I really like your Nexus post and I'm glad you're still waving the Dralnu banner (and thanks for the shout out in your post )
I've been testing Brokkos since he was spoiled and I'll be honest, I think my Dralnu days are behind me. It's sad but the deck had grown around Paradox Engine more than I had realize and the ban really took away my enthusiasm for the deck. Brokkos has breathed new life into the deck for me and it feels similar enough while also feeling fresh and new.
But unfortunately, Dralnu might be. I've put this deck through a lot of testing since the Engine ban. That, plus it briefly looking like MTGS was going to close, I sort of forgot about the primer. I haven't really stuck with any Dralnu list post-Engine. I might be scraping the list entirely and using the reanimator core to build something new. Probably add green to the list and build Brokkos reanimator control. It's sad, but Dralnu isn't the same without Engine.
Welcome to the thread Kelzam! Sometimes it gets quiet, but a few of us always have our eyes on it when people want to restart discussion. Personally, my list has got to a pretty comfortable spot, hence why I rarely update the list. But we always appreciate people joining to learn the wonders of Dralnu!
I agree with toc that you've hit the nail on the head with most of the attractive cards. At the moment, I have one flex spot in my list, in that I'm ready to cut Rite of Replication (Side note: I've decided Night of Souls' Betrayal is here to stay). At the moment I'm trying Primal Amulet in that slot, but I haven't actually got any games in since I made the switch so who knows if it's actually good...
Blast Zone is the only auto-include, but that's largely because it's a land, and thus easier to fit in.
Kefnet will definitely be the first card I test from WAR. I'll probably try a few games with Amulet, then a few games with Kefnet, and see which one feels better. I do like some of the other cards you mentioned, I just don't see any of them being worth cutting anything from my list at the moment. If I had to choose a second favorite, it would probably be Finale of Eternity, for all the reasons Weebo mentioned, but again I don't see me cutting anything for it.
And yes, in combo Dralnu, Citadel is nuts. Personally, I'm sticking with PE as my "back pocket" combo though, since I lean more on control.
Toc and other Dralnu players, I want your opinions on your favorite cards not currently in my list. For once I have the issue of maybe wanting to replace a card (rather than needing to cut something). I've always had a soft spot for Night of Souls' Betrayal but recently it's felt like a weakest link. Thoughts on a replacement?
Glad you enjoy the list and thanks for your help in the thread!
Yeah, I agree. Most of those cards' prices are held up by a lack of reprints, for sure. Though, like you pointed out, none of them are too vital to the list (or at least can be replaced with slightly-less efficient alternatives).
Thanks for those additions, toc! I've had this list for so long, and EDH prices fluctuate tend to fluctuate wildly, so sometimes I forget what cards are actually expensive
Welcome to the thread! I'm in a similar place to you, being drawn to lesser-played commanders. That's what initially drew me to Dralnu. The nice thing about the deck is there is some flexibility in the deck as far as budget goes, especially with the reanimation targets you play. Some budget options for reanimation targets:
As far as infinite combos go, Paradox Engine isn't technically an infinite combo, but it can definitely feel like one. If your playgroup is opposed to infinite combos, I would cut the engine, add in another reanimation target, and keep all the mana rocks. The deck plays well as a control-reanimator deck even without the inevitability of the PE combo to close out the game.
Finally, to bring the cost of the deck down, I would replace some of the more expensive reanimation targets with cheaper options. Also, you can look to replace expensive cards with their cheaper but less-efficient versions (Toxic Deluge could become one of the many more mana-expensive black boardwipes, Demonic Tutor could become Diabolic Tutor, Cryptic Command could become a cheaper counterspell, etc). Same thing goes for the lands. I would be sure to keep some of the "sac Dralnu" land like High Market, but if you can't afford Riptide Laboratory or Phyrexian Tower, that's fine. However, the latter has gotten cheaper with a reprint and it can be very useful, so that might be one of my first recommended upgrades.
