A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon William Blake's poetry and hooked to poem ever since, last week, I tried to compose a few of my own then it hit me...that I can use this to innovate my primer so I want to hear your opinions. I spend three hours to write this introduction + Rasputin's variations:
(I'm not native English, mind you so it probably terrible.)
Introduction
If I may have your permission,
I would like to start with an introduction
Of the man of this hour, this thread,
A man that since I bought, I have no regret.
His name is Rasputin,
The first and most powerful of his kin.
Kin? Of human, wizard or white-blue?
To that, my answer, is all true.
Rafiq of many, the mightiest warrior.
You are indeed paragon of mankind.
That is the truth which none dares deny.
But can you hold this throne forever?
You're fast, vicious and strong
But your reign is far too long.
By now, everyone aware of your weakness.
Hence, some replaces you with a goddess.
Azami, Teferi and Venser
Great wizards indeed, good sir.
But so cliche so narrow in their minds
All can predict how they will shine.
Being mono colour don't help.
Confront by some, they are just whelp.
But those that fear their edges,
Will join force to decide their fates.
What about other white-blue?
Aren't there any more powerful?
Concerning raw power, maybe.
But versatility? I can't see.
Augustin, an infamous tax leecher,
An obvious target for most player.
Or the Inscrutable who isn't so secretive
Without flyer, what is the motive?
Lavinia, the rising star,
Exceed my expectation by far.
Without budget, I shall play her
But right now, Putin is the master.
Rasputin's Variations
In an art of wizardry, there
Is none who has bigger mana pool
And sadly he sire no heir,
Trust me, I couldn't believe too.
Therefore, some try to exploit
This developers old odd choice
To give him this enormous supply
instead of ability to draw or fly.
There is only one downside,
That is, he must be alright.
If he was hindered, for instance,
You may as well forfeit your chance.
Cause big spell needs a lot of resource,
Without him, what gonna be your retort? Lotus, dynamo or Sol Ring?
These are hardly enough to make you king.
Rasputin, the wizard, maybe old
But he is faster than most, truth be told.
For every time his feet hit the field,
His counters are fully refilled.
'Blink engine' sounds so sweet right now.
With a good one, he can gives you crown.
Constantly, gaining advantage.
Surprisingly, more fearsome than cascade.
This style can't be dismissed
But some engine is, forgive me, ****.
Why waste spots for them?
Why not pack with onlytruegems?
There is one more variation.
The style that need most introduction.
I call it the finishing move build,
An archetype that aim to kill.
They abuse Rasputin's uniqueness,
To render opponents speechless.
They seek pieces of combo
And do all the deeds in final show.
But some part is a garbage
While other gain you a little advantage.
Relying on luck will make you slow
Or you prefer sacrificing control to combo?
Hence, this is my proposition, Gandalf-style.
A variation that will make every game worthwhile.
A combination of the three aforementioned archetype
With my own addition, twist with delight.
In this list, there are big, powerfulspells
That without him, can still perform well
Since they are not too demanding
But at their best with his blessing.
I hand pick a handful of blink engines
Only those so good, using them feel like sins.
Couple with a fewtokengenerators.
If one is good, two should be better.
Although I pack a combo in this deck,
It shouldn't hinder me, you may check.
Because timemagiccanbenefitmegreatly.
And to bring it back? There is noneed to worry.
Aside from walking the aeons, there
is one more twist to make my deck unfair.
I give him swords, swords which we can't only cast
But also equip with two counters still last!
If my introduction arouse you greatly,
I humbly welcome you to the party
And hope that my strategy sections
Will not make you regret this decision.
Basic Strategy
While most Rasputin deck including my old one are a blink deck or a fast-gigantic spell deck, this one took a different approach. It's a value deck. It's aim to out-value your opponents by creatures.
I divide this deck's strategy into four phases. The first phase is when we try not to be the one they left behind. We are not strong, to be frank. I mostly play rock and a few utility creature at this phase, that is all.
