I forgot their names) over Sparky and Vexing Devil. First game was all me. He couldn't deal enough damage before I swung for lethal with Brimaz. Game 2, I mulled down to 6. Took a hand with no mana but 2 True Believers and 1 Aether Vial. Drew a land. He had to waste 2 burn spells to take out my Believers which slowed the tempo down enough for me to lock the board and swing for the win.
I know this a modern forum and if the mods want to change my post to Legacy, I'm okay with that. I wanted to build Modern Death and Taxes but the only tournaments I find are Legacy. Thanks for all the help thus far. I really like the way this deck is performing. Plus the $20 store credit I won, let me pick up an Ensnaring Bridge on the house
@Laser Brains- Thanks for the suggestions. Right now, availability and pricing are my biggest concerns. Especially with Wastelands. I will eventually get more Dark Confidants and Stoneforge Mystics but I would like to find them at a better price before I soak more money into this. Lingering Souls is a very interesting card and I agree, I think I should be running 4 but what do I cut? Same with Mother of Runes. One of my favorite cards. I'm not a big fan of Planeswalkers to be honest. Maybe its the old school player in me. Lastly, I am very interested in both of your lists. Please post away!
I've been reading tons of primers to try to find my best fit for my Dark Confidant's and Stoneforge Mystics. When I came across this deck, I thought it was cool so I started putting it together. I can use some help with the mana-base, sideboard and a few card choices. Take a look:
[I've been reading tons of primers to try to find my best fit for my Dark Confidant's and Stoneforge Mystics. When I came across this deck, I thought it was cool so I started putting it together. I can use some help with the mana-base, sideboard and a few card choices. Take a look:
I have read tons of primers on this deck, so I'm not looking for a cookie cutter explanation. I like to create my own decks in parallel with things that work, just with my own twist on them. I really like the idea of mana denial and after a successful tourney last Thursday using that strategy, I wan't to bring this deck there to hurt people.
My favorite cards are cards that can be what I need them to be when I need them to be. I love Deathrite Shaman because he is always useful. I like Zealous Persecution because it does more than one thing. So, points if you recommend cards like that. The other aspect I would like to watch out for is the low mana curve. I would like to include a big stompy dude like Tombstalker, but I don't want to take the hit if Bob is on the field.
Now, I'm going to list a bunch of cards that I have been mulling over for now. I just do not know what would come out of the main deck.
Alright those are the cards that looked like they could be some fun in this deck. I own ever card here so that is why they are listed. I do have a small budget for this deck so recommendations would be great. Thanks a lot!
Played this deck at my first sanctioned legacy tourney. Since I don't have a legacy deck, I used this and went 3-2. Beat Combo Elves (2-0) Merfolk (2-1) and Goblins (2-0). Lost to Burn (1-2) and Affinity (1-2). Needs more artifact hate in the sideboard. Stony Silence will be making an appearance. It needs to be a little faster to get to 20 or lock down the board so I can play at my tempo. It was tough to keep up with burn and affinity. Will post a deck list when I get home from work. Sorry if I'm nerco'ing my own thread but this was the whole reason I signed up to the site for this deck design! Hope to hear more suggestions soon.
Okay updated deceits. That's basically how I will be playing every game.
Changes:
- The Phyrexian Revoker outclassed the Pithing Needle every single time I've tried them. It's just simply better to have a body than to not. May have just been my meta but I didn't need to fend off too mana man-lands.
- The Synergy with Path to Exile, Ghost Quarter and Leonin Arbiter literally made opponents scream. I wish there were other cards that could feed into this (Not just Aven Mindcensor). If there are any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
- Many people are knocking Mangara of Corondor but I enjoyed playing with her. Though, I did not have a Karakas for the tourney, I still removed some lands with some blocking tricks. I'm definitely keeping her. If I could have flashed out a Flickerwisp or a Restoration Angel, I could have saved her but I took out the land and was happy for it.
