Jace is not meant for Devotion. I'm trying to throw together a Mystic Snake style green devotion Flash deck that can be a bit controlling and slower and let Jace activate a few times, but ultimately Green Devotion is trying to be fast and Jace is a control card.
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LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
It is mana sinks and card draw (just like I like). I did think about playing a 1-of Doubling Season, but that may be too much. I know it has some crazy choices; but I want to see how they do. I've only played a dozen or so matches thus far; so can't say anything really.
May put a Singing Bell Strike in the board just in case for infinite mana (and damage with Ballista)...but not sure Acolyte is gonna stay anyways (I just like the fact that she can't be bolted or pushed and I like the card with Kiora.)
The deck felt like it needed a tiny bit more top end. There is a good amount of control running around; so having access to four Genesis Hydra and Carnage Tyrant should be able to deal with them with not much sideboard space needed. Witness isn’t needed with Big Nissa in he deck and Tireless Tracker is amazing with Courser and Nissa SOE.
I would love to get Oath of Nissa in there too...but I don’t know where! Would also love a second Tireless Tracker; but again...not sure where.
______
I also aplogize for not being as active the last few days...between trying to get the Primer up with all of the items that people have sent me and requested and a few personal things....I just haven't had as much time as I'd like. I promise I'll get back to normal next week
Opponents:
2-1 UR Kiln Fiend
2-1 Mardu Pyromancer
2-0 Kuldotha Red
2-0 UR Pyromancer
Thoughts:
1) With the unbanning of Jace and BBE, I have a feeling that there will be a resurgence of Lightning Bolt. Tonight there were a lot of those being thrown around. It may be time for Courser to really shine for us.
2) Jadelight Ranger was great. Get's you to where you need to go fast.
3) Carnage Tyrant is just so impressive versus control or midrange. He doesn't die!
4) I'm a big fan of Garruk Relentless. If you can expect tiny creatures in the meta, I think he is a valuable tool. I can see him being decent against lantern as well, as his 1/1s might be able to get under a bridge. Otherwise, he's a great tutor for Craterhoof Behemoth.
Excited to see how we can adapt the deck with the new unbannings!
I like the deck Grull...just straightforward creature beatdown with a tight board.
Agree with Grull that Carnage Tyrant is going to be a very strong option if the meta does see a lot of Jace and Control running around.
It’s cool to hear Jadelight Ranger has been good for you. It is a powerful card for sure...just needs the right synergies to be at its best.
I agree that Jace is more controlling than a typical Devotion deck wants to be. The card advantage and tempo gains you make if he sticks, however, are nuts. I tend to play Devotion a little differently (partially because the people I play with have many boardwipes/interactive spells and partially just because it fits my play-style.)
For those wondering why Garruk is not in here...I think Kiora is superior in a deck that is likely not going to take advantage of Garruk’s overrun effect. Kiora(‘s) (a) dig ability is worth more to me than a 3/3 (b) goes up to 5 loyalty on her first +, (c) can untap creatures like Acolyte and Arbor Elf and also give pseudo-vigilance to the bigger ones.
Acolyte functions somewhat like Garruk (a 4-drop that can generate a ton of mana) while still being able to be “hit” by both Kiora and Nissa SOE’s Card advantage abilities.
With control getting a lot stronger because of the Jace unbanning, the deck might be a great way to combat it.
EDIT:
Woo! 2-0 so far! This deck is fun!
With 6 maindeck counter spells, this deck will be much better vs. control and B/x Tempo style decks like Jeskai Tempo, as well as being much better vs. combo! I'm excited!
LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
So...I haven’t lost yet with Simic Walker Devotion...Granted it’s only been 14 matches...but still I never go undefeated (or really never go above 70% win rate). Obviously this will fall substantially as I play more (even my best performing decks to date only fall in the high 60%’s)...it is not a high sample size, but I felt it was worth mentioning given the recent nature of Jace.
I attribute the record currently to multiple things:
1. My deck is an unknown quantity. My opponents don’t know how to hate it yet or what lines are best against it.
2. The synergy between Nissa SOE, Courser, and Jace leads to insane amounts of card advantage and deck manipulation. When added to Oath and Kiora “drawing” two cards on a majority of her triggers...even though you consistently pour your hand on the board...you’re hand is refilled each turn.
It gives me the card draw I feel a deck like this literally HAS to have to compete without playing slightly weaker cards like Garruk Primal Hunter (who would be amazing with a single point higher loyalty; but I digress...) or Harmonize.