The second phase is when people start to throw a nasty pressure at each other. I mostly keep up at this phase without deploy our pressure. Sower of Temptation, Phyrexian Metamorph and Gilded Drake is totally effective at this state.
The third phase is when the board is wiped. This is when our deck is incredibly strong. I highly recommend you to cast Rasputin now and start pour your pressure into play. Sun Titan, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite and the like are our chosen one. You should not fear of removal and sweeper since you reserve a few resurrection effect in hand.
The last phase is when we are the one to beat which is damn hard for our opponents since we are so resourceful. I generally bring the game into this phase when I establish a solid board position and successfully cast a big draw engine.
I shall discuss our game plan further on when I talk about each card, however, you should get the big picture by now.
Card Discussion
Creatures
Creatures are bread and butter of this deck. We develop our game and protect ourselves with them. There is a sub-category, a wizard package.
Wizard Package
A wizard package is built around Azami, Lady of Scroll. Originally, I found my deck lacking in draw engine (but I'm quite a drawing fanatic so it maybe my idiosyncrasy alone.) I found Azami and recognized that a lot of creature in my deck is a wizard so I start to develop this package. It used to be consist of acceptable wizard with 1 toughness (so it could go well with Skullclamp). However, I found that is quite unreliable strategy so I shift into elite wizard package instead.
In general, Azami serves as a draw engine in this deck. Unless it do-or-die situation, you must not use her as a chump blocker. She is arguably the best wizard in this deck since she can draw into other powerful wizard and other crazy stuff.
Note: It should be known that since her ability doesn't has a tap symbol in it, you can activate it the very moment she hit play
First phase: Azami is not really good at this phase, yes, she can draw you a few card but I hardly think that is justify you to cast her since we will usually have only a few amount of wizards with no way to protect her. The only situation you want to cast her this early is when the table face some fearsome combo and it is known that you don't have answer for it yet, for instance, that said combo player rip your hand off.
Second phase: She begin to shine at this phase since you ramp enough to not tapped out (or almost tapped out) to cast her and you should have at least a decent amount of wizards in play (considering you can even resurrect some of them via Sun Titan and Reveillark.) You should activate her ability before your turn begin unless you have an emergency situation, say, you really need to counter this or that spell.
Third phase: This is when you go crazy with Azami. She is THE card to resurrect with Reveillark. At this phase, Azami should be able to pull you at least four cards a turn. Even though this is the only phase she is five star player, I still give her five point in general since third phase is the most important state in our plan. You must accomplish at least two things in this state, that is, you must establish a great board position and acquire an overwhelming card advantage over your opponents, via her otherworldly draw power, we can accomplish both.
Last phase: Azami is a little bit insignificant in this phase since you are already winning anyway (It is extremely difficult for your opponent to overcome you in this state.) Be that as it may, I advice you to keep drawing till you really win the game.
Patron Wizard is pale in comparison with Azami. Be that as it may, he still a robust one. I rarely counter a spell with him. (You need a flash creature or imprudent opponent to do so.) I use him mostly as a tax effect which hose my opponent and allow me to develop my board.
Note: Like Azami, we can activate him the very minute he hit play.
First phase: He hoses early ramp, draw spell and swords, however, I do not recommend you to play him unless you have a way to employ at least other two wizards.
Second phase: He really shines here since we will have a few wizards in play and your opponents' mana pool are not absurd yet. As no one will play spell if it can be countered by our wizards, their game will be a lot slower than their expectation. I like the fact that he can be resurrect by Sun Titan.
Third phase: Yes, we should have a wizard army by now. No, he is not as dominating as you want him to be since everyone already ramp so hard. However, he still net you a card via Azami and improve your chance at counterspell war. P.S. It is quite sweet when someone totally forget about him and tapped out for Genesis Wave or the rest.
Last phase: He is just another wizard at this point, however, just another wizard is always welcome in our deck if he can do a solid work at other phase.
In this deck, Voidmage Prodigy is a prodigy indeed. I have won a few game with this card stand hand in hand with Sun Titan so I can keep counter important spell while Sun Titan keep resurrect small wizard for a fodder. He can sacrifice himself but I rarely do so.