- Another late addition was Sundering Growth because a friend told me he was playing Affinity. Using it to destroy a Cranial Plating while getting a 3/3 Golem was definitely worth the 2 mana.
- Again, it could be a meta call but the Norn's Annex was huge. It really forced my opponents to hold off their attacks and wait. If they weren't dealing over 4 damage with 2 creatures, it wasn't worth the attack or you would take more than you would dish out. That allowed me to get some card advantage with my Walls and set up the board to take the game over.
- I pulled the Emeria, the Sky Ruin. Pointless card. Tectonic Edge will be much more useful.
- I also pulled Sword of Fire and Ice, it was way too slow. Now that it is gone, Mirran Crusader might make an exit as well. I think I would rather see Inquisitor Exarch in my hand over the Crusader. His only plus side was blocking and swinging through Elves.
As for the match ups (remember THEY were playing legacy):
Merfolk (won 2-1)
This game was interesting. I was nervous about True-Name Nemesis earlier in the thread. The way the game went, you wouldn't have been able to see there were any issues. Game 1, he was mana-screwed. He played some Lords but couldn't get a mind-bend to make them unblockable. Flickerwisp and Restoration Angel flew right over his stupid fish people. The next game, He played a few lords, I had a Wrath of God in my hand and saved it for when True-Name hit. He followed it up by even using a Phantasm on True Name. I board wiped, Vial'd in a Flickerwisp which Flickered his Vial back to 0. I won game 2 as well. Game 3 was for fun and he won. Moving on.
Burn (lost 1-2)
I won game 1. I outraced him and denied mana. Simple. He couldn't blow out fetch lands or sac mountains for his finisher. Game 2, he had a better draw and I was waiting on my True Believer or Thalia, Guardian of Thraben. Same goes for Game 3. My Mirran Crusaders really helped going against his Sparkys and Restoration Angel helped against Vexing Devil. After this, I was pondering a CoP: Red
Elves (won 2-0)
Poor kid was new to Magic. Had an Elf deck without Elvish Mystic or Lllanowar Elves. I took out his lands and left him with 2 1/1 Elves on the board. I had a Crusader, a Flickerwisp and a Wall. Game 2 wasn't much better for him. Mana denial was my strategy. Against elves lol. I forced him to buy 4 Elvish Mystic and 4 Llanowar Elves after the game. I ever offered to pay.
Affinity (Lost 0-2)
This game was frustrating. I didn't see any of my hate cards. Game 1 was close. After a Path to Exile hit an Ornithopter with Cranial Plating and he couldn't pull out a land, I went to work. Norn's Annex came out for 4 Pyrexia life. He stopped attacking and I picked off his lands. When I stopped top-decking relevant cards, he regained and swung for lethal over my wall and Crusader. I had the board locked on Game 2 and would have won if I would've sacrificed a Flickerwisp to block his Signal Pest with Cranial Plating. I swung with two Flickerwisps, Mirran Crusader (MVP against Top Heavy Creatures) and even Suture Priest! He pulled a Ravager trick that I didn't see and was left with 1 life. Swung with his Signal Pest and it was game. Who knows what Game 3 would have brought with 2 close match ups. If a Stony Silence would have hit the board, I might have had a shot at the Painter's Servant Deck that won.
Goblins (Won 2-0)
This game was basically for fun. It was only relevant if the Painter's Servant deck lost. I don't think he understood the point of Goblins, to be honest. He was trying to get cute worrying about my creatures rather than swarm. Nora's Annex was big in this game. Again, it also helped to have the Crusader because of his top heavy creatures (Battle Cry, Piledriver and such). I picked off his Cavern of Souls and left it so he didn't have the 2 to search for lands with my Ghost Quarter/Arbiter trick. Then, I PtE his biggest guy. He couldn't pull out a second land. Eventually, I broke him down. Suture Priest pinged damage and gained me life. It worked beautifully.