3. Walking Ballista is powerful. Having the ability to kill 1-2 toughness creatures at instant speed is paramount. Also, between its ability to scale along with Nissa’s Potential to do 10 haste damage to the dome; you can win many games without your opponent being aware of the damage that will be inflicted (as it is all “same turn” or haste-damage.).
4. Genesis Hydra is good against all of the blue decks I’m seeing. The big body is great against things like Jund and the uncounterable nature is great against blue. A Hydra into a Jace or a Karn wins most games.
5. I’m so used to playing Walker decks and decks that just value-out the opponent that I have a leg up on those trying out new builds.
The board is getting there.
Historically, Red was the best secondary “Walkers Deck” color...but blue is looking real strong with Jace. I thought about trying three; but I really think two is the right number.
With control getting a lot stronger because of the Jace unbanning, the deck might be a great way to combat it.
EDIT:
Woo! 2-0 so far! This deck is fun!
With 6 maindeck counter spells, this deck will be much better vs. control and B/x Tempo style decks like Jeskai Tempo, as well as being much better vs. combo! I'm excited!
That deck looks fun! Flash can get crazy cuz the opponent never knows what’s coming. Makes combat really fun :). Cool list.
I do think that BBE is bad for Walker decks, since the hasty body and ability to Cascade into removal spell for blocker or a direct removal spell for Walkers will be an issue.
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LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I do think that BBE is bad for Walker decks, since the hasty body and ability to Cascade into removal spell for blocker or a direct removal spell for Walkers will be an issue.
I tend to have more than one body on the board to block for a walker...but I could see what you are saying. That's what makes BBE so awesome! A BBE into a removal spell is bad for pretty much 90% of decks in the meta...so I'm not sure I see it as that much more detrimental to a Walker Deck than most others. The only "direct removal spell for Walkers" that see play I can think of off the top of my head are Dreadbore and Maelstrom Pulse (and they aren't specifically for Walkers)...so I'm not entirely certain how BBE is more geared toward hurting a Walker Deck than most others.
I think I get what you are saying (as it can attack Walkers); but "BBE into removal" is a downside for a lot of cards in the meta. Even in this event, however, they used the removal spell on my creature, I gained at least three life, and I still would have got at least one activation out of the Walker...so it's not the end of the world Also, with a "+" activation:
1. Kiora goes to 5 loyalty
2. Jace goes to 5 loyalty
3. Nissa SOE often goes above 4 loyalty (unless cast as a 3-drop)
4. Nissa VF goes to 6 loyalty
4. Karn goes to 10 loyalty
So even a removal spell and an attack from BBE would still require another spell/attacker to get them off the board. They would essentially have to waste an attack phase trying to kill the walkers which gives me another turn to fill the board back up. While he's not in here...even Garruk would go to 4 loyalty. Fortunately, all of the walkers in here hit 5 or more loyalty instantly.
The nice thing about Walkers is even though they can't be cast with flash; you still get to activate them before the opponent can remove them...so you will always get some value out of them on top of the "life gain" from them absorbing damage or them taking a removal spell.
I actually really like Karametra's Acolyte. The mana it can produce even on a small board is obscene. I will definitely be brewing with it in the future (especially with Kiora). This deck just has so much deck manipulation and digs so far so fast; that (a) I get to Nykthos pretty quickly pretty consistently, and (b) the more I can play off the top the better.
Added Caryatid instead of Vizier to reduce mana-curve and ensure i get to my 4+ mana spells quickly).
Once I've got a board I feel is good for things like Grishoalbrand and Boggles; I really feel like this is one of the few recent decks I've built that can be viable. This, however, depends heavily on what the meta actually ends up looking like (which we won't know immediately) but it fits into my play-style perfectly (tons of card advantage, tons of decisions every turn, mana-sinks for win-cons, etc.).
I know it looks a little funky; but it really is a blast to play. And thus far it has performed really well. I of course will let you know if that changes (as I have any time a deck doesn't pan out).
I do think that BBE is bad for Walker decks, since the hasty body and ability to Cascade into removal spell for blocker or a direct removal spell for Walkers will be an issue.
I tend to have more than one body on the board to block for a walker...but I could see what you are saying. That's what makes BBE so awesome! A BBE into a removal spell is bad for pretty much 90% of decks in the meta...so I'm not sure I see it as that much more detrimental to a Walker Deck than most others. The only "direct removal spell for Walkers" that see play I can think of off the top of my head are Dreadbore and Maelstrom Pulse (and they aren't specifically for Walkers)...so I'm not entirely certain how BBE is more geared toward hurting a Walker Deck than most others.
