Thinking about dropping some of the higher stuff, Remorseless Punishment has not really done much for me. The wrath's probably throw off the curve a bit, but I have had a few games against Sigarda and elves that made me want the extra ones, but the black sun will probably come out along with reality smasher. Yeah I picked up on it, the deck has been fun!
Thinking about dropping some of the higher stuff, Remorseless Punishment has not really done much for me. The wrath's probably throw off the curve a bit, but I have had a few games against Sigarda and elves that made me want the extra ones, but the black sun will probably come out along with reality smasher. Yeah I picked up on it, the deck has been fun!
Yeah you don't want wrath's as they're counter-intuitive to what we're trying to do.
That's interesting on remorseless punishment. I went to pick up one with some other cards, but they just ran out when I placed the order. I tossed in...idk, think was a Grinning Demon in its place. You really think it's suspect?
I too, cut Reality Smasher. Not that it isn't good, but it's high on the curve for a deck that can hit its same power or more for less mana.
The only cards I didn't get last night were Kalitas 2.0, Hangarback, Obliterator, Thought-Knot, and ofc Rish Port (playing dust bowl instead). So I'm close to equal with my paper. But to compensate here, I added Tangle Wire & Winter Orb - which makes sense with a curve of 2.2.
Remorseless PunishmentJust has not been all that good in any of the match ups I have drawn it in, so I cut it for Memory Mask. I will likely be putting Grinning Devilin over one of the wraths, I have not gotten a port online because they are somewhat pricey along with the Obliterator, it is like 15 tickets online and its in no decks I can think of :(.
What do you think of Asylum Visitor for aggro decks like this and Marchesa that tend to empty their hands quicker then other decks? Can't decide if I should run it or not.
What do you think of Asylum Visitor for aggro decks like this and Marchesa that tend to empty their hands quicker then other decks? Can't decide if I should run it or not.
I like it, although that 1 toughness is an obvious problem that requires more hoops than Bob to jump through and benefit from. is this better than our current two drops?
What do you think of Asylum Visitor for aggro decks like this and Marchesa that tend to empty their hands quicker then other decks? Can't decide if I should run it or not.
I like it, although that 1 toughness is an obvious problem that requires more hoops than Bob to jump through and benefit from. is this better than our current two drops?
I feel basically the same way. Personally I think I like it better then Pain Seer. I really do need more card draw but I can't sacrifice agression to get it. I wouldn't even consider it if it didn't have 3 power.
What do you think of Asylum Visitor for aggro decks like this and Marchesa that tend to empty their hands quicker then other decks? Can't decide if I should run it or not.
I like it, although that 1 toughness is an obvious problem that requires more hoops than Bob to jump through and benefit from. is this better than our current two drops?
I feel basically the same way. Personally I think I like it better then Pain Seer. I really do need more card draw but I can't sacrifice agression to get it. I wouldn't even consider it if it didn't have 3 power.
You think it's better than Seer? I don't see it - this needs one or both players hellbent to get the effect; Seer only needs to untap.
What do you think of Asylum Visitor for aggro decks like this and Marchesa that tend to empty their hands quicker then other decks? Can't decide if I should run it or not.
I like it, although that 1 toughness is an obvious problem that requires more hoops than Bob to jump through and benefit from. is this better than our current two drops?
I feel basically the same way. Personally I think I like it better then Pain Seer. I really do need more card draw but I can't sacrifice agression to get it. I wouldn't even consider it if it didn't have 3 power.
You think it's better than Seer? I don't see it - this needs one or both players hellbent to get the effect; Seer only needs to untap.
The way I see it neithor trigger reliably (although the seer will likely trigger more) but I prefer a 3/1 body over 2/2 because its more likely to trade up especually after recieving a +1/+1 counter. Depends on the matchup I suppose.
Edit: If not the seer maybe Yxlid Jailer as the visitor has a superior body and imo superior effect.
Side Note: What do you think of the new Olivia, Mobilized for War as a geberal? Is that a deck you're interested in making? I am.
The way I see it neithor trigger reliably (although the seer will likely trigger more) but I prefer a 3/1 body over 2/2 because its more likely to trade up especually after recieving a +1/+1 counter. Depends on the matchup I suppose.
Edit: If not the seer maybe Yxlid Jailer as the visitor has a superior body and imo superior effect.