Game 2 was again very interesting. I'm not sure if I'm a genius or he was terrible. He saw what my Ghost Quarters could do in Game 1 so he tried to Wastland one. In response, I GQ'd his Cavern of Souls for a 2 for 1 switcheroo. He regained and I was slowly wearing him down. He got out a Krenko, Mob Boss and looked way too happy about it. Next turn, he put in a Goblin Rabblemaster and looked pleased with himself. He used Krenko to make 6 tokens but in response I Vial'd in a Suture Priest to do 6 damage to his face for the game.
@Xyx, what would you take out for the Grey Merchant? The Demon's Horns will definitely be 2 of the cards removed. It was kind of a meta call.
@Prid, Yeah I actually have a playset of the Grey Merchant. Definitely will try it out.
Based on the selections I have, how would you run it? I have 4 Grey Merchants and 4 Darksteel Myrs so add them in and take out 8 cards. Fix the mana-base. I'm curious to see. Also, if you would like to post your deck lists, I would definitely like to see them. Thanks so much for the help this far.
Thanks so much for the responses so far guys! Keep the ideas flowing! If anyone would be so kind to post a deck list, reading them have become one of my favorite things in the world.
Have you considered Pyrohemia? It's basically Pestilence but in a whole other world. Might be interesting. I've often wondered what a good Pyrohemia deck would be like.
Yes. I have a playset of Pyrohemia. Any list of mine would include Deep-Slumber Titan. That lil fella loves being hit in the mouth a few times.
@Prid and @Carom- Darksteel Myr has definitely been in my deck as well but I feel like he is a waste of space. It's like having Cemetery Gate out. I tried mixing it with Dead-Iron Sledge and Sadistic Glee so they could also act as removal/offense but often would have the cards in hand and be wishing it was something else. Do you just solely use them as chump blockers?
A decent 2 drop to keep in mind is Cuombajj Witches. She supports Gray Merchant of Asphodel, blocks most 1-2 drops and at 3 toughness she actually survives multiple Pest activations. I'm not saying that you need to run them or anything but it's a nice card to keep in the back of your mind.
Grey Merchant is definitely something I have been interested in. Now that I have added Geralf and with the Lich, he may he to go in the deck. I have always been scared of its CMC. Has this been an issue? Do you run like a black devotion type build with Nykthos over Cabal Coffers?
And the biggest surprise is this witch. I'll definitely have to keep my eyes open in finding her. Thanks a lot for the suggestion, guys.
(Notes: Updated the OP with some other card choices.)
If there is one deck that I enjoy playing above all it has to be Pestilence. I started playing heavy during Urza's Saga and my play group always enjoyed the Free For All archetype. I think I have experimented and read articles on this deck more than any other. I'm always experimenting with new builds. This is what I'm working with right now and I'm looking for suggestions on how to make it straight Daft Punk. Better. Faster. Stronger.
First of all, I run this deck at 64 cards. If that offends you in some way, please don't comment. It's a casual deck and used only in multiplayer formats. This is more about fun than winning. That being said:
Card Choices:
-Phylactery Lich and Geralf's Messenger are the two sets of creatures I'm running right now. I always tried to find creatures that wouldn't die to Pestilence but this time I'm trying some indestructible with some undying. What if I was playing it wrong? What if it needs creatures that enjoy the graveyard, even if for just a short time? This is a recent thought. I just pulled a set of Stillmoon Cavaliers for the Messengers.
-Dimir House Guard seems like a solid tutor for this deck. Can't counter it and only 1 mana more than a Demonic Tutor. Fetches your Pestilence or No Mercy.
Obviously the two biggest issues with a Pestilence build is finding the right creatures to keep your pestilence on the board and getting some life gain so that you aren't some sort of suicide bomber with dynamite strapped to your chest. Some of my card choices are like that because those are simply all that I own (could find) or budget would allow for now, but suggest away. Also, if there are some solid artifacts that I can add to help out with the Phylactery Lich counters, I would love to hear them.
I'm a control player. I love playing this deck. I have kept hands on zero lands and won games. I have locked down the board against multiple opponents. I feel like it is a lot of fun to play. I'm curious as to how competitive it is and how I could make it better. Let me post the deck list and then get into my struggles.