First phase: He is totally lame at this phase. You don't want to cast him now unless there is some promising play, for instance, you have both Patron Wizard and Azami in hand.
Second phase: He become stronger at this phase as people start to throw in some powerful spell and it is possible that you hold Reveillark in hand. Be that as it may, unless you suspect a backbreaking combo, avoid casting him now may prove to be wiser.
Third phase: He is undeniably rock at this phase. The sheer control your wizard army give you is ridiculous and he pay the big part in that. As long as you have some form of continuous resurrection effect with him and a few wizard in play, you can't lose...okay, maybe to Boseiju, Who Shelters All but should you blame him?
Last phase: He is used exactly the same way in this phase. Just don't get cocky and over-counter so you run out of wizard (unlikely) or get to someone bad side (extremely, almost unavoidably likely!)
It is quite wearisome to give an account of how to use this wizard since it is depend on situation. so I shall do it as a general suggestion instead.
How many time you open you mana, suspect that your opponent will cast a fearful general, and she simply pass her turn? You waste your three mana for this since you want to Hinder or Spell Crumple it. This is not the case with this wizard in your hand. You can simply simply wizardcycling it before your turn begin! I usually search for Azami, Sower of Temptation, Glen Elendra Archmage, Venser, Shaper Savant and Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir At later phase, you can tutor for Venser as an emergency counterspell. You can surprise your opponent by tutor for Patron Wizard while you have Teferi in play and so on. The combinations are truly tremendous.
Aside from these three, there are other wizards I employ:
Extraordinary wizard is really extraordinary. Tutor is a common move in EDH and fetch lands are banal. Aven can renders this strategy unplayable.
First phase: Library searching at this phase rarely mean much unless your opponent really want to end game really fast. However, ramp is the name of this phase and he destroy ramp. He is also a flash wizard and I cannot ask for a better creature. He can combo nicely with Patron Wizard to surprise your opponent. Last but not least, He can safe you from wasting your mana waiting to counterspell (not unlike Vedalken Aethermage).
Second phase: People rarely tutor at this phase since they will most likely still have those that they tutor for at the earlier phase (unless you deploy Aven since turn three or so). However, I always like it when I flash him in to negate Rune-Scarred Demon. He is usually one of the best target for Sun Titan and Reveillark too.
Third phase: People unquestionably want to tutor for an answer or a big threat now. If you have him in graveyard, resurrect him unless you have a better plan to negate library searching.
Last phase: While someone may still hope for tutoring an answer, You should have a counterspell in your disposal by now so he is not THAT neccessary anymore.
Guildmage is a solid wizard although how good she is depend on your meta. If your meta is non-permanent oriented, I doubt she is good enough, however, in most group, she is golden.
First phase: I rarely cast he in this phase. I only do when I suspect some fast voltron or I have a Patron Wizard who desperate for support. Three mana for her effect is huge burden for you at this state.
Second phase: She is much better at this phase since a lot of player tend to swing with their big guys and activate some crazy ability. However, mana is still to much valuable to waste at this state.
Third phase: Rasputin is a man for her. He carry an absurd amount of mana with him so he can enable her to activate her ability to death. It is a happy accident that the most fearsome swing and activate ability tend to occur at this phase.
Last phase: She is a good guardian but not really useful at this phase. You may win a creature battle by her though.
Ah! Glen. I shall rate her six if that is possible. Her power is too overwhelming your opponents curse you because you play her. With a blink engine or two, you have to try to lose a game.
First phase: What would you possibly want to counter at this phase? Explosive Vegetation? Granted, you may want to counter Contamination...after think it through, I believe she deserves at least four point at this phase!
Second phase: You want Glen to deal with your opponents' ridiculous combo or a spell so powerful it warp game, for instance, Karn Liberated. She is a bleeding target for Reveillark and I think it is called for if you cast Karmic Guid just for her.
