I played Magic during Ice Age, but only with a limited understanding, for me flyers were incredible (even phasing ones like the Visions Breezekeeper) and green was one of the most powerful colours. Little did I realise the immense amount of backstory that existed behind the set and how many fun legends it had, Marton Stromgald is one such legend. Recently yank posted a list and discussion began about the viability of Marton Stromgald as a new alternative to mono red commanders in multiplayer and one that hadn't been overdone (unlike Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, Norin, the Wary and Godo, Bandit Warlord), as of this time there are only four Marton Stromgald lists. Magnus Magicus at the time of writing also has an older version of the deck, prior to many of the better new token generators, yet it is ISBPathfinder who is responsible for embracing the deck idea and promoting discussion about it. My deck owes a lot to all of them.
What Type of Deck is Marton Stromgald?
Unlike most other mono red decks, this one cannot really be played as a control deck overly easy. It occupies a unique space between aggressive and combo. The aggressive for it's capacity to have a game that requires attacking and the combo for the potential to explode in a single turn and kill multiple people with a haste enabler and token token generator ie. Myr Incubator , Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician or Myr Battlesphere. In both of these strategies the general, Marton Stromgald, is essential, although the deck can muddle along without him and still be aggressive and 25 or so Myr or Goblins can be hard to deal with..
27/10/2011 Goblin Assault -> Relic of Progenitus - The Goblin Assault removes a degree of control from my hands and wasn't having an overly big impact. One goblin a turn was very slow and I won't regret removing it for well needed graveyard hate with Relic of Progenitus.
04/11/2011 Sword of Feast and Famine -> Orochi Hatchery - I need to up the creature token generators and several games where I drew multiple swords was just not working for me. In the context of this deck Feast and Famine is a win-more card. Mogg Infestation -> All is Dust - I have yet to want to cast Mogg Infestation and red has few answers to non-creature, non-artifact permanents. All is Dust is a good answer if the deck is thwarted and needs to rebuild.
05/11/2011 Ghitu Encampment -> Wasteland - More land destruction was needed and I was never attacking with GE. Fortunately Wasteland also enters the battlefield untapped.
06/11/2011 Vesuva -> Keldon Necropolis - I need spot removal and this land takes advantage of my token theme and is uncountable. It is in here to deal with Gaddock Teeg also. Vesuva was a burden and rarely does Valakut matter in current build. Pentavus -> Dragon Mage - Card draw is needed and Dragon Mage is perfect for it. Pentavus was also turning out to be very inefficient.
08/11/2011 Reiterate -> Wayfarer's Bauble - Greater ramp was needed and by removing copying effects the deck should be more precise in what it is trying to do.
09/11/11 Mouth of Ronom -> Buried Ruin - This deck has a mass number of artifacts (28 at this time) and recursion would be invaluable.
11/11/2011 Snow-Covered Mountain -> Winding Canyons - This offers utility and the ability to sneak out Marton. The Mountain will likely be missed, but 28 basis is still a lot.
19/11/2011 Aggravated Assault -> Monkey Cage - Token generation is essential and given generally good quality of Commander creatures, this should profit, otherwise I make best of it myself with Welder. AA wasn't doing so much, although wasn't bad by any measure, just not standing out.
30/11/2011 Pillage -> Mind Stone - Getting early mana ramp is essential and be removing a removal spell the deck is focused more on getting to its critical mass. A game when I was easilly outraced by two other decks brought this issue to light.
2/12/2011 Mogg War Marshall -> Moggcatcher - Courtesy of KrosanGrip. This is a great idea and can cheat in Ib, Kiki and Siege Gang Commander. The MWM was also having quote little impact.
25/12/2011 Dolmen Gate -> Burning Wish - Dolmen Gate was entirely cutable and people were correct in that it was rarely needed. I've wanted to use the optional sideboard rule for while to take the deck to another level, so this is a good opportunity to improve the deck.
17/01/2012 Extraplanar lens -> Gauntlet of Might - I decided to splurge and bought this expensive little gauntlet, it is better than the lens, so was included.
02/10/2012 Dragonmaster Outcast -> Goblin Rally - Dragonmaster often does too little or never even get online. The rally suits the deck's purpose perfectly by generating almost as many creatures as it costs. Blasphemous Act -> Burn at the Stake - I have two sweepers present in SB already, this allows for me to search up a potential win-condition.
10/10/2012 Darksteel Plate -> Krenko, Mob Boss - The Darksteel Plate was more or less wasting a turn and I wasn't using Marton until I had a good shot at winning, therefore, it was no longer needed and a goblin generator could be added to enhance the aggression.
02/03/2013 Precursor Golem -> Imperial Recruiter - This is an upgrade, due to the tutoring ability of Recruiter, which can fetch several (mostly goblin) targets from the deck. The price of Imperial Recruiter may be an issue for some. Snow-Covered Mountain -> Thespian's Stage - The stage is an excellent way to take their best land, or copy a useful one I need to get out of a tight situation or get further ahead. Sword of Fire and Ice -> Everflowing Chalice - More mana rocks are needed to increase consistency of the early game, hence why this is going in over the sword that offers less valid protection.
03/03/2013 Chancellor of the Forge -> Hellkite Tyrant- The Tyrant is just too good not to run in an already artifact centric deck, in addition the Chancellor was always quite underwhelming. Godo, Bandit Warlord -> Hellraiser Goblin - More ways for haste are always needed, and being a goblin this one is also much easier to tutor for. Godo was expensive for what had become a less core goal in the deck, when we just need haste. Boom//Bust (SB)-> Decree of Annihilation (SB) - Decree is a more versatile card that has a useful cycling ability to negate counters. Goblin Offensive -> Akroma's Memorial - Offensive was one of least efficient token producers in deck and Memorial allows evasion and vigilance. Incendiary Command (SB) -> Goblin Offensive (SB) - Offensive has no home main deck, but is a good tutorable token creating target at least now, this varies the sideboard, which was very needed. 28/04/2013 Mimic Vat -> Trading Post - Mimic Vat was a bit slow for my needs and Trading Post is very utilitarian, credit to ISBPathfinder for pioneering it. Aftershock was included and removed, but exact time was not recorded and subsequently lost. Hoarding Dragon -> Reforge the Soul - It was an expensive tutor and Godo, Bandit Warlord was removed along similar lines. Reforge the Soul is card draw, which the deck needs.
02/08/2013 Rakka Mar -> Zealous Conscripts - I'm including the combo are long resisting it. It should make the deck more competitive.
19/10/2013 Akroma's Memorial -> Tears of Rage - There are sufficient haste enablers that are cheaper and Tears of Rage can function as a replacement for the Commander. Burning Wish -> Purphoros, God of the Forge - Wishes were optional and the new rules change implied it would be less welcome, so it's considered removed, but I will keep the sideboard assembled should some groups wish to play against it. Spawning Pit -> Hammer of Purphoros - This change is just to increase consistently with hastersm both are good. Sword of Light and Shadow -> Thran Dynamo - More mana never hurt and I often the sword unneeded.
02/11/2013 Wurmcoil Engine -> Mad Prophet - I'm attempting to reduce decent Bribery targets and this offered few tokens. I was justs eemingly overly attached and more card draw is always needed. Swiftfoot Boots -> Tempt with Vengeance - This is the best tempt card in Commander 2013 and fits in flawlessly with Marton's strategy of more tokens creating more power. The deck currently has an abundance of haste enables, meaning an individual one is less needed now. Lightning Greaves are however still included.
04/12/2013 Keldon Necropolis -> Dwarven Ruins - It is my desire to be quick enought that Necropolis is unneeded and Dwarven Ruins can allow a quicker kill if drawn early. Trading Post -> Vandalblast - I was finding I never sought to cast Trading Post and had issues with certain life gain artifacts, so Vandalblast is in.
06/10/2014 Dwarven Ruins -> Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx - Both give quick mana, if I'm striving for an optimal start the less enter the battlefield tapped lands, the better.
