Counterspells [10] (9 if you count the Morph) 1 Foil (gets rid of extra cards that might clog my hand with Damia) 1 Hinder (tuck effect) 1 Rewind (surpised extra mana for certain effects I quite like it) 1 Spelljack (stealing) 1 Put Away (if my library shuffles are all in my graveyard this can save me) 1 Logic Knot (used to exile useless ramp in my graveyard lategame) 1 Mystic Snake (efficient 1 + creature for 1) 1 Spell Crumple (tuck effect) 1 Draining Whelk (efficient 2 for 1) 1 Commandeer (steal and useable in emergencies)
Enchantment removal [2] (if you count the morph and permanent/artifact destruction) 1 Hush (cycle in case of uselessness) 1 Back to Nature (cast for cycle in case of uselessness)
So the basis of the deck is to ramp alot, to get most of the lands out of the deck until you can cast most of your hand every turn. Use exile effects to remove some ramp cards from your graveyard the get it back using Reminisce-like effects, you then have a 50 card deck with 10 counterspells, 5 Wrath effects, 4 equipment protection, 1 tutor, a couple of random cards and a crapton of assorted removal. I wanted alot of non draw card advantages. 2 for 1s or so. Of effects that give you creatures in addition to getting other things.
Problems: -Maybe too much counterspells/Ramp/lands.
-Creatures will not be strong lategame.
-Budget so better cards are off limit (Damnation, Big Eldrazi, voidslime)
-Lack of sweepers.
-Weak without Damia. -Might be annoying to play against.
finally an intersting build! no offence to the other builds on the site.
I haven't actually built my own damia deck but i don't think you need to waste any cards on counterspells, i know the urge to use them whenever you have blue in the deck is pretty hard, but i think the card advantage could be used to drop more creatures. I think you could cut almost all the counterspells for more creatures that have fun etb effects to deal with whatever your oponents drop on the field.
Nice job none the less, just my opinion
you know your playgroup better than me and maybe you need counterspells
Nice deck! Reminds me of my own. Tons of etb-effect creatures to both swarm and dominate the opponent's permanents. I understand you're on a budget so I won't try to recommend pricey cards....
And first off, definitely add that Coiling Oracle. Great card right there.
Some cards I would recommend:
Diabolic Tutor: No deck is a black deck without the quintessential "can't see what I'm doing, can't see what I'm planning" card. Obviously Demonic Tutor is better, but you're on a budget after all...and bar Demonic Tutor, this card is actually really good. I've seen people run BOTH in their black decks, and having two powerful tutors is nothing to joke about. Plus, you have so much mana, the pricey 2BB shouldn't be hard to pay mid-game.
Crystal Ball: You don't have Sensei's Divining Top...but this card is practically the next best thing. It also allows you to place annoying cards that you don't need (land draws, etc) on the bottom, whereas the top just makes you have to draw them later. This card may seem stupid since Damia is just going to draw cards for you later on, but you'll need this to help get her out earlier by bypassing the cards that will stall her arrival (non-mana ramp, removal, etc).
Loxodon Warhammer: Having at least one card that allows you to gain life is essential for a Commander Deck because it helps you survive longer, bar commander damage. It also works wonders when equip to Damia, in case it's the endgame and you have a chance to 3HKO with commander damage. Deathtouch + Trample is also a winning combination.
Oracle of Mul Daya: Play this card. Put it back in. This card is amazing with Damia, because it helps you empty your hand faster. And unlike Azusa, Lost but Seeking, Oracle will help, even when you don't have any lands in your hand. It's really meant to be comboed with Sensei's Divining Top...but didn't I just mention Crystal Ball in this post? Seriously...just use this card. It has worked wonders for me; I've been able to get Damia out as early as turn 5, when none of my opponents had an answer to it.
Krosan Grip: Artifact removal. Can't be countered. Sounds good right? Put it in. Although it might be a little high on your budget for one card that only does one thing. It isn't really pivotal to winning, but it can put your opponents in nasty places...like by destroying a Sol Ring while they are land-screwed, or destroying their top early in the game. It really comes in handy.
