No joke, I run on 4-5 hours of sleep a day. After a while, you just get used to it, haha.
As for the deck tech, I do have some questions if any body has any kind of ideas-what's a decent video software to use? Free is prefered, but I'll throw a few bucks at something too.
Run all three if you can. With a deck that has that kind of focus on saccing, you're going to need them.
That said, the first two are the objectively better choices. Bloodghast is basically free after he hits the graveyard and is excellent skullclamp food. I've tested traitor, and while it worked nice as a sword carrier, I found myself thirsty for more.
Ashen Ghoul is also a card. It might not be the best, but it's better than traitor IMO.
I've not really had time to sit down and do the primer just yet. I got started, but between work, my daughter, school and managing MTGBrodeals.com (on top of everything else), I've just not had the man hours to sit down and do it yet
Soon! I promise. Life has just had a bad habit of desiring ALL my attention lately.
Woooot! Fetches! I can finally pick up the on-color ones I was missing for reasonably cheap.
Ugin's Nexus isn't anything we really need to screw with. We've already got a time-taking engine, and to be frank, how often do we really worry about opponents taking more turns than us? Not to mention it's a symmetrical effect. It's good, but there are better cards if we're looking for extra time walk effects TBH.
I like the multi-clone. With Sculpting Steel and Phyrexian Metamorph already copying almost anything that would be relevant for us, I question where we would really need it. It lacks synergy with Sharuum, and if we're using it to copy our friend's stuff, I'd much rather run something like Bribery.
EDIT: on Utter End-
I like the card. It's pretty damn effective. But within our wheelhouse, we've access to lower, slightly conditional CMC options. Path To Exile, Swords To Plowshares, Oblation, Journey To Nowhere, Detention Sphere, Oblivion Ring and it's new variant, Vindicate all have a place in here as well. I've found most of them lacking over simply bouncing things with Aether Spellbomb, but I'm in a weird meta. Oblation always worked the best for me. Also, Spine of Ish Sah exists and works REALLY well in some builds.
Honestly?
I've been using them and haven't looked back. For all the reasons I just listed, having reusable cantripping artifacts is worth the mana you put into them. They're going to net you quite a few cards without detracting from the overall purpose of the deck. Seriously, try them. You'll be surprised.
In this regard, probably not. I actually use Aether Spellbomb/Oblation to deal with Voltron Generals. Seems to have worked well so far, so long as you nab 'em before they equip pro-U anything.
You're absoutely correct. The reason for the cantrip-rocks in my build was the overt lack of draw that hampered some of the longer games I got into, specifically arms-races against Karametra, Savra, and Kataki. Diversity is FAR more important-the cantrip rocks are a great inclusion however.
You're also correct on the overall performance of sharuum w/ regards to other rocks. I'm going to be as blunt as I can here, folks-you want the densest, cheapest mana rocks you can reasonably get access to. If you're on a budget, Sol Ring and Signets are a must. However, if you've got the cash, Crypt and friends are great fun.
Don't forget that other mana-sinkers and the like exist as well. I've seen several takes on Sharuum that use Rituals to enable some fairly powerful interactions, though they deviate from an artifact based win.
Also, as Serrasin said, cards like Twister, Forcefield and more should also be considerations if you're laying some money down. They'll save you. Time Twister has already wrecked some hands of my opponents that otherwise would have ruined me.
Why Cantripping Mana Rocks Are Better Than Some Alternatives:
Sharuum is one of those decks where any 3 CMC or lower rock is going to put in serious work. Specifically, Sol Ring, Mana Vault/crypt, Lotus Petal/Bloom, the signets and to a lesser extent, Darksteel Ingot/Chromatic Lantern/Basalt Monlith put you places within the first few turns that you otherwise couldn't reach.
However, depending on your build (please keep this in mind), you might be forced into corners with design where you have to sacrifice space for cards that help you win. This turned out to be the case with my "new" build. I wanted a devoted draw suite that could run alongside my card filtering/draw spells without taking away from the deck.
I kicked around a few options. I wanted something that was 3 or less and could provide continual advantage without taking away from the synergy of the deck. I tested Mystic Remora, Phyrexian Arena, Necropotence and more (temple bell and friends) to no avail. While they often gave me cards, the risk of them getting removed or taxing me in one way or another over the course of long games grew tiresome.
Enter the 1 CMC cantripping mana rocks, Chromatic Sphere/star and others.