24/11/2014 Snow-Covered Mountain -> Crystal Vein - Dwarven Ruins was cut recently, but this is the superior version and may allow faster starts. Orochi Hatchery -> Tormenting Voice - There is a sub-theme of Goblin Welder and using Anger in the graveyard, so I feel this source of card draw and discard has a role. 14/12/2014 Snow-Covered Mountain -> Copper Myr - To increase speed more mana ramp is needed and as it is also a creature it can add to the critical mass needed for a Marton lethal swing. There is a risk of it being killed, but that is acceptable for a faster execution of the plan. Snow-Covered Mountain -> Plague Myr - As above.
Cards ruled out due to discussion and exerience: Breath of Fury - Too random and the creature needs to actually connect, I prefer Aggravated Assault as it cannot fizzle. Goblin Marshal - For only 3 creatures straight up, with potentially 4 tokens with echo not paid or a sacrifice outlet, this card is very overcosted. I favour the lower costed Mogg War Marshal as it is essential 2 for 2 tokens regardless. Mogg War Marshal - I ran this for the longest time, but the payout is relatively low and it all it does is offer early fodder for other spells. The deck doesn't have same reliance on retaining tokens to be as effective as Ulasht, the Hate Seed does, so I don't believe this is necessary. Pentavus - This card would seemingly be very good, but has historically been very slow and it is rare to gain value from it in a mana efficient fashion. Rally the Horde - I agree with the general perception this has too much variance and not enough yield for said variance. Yuan Shao, the Indecisive - This features on Magnus's list exclusively currently. Bedlam would be preferable, as we don't want to be blocked at all. The main plus for this would be unable to be blocked by more than one creature and cannot be blocked by one, but that requires a second card to do what Bedlam does.
How do you win?
1. Attack! - This is an aggressive deck and will win by damage more than general kill. The fact the commander acts as a pseudo Shared Animosity/Coat of Arms for your creatures can make this particually explosive, especially with Myr Incubator, Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician, Snake Basket or other token generators.
2. Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle them over the long term - A mono red deck with Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle and Vesuva if you choose to run it, has the potential to do a lot of damage over a long game just with land drops.
3. Vicious Shadows - With sacrifice outlets and a tonne of tokens this deck punishes you for now killing the creatures and also for killing them.
4. Warp World - With most of the deck being permanents, only 11 won't be put out by it, Warp World will almost always favour this deck and likely set opponents back. It is especially good to achieve a haste enabler and token generator to get an attack with Marton the same turn, or turn after.
5. Hellkite Tyrant - Play your artifacts and steal theirs. Even if he does, you get the bonus of ramping substantially from their mana rocks.
6. Purphoros, God of the Forge - he interacts well with any large token scale generation.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I suggested Elemental Mastery and Dragon Mage in Pathfinder's thread already, but I'd like to reiterate: the dragon seems incredible in this style of deck. With all the haste outlets, he can turn into a CA machine which is very beneficial in a deck like this.
I really need somebody with a Marton deck to test these cards out.
Emmara is like the worst parts of Legends and Homelands got pregnant, aborted the fetus, tossed it in the trashcan, set it on fire and wrapped the corpse in a Dragon's Maze pack wrapper.
If I would make this type of deck, I would make sure to put Druidic Satchel in. I just love it, getting lands is always nice and red can't really land-ramp well otherwise, and if you get a token, it's also great. Even the lifegain is not terribly bad.
It seems slow, but that might be a ingenius way to play the early game. I'll have to see if it could work, I'm unsure what I would remove, but I will think on it.
Edit: DramaTurtle, I would go for Mastery, the mage could be alright, I'll test with just Mastery for now though, as it fits in seamlessly.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I suggested Elemental Mastery and Dragon Mage in Pathfinder's thread already, but I'd like to reiterate: the dragon seems incredible in this style of deck. With all the haste outlets, he can turn into a CA machine which is very beneficial in a deck like this.
I really need somebody with a Marton deck to test these cards out.
Overall, a very solid list.
You will notice while I had my doubts on the Elemental Mastery I didnt completely say no to Dragon Mage lol. I think he has potential he just isnt at the top of my to do list.
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I have officially moved to MTGNexus. I just wanted to let people know as my response time to salvation decks being bumped is very hit or miss.
You will notice while I had my doubts on the Elemental Mastery I didnt completely say no to Dragon Mage lol. I think he has potential he just isnt at the top of my to do list.
As good as no to the impatient, heh. One can only play so much when we are talking a multiplayer game here :P.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Still, I think the mage especially is a strong inclusion in this type of deck.
On that note, I realize you run SoFF. I'm not a big fan of it, especially in proactive decks. What do you expect to do with it? Have you had any positive experiences with it?
Emmara is like the worst parts of Legends and Homelands got pregnant, aborted the fetus, tossed it in the trashcan, set it on fire and wrapped the corpse in a Dragon's Maze pack wrapper.
Still, I think the mage especially is a strong inclusion in this type of deck.
On that note, I realize you run SoFF. I'm not a big fan of it, especially in proactive decks. What do you expect to do with it? Have you had any positive experiences with it?
It works really well in my Ruhan and Kaalia decks, although admittedly Ruhan has the capacity to switch roles from beatdown to control quite easilly. In this deck though, no, not yet. I need to try acquire Gamble, Snake Basket, Myr Matrix, Eldrazi Monument,Goblin Welder etc to finish deck, so no testing yet.
Is it too slow as you don't want to equip? I really am attracted to idea of doing more with fewer creatures and successive attack steps (fueled by Aggravated Assault) make your guys bigger each time. Maybe I'm idealistic though.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Is it too slow as you don't want to equip? I really am attracted to idea of doing more with fewer creatures and successive attack steps (fueled by Aggravated Assault make your guys bigegr each time. Maybe I'm idealistic though.
I like this idea too as it doesn't lend you to overcommitting. Not sure the Sword is the right man for the job, though. Even the Jitte might serve you better in that case.
If you're looking toward the attack step route, I'd probably also suggest running Charmbreaker Devils. They've made it into all my decks with red and I am always happy to see him. Bringing attack step cards like Relentless Assault back is frightening and can stack damage in no time if you bring in a bunch of dudes.
Emmara is like the worst parts of Legends and Homelands got pregnant, aborted the fetus, tossed it in the trashcan, set it on fire and wrapped the corpse in a Dragon's Maze pack wrapper.
I like this idea too as it doesn't lend you to overcommitting. Not sure the Sword is the right man for the job, though. Even the Jitte might serve you better in that case.
If you're looking toward the attack step route, I'd probably also suggest running Charmbreaker Devils. They've made it into all my decks with red and I am always happy to see him. Bringing attack step cards like Relentless Assault back is frightening and can stack damage in no time if you bring in a bunch of dudes.
My deck is probably a better home for the devils than ISBs, although if I could I may want to consider a few other changes, like readding Comet Storm. I would prefer World at War I think, but that is strongly on my radar now.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I found out I was in fact one card under, which for me became a Mogg War Marshal (again).
I got in two games today at my LGS, game one was me v Kresh v Numot and game two was me v Kresh v Momir Vig. It was same people both times, just Numot felt his deck didn't work game one and wanted to change.
Game 1
I went to early start, but squandered my Pillage on a land to try colour screw Numot and was unable to answer a later Batterskull. I was able to pound him in for over 20 damage before this and did about as much to Kresh. Spawning Pit was invaluable in preventing both a Insurrection and limiting Batterskull lifegain.
My mistake was in not being more ruthless with Vicious Shadows. The Kresh player was abusing Greater Good to keep a full hand and I could've killed him in one turn, but was concerned about Numot and didn't act. As it turned out I missed my window and Kresh Krosan Griped my shadows and then Word of Seizinged Numot's Tornod's Crypt and basically wrecked us with Living Death a few turns later.
Two cards that made it hard for me to close with Urabrask, the Hidden from Kresh and Stranglehold from Numot.I had the tokens and Marton. but entering battlefield tapped was very frustrating. This made me think some more direct removal may not be bad idea. the deck was explosive and I wouldn't say card underperformed, although Pentavus was a massive mana drain.
Game 2
This game I crushed and quickly, Worn Powerstone ramped me up, Rakka Mar, Emrakul's Hatcher and Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker made quick pressure with Marton and in two attacks Mimor Vig had gone down to two life, which Kresh couldn't save him from. In this attack I let Marton die, but had critical pressure on board. Kresh had no answer and scooped. So this time it worked and iwthout spot removal it's hard to stop the deck.
