Interesting build Wolftree. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind. I too was looking at See Beyond. Are you happy when you see it all of the time, or only when you have Emrakul, the Aeons Torn in your hand (trust me, I feel your pain on drawing him, lol). I don't feel great about putting a card in that only helps in those hopefully rare situations, but if it is helping filter it might be worth it. On the flip side, are there some other options out there?
How is the 6 anthems working btw? Does it feel like the right number?
The one thing I would disagree with on a personal level is the 'half-in' mode of the Polymorph suite. I think it needs to be all in or otherwise don't put it in the deck (which is very viable and might be stronger without it even, hard to say). I know it is hard to find room of course for the 'all-in', I just don't like the thought of even having the chance to draw the Emakrul and all my polymorphs are dead unless you get to discard the Emakrul. Just my two cents of course.
So I have been looking at some recent MTGO decklists that have been successful as well as the Pro Craig Wescoe's recent article regarding it and have come up with a new brew based on it. Basically, it is taking the upated BW Tokens shell that people have been running successfully and inserting the 6 card Polymorph suite (with a few adjustments here and there). It only uses blue for the Polymorph casting, so it barely splashes blue at all and you don't need the mana until turn four at the earliest anyways (That being said, I am always open to suggestions on the mana base). On G2 and G3 you can side out the combo for SB hate (or leave it in if it is a good matchup).
The big addition to the deck is using the Sword of War and Peace on your tokens to pump them up, protect them from 2 troublesome removal colors, and to gain life/deal more damage. It looks viable and initial results seem good, but would love to hear thoughts on it. Also, the Engineered Explosives seems to be a nice removal card in the main that can blow up 1-3 cmc (with the addition of blue) which can help a lot against Merfolk/Affinity etc. considering most of our permanents are 0 cmc.
I think a 'transformative' sideboard is doable, taking out the Polymorph suite when it is a bad match up and replacing it with the proper hate or having some 'general use' cards from the sideboard.
I agree the WBu seems more powerful, but I am worried about the life loss you inflict upon yourself with the mana base, so that might need to be addressed yet. Timely Reinforcements might be that answer, but I don't like the fact it can be a 'dead' card.
I am not certain that this decklist should be put here, as this seems to be more about just Polymorph, but I have been resurrecting a 'Smurfs' deck I put together back in '11 (seen here)that just uses it as an alternate win condition in a token deck (which I know has been discussed here as well). Basically, what it comes down to is, you aren't really watering down a token deck by adding the Polymorph suite so why not have a 'Oops I win' condition that increases the density of your threats? Yes, the Polymorph can be countered and yes your token could be killed when casting it, but you and your opponent are both using resources and for the most part you are just coming out even in those cases. It has the added effect of them not countering your turn 3 Spectral Procession because they are scared you have the Polymorph on turn 4. It is an added threat that doesn't need to be necessarily protected (please note, that doesn't mean you can't play it that way, I am just saying you don't have to use a dedicated control/combo deck for it to be effective). Also, casting an Emrakul, the Aeons Torn from a Windbrisk Heights is amazing.
Wbu Token List
Mainly white, but greedily spalshes for black and blue to use the Polymorph suite and black's hand disruption (as well as sliding in the powerful Zealous Persecution and making Lingering Souls off the charts). Seems to work fine with this mana base and really hums with a lot of powerful cards, but it absolutely dies to Blood Moon. Might need some Timely Reinforcements to offset the life loss from the mana base as well (the reason why there isn't Thoughtseize currently). Finally, doesn't have a way to dump Emrakul, the Aeons Torn out of your hand so might need to fit in some See Beyond or the like (took pure power over this for now). Bitterblossom might need to find a spot in here too. But, it is brimming with value cards as well as disruption against combo and can beat an opponent the traditional way or with the poly cheat.
Wu Token List
This lists eschews black to make it a bit less taxing on the mana base requirements. It trades in hand disruption for some counterspells. It also has more instant speed action to allow leaving mana up for a counter and then playing an instant at the end of the turn. It doesn't roll over to Blood Moon, but it does lack some of the raw power of the other deck.
Totally get the idea behind Tombstalker, I just personally think it is too dangerous to run with Bob and I think this deck loses even more if you don't run Bob.
I might be wrong, but I think Tombstalker might be better than Abyssal Persecutor.
I was just thinking that, but then I realized that he is playing Dark Confidant. That would not be good.
Yeah I don't think bob is right for this deck. With eight four drops, thoughtseize, fetches and shocks it's way too suicidal. It will just get rofl stomped by zoo
I agree, especially since he is only playing 2 Snapcaster Mages.