I have already play tested it and read tons of articles that all seem to be old, so why not create a new discussion? My biggest issue seems to be all of the phyrexian mana I use, combine that with all of the life lost from other cards and I dig myself a nice hole. I have recently come across 2 very reasonably priced Dark Confidant and would like to add him to the deck but I feel like it would be suicide. I also have transformed it from a Hatred build because one game was in my hands and I couldn't even cast Hatred for the win because of the life lost.
Cards that I've been toying with:
- Flensermite - Lifelink infect. Simple as that.
- Dark Confidant - Obv.
- Bloodchief Ascension - In multiplayer, this card is very useful. However, if a duel I can't reliably make my opponent lose 2 life.
- Mutagenic Growth- Pump, but more phyrexian mana.
- Apostle's Blessing - Protection and an alpha-strike, yet more phyrexian mana.
- Deathrite Shaman - Sideboard card for graveyard hate.
- Dark Ritual- Obvious choice. A turn 1 Dark Rit, Duress, Hymn To Tourach Surgical Extraction before your opponent even does anything is like the best thing I've ever typed.
- Syphon Life- Retraceable life gain.
- Other sideboard champions like Ratchet Bomb, Pithing Needle, Phyrexian Revoker
The sideboard definitely is not secure. Those are just cards that I want to playtest and some obvious choices depending on the match up. The deck can switch to a more aggro feel when necessary. I would like some help with the kill spells and sideboard so that the deck can become what it needs to depending on the match up. I like the discard package as is, but will listen to suggestions. I was also thinking about some life gain or even better would be a way to consistently win before it is necessary. Thanks for your help!
Thanks for all the help so far!
6 Swamp
4 Ghost Quarter
3 Fetchlands
3 Godless Shrine
2 Scrubland
2 Plains
1 Fetid Heath
2 Dark Confidant
3 Stoneforge Mystic
4 Deathrite Shaman
4 Tidehollow Sculler
Other Spells- 26
4 Swords to Plowshares
4 Vindicate
4 Sinkhole
4 Inquisition of Kozilek
4 Shadow of Doubt
2 Lingering Souls
1 Sword of Fire and Ice
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Batterskull
1 Mox Diamond
I like the way it is coming together. Some questions I do have..
-How good can Fulminator Mage be in this deck? Worth the money?
-How much green mana should be splashed to give DRS the right stuff while maintaining a playable balance? Just a solo Bayou?
-I have one solo copy of Thoughtseize. Should I be running it over a copy of IoK?
-Should Crucible of Worlds or Ensnaring Bridge be in here?
-What type of Sideboard should I run? I like Surgical Extraction, Stony Silence to break up Affinity and Storm (or other combo). Anything else I should be worried about?
-Should I run a beater. Gatekeeper is no longer in the deck, so that eliminates our best attacker. Mirran Crusader or Stillmoon Cavalier seem like my best options. Or even Geralf's Messenger
-What is a more hateful card? Engineered Plague vs. Mutilate
-Other cards to think on: Enlightened Tutor, Ghostly Prison
Edit: More Questions
-Now that the mana base is fixed, should I keep Gatekeeper of Malakir
Yeah you are right. Thanks for the help. I definitely need more practice against Dredge and Reanimator. My meta is mostly Affinity, Storm, Burn, Tribal garbage and Dark Depths shenanigans.
@Laser Brains Thanks! You don't feel that the Angler hurts you with Bob down? Looks like Lingering Souls is where it's at.
Match Ups
Merfolk (Lost 1-2)
First game, I was able to set up a lot quicker than the last two. I won by flying over him with Flickerwisp and Restoration Angel with a wall of Golems to block. Second game I boarded in my Wrath of Gods he had 3 True Name Nemesis down (Phantasmal Images copying them) and the clock was too quick. Didn't draw anything that helped. 3rd game was even worse. I had to Mulligan down to 5 for 2 awful hands. 1st with 5 lands and the next with no lands. No Aether Vial in 3 games.