Side Note: What do you think of the new Olivia, Mobilized for War as a geberal? Is that a deck you're interested in making? I am.
Nah, I'd rather have a 2/2 - blocks dorks all day, doesn't die to a stiff breeze (to this end, I also don't like Spike Jester in these Tymaret/Lyzolda/Exava/Alesha builds. I have one, and I've played it. But I wasn't generally excited to cast it). Case-in-point: When given the choice, 100% of the time I would pick Goblin Wardriver over Accorder Paladin, every time. Just dislike the 3/1 stat.
New Olivia is a thing, although I don't see it as my cup of tea.
The way I see it neithor trigger reliably (although the seer will likely trigger more) but I prefer a 3/1 body over 2/2 because its more likely to trade up especually after recieving a +1/+1 counter. Depends on the matchup I suppose.
Edit: If not the seer maybe Yxlid Jailer as the visitor has a superior body and imo superior effect.
Side Note: What do you think of the new Olivia, Mobilized for War as a geberal? Is that a deck you're interested in making? I am.
Nah, I'd rather have a 2/2 - blocks dorks all day, doesn't die to a stiff breeze (to this end, I also don't like Spike Jester in these Tymaret/Lyzolda/Exava/Alesha builds. I have one, and I've played it. But I wasn't generally excited to cast it). Case-in-point: When given the choice, 100% of the time I would pick Goblin Wardriver over Accorder Paladin, every time. Just dislike the 3/1 stat.
New Olivia is a thing, although I don't see it as my cup of tea.
It must be a playstyle difference between the two of us. Personally I'd go for the Paladin. Faster clock and doesn't fear getting blocked by a 3/3. There are pros and cons to each.
Between Drana and Alesha, which deck has the better matchup against Narset?
Ehhhh...idk man. Alesha offers inevitability but Drana offers raw finishing power. I'm not sure I can give you a strictly better rating.
Then let me rephrase the question. Do eithor have a particularly good matchup against Narset or is it a rough matchup for both?
My gut tells me Drana's raw oomph and singular mana base gives her the easier time - albeit mono-B is with it's own concerns and once Narset stabilizes, there's not a lot of ways you can get out from under it. Alesha meanwhile is slower, but at least you have soft locks with Fulminator to fall back on. Also Contamination, although that is true for both decks - just Alesha can fuel it effortlessly.
Between Drana and Alesha, which deck has the better matchup against Narset?
Ehhhh...idk man. Alesha offers inevitability but Drana offers raw finishing power. I'm not sure I can give you a strictly better rating.
Then let me rephrase the question. Do eithor have a particularly good matchup against Narset or is it a rough matchup for both?
My gut tells me Drana's raw oomph and singular mana base gives her the easier time - albeit mono-B is with it's own concerns and once Narset stabilizes, there's not a lot of ways you can get out from under it. Alesha meanwhile is slower, but at least you have soft locks with Fulminator to fall back on. Also Contamination, although that is true for both decks - just Alesha can fuel it effortlessly.
Sooooo, if I'm reading in between the lines properly that means Narset is a bad matchup against both. One has an "easier" yet still rough time while the other has to pray it can lock Narset down before it cheats out all kinds of insanity which is easier said then done.
Between Drana and Alesha, which deck has the better matchup against Narset?
Ehhhh...idk man. Alesha offers inevitability but Drana offers raw finishing power. I'm not sure I can give you a strictly better rating.
Then let me rephrase the question. Do eithor have a particularly good matchup against Narset or is it a rough matchup for both?
My gut tells me Drana's raw oomph and singular mana base gives her the easier time - albeit mono-B is with it's own concerns and once Narset stabilizes, there's not a lot of ways you can get out from under it. Alesha meanwhile is slower, but at least you have soft locks with Fulminator to fall back on. Also Contamination, although that is true for both decks - just Alesha can fuel it effortlessly.
Sooooo, if I'm reading in between the lines properly that means Narset is a bad matchup against both. One has an "easier" yet still rough time while the other has to pray it can lock Narset down before it cheats out all kinds of insanity which is easier said then done.
You'd be correct, lol. This kind of hard tapout control has a natural advantage against either deck.