Thank you for all the feedback once more! I am not sure on the concern for having Bob in the deck, as there are only four 4-drops and the rest are 2 or below; he seems perfect for this deck as a card drawing engine. I did take out Liliana of the Veil and added in some Vapor Snag to test as per suggested as well. I think Blinkmoth Nexus is a good idea as well as the new iteration of this deck isn't too mana color hungry.
I would tend to agree that the Abyssal Persecutor is an essential piece of the deck and gives it some real board pressure (in testing, a lot of my games turn around as soon as he sticks). If you take out Percy, I think it just becomes a whole different deck.
I do like the idea of Ninja of the Deep Hours for an interesting removal method, but I don't see what I would cut for it (and I would like to keep Bob as he is insanely powerful).
Any more thoughts on how to sideboard against different decks? Also, should Serum Visions be in instead of Gitaxian Probe?
Thank you for the feedback jwelt. I think you might be right on the 8 4cc cards, regardless of how much I love Cryptic Command. Quick question, is Serum Visions far and away better than Gitaxian Probe? I like the Probe for turn one so I can decide to play the Delver or a discard spell, but I would love to hear people's thoughts.
Thank you for the quick reply! I agree that is a bit of a concern of mine, even though Dark Confidant on average is only doing about 1 damage a turn (since you hit lands a lot) you can still get really unlucky. Any ideas on shoring up that shortcoming? I think all three cards really make this deck tick, so maybe some sort of life gain or an edited mana base?
I have been on a Magic hiatus for some time and am now just coming back into the game. With Modern my format of choice, I have been trying to brew something original (granted nothing is really totally original and this might be a deck already and I haven't seen it) based on what the current meta is. Please note, I realize I am no expert or genius crafter, so I am sure there are some adjustments to be made (and I would love to hear them).
Disruption Thoughtseize: Fits excellent in the ability to tear a player's hand apart first turn. Only limitation is it costs life and this deck tends to get a bit life hungry. Inquisition of Kozilek: Another one-drop discard spell, gets rid of everything that needs to be dealt with right away. Vendilion Clique: One might be a good replacement for a Snapcaster as it adds to disruption and is another beater. Wouldn't run too many regardless due to Legendary status. Liliana of the Veil: Dual role of discard disruption as well as removal. Vapor Snag: Tempo card to help slow the opposition as well as another way to remove Percy.
Counterspells
The number and which counterspells you run very much depends on your meta. If unsure, Mana Leak and Remand are good safe bets otherwise running a 'toolbox' of different ones and using Snapcaster Mage as needed to recycle to relevant ones. Remand: Great tempo swing while keeping your hand filled. Mana Leak: *Should* be relevant all game and is a catch-all counter. Spell Snare: Depends on meta, but can be excellent in right situation. Spell Pierce: Meta choice. Essence Scatter: Again depends on meta and/or might be sideboard cards. Countersquall: A Negate that has the nice added rider of life loss. Cryptic Command: Awesome versatility but most often used for counter spell and draw a card. Can also bounce your Percy. Also very scary to draw with Bob in the deck.
Creatures Abyssal Persecutor: Very underrated and difficult to deal with beater for 4 mana. Very few creatures can go toe-to-toe with it and you have multiple ways to deal with it's drawback. Yes it hurts to hit with Bob, but only 4 in the deck so the chances are slim. Dark Confidant: The card draw engine with a body. Taking land into account, you should take on average about 1 damage a turn with this deck's curve. If the opponent doesn't deal with him he provides massive card advantage (and you have a few ways to get rid of him if your life gets too low). Delver of Secrets: Plenty of spells to activate him and an efficient beater for one mana. Snapcaster Mage: Card advantage, a body, and plenty of targets. Problem is finding room.
Removal Devour Flesh: Might seem like an odd choice, but ideally your opponent doesn't have a full board and it hits untargetable and indestructible creatures at instant speed (as well as killing Percy for you). Far/Away: I really like this card in this deck except for hitting it with a Dark Confidant really hurts and seems a bit too suicidal. Victim of Night: Kills the most pertinent threats in Moderen as well as your own Percy when needed.
Other Gitaxian Probe: Thins the deck as well as helping immensely on what to cast turn 1.
Sideboard
I am looking for suggestions here, but I wanted to get the main deck in place first and then optimize a sideboard around it.
Thank you for taking the time to look at this, I really do appreciate any comments!
EDIT (3-19-14): Updated Decklist based on playtesting and feedback.
EDIT (3-24-14): Updated Decklist.