Burn (won 2-0)
This was the deck that I lost to last week. 1st game was very close. I was down to 3 life and just had enough creatures out to do the damage needed. 2nd game, I mana-screwed him and he had to discard 3 turns in a row. He finally had 1 fetch down, I had Leonin Arbiter and Thalia down. He scooped.
Burn (won 2-0)
A different sort of Burn deck. Used 1 drop 2/2 goblins that gave me card advantage (I forgot their names) over Sparky and Vexing Devil. First game was all me. He couldn't deal enough damage before I swung for lethal with Brimaz. Game 2, I mulled down to 6. Took a hand with no mana but 2 True Believers and 1 Aether Vial. Drew a land. He had to waste 2 burn spells to take out my Believers which slowed the tempo down enough for me to lock the board and swing for the win.
I know this a modern forum and if the mods want to change my post to Legacy, I'm okay with that. I wanted to build Modern Death and Taxes but the only tournaments I find are Legacy. Thanks for all the help thus far. I really like the way this deck is performing. Plus the $20 store credit I won, let me pick up an Ensnaring Bridge on the house
@Laser Brains- Thanks for the suggestions. Right now, availability and pricing are my biggest concerns. Especially with Wastelands. I will eventually get more Dark Confidants and Stoneforge Mystics but I would like to find them at a better price before I soak more money into this. Lingering Souls is a very interesting card and I agree, I think I should be running 4 but what do I cut? Same with Mother of Runes. One of my favorite cards. I'm not a big fan of Planeswalkers to be honest. Maybe its the old school player in me. Lastly, I am very interested in both of your lists. Please post away!
I also think I should cut the Leonin Arbiter for Shadow of Doubt so his ability doesn't screw me up on the fetch lands and Stoneforge's tutor yet Ghost Quarter still becomes a Strip Mine and I get a card.
[I've been reading tons of primers to try to find my best fit for my Dark Confidant's and Stoneforge Mystics. When I came across this deck, I thought it was cool so I started putting it together. I can use some help with the mana-base, sideboard and a few card choices. Take a look:
5 Plains
4 Ghost Quarter
2 Godless Shrine
2 Windswept Heath
1 Polluted Delta
1 Temple of Silence
Creatures
4 Deathrite Shaman
2 Dark Confidant
2 Stoneforge Mystic
4 Tidehollow Sculler
4 Gatekeeper of Malakir
4 Leonin Arbiter
2 Inquisition of Kozilek
1 Raven's Crime
4 Swords to Plowshares
1 Lingering Souls
4 Sinkhole
4 Vindicate
Other Permanents
1 Batterskull
1 Sword of Fire and Ice
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
2 Bojuka Bog
4 Surgical Extraction
2 Dread of Night
4 Stillmoon Cavalier
2 Mutilate
1 Sphere of Resistance
I have read tons of primers on this deck, so I'm not looking for a cookie cutter explanation. I like to create my own decks in parallel with things that work, just with my own twist on them. I really like the idea of mana denial and after a successful tourney last Thursday using that strategy, I wan't to bring this deck there to hurt people.
My favorite cards are cards that can be what I need them to be when I need them to be. I love Deathrite Shaman because he is always useful. I like Zealous Persecution because it does more than one thing. So, points if you recommend cards like that. The other aspect I would like to watch out for is the low mana curve. I would like to include a big stompy dude like Tombstalker, but I don't want to take the hit if Bob is on the field.
Now, I'm going to list a bunch of cards that I have been mulling over for now. I just do not know what would come out of the main deck.
Alright those are the cards that looked like they could be some fun in this deck. I own ever card here so that is why they are listed. I do have a small budget for this deck so recommendations would be great. Thanks a lot!
