Brion Stoutarm - Give him an Axe, and he'll give you a Dead Enemy
Introductions
I think Brion was the first general who I really came to love playing. I didn't win all the time, but I had fun playing huge creatures and then flinging them at people's faces. As I played the deck more and more, I began noticing a few problems.
I had so many big creatures that I really didn't do anything in the first few turns.
I was never able to draw enough cards (I know, I'm in red/white, but still!)
I never had a good-enough Sunforger selection, so I hated the equipment and never tried using it to its full potential.
So I started evolving the deck slowly. I took out a bunch of high-costing, annoying cards (Iona, to name one), and added some mana acceleration. Then, I added a few draw engines to help me draw the cards I wanted. Lastly, I finally built a package I am satisfied with using Sunforger.
Recently, I drastically changed the deck based on the three points above into what it is today: Equipment-based Brion aggro.
Why Brion?
Over the past few years of playing EDH, I've enjoyed swinging with creatures the most. I've tried building combos into decks, and usually I found them to be extremely boring and just really annoying to play with and against. So I held on to my creature-based decks. Brion is the one deck I've always held on to, in hopes of making it better and better with each modification.
Brion is great for multiplayer.
He has a fling ability. If you have the ability to take an opponent's creature, you can then fling it at their face with Brion. This is always a fun thing to do. Also, you can fling your own guys after slapping some equipment on them for even more damage (or more cards in the case of Skullclamp).
He is a 4/4 for 4 mana. This is actually great because we can usually get him out on turn 3 or possibly turn 2 and then start beating face. After he comes out, our gameplan is just to keep swinging with him and trying to get the most card advantage we can get.
He has lifelink. Lifelink is so important for Brion. Without lifelink, I don't think I'd ever want to go the equipment route. Lifelink provides us with early defense, since no one wants to attack into us, and it gives us a nice buffer in the late game since we're probably up 10-20 life. Also, lifelink is our most important tool for card advantage using Well of Lost Dreams.
Brion was made to beat people into a pulp, and that is what I wanted to do with this deck.
Is this deck right for me?
Brion might be the right general for you if you....
1 - Like having a lot of synergies in your cards.
2 - Enjoy swinging with creatures.
3 - Enjoy a challenge working with the "worst" color-combination in EDH.
4 - Don't want to completely depend on your general.
5 - Like beating people into a pulp.
Brion might not be the right general for you if you....
1 - Like having answers to everything.
2 - Like controlling the board state.
3 - Don't want to attack everyone at the table.
4 - Want to combo out and insta-win.
Wall of Omens: Just a turn-two play. Not bad early-game, and replaces itself. And combos with kiki-jiki.
Kemba, Kha Regent: Haven't really had a chance to try her out, but she seems like she'd be good in this deck.
Flametongue Kavu: 4 damage to pesky generals, combos with kiki-jiki. Yes, please.
Solemn Simulacrum: No need to mention this card. Auto-include in all of my decks.
Taj-Nar Swordsmith: Haven't had a chance to play him yet, but he seems pretty decent. 7 mana for a 2/2 and a sword? Or 5 mana for skullclamp? I think I have to play around with him some more.
Linvala, Keeper of Silence: We should have some disruption, right? 4 mana for this awesome creature makes me happy.
Hoarding Dragon: Haven't had a chance to play him, but I can easily see a nice combo with Brion. Play this guy, then just fling him at someone. Fun times. Also - combos well with Kiki-Jiki.
Cloudgoat Ranger: Combos with Kiki-Jiki. Put a sword on him and beat face. Skullclamp the little guys. He's pretty nice.
Stonehewer Giant: Gets me an equipment. Every time I use him, he's been kind of clunky, so I'm not sure if I'll keep him.
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker: My main man! I love this card. The RRR cost is a little steep, but he's a pet card of mine, and he combos pretty well with multiple cards.
Baneslayer Angel: I love the lifelink on this flying angel. It also comes down a turn after Brion, so she can be your backup plan for gaining some life.
Archon of Justice: I like removing permanents at instant-speed with Brion. Or I can just remove one a turn with kiki-jiki.
Karmic Guide: Our only version of recursion, other than Sun Titan and Emeria. Combos with Kiki-Jiki too!
Hoard-Smelter Dragon: We need a way to kill artifacts, and this guy is a pretty good way to do it. I've even blown my own stuff up to kill someone.
Aegis Angel: Nice way to protect Brion or whatever else I need to protect. Kiki-Jiki combo-er too!
Sun Titan: This guy is awesome in here. Brings back all my swords, a few key creatures, and combos with kiki-jiki. What more can I ask for?
Yosei, the Morning Star: Attack someone, then fling it into someone's face and lock someone down. Pretty nice each time I've used it. Also, it deters attacks on me because, who wants to get their lands tapped?
Conquering Manticore: Kiki-Jiki combo, can also fling the stolen guy with Brion. Hasn't let me down.
Eternal Dragon: I recently added this guy in here; I think I like him early game to get me some plains, but other than that I don't see much use for him.
Greater Gargadon: This card has actually been awesome in this deck. Whenever I get him on the first turn, I can easily sacrifice any of my targeted permanents and be closer to having a 9/7 on the field, ready to beat face. I really enjoy playing with him, but I'm not sure if there's something better for the slot.
Skullclamp: This card is amazing in this deck. With Brion, this card is pretty much 1R, Sacrifice a creature: Draw two cards, deal some damage, gain some life. This also works well with kiki-jiki, since the tokens trigger skullclamp.
Nim Deathmantle: I've been trying this card out lately. I think I like it so far. It does seem a little mana intensive, and I haven't abused the ability to its full extent, but I'd like to give it a couple more chances.
Sword of Vengeance: I love this equipment for Brion. 6/4 Lifelink, Vigilance, First Strike is very powerful, since not many creatures can stand up to the 6 power. Slap this and another sword on him, and you're going to be doing some nice damage, and gaining a ton of life.
Well of Lost Dreams: I just recently added this card to the deck and I couldn't be happier with it. It's so good with Brion, especially since we're in colors that don't have great choices for raw card draw.
Mind's Eye: A decent draw source. I feel at times it's slow and limits my ability to play cards on my turn, but usually it works pretty well.