I have no ideas for immediate change, but I believe some graveyard hate is needed and will be squeezing in one Relic of Progenitus.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Seems like some decent games. I sort of expect that Pentavus might be more effort than he is worth. I cut him myself for just being damn slow to use and a huge mana drain.
I am not entirely sure I like Pillage though. I would be more for putting Shattering Spree in its place and adding another Wasteland style land perhaps Tectonic Edge if you want to keep costs down.
Mogg War Marshal feels like he is too small of an effect as well... I just dont care for such small scale token production. I would probably take an answer over him personally.
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I have officially moved to MTGNexus. I just wanted to let people know as my response time to salvation decks being bumped is very hit or miss.
I'll see if artifacts continue to be an issue before I make bigger commitment to wiping them out with Shattering Spree or Shattering Pulse, but I do like idea of adding in Wasteland or Dustbowl (or Tectonic Edge), the deck needs incidental answers.
I also added the relic over Goblin Assault, which you had removed earlier, heh.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Ya... Goblin Assault just spawned guys who ran off and died for me... I think that is probably a good move as I never found the tokens useful enough as they were hard to mass up.
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I have officially moved to MTGNexus. I just wanted to let people know as my response time to salvation decks being bumped is very hit or miss.
Ya... Goblin Assault just spawned guys who ran off and died for me... I think that is probably a good move as I never found the tokens useful enough as they were hard to mass up.
I get that impression too. I was thinking it would really be irritating to lose an Allstar like Welder or Kiki-Jiki or Ib (he is really good!) due to being forced to attack.
I think I learn slower than you ISB, but it's good to learn it eventually.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I'm thinking three swords is too many, I'm going to remove Sword of Feast and Famine (as many suggested for Orochi Hatchery which seems like a must include. SoLaS is very important I find my general a massive target for white removal.
So many cards in deck have justified themselves and only time I really get shafted is when I get no token generator or I discard one I search for with Gamble.
Myr Incubator is almost best card in deck from my experience so far, although last win came off insurrection.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I'm thinking three swords is too many, I'm going to remove Sword of Feast and Famine (as many suggested for Orochi Hatchery which seems like a must include. SoLaS is very important I find my general a massive target for white removal.
So many cards in deck have justified themselves and only time I really get shafted is when I get no token generator or I discard one I search for with Gamble.
Myr Incubator is almost best card in deck from my experience so far, although last win came off insurrection.
A few quick things:
I agree on cutting a few of the swords... Feast and Famine is hard to make use of and without the infinite attacks it doesn't seem like it would do that much. Light and Shadow is nice but honestly most of the white removal that I would be afraid of... Swords to Plowshares, Path to Exile, and Oblation will often just come in response to the sword equip... So I haven't seen it work that well so far. I have sort of been considering Shunt or Wild Ricochet or something of the sort as a redirect for the spot removal for Marton.
Myr Incubator might not be worth it... I haven't really been pleased by it so far either but I like the potential to have it be huge but it doesn't do anything for like 1-2 turns usually.
EDIT: I was also sort of considering the inclusion of Batterskull... It could replace a few other cards such as the Myr Incubator, or even perhaps Wurmcoil Engine as it has a similar role. However one of the really cool setups for it would be to tutor it into play with Godo, Bandit Warlord. Godo gets 2 attacks as well so strapping Batterskull onto him gives you a 7/7 vigilant lifelinking creature who gets to attack twice per turn... I have used this tactic before in an old Karrthus build of mine and it works great. Thoughts on this?
I see how Batterskull could be good as a backup (and source of life in a deck now running very few ways to gain it), although I feel the Myr Incubator plan, which you had to persuade me on at start, is just more explosive. 12 mana out at once is a big ask, but it is possible and Spinerock Knoll can help cheat it out. I don't lose if the Incubator goes off. The strength of this deck is the fact it has many creatures, not just one sweet target to knock off.
I might hold back for now, but Pentavus is likely to be cut in future, for what i don't know, maybe this or All is Dust as you proposed in your thread and Mogg Infestation has never been drawn, but from what you say it wouldn't spectacular even if I did.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Dont feel like you need to make changes on my account. I try to make my list the best I can for my own meta.
However I agree with both cards going out. It is hard to really utilize Feast and Famine due to the fact that with haste we need to do a lot during our first main phase and we just dont have the card draw / control to keep up with the mana Feast / Famine would give us. Outside of being a combo piece it also could give Marton some evasion / protections but nothing really significant.
Obviously I have already discussed my issues with the Infestation as well...
I am trying to figure out how much mana I should regularly wait for to do Orochi Hatchery for... From my testing so far casting it for less than 6 mana (IE 3 counters) seems to be a waste of time as I dont want to pay 5 mana for 1-2 tokens. 3 tokens for 5 mana seems to be the absolute minimum I would accept off of it. Best case scenario you can cast it for like 6+ counters and still be able to activate it before next turn. It can be very explosive but it can also be very slow if you just drop it in and hope it lives... However on the upside we have a lot of high profile artifacts so it is hard for them to take them all one at a time...
You might also take out Pentavus for Kozilek, Butcher of Truth... I had some luck with him the other day and he even got answered right when he came down... Drawing 4 cards for 10 mana and having a huge plan B beater that annihilates on attack and possibly has haste is a great option.
EDIT: I have also sort of been considering Homeward Path in my list with the addition of an Eldrazi + the issues I have been having with Insurrection. I got like 17 of my snow lands ordered and hope to order the last half or so soon... Sadly they get sort of spendy to order in bulk.
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have officially moved to MTGNexus. I just wanted to let people know as my response time to salvation decks being bumped is very hit or miss.
On the sword, yeah, it was win-more. I like other two for card-draw and protection from most removal at the moment.
I agree on Hatchery, 5 for 2 tokens is rubbish. I'm still acquire my hatchery. 3 tokens would be minimum for value. It also makes me wonder if Volt Charge would have some value if counter theme were pushed further.
Homeward Path is a good idea, it shouldn't strain mana too much either.
Still no other news. Getting late to FNM and playing tokens took me to time a lot.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I havent played as much as I would like, but in a game I did play the deck was shut down entirely by a combination of Gaddock Teeg and Linvala, Keeper of Silence. I couldn't do anything explosive at all.
So I've decided to add in Keldon Necropolis (over Vesuva) to take advantage of tokens and having a utility way to kill Gaddock Teeg, which will allow me to deal with Linavala.
I was also very frustrated over lacking card advantage when behind, so I'm trying Dragon Mage over Pentavus. I'm close to adding in Wayfarer's Bauble too.
Deck really did not fire when without mana and token generator. I know deck isn't terrible, but the Sissay player effectively had a lock which I couldn't interact with when stalled.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
I havent played as much as I would like, but in a game I did play the deck was shut down entirely by a combination of Gaddock Teeg and Linvala, Keeper of Silence. I couldn't do anything explosive at all.
So I've decided to add in Keldon Necropolis (over Vesuva) to take advantage of tokens and having a utility way to kill Gaddock Teeg, which will allow me to deal with Linavala.
I was also very frustrated over lacking card advantage when behind, so I'm trying Dragon Mage over Pentavus. I'm close to adding in Wayfarer's Bauble too.
Deck really did not fire when without mana and token generator. I know deck isn't terrible, but the Sissay player effectively had a lock which I couldn't interact with when stalled.
I'll keep those interested updated.
You guys let a Sisay player get away with that?!
I disassembled my Sisay deck because I drew almost as much hate as Zur the Enchanter and Sharuum the Hegemon. I would tap her at end of my opponent's turn and just search for what seemed like forever for what I wanted. This selective card advantage was a pretty good indicator that I should be killed.
I agree with the changes as the Dragon Mage seems really good and Pentavus is really slow. Vesuva is also overrated. But in all honesty, sometimes politics are intrinsic to you winning. When a lock is formed, form allies and fight against it!
Emmara is like the worst parts of Legends and Homelands got pregnant, aborted the fetus, tossed it in the trashcan, set it on fire and wrapped the corpse in a Dragon's Maze pack wrapper.