I think I get what you are saying (as it can attack Walkers); but "BBE into removal" is a downside for a lot of cards in the meta. Even in this event, however, they used the removal spell on my creature, I gained at least three life, and I still would have got at least one activation out of the Walker...so it's not the end of the world Also, with a "+" activation:
1. Kiora goes to 5 loyalty
2. Jace goes to 5 loyalty
3. Nissa SOE often goes above 4 loyalty (unless cast as a 3-drop)
4. Nissa VF goes to 6 loyalty
4. Karn goes to 10 loyalty
So even a removal spell and an attack from BBE would still require another spell/attacker to get them off the board. They would essentially have to waste an attack phase trying to kill the walkers which gives me another turn to fill the board back up. While he's not in here...even Garruk would go to 4 loyalty. Fortunately, all of the walkers in here hit 5 or more loyalty instantly.
The nice thing about Walkers is even though they can't be cast with flash; you still get to activate them before the opponent can remove them...so you will always get some value out of them on top of the "life gain" from them absorbing damage or them taking a removal spell.
I actually really like Karametra's Acolyte. The mana it can produce even on a small board is obscene. I will definitely be brewing with it in the future (especially with Kiora). This deck just has so much deck manipulation and digs so far so fast; that (a) I get to Nykthos pretty quickly pretty consistently, and (b) the more I can play off the top the better.
Trading a 1/4 for a 3/4 body is great too (although it can still be pushed or pathed...it at least avoids bolt). This gives yet another way to play with the top of the deck (which adds more synergy for Jace, Nissa, Courser, Kiora, Oath, etc.
Once I've got a board I feel is good for things like Grishoalbrand and Boggles; I really feel like this is one of the few recent decks I've built that can be viable. This, however, depends heavily on what the meta actually ends up looking like (which we won't know immediately) but it fits into my play-style perfectly (tons of card advantage, tons of decisions every turn, mana-sinks for win-cons, etc.).
I know it looks a little funky; but it really is a blast to play. And thus far it has performed really well. I of course will let you know if that changes (as I have any time a deck doesn't pan out).
Doesnt this miss the garruk wildsspeaker? I think wildspeaker is more resistant than Karametra's Acolyte.
@CurdBros, Esper? I don't think I made an Esper list.
So a bunch have pros have said that Thrun, the Last Troll will be a much better card in this meta, and these aren't devotion players. If you think about it, this card is amazing vs. both Jace AND BBE. He might be a maindeckable card now.
LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
@CurdBros, Esper? I don't think I made an Esper list.
So a bunch have pros have said that Thrun, the Last Troll will be a much better card in this meta, and these aren't devotion players. If you think about it, this card is amazing vs. both Jace AND BBE. He might be a maindeckable card now.
Could be tough times for Walker Devotion, but at least we get use Jace ourselves.
I totally agree on both Thrun and Carnage Tyrant being very potent in this meta...if the meta pans out the way many think it will; Thrun will be amazing (it will outclass a LOT of cards while avoiding the main interaction of the meta). I agree that it is a great card for we Devotion players to invest in.
Thrun could be main-deckable...on rate it is a really strong card; and if Jund and Jace are kings than it becomes a go-to 4-drop.
It’s true that people may begin playing cards like Hero’s Downfall and Dreadbore; but removal is removal. I’ve always said I’m more concerned with if the opponent HAS to remove the card rather than if they CAN remove it. I have no issue playing a card that can be removed if the opponent has to remove it quickly or lose
While I’m not the biggest fan of the unbanning and what I fear it will do to the meta...I have been surprised at how well Jace has played in a Walker Devotion shell.
I also truly haven’t decided whether the meta people are discussing is a good thing or bad thing for us....if the meta slows down a bit that’s good; but if it becomes highly interactive decks vs. lightning fast combo; that could be bad...
Fortunately, we have so many options that we can generally move with a meta.
————-
Apologies on the Esper thing...my bro just mentioned you the other day and I thought he said Esper so I wanted to give you props even though it was outside of Devotion
_______
Noticed Uegjo’s name was high as up on the leader board watching a stream tonight...looks like the Devoted Druid combo deck is still going strong...I still think we are the best shell for that combo!
I do think that BBE is bad for Walker decks, since the hasty body and ability to Cascade into removal spell for blocker or a direct removal spell for Walkers will be an issue.