Thank you for the insights! I played it a bit this weekend and have to say I do agree with your assessments. It felt very underwhelming in it's current state unless I happened to be able to pull off a combo. Going to look at taking out a lot of the 'token friendly stuff' for straight counters.
How is the 6 anthems working btw? Does it feel like the right number?
The one thing I would disagree with on a personal level is the 'half-in' mode of the Polymorph suite. I think it needs to be all in or otherwise don't put it in the deck (which is very viable and might be stronger without it even, hard to say). I know it is hard to find room of course for the 'all-in', I just don't like the thought of even having the chance to draw the Emakrul and all my polymorphs are dead unless you get to discard the Emakrul. Just my two cents of course.
The big addition to the deck is using the Sword of War and Peace on your tokens to pump them up, protect them from 2 troublesome removal colors, and to gain life/deal more damage. It looks viable and initial results seem good, but would love to hear thoughts on it. Also, the Engineered Explosives seems to be a nice removal card in the main that can blow up 1-3 cmc (with the addition of blue) which can help a lot against Merfolk/Affinity etc. considering most of our permanents are 0 cmc.
4 Intangible Virtue
Artifacts (4)
2 Sword of War and Peace
2 Engineered Explosives
Instants (10)
4 Raise the Alarm
4 Path to Exile
2 Zealous Persecution
Sorcery (18)
4 Polymorph
4 Spectral Procession
4 Lingering Souls
4 Thoughtseize
2 Inquisition of Kozilek
2 Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
Lands (22)
4 Hallowed Fountain
4 Godless Shrine
4 Marsh Flats
2 Plains
1 Swamp
2 Tectonic Edge
2 Windbrisk Heights
2 Arid Mesa
1 Fetid Heath
I agree the WBu seems more powerful, but I am worried about the life loss you inflict upon yourself with the mana base, so that might need to be addressed yet. Timely Reinforcements might be that answer, but I don't like the fact it can be a 'dead' card.
Wbu Token List
Mainly white, but greedily spalshes for black and blue to use the Polymorph suite and black's hand disruption (as well as sliding in the powerful Zealous Persecution and making Lingering Souls off the charts). Seems to work fine with this mana base and really hums with a lot of powerful cards, but it absolutely dies to Blood Moon. Might need some Timely Reinforcements to offset the life loss from the mana base as well (the reason why there isn't Thoughtseize currently). Finally, doesn't have a way to dump Emrakul, the Aeons Torn out of your hand so might need to fit in some See Beyond or the like (took pure power over this for now). Bitterblossom might need to find a spot in here too. But, it is brimming with value cards as well as disruption against combo and can beat an opponent the traditional way or with the poly cheat.
4 Intangible Virtue
2 Promise of Bunrei
Instants (13)
2 Zealous Persecution
4 Raise the Alarm
4 Path to Exile
3 Midnight Haunting
Sorcery (16)
4 Polymorph
4 Spectral Procession
4 Lingering Souls
4 Inquisition of Kozilek
2 Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
Planeswalkers (2)
1 Ajani Goldmane
1 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Lands (21)
2 Hallowed Fountain
4 Godless Shrine
1 Mystic Gate
1 Fetid Heath
4 Marsh Flats
2 Isolated Chapel
1 Swamp
1 Island
1 Plains
4 Windbrisk Heights
Wu Token List
This lists eschews black to make it a bit less taxing on the mana base requirements. It trades in hand disruption for some counterspells. It also has more instant speed action to allow leaving mana up for a counter and then playing an instant at the end of the turn. It doesn't roll over to Blood Moon, but it does lack some of the raw power of the other deck.
4 Intangible Virtue
3 Promise of Bunrei
Instants (18)
2 Beckon Apparition
4 Raise the Alarm
4 Path to Exile
4 Midnight Haunting
4 Mana Leak
4 Polymorph
4 Spectral Procession
2 Timely Reinforcements
Creatures (2)
2 Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
Planeswalkers (2)
1 Ajani Goldmane
1 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
Lands (21)
4 Hallowed Fountain
1 Mystic Gate
2 Seachrome Coast
4 Marsh Flats
1 Island
5 Plains
1 Ghost Quarter
4 Windbrisk Heights
Thank you for all the feedback once more! I am not sure on the concern for having Bob in the deck, as there are only four 4-drops and the rest are 2 or below; he seems perfect for this deck as a card drawing engine. I did take out Liliana of the Veil and added in some Vapor Snag to test as per suggested as well. I think Blinkmoth Nexus is a good idea as well as the new iteration of this deck isn't too mana color hungry.
I would tend to agree that the Abyssal Persecutor is an essential piece of the deck and gives it some real board pressure (in testing, a lot of my games turn around as soon as he sticks). If you take out Percy, I think it just becomes a whole different deck.