I disassembled my Sisay deck because I drew almost as much hate as Zur the Enchanter and Sharuum the Hegemon. I would tap her at end of my opponent's turn and just search for what seemed like forever for what I wanted. This selective card advantage was a pretty good indicator that I should be killed.
I agree with the changes as the Dragon Mage seems really good and Pentavus is really slow. Vesuva is also overrated. But in all honesty, sometimes politics are intrinsic to you winning. When a lock is formed, form allies and fight against it!
As you know Marton runs very little removal (and I run more removal than ISBPathfinder as is) and it was 3 person game. The other player, Glissa, the Traitor was not killing enough creatures and Aura Shards tore apart his board state (Sylvan Library, Grave Pact, and Steel Hellkite died quickly), so no good for me when player better suited to it does little!
Keldon Necropolis is an answer to Teeg now at least, but you are right Sissay is ridiculous if not answered. I switched to Ruhan to have a better chance later on and mauled the guy, although still lost to Rafiq (former Glissa player).
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
First of all I have to agree with you that Vasuva isn't nearly as impressive in a deck that only has a few really impressive lands of its own and no way to really tutor for the impressive lands... In the prior comments you mentioned issues with a captain sisay deck... that sort of deck should usually immediately get 3 v 1ed and if it doesn't it should be due to the other commanders being Zur and Sharuum at the table. When I ran my Captain Sisay deck I literally would get 3 v 1ed and this was in a new playgroup as after just a few games they realized I wasn't to be allowed to keep sisay and or my fun haste outlets.
Obviously though every game isnt ideal and some games just nobody has an answer for anything and so it cant be helped if somehow sisay drew little to no hate. Teeg is a big problem for this deck but I dont see what Linvala, Keeper of Silence could really do other than turn off Kiki-Jiki against this deck... Regardless though they are both very rough to deal with.
I was going to ask how a few cards had been doing for you just out of curosity to see your results:
Aggravated Assault I felt that this was sort of more in the deck to give the deck a combo with feast and famine. Now that SoFaF is out of the list how has this been holding up for you? How do you usually operate it and under what circumstances do you like having it?
Precursor Golem I keep shying away from the golem due to the whole chain reaction of golem death on being targeted. I like my token generators to leave behind their tokens if they die and I feel sort of like the golem is a glass cannon which is easy to answer and honestly doesnt seem like he provides that many bodies in comparison to our other outlets... I think I would likely run Monkey Cage before this guy... what are your thoughts on making that swap? Is there anything really abusive with this guy that I might be overlooking??? The best case in my mind would be strapping him to a mimic vat or something but even then he is doing somewhat of an inferior job as what most of the rest of our guys are doing in the same situation.
Dolmen Gate this was mainly included for some protection for Marton... How has it been panning out? How often do you find yourself wanting to attack with Marton and this makes a difference? When I swing with Martion 1+ people are usually dying so I usually dont care that much if he dies.
Lightning Greaves I have considered adding the shiney boots a few times but I keep just thinking it is inferior to a mass haste outlet. If someone has the spot removal they clearly are not letting you strap boots to him first. Haste is clearly better than no haste but I sort of wonder if this is any good... I wish I could just have another Furvor effect instead for the same mana...
Hoarding Dragon yes he is a red tutor and yes I still have him in my list... However I have not been that impressed with him as if I don't have a sac outlet he is sort of a liability... Granted I have a lot of white exile removal and I am just sort of wondering if this is just me or if you have had any issues with him... I dont like paying 5 mana then sac him just to tutor an artifact into hand... I was sort of thinking of just replacing him with some card draw personally as I wanted Kozilek, Butcher of Truth + Dragon Mage in my list and I was looking at cutting Inferno Titan for them but honestly I was sort of coming back and second guessing this guy... Thoughts on this?
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have officially moved to MTGNexus. I just wanted to let people know as my response time to salvation decks being bumped is very hit or miss.
First of all I have to agree with you that Vasuva isn't nearly as impressive in a deck that only has a few really impressive lands of its own and no way to really tutor for the impressive lands... In the prior comments you mentioned issues with a captain sisay deck... that sort of deck should usually immediately get 3 v 1ed and if it doesn't it should be due to the other commanders being Zur and Sharuum at the table. When I ran my Captain Sisay deck I literally would get 3 v 1ed and this was in a new playgroup as after just a few games they realized I wasn't to be allowed to keep sisay and or my fun haste outlets.
Previously Vesuva wasn't slowing me down too much, but I wasn't drawing Valakut overly often, so it wasn't ideal or doing what I wanted it to do. If I wanted to push that plan I could run Expedition Map, but that is making deck even more control than is desirable.
Sissay is pretty sharkish as far as deck go. The guy had an enchantent theme, so not as bad as Hokori or Kamahl LD, but still bad and he had white crovax. I was mana screwed and didnt draw token generators, so couldn't contribute to board overly much.
Obviously though every game isnt ideal and some games just nobody has an answer for anything and so it cant be helped if somehow sisay drew little to no hate. Teeg is a big problem for this deck but I dont see what Linvala, Keeper of Silence could really do other than turn off Kiki-Jiki against this deck... Regardless though they are both very rough to deal with.
The issue was I needed to generate to be able to generate tokens to get back in game and I had a single Gamble. Sissay had awful board state with Reya, Teeg, Linvala, Vorinclex and Kozilek. So I had to search for Skred and not All is Dust. At the time I had out Ib Halfheart in play (and Myr Incubator in hand), which would've helped a lot if I could've killed some mountains to generate tokens, but Ib and Kiki-Jiki were useless. In the end I skreded Reya and hoped other guy could do something to stop Teeq or Linvala.
I was going to ask how a few cards had been doing for you just out of curosity to see your results:
Aggravated Assault I felt that this was sort of more in the deck to give the deck a combo with feast and famine. Now that SoFaF is out of the list how has this been holding up for you? How do you usually operate it and under what circumstances do you like having it?
Precursor Golem I keep shying away from the golem due to the whole chain reaction of golem death on being targeted. I like my token generators to leave behind their tokens if they die and I feel sort of like the golem is a glass cannon which is easy to answer and honestly doesnt seem like he provides that many bodies in comparison to our other outlets... I think I would likely run Monkey Cage before this guy... what are your thoughts on making that swap? Is there anything really abusive with this guy that I might be overlooking??? The best case in my mind would be strapping him to a mimic vat or something but even then he is doing somewhat of an inferior job as what most of the rest of our guys are doing in the same situation.
Dolmen Gate this was mainly included for some protection for Marton... How has it been panning out? How often do you find yourself wanting to attack with Marton and this makes a difference? When I swing with Martion 1+ people are usually dying so I usually dont care that much if he dies.
Lightning Greaves I have considered adding the shiney boots a few times but I keep just thinking it is inferior to a mass haste outlet. If someone has the spot removal they clearly are not letting you strap boots to him first. Haste is clearly better than no haste but I sort of wonder if this is any good... I wish I could just have another Furvor effect instead for the same mana...
Hoarding Dragon yes he is a red tutor and yes I still have him in my list... However I have not been that impressed with him as if I don't have a sac outlet he is sort of a liability... Granted I have a lot of white exile removal and I am just sort of wondering if this is just me or if you have had any issues with him... I dont like paying 5 mana then sac him just to tutor an artifact into hand... I was sort of thinking of just replacing him with some card draw personally as I wanted Kozilek, Butcher of Truth + Dragon Mage in my list and I was looking at cutting Inferno Titan for them but honestly I was sort of coming back and second guessing this guy... Thoughts on this?
Truthfully, I rarely seem to draw Aggravated Assault (and it is very low on tutoring order). In game I did have it I ended up with empty board, but I got one use out of it before that and it always threatened to go big if nothing else. I still feel it is relevant, but maybe too few token generators is making it worse. It is relevant withou sword, but I'm seeing more and more sword combo just wouldnt happen. Monkey Cage might be solution to token issues and would make it better.
I know Precursor Golem seems really bad if they exile it, but it hasn't happened yet and in most board states there are far worse creatures. In addition few people run average removal like Doom Blade. The removal they do run is exile cards, like StP or PtE. Overall creature quality is very poor in this deck, so it doesn't cop those spells often, unless it is throw at Marton. They get wrathed more than targeted in my experience.