Enchantments:
Land tax: Awesome card for white when we're not in green. Any time I get this on turn 1, I am not disappointed by its ability to thin my deck and get me the exact lands I need. Although, I hate shuffling so much
Aggravated Assault: Combos with sword of feast and famine. I'm not sure if I should keep this card in the deck. Yes, the combo can be very powerful, however, usually it's just too much mana for me to activate it even once.
Marshal's Anthem: A nice boost to our creatures and a nice recursion card, I think it deserves a slot in the deck.
Instants and Sorceries:
I will go over the sunforger instants a little further down.
Radiate: I like this card, but I feel that it sits in my head more than not. I'm just waiting and waiting for someone to play something relevant, and if I tap too many lands, I miss the chance to use this card. Although, I do like the synergy between this and Chaos Warp
Austere Command: Best wrath in the deck. Although, hitting artifacts might be a bad thing...
Lands:
Emeria, the Sky Ruin: I've been thinking of taking this land out. It's so situational, and I haven't gotten the 7 plains I need in a very long time, since I've added mana acceleration. Even with Land Tax in the deck, I'm never able to get 7 plains out since I need the mountains as well. Not sure what I'll do for this card.
I had a few goals in mind when choosing my Sunforger package. I wanted ways to remove creatures and artifacts/enchantments, but I also wanted a few ways to copy spells that my opponents play. Also, most of these cards are never dead draws, and can be used very well in combination (Reverberated Swords to Plowshares? Yes please). I also love the new addition of Enlightened Tutor. Most of the time, I like getting Well, so I can draw a ton of cards, but sometimes you just gotta get a sword.
Synergies:
Almost all of the cards in this deck synergize very well together. I'm not going to go over all of them, since it's pretty self explanatory, but skullclamp, kiki-jiki, and brion are your main sources of small combos. Whether they gain you pure card advantage, or life, or give you a sacrifice outlet, those three cards are enablers for small synergies that work to help you win the game.
General Strategy:
Most games, all you're going to want to do is play Brion and start swinging with him. It's fairly common to get him out on turn 3 or even turn 2 if you're lucky, and then just start gaining that life and dealing that damage. He has a relatively slow clock (only 4 damage a turn), but put an equipment on him, and he really starts hurting.
Once you get your general out, here is your plan:
Play equipment
Attack
Draw some cards (hopefully)
In reality, your general is your best creature to attack with because it can never truly die, and it's one of the very few lifelink cards in the deck. Lifelink is your best friend in a voltron-style deck like this, since the repercussions will hurt slightly less, especially if you attack more than one person. One of the best cards in the deck is probably Well of Lost Dreams. It is so good with your general, especially if you also have an equipment on Brion, since you will always be gaining life even if he dies from combat.
Most of your games will be similar (attacking with Brion), however, there are other ways to get into the red zone. You have a few creatures that are great for attacking: Baneslayer, Cloudgoat Ranger, Sun Titan, Greater Gargadon, Conquering Manticore. Also, you can play the passive route, just building up your artifacts and drawing a bunch of cards from Mind's Eye, and then play Brion, equip, and swing for a bunch.
I'm also looking to get Felidar Sovereign so I have another win condition. Relying on general damage is somewhat difficult because of all the wraths available to players.
Future Changes:
There are a few cards that I have ordered that are definitely going into the deck:
Godo, the Bandit Warlord: Yet another equipment-search in the deck. He also has a nice ability. I'd like to try him out in the deck, I think he'll be a great addition.
Batterskull: An awesome addition for Brion. 8/8 vigilance is awesome. Also, this basically turns any creature into a force to be reckoned with.
Sunhome, Fortress of the Legion: Double-strike Brion? Yes please. This land is awesome, I can't believe I haven't realized it before.
Felidar Sovereign: Our second win condition. This is desperately needed, since attacking with Brion can be quite difficult sometimes.
Suggestions/Comments:
I would love to get any comments/suggestions on the deck. Brion is one of my favorite EDH decks, and I would love to make it the best that it could possibly be. If anyone sees any holes, or knows of a card that could perform really well in here, or has any insight on Multiplayer Brion, please feel free to comment. Thanks everyone.
+Batterskull: Vigilance is awesome. Lifelink is awesome. This card has to go in the deck. It makes any of my guys Brion, pretty much (just in case Brion gets tucked or something), so I felt I needed this card. I took out Aggravated Assault because a) I didn't want to possibly combo out and b) it's too much mana to even use it. I'd rather use the mana drawing cards or equipping things.
+Godo, the Bandit Warlord: I figured that 6 mana for any equipment into play is better for conditional mana. Also, a 3/3 that has a semi-relevant ability is better than a 2/2.
+Sunhome, Fortress of the Legion: Oh man, this card is SO good with Brion. I immediately put it in my deck when I received a copy of it, and I couldn't be more pleased. I did about 14 damage in one go just with Brion and another equipment.
Feb 5th 2012
-Marshal's Anthem: I want to use this in another deck, so I took it out of here. Plus, I found a better substitution since my deck doesn't rely on the creatures in it, but more the equipment and artifacts.
-Mountain
-Radiate: I took this out because I felt I was only using it for gimmicky situations (a.k.a. Chaos Warp the board) and I thought something else deserved the slot.
+Squee, Goblin Nabob: I'm going to try this out due to the suggestion of Dekrow. It should work well since I can skullclamp it, or just pack it up with equipment.
+Explorer's Scope: I tried this card out last night and it was fantastic. The deck likes a lot of land, and this little piece of equipment gives myself a good chance of accelerating my mana.
+Open the Vaults: I discovered that if someone destroys all my equipment, all I can do to get them back is Sun Titan, so I decided to put this in the deck, in the hopes of protecting myself from board sweepers. I'll try it for sometime, and if it doesn't work well I can always try out Second Sunrise, which goes well with Sunforger.
I would love to get any comments/suggestions on the deck. Brion is one of my favorite EDH decks, and I would love to make it the best that it could possibly be. If anyone sees any holes, or knows of a card that could perform really well in here, or has any insight on Multiplayer Brion, please feel free to comment. Thanks everyone.