This is a cool idea. It has inspired me for the Varolz, the scar-striped deck I am building. As much as I like the combo-y version with infect or commander damage kills, it requires a lot more specific (and expensive) cards. It will be easier to start with a version of the deck that is more like this (where there are decent, lesser versions of cards I can use for starters). My idea is that Varolz gives me an after-board-wipe plan. All the 2-power 1-drops will be sooo tasty with scavenge.
Do you ever find it a nuisance to get the colourless mana for the eldrazi spells? Also I was curious about your inclusion of warping wail. Is it mostly to counter board wipes with some added utility?
I was also curious how the games play out while playing this deck. What usually causes you to lose, what makes a good hand, etc. How many creatures are you dropping into play before they board wipe (should you ever be conservate? I know targeted discard is great at nullifying this problem)? I haven't actually played suicide black in any format before, so it is fairly new to me. From suuuuper brief testing, it seems like if you lose tempo, you are in for a bad time.
EDIT:
I also wanted to ask about Erebos, God of the Dead. Is it only worth it because it will likely be a creature in your deck? I figure it would at least be an okay scavenge target, but I don't know how often it will be a creature in play (since my deck will be dual-coloured and I don't know what my devotion is going to look like, yet). How often do you use the draw part? How often is preventing life gain relevant? Or is it just a fatty for your deck that survives and rebuilds after board wipes?
which list is the more up to date one for DC, the OP or the one at the top of page 3? I ask because Captain's Claws is on the page 3 list and I think should be on the OP too. I'm thinking of adding it to Marchesa after seeing it on the Tymaret list that has done so well on mtgtop8
This is a cool idea. It has inspired me for the Varolz, the scar-striped deck I am building. As much as I like the combo-y version with infect or commander damage kills, it requires a lot more specific (and expensive) cards. It will be easier to start with a version of the deck that is more like this (where there are decent, lesser versions of cards I can use for starters). My idea is that Varolz gives me an after-board-wipe plan. All the 2-power 1-drops will be sooo tasty with scavenge.
Do you ever find it a nuisance to get the colourless mana for the eldrazi spells? Also I was curious about your inclusion of warping wail. Is it mostly to counter board wipes with some added utility?
I was also curious how the games play out while playing this deck. What usually causes you to lose, what makes a good hand, etc. How many creatures are you dropping into play before they board wipe (should you ever be conservate? I know targeted discard is great at nullifying this problem)? I haven't actually played suicide black in any format before, so it is fairly new to me. From suuuuper brief testing, it seems like if you lose tempo, you are in for a bad time.
EDIT:
I also wanted to ask about Erebos, God of the Dead. Is it only worth it because it will likely be a creature in your deck? I figure it would at least be an okay scavenge target, but I don't know how often it will be a creature in play (since my deck will be dual-coloured and I don't know what my devotion is going to look like, yet). How often do you use the draw part? How often is preventing life gain relevant? Or is it just a fatty for your deck that survives and rebuilds after board wipes?
A lot of great questions. Thanks for your interest.
No, I don't really find it hard to play 'Drazi spells - Bearer, Wail, and if it's not there it should be (Spatial Contortion). This is because I only need a single colourless land, and I play a fairly heavy amount in my manlands, utility, and hell don't forget your Wasteland can also cast these spells for you. Warping Wail in particular, is great - it exiles dorks, t2 Animar, counters big sorceries I don't generally want to see, and it can even add to the clock.
In a hand, I generally want to see a one drop and a two drop, or some kind of disruption to make it more lasting to stick Drana. Sometimes I can go with just a two drop, if I get a beefy one (like Flesh Reaver, for example). Generally I find two dudes plus Drana is enough to make anyone fire off a sweeper, especially with the size of my threats, although I've watched sweepers come down just for Drana + a Germ token too...
If you're bicolour, I wouldn't play Erebos, no. Here he's generally online when he comes down (thank you B cards for your rich Devo count). The card draw ability is gravy when you've hit a couple too many lands. The anti-lifegain bit is relevant b/c now it's very hard to race you. That's definitely the least of the reasons to play it.
which list is the more up to date one for DC, the OP or the one at the top of page 3? I ask because Captain's Claws is on the page 3 list and I think should be on the OP too. I'm thinking of adding it to Marchesa after seeing it on the Tymaret list that has done so well on mtgtop8
The one with Claws. That thing is savage. Any aggro player should never ever leave home without it.