Third phase: This is when how you use Glen reflect how good you are as a magic player. Should you sacrifice a universal counterspell in your hand for her sake? This depend on who you battle with. Read their deck and make an educated guess. If their deck is creature based, Glen may not be that important, maybe he can sacrifice that Reveillark and search for Duplicant to exile Glen...You must make a decision yourself.
Last phase: While you should have other counterspell in your hand, Glen is still an excellent wizard in this phase since she can protect your well breed army from nasty sweeper or some 'oops! I win.' combo.
Why not Future Sight? Well, Future Sight is a solid card, much more harder to destroy than Magus of The Future, however, Magus of The Future has some important edge, that is to say, he:
1. is a wizard so he can interact with the rest of wizard package
2. is a 2/3 creature, not that easy to remove, can block almost all utility creature and can be resurrect by Reveillark.
First phase: he is totally lame at this phase. What would you possibly want to cast him for? He produces no immediate advantage when he hit play since you most likely have no mana to play anything he reveals.
Second phase: You should have a few mana to spare after casting him now. He bring you a decent card advantage. Not as much as, say, Consecrated Sphinx but more subtle.
Third phase: This is when he really shines. You would have a lot of mana by now, assuming you cast Rasputin and a few rock. He works really well with Soothsaying too which is really great. You can dig for an immediate answer with these two together.
Last phase: He is still a good wizard, although not as necessary as before. I recommend to keep abuse him though.
One of the strongest card in my deck. She is so versatile to the point that your opponent cannot fathom her ability. Yes, she is obviously a blinker. But what can you do with her? She can refill Rasputin's counters. She can blink your ETB. She can safe your creature from removal. She can negate your opponent's swing. She can take back your creature etc.
First phase: She is rarely worth it at this phase since you don't have enough mana to abuse her. She is solid for anti fast voltron though.
Second phase: She is powerful and can hose most threat, grind advantage and so on. I often cast Rasputin at this phase if I have her in play. She is one of the important reason he is more suitable to this deck than Augustin.
Third phase: This is when you abuse the hell out of her. Keep blink that threat away, welcome back your ETB, an Angel of Serenity perhaps? Your crazy amount of mana should be suffice to make her one of the most powerful witch in this game by now.
Last phase: She is still solid at this state. She can safe your counter from some answer your opponents may want to throw at you (for an example, you can always blink your important creatures away from Terminus.
The least powerful creature in this deck, yet, quite necessary since we need to dig out deck at early phase.
First phase: I can only name a few card that I want to see in my opening hand as much as Oracle. He is golden at this phase because he is not only replace himself but also dig and let you chose a card. He can block other utility creature too.
Second phase: He is acceptable since you may want to draw a card or two and if he die at earlier phase, he is not a terrible choice for Sun Titan. I've never Larked him though.
Third phase: He is barely significant unless you use him as a mere wizard for Azami or something. It is hilarious to flash this guy in and counter a game ending spell but that should not be involved in grading this guy.
Last phase: Just ignore him. You have better thing to do with your mana. He can be a Forbid fodder but everything does.
I probably underrate this card but she really pale in comparison with Gilded Drake. This is an unfair competition yet one can't help but do it. Despite that, she is part of wizard package. A strong part actually.
First phase: She is not really worth it at this phase because most creature in play is not really strong yet, although sometime people can't wait to do some opps! I drop a bat crap crazy creature in play guys so you have to answer it and Sower can answer it quite well.
Second phase: While I don't think she is as great as the strongest creature in play, her strength does depend on how good your opponents' creatures are so it is not surprising that she is positively strong in this state. A time when people throw strong creature at each other faces!
Third phase: She is a satisfying target for Reveillark at this phase. You need all strong creature you can acquire to beat combo player, out pace control player and control control player. I fear I have no more detail of how to use her at this phase since she work exactly the same as the previous phase.
Last phase: She is justified in this state since she can steal a big bad creature your opponent control which prevent you from victory, however, this is a rare case, after all, I don't think a single creature can make a different at this phase.
He is one of the strongest wizard in this game. He cancel a lot of strong strategy. He has a great body (for a wizard). He can save you from wasting mana your mana.