Most of the expense in this deck boils down to efficiency. I run Reanimate because it allows me to get Jin-Gitaxias into play on turn 2 with a good set-up, and that's the type of meta I play in. If you play in a more casual meta, there's no reason to spend $10 on Reanimate, when Stitch Together does something similar, just less efficiently and for less than a dollar.
Engine is one of those cards where I didn't even bother to play it before retiring it. It's painfully apparent that it's not the kind of card I want to play with or against and Dralnu is an excellent home for it, where it actually has some value use instead of only combo.
Oh, I knew as soon as it was spoiled it would be disgusting. And it is, but I feel like Dralnu is a decent home for it because (at least for my build, anyway - probably Jenn's too) it can't go infinite and it isn't the only thing I'm using to angle towards a win. I actually think there's at least elements of a case for banning it, even though I don't think it entirely deserves it; it's one of those cards that's as broken as you let it be.
That's a good way to put it. It's definitely a combo and definitely broken but I'm more ok playing it because it doesn't just feel like an "oops I win" card. There's work involved in setting it up. Plus it just synergize so well with Dralnu.
The changes are more or less unsurprising, considering you mentioning you were going down more of a quick combo route at present. I've been back and forth on Time Stop myself, it's a lot of mana to hold up, and a moot point when you have Paradox Engine up and running anyway. I get why Koko is out, too, we don't have a ton of ways to loop reanimate him, and without Rite of Replication it's not quite a finisher in most cases.
Yeah, I think I've got the deck in a pretty good spot as far as the combo goes. My intention with the deck was to not make it a dedicated combo deck and to make the focus be more control. And that's about where the deck is now. I'd say 50%, probably more, of my games end with the Paradox Engine combo, but the goal isn't to do so in the first few turns. Paradox Engine is more like inevitability for the control plan's long-game.
Double post to say there actually have been some updates! I tweaked the list after Weebo made some suggestions a while back and never actually changed the master post. Also, I swear Underground River has been in the deck forever, I guess it never got added here . . . Here they are:
As I discussed with Weebo, some earlier cantrips were needed. Probe is especially nice because it is a free spell to fuel our Paradox Engine combo once that starts going. As far as cuts go, Time Stop is cute but too expensive and Deadly Tempest was the weakest of our board wipes and we have plenty of those. It was really tough to cut Kokusho, but this deck is more about reanimating a big bomb once or twice, rather than multiple reanimation loops. And it's the latter where Kokusho shines.
Welcome to the thread Sprodel! It's never really dead (that's the theme, right?) At this point, I don't update the list much because it's pretty optimized for where I want it to be. But I still monitor the thread. So, welcome!
Toc had pretty good analysis of all the cards you suggested. Victory Chimes is an option for a 3-mana mana rock, but I don't see it being any better than the ones I'm already running. I also agree with what people have said on Domineering Will. It has some potential and I'd be curious to hear how it works for you, but I don't know if I'd replace Reins of Power. Honestly, Reins is in this weird spot where it keeps showing up on the chopping block when I edit the deck and yet I can't actually bring myself to cut the card.
HOW HAVE I NEVER THOUGHT OF MINAMO?! I love Kamigawa and even own a copy. I feel very dumb now haha. That's why I love this thread. People remind me of cards that have been staring me right in the face this whole time . . .
It's funny you mention Tendrils of Agony, as I was just talking to a friend of mine about testing the card out. You're right that my list isn't all-in on the combo, but I'm finding myself leaning on it more and more because it's just so powerful. Currently, Exsanguinate is the only win-con with Paradox Engine. Adding Tendrils could be some nice redundancy. I'm not sure what I'd cut for it though.
I think I see Nezahal a little more favorably than you toc, but not by much. Having a reanimation target that is also a discard outlet is really attractive. However, I do agree with you that it would compete for Sphinx's spot and I have an invocation Consecrated Sphinx, so I'm hesitant to cut that haha.