Beast Within: Terrastodon is pretty much the same thing as this card, only 5 times better. Still, having the effect at instant speed is really good. Before I found a place for Maelstrom Pulse in my deck, I was playing this card. I still think this card is better than Maelstrom Pulse too, simple because it's an instant, and it can kill ANYTHING. This card IS green Vindicate. Simply ridiculous.
Makeshift Mannequin: Instant speed revival. Helps Damia in case the opponent kills it. "Yeah, well that Wrath of God was a waste, because at the end of your turn, Makeshift Mannequin, here's Damia, I draw 4 cards, nice try buddy." It's just so satisfying to see a 10$ kill spell get shut down by a 50 cent Instant immediately after its played.
Forbidden Alchemy: Finally, Forbidden Alchemy...it seems to counteract Damia, but just like tutor spells, it's still really good. Instant speed, tutor off 4 cards, and send the rest to the grave. It just gives you good control over what's in the hand and grave. I find it useful, hope you will too.
And that ends my review of your deck. As I mentioned earlier, I too have a Damia deck. Most of the cards I put in were on this list of recommended cards. I'm not on a budget, so please feel free to recommend any cards. My deck basically has the same purpose as yours: play spells until the hand empties, draw cards with Damia, play more spells. I've taken out most of my ramp, so that's probably the only way it's different from yours. Anyway, just please take a look. http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=397472
Nice deck! Reminds me of my own. Tons of etb-effect creatures to both swarm and dominate the opponent's permanents. I understand you're on a budget so I won't try to recommend pricey cards....
And first off, definitely add that Coiling Oracle. Great card right there.
Some cards I would recommend:
Diabolic Tutor: No deck is a black deck without the quintessential "can't see what I'm doing, can't see what I'm planning" card. Obviously Demonic Tutor is better, but you're on a budget after all...and bar Demonic Tutor, this card is actually really good. I've seen people run BOTH in their black decks, and having two powerful tutors is nothing to joke about. Plus, you have so much mana, the pricey 2BB shouldn't be hard to pay mid-game.
Crystal Ball: You don't have Sensei's Divining Top...but this card is practically the next best thing. It also allows you to place annoying cards that you don't need (land draws, etc) on the bottom, whereas the top just makes you have to draw them later. This card may seem stupid since Damia is just going to draw cards for you later on, but you'll need this to help get her out earlier by bypassing the cards that will stall her arrival (non-mana ramp, removal, etc).
Loxodon Warhammer: Having at least one card that allows you to gain life is essential for a Commander Deck because it helps you survive longer, bar commander damage. It also works wonders when equip to Damia, in case it's the endgame and you have a chance to 3HKO with commander damage. Deathtouch + Trample is also a winning combination.
Oracle of Mul Daya: Play this card. Put it back in. This card is amazing with Damia, because it helps you empty your hand faster. And unlike Azusa, Lost but Seeking, Oracle will help, even when you don't have any lands in your hand. It's really meant to be comboed with Sensei's Divining Top...but didn't I just mention Crystal Ball in this post? Seriously...just use this card. It has worked wonders for me; I've been able to get Damia out as early as turn 5, when none of my opponents had an answer to it.
Krosan Grip: Artifact removal. Can't be countered. Sounds good right? Put it in. Although it might be a little high on your budget for one card that only does one thing. It isn't really pivotal to winning, but it can put your opponents in nasty places...like by destroying a Sol Ring while they are land-screwed, or destroying their top early in the game. It really comes in handy.
Beast Within: Terrastodon is pretty much the same thing as this card, only 5 times better. Still, having the effect at instant speed is really good. Before I found a place for Maelstrom Pulse in my deck, I was playing this card. I still think this card is better than Maelstrom Pulse too, simple because it's an instant, and it can kill ANYTHING. This card IS green Vindicate. Simply ridiculous.
Makeshift Mannequin: Instant speed revival. Helps Damia in case the opponent kills it. "Yeah, well that Wrath of God was a waste, because at the end of your turn, Makeshift Mannequin, here's Damia, I draw 4 cards, nice try buddy." It's just so satisfying to see a 10$ kill spell get shut down by a 50 cent Instant immediately after its played.