First phase: Do not cast him at this phase! It is a waste. People rarely play anything significance at this phase and Teferi deserve more than to be a removal eater.
Second phase: I rarely cast him at this phase because I don't want to resurrect him since only Karmic Guide and Body Double can do so immediately and I tend to reserve them for more important or higher cmc target. He is a good plan to figuratively murder suspend.dec though.
Third phase: He stomps most deck who dare to play an instant in front of him. He negate most combo deck since you are the only one who can play instant so you can counter their combo piece but they can't counter you. You should have enough mana to drop fatty at instant speed at this phase so you can hold your mana till it's time to announce a welcome for, say, Avacyn, Angel of Hope.
Last phase: I believe the only significant different between this and third phase is you don't really have to drop creature anymore.
Good old staple. There are five targets for him in this deck. Granted, most of them is an early phase card but Tormod's Crypt is one of the card in the later states so it is reasonably to say that he is good through every step of our game.
First phase: He is the strongest play at this phase. We can forward our game considerably by him alone.If you can let him stand side by side with Patron Wizard or Mistmeadow Witch, your opponent can only curse you for the advantage you gain.
Second phase: He is a great target for Lark. The priority for his target at this phase should be Sol Ring -> Wayfarer's Bauble -> ArtifactLand then Tormod's Crypt unless you suspect someone will abuse her graveyard soon.
Third phase: Tormod's Crypt is a good target but unless you really need it, he is not that good anymore since his other targets are not distinctively useful at this phase.
Last phase: Sadly, he rarely useful at this phase. You should have Tormod's Crypt by now. He is not worth resurrection. I usually use him as a Forbid's fodder which say nothing about his quality.
Venser is strong. He can bounce permanent. He can soft counter your opponent. He can flash into battlefield to counter a tapped out opponent with Patron Wizard. He is nut with Deadeye Navigator or Crystal Shard. I've never tried this but I believe you can, if you are that desperate, cast him, let him hit play, target himself then tap him with Azami to draw a card then return him to you hand, rinse and repeat.
First phase: What would you cast him for? Save him for later state.
Second phase: This is when he truly shine. He can save the world by negate a crucial combo piece, bounce a surprise gigantic beater and the like. The best part is, since your opponent already expose herself as a threat, your table should gang up on her. You should read a political atmosphere at your table regarding whether to drop Crystal Shard at this state or not.
Third phase: I rarely find him useful at this phase because most people can simply recast their spell and Venser is not Capsize, however, if you have Crytal Shard in play, he is five star.
Last phase: Unless you can find his buddy, Deadeye Navigator, he is not fruitful, despite that, Venser stand side by side with Deadeye Navigator guarantee your victory.
That's a really great idea, spetznaz. Gemstone can work as a "bank" while not using as a combo piece. I think I will use Blatant Thievery again for those infinite mana. I will update you after I test it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
I have a blink based Merieke Ri Berit build that I just put together recently. I don't have a ton of experience with it yet but I'll share my thoughts.
Stonehorn Dignitary is a great card to stop decks based around turning sideways. Blink it multiple turns to skip multiple turns worth of combat phases.
Deadeye Navigator is amazing. It's ability to abuse things is really the icing on the cake. The real power comes from being able to save itself or it's bonded creature from so many things.
some recommendations: Solemn Simulacrum: when blinked, he ramps like crazy Knight-Captain of Eos: this plus blinkers such as crystal shard can lock your opponents out of dealing combat damage to you Sower of Temptation: gain control of whatever creature you want? blink it to take a different creature? yes please.
some recommendations: Solemn Simulacrum: when blinked, he ramps like crazy Knight-Captain of Eos: this plus blinkers such as crystal shard can lock your opponents out of dealing combat damage to you Sower of Temptation: gain control of whatever creature you want? blink it to take a different creature? yes please.