I have 2 suggestions:
1) Helm of Possession - this has always been an all-star in my Brion deck. I know you didn't go the act of treason route with your deck, but this is an answer card on a stick. It's also a second way to sacrifice your Archon of Redemption / Hoarding Dragon type creatures when Brion gets killed / tucked. At worst, you can sacrifice the tokens from something like Cloudgoat Ranger or Kiki-Jiki.
2) Squee, Goblin Nabob - This card combos with skullclamp so well for that much needed draw in red and white. It would be another creature you could sacrifice to Helm of Possession if you put that in too. He's cheap and can wear equipments early game. He also has added value in that fact that you can pitch him to your opponent's discard like the commonly played Syphon Mind.
1) Helm of Possession - this has always been an all-star in my Brion deck. I know you didn't go the act of treason route with your deck, but this is an answer card on a stick. It's also a second way to sacrifice your Archon of Redemption / Hoarding Dragon type creatures when Brion gets killed / tucked. At worst, you can sacrifice the tokens from something like Cloudgoat Ranger or Kiki-Jiki.
2) Squee, Goblin Nabob - This card combos with skullclamp so well for that much needed draw in red and white. It would be another creature you could sacrifice to Helm of Possession if you put that in too. He's cheap and can wear equipments early game. He also has added value in that fact that you can pitch him to your opponent's discard like the commonly played Syphon Mind.
I definitely like the Squee, Goblin Nabob idea - drawing more cards with skullclamp is always nice. I'm thinking of taking out a land for Squee.
I'm not entirely sold on the Helm. It's definitely a good card, don't get me wrong, but I think I'll pass on the "annoying" nature of it ("take your creature, you get mad at me" kind of thing.). Plus, I'm not sure what I'd take out for it.
I definitely like the Squee, Goblin Nabob idea - drawing more cards with skullclamp is always nice. I'm thinking of taking out a land for Squee.
I'm not entirely sold on the Helm. It's definitely a good card, don't get me wrong, but I think I'll pass on the "annoying" nature of it ("take your creature, you get mad at me" kind of thing.). Plus, I'm not sure what I'd take out for it.
If you're play group doesn't like steal effects, then having an artifact that can do it constantly would be rather annoying ;P
But yes, squee is amazing in any red deck really. If you have access to one, definitely play with it.
Played a few games since the making of this primer. The deck does quite well - it usually has 10-20 life more than the next highest person, which gives me a nice buffer for when everyone starts attacking me. Once I have a few pieces of equipment, it's really hard to stop Brion. Any creature can turn into a huge beater with lifelink and a number of other relevant abilities. I really enjoy lasting a very long time and still have very powerful cards to affect the board. My girlfriend tells me that it can "reliably win - you're never waiting for that ONE card because every card is good."
Since I'm mostly going the equipment route, I don't want to rely completely on Brion, so Phyrexian Dreadnaught will most likely be a dead draw if I don't have Brion on the battlefield, and even if I do have Brion, I'd much rather attack with him and equipment.
I have Sneak Attack, but I don't think it would be a good idea for this deck. I want to keep as many threats as possible, and I'd rather have creatures on the board than in my graveyard (since I have so little recursion). Yes, there are a lot of ETB creatures, but I'd rather have board presence than to have them go to my graveyard after one attack.
Scroll Rack is a card I'd like to have, but I'm not sure how useful it would be in this deck. It's mostly pseudo-draw, and I'm unsure what I'd take out.
If your playgroup frowns on repetitive steal, try Preacher. It's the same thing, but as they choose what you get it tends to soften the blow a bit. You don't care what you get for the most part, right? You're just gonna take something, block with it, then fling before damage anyway, right?
Cute interaction with Hoard-Smelter Dragon. I like it. Might just have to toss his arse back in my own Stoutarm list.
In a similar vein as Phyrexian Dreadnought(awesome suggestion btw, if he wasn't so pricey on MTGO I'd use him in mine) have you considered both Serra Avatar and Phyrexian Devourer for the one-shot kills? Devourer you keep responding to his sacrifice trigger with another exile trigger, then when his power his high enough, tap a R and send him to someone's face. He's also searchable via Imperial Recruiter, and Enlightened Tutor. While similar in execution, it isn't as much of a kill-now, but Knollspine Dragon also interacts favorably with your general. Play him, respond to the trigger by flinging him, then pitch your hand and draw seven, a one-sided Wheel of Fortune. Speaking of which, WoF is another card you should be playing anyway. Wheel is so damned awesome, man.
I don't usually like Serra Ascendant in this format because it sucks late game, but in Stoutarm it usually is consistently a sizable threat. Some call it "cheese" but hey you're playing RW, if that can't handle the "weakest" colour combination with one good creature, they need to have some issues addressed.
For a bit more recursion, don't forget you also have Reveillark at your disposal. Karmic Guide is the obvious go-to target with him, but Duergar Hedge-Mage is a solid value pick as well. A hidden gem I've found from Mirage is an uncommon named Miraculous Recovery. Instant speed, and brings him back stronger, almost like a one-shot Undying effect. And of course there's Resurrection, Breath of Life, and False Defeat for the Zombify-effects.
If your playgroup frowns on repetitive steal, try Preacher. It's the same thing, but as they choose what you get it tends to soften the blow a bit. You don't care what you get for the most part, right? You're just gonna take something, block with it, then fling before damage anyway, right?
Cute interaction with Hoard-Smelter Dragon. I like it. Might just have to toss his arse back in my own Stoutarm list.
In a similar vein as Phyrexian Dreadnought(awesome suggestion btw, if he wasn't so pricey on MTGO I'd use him in mine) have you considered both Serra Avatar and Phyrexian Devourer for the one-shot kills? Devourer you keep responding to his sacrifice trigger with another exile trigger, then when his power his high enough, tap a R and send him to someone's face. He's also searchable via Imperial Recruiter, and Enlightened Tutor. While similar in execution, it isn't as much of a kill-now, but Knollspine Dragon also interacts favorably with your general. Play him, respond to the trigger by flinging him, then pitch your hand and draw seven, a one-sided Wheel of Fortune. Speaking of which, WoF is another card you should be playing anyway. Wheel is so damned awesome, man.
I don't usually like Serra Ascendant in this format because it sucks late game, but in Stoutarm it usually is consistently a sizable threat. Some call it "cheese" but hey you're playing RW, if that can't handle the "weakest" colour combination with one good creature, they need to have some issues addressed.