I'm bringing back this post because I realized the deck has been changed greatly since I originally made this post and I thought I'd update the list, especially since it's in my signature. First of all, I'm now consistently using Derevi as my command. Rubinia is still in the 99, but Derevi is just so much better in the command zone. Also, I've really stuck to the theme. As of now, all of the cards either depict women or directly benefit the legendary-matters theme. In some cases, I had to go with the less competitive card (Tornado??), but overall the deck still plays very well. Here's what's been changed:
I've been testing Brokkos since he was spoiled and I'll be honest, I think my Dralnu days are behind me. It's sad but the deck had grown around Paradox Engine more than I had realize and the ban really took away my enthusiasm for the deck. Brokkos has breathed new life into the deck for me and it feels similar enough while also feeling fresh and new.
But unfortunately, Dralnu might be. I've put this deck through a lot of testing since the Engine ban. That, plus it briefly looking like MTGS was going to close, I sort of forgot about the primer. I haven't really stuck with any Dralnu list post-Engine. I might be scraping the list entirely and using the reanimator core to build something new. Probably add green to the list and build Brokkos reanimator control. It's sad, but Dralnu isn't the same without Engine.
I don't know if Toc is still playing Dralnu.
I will be updating this list with a replacement soon.
Looks like this deck is going to 5-colors!!! There's a lot of exciting cards I want to add (Jhoira, Weatherlight Captain, Primevals' Glorious Rebirth, to name two) and will update once I have a list.
I agree with toc that you've hit the nail on the head with most of the attractive cards. At the moment, I have one flex spot in my list, in that I'm ready to cut Rite of Replication (Side note: I've decided Night of Souls' Betrayal is here to stay). At the moment I'm trying Primal Amulet in that slot, but I haven't actually got any games in since I made the switch so who knows if it's actually good...
Blast Zone is the only auto-include, but that's largely because it's a land, and thus easier to fit in.
Kefnet will definitely be the first card I test from WAR. I'll probably try a few games with Amulet, then a few games with Kefnet, and see which one feels better. I do like some of the other cards you mentioned, I just don't see any of them being worth cutting anything from my list at the moment. If I had to choose a second favorite, it would probably be Finale of Eternity, for all the reasons Weebo mentioned, but again I don't see me cutting anything for it.
And yes, in combo Dralnu, Citadel is nuts. Personally, I'm sticking with PE as my "back pocket" combo though, since I lean more on control.
Yeah, I agree. Most of those cards' prices are held up by a lack of reprints, for sure. Though, like you pointed out, none of them are too vital to the list (or at least can be replaced with slightly-less efficient alternatives).
For example, I had no idea PE was $18!
Rune-Scarred Demon
Inkwell Leviathan
Tidal Force
Sepulchral Primordial
Sphinx of Uthuun
As far as infinite combos go, Paradox Engine isn't technically an infinite combo, but it can definitely feel like one. If your playgroup is opposed to infinite combos, I would cut the engine, add in another reanimation target, and keep all the mana rocks. The deck plays well as a control-reanimator deck even without the inevitability of the PE combo to close out the game.
Finally, to bring the cost of the deck down, I would replace some of the more expensive reanimation targets with cheaper options. Also, you can look to replace expensive cards with their cheaper but less-efficient versions (Toxic Deluge could become one of the many more mana-expensive black boardwipes, Demonic Tutor could become Diabolic Tutor, Cryptic Command could become a cheaper counterspell, etc). Same thing goes for the lands. I would be sure to keep some of the "sac Dralnu" land like High Market, but if you can't afford Riptide Laboratory or Phyrexian Tower, that's fine. However, the latter has gotten cheaper with a reprint and it can be very useful, so that might be one of my first recommended upgrades.
Most of the expense in this deck boils down to efficiency. I run Reanimate because it allows me to get Jin-Gitaxias into play on turn 2 with a good set-up, and that's the type of meta I play in. If you play in a more casual meta, there's no reason to spend $10 on Reanimate, when Stitch Together does something similar, just less efficiently and for less than a dollar.