I don't know why but I remember it wrong. I don't know the proper English for this situation but I remembered my deck list and type it here from the top of my head so while I think I have 38 lands, I have only 36 lands instead. I totally forgot about Solemn Simulacrum and Knight-Captain which is in my deck. Deepest apology.
I tested Deadeye and he is so awesome. I used to consider take out Rule of Law but when I see what Deadeye can do with my Draining Whelk...
Right now, I am considering to remove Blasting Station. It's a beast and a lot of my friend's deck is quite hardcore. But I don't like to win my game out of no where. What do you think?
P.S. Regarding Sower of Temptation, I will think about it.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
I remove Blasting Station combo because I rarely enjoy pulling it off. Phyrexian Ingestor can be tutored via Riptide Shapshifter. The Eldrazi can be tutored too but what make them amazing are their "casting" abilities. Rasputin allow you to cast them very easily.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
I can't believe I don't recognize Vanish into Memory's potential with Rasputin before. You can use it as spot removal that draw a lot of card too (with Sundial.)
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
This is my favorite EDH deck! Although I do run it with Grand Arbiter because he allows the blinking to commence all the earlier (and I really don't care if people kill him).
Some recommendations: Ghostly Flicker – At first glance, it seems pretty weak because you can only blink once (vs. repeatable blink effects like Mistmeadow Witch). But pair it with Mnemonic Wall and you can have unlimited blink shenanigans for 3 mana a pop. Another big difference is that Ghostly Flicker returns the targets from exile immediately, instead of at the end of the turn. This is especially good for Draining Whelk. What’s more, the targets come back under your control, not their owners. The difference is that if you target Sower of Temptation and the creature you originally stole with her, you get to keep that guy AND the Sower can steal another guy.
Momentary Blink over Otherworldly Journey – Personally, I think two blinks are better than one, even with that slight p/t boost. Like with Ghostly Flicker, it’s usually better for the creature to come back immediately, unless you’re trying to save your guys from a board sweep. Although for that, you may want…
Ghostway – Saves everyone from board sweeps if you want, or just retrigger everyone’s ETB abilities. You can even use this in response to your own sweeps.
Cackling Counterpart – This doesn’t blink creatures, but it does get you multiple uses of their ETB triggers, which is what we want, right? The main difference between this and ‘normal’ clones is the fact that it’s an instant, so you can use it to get a counter off your Draining Whelk. Rasputin’s mana boost makes the flashback cost easy to pay, too. (You can clone your Mnemonic Wall over and over too. Having an army of walls isn’t gonna win you the game, but it does make you a pain to attack.)
Warning issued for unauthorized use of [Primer] status. Please review the Primer Outline for the requirements / application process if you are interested in obtaining primer status.
The [Primer] section of your thread name has been removed for now.
Private Mod Note
():
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.
I'm terribly sorry for using primer status. I didn't know that there is such requirement. I thought that primer mean you discuss about strategy or card choice. I will try to improve this thread.
Ghostly Flicker seems really good but I try to use a card that allow me to blink any creature due to Gilded Drake and Sundial of Infinite. This is the same for Momentary Blink.
Ghostway is great but sometime I really don't want to cast it because it will let loose the creature I stole by Gilded Drake.
Cackling Counterpart is terrific. I used to run it but I swaped it for Stonecloaker. I'm still not so sure I made a right decision.
Ghostway is great but sometime I really don't want to cast it because it will let loose the creature I stole by Gilded Drake.
You have to think of it as giving that creature back but maintaining everything else you have against a board wipe. You should try Homeward Path as a just in case against situations like this, or if your own stuff gets stolen.
Also have you looked at Sakashima's Student from the Planechase decks? I am currently testing it in my blink deck but out of 3 games never drew it =/
It's a shame that Sakashima's Student is not enter battlefield with it's original name.
After I removed a little bit of tutor from my list, I found that it's lack consistency. When I find my draw engine, it's great. When I don't...well, let's just say I don't have a fuel to play my game.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
Intuition could be interesting for you. Search for Body Double, Karmic Guide, Revilark. Not really any way they can stop you from getting all three onto the field short of very fast Gravehate at that point.
