MTG Salvation

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Why another Kaalia deck?
For starters, this isn't Kaalia.dec. That means you'll be able to surprise opponents prepared for more traditional Kaalia strategies and tactics.

In addition to the flavorful deck design, my build provides players with a more dynamic play experience. Yes, the deck can start to 1-shot opponents as early as turn 4, but it can also play a longer, more controlling game if necessary. This deck can win through damage, decking, or lifegain, and it doesn't depend on Kaalia to win.

Introduction
This is the second in a collection of theme decks based on the video game Final Fantasy III. All will be ideal choices for Vorthosian Spikes, and each deck will focus on a different Final Fantasy "job". In a contrast to the first deck in the series (based on the Black Magus "job" with Nekusar commanding as the antagonist), this deck casts you as the heroes of the story with a focus on the Red Sage's abilities. Next up in the series will be White Devout. (Visit TappedOut.net for the Red Sage deck's sample hand generator.)

Strategy
Draw on the power of the Crystals and Nepto's Eye to begin grinding. Level Up as quickly as possible to gain access to the higher levels of White and Black Magic, like Curaja and Raze and evoke powerful entities such as Ramuh and Bahamut. Drink Elixir to restore your HP and roast foes with the Fire Staff while increasing your own Intellect and Mind. Finally, show your enemies that they're not the only ones with Instant Death at their disposal!


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It looks like a lot of love went into this decklist. Unfortunately (if you happen to be interested in feedback), due to the nature of your design, I find it very difficult to offer criticism. Since I've never played Final Fantasy III before, I cannot provide any feedback regarding the authenticity of your analogies or if other cards would be better suited to represent those analogies instead. Analogies aside, it appears to be an ordinary Mardu deck from my perspective, although lacking a definitive archetype. I suppose that choosing Kaalia as a commander is interesting given that you've elected to include only five cards that can be put onto the battlefield off of her ability.

Do you ever design your own Magic cards? Given your talent for imagining connections between Magic cards and a game that seemingly has nothing to do with them, I suspect that you would be quite adept at it.

Quote from arrogantAxolotl »

Do you ever design your own Magic cards? Given your talent for imagining connections between Magic cards and a game that seemingly has nothing to do with them, I suspect that you would be quite adept at it.

I rather second this notion. Would be really curious to see what your take on your own Magic cards could yield.

As for the deck itself, I like how you used distinct Planeswalkers as each hero of Light. It really helps signify a character. Similar thing to the summons, though perhaps not as strongly. One nit pick though is the choice of Commander. While there may not be a better one in those colors, Kaalia really does little with only 5 targets and doesn't hold quite the same "Red Mage" motif that you were going for. At least to me. (note, I also have not played FF3, but I have played others and know of the Red Mage pretty well). Though, since I have no suggestion as to how to replace her, no idea. (maybe take the earlier advice and make your own?). Either way, nice deck as usual, always fun to read what you have in store, even if they do end up being a tad hard to critique! (a compliment to both the Vorthos and Spike sides of deckbuilding)