For a bit more recursion, don't forget you also have Reveillark at your disposal. Karmic Guide is the obvious go-to target with him, but Duergar Hedge-Mage is a solid value pick as well. A hidden gem I've found from Mirage is an uncommon named Miraculous Recovery. Instant speed, and brings him back stronger, almost like a one-shot Undying effect. And of course there's Resurrection, Breath of Life, and False Defeat for the Zombify-effects.
If only Drogskol Reaver was RW instead of UW...totally missed an opportunity there, Wizards!
lol, you just basically mentioned all the other cards in my deck :),
The big cards I would suggest (that aren't mentioned above) are: Phyrexian Processor - The life loss is made up for almost immediately! AND then you get to keep turning out dudes
Mimic Vat - Absolutely NUTS with Brion, also with Karmic Guide imprinted and Yosie in GY, you can infinitely lock down someone!
Oh and scroll rack is great, it turns late game lands into real cards, and they stay gone after any tutoring (it also lets you dig deeper when you're looking for a specific answer). And it lets you dodge hand removal (by moving to the top of library the cards you want to keep after they target you!). Try it a bit, it's REALLY good.
@3drinks -
I like the Preacher idea. If I ever think I need more "take your creature" effects, I think that would be the first card I'd look at.
I have tried Serra Avatar many many times in the deck - only pulled the one-hit KO once. It was actually really slow for me (and doesn't have any evasion so is chump-blocked all the time if I'm not flinging it right away). So I think I want to stay away from one-hit KO creatures (especially with such a huge drawback of Phyrexian Devourer).
I actually like Knollspire Dragon and Wheel of Fortune, I might have to fit those in somewhere (getting a copy of WoF sometime soon).
I think I'll keep Serra Ascendant out - too competitive for my group (it would probably mean I kill someone in 5 turns haha).
I really like Reveillark, I can't believe I forgot about that card. I think I'll keep the recursion to creatures / Emeria instead of using one-shot sorceries/instants.
I actually just used Felidar Sovereign last night - and it won me the game. I had SoFaI and Sword of Vengeance on it... and they couldn't kill it. I was a huge target pretty much the entire game, and I don't think they enjoyed losing to it... so I think I might have to take it out.
Venser's Journal does seem pretty decent, I'll have to try it out.
@prosistheplumber - Phyrexian Processor seems pretty interesting - I'll have to find a slot for it and see how it works.
Not sure about Mimic Vat, might have to test it out (never really had it in any of my decks).
I have tried Rings of Brighthearth for a while, and it wasn't the greatest in my deck. It wasn't as good of an effect as I thought it would be - I don't think I want to force it into the deck again (especially since now I'm not centralized around the "fling your guys" theme).
Grafted Exoskeleton is definitely something I've wanted to try out. It would usually be a one or two-shot kill with many creatures in the deck (especially since I have so much other equipment to pump), so that seems pretty good.
Grab the Reins used to be a pet card of mine in past versions of Brion, but I discovered it really wasn't that good, nor was I ever searching for it with Sunforger. I'd rather just Swords to Plowshares or something like that if it's a troublesome creature.
Lastly, I guess I can proxy a Scroll Rack up and try it out before I order one.
One thing I've been meaning to take out is Squee, Goblin Nabob. I've used it twice now, and both times it has been less than impressive. It pretty much just sat there and didn't do anything - I even forgot the upkeep trigger a few times because I never even wanted it in my hand or on my board. Maybe I can add one of the above cards instead of this creature.
One thing I've been meaning to take out is Squee, Goblin Nabob. I've used it twice now, and both times it has been less than impressive. It pretty much just sat there and didn't do anything - I even forgot the upkeep trigger a few times because I never even wanted it in my hand or on my board. Maybe I can add one of the above cards instead of this creature.
Last night I switched Squee for Grafted Exoskeleton. I never actually saw the equipment, but I'm sure it will be better than Squee.
I also had a big problem with my artifacts being destroyed (since now my girlfriend who plays in my group is getting smarter and decided she wanted to put Shatterstorm in her deck just to hose me... :argh:). I put Open the Vaults in the deck just for this reason, but I couldn't seem to get the card no matter how hard I tried (actually, it was my next draw right after I died :facepalm:). What are some other cards I could use for:
Despite it being one of those classicly bad cards, I really like frantic salvage, its easy to find (stoneforge -> sunforger -> salvage) and gets the job done of restocking your artifacts.
Despite it being one of those classicly bad cards, I really like frantic salvage, its easy to find (stoneforge -> sunforger -> salvage) and gets the job done of restocking your artifacts.
Wow! I really like that. Thanks! That is exactly the type of card I was looking for
So yesterday I was playing with my girlfriend and a friend, and they were pretty much just going after me all game. I was down to 6 life, after having all my creatures killed and my artifacts, and they were in the mid 20's. I had played Godo, and had gotten Sword of Feast and Famine. Then I opened the vaults, searched for Grafted Exoskeleton using Sunforger -> Enlightened Tutor, and drew a card from something that I don't remember, then I killed both of them after two turns. In conclusion - Grafted Exoskeleton is good in this deck.
I also discovered that I wasn't really happy with Leonin Shikari. She kinda just sat out there and the only time I used her static ability was equipping sunforger at the end of someone's turn so I could search for an instant. I feel she's not that good in this deck, since I usually tap out most of the time - and if I don't, there are better things I can do with my mana during my opponent's turns. Not sure if I should leave her in or not, though.
I also discovered that I wasn't really happy with Leonin Shikari. She kinda just sat out there and the only time I used her static ability was equipping sunforger at the end of someone's turn so I could search for an instant. I feel she's not that good in this deck, since I usually tap out most of the time - and if I don't, there are better things I can do with my mana during my opponent's turns. Not sure if I should leave her in or not, though.
Re-equiping the sunforger at instant speed for another spell is huge in my book; On top of that, the typical sword/greaves thing with her really shuts down a lot of people.
Someone in my play group plays Brion stoutarm
His deck is far more control based and less voltron than yours.
Anyway two cards u need in there are: boros charm and scout's warning.
Scout's warning lets u keep mana up when u might need it until the last possible moment. Boros charm is an auto include in r/w cause of indestructible permanents and double strike.