I really don't think you should be running Inferno Titan as is. Removal is nice, but you want something cheaper or sweeping. The deck runs two 'good' sac outlets (Pit and Bombardment), but I find Hoarding Dragon very often synergizes with powerful cards others use, like Sheoldred or Grave Pact. The incidental saccing shouldn't be ignored and I'm often not unhappy to have it sacced to Sheoldred letting me fetch up Myr Incubator. I would not cut this guy at all, he is often an all star in a deck with few ways to get what you want.
As with Aggravated Assault, Dolmen Gate often stands on the board alone. I suppose one good thing about it is that it attracts artifact removal like a lodestone. When I have it out I feel I can attack nearly fearlessly, so it's good for that security and often defends a board without Marton, but he is alive it is certainly a good feelig. As I said above though, a low threat density is threatening to make it slightly worse. So, I would say it's good and I have yet to be blown out midcombat.
Lightning Greaves has been good so far, I fully agree with old decision not to run shield. Several times (Sissay deck included with a Glare of Subdual) if Marton couldn't attack I had no game plan and the shroud is essentional. The more powerful decks run spot removal and tappers, so I feel both boots and greaves are needed to dodge removal and tappers. There is another mass haste, but you wouldn't like it, Mass Hysteria.
I think Kozilek is too expensive, I rarely make 10 mana at an accelerated pace in my build without a doubler, but I am lacking Bauble and one or two mana rocks I believe compared to you. The more you meddle and push costs up the more it becomes a control deck that occassionally rushes, but perhaps that is a desirable phase 3 for the deck. At the moment I suppose I rely on Insurrection for that goal or Myr Incubator.
Monkey Cage as was brought up above is certainly a good card to try and it might be what deck needs, especially as there is Welder to recycle it.
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Weiss Schwarz Sets
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
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Introduction
I played Magic during Ice Age, but only with a limited understanding, for me flyers were incredible (even phasing ones like the Visions Breezekeeper) and green was one of the most powerful colours. Little did I realise the immense amount of backstory that existed behind the set and how many fun legends it had, Marton Stromgald is one such legend. Recently yank posted a list and discussion began about the viability of Marton Stromgald as a new alternative to mono red commanders in multiplayer and one that hadn't been overdone (unlike Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker, Norin, the Wary and Godo, Bandit Warlord), as of this time there are only four Marton Stromgald lists. Magnus Magicus at the time of writing also has an older version of the deck, prior to many of the better new token generators, yet it is ISBPathfinder who is responsible for embracing the deck idea and promoting discussion about it. My deck owes a lot to all of them.
What Type of Deck is Marton Stromgald?
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Skullclamp
Mana Ramp (14)
1 Caged Sun
1 Coalition Relic
1 Coldsteel Heart
1 Copper Myr
1 Everflowing Chalice
1 Gauntlet of Might
1 Gauntlet of Power
1 Mana Geyser
1 Mind Stone
1 Plague Myr
1 Sol Ring
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Wayfarer's Bauble
1 Worn Powerstone
Other Artifacts(7)
1 Eldrazi Monument
1 Hammer of Purphoros
1 Memory Jar
1 Mind’s Eye
1 Myr Incubator
1 Relic of Progenitus
1 Snake Basket
Commander/General (1)
1 Marton Stromgald
Other (21)
1 Anger
1 Beetleback Chief
1 Dragon Mage
1 Emrakul’s Hatcher
1 Goblin Matron
1 Goblin Welder
1 Hellkite Tyrant
1 Hellraiser Goblin
1 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Krenko, Mob Boss
1 Mad Prophet
1 Moggcatcher
1 Myr Battlesphere
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
1 Rapacious One
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Urabrask, the Hidden
1 Zealous Conscripts
1 Fervor
1 Goblin Bombardment
1 In the Web of War
1 Vicious Shadows
Instants (3)
1 Chaos Warp
1 Skred
1 Tears of Rage
Lands (36 total)
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Buried Ruin
1 Crystal Vein
1 Kher Keep
1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1 Scrying Sheets
23 Snow-Covered Mountain
1 Spinerock Knoll
1 Strip Mine
1 Temple of the False God
1 Thespian's Stage
1 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
1 Wasteland
1 Winding Canyons
Planeswalkers (1)
1 Chandra Ablaze
Sorceries (10)
1 Faithless Looting
1 Firecat Blitz
1 Gamble
1 Goblin Rally
1 Insurrection
1 Reforge the Soul
1 Tempt with Vengeance
1 Tormenting Voice
1 Vandalblast
1 Warp World
1 Wheel of Fortune
(Optional)
1 All is Dust
1 Banefire
1 Burn at the Stake
1 Decree of Annihilation
1 Earthquake
1 Fury of the Horde
1 Goblin Offensive
1 Icefall
1 Past in Flames
1 Shatterstorm
Notes:
1. Run Burning Wish if you desire to use sideboard and your local play group agrees.
Card Availability
1. I don't have a Mana Crypt currently, but this deck could use one.
Card Purpose Breakdown
1 Chandra Ablaze
1 Dragon Mage
1 Faithless Looting
1 Mad Prophet
1 Memory Jar
1 Mind’s Eye
1 Reforge the Soul
1 Scrying Sheets
1 Skullclamp
1 Spinerock Knoll
1 Tormenting Voice
1 Wheel of Fortune
Creature Protection (2)
1 Eldrazi Monument
1 Lightning Greaves
General (1)
1 Marton Stromgald
Haste Enablers (8)
1 Anger
1 Fervor
1 Hammer of Purphoros
1 Hellraiser Goblin
1 In the Web of War
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Urabrask, the Hidden
1 Winding Canyons
Graveyard Hate (1)
1 Relic of Progenitus
Mana Acceleration (16)
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Caged Sun
1 Coalition Relic
1 Coldsteel Heart
1 Emrakul’s Hatcher
1 Everflowing Chalice
1 Gauntlet of Might
1 Gauntlet of Power
1 Mana Geyser
1 Mind Stone
1 Rapacious One
1 Sol Ring
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Wayfarer's Bauble
1 Worn Powerstone
1 Buried Ruin
1 Goblin Welder
Removal (7)
1 Chaos Warp
1 Keldon Necropolis
1 Skred
1 Strip Mine
1 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
1 Wasteland
Sacrifice Engines (1)
1 Goblin Bombardment
Token Generation (18)
1 Beetleback Chief
1 Emrakul’s Hatcher
1 Firecat Blitz
1 Goblin Offensive
1 Goblin Rally
1 Kher Keep
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Krenko, Mob Boss
1 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
1 Myr Battlesphere
1 Myr Incubator
1 Precursor Golem
1 Rapacious One
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Snake Basket
1 Spawning Pit
1 Tempt with Vengeance
1 Trading Post
1 Gamble
1 Goblin Matron
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Moggcatcher
Win Conditions (6)
1 Hellkite Tyrant
1 Insurrection
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge
1 Tears of Rage
1 Vicious Shadows
1 Warp World
1 Zealous Conscripts
Change Log
Goblin Assault -> Relic of Progenitus - The Goblin Assault removes a degree of control from my hands and wasn't having an overly big impact. One goblin a turn was very slow and I won't regret removing it for well needed graveyard hate with Relic of Progenitus.
04/11/2011
Sword of Feast and Famine -> Orochi Hatchery - I need to up the creature token generators and several games where I drew multiple swords was just not working for me. In the context of this deck Feast and Famine is a win-more card.
Mogg Infestation -> All is Dust - I have yet to want to cast Mogg Infestation and red has few answers to non-creature, non-artifact permanents. All is Dust is a good answer if the deck is thwarted and needs to rebuild.
05/11/2011
Ghitu Encampment -> Wasteland - More land destruction was needed and I was never attacking with GE. Fortunately Wasteland also enters the battlefield untapped.
06/11/2011
Vesuva -> Keldon Necropolis - I need spot removal and this land takes advantage of my token theme and is uncountable. It is in here to deal with Gaddock Teeg also. Vesuva was a burden and rarely does Valakut matter in current build.
Pentavus -> Dragon Mage - Card draw is needed and Dragon Mage is perfect for it. Pentavus was also turning out to be very inefficient.