Forbidden Alchemy: Finally, Forbidden Alchemy...it seems to counteract Damia, but just like tutor spells, it's still really good. Instant speed, tutor off 4 cards, and send the rest to the grave. It just gives you good control over what's in the hand and grave. I find it useful, hope you will too.
And that ends my review of your deck. As I mentioned earlier, I too have a Damia deck. Most of the cards I put in were on this list of recommended cards. I'm not on a budget, so please feel free to recommend any cards. My deck basically has the same purpose as yours: play spells until the hand empties, draw cards with Damia, play more spells. I've taken out most of my ramp, so that's probably the only way it's different from yours. Anyway, just please take a look. http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=397472
Diabolic Tutor: I thought I might not need tutors but maybe I might. What comes out? Crystal Ball: I don't know if scry 2 is worth it when I draw 5 every turn. Loxodon Warhammer: I don't really attack. I have Exanguinate. Oracle of Mul Daya: I didn't like people knowing about what is in my hand. I also mostly used it for extra land drops. Krosan Grip: I have an extra copy, what comes out? Beast Within: I've got bramblecrush? This is a bit expensive. I can get it if it's really worth it. Makeshift Mannequin: Does it help me live, though? Or just give Mimeoplasm better targets against me. Forbidden Alchemy: I don't know if this is that good. I tend to draw enough.
Thanks though, I'm looking forward to taking a look at your list and seeing what you believe is to be taken out of my list.
@ExReal92vedal
Offense almost taken. . I thought I had quite the unique Damia build going...
As for cuts, despite getting the all important manaramp, you're still going to find yourself holding onto some dead cards early game. Would recommend cutting Dread Cacodemon and Phthisis as they are very color dependant.
Diabolic Tutor Take out Put Away Krosan Grip Voidmage Apprentice Makeshift Mannequin It's better than wasting a turn not having Damia on the field after it just died. It also allows you to place Damia in the graveyard instead of the command zone, chipping off the extra 2 you'd normally pay to play it again. I think it's worth it. Take out Nuerok Stealthsuit, since it's a dead draw while you have Lightning Greaves and Swiftfoot Boots. Plus, with the mannequin counter on, you won't be able to equip things to it, so might as well lessen the chances of that happening. Beast Within In my opinion, this card is totally worth it. It's better than Bramblecrush because this is instant speed. Saves you mana since you can play it on the opponent's turn, and allows for some funky politics, in case your target is being attacked by something < or = 3/3 because he/she has nothing on the field to block with. BAM, 3/3 Beast, and he/she decides to block. What now? You just killed a creature AND another permanent. ...Okay, very conditional, but still, this is one of the best cards green has. I guarantee that if you get this card, you'll play it in other commander decks besides this one.
Put away is essentially another shuffler in my deck without wasting a slot on one. If I get milled (more before Ulamog was in) I'd use it to get a shuffler back. I'm also low on counters. I guess it could come out.
Voidmage Apprentice is out for Krosan Grip. But I do want more creatures though.
The Stealthsuit keeps Damia alive the odds of getting one is still low. I don't really have trouble with her dying too much with my artipackage. They seem to be equal in keeping Damia alive, but the suit is multiuse and doesn't make her easier to kill.
Beast within is good too, what to replace if I get one?
EDIT: Hows this look: -Riever Demon -Dread Cacodemon
+Krosan Grip
+Oracle of MulDaya?