The reason these cards work is that they fit in with the Salvaging Station strategy while providing mana fixing AND targets you don't mind losing to Kuldotha Forgemaster, Trading Post and Time Sieve. They often draw cards regardless of if you tap them for mana or not, and even the inclusion of a single one can net you 3 or more cards over the course of a game, often at your liberty, with no ill side effects. Couple this with Tezzeret and friends, and you've also got some low-cost beaters to chump block or beat face later in the game. They also "cog" into one another sometimes, which can be very nice, and net you 2-3 cards for a single mana investment, which is powerful by any stretch of the imagination.
They're also an absolutely stupid thing for your opponent to waste removal on, so they can net you a few cards under the radar.
If you're not using Salvaging Station, I can't readily recommend them. However, if you are, test them out, see if you like them, and use them aggressively. You'll be surprised.
EDIT:
Hrm, dang it Jostin! LED is actually affordable if I put a little back each week. And you make a hell of a convincing argument. Alright, alright! Time to finally get one.
I would be willing to say that this is one of the most powerful draw cards we've available to use, aside from lists geared to run Dark Confidant and similar cards. The only thing that could conceivably be better would be Necropotence, but it's drawback prevents it from being of widespread use to us.
Necrologia runs well in Bitterroot's list, which admittedly is a faster combo-centric build. The lists you've seen in this thread (and the badly out-dated OP) I believe were geared for longer, 4-6 player environments. Hence, things like Cantripping eggs, slower artifact based draw engines and more are the norm-we've the speed to afford them.
In regards to Sharuum being appropriate to your meta Trancer, I think the deck fits well regardless of where it's at-but that's a hell of a lineup, and a big table loaded with possibilities. Necrologia could aid the list greatly in getting what it wants, when it wants it, or throw you under a bus of dragon dung from Prosh. Earnestly, those three specifically make me think more tuck effects-Oblation, etc.-are in order.
There's no greater joy than tucking Kaalia back into her owner's deck.
However, that will do little to quell the things those lists are up to, regardless of if the general is out or not. How do they typically win? Kaalia is centered on general damage or dumping their hand. Proosh is one-shot poison or tokens. A better grasp on how your games typically play out could help with what advice you need.
Wow, people still post here? I'm impressed! Hi Guys, it's been a while.
During the time I've been away, my list has radically changed as well. Thanks to a very good friend of mine on twitter, @TheProxyGuy, I recently obtained Foil, Full-art copies of Workshop and Time Twister. That aside, I've also shifted a lot of the mana rocks I was using, utilizing "mana eggs" due to their cantriping ability. Also, Jostin123, you'll be happy to hear I'm running Karn, Silver Golem. You were absolutely right on the mark about it, and this deck/thread/primer owes a great deal to you.
The new lest is performing quite well.
I'm going to be writing a new comprehensive walk-through with the list, along with a video for CMDR decks. You guys will finally get to see my ugly mug!
I'll change the OP and post the video when it's done. For all practical purposes, unless something earth shattering gets released or we get a new artifact set, I'm considering my build of Sharuum "complete" for now.
She's a yandere chick dressed in goth, with pale skin and a crazed smile. She likes the undead and also has a shovel with an evil face on it.
Holy crap, I think I'm in love.
Oh yeah, her ability is pretty cool, too. Putting her in a GB deck that uses Bloodbond March and Relentless Rats or similar cards as Sac Fodder seems like a good idea. Amass an army and get zombie benefits? Sure thing, sweety. Just tell me where to dig the graves.
This thread is endlessly hilarious on so many levels./opinion
WoTC has reprinted Sol Ring several times. Both in CMDR product, and out of it. Such a decision is a sign from the company itself that it finds it a "staple" of the format that is "Safe" to reprint, so that it's readily available for players. It's power level isn't the real issue, it's WoTC's concept of what is and isn't a "safe" card that's the problem.
Personally, I've never found the card a problem. I've found SDT players who take too long setting up shenanigans a problem. I've found people who abuse Karmic Guide and other cards nobody has mentioned here a problem, because their utilitarian value is enormous in a format ripe with targets. Yet, WoTC has rerpinted these cards as well. While they might not be readily available, this leads to a sign that what we, as CMDR players, are or aren't going to play with is largely based upon how marketable it makes our format.
Recent bans have reflected this as well. SP, Prime time and others got the axe because players eager to participate in CMDR hit a noticeable wall when paired against lists featuring them. They weren't fun, and they could have potentially hurt sales of a product WoTC is now pushing at least once a year. So the cards got the axe.