I tend to have more than one body on the board to block for a walker...but I could see what you are saying. That's what makes BBE so awesome! A BBE into a removal spell is bad for pretty much 90% of decks in the meta...so I'm not sure I see it as that much more detrimental to a Walker Deck than most others. The only "direct removal spell for Walkers" that see play I can think of off the top of my head are Dreadbore and Maelstrom Pulse (and they aren't specifically for Walkers)...so I'm not entirely certain how BBE is more geared toward hurting a Walker Deck than most others.
I think I get what you are saying (as it can attack Walkers); but "BBE into removal" is a downside for a lot of cards in the meta. Even in this event, however, they used the removal spell on my creature, I gained at least three life, and I still would have got at least one activation out of the Walker...so it's not the end of the world Also, with a "+" activation:
1. Kiora goes to 5 loyalty
2. Jace goes to 5 loyalty
3. Nissa SOE often goes above 4 loyalty (unless cast as a 3-drop)
4. Nissa VF goes to 6 loyalty
4. Karn goes to 10 loyalty
So even a removal spell and an attack from BBE would still require another spell/attacker to get them off the board. They would essentially have to waste an attack phase trying to kill the walkers which gives me another turn to fill the board back up. While he's not in here...even Garruk would go to 4 loyalty. Fortunately, all of the walkers in here hit 5 or more loyalty instantly.
The nice thing about Walkers is even though they can't be cast with flash; you still get to activate them before the opponent can remove them...so you will always get some value out of them on top of the "life gain" from them absorbing damage or them taking a removal spell.
I actually really like Karametra's Acolyte. The mana it can produce even on a small board is obscene. I will definitely be brewing with it in the future (especially with Kiora). This deck just has so much deck manipulation and digs so far so fast; that (a) I get to Nykthos pretty quickly pretty consistently, and (b) the more I can play off the top the better.
Trading a 1/4 for a 3/4 body is great too (although it can still be pushed or pathed...it at least avoids bolt). This gives yet another way to play with the top of the deck (which adds more synergy for Jace, Nissa, Courser, Kiora, Oath, etc.
Once I've got a board I feel is good for things like Grishoalbrand and Boggles; I really feel like this is one of the few recent decks I've built that can be viable. This, however, depends heavily on what the meta actually ends up looking like (which we won't know immediately) but it fits into my play-style perfectly (tons of card advantage, tons of decisions every turn, mana-sinks for win-cons, etc.).
I know it looks a little funky; but it really is a blast to play. And thus far it has performed really well. I of course will let you know if that changes (as I have any time a deck doesn't pan out).
Doesnt this miss the garruk wildsspeaker? I think wildspeaker is more resistant than Karametra's Acolyte.
.
Great points. Garruk is a better card than Acolyte in a VAST majority of situations. Generally I would play him over Acolyte. The only reason I didn’t here was that:
(A) Kiora kind of replaces him in this list (as the overrun is not a useful as her ability to dig in this particular deck)
(B) Kiora and Nissa SOE tend to perform better in decks with 22+ creatures (as both abilities hit creatures) so I wanted to maintain that cap.
I had also been playing around with Acolyte before the unban; so it kinda just started in the build (as i think it is a great way to get payoff for Devotion without having to hit Nykthos....I think there is some potential there in the right build.
Acolyte is not currently in the build though...that slot has moved to Sylvan Caryatid to lower the curve a bit (and may just become another copy of Birds and Oath)...it is still up in the air. Gonna take some more testing.
1. Jace’s -1 ability can be used on my own creatures. I’ve bounced my own Genesis Hydra, Eternal Witness, and Walking Ballista’s quite a bit. I did bounce Elvish Visionary a few times as well; but only because I knew the card on the top that I wanted to cast that turn.
2. Obviously the “top deck” interaction you get from the combo of Courser, Nissa SOE, and Jace is just crazy. Even cards like Oath of Nissa, Elvish Visionary, and Kiora can be used in conjunction with knowing the top 1-2 cards. It takes a TON of games to get used to it and to play ahead/plan for all of the synergies and hand/deck manipulation...I’m still finding new ways to take advantage of all of it.
Items I’m Testing / Potential Changes
1. I wonder whether I should change the two Karns into Acidic Slime. Nissa and Kiora both grab creatures and not planeswalkers...5 is cheaper than 7.
2. Switched out Elvish Visionary for Coiling Oracle for the time being...it simply depends on how quickly I can have access to blue mana on turn two (as Oracle is a superior card, but there are times where your second land is a Nykthos).
couple things i wanna do though, drop progenitus cause i don't see how he's playing it without caller of beasts, worldspine wurm and or terastodon would be better choices. for green creature cheat, can't forget the Empyrial Archangel for sideboard.
I think the sideboard needs trinisphere or something, I feel like burn and storm/ironworks will run it over too easily.