UPDATED:
7 Damia, Sage of Stone
3 Phyrexian Arena
Protection for Damia [4]
3 Darksteel Plate
2 Swiftfoot Boots
2 Neurok Stealthsuit
2 Lightning Greaves
Ramp [10]
3 Search for Tomorow
7 Krosan Tusker
3 Growth Spasm
3 Far Wanderings
3 Untamed Wilds
3 Primal Growth
3 Deep Reconnaissance
4 Reap and Sow
4 Explosive Vegetation
5 Seedguide Ash
Shuffle Effects [4]
1 Elixir of Immortality
3 Loaming Shaman
5 Primal Command
11 Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
Copy [3]
4 Clone
4 Phyrexian Metamorph
4 Rite of Replication
2 Fierce Empath
7 Rune-Scarred Demon
ScrewYouGraveyard [1]
2 Scavenging Ooze
AndYouCreatures [4]
5 Spin into Myth
6 Duplicant
6 Phthisis
7 Phyrexian Ingester
AndYourPermanents [6]
3 Krosan Grip
3 Trygon Predator
4 Mold Shambler
5 Acidic Slime
6 Brutalizer Exarch
8 Terastodon
AndYourSpells [12]
2 Willbender
2 Voidmage Apprentice
2 Logic Knot
3 Hinder
3 Spell Crumple
4 Put Away
4 Foil
4 Rewind
4 Mystic Snake
6 Draining Whelk
6 Spelljack
7 Commandeer
2 Black Sun's Zenith
3 Oblivion Stone
4 Bane of the Living
6 Life's Finale
6 Massacre Wurm
ButLetsHaveSomeFun [7]
2 Heartless Summoning
2 Exsanguinate
3 Eternal Witness
3 Genesis Wave
4 Oracle of Mul Daya
5 Living Death
5 Vengeful Pharaoh
The Lands [40]
0 Mystifying Maze
0 Temple of the False God
0 Terrain Generator
0 Command Tower
0 Tolaria West
0 Bojuka Bog
11 Island
12 Forest
11 Swamp
1 Damia, Sage of Stone (draw card advantage)
Morph [8]
1 Willbender (redirect effect)
1 Skinthinner (creature removal)
1 Chromeshell Crab (creature removal by stealing and replacing)
1 Nantuko Vigilante (enchantment and artifact removal)
1 Bane of the Living (wrath effect)
1 Serpentine Basilisk (semi removal, good against attackers) (***)
1 Mischievous Quanar (instant and sorcery copy, reusable)
1 Voidmage Apprentice (counterspell)
Counterspells [10] (9 if you count the Morph)
1 Foil (gets rid of extra cards that might clog my hand with Damia)
1 Hinder (tuck effect)
1 Rewind (surpised extra mana for certain effects I quite like it)
1 Spelljack (stealing)
1 Put Away (if my library shuffles are all in my graveyard this can save me)
1 Logic Knot (used to exile useless ramp in my graveyard lategame)
1 Mystic Snake (efficient 1 + creature for 1)
1 Spell Crumple (tuck effect)
1 Draining Whelk (efficient 2 for 1)
1 Commandeer (steal and useable in emergencies)
Enchantment removal [2] (if you count the morph and permanent/artifact destruction)
1 Hush (cycle in case of uselessness)
1 Back to Nature (cast for cycle in case of uselessness)
Creature removal [6] (9 if you count morph)
1 Nekrataal (death with craeture)
1 Shreikmaw (same)
1 Dark Hatchling (and again)
1 Duplicant (great card)
1 Phyrexian Ingester (also)
1 Spin into Myth (tuch effect)
1 Acidic Slime (versatile)
1 Indrik Stomphowler (same)
1 Mold Shambler (and again)
1 Brutalizer Exarch (once more + tutor)
1 Terastodon (3 permanents)
Protection [4]
1 Darksteel Plate
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Neurok Stealthsuit
1 Whispersilk Cloak
Wrath effects [4] (5 if you could morph)
1 Dread Cacodemon
1 Reiver Demon
1 Life’s Finale
1 Oblivion Stone
1 Massacre Wurm
Random [5] (100 if you count everything else)
1 Venser’s Journal (***)
1 Genesis Wave
1 Oracle of Mul Daya (***)
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Onyx Talisman (***)
Shuffle effects [3]