That's a good way to put it. It's definitely a combo and definitely broken but I'm more ok playing it because it doesn't just feel like an "oops I win" card. There's work involved in setting it up. Plus it just synergize so well with Dralnu.
Yeah, I think I've got the deck in a pretty good spot as far as the combo goes. My intention with the deck was to not make it a dedicated combo deck and to make the focus be more control. And that's about where the deck is now. I'd say 50%, probably more, of my games end with the Paradox Engine combo, but the goal isn't to do so in the first few turns. Paradox Engine is more like inevitability for the control plan's long-game.
IN
+ Brainstorm
+ Impulse
+ Chromatic Lantern
+ Minamo, School at Water's Edge
+ Underground River
+ Gitaxian Probe
OUT
- Time Stop
- Kokusho, the Evening Star
- Thought Vessel
- Deadly Tempest
- 2 Islands
As I discussed with Weebo, some earlier cantrips were needed. Probe is especially nice because it is a free spell to fuel our Paradox Engine combo once that starts going. As far as cuts go, Time Stop is cute but too expensive and Deadly Tempest was the weakest of our board wipes and we have plenty of those. It was really tough to cut Kokusho, but this deck is more about reanimating a big bomb once or twice, rather than multiple reanimation loops. And it's the latter where Kokusho shines.
Toc had pretty good analysis of all the cards you suggested. Victory Chimes is an option for a 3-mana mana rock, but I don't see it being any better than the ones I'm already running. I also agree with what people have said on Domineering Will. It has some potential and I'd be curious to hear how it works for you, but I don't know if I'd replace Reins of Power. Honestly, Reins is in this weird spot where it keeps showing up on the chopping block when I edit the deck and yet I can't actually bring myself to cut the card.
HOW HAVE I NEVER THOUGHT OF MINAMO?! I love Kamigawa and even own a copy. I feel very dumb now haha. That's why I love this thread. People remind me of cards that have been staring me right in the face this whole time . . .
I think I see Nezahal a little more favorably than you toc, but not by much. Having a reanimation target that is also a discard outlet is really attractive. However, I do agree with you that it would compete for Sphinx's spot and I have an invocation Consecrated Sphinx, so I'm hesitant to cut that haha.
I'm bringing back this post because I realized the deck has been changed greatly since I originally made this post and I thought I'd update the list, especially since it's in my signature. First of all, I'm now consistently using Derevi as my command. Rubinia is still in the 99, but Derevi is just so much better in the command zone. Also, I've really stuck to the theme. As of now, all of the cards either depict women or directly benefit the legendary-matters theme. In some cases, I had to go with the less competitive card (Tornado??), but overall the deck still plays very well. Here's what's been changed:
In:
Sylvan Caryatid, Marwyn, the Nurturer, Nissa, Vastwood Seer, Somberwald Sage, Shalai, Voice of Plenty, Seedborn Muse, Avacyn, Angel of Hope, Nissa, Steward of Elements, Huatli, Radiant Champion, Swords to Plowshares, Broken Bond, Nature's Lore, Farseek, Chord of Calling, Nissa's Pilrimage, Rout, Shamanic Revelation, Akroma's Vengeance, Austere Command, Selvala's Stampede, Thran Temporal Gateway, Oath of Nissa, Rest in Peace, Rhystic Study, Song of the Dryads, Tornado, Zendikar Resurgent
Out:
Jenara, Asura of War, Rashmi, Eternities Crafter, Reya Dawnbringer, Thada Adel, Acquisitor, Sakiko, Mother of Summer, Titania, Protector of Argoth, Trostani, Selesnya's Voice, Kiora, Master of the Depths, Coiling Oracle, Emeria Shepherd, Sakura-Tribe Elder, Growth Spasm, Kodama's Reach, Sol Ring, Mirari's Wake, Swiftfoot Boots, Always Watching, Celestial Mantle, Privileged Position, Final Judgment, Unexpected Results, Wargate, Aura Shards, Beast Within, Momentous Fall
I also improved the mana base considerably.