Jund decks I think auto win cause they are jund and pack maindeck answers to the ramp spells,
tron....... karn probably beats it every time. I certainly haven't beaten Karn liberated.
I noticed Mirror Gallery, which makes me wanna revisit the Garruks deck.
but Also I see a lot of devotion Shenanigan for running one. Multiple Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx and garruk wildspeaker (double untaps!, double beast tokens, double over run! or one works on one of those while the other does another!)
couple other mirror gallery win cons or profit situations,
@CurdBros
Your decklist looks a little light on removal, but yes, I think Jace should be great in the walker deck.
Uegjo seems to be crushing MTGO with is Devoted Devotion deck. Maybe he found the correct decklist. I find it interesting that he chooses to run multiple Fatal Push instead of more Walking Ballista, but I can see how it would be good
LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
@CurdBros
Your decklist looks a little light on removal, but yes, I think Jace should be great in the walker deck.
Uegjo seems to be crushing MTGO with is Devoted Devotion deck. Maybe he found the correct decklist. I find it interesting that he chooses to run multiple Fatal Push instead of more Walking Ballista, but I can see how it would be good
I've been sitting on clever impersonator for a while, but never used him. can you post or PM me your list?
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MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
It is mana sinks and card draw (just like I like). I did think about playing a 1-of Doubling Season, but that may be too much. I know it has some crazy choices; but I want to see how they do. I've only played a dozen or so matches thus far; so can't say anything really.
May put a Singing Bell Strike in the board just in case for infinite mana (and damage with Ballista)...but not sure Acolyte is gonna stay anyways (I just like the fact that she can't be bolted or pushed and I like the card with Kiora.)
*EDIT*
Made a few small changes to the deck:
-1 Kiora +1 Karn Liberated
-1 Witness +1 Tireless Tracker
-1 Acolyte. +1 Carnage Tyrant
The deck felt like it needed a tiny bit more top end. There is a good amount of control running around; so having access to four Genesis Hydra and Carnage Tyrant should be able to deal with them with not much sideboard space needed. Witness isn’t needed with Big Nissa in he deck and Tireless Tracker is amazing with Courser and Nissa SOE.
I would love to get Oath of Nissa in there too...but I don’t know where! Would also love a second Tireless Tracker; but again...not sure where.
______
I also aplogize for not being as active the last few days...between trying to get the Primer up with all of the items that people have sent me and requested and a few personal things....I just haven't had as much time as I'd like. I promise I'll get back to normal next week
Haven't played in a few weeks as well, but I threw together a bunch of creatures I've been impressed with. Here's the list:
4 Arbor Elf
2 Birds of Paradise
1 Scavenging Ooze
4 Burning-Tree Emissary
4 Jadelight Ranger
2 Courser of Kruphix
2 Tireless Tracker
3 Primeval TItan
2 Carnage Tyrant
1 Craterhoof Behemoth
4 Garruk Wildspeaker
Other
4 Utopia Sprawl
4 Oath of Nissa
2 Summoner's Pacts
Lands
4 Wooded Foothills
3 Verdant Catacombs
4 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
2 Stomping Ground
1 Kessig Wolf-Run
7 Forest
4 Relic of Progenitus
2 Abrade
3 Kitchen Finks
1 Carnage Tyrant
2 Garruk Relentless
3 Blood Moon
2-1 UR Kiln Fiend
2-1 Mardu Pyromancer
2-0 Kuldotha Red
2-0 UR Pyromancer
Thoughts:
1) With the unbanning of Jace and BBE, I have a feeling that there will be a resurgence of Lightning Bolt. Tonight there were a lot of those being thrown around. It may be time for Courser to really shine for us.
2) Jadelight Ranger was great. Get's you to where you need to go fast.
3) Carnage Tyrant is just so impressive versus control or midrange. He doesn't die!
4) I'm a big fan of Garruk Relentless. If you can expect tiny creatures in the meta, I think he is a valuable tool. I can see him being decent against lantern as well, as his 1/1s might be able to get under a bridge. Otherwise, he's a great tutor for Craterhoof Behemoth.
Excited to see how we can adapt the deck with the new unbannings!
Agree with Grull that Carnage Tyrant is going to be a very strong option if the meta does see a lot of Jace and Control running around.
It’s cool to hear Jadelight Ranger has been good for you. It is a powerful card for sure...just needs the right synergies to be at its best.
I agree that Jace is more controlling than a typical Devotion deck wants to be. The card advantage and tempo gains you make if he sticks, however, are nuts. I tend to play Devotion a little differently (partially because the people I play with have many boardwipes/interactive spells and partially just because it fits my play-style.)