1 Primal Command (very versatile)
1 Reminisce (just in case)
1 Elixir of Immortality (library protection also)
1 Exsanguinate (Cabal Coffers, Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth and lifegain, yes!)
1 Tunnel Vision (with 3 tuck effects)
1 Triumph of the Hordes (random win) (***)
Ramp (9)
1 Krosan Tusker
1 Reap and Sow
1 Untamed Wild
1 Primal Growth
1 Growth Spasm
1 Far Wanderings
1 Search for Tomorow
1 Explosive Vegetation
1 Deep Reconnaissance
Lands (39)
1 Cabal Coffers
1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
1 Terrain Generator
1 Mystifying Maze
10 Swamp
11 Island
11 Forest
Cards with (***) might be getting replaced. [5 total]
Thinking of adding:
[9 total]
So the basis of the deck is to ramp alot, to get most of the lands out of the deck until you can cast most of your hand every turn. Use exile effects to remove some ramp cards from your graveyard the get it back using Reminisce-like effects, you then have a 50 card deck with 10 counterspells, 5 Wrath effects, 4 equipment protection, 1 tutor, a couple of random cards and a crapton of assorted removal. I wanted alot of non draw card advantages. 2 for 1s or so. Of effects that give you creatures in addition to getting other things.
Problems:
-Maybe too much counterspells/Ramp/lands.-Creatures will not be strong lategame.
-Budget so better cards are off limit (Damnation, Big Eldrazi, voidslime)
-Lack of sweepers.
-Weak without Damia.
-Might be annoying to play against.Any suggestions guys?
EDIT: UPDATED LIST.
I haven't actually built my own damia deck but i don't think you need to waste any cards on counterspells, i know the urge to use them whenever you have blue in the deck is pretty hard, but i think the card advantage could be used to drop more creatures. I think you could cut almost all the counterspells for more creatures that have fun etb effects to deal with whatever your oponents drop on the field.
Nice job none the less, just my opinion
you know your playgroup better than me and maybe you need counterspells
I've played with the deck for the first time in a while last night. I want it to be able to fend off two decks.
Help?
And first off, definitely add that Coiling Oracle. Great card right there.
Some cards I would recommend:
Diabolic Tutor: No deck is a black deck without the quintessential "can't see what I'm doing, can't see what I'm planning" card. Obviously Demonic Tutor is better, but you're on a budget after all...and bar Demonic Tutor, this card is actually really good. I've seen people run BOTH in their black decks, and having two powerful tutors is nothing to joke about. Plus, you have so much mana, the pricey 2BB shouldn't be hard to pay mid-game.
Crystal Ball: You don't have Sensei's Divining Top...but this card is practically the next best thing. It also allows you to place annoying cards that you don't need (land draws, etc) on the bottom, whereas the top just makes you have to draw them later. This card may seem stupid since Damia is just going to draw cards for you later on, but you'll need this to help get her out earlier by bypassing the cards that will stall her arrival (non-mana ramp, removal, etc).
Loxodon Warhammer: Having at least one card that allows you to gain life is essential for a Commander Deck because it helps you survive longer, bar commander damage. It also works wonders when equip to Damia, in case it's the endgame and you have a chance to 3HKO with commander damage. Deathtouch + Trample is also a winning combination.
Oracle of Mul Daya: Play this card. Put it back in. This card is amazing with Damia, because it helps you empty your hand faster. And unlike Azusa, Lost but Seeking, Oracle will help, even when you don't have any lands in your hand. It's really meant to be comboed with Sensei's Divining Top...but didn't I just mention Crystal Ball in this post? Seriously...just use this card. It has worked wonders for me; I've been able to get Damia out as early as turn 5, when none of my opponents had an answer to it.
Krosan Grip: Artifact removal. Can't be countered. Sounds good right? Put it in. Although it might be a little high on your budget for one card that only does one thing. It isn't really pivotal to winning, but it can put your opponents in nasty places...like by destroying a Sol Ring while they are land-screwed, or destroying their top early in the game. It really comes in handy.
Beast Within: Terrastodon is pretty much the same thing as this card, only 5 times better. Still, having the effect at instant speed is really good. Before I found a place for Maelstrom Pulse in my deck, I was playing this card. I still think this card is better than Maelstrom Pulse too, simple because it's an instant, and it can kill ANYTHING. This card IS green Vindicate. Simply ridiculous.
Makeshift Mannequin: Instant speed revival. Helps Damia in case the opponent kills it. "Yeah, well that Wrath of God was a waste, because at the end of your turn, Makeshift Mannequin, here's Damia, I draw 4 cards, nice try buddy." It's just so satisfying to see a 10$ kill spell get shut down by a 50 cent Instant immediately after its played.