I realize this is a very scatter-brained way of looking at things, but simply put, we'd not repeatedly get cards like sol ring thrown at us if WoTC/Sheldon and Co. didn't think they were safe for our way of play. Be it by reprinting them, or by leaving them untouched.
I absolutely love Sharuum. If the fact I've attempted to keep an active "primer" for her open and the fact I've played her for over 5 years says nothing else, she's undoubtedly my favorite card. She, simply put, does EVERYTHING.
Metal worker is unbanned.
I can't stop smiling.
As for the deck tech, I do have some questions if any body has any kind of ideas-what's a decent video software to use? Free is prefered, but I'll throw a few bucks at something too.
That said, the first two are the objectively better choices. Bloodghast is basically free after he hits the graveyard and is excellent skullclamp food. I've tested traitor, and while it worked nice as a sword carrier, I found myself thirsty for more.
Ashen Ghoul is also a card. It might not be the best, but it's better than traitor IMO.
Soon! I promise. Life has just had a bad habit of desiring ALL my attention lately.
Woooot! Fetches! I can finally pick up the on-color ones I was missing for reasonably cheap.
Ugin's Nexus isn't anything we really need to screw with. We've already got a time-taking engine, and to be frank, how often do we really worry about opponents taking more turns than us? Not to mention it's a symmetrical effect. It's good, but there are better cards if we're looking for extra time walk effects TBH.
I like the multi-clone. With Sculpting Steel and Phyrexian Metamorph already copying almost anything that would be relevant for us, I question where we would really need it. It lacks synergy with Sharuum, and if we're using it to copy our friend's stuff, I'd much rather run something like Bribery.
EDIT: on Utter End-
I like the card. It's pretty damn effective. But within our wheelhouse, we've access to lower, slightly conditional CMC options. Path To Exile, Swords To Plowshares, Oblation, Journey To Nowhere, Detention Sphere, Oblivion Ring and it's new variant, Vindicate all have a place in here as well. I've found most of them lacking over simply bouncing things with Aether Spellbomb, but I'm in a weird meta. Oblation always worked the best for me. Also, Spine of Ish Sah exists and works REALLY well in some builds.
I've been using them and haven't looked back. For all the reasons I just listed, having reusable cantripping artifacts is worth the mana you put into them. They're going to net you quite a few cards without detracting from the overall purpose of the deck. Seriously, try them. You'll be surprised.
You're absoutely correct. The reason for the cantrip-rocks in my build was the overt lack of draw that hampered some of the longer games I got into, specifically arms-races against Karametra, Savra, and Kataki. Diversity is FAR more important-the cantrip rocks are a great inclusion however.
You're also correct on the overall performance of sharuum w/ regards to other rocks. I'm going to be as blunt as I can here, folks-you want the densest, cheapest mana rocks you can reasonably get access to. If you're on a budget, Sol Ring and Signets are a must. However, if you've got the cash, Crypt and friends are great fun.
Don't forget that other mana-sinkers and the like exist as well. I've seen several takes on Sharuum that use Rituals to enable some fairly powerful interactions, though they deviate from an artifact based win.
Also, as Serrasin said, cards like Twister, Forcefield and more should also be considerations if you're laying some money down. They'll save you. Time Twister has already wrecked some hands of my opponents that otherwise would have ruined me.
Sharuum is one of those decks where any 3 CMC or lower rock is going to put in serious work. Specifically, Sol Ring, Mana Vault/crypt, Lotus Petal/Bloom, the signets and to a lesser extent, Darksteel Ingot/Chromatic Lantern/Basalt Monlith put you places within the first few turns that you otherwise couldn't reach.
However, depending on your build (please keep this in mind), you might be forced into corners with design where you have to sacrifice space for cards that help you win. This turned out to be the case with my "new" build. I wanted a devoted draw suite that could run alongside my card filtering/draw spells without taking away from the deck.
I kicked around a few options. I wanted something that was 3 or less and could provide continual advantage without taking away from the synergy of the deck. I tested Mystic Remora, Phyrexian Arena, Necropotence and more (temple bell and friends) to no avail. While they often gave me cards, the risk of them getting removed or taxing me in one way or another over the course of long games grew tiresome.
Enter the 1 CMC cantripping mana rocks, Chromatic Sphere/star and others.