Current List with Tonight's Testing Changes:
Simic Walker Devotion
4x Arbor Elf
3x Birds of Paradise
3x Elvish Visionary
4x Courser of Kruphix
2x Karametra's Acolyte
4x Genesis Hydra
3x Walking Ballista
Enchantment (6)
4x Utopia Sprawl
2x Oath of Nissa
3x Nissa, Steward of Elements
3x Kiora, Master of the Depths
2x Jace, the Mind Sculptor
1x Nissa, Vital Force
1x Karn Liberated
Land (21)
8x Green Fetch Land
3x Breeding Pool
6x Forest
4x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
3x Spreading Seas
1x Carnage Tyrant
2x Kitchen Finks
1x Thrashing Brontodon
2x Creeping Corrosion
2x Scavenging Ooze
1x Engineered Explosives
1x Polukranos, World Eater
2x Flex
For those wondering why Garruk is not in here...I think Kiora is superior in a deck that is likely not going to take advantage of Garruk’s overrun effect. Kiora(‘s) (a) dig ability is worth more to me than a 3/3 (b) goes up to 5 loyalty on her first +, (c) can untap creatures like Acolyte and Arbor Elf and also give pseudo-vigilance to the bigger ones.
Acolyte functions somewhat like Garruk (a 4-drop that can generate a ton of mana) while still being able to be “hit” by both Kiora and Nissa SOE’s Card advantage abilities.
Garruk functions well in a flash style deck because you have mana to cast spells then use his untap ability to keep mana open on the opponents turn.
// Green Devotion Flash
// 24 Creature
1 Acidic Slime
4 Arbor Elf
2 Birds of Paradise
3 Courser of Kruphix
3 Walking Ballista
4 Mystic Snake
2 Scavenging Ooze
1 Craterhoof Behemoth
1 Hornet Queen
1 Samut, Voice of Dissent
1 Yeva, Nature's Herald
1 Boon Satyr
// 7 Enchantment
4 Utopia Sprawl
3 Oath of Nissa
2 Summoner's Pact
// 21 Land
3 Breeding Pool
1 Kessig Wolf Run
5 Forest
1 Stomping Ground
4 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1 Windswept Heath
2 Wooded Foothills
2 Verdant Catacombs
2 Misty Rainforest
// 6 Planeswalker
4 Garruk Wildspeaker
2 Jace, the Mind Sculptor
3 Relic of Progenitus
1 Carnage Tyrant
1 Whisperwood Elemental
1 Scavenging Ooze
3 Blood Moon
2 Abrade
2 Negate
2 Bonfire of the Damned
Possible Inclusions:
Alchemist's Refuge
Should probably add another Jace
With control getting a lot stronger because of the Jace unbanning, the deck might be a great way to combat it.
EDIT:
Woo! 2-0 so far! This deck is fun!
With 6 maindeck counter spells, this deck will be much better vs. control and B/x Tempo style decks like Jeskai Tempo, as well as being much better vs. combo! I'm excited!
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I attribute the record currently to multiple things:
1. My deck is an unknown quantity. My opponents don’t know how to hate it yet or what lines are best against it.
2. The synergy between Nissa SOE, Courser, and Jace leads to insane amounts of card advantage and deck manipulation. When added to Oath and Kiora “drawing” two cards on a majority of her triggers...even though you consistently pour your hand on the board...you’re hand is refilled each turn.
It gives me the card draw I feel a deck like this literally HAS to have to compete without playing slightly weaker cards like Garruk Primal Hunter (who would be amazing with a single point higher loyalty; but I digress...) or Harmonize.
3. Walking Ballista is powerful. Having the ability to kill 1-2 toughness creatures at instant speed is paramount. Also, between its ability to scale along with Nissa’s Potential to do 10 haste damage to the dome; you can win many games without your opponent being aware of the damage that will be inflicted (as it is all “same turn” or haste-damage.).
4. Genesis Hydra is good against all of the blue decks I’m seeing. The big body is great against things like Jund and the uncounterable nature is great against blue. A Hydra into a Jace or a Karn wins most games.
5. I’m so used to playing Walker decks and decks that just value-out the opponent that I have a leg up on those trying out new builds.
The board is getting there.
Historically, Red was the best secondary “Walkers Deck” color...but blue is looking real strong with Jace. I thought about trying three; but I really think two is the right number.
That deck looks fun! Flash can get crazy cuz the opponent never knows what’s coming. Makes combat really fun :). Cool list.
