That's the build I'm currently using. I only played one game with it and was very unlucky to not have an answer to RiP but I think the list is still pretty good. Not perfect, though. Also, I made the best turn 3 play to draw all the hate on me. Mesmeric Orb... I just wanted to play something after two turns of nothing.
I feel like there are some candidates to swap out of the deck. Undead Alchemist is one of those. I like the card, but I feel like it is too slow in a deck not dedicated to solely zombies. Grimgrin, Corpse-Born also feels like it doesn't really belong in this deck. Yeah, it destroys an opponent's creature when it attacks, but I still got the feeling like it doesn't really work out. It needs a full turn to destroy something and paints a huge target on your forehead. I think, Avatar of Woe is the better option here. It is mostly cheaper (especially in Sidisi), doesn't cipt and is reusable, even if you don't attack, with cards like Aphetto Alchemist.
There are possibly more cards (I have an eye on you, Akroma's Memorial) but for the moment those are the two, that stand out mostly.
That's the build I'm currently using. I only played one game with it and was very unlucky to not have an answer to RiP but I think the list is still pretty good. Not perfect, though. Also, I made the best turn 3 play to draw all the hate on me. Mesmeric Orb... I just wanted to play something after two turns of nothing.
Yeah, the list is pretty solid! Have you considered the swap from Taigam, Sidisi's Hand to Underealm Lich? Sure, Taigam is better for flavor, but Underrealm Lich is probably strictly better.
I feel like there are some candidates to swap out of the deck. Undead Alchemist is one of those. I like the card, but I feel like it is too slow in a deck not dedicated to solely zombies. Grimgrin, Corpse-Born also feels like it doesn't really belong in this deck. Yeah, it destroys an opponent's creature when it attacks, but I still got the feeling like it doesn't really work out. It needs a full turn to destroy something and paints a huge target on your forehead. I think, Avatar of Woe is the better option here. It is mostly cheaper (especially in Sidisi), doesn't cipt and is reusable, even if you don't attack, with cards like Aphetto Alchemist.
There are possibly more cards (I have an eye on you, Akroma's Memorial) but for the moment those are the two, that stand out mostly.
I concur. A couple of posts back I was considering cutting out Undead Alchemist. I like your logic on Avatar of Woe over Grimgrin, Corpse-Born. Hm, Akroma's Memorial could probably be swapped out for something better; possibly for a creature that gives considerable boons.
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Yeah, the list is pretty solid! Have you considered the swap from Taigam, Sidisi's Hand to Underealm Lich? Sure, Taigam is better for flavor, but Underrealm Lich is probably strictly better.
Yeah, I considered it and wanted to make the swap but I didn't get my hands on the Lich at that time. Now that it is cheaper I'll probably get one soon.
I concur. A couple of posts back I was considering cutting out Undead Alchemist. I like your logic on Avatar of Woe over Grimgrin, Corpse-Born. Hm, Akroma's Memorial could probably be swapped out for something better; possibly for a creature that gives considerable boons.
I still like Whip of Erebos, because its first ability to give all my creatures Lifelink. It's tutorable with Tezzeret and is a one-way revive for creatures in my graveyard, even though I don't like the exile-part. There aren't any good other options in Sidisi's colors for granting Lifelink to all of our creatures.
Thought I would give a more in depth answer on my opinions on ramp and answers. I will highlight the one's I run and give explanations when they add something. For reference, my current decklist.
I’ve been looking at your current list and had a couple more questions please, if you or anyone else can answer:
2. What's the best substitute for Mox Diamond in this list? I'm looking at running one of the signets, Journey to Eternity, or something a bit different like Mana Vault
Thanks for the input! And thanks again DementedKirby for the killer primer.
1. Growing Rite is a decent replacement for Cradle imo.
2. Chrome Mox is a good sub for Mox Diamond but it's still $40ish. Journey to Eternity is awesome.
3. I have not tested Lazav but Lich is awesome!
Here's my current deck list, I want to fit Sylvan Library but unsure what to cut.
Thought I would give a more in depth answer on my opinions on ramp and answers. I will highlight the one's I run and give explanations when they add something. For reference, my current decklist.
I’ve been looking at your current list and had a couple more questions please, if you or anyone else can answer:
2. What's the best substitute for Mox Diamond in this list? I'm looking at running one of the signets, Journey to Eternity, or something a bit different like Mana Vault
2. For cheap mana rocks, I'd play Mox Amber due to the amount of legends in the deck (plus with Sidisi out it'll tap for any of the colors that matter).
My YouTube Channel: The Commander Tavern - a channel I just started where I'll post deck techs and gameplays. Please support by checking it out. Maybe you'll like its content and subscribe! Thanks!