Also if u include those two spells and cut say wall of omens and khemba u might consider running isochron sceptre for say eternal dragon.
Your deck will still be fast but this will give u another toolbox.
I'm new to EDH, as in, I've never even played. Brion is who I'm leaning towards for my first commander and this has been a super helpful thread. Thanks everyone. OP I'm liking the style of your deck, have you made any changes to it or still using it?
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Introductions
I think Brion was the first general who I really came to love playing. I didn't win all the time, but I had fun playing huge creatures and then flinging them at people's faces. As I played the deck more and more, I began noticing a few problems.
So I started evolving the deck slowly. I took out a bunch of high-costing, annoying cards (Iona, to name one), and added some mana acceleration. Then, I added a few draw engines to help me draw the cards I wanted. Lastly, I finally built a package I am satisfied with using Sunforger.
Recently, I drastically changed the deck based on the three points above into what it is today: Equipment-based Brion aggro.
Over the past few years of playing EDH, I've enjoyed swinging with creatures the most. I've tried building combos into decks, and usually I found them to be extremely boring and just really annoying to play with and against. So I held on to my creature-based decks. Brion is the one deck I've always held on to, in hopes of making it better and better with each modification.
Brion is great for multiplayer.
Brion was made to beat people into a pulp, and that is what I wanted to do with this deck.
Brion might be the right general for you if you....
1 - Like having a lot of synergies in your cards.
2 - Enjoy swinging with creatures.
3 - Enjoy a challenge working with the "worst" color-combination in EDH.
4 - Don't want to completely depend on your general.
5 - Like beating people into a pulp.
Brion might not be the right general for you if you....
1 - Like having answers to everything.
2 - Like controlling the board state.
3 - Don't want to attack everyone at the table.
4 - Want to combo out and insta-win.
1 Brion Stoutarm
CREATUREs
1 Leonin Shikari
1 Puresteel Paladin
1 Stoneforge Mystic
1 Wall of Omens
1 Squee, Goblin Nabob
1 Kemba, Kha Regent
1 Flametongue Kavu
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Linvala, Keeper of Silence
1 Hoarding Dragon
1 Cloudgoat Ranger
1 Stonehewer Dragon
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Baneslayer Angel
1 Archon of Justice
1 Karmic Guide
1 Godo, the Bandit Warlord
1 Hoard-Smelter Dragon
1 Aegis Angel
1 Sun Titan
1 Yosei, the Morning Star
1 Conquering Manticore
1 Eternal Dragon
1 Greater Gargadon
1 Elspeth, the Knight-Errant
1 Everflowing Chalice
1 Explorer's Scoper
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Mind Stone
1 Boros Signet
1 Umezawa's Jitte
1 Lightning Greaves
1 Nim Deathmantle
1 Darksteel Ingot
1 Worn Powerstone
1 Sunforger
1 Sword of Light and Shadow
1 Sword of Fire and Ice
1 Sword of Vengeance
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Well of Lost Dreams
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Guilded Lotus
1 Mind's Eye
1 Batterskull
Enchantments
1 Land tax
Instants / Sorceries
1 Swords to Plowshares
1 Path to Exile
1 Condemn
1 Enlightened Tutor
1 Reverberate
1 Martial Coup
1 Reiterate
1 Crib Swap
1 Chaos Warp
1 Day of Judgement
1 Wrath of God
1 Wild Ricochet
1 Return to Dust
1 Austere Command
1 Open the Vaults
1 Emeria, the Sky Ruin
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Ancient Amphitheater
1 Mistveil Plains
1 Shinka, the Bloodsoaked Keep
1 Terramorphic Expanse
1 Sunhome, Fortress of the Legion
15 Plains
13 Mountains
Card Choices
Creatures:
Leonin Shikari: If you're going equipment, and you're in white, this is a top performer. Easy include for me.
Puresteel Paladin: I have been trying this guy out lately, and he actually doesn't seem to be that bad. Instant-speed 0-costing equip is pretty good.
Stoneforge Mystic: Let's get the most broken sword and beat face!
Wall of Omens: Just a turn-two play. Not bad early-game, and replaces itself. And combos with kiki-jiki.
Kemba, Kha Regent: Haven't really had a chance to try her out, but she seems like she'd be good in this deck.
Flametongue Kavu: 4 damage to pesky generals, combos with kiki-jiki. Yes, please.
Solemn Simulacrum: No need to mention this card. Auto-include in all of my decks.
Taj-Nar Swordsmith: Haven't had a chance to play him yet, but he seems pretty decent. 7 mana for a 2/2 and a sword? Or 5 mana for skullclamp? I think I have to play around with him some more.
Linvala, Keeper of Silence: We should have some disruption, right? 4 mana for this awesome creature makes me happy.
Hoarding Dragon: Haven't had a chance to play him, but I can easily see a nice combo with Brion. Play this guy, then just fling him at someone. Fun times. Also - combos well with Kiki-Jiki.
Cloudgoat Ranger: Combos with Kiki-Jiki. Put a sword on him and beat face. Skullclamp the little guys. He's pretty nice.
Siege-Gang Commander: See above.
Stonehewer Giant: Gets me an equipment. Every time I use him, he's been kind of clunky, so I'm not sure if I'll keep him.
Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker: My main man! I love this card. The RRR cost is a little steep, but he's a pet card of mine, and he combos pretty well with multiple cards.
Baneslayer Angel: I love the lifelink on this flying angel. It also comes down a turn after Brion, so she can be your backup plan for gaining some life.
Archon of Justice: I like removing permanents at instant-speed with Brion. Or I can just remove one a turn with kiki-jiki.
Karmic Guide: Our only version of recursion, other than Sun Titan and Emeria. Combos with Kiki-Jiki too!
Hoard-Smelter Dragon: We need a way to kill artifacts, and this guy is a pretty good way to do it. I've even blown my own stuff up to kill someone.
Aegis Angel: Nice way to protect Brion or whatever else I need to protect. Kiki-Jiki combo-er too!
Sun Titan: This guy is awesome in here. Brings back all my swords, a few key creatures, and combos with kiki-jiki. What more can I ask for?
Yosei, the Morning Star: Attack someone, then fling it into someone's face and lock someone down. Pretty nice each time I've used it. Also, it deters attacks on me because, who wants to get their lands tapped?
