Hi there, nice to see someone actively trying to improve their game. Just don't succumb to the newbie philosophy of buying packs over singles for decks. Occasional packs/the draft here and there are always cool but buying a box and thinking i can make a good standard deck is a pipedream a lot of newer players have. You might have more knowledge than that but thats the biggest thing new players should learn. Otherwise its also great someone is getting into Modern, its one of the best formats right now, hope you enjoy it!
I have to say i think i have fallen in love with this deck. I have seen the Land Tax+Scroll Rack engine before and have wanted to utilize it somewhere but it didn't seem to be powerful enough to hang in any regular constructed format. That caught my eye, as well as the commander. Looking for a new EDH deck i stumbled upon this thread and i am thinking of investing into this deck!
@Obermeir Yes i do realize they both do, and Commune gets me creatures, but my point is id rather not lose any cards that i may potentially need. Which is why im running a singleton.
If you have no way to tutor cards or ways to manipulate your deck, it's irrelevant if the cards go to the bin or not: they are useless either way. And, anyways, you will be always be binning the least useful card.
No its not because a Gleeful Sabotage or a COP: Red can go to the bin which in some matchups post board are pretty much needed to win. Almost all of my sideboard cards are not enchantments so if they get hit while using a Commune or an Insight then they are binned and i have to find another.
The problem i feel with using Commune with the Gods Darkninja, is the other 4 cards going to the bin. I realize that it may help us win some matches but the other cards hit in the crossfire can be vital cards. Its also a reason why im running only one Kruhpix's, because i have a lower chance of binning cards i need, along with the other benefits of it over Commune.
I guess it's only logical to use Kruphix's Insight the same way you use something like Sign in Blood: when you have few or no other cards in hand. It goes one step further here by searching the top five and potentially grabbing you tons of good auras. You would never play it in a situation where you'd need creatures, though, which is the only disadvantage apart from the mana cost. A 1-of is probably the best number for it, in that light.
I thought that was going without saying to be the situation in which you would use it in.
I agree with Obermeir and Darkninja on their thoughts on Oppressive Rays.
Also while testing the copy of Kruphix's Insight, i really like the singleton. Even a 2 of may be doable but that would require a lot more testing. Its gotten me out of many situations when i was out of auras and needed to refuel and was about to draw lands and creatures.
I'll be playing the PRE again tonight using this modified list:
From personal experience, I've found that even in my list that runs only guildgates, I have more White mana than I can use. I think your Evolving Wilds could definitely be basic Forests. You definitely don't want to draw multiple Plains in a game.
I agree you definitely have too much reach in your deck and Spider Umbra can be cut. I would really suggest trying out Triclopean Sight; it really helps in racing situations. If not, Hyena Umbra is also good.
How do you feel with a list not running Aura Gnarlid? I feel he's still a really relevant threat that doesn't need Auras attached to him in order to be bigger than anything on your opponents' side.
As for the Sideboard, I really suggest Moment's Peace, as it's a perfect way to battle racing situations like in your last matchup. I'm not convinced Mana Tithe will be all that great. I wish there was another solution for you, but I don't think there is.
I have had many games where the plains helps and i have no other way of mana fixing. IMO the positives of the fetches and plains outweighs the negatives, especially with the inclusion of more white mainboard cards and the large amount of white cards postboard. Trriclopean Sight is an interesting choice, and i may try it out but Totem Armor is a very useful mechanic that i feel more comfortable using and outweighs Triclopean Sight.
I dislike running any non Hexproof creatures that don't have an extreme impact on the game. The only reason i run Kor Spiritdancer in the Modern version is because it gives the deck a chance to refuel and stay growing, one of the aspects it's missing to be tier 1, although its so easily destroyed. Aura Gnarlids impact on the board is just a big beater and while that can be very useful at times, game 1 is supposed to be very lopsided for us because every targeted removal spell they have is blanked. Playing Gnarlid turns on those cards that would otherwise be dead, and we may be completely wasting our whole third turn playing a card that just got removed anyway.