I also would like to ask what you think about pox. I think I am obsessed with this card lol, but in mono black, it is easy to hit the BBB to cast it, and it puts a large dent in life totals if nothing else. It works like any other edict when they have only one creature, and resets mana a bit. I guess it would be quite a flop if there is too much artifact mana being used by your opponent and you don't have an easy way to get rid of that with mono black. Maybe the problem is that it kind of requires setup or situations you don't want, anyway.
gurmag angler is much like tombstalker. I guess 2 is too many? (for your graveyard, mostly) Despite being very low cost when used, they both do suck with dark confidant's ability (and everything similar), but it looks like you cut all of them out except for dark confidant and pain seer. Any reason to exclude gurmag angler? I feel like the answer is just "2 is too many" because drawing both would be super sucky.
EDIT:
And Grafted Wargear - Have you had problems where they get a 2-for-1 with it? Unless I don't understand it correctly, destroying the equipment kills the creature as well, doesn't it? +3/+2 is quite a lot, though, and can always be assigned to new creatures. It's just a bit dangerous, I guess. I'll probably mess around with it to see what I think, but I'd like to hear how it has performed for you.
I also would like to ask what you think about pox. I think I am obsessed with this card lol, but in mono black, it is easy to hit the BBB to cast it, and it puts a large dent in life totals if nothing else. It works like any other edict when they have only one creature, and resets mana a bit. I guess it would be quite a flop if there is too much artifact mana being used by your opponent and you don't have an easy way to get rid of that with mono black. Maybe the problem is that it kind of requires setup or situations you don't want, anyway.
gurmag angler is much like tombstalker. I guess 2 is too many? (for your graveyard, mostly) Despite being very low cost when used, they both do suck with dark confidant's ability (and everything similar), but it looks like you cut all of them out except for dark confidant and pain seer. Any reason to exclude gurmag angler? I feel like the answer is just "2 is too many" because drawing both would be super sucky.
EDIT:
And Grafted Wargear - Have you had problems where they get a 2-for-1 with it? Unless I don't understand it correctly, destroying the equipment kills the creature as well, doesn't it? +3/+2 is quite a lot, though, and can always be assigned to new creatures. It's just a bit dangerous, I guess. I'll probably mess around with it to see what I think, but I'd like to hear how it has performed for you.
'Stalker is better than the Fish b/c I like my fatties to have Flying - and I value Flying worth that extra B. I'm a bit weary of a lot of Delve cards, b/c things like Memory Lapse exist (yea, I got a Stalker Lapse'd...that hurt and made me cry [sarcastically] a bit haha).
Wargear is some savage beats man, and I only just cut it for Captain's Claws, which has been even more fantastic. So it ranks behind Claws and Bonesplitter - still fantastic, but don't really want too many equipments.
I noticed you are no longer running ad nauseam. I would like to hear your thoughts on the card. I think I would mostly use it to dig for an answer on their end of turn or even just bring my hand back to 7 and some bonus cards if I didn't lose too much life or didn't draw the best cards. So far, it is the only 5+ mana card in my Varolz deck (except I have one delve creature - hooting mandrills - I will probably cut that because it has not been that good so far lol).
I should note that my deck is almost mono black with just a few green cards that I think are very strong, so it will eventually more closely match your list as I attain the appropriate cards. I will probably start a thread for it in a little while when I feel more comfortable with the list.
Another card I was considering in the 5-drop slot (would probably replace ad nauseam if I do put it in) is ob nixilis reignited. I feel like the only reason not to run him in your list is because he is too slow. You don't even have phyrexian arena or dark tutelage, so I guess you wouldn't want a 5-mana version. I mostly like him because he can come in like liliana of the veil (of course 2 mana later which is pretty bad) where he hits the board as removal and then generates advantage until dealt with.
I noticed you are no longer running ad nauseam. I would like to hear your thoughts on the card. I think I would mostly use it to dig for an answer on their end of turn or even just bring my hand back to 7 and some bonus cards if I didn't lose too much life or didn't draw the best cards. So far, it is the only 5+ mana card in my Varolz deck (except I have one delve creature - hooting mandrills - I will probably cut that because it has not been that good so far lol).
I should note that my deck is almost mono black with just a few green cards that I think are very strong, so it will eventually more closely match your list as I attain the appropriate cards. I will probably start a thread for it in a little while when I feel more comfortable with the list.