I do like the idea of Ninja of the Deep Hours for an interesting removal method, but I don't see what I would cut for it (and I would like to keep Bob as he is insanely powerful).
Any more thoughts on how to sideboard against different decks? Also, should Serum Visions be in instead of Gitaxian Probe?
I have been on a Magic hiatus for some time and am now just coming back into the game. With Modern my format of choice, I have been trying to brew something original (granted nothing is really totally original and this might be a deck already and I haven't seen it) based on what the current meta is. Please note, I realize I am no expert or genius crafter, so I am sure there are some adjustments to be made (and I would love to hear them).
The Gameplan
Dismantle any combo pieces with Thoughtseize and Inquisition of Kozilek and drop an early threat in the form of a Delver of Secrets. Protect that threat with counters and other control elements while using a card advantage engine of Dark Confidant and cantrips like Remand and Serum Visions. If an early threat is eliminated or not available, drop a very efficiently priced Abyssal Persecutor (the deck as a number of ways to eliminate the Abyssal Persecutor when needed)as a win condition or use the unblockable Creeping Tar Pit.
2 Swamp
2 Island
2 Creeping Tar Pit
1 Blinkmoth Nexus
4 Marsh Flats
4 Watery Grave
4 Darkslick Shores
2 Ghost Quarter
4 Abyssal Persecutor
4 Dark Confidant
4 Delver of Secrets
3 Snapcaster Mage
Spells (24)
4 Victim of Night
2 Countersquall
2 Vapor Snag
4 Remand
2 Mana Leak
2 Thoughtseize
4 Serum Visions
4 Inquisition of Kozilek
Card Choices
Disruption
Thoughtseize: Fits excellent in the ability to tear a player's hand apart first turn. Only limitation is it costs life and this deck tends to get a bit life hungry.
Inquisition of Kozilek: Another one-drop discard spell, gets rid of everything that needs to be dealt with right away.
Vendilion Clique: One might be a good replacement for a Snapcaster as it adds to disruption and is another beater. Wouldn't run too many regardless due to Legendary status.
Liliana of the Veil: Dual role of discard disruption as well as removal.
Vapor Snag: Tempo card to help slow the opposition as well as another way to remove Percy.
Counterspells
The number and which counterspells you run very much depends on your meta. If unsure, Mana Leak and Remand are good safe bets otherwise running a 'toolbox' of different ones and using Snapcaster Mage as needed to recycle to relevant ones.
Remand: Great tempo swing while keeping your hand filled.
Mana Leak: *Should* be relevant all game and is a catch-all counter.
Spell Snare: Depends on meta, but can be excellent in right situation.
Spell Pierce: Meta choice.
Essence Scatter: Again depends on meta and/or might be sideboard cards.
Countersquall: A Negate that has the nice added rider of life loss.
Cryptic Command: Awesome versatility but most often used for counter spell and draw a card. Can also bounce your Percy. Also very scary to draw with Bob in the deck.
Creatures
Abyssal Persecutor: Very underrated and difficult to deal with beater for 4 mana. Very few creatures can go toe-to-toe with it and you have multiple ways to deal with it's drawback. Yes it hurts to hit with Bob, but only 4 in the deck so the chances are slim.
Dark Confidant: The card draw engine with a body. Taking land into account, you should take on average about 1 damage a turn with this deck's curve. If the opponent doesn't deal with him he provides massive card advantage (and you have a few ways to get rid of him if your life gets too low).
Delver of Secrets: Plenty of spells to activate him and an efficient beater for one mana.
Snapcaster Mage: Card advantage, a body, and plenty of targets. Problem is finding room.
Removal
Devour Flesh: Might seem like an odd choice, but ideally your opponent doesn't have a full board and it hits untargetable and indestructible creatures at instant speed (as well as killing Percy for you).
Far/Away: I really like this card in this deck except for hitting it with a Dark Confidant really hurts and seems a bit too suicidal.
Victim of Night: Kills the most pertinent threats in Moderen as well as your own Percy when needed.
Other
Gitaxian Probe: Thins the deck as well as helping immensely on what to cast turn 1.
Sideboard
I am looking for suggestions here, but I wanted to get the main deck in place first and then optimize a sideboard around it.
Thank you for taking the time to look at this, I really do appreciate any comments!
EDIT (3-19-14): Updated Decklist based on playtesting and feedback.
EDIT (3-24-14): Updated Decklist.
Zameck Guildmage
http://www.mtgsalvation.com/forums/the-game/commander-edh/variant-commander-decklists/546409-zameck-guildmage-edh-commander
Thanks!