16 Plains
4 Ghost Quarter
1 Tectonic Edge
Creatures
4 Leonin Arbiter
4 Flickerwisp
3 Wall of Omens
3 Phyrexian Revoker
3 Blade Splicer
2 Mirran Crusader
2 Mangara of Corondor
2 Stonecloaker
2 Restoration Angel
4 Æther Vial
2 Norn's Annex
2 Oblivion Ring
Other Spells
4 Path to Exile
2 Sundering Growth
2 Wrath of God
2 Suture Priest
2 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
2 Grand Abolisher
2 True Believer
2 Nevermore
3 Stony Silence
Okay updated deceits. That's basically how I will be playing every game.
Changes:
- The Phyrexian Revoker outclassed the Pithing Needle every single time I've tried them. It's just simply better to have a body than to not. May have just been my meta but I didn't need to fend off too mana man-lands.
- The Synergy with Path to Exile, Ghost Quarter and Leonin Arbiter literally made opponents scream. I wish there were other cards that could feed into this (Not just Aven Mindcensor). If there are any suggestions, I would love to hear them.
- Many people are knocking Mangara of Corondor but I enjoyed playing with her. Though, I did not have a Karakas for the tourney, I still removed some lands with some blocking tricks. I'm definitely keeping her. If I could have flashed out a Flickerwisp or a Restoration Angel, I could have saved her but I took out the land and was happy for it.
- Another late addition was Sundering Growth because a friend told me he was playing Affinity. Using it to destroy a Cranial Plating while getting a 3/3 Golem was definitely worth the 2 mana.
- Again, it could be a meta call but the Norn's Annex was huge. It really forced my opponents to hold off their attacks and wait. If they weren't dealing over 4 damage with 2 creatures, it wasn't worth the attack or you would take more than you would dish out. That allowed me to get some card advantage with my Walls and set up the board to take the game over.
- I pulled the Emeria, the Sky Ruin. Pointless card. Tectonic Edge will be much more useful.
- I also pulled Sword of Fire and Ice, it was way too slow. Now that it is gone, Mirran Crusader might make an exit as well. I think I would rather see Inquisitor Exarch in my hand over the Crusader. His only plus side was blocking and swinging through Elves.
As for the match ups (remember THEY were playing legacy):
Merfolk (won 2-1)
This game was interesting. I was nervous about True-Name Nemesis earlier in the thread. The way the game went, you wouldn't have been able to see there were any issues. Game 1, he was mana-screwed. He played some Lords but couldn't get a mind-bend to make them unblockable. Flickerwisp and Restoration Angel flew right over his stupid fish people. The next game, He played a few lords, I had a Wrath of God in my hand and saved it for when True-Name hit. He followed it up by even using a Phantasm on True Name. I board wiped, Vial'd in a Flickerwisp which Flickered his Vial back to 0. I won game 2 as well. Game 3 was for fun and he won. Moving on.
Burn (lost 1-2)
I won game 1. I outraced him and denied mana. Simple. He couldn't blow out fetch lands or sac mountains for his finisher. Game 2, he had a better draw and I was waiting on my True Believer or Thalia, Guardian of Thraben. Same goes for Game 3. My Mirran Crusaders really helped going against his Sparkys and Restoration Angel helped against Vexing Devil. After this, I was pondering a CoP: Red
Elves (won 2-0)
Poor kid was new to Magic. Had an Elf deck without Elvish Mystic or Lllanowar Elves. I took out his lands and left him with 2 1/1 Elves on the board. I had a Crusader, a Flickerwisp and a Wall. Game 2 wasn't much better for him. Mana denial was my strategy. Against elves lol. I forced him to buy 4 Elvish Mystic and 4 Llanowar Elves after the game. I ever offered to pay.