To tell you the truth, I've never gone that route but I collect blink cards ( I obsess with blink and cascade.) I will give it a chance.
I don't think I can bear include Restoration Angel in the deck that Riptide Shapeshifter tutor for Karmic Guide around 40% of time. I highly doubt Nephalia Smuggler's potential. It has to tap and my deck has no haste-giver.
Thank you Atlas_hugged. However, the price give me some heart attack
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
I posted my new list. It tends to use more blinker. I arguably upgrade my mana base by avoid enter battlefield tap. My draw engine is a lot better with Coastal Piracy and Journeyer's Kite.
Not sure if Treasure Hunter might be a little better or worse than Sanctum Gargoyle. The big advantage is that it's a 3-drop, so it comes back in with Sun Titan.
Not sure if Treasure Hunter might be a little better or worse than Sanctum Gargoyle. The big advantage is that it's a 3-drop, so it comes back in with Sun Titan.
That's really great suggestion! I'm just about to buy Sanctum Gargoyle. However, it has a down side that I can't tutor for it by Riptide Shapeshifter...hmmm...but if I choose Hunter over gargoyle, I can include Stonecloaker...
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
First game: Memnarch, Kaalia and me
Kaalia's mana base was screw. It's mainly Memnarch and me. I won by card advantage alone.
Second game: Memnarch, Kaalia, Ghave and me
Ghave set up his board too strong and too early so we ganged up on him but Kaalia devoted too much of his resource to do so which bring him to an early defeated. I had to fight against Blightsteel Colossus and Darksteel Golem. I barely kept up and scoop in the end.
Third game: Memnarch, Kaalia, Ghave and me
Kaalia was fast and furious against Ghave while I rush Memnarch with Coastal Piracy. Memnarch scooped when I deployed Cloudstone Curio and sacrifice Riptide Shapeshifter for Karmic Guide and have five mana left to activate Glen Elendra Archmage and/ or sacrifice Riptide again for Draining Whelk. Kaalia didn't dare to divert his attack to me and let Ghave revenged him so he used his army to end Ghave, giving me an opportunity to use Rasputin and Sakashima the impostor (Rasputin) to cast Tidespout Tyrant and then kick Rite of Replication on him.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm sorry this post is so long, I didn't have time to make it shorter.
1 Angel of Serenity
1 Archaeomancer
1 Aven Mindcensor
1 Azami, Lady of Scrolls
1 Azorius Guildmage
1 Body Double
1 Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
1 Gilded Drake
1 Glen Elendra Archmage
1 Karmic Guide
1 Knight of the White Orchid
1 Kor Cartographer
1 Magus of the Future
1 Mistmeadow Witch
1 Mnemonic Wall
1 Mulldrifter
1 Patron Wizard
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Sower of Temptation
1 Sphinx of Uthuun
1 Sun Titan
1 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
1 Trinket Mage
1 Vedalken AEthermage
1 Voidmage Prodigy
Instant (12)
1 Abolish
1 Counterspell
1 Forbid
1 Hinder
1 Oblation
1 Pact of Negation
1 Path to Exile
1 Return to Dust
1 Spell Crumple
1 Sphinx's Revelation
1 Stroke of Genius
1 Swords to Plowshares
1 Elspeth, Knight-Errant
1 Karn Liberated
1 Tezzeret the Seeker
1 Venser, the Sojourner
Enchantment (1)
1 Aura of Silence
Land (39)
1 Academy Ruins
1 Ancient Den
1 Azorius Guildgate
1 Celestial Colonnade
1 Coastal Tower
1 Command Tower
1 Glacial Fortress
1 High Market
8 Island
1 Kor Haven
1 Mystic Gate
1 Nimbus Maze
8 Plains
1 Reflecting Pool
1 Reliquary Tower
1 Riptide Laboratory
1 Seachrome Coast
1 Seat of the Synod
1 Sejiri Refuge
1 Skycloud Expanse
1 Tectonic Edge
1 Temple of the False God
1 Terrain Generator
1 Tolaria West
1 Wanderwine Hub
1 Chromatic Lantern
1 Conjurer's Closet
1 Gilded Lotus
1 Sol Ring
1 Sword of Feast and Famine
1 Sword of Fire and Ice
1 Sword of Light and Shadow
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Tormod's Crypt
1 Wayfarer's Bauble
Sorcery (8)
1 Austere Command
1 Deep Analysis
1 Planar Cleansing
1 Recurring Insight
1 Rush of Knowledge
1 Terminus
1 Time Warp
1 Walk the Aeons
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon William Blake's poetry and hooked to poem ever since, last week, I tried to compose a few of my own then it hit me...that I can use this to innovate my primer so I want to hear your opinions. I spend three hours to write this introduction + Rasputin's variations:
(I'm not native English, mind you so it probably terrible.)