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I tend to have more than one body on the board to block for a walker...but I could see what you are saying. That's what makes BBE so awesome! A BBE into a removal spell is bad for pretty much 90% of decks in the meta...so I'm not sure I see it as that much more detrimental to a Walker Deck than most others. The only "direct removal spell for Walkers" that see play I can think of off the top of my head are Dreadbore and Maelstrom Pulse (and they aren't specifically for Walkers)...so I'm not entirely certain how BBE is more geared toward hurting a Walker Deck than most others.
I think I get what you are saying (as it can attack Walkers); but "BBE into removal" is a downside for a lot of cards in the meta. Even in this event, however, they used the removal spell on my creature, I gained at least three life, and I still would have got at least one activation out of the Walker...so it's not the end of the world Also, with a "+" activation:
1. Kiora goes to 5 loyalty
2. Jace goes to 5 loyalty
3. Nissa SOE often goes above 4 loyalty (unless cast as a 3-drop)
4. Nissa VF goes to 6 loyalty
4. Karn goes to 10 loyalty
So even a removal spell and an attack from BBE would still require another spell/attacker to get them off the board. They would essentially have to waste an attack phase trying to kill the walkers which gives me another turn to fill the board back up. While he's not in here...even Garruk would go to 4 loyalty. Fortunately, all of the walkers in here hit 5 or more loyalty instantly.
The nice thing about Walkers is even though they can't be cast with flash; you still get to activate them before the opponent can remove them...so you will always get some value out of them on top of the "life gain" from them absorbing damage or them taking a removal spell.
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Did make one small change to the deck:
- 2 Karametra's Acolyte
+2 Sylvan Caryatid
I actually really like Karametra's Acolyte. The mana it can produce even on a small board is obscene. I will definitely be brewing with it in the future (especially with Kiora). This deck just has so much deck manipulation and digs so far so fast; that (a) I get to Nykthos pretty quickly pretty consistently, and (b) the more I can play off the top the better.
So the "new" deck looks like this:
Simic Walker Devotion
4x Arbor Elf
3x Birds of Paradise
2x Sylvan Caryatid
3x Elvish Visionary
4x Courser of Kruphix
4x Genesis Hydra
3x Walking Ballista
Enchantment (6)
4x Utopia Sprawl
2x Oath of Nissa
3x Nissa, Steward of Elements
3x Kiora, Master of the Depths
2x Jace, the Mind Sculptor
1x Nissa, Vital Force
1x Karn Liberated
Land (21)
8x Green Fetch Land
3x Breeding Pool
6x Forest
4x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
3x Spreading Seas
1x Carnage Tyrant
2x Kitchen Finks
1x Thrashing Brontodon
1x Reclamation Sage
2x Scavenging Ooze
1x Engineered Explosives
1x Polukranos, World Eater
2x Spellskite
1x Flex
** Edit **
Added Caryatid instead of Vizier to reduce mana-curve and ensure i get to my 4+ mana spells quickly).
Once I've got a board I feel is good for things like Grishoalbrand and Boggles; I really feel like this is one of the few recent decks I've built that can be viable. This, however, depends heavily on what the meta actually ends up looking like (which we won't know immediately) but it fits into my play-style perfectly (tons of card advantage, tons of decisions every turn, mana-sinks for win-cons, etc.).
I know it looks a little funky; but it really is a blast to play. And thus far it has performed really well. I of course will let you know if that changes (as I have any time a deck doesn't pan out).
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Random Teating Note:
Spellskite has been very good in my recent testing. My board has changed a bit (I’ll change it above).
So a bunch have pros have said that Thrun, the Last Troll will be a much better card in this meta, and these aren't devotion players. If you think about it, this card is amazing vs. both Jace AND BBE. He might be a maindeckable card now.
Also, people are now maindecking and sideboard cards like Dreadbore and Hero's Downfall
Could be tough times for Walker Devotion, but at least we get use Jace ourselves.
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I totally agree on both Thrun and Carnage Tyrant being very potent in this meta...if the meta pans out the way many think it will; Thrun will be amazing (it will outclass a LOT of cards while avoiding the main interaction of the meta). I agree that it is a great card for we Devotion players to invest in.
Thrun could be main-deckable...on rate it is a really strong card; and if Jund and Jace are kings than it becomes a go-to 4-drop.
It’s true that people may begin playing cards like Hero’s Downfall and Dreadbore; but removal is removal. I’ve always said I’m more concerned with if the opponent HAS to remove the card rather than if they CAN remove it. I have no issue playing a card that can be removed if the opponent has to remove it quickly or lose
While I’m not the biggest fan of the unbanning and what I fear it will do to the meta...I have been surprised at how well Jace has played in a Walker Devotion shell.
