UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Admittedly, I haven't touched this post in a while, but the deck still exists. During Modern Horizons spoilers, we got Sisay, Weatherlight Captain! This deck is going rainbow! Will update once I have a new list.
My first experience with Magic was playing as a kid during Kamigawa block. It's probably due to nostalgia-goggles, but I'm definitely still in the pro-Kamigawa camp. I loved the art and the flavor and, most of all, I loved the legendary creatures. In all fantasy environments, I'm drawn to strong world-building and for me, legendary creatures really help to create the world of Magic. I love being able to play with all the unique characters of the multiverse. So, over the years, I've had a couple of versions of a "legendary tribal" deck: first in the form of my casual Samurai deck as a kid, then my first EDH deck (Naya Samurai/legendaries), and now this deck. In building this deck, I had two rules: 1) the focus had to be on legendary creatures (and planeswalkers) and 2) all of the non-land cards had to either depict women, or directly benefit the "legendary tribal" theme. And so, here is the list:
About the Deck
As far as play style, the deck plays out similar to a midrange/goodstuff deck. Most of the creatures have a big impact on the board, and with things like Heroes' Podium, Day of Destiny, and Cathars' Crusade we can usually be hitting very hard, very fast. That being said, this deck is definitely more casual than competitive. I've chosen to stick to the theme over "more competitive" card choices, so I don't pull this deck out when I'm playing to win at a more cutthroat table.
Some of the ladies have also proven to be much more effective than other. In a deck with this many legendary cards, an early Captain Sisay wins games. Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is a white staple for a reason, and gives us a huge swing in power. I really like Michiko Konda, Truth Seeker as a pillowfort card and, though it's a expensive, Myojin of Life's Web often dumps a huge number of creatures onto the board.
Love the concept. What is really cool is that a lot of the best utility creatures are females.
If you were to make this a bit more legitimate as far as consistent play you can put in some of the best female creatures that can help with land drops. Azusa, Lost but Seeking, Oracle of Mul Daya and Courser of Kruphix (yes all females).
Some updates. This deck has changed quite a bit since I last posted about it, so I thought I'd update the OP. The one thing I really like about this deck is that with every new set, there's a good chance at least one new lady will be released. Here's where my list stands now:
Good call on the non-basics. I should have an extra copy of all three of those lying around somewhere too. I agree that Nissa's Pilgrimage makes for a on-theme Growth Spasm, but Growth Spasm is on the chopping block once I get a copy of Selvala, Heart of the Wilds so it seems pointless to replace it with something else now.
I would also advise on adding in a High Market and/or Miren, the Moaning Well to be able to sacrifice something that you have stolen so that you can use Rubinia on something else. This would also make Rubinia a worthwhile target for Minamo as well.
I'm bringing back this post because I realized the deck has been changed greatly since I originally made this post and I thought I'd update the list, especially since it's in my signature. First of all, I'm now consistently using Derevi as my command. Rubinia is still in the 99, but Derevi is just so much better in the command zone. Also, I've really stuck to the theme. As of now, all of the cards either depict women or directly benefit the legendary-matters theme. In some cases, I had to go with the less competitive card (Tornado??), but overall the deck still plays very well. Here's what's been changed:
Introduction
UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Admittedly, I haven't touched this post in a while, but the deck still exists. During Modern Horizons spoilers, we got Sisay, Weatherlight Captain! This deck is going rainbow! Will update once I have a new list.