Wanted to share a picture of my board state from last night - if you're not playing Mesmeric Orb, you need to. I dropped orb turn 1 followed but turn 3 Sidisi. I had Seedborn Muse in hand but also had Kozilek, Butcher of Truth in my mits as well so I didn't cast the muse.
That's about 20 or so Zombie tokens.
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Whoa! Nice board! Yeah, Mesmeric Orb is no joke. I am forever grateful to all those who suggested it to me at the inception of this thread.
Thanks! I'm glad I overhauled the deck and added it.
This was game 3 after 2 crappier games. I finally got to play Food Chain and it was quickly nuked game 1 and game 2 my graveyard was exiled many times.
Thought I would give a more in depth answer on my opinions on ramp and answers. I will highlight the one's I run and give explanations when they add something. For reference, my current decklist.
I’ve been looking at your current list and had a couple more questions please, if you or anyone else can answer:
2. What's the best substitute for Mox Diamond in this list? I'm looking at running one of the signets, Journey to Eternity, or something a bit different like Mana Vault
Thanks for the input! And thanks again DementedKirby for the killer primer.
1. Yes, Growing Rites of Itlimoc is probably the best replacement for Gaea's Cradle if you want that effect. But in my opinion, it is too slow, and I would rather just an additional ramp spell, such as Llanowar Elves. If you do include Growing Rites of Itlimoc because you want that effect, I would be wary of just cutting a Gaea's Cradle for it. This is because Gaea's Cradle still functions as a land with even just 1 creature out, while in contrast Growing Rites of Itlimoc doesn't provide mana at all until you have 4+ creatures out. I would not add Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx unless your permanents are almost exclusively all one or two colors, because it doesn't provide you any benefit over a basic land until you have 4+ of the same color symbol on the battlefield.
2. The best substitute for Mox Diamond is likely Chrome Mox. (I have been toying with the idea of replacing Chromatic Lantern in my list with Chrome Mox.) If that is still out of price range, I would probably just put in Elves of Deep Shadow. But if you want to go a different direction and put in Mana Vault, that seems like a fine choice as well.
3. In my opinion, Underrealm Lich is a trap card. Initially, it looks amazing for us. But unless you also happen to have Brainstorm, it is likely not getting you any value until your next turn (assuming nobody removes it) and then only gets you probably 1 zombie a turn. For 5 mana, that seems like a lot.
Lazav, the Multifarious is better, but I still think there are better choices. Unless, you are doing combo things with it, why not just add in an additional reanimation spell, like Reanimate or Dance of the Dead? This way you are likely paying less mana for the thing you want, and you get the ETB effect.
Mesmeric Orb is a workhorse! It's one of the best cards I can see in my hand with this deck.
Definitely is! Though I find it get targeted a lot.
I changed up my list again to hopefully stream line some things but need to get testing in first (and pick up some last couple of cards). One of the additions was Witchbane Orb which grants me Hexproof to protect my graveyard. It also turns off targeting so Nekusar and Walking Ballista are useless against me now.
Is it worth finding a spot for Snapcaster Mage in the deck?
I like the idea of being able to recast things like Cyclonic Rift, Tutors, Counterspells, but wonder if the deck ultimately doesn’t care enough about its instants / sorceries for it to be worth it. Also not sure you want to be exiling as opposed to shuffling back into the deck with an Eldrazi.
Don't think he's worth it. I had him in a previous build and don't miss him.
Nekusar, the Mindrazer doesn't target, so Witchbane Orb does not protect you against it.
Also cards like Rest in Peace will still exile your graveyard, so I'm not sure if Witchbane Orb is a good choice for this deck.
Nekusar, the Mindrazer doesn't target, so Witchbane Orb does not protect you against it.
Also cards like Rest in Peace will still exile your graveyard, so I'm not sure if Witchbane Orb is a good choice for this deck.
Nekusar says that player though so I believe that's targeted correct?
RiP is certainly a thing but Bokjua Bog is more rampant in my meta. I play Nature's Claim to nuke enchantments/artifacts if need be.
Nope, unless there is a "target" in the text it's not targeted. Same thing with Godsend, you just exile one creature that blocks or is blocked, even if it has shroud, hexproof or even protection from everything (aka Progenitus when it blocks your creature with the Godsend on it).
To keep this on topic:
This friday, I'm going to play again. I'm still pondering which changes to make and what cards to cut. The RiP is hanging like a sword of Damocles over the table and I need to find a way to tackle it. Voidslime is an option, but I don't like one-time-use effects.
Nope, unless there is a "target" in the text it's not targeted. Same thing with Godsend, you just exile one creature that blocks or is blocked, even if it has shroud, hexproof or even protection from everything (aka Progenitus when it blocks your creature with the Godsend on it).