08/11/2011
Reiterate -> Wayfarer's Bauble - Greater ramp was needed and by removing copying effects the deck should be more precise in what it is trying to do.
09/11/11
Mouth of Ronom -> Buried Ruin - This deck has a mass number of artifacts (28 at this time) and recursion would be invaluable.
11/11/2011
Snow-Covered Mountain -> Winding Canyons - This offers utility and the ability to sneak out Marton. The Mountain will likely be missed, but 28 basis is still a lot.
19/11/2011
Aggravated Assault -> Monkey Cage - Token generation is essential and given generally good quality of Commander creatures, this should profit, otherwise I make best of it myself with Welder. AA wasn't doing so much, although wasn't bad by any measure, just not standing out.
30/11/2011
Pillage -> Mind Stone - Getting early mana ramp is essential and be removing a removal spell the deck is focused more on getting to its critical mass. A game when I was easilly outraced by two other decks brought this issue to light.
2/12/2011
Mogg War Marshall -> Moggcatcher - Courtesy of KrosanGrip. This is a great idea and can cheat in Ib, Kiki and Siege Gang Commander. The MWM was also having quote little impact.
25/12/2011
Dolmen Gate -> Burning Wish - Dolmen Gate was entirely cutable and people were correct in that it was rarely needed. I've wanted to use the optional sideboard rule for while to take the deck to another level, so this is a good opportunity to improve the deck.
17/01/2012
Extraplanar lens -> Gauntlet of Might - I decided to splurge and bought this expensive little gauntlet, it is better than the lens, so was included.
23/01/2012
Monkey Cage -> Mana Geyser - I want to increase the speed of the deck and Monkey Cage is arguably one of the worst token producers I still run.
Mana Geyser -> Boom//Bust (SB) - I shifted Mana Geyser to main deck and replaced it with a mass land destruction spell. Thoughts of Ruin would also work.
25/01/2012
Snow-Covered Mountain -> Ancient Tomb - Increasing unconditional mana ramp.
09/02/2012
All is Dust -> Faithless Looting - I shifted the All is Dust to Wish Side Board and the card draw is certainly needed.
Chain Reaction (SB) -> All is Dust SB - Chain Reaction is too conditional and worse than Blasphemous Act.
02/10/2012
Dragonmaster Outcast -> Goblin Rally - Dragonmaster often does too little or never even get online. The rally suits the deck's purpose perfectly by generating almost as many creatures as it costs.
Blasphemous Act -> Burn at the Stake - I have two sweepers present in SB already, this allows for me to search up a potential win-condition.
10/10/2012
Darksteel Plate -> Krenko, Mob Boss - The Darksteel Plate was more or less wasting a turn and I wasn't using Marton until I had a good shot at winning, therefore, it was no longer needed and a goblin generator could be added to enhance the aggression.
02/03/2013
Precursor Golem -> Imperial Recruiter - This is an upgrade, due to the tutoring ability of Recruiter, which can fetch several (mostly goblin) targets from the deck. The price of Imperial Recruiter may be an issue for some.
Snow-Covered Mountain -> Thespian's Stage - The stage is an excellent way to take their best land, or copy a useful one I need to get out of a tight situation or get further ahead.
Sword of Fire and Ice -> Everflowing Chalice - More mana rocks are needed to increase consistency of the early game, hence why this is going in over the sword that offers less valid protection.
03/03/2013
Chancellor of the Forge -> Hellkite Tyrant- The Tyrant is just too good not to run in an already artifact centric deck, in addition the Chancellor was always quite underwhelming.
Godo, Bandit Warlord -> Hellraiser Goblin - More ways for haste are always needed, and being a goblin this one is also much easier to tutor for. Godo was expensive for what had become a less core goal in the deck, when we just need haste.
Boom//Bust (SB)-> Decree of Annihilation (SB) - Decree is a more versatile card that has a useful cycling ability to negate counters.
Goblin Offensive -> Akroma's Memorial - Offensive was one of least efficient token producers in deck and Memorial allows evasion and vigilance.
Incendiary Command (SB) -> Goblin Offensive (SB) - Offensive has no home main deck, but is a good tutorable token creating target at least now, this varies the sideboard, which was very needed.
28/04/2013
Mimic Vat -> Trading Post - Mimic Vat was a bit slow for my needs and Trading Post is very utilitarian, credit to ISBPathfinder for pioneering it.
Aftershock was included and removed, but exact time was not recorded and subsequently lost.
Hoarding Dragon -> Reforge the Soul - It was an expensive tutor and Godo, Bandit Warlord was removed along similar lines. Reforge the Soul is card draw, which the deck needs.
02/08/2013
Rakka Mar -> Zealous Conscripts - I'm including the combo are long resisting it. It should make the deck more competitive.
19/10/2013
Akroma's Memorial -> Tears of Rage - There are sufficient haste enablers that are cheaper and Tears of Rage can function as a replacement for the Commander.
Burning Wish -> Purphoros, God of the Forge - Wishes were optional and the new rules change implied it would be less welcome, so it's considered removed, but I will keep the sideboard assembled should some groups wish to play against it.
Spawning Pit -> Hammer of Purphoros - This change is just to increase consistently with hastersm both are good.
Sword of Light and Shadow -> Thran Dynamo - More mana never hurt and I often the sword unneeded.
02/11/2013
Wurmcoil Engine -> Mad Prophet - I'm attempting to reduce decent Bribery targets and this offered few tokens. I was justs eemingly overly attached and more card draw is always needed.
Swiftfoot Boots -> Tempt with Vengeance - This is the best tempt card in Commander 2013 and fits in flawlessly with Marton's strategy of more tokens creating more power. The deck currently has an abundance of haste enables, meaning an individual one is less needed now. Lightning Greaves are however still included.
04/12/2013
Keldon Necropolis -> Dwarven Ruins - It is my desire to be quick enought that Necropolis is unneeded and Dwarven Ruins can allow a quicker kill if drawn early.
Trading Post -> Vandalblast - I was finding I never sought to cast Trading Post and had issues with certain life gain artifacts, so Vandalblast is in.
06/10/2014
Dwarven Ruins -> Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx - Both give quick mana, if I'm striving for an optimal start the less enter the battlefield tapped lands, the better.
24/11/2014
Snow-Covered Mountain -> Crystal Vein - Dwarven Ruins was cut recently, but this is the superior version and may allow faster starts.
Orochi Hatchery -> Tormenting Voice - There is a sub-theme of Goblin Welder and using Anger in the graveyard, so I feel this source of card draw and discard has a role.
14/12/2014
Snow-Covered Mountain -> Copper Myr - To increase speed more mana ramp is needed and as it is also a creature it can add to the critical mass needed for a Marton lethal swing. There is a risk of it being killed, but that is acceptable for a faster execution of the plan.
Snow-Covered Mountain -> Plague Myr - As above.
Cards ruled out due to discussion and exerience:
Breath of Fury - Too random and the creature needs to actually connect, I prefer Aggravated Assault as it cannot fizzle.
Goblin Marshal - For only 3 creatures straight up, with potentially 4 tokens with echo not paid or a sacrifice outlet, this card is very overcosted. I favour the lower costed Mogg War Marshal as it is essential 2 for 2 tokens regardless.
Mogg War Marshal - I ran this for the longest time, but the payout is relatively low and it all it does is offer early fodder for other spells. The deck doesn't have same reliance on retaining tokens to be as effective as Ulasht, the Hate Seed does, so I don't believe this is necessary.
Pentavus - This card would seemingly be very good, but has historically been very slow and it is rare to gain value from it in a mana efficient fashion.
Rally the Horde - I agree with the general perception this has too much variance and not enough yield for said variance.
Yuan Shao, the Indecisive - This features on Magnus's list exclusively currently. Bedlam would be preferable, as we don't want to be blocked at all. The main plus for this would be unable to be blocked by more than one creature and cannot be blocked by one, but that requires a second card to do what Bedlam does.
How do you win?
1. Attack! - This is an aggressive deck and will win by damage more than general kill. The fact the commander acts as a pseudo Shared Animosity/Coat of Arms for your creatures can make this particually explosive, especially with Myr Incubator, Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician, Snake Basket or other token generators.
2. Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle them over the long term - A mono red deck with Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle and Vesuva if you choose to run it, has the potential to do a lot of damage over a long game just with land drops.
