best way to deal with heavy permission is just generally uncounterable stuff, more stuff than they have counters, or impeccably good timing. In this case, the first and the last options are going to have to combine to win vs. say, a fae deck. I'd stock up on critter removal, -4 plains, +4 mutavaults (best manland for you unless you have another option I don't know about) and just plan your timing *really* well in order to wreck their couter base, ie -finks, +true believers (or runed halo) to handle their 4/4 flash guys, the *real* threat to you since it costs you major tempo which is key in the control matchups. Also, I'd consider adding in terramorphic expanse as a way of thinning, since you don't seem to have much early game. With that said, other options are : hail of arrows as a budget, one sided wrath. I've used it often and well. It just wrecks so many decks. Hallowed burial over austere command. It does it's job very well and wrecks persist. Serra angel over divinity of pride: you like lifelink. I make the piont here that something that both attacks and blocks is a source of card and tempo advantage itself, especially vs. varmints packing bitter blossom and like effects, and lord knows your card drawing options are limited. folio isn't bad, but I don't know if it's the best option. maybe augury adept? will often get thru and does a bang up job of lifegain+card draw.
I might point out that Ivory mask isn't standard legal, but true believer might help stop early combo, if there is any. I'd also consider adding in 4 mindstones for early accel and late game card draw. endless horizons might also be good for this. Good luck
I like the deck idea. Been working on a similar one myself. If you're looking at some token based lists, or evocation, maybe 2 torrent of souls? It's good recursion and a helluva finisher in lieu of the rekindled flame should you not draw one.
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edit: nvm on the torrent of souls. Not really enough creatures to take advantage of it. However, the idea of the removal of puncture blast (3 drop way to stuffed, agreed) and addition of ravenous rats is a good one. He's generally going to be a 2 for 1 (block+discard) and you'll have your early game a little more solid with a bit more to do. helping out your curve would seem to be everything here. You could also consider dropping down to 3 ofs of some of your less useful spells and maybe adding in 3 or 4 beseech the queen as tutors? But that's up to you, I really like beseech for tutor toolboxes
If you're trying to take down decks like fae, a bevy of counterspells could just about easily do it. I'd take a look at the green/blue merfolk lists that seem to run rampant over fae. maybe they could offer you up some suggestions without going hugely out of your way for red burn. with that said, a possible sb suggestion would be -4 firespout, +4 thresher. that should give you a modicum of fae crunch.
Goblin assault is more of an aggro card, rather than control. I'd not bother with it, mauler, figure of destiny as all belong in an aggro deck. With that said, run long term card advantage like kitchen finks, oblivion ring, crib swap/unmake, fire at will, and maybe up your archon count to 4 or remove them and run the giant sorcery that gives you a token if your life is higher than your opponent.
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also, I'd run a few more basics over reflecting pool. You don't really need them, and mountains/plains/terramorphic expanse will cheapen it up a little + give you a little long term land thin, which would make endless horizons something to consider. You could also run the red or white manlands as wrath proof blockers and/or eventual win conditions.
actually, I'd consider taking out some of the removal for 4xpsionic blast. takes care of annoyances like stillmoon cavalier (otherwise your bane) and other things that are pro black (think colossus). Or, it can go straight to the dome for a little added reach, and it doesn't cost too much.
well, without time spiral, I'd have said add in some of the 2/2 flash cavalier guy, as split second+piles of tokens usually spells death for the fae player. with that said, you're gonna have to try to out card advantage him. so that means nothing like rule of law. playing one spell a turn is very bad for you, if they're counter based at all. sometimes beating the control player is as simple is laying land after land, and then playing more threats than they can answer in one turn.
I really think I'd keep stillmoon cavalier in. It's subperb against most of the meta besides rdw, and even there it has it's uses, stopping demigod and gouger in their tracks. good luck!
fa'diyah seer (or green sinbad, if I spelled it wrong) comes to mind. fetches you the land, tosses some of the retrace stuff straight in the crapper. was quite prominent in green/black dredge when it was in standard, could be again.
why no lord of atlantis? are they too expensive as well? Islandwalk+aquitect's will should bring it home against fae. Also, add in rune snag until it rotates. cheaper counter and gets thru a lot. the banishing knack should do it, otherwise. good luck!
looking over that, the 4th ring/unmake/procession should be auto includes, as well as any stalwarts you have laying around. Kinsbaile borderguard makes good wrath insurance, or a big beater if you need one, but not more than a couple, I'd think. Surge of thoughtweft makes a good one turn pump/end game card+ cantrip most of the time, but I'd look over some of the competive kithkin decks from block. there are a lot of good ideas in them.
with oona's, story circles, card draw, lots of removal, etc. why would you want avengers? they're more of an aggro control card, I'd think. i suppose you could run the classic serra angel if you're looking for vigilance and flying. good luck
the reason the puresight merrow would seem good is because it would allow you to attack, still get a useful untap out of it (ie, you get better card selection, often very hard to get in white especially), and it would get +2/+2 from your light from within is why i suggest it.
activated abilities that have no other reminder/rules text work only when they're in play. so countered or in the graveyard are not zones that they work in.
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edit: nvm on the torrent of souls. Not really enough creatures to take advantage of it. However, the idea of the removal of puncture blast (3 drop way to stuffed, agreed) and addition of ravenous rats is a good one. He's generally going to be a 2 for 1 (block+discard) and you'll have your early game a little more solid with a bit more to do. helping out your curve would seem to be everything here. You could also consider dropping down to 3 ofs of some of your less useful spells and maybe adding in 3 or 4 beseech the queen as tutors? But that's up to you, I really like beseech for tutor toolboxes
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also, I'd run a few more basics over reflecting pool. You don't really need them, and mountains/plains/terramorphic expanse will cheapen it up a little + give you a little long term land thin, which would make endless horizons something to consider. You could also run the red or white manlands as wrath proof blockers and/or eventual win conditions.
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