To keep this on topic:
This friday, I'm going to play again. I'm still pondering which changes to make and what cards to cut. The RiP is hanging like a sword of Damocles over the table and I need to find a way to tackle it. Voidslime is an option, but I don't like one-time-use effects.
Would you consider Elixir of Immortality against the scourge of Rest in Peace? It only costs 1 so if you get it early game you're set. It costs 2 to activate and save your graveyard at instant speed. You could do this in response to Rest in Peace entering the battlefield if you don't have Glen Elendra Archmage out or any other ways to deal with it. If it's a plague in your meta, you might have to adapt the deck a bit to deal with it. Or maybe add some tutors so you can always have a response on standby.
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The problem is, it doesn't get rid of RiP. Sidisi's whole strategy is shut down, if I don't remove it immediately. I can't make new zombies with Sidisi, as long as this enchantment is lying on the battlefield, because my cards never hit the graveyard.
So no, Elixir of Immortality isn't helping much.
There is only one player playing it, though. But he tutors actively for it. Unmoored Ego or Praetor's Grasp come to mind, and I think, I like them more than a simple counterspell like Voidslime, because they get rid of RiP and I don't need to keep mana open in case it's being casted.
The problem is, it doesn't get rid of RiP. Sidisi's whole strategy is shut down, if I don't remove it immediately. I can't make new zombies with Sidisi, as long as this enchantment is lying on the battlefield, because my cards never hit the graveyard.
So no, Elixir of Immortality isn't helping much.
There is only one player playing it, though. But he tutors actively for it. Unmoored Ego or Praetor's Grasp come to mind, and I think, I like them more than a simple counterspell like Voidslime, because they get rid of RiP and I don't need to keep mana open in case it's being casted.
I actually like those cards because they go straight to the point and eliminate threats - especially if you know what your opponents play.
I'm personally a huge fan of spot removal in Commander, especially ones that synergize with what your Commander is trying to do.
That's true; I use them to much success in my Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest deck. However, even though they can eliminate Rest in Peace after it hits the board, Rest in Peace hitting the board is the major problem.
Sometimes we just gotta face the fact that there are one or two cards in the entirety of the card pool that spell ruin for a particular deck. Just look at Iona against monocolored commanders. That's even more brutal. The existence of Iona practically forces people to spend a slot for cards like Meteor Golem, Scour from Existence, etc. Now, if you're only playing with Sidisi and someone in your pod has graveyard hate, then it's a definite meta call. For all else, I say risk it for the biscuit. Again, I'm not discrediting fears against graveyard hate, but it's something that I feel everyone should do their own calls for as far as decisions for swaps should be - especially in a BUG deck like this one where there's so many great cards and strategies to pull off.
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I found an Unmoored Ego in my collection and will test it, along with other removal. I like that it searches nearly all zones for the named card, so I'm nearly 100% sure to find and exile it.
With Praetor's Grasp I can only search the library, but I don't have to name a specific card.
Nope, unless there is a "target" in the text it's not targeted. Same thing with Godsend, you just exile one creature that blocks or is blocked, even if it has shroud, hexproof or even protection from everything (aka Progenitus when it blocks your creature with the Godsend on it).
To keep this on topic:
This friday, I'm going to play again. I'm still pondering which changes to make and what cards to cut. The RiP is hanging like a sword of Damocles over the table and I need to find a way to tackle it. Voidslime is an option, but I don't like one-time-use effects.
Ah that's true.
Sounds like you may have the problem of RiP solved, let us know how it goes.
I don't mind if something like RiP hits the field as long as I've got a response and not too full of a graveyard. I've had my yard nuked multiple times in a game last week due to a curse (I believe that's what it was) and just accepted the fact that I was going to lose that game.
Played 2 games with Sidisi, lost the first to a flying 26/26 Hornet Queen created by an Ezuri, Claw of Progress. The second game I won through Doubling Season, Diregraf Captain and Altar of Dementia, by sacrificing infinite Zombies for milling myself.
Those games were both pretty unspectacular, but both games I had Whip of Erebos out and it was a blast! The lifegain it generated was really helpful and if I hadn't made the mistake in the first game, I would have won it. I had the Whip out and played Eternal Witness, to get my Craterhoof Behemoth back from the grave. I played Craterhoof... and it got countered. Only 3 mana left... Should've used Whip to get it into the game and I would've won.
Unfortunately I didn't play against the RiP this time.
Played 2 games with Sidisi, lost the first to a flying 26/26 Hornet Queen created by an Ezuri, Claw of Progress. The second game I won through Doubling Season, Diregraf Captain and Altar of Dementia, by sacrificing infinite Zombies for milling myself.
Those games were both pretty unspectacular, but both games I had Whip of Erebos out and it was a blast! The lifegain it generated was really helpful and if I hadn't made the mistake in the first game, I would have won it. I had the Whip out and played Eternal Witness, to get my Craterhoof Behemoth back from the grave. I played Craterhoof... and it got countered. Only 3 mana left... Should've used Whip to get it into the game and I would've won.