Conquering Manticore: Kiki-Jiki combo, can also fling the stolen guy with Brion. Hasn't let me down.
Eternal Dragon: I recently added this guy in here; I think I like him early game to get me some plains, but other than that I don't see much use for him.
Greater Gargadon: This card has actually been awesome in this deck. Whenever I get him on the first turn, I can easily sacrifice any of my targeted permanents and be closer to having a 9/7 on the field, ready to beat face. I really enjoy playing with him, but I'm not sure if there's something better for the slot.
Everflowing Chalice: Mana accel.
Skullclamp: This card is amazing in this deck. With Brion, this card is pretty much 1R, Sacrifice a creature: Draw two cards, deal some damage, gain some life. This also works well with kiki-jiki, since the tokens trigger skullclamp.
Sol Ring: Mana accel
Mind Stone: Mana accel
Boros Signet: Mana accel
Umezawa's Jitte: Awesome equipment. Needed in a voltron-style deck like this.
Lightning Greaves: Awesome equipment.
Nim Deathmantle: I've been trying this card out lately. I think I like it so far. It does seem a little mana intensive, and I haven't abused the ability to its full extent, but I'd like to give it a couple more chances.
Darksteel Ingot: Mana accel
Worn Powerstone: Mana accel
Sunforger: This card has its own little package, explained below.
Sword of Light and Shadow, Sword of Fire and Ice, Sword of Feast and Famine: All of the swords are good in this deck. Looking to pick up War and Peace, as well.
Sword of Vengeance: I love this equipment for Brion. 6/4 Lifelink, Vigilance, First Strike is very powerful, since not many creatures can stand up to the 6 power. Slap this and another sword on him, and you're going to be doing some nice damage, and gaining a ton of life.
Well of Lost Dreams: I just recently added this card to the deck and I couldn't be happier with it. It's so good with Brion, especially since we're in colors that don't have great choices for raw card draw.
Thran Dynamo: Mana accel
Gilded Lotus: Mana accel
Mind's Eye: A decent draw source. I feel at times it's slow and limits my ability to play cards on my turn, but usually it works pretty well.
Land tax: Awesome card for white when we're not in green. Any time I get this on turn 1, I am not disappointed by its ability to thin my deck and get me the exact lands I need. Although, I hate shuffling so much
Aggravated Assault: Combos with sword of feast and famine. I'm not sure if I should keep this card in the deck. Yes, the combo can be very powerful, however, usually it's just too much mana for me to activate it even once.
Marshal's Anthem: A nice boost to our creatures and a nice recursion card, I think it deserves a slot in the deck.
I will go over the sunforger instants a little further down.
Martial Coup: A wrath plus clamp fodder.
Day of Judgement, Wrath of God: Wraths
Radiate: I like this card, but I feel that it sits in my head more than not. I'm just waiting and waiting for someone to play something relevant, and if I tap too many lands, I miss the chance to use this card. Although, I do like the synergy between this and Chaos Warp
Austere Command: Best wrath in the deck. Although, hitting artifacts might be a bad thing...
Emeria, the Sky Ruin: I've been thinking of taking this land out. It's so situational, and I haven't gotten the 7 plains I need in a very long time, since I've added mana acceleration. Even with Land Tax in the deck, I'm never able to get 7 plains out since I need the mountains as well. Not sure what I'll do for this card.
Mistveil Plains: Let's reuse those instants from Sunforger!
Swords to Plowshares, Path to Exile, Condemn, Enlightened Tutor, Reverberate, Reiterate, Crib Swap, Chaos Warp, Wild Ricochet, Return to Dust
I had a few goals in mind when choosing my Sunforger package. I wanted ways to remove creatures and artifacts/enchantments, but I also wanted a few ways to copy spells that my opponents play. Also, most of these cards are never dead draws, and can be used very well in combination (Reverberated Swords to Plowshares? Yes please). I also love the new addition of Enlightened Tutor. Most of the time, I like getting Well, so I can draw a ton of cards, but sometimes you just gotta get a sword.
Almost all of the cards in this deck synergize very well together. I'm not going to go over all of them, since it's pretty self explanatory, but skullclamp, kiki-jiki, and brion are your main sources of small combos. Whether they gain you pure card advantage, or life, or give you a sacrifice outlet, those three cards are enablers for small synergies that work to help you win the game.
Most games, all you're going to want to do is play Brion and start swinging with him. It's fairly common to get him out on turn 3 or even turn 2 if you're lucky, and then just start gaining that life and dealing that damage. He has a relatively slow clock (only 4 damage a turn), but put an equipment on him, and he really starts hurting.
Once you get your general out, here is your plan:
In reality, your general is your best creature to attack with because it can never truly die, and it's one of the very few lifelink cards in the deck. Lifelink is your best friend in a voltron-style deck like this, since the repercussions will hurt slightly less, especially if you attack more than one person. One of the best cards in the deck is probably Well of Lost Dreams. It is so good with your general, especially if you also have an equipment on Brion, since you will always be gaining life even if he dies from combat.
Most of your games will be similar (attacking with Brion), however, there are other ways to get into the red zone. You have a few creatures that are great for attacking: Baneslayer, Cloudgoat Ranger, Sun Titan, Greater Gargadon, Conquering Manticore. Also, you can play the passive route, just building up your artifacts and drawing a bunch of cards from Mind's Eye, and then play Brion, equip, and swing for a bunch.
I'm also looking to get Felidar Sovereign so I have another win condition. Relying on general damage is somewhat difficult because of all the wraths available to players.
There are a few cards that I have ordered that are definitely going into the deck:
Godo, the Bandit Warlord: Yet another equipment-search in the deck. He also has a nice ability. I'd like to try him out in the deck, I think he'll be a great addition.
Batterskull: An awesome addition for Brion. 8/8 vigilance is awesome. Also, this basically turns any creature into a force to be reckoned with.
Sunhome, Fortress of the Legion: Double-strike Brion? Yes please. This land is awesome, I can't believe I haven't realized it before.
Felidar Sovereign: Our second win condition. This is desperately needed, since attacking with Brion can be quite difficult sometimes.