Moment's Peace is a good choice, and depending on how Lifelink works out it may take its spot. Mana Tithe is very iffy, but im not sure if any other card even is brought in against counter decks and it is a test.
Yeah from my experience a lot of pauper players continue to follow the MTGO ban list paper or otherwise. If you play Cockatrice at all, i can try and play those decks against you if you just throw me some lists and whatever
So a quick and late tourney report from what i can remember:
The event page is here. I played "iBogle", my take on the deck.
IMO Teachings decks can be very easy to beat. This one in particular was very low on creatures and counters and i just steam rolled him with a barrage of enchantments. I also dodged a Diabolic Edict on the last possible turn he could use it via a Dawn Charm. Won an easy 2-0.
A pretty standard Atog Affinity deck, including Disciple of the Vault and Auriok Sunchaser. Game 1 i lost to being quickly overpowered by Carapace Forgers and an Atog that got extremely huge and then Flung at me. Game 2 i managed to get a much better hold and outraced him. Game 3 was a loss due to a misplay and a well timed Curfew on his part. He caught a Silhana Ledgewalker with 2 enchantments, and i should have used Journey to Nowhere on a Discple. Got a Frogmite Flung at me with 2 Discples out for 4 exactsies.
Going 2-1 in this round it was a bit harder than the previous Teachings match, most likely due to this list running more creatures. Got overrun in game 2 by a large amount of flyers and i just could not draw any enchantments. Made it out okay in the end.
Current record: 3-1
Round 5 (Top 8): Burnboybingham playing Domain Zoo
This round was a nightmare for me. Game 1 i got blown out by a maindeck Qasali Pridemage destroying an Ancestral Mask while he raced me with a double Rancor'd Wild Nacatl, Kor Skyfisher, and Lightning Bolt. Game 2 i was stuck on 2 mana with 2 Armadillo Cloaks in hand and no way to gain life to outrace him and lost to that.
Current record: 3-2
Finishing place: 6th
After this event i am making a couple of changes to the deck. Maindeck i am replacing the Spider Umbras with Hyena Umbras as i honestly forgot they were common and first strike is more relevant than reach IMO. I am considering taking 1 Death Speakers and 1 Journey to Nowhere out of the side and replacing them with Mana Tithes as a way to combat counter spells. It is not commonly seen, many opposing decks will tap out to counter our enchantments, and those cards are not sided in very often and i feel like i need more against counter decks.
All in all the event was a blast and i hope i can attend more PRE's in the future! I also hope that this report was of some value to someone and can give any insight to matchups.
By the way, I finished entering most of the Matchup analysis sections. Only Burn, 8Post, Tron and Storm missing. Check it out!
Maybe, i might try some testing with it when it comes out on MTGO. But nice for the matchups! The missing ones don't affect me much as i play online, actually using it in the PRE as we speak
My guess is Commune with the Gods will be the better option, as it can get a creature or enchantment. Most decks don't even run that card, so I don't see Kruphix's Insight getting any love, unfortunately.
Very true, i completely forgot that card existed. Although Kruphix does get you multiple auras and not just singles.
Check out this spoiled card from the newest set! Seems pretty interesting. Do you think 3 mana is too much to pay for an effect like this?
It is an interesting card, and it does fit right at the end of our mana curve. I could see it as a 1-3 of depending on the list. It may be a bit over costed compared to older common cards but this may be something that can help us refuel.
I think it's a fantastic deck to play at large events, but LGS it can only be brought every now and then since it's easy to be hated out in a small group.
I agree with this, and it is true for any deck that can get hosed so easily. A good example is Auras in Modern. Great to surprise people at large events who aren't prepared, but a local meta can adapt quickly and much more easily to specific decks.
Oh jesus this is hard. I think...Emrakul, the Aeons Torn is my favorite card. I just love my share of combo/ramp decks that get the big fatties into play and good ol' Emmy is just the nuts.