Unfortunately I didn't play against the RiP this time.
I would say fortunately didn't play against Rest in Peace .
Yeah, Whip of Erebos is amazing with Sidisi. It's definitely worth its slot - especially with one shot value like reanimating a Craterhoof Behemoth.
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Sounds like some fun games but don't feel bad about costing yourself the first game, if you only had 3 mana left you couldn't have used Whip to get Craterhoof back anyway. That ability costs four.
1 Akroma's Memorial
1 Altar of Dementia
1 Chromatic Lantern
1 Embalmer's Tools
1 Expedition Map
1 Mesmeric Orb
1 Scroll Rack
1 Sol Ring
//34 Creature
1 Aphetto Alchemist
1 Butcher of Malakir
1 Clever Impersonator
1 Craterhoof Behemoth
1 Death Baron
1 Diregraf Captain
1 Eternal Witness
1 Filth
1 Genesis
1 Glen Elendra Archmage
1 Grimgrin, Corpse-Born
1 Havengul Lich
1 Kiora's Follower
1 Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
1 Krosan Restorer
1 Muldrotha, the Gravetide
1 Narcomoeba
1 Nullmage Shepherd
1 Razaketh, the Foulblooded
1 Riftsweeper
1 Rune-Scarred Demon
1 Satyr Wayfinder
1 Seedborn Muse
1 Sheoldred, Whispering One
1 Sidisi, Undead Vizier
1 Taigam, Sidisi's Hand
1 The Scarab God
1 Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
1 Undead Alchemist
1 Undead Warchief
1 Vengeful Pharaoh
1 Voyaging Satyr
1 Whisper, Blood Liturgist
1 World Shaper
1 Doubling Season
1 Growing Rites of Itlimoc
1 Journey to Eternity
1 Mortuary
1 Opposition
1 Path of Discovery
1 Phyrexian Reclamation
1 Survival of the Fittest
//4 Instant
1 Cyclonic Rift
1 Entomb
1 Fact or Fiction
1 Intuition
//37 Land
1 Alchemist's Refuge
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Breeding Pool
1 Cabal Coffers
1 City of Brass
1 Command Tower
1 Crypt of Agadeem
1 Darksteel Citadel
1 Deserted Temple
1 Dimir Aqueduct
1 Dryad Arbor
1 Flooded Strand
1 Forest
1 Golgari Rot Farm
1 Island
1 Mana Confluence
1 Morphic Pool
1 Nephalia Drownyard
1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1 Overgrown Tomb
1 Path of Ancestry
1 Reflecting Pool
1 Rogue's Passage
1 Seat of the Synod
1 Sequestered Stash
1 Simic Growth Chamber
1 Swamp
1 Tainted Isle
1 Tainted Wood
1 Temple of the False God
1 Thespian's Stage
1 Tolaria West
1 Tree of Tales
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Vault of Whispers
1 Watery Grave
1 Wooded Foothills
1 Kiora, Master of the Depths
1 Liliana, Death's Majesty
1 Teferi, Temporal Archmage
1 Tezzeret the Seeker
//4 Sorcery
1 Buried Alive
1 Final Parting
1 Life from the Loam
1 Mulch
//Commander
1 Sidisi, Brood Tyrant
That's the build I'm currently using. I only played one game with it and was very unlucky to not have an answer to RiP but I think the list is still pretty good. Not perfect, though. Also, I made the best turn 3 play to draw all the hate on me. Mesmeric Orb... I just wanted to play something after two turns of nothing.
I feel like there are some candidates to swap out of the deck.
Undead Alchemist is one of those. I like the card, but I feel like it is too slow in a deck not dedicated to solely zombies.
Grimgrin, Corpse-Born also feels like it doesn't really belong in this deck. Yeah, it destroys an opponent's creature when it attacks, but I still got the feeling like it doesn't really work out. It needs a full turn to destroy something and paints a huge target on your forehead. I think, Avatar of Woe is the better option here. It is mostly cheaper (especially in Sidisi), doesn't cipt and is reusable, even if you don't attack, with cards like Aphetto Alchemist.
There are possibly more cards (I have an eye on you, Akroma's Memorial) but for the moment those are the two, that stand out mostly.
Yeah, the list is pretty solid! Have you considered the swap from Taigam, Sidisi's Hand to Underealm Lich? Sure, Taigam is better for flavor, but Underrealm Lich is probably strictly better.
I concur. A couple of posts back I was considering cutting out Undead Alchemist. I like your logic on Avatar of Woe over Grimgrin, Corpse-Born. Hm, Akroma's Memorial could probably be swapped out for something better; possibly for a creature that gives considerable boons.