Jan 30th 2012
- Aggravated Assault
- Mountain
- Taj-Nar Swordsmith
+Batterskull: Vigilance is awesome. Lifelink is awesome. This card has to go in the deck. It makes any of my guys Brion, pretty much (just in case Brion gets tucked or something), so I felt I needed this card. I took out Aggravated Assault because a) I didn't want to possibly combo out and b) it's too much mana to even use it. I'd rather use the mana drawing cards or equipping things.
+Godo, the Bandit Warlord: I figured that 6 mana for any equipment into play is better for conditional mana. Also, a 3/3 that has a semi-relevant ability is better than a 2/2.
+Sunhome, Fortress of the Legion: Oh man, this card is SO good with Brion. I immediately put it in my deck when I received a copy of it, and I couldn't be more pleased. I did about 14 damage in one go just with Brion and another equipment.
Feb 5th 2012
-Marshal's Anthem: I want to use this in another deck, so I took it out of here. Plus, I found a better substitution since my deck doesn't rely on the creatures in it, but more the equipment and artifacts.
-Mountain
-Radiate: I took this out because I felt I was only using it for gimmicky situations (a.k.a. Chaos Warp the board) and I thought something else deserved the slot.
+Squee, Goblin Nabob: I'm going to try this out due to the suggestion of Dekrow. It should work well since I can skullclamp it, or just pack it up with equipment.
+Explorer's Scope: I tried this card out last night and it was fantastic. The deck likes a lot of land, and this little piece of equipment gives myself a good chance of accelerating my mana.
+Open the Vaults: I discovered that if someone destroys all my equipment, all I can do to get them back is Sun Titan, so I decided to put this in the deck, in the hopes of protecting myself from board sweepers. I'll try it for sometime, and if it doesn't work well I can always try out Second Sunrise, which goes well with Sunforger.
GBURW Karona, False God
I have 2 suggestions:
1) Helm of Possession - this has always been an all-star in my Brion deck. I know you didn't go the act of treason route with your deck, but this is an answer card on a stick. It's also a second way to sacrifice your Archon of Redemption / Hoarding Dragon type creatures when Brion gets killed / tucked. At worst, you can sacrifice the tokens from something like Cloudgoat Ranger or Kiki-Jiki.
2) Squee, Goblin Nabob - This card combos with skullclamp so well for that much needed draw in red and white. It would be another creature you could sacrifice to Helm of Possession if you put that in too. He's cheap and can wear equipments early game. He also has added value in that fact that you can pitch him to your opponent's discard like the commonly played Syphon Mind.
I definitely like the Squee, Goblin Nabob idea - drawing more cards with skullclamp is always nice. I'm thinking of taking out a land for Squee.
I'm not entirely sold on the Helm. It's definitely a good card, don't get me wrong, but I think I'll pass on the "annoying" nature of it ("take your creature, you get mad at me" kind of thing.). Plus, I'm not sure what I'd take out for it.
GBURW Karona, False God
If you're play group doesn't like steal effects, then having an artifact that can do it constantly would be rather annoying ;P
But yes, squee is amazing in any red deck really. If you have access to one, definitely play with it.
GBURW Karona, False God
You're missing scroll rack. This (plus land tax) is the best draw engine in rw, and both cards are GREAT on their own.
It might be a $$ problem. But sneak attack is boss. Most of your dudes have etb abilities, and this + brion is sick. Mana crypt too.
Phyrexian dreadnaught is halarius with brion (can sac with trigger on the stack.)
I'll have more when I get home tonight and have a computer / can check my list!
Edric | Skithiryx | Merieke | Talrand
--------------------------
Well except for pauper EDH
Garruk's Packleader | Inkfathom Witch | Gelectrode | Sigil Captain | Glider Barin | Sludge Strider | Paragon of the Ameshsa
I have Sneak Attack, but I don't think it would be a good idea for this deck. I want to keep as many threats as possible, and I'd rather have creatures on the board than in my graveyard (since I have so little recursion). Yes, there are a lot of ETB creatures, but I'd rather have board presence than to have them go to my graveyard after one attack.
Scroll Rack is a card I'd like to have, but I'm not sure how useful it would be in this deck. It's mostly pseudo-draw, and I'm unsure what I'd take out.
GBURW Karona, False God
Cute interaction with Hoard-Smelter Dragon. I like it. Might just have to toss his arse back in my own Stoutarm list.
In a similar vein as Phyrexian Dreadnought(awesome suggestion btw, if he wasn't so pricey on MTGO I'd use him in mine) have you considered both Serra Avatar and Phyrexian Devourer for the one-shot kills? Devourer you keep responding to his sacrifice trigger with another exile trigger, then when his power his high enough, tap a R and send him to someone's face. He's also searchable via Imperial Recruiter, and Enlightened Tutor. While similar in execution, it isn't as much of a kill-now, but Knollspine Dragon also interacts favorably with your general. Play him, respond to the trigger by flinging him, then pitch your hand and draw seven, a one-sided Wheel of Fortune. Speaking of which, WoF is another card you should be playing anyway. Wheel is so damned awesome, man.
I don't usually like Serra Ascendant in this format because it sucks late game, but in Stoutarm it usually is consistently a sizable threat. Some call it "cheese" but hey you're playing RW, if that can't handle the "weakest" colour combination with one good creature, they need to have some issues addressed.
For a bit more recursion, don't forget you also have Reveillark at your disposal. Karmic Guide is the obvious go-to target with him, but Duergar Hedge-Mage is a solid value pick as well. A hidden gem I've found from Mirage is an uncommon named Miraculous Recovery. Instant speed, and brings him back stronger, almost like a one-shot Undying effect. And of course there's Resurrection, Breath of Life, and False Defeat for the Zombify-effects.
Lastly, some good synergies for you to consider are Cradle of Vitality, Test of Endurance, and Felidar Sovereign. To go along with your pseudo-lifelink theme, Venser's Journal is pretty good with Well of Lost Dreams.
If only Drogskol Reaver was RW instead of UW...totally missed an opportunity there, Wizards!
Steel Sabotage'ng Orbs of Mellowness since 2011.
lol, you just basically mentioned all the other cards in my deck :),
The big cards I would suggest (that aren't mentioned above) are:
Phyrexian Processor - The life loss is made up for almost immediately! AND then you get to keep turning out dudes
Mimic Vat - Absolutely NUTS with Brion, also with Karmic Guide imprinted and Yosie in GY, you can infinitely lock down someone!