The reason these cards work is that they fit in with the Salvaging Station strategy while providing mana fixing AND targets you don't mind losing to Kuldotha Forgemaster, Trading Post and Time Sieve. They often draw cards regardless of if you tap them for mana or not, and even the inclusion of a single one can net you 3 or more cards over the course of a game, often at your liberty, with no ill side effects. Couple this with Tezzeret and friends, and you've also got some low-cost beaters to chump block or beat face later in the game. They also "cog" into one another sometimes, which can be very nice, and net you 2-3 cards for a single mana investment, which is powerful by any stretch of the imagination.
They're also an absolutely stupid thing for your opponent to waste removal on, so they can net you a few cards under the radar.
If you're not using Salvaging Station, I can't readily recommend them. However, if you are, test them out, see if you like them, and use them aggressively. You'll be surprised.
EDIT:
Hrm, dang it Jostin! LED is actually affordable if I put a little back each week. And you make a hell of a convincing argument. Alright, alright! Time to finally get one.
I would be willing to say that this is one of the most powerful draw cards we've available to use, aside from lists geared to run Dark Confidant and similar cards. The only thing that could conceivably be better would be Necropotence, but it's drawback prevents it from being of widespread use to us.
Necrologia runs well in Bitterroot's list, which admittedly is a faster combo-centric build. The lists you've seen in this thread (and the badly out-dated OP) I believe were geared for longer, 4-6 player environments. Hence, things like Cantripping eggs, slower artifact based draw engines and more are the norm-we've the speed to afford them.
In regards to Sharuum being appropriate to your meta Trancer, I think the deck fits well regardless of where it's at-but that's a hell of a lineup, and a big table loaded with possibilities. Necrologia could aid the list greatly in getting what it wants, when it wants it, or throw you under a bus of dragon dung from Prosh. Earnestly, those three specifically make me think more tuck effects-Oblation, etc.-are in order.
There's no greater joy than tucking Kaalia back into her owner's deck.
However, that will do little to quell the things those lists are up to, regardless of if the general is out or not. How do they typically win? Kaalia is centered on general damage or dumping their hand. Proosh is one-shot poison or tokens. A better grasp on how your games typically play out could help with what advice you need.
During the time I've been away, my list has radically changed as well. Thanks to a very good friend of mine on twitter, @TheProxyGuy, I recently obtained Foil, Full-art copies of Workshop and Time Twister. That aside, I've also shifted a lot of the mana rocks I was using, utilizing "mana eggs" due to their cantriping ability. Also, Jostin123, you'll be happy to hear I'm running Karn, Silver Golem. You were absolutely right on the mark about it, and this deck/thread/primer owes a great deal to you.
The new lest is performing quite well.
I'm going to be writing a new comprehensive walk-through with the list, along with a video for CMDR decks. You guys will finally get to see my ugly mug!
I'll change the OP and post the video when it's done. For all practical purposes, unless something earth shattering gets released or we get a new artifact set, I'm considering my build of Sharuum "complete" for now.
Holy crap, I think I'm in love.
Oh yeah, her ability is pretty cool, too. Putting her in a GB deck that uses Bloodbond March and Relentless Rats or similar cards as Sac Fodder seems like a good idea. Amass an army and get zombie benefits? Sure thing, sweety. Just tell me where to dig the graves.
WoTC has reprinted Sol Ring several times. Both in CMDR product, and out of it. Such a decision is a sign from the company itself that it finds it a "staple" of the format that is "Safe" to reprint, so that it's readily available for players. It's power level isn't the real issue, it's WoTC's concept of what is and isn't a "safe" card that's the problem.
Personally, I've never found the card a problem. I've found SDT players who take too long setting up shenanigans a problem. I've found people who abuse Karmic Guide and other cards nobody has mentioned here a problem, because their utilitarian value is enormous in a format ripe with targets. Yet, WoTC has rerpinted these cards as well. While they might not be readily available, this leads to a sign that what we, as CMDR players, are or aren't going to play with is largely based upon how marketable it makes our format.
Recent bans have reflected this as well. SP, Prime time and others got the axe because players eager to participate in CMDR hit a noticeable wall when paired against lists featuring them. They weren't fun, and they could have potentially hurt sales of a product WoTC is now pushing at least once a year. So the cards got the axe.
I realize this is a very scatter-brained way of looking at things, but simply put, we'd not repeatedly get cards like sol ring thrown at us if WoTC/Sheldon and Co. didn't think they were safe for our way of play. Be it by reprinting them, or by leaving them untouched.
Where are you at in NC? I'm in forest city, but travel to Asheville.
Also, that bus looks amazing.