3. Vicious Shadows - With sacrifice outlets and a tonne of tokens this deck punishes you for now killing the creatures and also for killing them.
4. Warp World - With most of the deck being permanents, only 11 won't be put out by it, Warp World will almost always favour this deck and likely set opponents back. It is especially good to achieve a haste enabler and token generator to get an attack with Marton the same turn, or turn after.
5. Hellkite Tyrant - Play your artifacts and steal theirs. Even if he does, you get the bonus of ramping substantially from their mana rocks.
6. Purphoros, God of the Forge - he interacts well with any large token scale generation.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
I really need somebody with a Marton deck to test these cards out.
Overall, a very solid list.
It seems slow, but that might be a ingenius way to play the early game. I'll have to see if it could work, I'm unsure what I would remove, but I will think on it.
Edit: DramaTurtle, I would go for Mastery, the mage could be alright, I'll test with just Mastery for now though, as it fits in seamlessly.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
You will notice while I had my doubts on the Elemental Mastery I didnt completely say no to Dragon Mage lol. I think he has potential he just isnt at the top of my to do list.
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
As good as no to the impatient, heh. One can only play so much when we are talking a multiplayer game here :P.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
Still, I think the mage especially is a strong inclusion in this type of deck.
On that note, I realize you run SoFF. I'm not a big fan of it, especially in proactive decks. What do you expect to do with it? Have you had any positive experiences with it?
It works really well in my Ruhan and Kaalia decks, although admittedly Ruhan has the capacity to switch roles from beatdown to control quite easilly. In this deck though, no, not yet. I need to try acquire Gamble, Snake Basket, Myr Matrix, Eldrazi Monument,Goblin Welder etc to finish deck, so no testing yet.
Is it too slow as you don't want to equip? I really am attracted to idea of doing more with fewer creatures and successive attack steps (fueled by Aggravated Assault) make your guys bigger each time. Maybe I'm idealistic though.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
I like this idea too as it doesn't lend you to overcommitting. Not sure the Sword is the right man for the job, though. Even the Jitte might serve you better in that case.
If you're looking toward the attack step route, I'd probably also suggest running Charmbreaker Devils. They've made it into all my decks with red and I am always happy to see him. Bringing attack step cards like Relentless Assault back is frightening and can stack damage in no time if you bring in a bunch of dudes.
EDIT: Meant to say Savage Beating
My deck is probably a better home for the devils than ISBs, although if I could I may want to consider a few other changes, like readding Comet Storm. I would prefer World at War I think, but that is strongly on my radar now.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
I got in two games today at my LGS, game one was me v Kresh v Numot and game two was me v Kresh v Momir Vig. It was same people both times, just Numot felt his deck didn't work game one and wanted to change.
Game 1
I went to early start, but squandered my Pillage on a land to try colour screw Numot and was unable to answer a later Batterskull. I was able to pound him in for over 20 damage before this and did about as much to Kresh. Spawning Pit was invaluable in preventing both a Insurrection and limiting Batterskull lifegain.
My mistake was in not being more ruthless with Vicious Shadows. The Kresh player was abusing Greater Good to keep a full hand and I could've killed him in one turn, but was concerned about Numot and didn't act. As it turned out I missed my window and Kresh Krosan Griped my shadows and then Word of Seizinged Numot's Tornod's Crypt and basically wrecked us with Living Death a few turns later.
Two cards that made it hard for me to close with Urabrask, the Hidden from Kresh and Stranglehold from Numot.I had the tokens and Marton. but entering battlefield tapped was very frustrating. This made me think some more direct removal may not be bad idea. the deck was explosive and I wouldn't say card underperformed, although Pentavus was a massive mana drain.
Game 2
This game I crushed and quickly, Worn Powerstone ramped me up, Rakka Mar, Emrakul's Hatcher and Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker made quick pressure with Marton and in two attacks Mimor Vig had gone down to two life, which Kresh couldn't save him from. In this attack I let Marton die, but had critical pressure on board. Kresh had no answer and scooped. So this time it worked and iwthout spot removal it's hard to stop the deck.
I have no ideas for immediate change, but I believe some graveyard hate is needed and will be squeezing in one Relic of Progenitus.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
I am not entirely sure I like Pillage though. I would be more for putting Shattering Spree in its place and adding another Wasteland style land perhaps Tectonic Edge if you want to keep costs down.
Mogg War Marshal feels like he is too small of an effect as well... I just dont care for such small scale token production. I would probably take an answer over him personally.
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
I also added the relic over Goblin Assault, which you had removed earlier, heh.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
I get that impression too. I was thinking it would really be irritating to lose an Allstar like Welder or Kiki-Jiki or Ib (he is really good!) due to being forced to attack.
I think I learn slower than you ISB, but it's good to learn it eventually.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
So many cards in deck have justified themselves and only time I really get shafted is when I get no token generator or I discard one I search for with Gamble.
Myr Incubator is almost best card in deck from my experience so far, although last win came off insurrection.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
A few quick things:
I agree on cutting a few of the swords... Feast and Famine is hard to make use of and without the infinite attacks it doesn't seem like it would do that much. Light and Shadow is nice but honestly most of the white removal that I would be afraid of... Swords to Plowshares, Path to Exile, and Oblation will often just come in response to the sword equip... So I haven't seen it work that well so far. I have sort of been considering Shunt or Wild Ricochet or something of the sort as a redirect for the spot removal for Marton.
Myr Incubator might not be worth it... I haven't really been pleased by it so far either but I like the potential to have it be huge but it doesn't do anything for like 1-2 turns usually.
EDIT: I was also sort of considering the inclusion of Batterskull... It could replace a few other cards such as the Myr Incubator, or even perhaps Wurmcoil Engine as it has a similar role. However one of the really cool setups for it would be to tutor it into play with Godo, Bandit Warlord. Godo gets 2 attacks as well so strapping Batterskull onto him gives you a 7/7 vigilant lifelinking creature who gets to attack twice per turn... I have used this tactic before in an old Karrthus build of mine and it works great. Thoughts on this?
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
I might hold back for now, but Pentavus is likely to be cut in future, for what i don't know, maybe this or All is Dust as you proposed in your thread and Mogg Infestation has never been drawn, but from what you say it wouldn't spectacular even if I did.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
I don't want to rock boat too much, so I've taken out Sword of Feast and Famine and Mogg Infestation for Orochi Hatchery and All is Dust. I'll be getting some good experience in this weekend to test them out and to see if Pentavus will be cut and what for (likely Elemental Mastery or Dragon Mage).
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
However I agree with both cards going out. It is hard to really utilize Feast and Famine due to the fact that with haste we need to do a lot during our first main phase and we just dont have the card draw / control to keep up with the mana Feast / Famine would give us. Outside of being a combo piece it also could give Marton some evasion / protections but nothing really significant.
Obviously I have already discussed my issues with the Infestation as well...
I am trying to figure out how much mana I should regularly wait for to do Orochi Hatchery for... From my testing so far casting it for less than 6 mana (IE 3 counters) seems to be a waste of time as I dont want to pay 5 mana for 1-2 tokens. 3 tokens for 5 mana seems to be the absolute minimum I would accept off of it. Best case scenario you can cast it for like 6+ counters and still be able to activate it before next turn. It can be very explosive but it can also be very slow if you just drop it in and hope it lives... However on the upside we have a lot of high profile artifacts so it is hard for them to take them all one at a time...
You might also take out Pentavus for Kozilek, Butcher of Truth... I had some luck with him the other day and he even got answered right when he came down... Drawing 4 cards for 10 mana and having a huge plan B beater that annihilates on attack and possibly has haste is a great option.
EDIT: I have also sort of been considering Homeward Path in my list with the addition of an Eldrazi + the issues I have been having with Insurrection. I got like 17 of my snow lands ordered and hope to order the last half or so soon... Sadly they get sort of spendy to order in bulk.
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
I agree on Hatchery, 5 for 2 tokens is rubbish. I'm still acquire my hatchery. 3 tokens would be minimum for value. It also makes me wonder if Volt Charge would have some value if counter theme were pushed further.
Homeward Path is a good idea, it shouldn't strain mana too much either.