My first experience with Magic was playing as a kid during Kamigawa block. It's probably due to nostalgia-goggles, but I'm definitely still in the pro-Kamigawa camp. I loved the art and the flavor and, most of all, I loved the legendary creatures. In all fantasy environments, I'm drawn to strong world-building and for me, legendary creatures really help to create the world of Magic. I love being able to play with all the unique characters of the multiverse. So, over the years, I've had a couple of versions of a "legendary tribal" deck: first in the form of my casual Samurai deck as a kid, then my first EDH deck (Naya Samurai/legendaries), and now this deck. In building this deck, I had two rules: 1) the focus had to be on legendary creatures (and planeswalkers) and 2) all of the non-land cards had to either depict women, or directly benefit the "legendary tribal" theme. And so, here is the list:
Decklist
1 Derevi, Empyrial Tactician
The Legendary Ladies
1 Anafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit
1 Avacyn, Angel of Hope
1 Captain Sisay
1 Dragonlord Dromoka
1 Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
1 Ephara, God of the Polis
1 Isperia, Supreme Judge
1 Karametra, God of Harvests
1 Lavinia of the Tenth
1 Linvala, Keeper of Silence
1 Marwyn, the Nurterer
1 Masako the Humorless
1 Michiko Konda, Truth Seeker
1 Myojin of Life's Web
1 Nissa, Vastwood Seer
1 Nylea, God of the Hunt
1 Prime Speaker Zegana
1 Rubinia Soulsinger
1 Selvala, Explorer Returned
1 Shalai, Voice of Plenty
1 Sigarda, Host of Herons
1 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
1 Thalia, Heretic Cathar
1 Thassa, God of the Sea
Planeswalkers
1 Elspeth, Sun's Champion
1 Freyalise, Llanowar's Fury
1 Huatli, Radiant Champion
1 Nissa, Steward of Elements
1 Nissa, Voice of Zendikar
1 Tamiyo, Field Researcher
1 Champion of Lambholt
1 Eternal Witness
1 Glen Elendra Archmage
1 Oracle of Mul Daya
1 Seedborn Muse
1 Somberwald Sage
1 Sylvan Caryatid
1 Thalia's Lancers
"Legendary Matters"
1 Time of Need
1 Heroes' Podium
1 Day of Destiny
1 Eiganjo Castle
1 Minamo, School at Water's Edge
1 Okina, Temple to the Grandfathers
1 Thran Temporal Gateway
Ramp
1 Cultivate
1 Farseek
1 Nature's Lore
1 Nissa's Pilgrimage
1 Nissa's Renewal
1 Zendikar Resurgent
Anthems
1 Cathars' Crusade
1 Marshal's Anthem
Removal
1 Akroma's Vengeance
1 Austere Command
1 Broken Bond
1 Rest in Peace
1 Rout
1 Song of the Dryads
1 Swords to Plowshares
1 Tornado
1 Chord of Calling
1 Elemental Bond
1 Oath of Nissa
1 Rhystic Study
1 Selvala's Stampede
1 Shamanic Revelation
Other Lands
1 Alchemist's Refuge
1 Breeding Pool
1 Canopy Vista
1 Command Tower
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Flooded Strand
7 Forest
1 Gavony Township
1 Hallowed Fountain
2 Island
1 Misty Rainforest
7 Plains
1 Prairie Stream
1 Rupture Spire
1 Seaside Citadel
1 Sunpetal Grove
1 Temple of Mystery
1 Terramorphic Expanse
About the Deck
As far as play style, the deck plays out similar to a midrange/goodstuff deck. Most of the creatures have a big impact on the board, and with things like Heroes' Podium, Day of Destiny, and Cathars' Crusade we can usually be hitting very hard, very fast. That being said, this deck is definitely more casual than competitive. I've chosen to stick to the theme over "more competitive" card choices, so I don't pull this deck out when I'm playing to win at a more cutthroat table.
Some of the ladies have also proven to be much more effective than other. In a deck with this many legendary cards, an early Captain Sisay wins games. Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite is a white staple for a reason, and gives us a huge swing in power. I really like Michiko Konda, Truth Seeker as a pillowfort card and, though it's a expensive, Myojin of Life's Web often dumps a huge number of creatures onto the board.
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
If you were to make this a bit more legitimate as far as consistent play you can put in some of the best female creatures that can help with land drops. Azusa, Lost but Seeking, Oracle of Mul Daya and Courser of Kruphix (yes all females).
Other amazing females are: Fauna Shaman, Seedborn muse, Yeva, Nature's Herald, Eternal Witness. You could skew towards more of a green base, so its easier to setup a mana base. As you're not running much disruption Glissa Sunseeker could be your answer to artifacts.
Great female mana fixers are Bloom Tender, Sylvan Caryatid, Noble Hierarch.
Linvala, Keeper of Silence if you can afford her. Kira, Great Glass-Spinner is a must. Braids, Conjurer Adept and Elvish Piper (Magic 2010 version) to help with all the expensive cards.
All the most bad ass Angels are females; Iona, Shield of Emeria, Avacyn, Angel of Hope. Also who is most powerful of all creatures in the multiverse? Well she is Emrakul. Of course you can only play Emrakul, the Promised End in commander, still a beating.
