Interesting about the Nantuko Husk. I agree quite a bit -- I also like that it can kind of buff itself to stay alive, bait out an opponent's premium removal, and actually play defense/block if we need it to (since Despoiler is strictly offensive). The only concerns would be casting cost (not a huge difference, but a difference nonetheless) and recursion (especially since we cut out Corpse Churns and can't call it back like Despoiler).
I don't see casting cost being a huge problem; we have 12 two-drops. But will our gameplan of sticking to 5-6 lands on board be able to support the extra cost? Just a thought...
I don't think the recursion issue is a big problem either. In many instances, getting back Despoiler of Souls would take away fuel for our Empty the Pits
Definitely worth trying out your new list when I get the chance! Any update on how it worked for you?
Yea, I would consider dropping (at least one or two) Corpse Churn for a bit of removal. I found myself discarding it away more times to Liliana's +1 and Tormenting Voice than actually casting it. I don't think its bad -- I just found myself thinking more often "man, I could use removal/card draw right now...". I'd be more inclined to add Grasp of Darkness than more Ruinous Paths. Sure, it doesn't kill off Siege Rhino but it definitely helps support your blockers since its instant speed.
If the game goes longer, having cards in hand is a bit of an issue. We get into topdeck wars with opponents. Upticking Liliana costs you a card from hand and so does Tormenting Voice (I mean, you DO get some back though). Corpse Churn is good for pseudo-card-draw as long as you're looking to throw creatures back on to the board. Having something like Bitter Revelation would be beneficial, but it does cost a bit. I find myself holding back lands once I have about only 4 or 5 on board just to have extras in hand to pay for discard. That leaves just enough mana to cast but not always enough to have a follow-up play.
Thanks for posting! I've just been trying out your latest 'mono-ish black' version on XMage. I am having a LOT of fun with it in my first few games. Signed up on the forums just to let you know.
--Beat an Esper Dragons deck pretty handily with Fleshbag Marauders.
--Went up against GR Ramp -- they smashed me first game, sideboarded in Thought-Knot Seers, but I was able to kill those off and recur them to my side with a Liliana Emblem on board. That guy got pretty salty -- messaged "idiotic deck!" before rage-quitting.
--Had hard starts against White Weenies -- first strike on Consul's Lieutenant just broke down any defense I could try to put up. Got manascrewed in the last game -- stuck on 3 lands with a Languish in hand while he kept swinging with the team.
Really surprised by the deck -- I thought all our smaller creatures would just get overrun. You really just gotta throw them all at the face. The small damage adds up and people don't seem to mind a 1/1 or 2/1 chipping at their life total until its too late. And if they die off, Empty the Pits is great. Playing it on end of their turn to get 6+ Zombies gets an instant scoop some of the time. Or even just get Despoiler of Souls back from the graveyard over and over again.
I don't see casting cost being a huge problem; we have 12 two-drops. But will our gameplan of sticking to 5-6 lands on board be able to support the extra cost? Just a thought...
I don't think the recursion issue is a big problem either. In many instances, getting back Despoiler of Souls would take away fuel for our Empty the Pits
Definitely worth trying out your new list when I get the chance! Any update on how it worked for you?
If the game goes longer, having cards in hand is a bit of an issue. We get into topdeck wars with opponents. Upticking Liliana costs you a card from hand and so does Tormenting Voice (I mean, you DO get some back though). Corpse Churn is good for pseudo-card-draw as long as you're looking to throw creatures back on to the board. Having something like Bitter Revelation would be beneficial, but it does cost a bit. I find myself holding back lands once I have about only 4 or 5 on board just to have extras in hand to pay for discard. That leaves just enough mana to cast but not always enough to have a follow-up play.
--Beat an Esper Dragons deck pretty handily with Fleshbag Marauders.
--Went up against GR Ramp -- they smashed me first game, sideboarded in Thought-Knot Seers, but I was able to kill those off and recur them to my side with a Liliana Emblem on board. That guy got pretty salty -- messaged "idiotic deck!" before rage-quitting.
--Had hard starts against White Weenies -- first strike on Consul's Lieutenant just broke down any defense I could try to put up. Got manascrewed in the last game -- stuck on 3 lands with a Languish in hand while he kept swinging with the team.
Really surprised by the deck -- I thought all our smaller creatures would just get overrun. You really just gotta throw them all at the face. The small damage adds up and people don't seem to mind a 1/1 or 2/1 chipping at their life total until its too late. And if they die off, Empty the Pits is great. Playing it on end of their turn to get 6+ Zombies gets an instant scoop some of the time. Or even just get Despoiler of Souls back from the graveyard over and over again.
Kalitas, Traitor of Ghet hasn't done much for me yet. Although one game he did help get the last point of damage in by sacrificing a Carrier Thrall with Zulaport Cutthroat on board.
Keep up the good work!