Another card I was considering in the 5-drop slot (would probably replace ad nauseam if I do put it in) is ob nixilis reignited. I feel like the only reason not to run him in your list is because he is too slow. You don't even have phyrexian arena or dark tutelage, so I guess you wouldn't want a 5-mana version. I mostly like him because he can come in like liliana of the veil (of course 2 mana later which is pretty bad) where he hits the board as removal and then generates advantage until dealt with.
Hope you don't mind my thoughts . I love Ob Nixilis a lot more then I thought I would. He has become a staple for me in Meren where I have mana dorks to tackle the higher mana cost and in Obzedat where the more card draw redundancy the better. But this is aggro. We say "screw you" to CA and removal (unless it's really cheap or strapped to a creature). Thats control's game and if we try to play their game we will ALWAYS lose. What we want to do is kill them really, really fast before control can stabelize and before combo can assemble the pieces. Ob Nixilis doesn't help Drana further that strategy, if we are going to play something at 5 mana (which I wouldn't do) it needs to be able to win the game ex: Living Death. I think Ad Nauseam, suffers from the same problem.
Imo cards like Pox are only good if you can really break the symmetry of the effect. I don't think drana can really do that. If you want to see a deck that breaks the symmety of symmetrical cards look at Obzedat, Ghost Council or Daretti, Scrap Savant.
Yeah you don't want wrath's as they're counter-intuitive to what we're trying to do.
That's interesting on remorseless punishment. I went to pick up one with some other cards, but they just ran out when I placed the order. I tossed in...idk, think was a Grinning Demon in its place. You really think it's suspect?
I too, cut Reality Smasher. Not that it isn't good, but it's high on the curve for a deck that can hit its same power or more for less mana.
The only cards I didn't get last night were Kalitas 2.0, Hangarback, Obliterator, Thought-Knot, and ofc Rish Port (playing dust bowl instead). So I'm close to equal with my paper. But to compensate here, I added Tangle Wire & Winter Orb - which makes sense with a curve of 2.2.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
I like it, although that 1 toughness is an obvious problem that requires more hoops than Bob to jump through and benefit from. is this better than our current two drops?
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
You think it's better than Seer? I don't see it - this needs one or both players hellbent to get the effect; Seer only needs to untap.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
Edit: If not the seer maybe Yxlid Jailer as the visitor has a superior body and imo superior effect.
Side Note: What do you think of the new Olivia, Mobilized for War as a geberal? Is that a deck you're interested in making? I am.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
Nah, I'd rather have a 2/2 - blocks dorks all day, doesn't die to a stiff breeze (to this end, I also don't like Spike Jester in these Tymaret/Lyzolda/Exava/Alesha builds. I have one, and I've played it. But I wasn't generally excited to cast it). Case-in-point: When given the choice, 100% of the time I would pick Goblin Wardriver over Accorder Paladin, every time. Just dislike the 3/1 stat.
New Olivia is a thing, although I don't see it as my cup of tea.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
Ehhhh...idk man. Alesha offers inevitability but Drana offers raw finishing power. I'm not sure I can give you a strictly better rating.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
My gut tells me Drana's raw oomph and singular mana base gives her the easier time - albeit mono-B is with it's own concerns and once Narset stabilizes, there's not a lot of ways you can get out from under it. Alesha meanwhile is slower, but at least you have soft locks with Fulminator to fall back on. Also Contamination, although that is true for both decks - just Alesha can fuel it effortlessly.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
You'd be correct, lol. This kind of hard tapout control has a natural advantage against either deck.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
Do you ever find it a nuisance to get the colourless mana for the eldrazi spells? Also I was curious about your inclusion of warping wail. Is it mostly to counter board wipes with some added utility?
I was also curious how the games play out while playing this deck. What usually causes you to lose, what makes a good hand, etc. How many creatures are you dropping into play before they board wipe (should you ever be conservate? I know targeted discard is great at nullifying this problem)? I haven't actually played suicide black in any format before, so it is fairly new to me. From suuuuper brief testing, it seems like if you lose tempo, you are in for a bad time.
EDIT:
I also wanted to ask about Erebos, God of the Dead. Is it only worth it because it will likely be a creature in your deck? I figure it would at least be an okay scavenge target, but I don't know how often it will be a creature in play (since my deck will be dual-coloured and I don't know what my devotion is going to look like, yet). How often do you use the draw part? How often is preventing life gain relevant? Or is it just a fatty for your deck that survives and rebuilds after board wipes?