BGU [Primer] Sidisi, Brood Tyrant BGU | BG [Primer] Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest BG | G [Primer] Polukranos, World Eater G
My YouTube Channel:
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Building: Varina
Yeah, I considered it and wanted to make the swap but I didn't get my hands on the Lich at that time. Now that it is cheaper I'll probably get one soon.
I still like Whip of Erebos, because its first ability to give all my creatures Lifelink. It's tutorable with Tezzeret and is a one-way revive for creatures in my graveyard, even though I don't like the exile-part. There aren't any good other options in Sidisi's colors for granting Lifelink to all of our creatures.
1. Growing Rite is a decent replacement for Cradle imo.
2. Chrome Mox is a good sub for Mox Diamond but it's still $40ish. Journey to Eternity is awesome.
3. I have not tested Lazav but Lich is awesome!
Here's my current deck list, I want to fit Sylvan Library but unsure what to cut.
1x Birds of Paradise
1x Caustic Caterpillar
1x Consecrated Sphinx
1x Craterhoof Behemoth
1x Cryptbreaker
1x Death Baron
1x Deathrite Shaman
1x Diregraf Captain
1x Doom Whisperer
1x Eternal Witness
1x Filth
1x Glowspore Shaman
1x Golgari Grave-Troll
1x Golgari Thug
1x Grave Titan
1x Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur
1x Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
1x Krosan Restorer
1x Merciless Executioner
1x Muldrotha, the Gravetide
1x Narcomoeba
1x Plaguecrafter
1x Ramunap Excavator
1x Razaketh, the Foulblooded
1x Rune-Scarred Demon
1x Satyr Wayfinder
1x Seedborn Muse
1x Sheoldred, Whispering One
1x Sidisi, Undead Vizier
1x Stinkweed Imp
1x Stitcher's Supplier
1x Tasigur, the Golden Fang
1x The Gitrog Monster
1x The Scarab God
1x Underrealm Lich
1x Void Winnower
1x Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger
1x Whisper, Blood Liturgist
1x Wonder
1x World Shaper
1x Ancient Tomb
1x Bayou
1x Bloodstained Mire
1x Bojuka Bog
1x Breeding Pool
1x Cephalid Coliseum
1x City of Brass
1x Command Tower
1x Deserted Temple
1x Fetid Pools
1x Forest
1x Gaea's Cradle
1x Island
1x Llanowar Wastes
1x Mana Confluence
1x Maze of Ith
1x Minamo, School at Water's Edge
1x Misty Rainforest
1x Nephalia Drownyard
1x Overgrown Tomb
1x Phyrexian Tower
1x Polluted Delta
1x Reflecting Pool
1x Strip Mine
1x Sunken Hollow
1x Sunken Ruins
1x Swamp
1x Tolaria West
1x Tropical Island
1x Underground River
1x Underground Sea
1x Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1x Verdant Catacombs
1x Volrath's Stronghold
1x Watery Grave
1x Yavimaya Coast
1x Animate Dead
1x Greater Good
1x Journey to Eternity
1x Necromancy
1x Parallel Lives
1x Path of Discovery
1x Search for Azcanta
1x Survival of the Fittest
1x Buried Alive
1x Damnation
1x Dread Return
1x Life from the Loam
1x Reanimate
1x Regrowth
1x Assassin's Trophy
1x Cyclonic Rift
1x Entomb
1x Intuition
1x Chromatic Lantern
1x Mesmeric Orb
1x Mox Diamond
1x Sol Ring
1x Liliana, Death's Majesty
Competitive
GUWB Thrasios/Tymna Breakfast Hulk GUWB - RGBW Tana/Tymna Blood Pod - URGAnimar, Soul of ElementsURG - UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU
Tuned
UBG Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Write Up) UBG-BG The Gitrog Monster BG-UG Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca UG - UBG Muldrota, the Gravetide UBG - UBW Varina, Lich Queen UBW - RB Xantcha, Sleeper Agent RB - UB Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow UB - GWURafiq of the Many GWU - WUB Oloro, Ageless Lich WUB - GUBRKydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Vial Smasher The Fierce GUBR - BG Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons GB - WB Athreos, God of Passage WB - UBThe Scarab God UB - UBRMarchesa, the Affinity RoseUBR - UBGTasigur, the Golden FangUBG - GSelvala, Heart of the WildsG - BRGrusilda, Monster MasherBR - BChainer, Dementia MasterB - WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG - URMizzix's Thousand Year StormUR - RGOmnath, Locust of RageRG - GUEdric, Spymaster of TrestGU - WUBrago, King EternalWU
Legecy Decks
W Death and Taxes W-C Eldrazi Stompy C-R Mono Red Prison R-U MerfolkU
Thanks! And welcome to the forums!
1. Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx is definitely a good budget substitute for Gaea's Cradle. Growing Rites of Itlimoc isn't slow in the sense that you can get a creature to your hand and it'll probably transform the same turn you play it.
2. For cheap mana rocks, I'd play Mox Amber due to the amount of legends in the deck (plus with Sidisi out it'll tap for any of the colors that matter).
3. I have included both in the list already.
BGU [Primer] Sidisi, Brood Tyrant BGU | BG [Primer] Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest BG | G [Primer] Polukranos, World Eater G
My YouTube Channel:
The Commander Tavern - a channel I just started where I'll post deck techs and gameplays. Please support by checking it out. Maybe you'll like its content and subscribe! Thanks!
That's about 20 or so Zombie tokens.
Competitive
GUWB Thrasios/Tymna Breakfast Hulk GUWB - RGBW Tana/Tymna Blood Pod - URGAnimar, Soul of ElementsURG - UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU
Tuned
UBG Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Write Up) UBG-BG The Gitrog Monster BG-UG Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca UG - UBG Muldrota, the Gravetide UBG - UBW Varina, Lich Queen UBW - RB Xantcha, Sleeper Agent RB - UB Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow UB - GWURafiq of the Many GWU - WUB Oloro, Ageless Lich WUB - GUBRKydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Vial Smasher The Fierce GUBR - BG Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons GB - WB Athreos, God of Passage WB - UBThe Scarab God UB - UBRMarchesa, the Affinity RoseUBR - UBGTasigur, the Golden FangUBG - GSelvala, Heart of the WildsG - BRGrusilda, Monster MasherBR - BChainer, Dementia MasterB - WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG - URMizzix's Thousand Year StormUR - RGOmnath, Locust of RageRG - GUEdric, Spymaster of TrestGU - WUBrago, King EternalWU
Legecy Decks
W Death and Taxes W-C Eldrazi Stompy C-R Mono Red Prison R-U MerfolkU
BGU [Primer] Sidisi, Brood Tyrant BGU | BG [Primer] Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest BG | G [Primer] Polukranos, World Eater G
My YouTube Channel:
The Commander Tavern - a channel I just started where I'll post deck techs and gameplays. Please support by checking it out. Maybe you'll like its content and subscribe! Thanks!
Building: Varina
Thanks! I'm glad I overhauled the deck and added it.
This was game 3 after 2 crappier games. I finally got to play Food Chain and it was quickly nuked game 1 and game 2 my graveyard was exiled many times.
Competitive
GUWB Thrasios/Tymna Breakfast Hulk GUWB - RGBW Tana/Tymna Blood Pod - URGAnimar, Soul of ElementsURG - UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU
Tuned
UBG Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Write Up) UBG-BG The Gitrog Monster BG-UG Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca UG - UBG Muldrota, the Gravetide UBG - UBW Varina, Lich Queen UBW - RB Xantcha, Sleeper Agent RB - UB Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow UB - GWURafiq of the Many GWU - WUB Oloro, Ageless Lich WUB - GUBRKydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Vial Smasher The Fierce GUBR - BG Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons GB - WB Athreos, God of Passage WB - UBThe Scarab God UB - UBRMarchesa, the Affinity RoseUBR - UBGTasigur, the Golden FangUBG - GSelvala, Heart of the WildsG - BRGrusilda, Monster MasherBR - BChainer, Dementia MasterB - WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG - URMizzix's Thousand Year StormUR - RGOmnath, Locust of RageRG - GUEdric, Spymaster of TrestGU - WUBrago, King EternalWU
Legecy Decks
W Death and Taxes W-C Eldrazi Stompy C-R Mono Red Prison R-U MerfolkU
1. Yes, Growing Rites of Itlimoc is probably the best replacement for Gaea's Cradle if you want that effect. But in my opinion, it is too slow, and I would rather just an additional ramp spell, such as Llanowar Elves. If you do include Growing Rites of Itlimoc because you want that effect, I would be wary of just cutting a Gaea's Cradle for it. This is because Gaea's Cradle still functions as a land with even just 1 creature out, while in contrast Growing Rites of Itlimoc doesn't provide mana at all until you have 4+ creatures out. I would not add Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx unless your permanents are almost exclusively all one or two colors, because it doesn't provide you any benefit over a basic land until you have 4+ of the same color symbol on the battlefield.
2. The best substitute for Mox Diamond is likely Chrome Mox. (I have been toying with the idea of replacing Chromatic Lantern in my list with Chrome Mox.) If that is still out of price range, I would probably just put in Elves of Deep Shadow. But if you want to go a different direction and put in Mana Vault, that seems like a fine choice as well.
(If your manabase can support it, look at Ancient Tomb as a replacement for either Gaea's Cradle or Mox Diamond.