Two of my favorite blue female creatures are Glen Elendra Archmage and Sower of Temptation.
Niv-Mizzet Reborn
Feather, the Redeemed
Estrid, the Masked
Teshar
Tymna/Ravos
Najeela, Blade-Blossom
Firesong & Sunspeaker
Zur the Enchanter
Lazav, the Multifarious
Ishai+Reyhan
Click images for decks->
-Prime Speaker Vannifar
---------------------Will & Rowan Kenrith
OUT
- Empress Galina
- Linvala the Preserver
- Shizuko, Caller of Autumn
- Treva, the Renewer
IN
+ Oracle of Mul Daya
+ Eternal Witness
+ Glen Elendra Archmage
+ Linvala, Keeper of Silence
I still need to acquire Selvala, Heart of the Wilds and Nissa, Vital Force. As for Amonkhet, the only new lady for this deck (who will definitely find a place here) is Nissa, Steward of Elements. Bounty of the Luxa isn't a creature or planeswalker, but I think it may be worth testing here.
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
I would also advise on adding in a High Market and/or Miren, the Moaning Well to be able to sacrifice something that you have stolen so that you can use Rubinia on something else. This would also make Rubinia a worthwhile target for Minamo as well.
Good luck with the deck!
Jalira, Master Polymorphist | Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder | Bosh, Iron Golem | Ezuri, Renegade Leader
Brago, King Eternal | Oona, Queen of the Fae | Wort, Boggart Auntie | Wort, the Raidmother
Captain Sisay | Rhys, the Redeemed | Trostani, Selesnya's Voice | Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight | Obzedat, Ghost Council | Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind | Vorel of the Hull Clade
Uril, the Miststalker | Prossh, Skyraider of Kher | Nicol Bolas | Progenitus
Ghave, Guru of Spores | Zedruu the Greathearted | Damia, Sage of Stone | Riku of Two Reflections
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
I'm bringing back this post because I realized the deck has been changed greatly since I originally made this post and I thought I'd update the list, especially since it's in my signature. First of all, I'm now consistently using Derevi as my command. Rubinia is still in the 99, but Derevi is just so much better in the command zone. Also, I've really stuck to the theme. As of now, all of the cards either depict women or directly benefit the legendary-matters theme. In some cases, I had to go with the less competitive card (Tornado??), but overall the deck still plays very well. Here's what's been changed:
In:
Sylvan Caryatid, Marwyn, the Nurturer, Nissa, Vastwood Seer, Somberwald Sage, Shalai, Voice of Plenty, Seedborn Muse, Avacyn, Angel of Hope, Nissa, Steward of Elements, Huatli, Radiant Champion, Swords to Plowshares, Broken Bond, Nature's Lore, Farseek, Chord of Calling, Nissa's Pilrimage, Rout, Shamanic Revelation, Akroma's Vengeance, Austere Command, Selvala's Stampede, Thran Temporal Gateway, Oath of Nissa, Rest in Peace, Rhystic Study, Song of the Dryads, Tornado, Zendikar Resurgent
Out:
Jenara, Asura of War, Rashmi, Eternities Crafter, Reya Dawnbringer, Thada Adel, Acquisitor, Sakiko, Mother of Summer, Titania, Protector of Argoth, Trostani, Selesnya's Voice, Kiora, Master of the Depths, Coiling Oracle, Emeria Shepherd, Sakura-Tribe Elder, Growth Spasm, Kodama's Reach, Sol Ring, Mirari's Wake, Swiftfoot Boots, Always Watching, Celestial Mantle, Privileged Position, Final Judgment, Unexpected Results, Wargate, Aura Shards, Beast Within, Momentous Fall
I also improved the mana base considerably.
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG
Looks like this deck is going to 5-colors!!! There's a lot of exciting cards I want to add (Jhoira, Weatherlight Captain, Primevals' Glorious Rebirth, to name two) and will update once I have a list.
[Primer] Dralnu Control/Reanimator BU
[Primer] Jolrael, Empress of Beasts GG
Nath Stax BG | Borborygmos Enraged RG | Ladies of Magic UGW | Aminatou Control UWB | Enduring Ideal Zedruu UWR | Momir Vig Combo UG
Modern
Restore Balance RWUG
Kiki Chord RWG