Affinity (Lost 0-2)
This game was frustrating. I didn't see any of my hate cards. Game 1 was close. After a Path to Exile hit an Ornithopter with Cranial Plating and he couldn't pull out a land, I went to work. Norn's Annex came out for 4 Pyrexia life. He stopped attacking and I picked off his lands. When I stopped top-decking relevant cards, he regained and swung for lethal over my wall and Crusader. I had the board locked on Game 2 and would have won if I would've sacrificed a Flickerwisp to block his Signal Pest with Cranial Plating. I swung with two Flickerwisps, Mirran Crusader (MVP against Top Heavy Creatures) and even Suture Priest! He pulled a Ravager trick that I didn't see and was left with 1 life. Swung with his Signal Pest and it was game. Who knows what Game 3 would have brought with 2 close match ups. If a Stony Silence would have hit the board, I might have had a shot at the Painter's Servant Deck that won.
Goblins (Won 2-0)
This game was basically for fun. It was only relevant if the Painter's Servant deck lost. I don't think he understood the point of Goblins, to be honest. He was trying to get cute worrying about my creatures rather than swarm. Nora's Annex was big in this game. Again, it also helped to have the Crusader because of his top heavy creatures (Battle Cry, Piledriver and such). I picked off his Cavern of Souls and left it so he didn't have the 2 to search for lands with my Ghost Quarter/Arbiter trick. Then, I PtE his biggest guy. He couldn't pull out a second land. Eventually, I broke him down. Suture Priest pinged damage and gained me life. It worked beautifully.
Game 2 was again very interesting. I'm not sure if I'm a genius or he was terrible. He saw what my Ghost Quarters could do in Game 1 so he tried to Wastland one. In response, I GQ'd his Cavern of Souls for a 2 for 1 switcheroo. He regained and I was slowly wearing him down. He got out a Krenko, Mob Boss and looked way too happy about it. Next turn, he put in a Goblin Rabblemaster and looked pleased with himself. He used Krenko to make 6 tokens but in response I Vial'd in a Suture Priest to do 6 damage to his face for the game.
@Prid, Yeah I actually have a playset of the Grey Merchant. Definitely will try it out.
Based on the selections I have, how would you run it? I have 4 Grey Merchants and 4 Darksteel Myrs so add them in and take out 8 cards. Fix the mana-base. I'm curious to see. Also, if you would like to post your deck lists, I would definitely like to see them. Thanks so much for the help this far.
Yes. I have a playset of Pyrohemia. Any list of mine would include Deep-Slumber Titan. That lil fella loves being hit in the mouth a few times.
@Prid and @Carom- Darksteel Myr has definitely been in my deck as well but I feel like he is a waste of space. It's like having Cemetery Gate out. I tried mixing it with Dead-Iron Sledge and Sadistic Glee so they could also act as removal/offense but often would have the cards in hand and be wishing it was something else. Do you just solely use them as chump blockers?
Grey Merchant is definitely something I have been interested in. Now that I have added Geralf and with the Lich, he may he to go in the deck. I have always been scared of its CMC. Has this been an issue? Do you run like a black devotion type build with Nykthos over Cabal Coffers?
And the biggest surprise is this witch. I'll definitely have to keep my eyes open in finding her. Thanks a lot for the suggestion, guys.
(Notes: Updated the OP with some other card choices.)
13 Swamps
4 Vault of Whispers
1 Temple of Silence
1 Temple of Deceit
1 Cabal Coffers
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
Creatures
4 Phylactery Lich
4 Geralf's Messenger
3 Dimir House Guard
1 Bloodchief Ascension
2 Demon's Horn
3 Jet Medallion
3 No Mercy
4 Pestilence
1 Exquisite Blood
Other Spells
4 Dark Ritual
1 Demonic Tutor
1 Shrivel
4 Malicious Affliction
4 Geth's Verdict
2 Sudden Spoiling
1 Crypt Incursion
1 Ill-Gotten Gains
First of all, I run this deck at 64 cards. If that offends you in some way, please don't comment. It's a casual deck and used only in multiplayer formats. This is more about fun than winning. That being said:
Card Choices:
-Phylactery Lich and Geralf's Messenger are the two sets of creatures I'm running right now. I always tried to find creatures that wouldn't die to Pestilence but this time I'm trying some indestructible with some undying. What if I was playing it wrong? What if it needs creatures that enjoy the graveyard, even if for just a short time? This is a recent thought. I just pulled a set of Stillmoon Cavaliers for the Messengers.