3. In my opinion, Underrealm Lich is a trap card. Initially, it looks amazing for us. But unless you also happen to have Brainstorm, it is likely not getting you any value until your next turn (assuming nobody removes it) and then only gets you probably 1 zombie a turn. For 5 mana, that seems like a lot.
Lazav, the Multifarious is better, but I still think there are better choices. Unless, you are doing combo things with it, why not just add in an additional reanimation spell, like Reanimate or Dance of the Dead? This way you are likely paying less mana for the thing you want, and you get the ETB effect.
Definitely is! Though I find it get targeted a lot.
I changed up my list again to hopefully stream line some things but need to get testing in first (and pick up some last couple of cards). One of the additions was Witchbane Orb which grants me Hexproof to protect my graveyard. It also turns off targeting so Nekusar and Walking Ballista are useless against me now.
Don't think he's worth it. I had him in a previous build and don't miss him.
Competitive
GUWB Thrasios/Tymna Breakfast Hulk GUWB - RGBW Tana/Tymna Blood Pod - URGAnimar, Soul of ElementsURG - UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU
Tuned
UBG Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Write Up) UBG-BG The Gitrog Monster BG-UG Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca UG - UBG Muldrota, the Gravetide UBG - UBW Varina, Lich Queen UBW - RB Xantcha, Sleeper Agent RB - UB Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow UB - GWURafiq of the Many GWU - WUB Oloro, Ageless Lich WUB - GUBRKydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Vial Smasher The Fierce GUBR - BG Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons GB - WB Athreos, God of Passage WB - UBThe Scarab God UB - UBRMarchesa, the Affinity RoseUBR - UBGTasigur, the Golden FangUBG - GSelvala, Heart of the WildsG - BRGrusilda, Monster MasherBR - BChainer, Dementia MasterB - WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG - URMizzix's Thousand Year StormUR - RGOmnath, Locust of RageRG - GUEdric, Spymaster of TrestGU - WUBrago, King EternalWU
Legecy Decks
W Death and Taxes W-C Eldrazi Stompy C-R Mono Red Prison R-U MerfolkU
Also cards like Rest in Peace will still exile your graveyard, so I'm not sure if Witchbane Orb is a good choice for this deck.
Nekusar says that player though so I believe that's targeted correct?
RiP is certainly a thing but Bokjua Bog is more rampant in my meta. I play Nature's Claim to nuke enchantments/artifacts if need be.
Competitive
GUWB Thrasios/Tymna Breakfast Hulk GUWB - RGBW Tana/Tymna Blood Pod - URGAnimar, Soul of ElementsURG - UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU
Tuned
UBG Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Write Up) UBG-BG The Gitrog Monster BG-UG Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca UG - UBG Muldrota, the Gravetide UBG - UBW Varina, Lich Queen UBW - RB Xantcha, Sleeper Agent RB - UB Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow UB - GWURafiq of the Many GWU - WUB Oloro, Ageless Lich WUB - GUBRKydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Vial Smasher The Fierce GUBR - BG Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons GB - WB Athreos, God of Passage WB - UBThe Scarab God UB - UBRMarchesa, the Affinity RoseUBR - UBGTasigur, the Golden FangUBG - GSelvala, Heart of the WildsG - BRGrusilda, Monster MasherBR - BChainer, Dementia MasterB - WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG - URMizzix's Thousand Year StormUR - RGOmnath, Locust of RageRG - GUEdric, Spymaster of TrestGU - WUBrago, King EternalWU
Legecy Decks
W Death and Taxes W-C Eldrazi Stompy C-R Mono Red Prison R-U MerfolkU
To keep this on topic:
This friday, I'm going to play again. I'm still pondering which changes to make and what cards to cut. The RiP is hanging like a sword of Damocles over the table and I need to find a way to tackle it. Voidslime is an option, but I don't like one-time-use effects.
Would you consider Elixir of Immortality against the scourge of Rest in Peace? It only costs 1 so if you get it early game you're set. It costs 2 to activate and save your graveyard at instant speed. You could do this in response to Rest in Peace entering the battlefield if you don't have Glen Elendra Archmage out or any other ways to deal with it. If it's a plague in your meta, you might have to adapt the deck a bit to deal with it. Or maybe add some tutors so you can always have a response on standby.
BGU [Primer] Sidisi, Brood Tyrant BGU | BG [Primer] Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest BG | G [Primer] Polukranos, World Eater G
My YouTube Channel:
The Commander Tavern - a channel I just started where I'll post deck techs and gameplays. Please support by checking it out. Maybe you'll like its content and subscribe! Thanks!
So no, Elixir of Immortality isn't helping much.
There is only one player playing it, though. But he tutors actively for it.