Rings of Brighthearth - Can double the shooting power of Brion.
Grafted Exoskeleton - Most of all this. MVP in my build, often the first equipment I search up as he lets me one to two shot people really easily.
Grab the Reins - as a sunforger target
Oh and scroll rack is great, it turns late game lands into real cards, and they stay gone after any tutoring (it also lets you dig deeper when you're looking for a specific answer). And it lets you dodge hand removal (by moving to the top of library the cards you want to keep after they target you!). Try it a bit, it's REALLY good.
Good luck and Brion is awesome!
Edric | Skithiryx | Merieke | Talrand
--------------------------
Well except for pauper EDH
Garruk's Packleader | Inkfathom Witch | Gelectrode | Sigil Captain | Glider Barin | Sludge Strider | Paragon of the Ameshsa
@3drinks -
I like the Preacher idea. If I ever think I need more "take your creature" effects, I think that would be the first card I'd look at.
I have tried Serra Avatar many many times in the deck - only pulled the one-hit KO once. It was actually really slow for me (and doesn't have any evasion so is chump-blocked all the time if I'm not flinging it right away). So I think I want to stay away from one-hit KO creatures (especially with such a huge drawback of Phyrexian Devourer).
I actually like Knollspire Dragon and Wheel of Fortune, I might have to fit those in somewhere (getting a copy of WoF sometime soon).
I think I'll keep Serra Ascendant out - too competitive for my group (it would probably mean I kill someone in 5 turns haha).
I really like Reveillark, I can't believe I forgot about that card. I think I'll keep the recursion to creatures / Emeria instead of using one-shot sorceries/instants.
I actually just used Felidar Sovereign last night - and it won me the game. I had SoFaI and Sword of Vengeance on it... and they couldn't kill it. I was a huge target pretty much the entire game, and I don't think they enjoyed losing to it... so I think I might have to take it out.
Venser's Journal does seem pretty decent, I'll have to try it out.
@prosistheplumber -
Phyrexian Processor seems pretty interesting - I'll have to find a slot for it and see how it works.
Not sure about Mimic Vat, might have to test it out (never really had it in any of my decks).
I have tried Rings of Brighthearth for a while, and it wasn't the greatest in my deck. It wasn't as good of an effect as I thought it would be - I don't think I want to force it into the deck again (especially since now I'm not centralized around the "fling your guys" theme).
Grafted Exoskeleton is definitely something I've wanted to try out. It would usually be a one or two-shot kill with many creatures in the deck (especially since I have so much other equipment to pump), so that seems pretty good.
Grab the Reins used to be a pet card of mine in past versions of Brion, but I discovered it really wasn't that good, nor was I ever searching for it with Sunforger. I'd rather just Swords to Plowshares or something like that if it's a troublesome creature.
Lastly, I guess I can proxy a Scroll Rack up and try it out before I order one.
One thing I've been meaning to take out is Squee, Goblin Nabob. I've used it twice now, and both times it has been less than impressive. It pretty much just sat there and didn't do anything - I even forgot the upkeep trigger a few times because I never even wanted it in my hand or on my board. Maybe I can add one of the above cards instead of this creature.
GBURW Karona, False God
Last night I switched Squee for Grafted Exoskeleton. I never actually saw the equipment, but I'm sure it will be better than Squee.
I also had a big problem with my artifacts being destroyed (since now my girlfriend who plays in my group is getting smarter and decided she wanted to put Shatterstorm in her deck just to hose me... :argh:). I put Open the Vaults in the deck just for this reason, but I couldn't seem to get the card no matter how hard I tried (actually, it was my next draw right after I died :facepalm:). What are some other cards I could use for:
GBURW Karona, False God
Edric | Skithiryx | Merieke | Talrand
--------------------------
Well except for pauper EDH
Garruk's Packleader | Inkfathom Witch | Gelectrode | Sigil Captain | Glider Barin | Sludge Strider | Paragon of the Ameshsa
Wow! I really like that. Thanks! That is exactly the type of card I was looking for
So yesterday I was playing with my girlfriend and a friend, and they were pretty much just going after me all game. I was down to 6 life, after having all my creatures killed and my artifacts, and they were in the mid 20's. I had played Godo, and had gotten Sword of Feast and Famine. Then I opened the vaults, searched for Grafted Exoskeleton using Sunforger -> Enlightened Tutor, and drew a card from something that I don't remember, then I killed both of them after two turns. In conclusion - Grafted Exoskeleton is good in this deck.
I also discovered that I wasn't really happy with Leonin Shikari. She kinda just sat out there and the only time I used her static ability was equipping sunforger at the end of someone's turn so I could search for an instant. I feel she's not that good in this deck, since I usually tap out most of the time - and if I don't, there are better things I can do with my mana during my opponent's turns. Not sure if I should leave her in or not, though.
GBURW Karona, False God
Re-equiping the sunforger at instant speed for another spell is huge in my book; On top of that, the typical sword/greaves thing with her really shuts down a lot of people.
Retired EDH - Tibor and Lumia | [PR]Nemata |Ramirez dePietro | [C]Edric | Riku | Jenara | Lazav | Heliod | Daxos | Roon | Kozilek
Someone in my play group plays Brion stoutarm
His deck is far more control based and less voltron than yours.
Anyway two cards u need in there are: boros charm and scout's warning.
Scout's warning lets u keep mana up when u might need it until the last possible moment. Boros charm is an auto include in r/w cause of indestructible permanents and double strike.
Also if u include those two spells and cut say wall of omens and khemba u might consider running isochron sceptre for say eternal dragon.
Your deck will still be fast but this will give u another toolbox.
Finally I would cut cloudgoat ranger for duergar hedge-Mage. This adds removal and combos with Kiki. It also lowers your curve.
You should also swap a plains and a mountain for windbrisk heights and spine rock knoll.
Other cards I would swap in are:
Chandra the firebrand- Chandra adds value to your spells and often eats removal so your general does not.
mentor of the meek- mentor is solid card draw,
volcanic fallout- uncounted able sunforger target, helps deal with pesky hate bears and so on, and hell kite charger goes infinite with sword of feast and famine.
Your deck seems good.