Forbidden Alchemy: Finally, Forbidden Alchemy...it seems to counteract Damia, but just like tutor spells, it's still really good. Instant speed, tutor off 4 cards, and send the rest to the grave. It just gives you good control over what's in the hand and grave. I find it useful, hope you will too.
And that ends my review of your deck. As I mentioned earlier, I too have a Damia deck. Most of the cards I put in were on this list of recommended cards. I'm not on a budget, so please feel free to recommend any cards. My deck basically has the same purpose as yours: play spells until the hand empties, draw cards with Damia, play more spells. I've taken out most of my ramp, so that's probably the only way it's different from yours. Anyway, just please take a look.
http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=397472
Diabolic Tutor: I thought I might not need tutors but maybe I might. What comes out?
Crystal Ball: I don't know if scry 2 is worth it when I draw 5 every turn.
Loxodon Warhammer: I don't really attack. I have Exanguinate.
Oracle of Mul Daya: I didn't like people knowing about what is in my hand. I also mostly used it for extra land drops.
Krosan Grip: I have an extra copy, what comes out?
Beast Within: I've got bramblecrush? This is a bit expensive. I can get it if it's really worth it.
Makeshift Mannequin: Does it help me live, though? Or just give Mimeoplasm better targets against me.
Forbidden Alchemy: I don't know if this is that good. I tend to draw enough.
Thanks though, I'm looking forward to taking a look at your list and seeing what you believe is to be taken out of my list.
Offense almost taken. . I thought I had quite the unique Damia build going...
As for cuts, despite getting the all important manaramp, you're still going to find yourself holding onto some dead cards early game. Would recommend cutting Dread Cacodemon and Phthisis as they are very color dependant.
| B Erebos, God of VampiresB | GYeva SmashG | RBosh ArtifactsR | GURAnimar +1 BeatsGUR | RBVial's Secret Hot SauceRB | UBRNekusar, Draw if you DareUBR | RGBDarigaaz'z DragonsRGB | GBSlimeFEETGB | UBOn-Hit LazavUB | URBrudiclad's Artificer InventionsUR | GUBMuldrotha's ElementalsGUB | WUGKestia's EnchantmentsWUG | GUTatyova - Draw, Land, Go!GU | WGArahbo's EquipmentWG | BUWVarina's ZOMBIE HORDESBUW | WLyra's Angelic SalvationW | WBChurch of TeysaWB | UAzami...WizardsU
I understand the demon (Him and Riever demon were on the cutting block last night) but I don't have more sweepers. Know of any cheap ones?
Krosan Grip Voidmage Apprentice
Makeshift Mannequin It's better than wasting a turn not having Damia on the field after it just died. It also allows you to place Damia in the graveyard instead of the command zone, chipping off the extra 2 you'd normally pay to play it again. I think it's worth it. Take out Nuerok Stealthsuit, since it's a dead draw while you have Lightning Greaves and Swiftfoot Boots. Plus, with the mannequin counter on, you won't be able to equip things to it, so might as well lessen the chances of that happening.
Beast Within In my opinion, this card is totally worth it. It's better than Bramblecrush because this is instant speed. Saves you mana since you can play it on the opponent's turn, and allows for some funky politics, in case your target is being attacked by something < or = 3/3 because he/she has nothing on the field to block with. BAM, 3/3 Beast, and he/she decides to block. What now? You just killed a creature AND another permanent. ...Okay, very conditional, but still, this is one of the best cards green has. I guarantee that if you get this card, you'll play it in other commander decks besides this one.
Voidmage Apprentice is out for Krosan Grip. But I do want more creatures though.
The Stealthsuit keeps Damia alive the odds of getting one is still low. I don't really have trouble with her dying too much with my artipackage. They seem to be equal in keeping Damia alive, but the suit is multiuse and doesn't make her easier to kill.
Beast within is good too, what to replace if I get one?
EDIT: Hows this look: -Riever Demon -Dread Cacodemon
+Krosan Grip
+Oracle of MulDaya?