No its not because a Gleeful Sabotage or a COP: Red can go to the bin which in some matchups post board are pretty much needed to win. Almost all of my sideboard cards are not enchantments so if they get hit while using a Commune or an Insight then they are binned and i have to find another.
I thought that was going without saying to be the situation in which you would use it in.
Also while testing the copy of Kruphix's Insight, i really like the singleton. Even a 2 of may be doable but that would require a lot more testing. Its gotten me out of many situations when i was out of auras and needed to refuel and was about to draw lands and creatures.
I'll be playing the PRE again tonight using this modified list:
4 Gladecover Scout
4 Silhana Ledgewalker
4 Slippery Bogle
Spells (30)
4 Abundant Growth
4 Ancestral Mask
4 Armadillo Cloak
4 Ethereal Armor
4 Rancor
4 Utopia Sprawl
3 Hyena Umbra
2 Frog Tongue
1 Kruphix's Insight
13 Forest
3 Plains
2 Evolving Wilds
3 Journey to Nowhere
3 Dawn Charm
4 Gleeful Sabotage
2 Moment's Peace
2 Circle of Protection: Red
1 Lifelink
I'll write up another report on how i do again tonight if my plans don't change and i have to drop.
Considered* But yes, it says Enchantment - Aura as the types so it is both as long as it says it.
Also testing a copy of Kruphix's Insight in place of the Snake Umbra in my list for now.
I have had many games where the plains helps and i have no other way of mana fixing. IMO the positives of the fetches and plains outweighs the negatives, especially with the inclusion of more white mainboard cards and the large amount of white cards postboard. Trriclopean Sight is an interesting choice, and i may try it out but Totem Armor is a very useful mechanic that i feel more comfortable using and outweighs Triclopean Sight.
I dislike running any non Hexproof creatures that don't have an extreme impact on the game. The only reason i run Kor Spiritdancer in the Modern version is because it gives the deck a chance to refuel and stay growing, one of the aspects it's missing to be tier 1, although its so easily destroyed. Aura Gnarlids impact on the board is just a big beater and while that can be very useful at times, game 1 is supposed to be very lopsided for us because every targeted removal spell they have is blanked. Playing Gnarlid turns on those cards that would otherwise be dead, and we may be completely wasting our whole third turn playing a card that just got removed anyway.
Moment's Peace is a good choice, and depending on how Lifelink works out it may take its spot. Mana Tithe is very iffy, but im not sure if any other card even is brought in against counter decks and it is a test.
Thanks for the decklist post and the feedback!
So a quick and late tourney report from what i can remember:
The event page is here. I played "iBogle", my take on the deck.
Round 1: Pyro0734 playing Trinket Teachings
Round 2: Garlan playing Affinity
Round 3: MrZwick playing DelverFiend
Round 4: obZen playing Trinket Teachings
Round 5 (Top 8): Burnboybingham playing Domain Zoo
Finishing place: 6th
After this event i am making a couple of changes to the deck. Maindeck i am replacing the Spider Umbras with Hyena Umbras as i honestly forgot they were common and first strike is more relevant than reach IMO. I am considering taking 1 Death Speakers and 1 Journey to Nowhere out of the side and replacing them with Mana Tithes as a way to combat counter spells. It is not commonly seen, many opposing decks will tap out to counter our enchantments, and those cards are not sided in very often and i feel like i need more against counter decks.
All in all the event was a blast and i hope i can attend more PRE's in the future! I also hope that this report was of some value to someone and can give any insight to matchups.
Maybe, i might try some testing with it when it comes out on MTGO. But nice for the matchups! The missing ones don't affect me much as i play online, actually using it in the PRE as we speak
Very true, i completely forgot that card existed. Although Kruphix does get you multiple auras and not just singles.
It is an interesting card, and it does fit right at the end of our mana curve. I could see it as a 1-3 of depending on the list. It may be a bit over costed compared to older common cards but this may be something that can help us refuel.
I agree with this, and it is true for any deck that can get hosed so easily. A good example is Auras in Modern. Great to surprise people at large events who aren't prepared, but a local meta can adapt quickly and much more easily to specific decks.