I also truly haven’t decided whether the meta people are discussing is a good thing or bad thing for us....if the meta slows down a bit that’s good; but if it becomes highly interactive decks vs. lightning fast combo; that could be bad...
Fortunately, we have so many options that we can generally move with a meta.
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Apologies on the Esper thing...my bro just mentioned you the other day and I thought he said Esper so I wanted to give you props even though it was outside of Devotion
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Noticed Uegjo’s name was high as up on the leader board watching a stream tonight...looks like the Devoted Druid combo deck is still going strong...I still think we are the best shell for that combo!
Great points. Garruk is a better card than Acolyte in a VAST majority of situations. Generally I would play him over Acolyte. The only reason I didn’t here was that:
(A) Kiora kind of replaces him in this list (as the overrun is not a useful as her ability to dig in this particular deck)
(B) Kiora and Nissa SOE tend to perform better in decks with 22+ creatures (as both abilities hit creatures) so I wanted to maintain that cap.
I had also been playing around with Acolyte before the unban; so it kinda just started in the build (as i think it is a great way to get payoff for Devotion without having to hit Nykthos....I think there is some potential there in the right build.
Acolyte is not currently in the build though...that slot has moved to Sylvan Caryatid to lower the curve a bit (and may just become another copy of Birds and Oath)...it is still up in the air. Gonna take some more testing.
So the "new" deck looks like this:
Simic Walker Devotion
4x Arbor Elf
4x Birds of Paradise
3x Coiling Oracle
4x Courser of Kruphix
1x Eternal Witness
4x Genesis Hydra
3x Walking Ballista
Enchantment (6)
4x Utopia Sprawl
2x Oath of Nissa
2x Nissa, Steward of Elements
3x Kiora, Master of the Depths
3x Jace, the Mind Sculptor
2x Karn Liberated
Land (21)
8x Green Fetch Land
3x Breeding Pool
6x Forest
4x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
3x Spreading Seas
1x Carnage Tyrant
1x Thragtusk
2x Reclamation Sage
2x Scavenging Ooze
1x Engineered Explosives
1x Polukranos, World Eater
2x Spellskite
1x Acidic Slime
Interesting Interactions Found
1. Jace’s -1 ability can be used on my own creatures. I’ve bounced my own Genesis Hydra, Eternal Witness, and Walking Ballista’s quite a bit. I did bounce Elvish Visionary a few times as well; but only because I knew the card on the top that I wanted to cast that turn.
2. Obviously the “top deck” interaction you get from the combo of Courser, Nissa SOE, and Jace is just crazy. Even cards like Oath of Nissa, Elvish Visionary, and Kiora can be used in conjunction with knowing the top 1-2 cards. It takes a TON of games to get used to it and to play ahead/plan for all of the synergies and hand/deck manipulation...I’m still finding new ways to take advantage of all of it.
Items I’m Testing / Potential Changes
1. I wonder whether I should change the two Karns into Acidic Slime. Nissa and Kiora both grab creatures and not planeswalkers...5 is cheaper than 7.
2. Switched out Elvish Visionary for Coiling Oracle for the time being...it simply depends on how quickly I can have access to blue mana on turn two (as Oracle is a superior card, but there are times where your second land is a Nykthos).
What are everyone’s thoughts on this?
I noticed Mirror Gallery, which makes me wanna revisit the Garruks deck.
but Also I see a lot of devotion Shenanigan for running one. Multiple Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx and garruk wildspeaker (double untaps!, double beast tokens, double over run! or one works on one of those while the other does another!)
couple other mirror gallery win cons or profit situations,
Tolsimir Wolfblood, makes 4/4 wolf token on every tap.
Nissa, Sage Animist, double card draw, and produces a 4/4 every couple turns.
thrun, the last troll more of him the merrier.
phyrexian metamorph if i'm gunna abuse gallery, might as well run one of these for copying a legend.
Lol, I already made a mono Jace TMS deck, running Clever Impersonator and Mirror Gallery.
@CurdBros
Your decklist looks a little light on removal, but yes, I think Jace should be great in the walker deck.
Uegjo seems to be crushing MTGO with is Devoted Devotion deck. Maybe he found the correct decklist. I find it interesting that he chooses to run multiple Fatal Push instead of more Walking Ballista, but I can see how it would be good
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I've been sitting on clever impersonator for a while, but never used him. can you post or PM me your list?