Still no other news. Getting late to FNM and playing tokens took me to time a lot.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
So I've decided to add in Keldon Necropolis (over Vesuva) to take advantage of tokens and having a utility way to kill Gaddock Teeg, which will allow me to deal with Linavala.
I was also very frustrated over lacking card advantage when behind, so I'm trying Dragon Mage over Pentavus. I'm close to adding in Wayfarer's Bauble too.
Deck really did not fire when without mana and token generator. I know deck isn't terrible, but the Sissay player effectively had a lock which I couldn't interact with when stalled.
I'll keep those interested updated.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
You guys let a Sisay player get away with that?!
I disassembled my Sisay deck because I drew almost as much hate as Zur the Enchanter and Sharuum the Hegemon. I would tap her at end of my opponent's turn and just search for what seemed like forever for what I wanted. This selective card advantage was a pretty good indicator that I should be killed.
I agree with the changes as the Dragon Mage seems really good and Pentavus is really slow. Vesuva is also overrated. But in all honesty, sometimes politics are intrinsic to you winning. When a lock is formed, form allies and fight against it!
As you know Marton runs very little removal (and I run more removal than ISBPathfinder as is) and it was 3 person game. The other player, Glissa, the Traitor was not killing enough creatures and Aura Shards tore apart his board state (Sylvan Library, Grave Pact, and Steel Hellkite died quickly), so no good for me when player better suited to it does little!
Keldon Necropolis is an answer to Teeg now at least, but you are right Sissay is ridiculous if not answered. I switched to Ruhan to have a better chance later on and mauled the guy, although still lost to Rafiq (former Glissa player).
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!
Obviously though every game isnt ideal and some games just nobody has an answer for anything and so it cant be helped if somehow sisay drew little to no hate. Teeg is a big problem for this deck but I dont see what Linvala, Keeper of Silence could really do other than turn off Kiki-Jiki against this deck... Regardless though they are both very rough to deal with.
I was going to ask how a few cards had been doing for you just out of curosity to see your results:
Aggravated Assault I felt that this was sort of more in the deck to give the deck a combo with feast and famine. Now that SoFaF is out of the list how has this been holding up for you? How do you usually operate it and under what circumstances do you like having it?
Precursor Golem I keep shying away from the golem due to the whole chain reaction of golem death on being targeted. I like my token generators to leave behind their tokens if they die and I feel sort of like the golem is a glass cannon which is easy to answer and honestly doesnt seem like he provides that many bodies in comparison to our other outlets... I think I would likely run Monkey Cage before this guy... what are your thoughts on making that swap? Is there anything really abusive with this guy that I might be overlooking??? The best case in my mind would be strapping him to a mimic vat or something but even then he is doing somewhat of an inferior job as what most of the rest of our guys are doing in the same situation.
Dolmen Gate this was mainly included for some protection for Marton... How has it been panning out? How often do you find yourself wanting to attack with Marton and this makes a difference? When I swing with Martion 1+ people are usually dying so I usually dont care that much if he dies.
Lightning Greaves I have considered adding the shiney boots a few times but I keep just thinking it is inferior to a mass haste outlet. If someone has the spot removal they clearly are not letting you strap boots to him first. Haste is clearly better than no haste but I sort of wonder if this is any good... I wish I could just have another Furvor effect instead for the same mana...
Hoarding Dragon yes he is a red tutor and yes I still have him in my list... However I have not been that impressed with him as if I don't have a sac outlet he is sort of a liability... Granted I have a lot of white exile removal and I am just sort of wondering if this is just me or if you have had any issues with him... I dont like paying 5 mana then sac him just to tutor an artifact into hand... I was sort of thinking of just replacing him with some card draw personally as I wanted Kozilek, Butcher of Truth + Dragon Mage in my list and I was looking at cutting Inferno Titan for them but honestly I was sort of coming back and second guessing this guy... Thoughts on this?
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
Previously Vesuva wasn't slowing me down too much, but I wasn't drawing Valakut overly often, so it wasn't ideal or doing what I wanted it to do. If I wanted to push that plan I could run Expedition Map, but that is making deck even more control than is desirable.
Sissay is pretty sharkish as far as deck go. The guy had an enchantent theme, so not as bad as Hokori or Kamahl LD, but still bad and he had white crovax. I was mana screwed and didnt draw token generators, so couldn't contribute to board overly much.
The issue was I needed to generate to be able to generate tokens to get back in game and I had a single Gamble. Sissay had awful board state with Reya, Teeg, Linvala, Vorinclex and Kozilek. So I had to search for Skred and not All is Dust. At the time I had out Ib Halfheart in play (and Myr Incubator in hand), which would've helped a lot if I could've killed some mountains to generate tokens, but Ib and Kiki-Jiki were useless. In the end I skreded Reya and hoped other guy could do something to stop Teeq or Linvala.
Truthfully, I rarely seem to draw Aggravated Assault (and it is very low on tutoring order). In game I did have it I ended up with empty board, but I got one use out of it before that and it always threatened to go big if nothing else. I still feel it is relevant, but maybe too few token generators is making it worse. It is relevant withou sword, but I'm seeing more and more sword combo just wouldnt happen. Monkey Cage might be solution to token issues and would make it better.
I know Precursor Golem seems really bad if they exile it, but it hasn't happened yet and in most board states there are far worse creatures. In addition few people run average removal like Doom Blade. The removal they do run is exile cards, like StP or PtE. Overall creature quality is very poor in this deck, so it doesn't cop those spells often, unless it is throw at Marton. They get wrathed more than targeted in my experience.
I really don't think you should be running Inferno Titan as is. Removal is nice, but you want something cheaper or sweeping. The deck runs two 'good' sac outlets (Pit and Bombardment), but I find Hoarding Dragon very often synergizes with powerful cards others use, like Sheoldred or Grave Pact. The incidental saccing shouldn't be ignored and I'm often not unhappy to have it sacced to Sheoldred letting me fetch up Myr Incubator. I would not cut this guy at all, he is often an all star in a deck with few ways to get what you want.
As with Aggravated Assault, Dolmen Gate often stands on the board alone. I suppose one good thing about it is that it attracts artifact removal like a lodestone. When I have it out I feel I can attack nearly fearlessly, so it's good for that security and often defends a board without Marton, but he is alive it is certainly a good feelig. As I said above though, a low threat density is threatening to make it slightly worse. So, I would say it's good and I have yet to be blown out midcombat.
Lightning Greaves has been good so far, I fully agree with old decision not to run shield. Several times (Sissay deck included with a Glare of Subdual) if Marton couldn't attack I had no game plan and the shroud is essentional. The more powerful decks run spot removal and tappers, so I feel both boots and greaves are needed to dodge removal and tappers. There is another mass haste, but you wouldn't like it, Mass Hysteria.
I think Kozilek is too expensive, I rarely make 10 mana at an accelerated pace in my build without a doubler, but I am lacking Bauble and one or two mana rocks I believe compared to you. The more you meddle and push costs up the more it becomes a control deck that occassionally rushes, but perhaps that is a desirable phase 3 for the deck. At the moment I suppose I rely on Insurrection for that goal or Myr Incubator.
Monkey Cage as was brought up above is certainly a good card to try and it might be what deck needs, especially as there is Welder to recycle it.
Main Decks
Diaochan, Iroas, God of Victory, Kaalia, Marton, Ulasht, Volrath,
Kaervek, Prossh, Titania
Amusing or Themed
Progenitus
Pauper Guildmages
Azorius Boros Dimir Golgari Gruul Izzet Korozda
Orzhov Rakdos Rix Maadi Selesyna Simic Skarrg Zameck
I also play Weiss Schwarz, Chaos, Vanguard and Wixoss.
Accel World, Angel Beats, Familiar of Zero, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Guilty Crown, Kill La Kill, Robotics;Notes, Sword Art Online.
Chaos Partners
Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Iona, Kirishima, Kongou.
Dangan Ronpa: Asahina, Togami.
Freezing: Vibration: Chiffon, Satelizer.
Vanguard Clans Favoured
Angel Feather, Dark Irregulars, Genesis, Neonecter, Pale Moon, Shadow Paladins, Tachikaze.
Wixoss - Just trial decks for now!