Unmoored Ego or Praetor's Grasp come to mind, and I think, I like them more than a simple counterspell like Voidslime, because they get rid of RiP and I don't need to keep mana open in case it's being casted.
I'm personally a huge fan of spot removal in Commander, especially ones that synergize with what your Commander is trying to do.
UB Dralnu, Lich Lord
RBW [Primer]-Kaalia of the Vast
BUG [Primer]-Tasigur, the Golden Fang
GWU [Primer]-Arcades, the Strategist
WUB Primer-Aminatou, the Fateshifter
UBR Nicol Bolas, the Ravager
I actually like those cards because they go straight to the point and eliminate threats - especially if you know what your opponents play.
That's true; I use them to much success in my Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest deck. However, even though they can eliminate Rest in Peace after it hits the board, Rest in Peace hitting the board is the major problem.
Sometimes we just gotta face the fact that there are one or two cards in the entirety of the card pool that spell ruin for a particular deck. Just look at Iona against monocolored commanders. That's even more brutal. The existence of Iona practically forces people to spend a slot for cards like Meteor Golem, Scour from Existence, etc. Now, if you're only playing with Sidisi and someone in your pod has graveyard hate, then it's a definite meta call. For all else, I say risk it for the biscuit. Again, I'm not discrediting fears against graveyard hate, but it's something that I feel everyone should do their own calls for as far as decisions for swaps should be - especially in a BUG deck like this one where there's so many great cards and strategies to pull off.
BGU [Primer] Sidisi, Brood Tyrant BGU | BG [Primer] Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest BG | G [Primer] Polukranos, World Eater G
My YouTube Channel:
The Commander Tavern - a channel I just started where I'll post deck techs and gameplays. Please support by checking it out. Maybe you'll like its content and subscribe! Thanks!
With Praetor's Grasp I can only search the library, but I don't have to name a specific card.
So, I made a few changes:
1 Journey to Eternity
1 Phyrexian Reclamation
1 Undead Alchemist
1 Grimgrin, Corpse-Born
1 Akroma's Memorial
1 Fact or Fiction
1 Sequestered Stash
1 Lord of the Accursed
1 Thrashing Brontodon
1 Reclamation Sage
1 Avatar of Woe
1 Whip of Erebos
1 Unmoored Ego
1 Llanowar Wastes
Ah that's true.
Sounds like you may have the problem of RiP solved, let us know how it goes.
I don't mind if something like RiP hits the field as long as I've got a response and not too full of a graveyard. I've had my yard nuked multiple times in a game last week due to a curse (I believe that's what it was) and just accepted the fact that I was going to lose that game.
Competitive
GUWB Thrasios/Tymna Breakfast Hulk GUWB - RGBW Tana/Tymna Blood Pod - URGAnimar, Soul of ElementsURG - UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU
Tuned
UBG Sidisi, Brood Tyrant (Write Up) UBG-BG The Gitrog Monster BG-UG Kumena, Tyrant of Orazca UG - UBG Muldrota, the Gravetide UBG - UBW Varina, Lich Queen UBW - RB Xantcha, Sleeper Agent RB - UB Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow UB - GWURafiq of the Many GWU - WUB Oloro, Ageless Lich WUB - GUBRKydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Vial Smasher The Fierce GUBR - BG Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons GB - WB Athreos, God of Passage WB - UBThe Scarab God UB - UBRMarchesa, the Affinity RoseUBR - UBGTasigur, the Golden FangUBG - GSelvala, Heart of the WildsG - BRGrusilda, Monster MasherBR - BChainer, Dementia MasterB - WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG - URMizzix's Thousand Year StormUR - RGOmnath, Locust of RageRG - GUEdric, Spymaster of TrestGU - WUBrago, King EternalWU
Legecy Decks
W Death and Taxes W-C Eldrazi Stompy C-R Mono Red Prison R-U MerfolkU
Those games were both pretty unspectacular, but both games I had Whip of Erebos out and it was a blast! The lifegain it generated was really helpful and if I hadn't made the mistake in the first game, I would have won it. I had the Whip out and played Eternal Witness, to get my Craterhoof Behemoth back from the grave. I played Craterhoof... and it got countered. Only 3 mana left... Should've used Whip to get it into the game and I would've won.
Unfortunately I didn't play against the RiP this time.
I would say fortunately didn't play against Rest in Peace .
Yeah, Whip of Erebos is amazing with Sidisi. It's definitely worth its slot - especially with one shot value like reanimating a Craterhoof Behemoth.
BGU [Primer] Sidisi, Brood Tyrant BGU | BG [Primer] Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest BG | G [Primer] Polukranos, World Eater G
My YouTube Channel:
The Commander Tavern - a channel I just started where I'll post deck techs and gameplays. Please support by checking it out. Maybe you'll like its content and subscribe! Thanks!
Building: Varina