-Dimir House Guard seems like a solid tutor for this deck. Can't counter it and only 1 mana more than a Demonic Tutor. Fetches your Pestilence or No Mercy.
Obviously the two biggest issues with a Pestilence build is finding the right creatures to keep your pestilence on the board and getting some life gain so that you aren't some sort of suicide bomber with dynamite strapped to your chest. Some of my card choices are like that because those are simply all that I own (could find) or budget would allow for now, but suggest away. Also, if there are some solid artifacts that I can add to help out with the Phylactery Lich counters, I would love to hear them.
Maybes:
- Stronghold Discipline - alt-win-con against tribal decks.
- Needlebite Trap
- Stillmoon Cavalier
- Simulacrum
- Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
- Victim of Night, Doom Blade, Hero's Downfall, other kill spells.
- Lotus Blossom
- Pestilence Demon or Plague Spitter with Loxodon Warhammer or other lifelink.
- Sanguine Bond (to go infinite)
- Cemetery Gate
- Darksteel Myr with ideas like Dead-Iron Sledge or Sadistic Glee
10 Swamp
4 Inkmoth Nexus
2 Bojuka Bog
2 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Cathedral of War
1 Polluted Delta
Creatures
4 Phyrexian Crusader
Permanents
2 Runechanter's Pike
2 Lashwrithe
2 Waste Not
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Phyrexian Arena
4 Surgical Extraction
4 Duress
4 Funeral Charm
4 Hymn to Tourach
3 Raven's Crime
2 Virulent Wound
2 Tragic Slip
2 Diabolic Edict
2 Dismember
1 Thoughtseize
1 Tragic Slip
1 Stain the Mind
1 Contagion Engine
2 Dread of Night
2 Plague Stinger
2 Hero's Downfall
2 Unmake
2 Phyrexian Vatmother
2 Lashwrithe
Card Choices:
-Waste Not - I know the 2/2 tokens are useless but for chump blocking, however the card draw and the mana ramp has been solid.
-Thoughtseize- Currently only own one copy. Will most likely add more when I come across some that are priced fairly.
- Fetch-lands- Again, only one right now. I want to add at least one more.
-Cathedral of War - Allows for Inkmoth Nexus and Plague Stinger to be pumped by Funeral Charm
I have already play tested it and read tons of articles that all seem to be old, so why not create a new discussion? My biggest issue seems to be all of the phyrexian mana I use, combine that with all of the life lost from other cards and I dig myself a nice hole. I have recently come across 2 very reasonably priced Dark Confidant and would like to add him to the deck but I feel like it would be suicide. I also have transformed it from a Hatred build because one game was in my hands and I couldn't even cast Hatred for the win because of the life lost.
Cards that I've been toying with:
- Flensermite - Lifelink infect. Simple as that.
- Dark Confidant - Obv.
- Bloodchief Ascension - In multiplayer, this card is very useful. However, if a duel I can't reliably make my opponent lose 2 life.
- Mutagenic Growth- Pump, but more phyrexian mana.
- Apostle's Blessing - Protection and an alpha-strike, yet more phyrexian mana.
- Deathrite Shaman - Sideboard card for graveyard hate.
- Dark Ritual- Obvious choice. A turn 1 Dark Rit, Duress, Hymn To Tourach Surgical Extraction before your opponent even does anything is like the best thing I've ever typed.
- Syphon Life- Retraceable life gain.
- Other sideboard champions like Ratchet Bomb, Pithing Needle, Phyrexian Revoker
The sideboard definitely is not secure. Those are just cards that I want to playtest and some obvious choices depending on the match up. The deck can switch to a more aggro feel when necessary. I would like some help with the kill spells and sideboard so that the deck can become what it needs to depending on the match up. I like the discard package as is, but will listen to suggestions. I was also thinking about some life gain or even better would be a way to consistently win before it is necessary. Thanks for your help!
(edited for spelling)