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)
A lot of great questions. Thanks for your interest.
No, I don't really find it hard to play 'Drazi spells - Bearer, Wail, and if it's not there it should be (Spatial Contortion). This is because I only need a single colourless land, and I play a fairly heavy amount in my manlands, utility, and hell don't forget your Wasteland can also cast these spells for you. Warping Wail in particular, is great - it exiles dorks, t2 Animar, counters big sorceries I don't generally want to see, and it can even add to the clock.
In a hand, I generally want to see a one drop and a two drop, or some kind of disruption to make it more lasting to stick Drana. Sometimes I can go with just a two drop, if I get a beefy one (like Flesh Reaver, for example). Generally I find two dudes plus Drana is enough to make anyone fire off a sweeper, especially with the size of my threats, although I've watched sweepers come down just for Drana + a Germ token too...
If you're bicolour, I wouldn't play Erebos, no. Here he's generally online when he comes down (thank you B cards for your rich Devo count). The card draw ability is gravy when you've hit a couple too many lands. The anti-lifegain bit is relevant b/c now it's very hard to race you. That's definitely the least of the reasons to play it.
The one with Claws. That thing is savage. Any aggro player should never ever leave home without it.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
I also would like to ask what you think about pox. I think I am obsessed with this card lol, but in mono black, it is easy to hit the BBB to cast it, and it puts a large dent in life totals if nothing else. It works like any other edict when they have only one creature, and resets mana a bit. I guess it would be quite a flop if there is too much artifact mana being used by your opponent and you don't have an easy way to get rid of that with mono black. Maybe the problem is that it kind of requires setup or situations you don't want, anyway.
gurmag angler is much like tombstalker. I guess 2 is too many? (for your graveyard, mostly) Despite being very low cost when used, they both do suck with dark confidant's ability (and everything similar), but it looks like you cut all of them out except for dark confidant and pain seer. Any reason to exclude gurmag angler? I feel like the answer is just "2 is too many" because drawing both would be super sucky.
EDIT:
And Grafted Wargear - Have you had problems where they get a 2-for-1 with it? Unless I don't understand it correctly, destroying the equipment kills the creature as well, doesn't it? +3/+2 is quite a lot, though, and can always be assigned to new creatures. It's just a bit dangerous, I guess. I'll probably mess around with it to see what I think, but I'd like to hear how it has performed for you.
'Stalker is better than the Fish b/c I like my fatties to have Flying - and I value Flying worth that extra B. I'm a bit weary of a lot of Delve cards, b/c things like Memory Lapse exist (yea, I got a Stalker Lapse'd...that hurt and made me cry [sarcastically] a bit haha).
Wargear is some savage beats man, and I only just cut it for Captain's Claws, which has been even more fantastic. So it ranks behind Claws and Bonesplitter - still fantastic, but don't really want too many equipments.
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
I should note that my deck is almost mono black with just a few green cards that I think are very strong, so it will eventually more closely match your list as I attain the appropriate cards. I will probably start a thread for it in a little while when I feel more comfortable with the list.
Another card I was considering in the 5-drop slot (would probably replace ad nauseam if I do put it in) is ob nixilis reignited. I feel like the only reason not to run him in your list is because he is too slow. You don't even have phyrexian arena or dark tutelage, so I guess you wouldn't want a 5-mana version. I mostly like him because he can come in like liliana of the veil (of course 2 mana later which is pretty bad) where he hits the board as removal and then generates advantage until dealt with.
Any thoughts on pox?
I appreciate your answers
Imo cards like Pox are only good if you can really break the symmetry of the effect. I don't think drana can really do that. If you want to see a deck that breaks the symmety of symmetrical cards look at Obzedat, Ghost Council or Daretti, Scrap Savant.
BChainer, Dementia Master(Big Mana/Reanimator)
BRRakdos, The Showstopper (Mass Life Loss/Ramp)
BUThe Scarab God (Zombie Tribal/Control)
BWKarlov of the Ghost Council (Life Gain)
BGJarad, Golgari Lich Lord (Stompy/Dredge)
BRGProssh, Skyraider of Kher (Tokens/Non-infinite Combo)