Introduction
I would like to start with an introduction
Of the man of this hour, this thread,
A man that since I bought, I have no regret.
His name is Rasputin,
The first and most powerful of his kin.
Kin? Of human, wizard or white-blue?
To that, my answer, is all true.
Rafiq of many, the mightiest warrior.
You are indeed paragon of mankind.
That is the truth which none dares deny.
But can you hold this throne forever?
You're fast, vicious and strong
But your reign is far too long.
By now, everyone aware of your weakness.
Hence, some replaces you with a goddess.
Azami, Teferi and Venser
Great wizards indeed, good sir.
But so cliche so narrow in their minds
All can predict how they will shine.
Being mono colour don't help.
Confront by some, they are just whelp.
But those that fear their edges,
Will join force to decide their fates.
What about other white-blue?
Aren't there any more powerful?
Concerning raw power, maybe.
But versatility? I can't see.
Augustin, an infamous tax leecher,
An obvious target for most player.
Or the Inscrutable who isn't so secretive
Without flyer, what is the motive?
Lavinia, the rising star,
Exceed my expectation by far.
Without budget, I shall play her
But right now, Putin is the master.
Rasputin's Variations
In an art of wizardry, there
Is none who has bigger mana pool
And sadly he sire no heir,
Trust me, I couldn't believe too.
Therefore, some try to exploit
This developers old odd choice
To give him this enormous supply
instead of ability to draw or fly.
They remove a bunch of his counter
To cast a spell that must be countered
Praetor, Golemn, Eldrazi
Karn, Omniscience etc.
There is only one downside,
That is, he must be alright.
If he was hindered, for instance,
You may as well forfeit your chance.
Cause big spell needs a lot of resource,
Without him, what gonna be your retort?
Lotus, dynamo or Sol Ring?
These are hardly enough to make you king.
Rasputin, the wizard, maybe old
But he is faster than most, truth be told.
For every time his feet hit the field,
His counters are fully refilled.
'Blink engine' sounds so sweet right now.
With a good one, he can gives you crown.
Constantly, gaining advantage.
Surprisingly, more fearsome than cascade.
This style can't be dismissed
But some engine is, forgive me, ****.
Why waste spots for them?
Why not pack with only true gems?
There is one more variation.
The style that need most introduction.
I call it the finishing move build,
An archetype that aim to kill.
They abuse Rasputin's uniqueness,
To render opponents speechless.
They seek pieces of combo
And do all the deeds in final show.
But some part is a garbage
While other gain you a little advantage.
Relying on luck will make you slow
Or you prefer sacrificing control to combo?
Hence, this is my proposition, Gandalf-style.
A variation that will make every game worthwhile.
A combination of the three aforementioned archetype
With my own addition, twist with delight.
In this list, there are big, powerful spells
That without him, can still perform well
Since they are not too demanding
But at their best with his blessing.
I hand pick a handful of blink engines
Only those so good, using them feel like sins.
Couple with a few tokengenerators.
If one is good, two should be better.
Although I pack a combo in this deck,
It shouldn't hinder me, you may check.
Because time magic can benefit me greatly.
And to bring it back? There is no need to worry.
Aside from walking the aeons, there
is one more twist to make my deck unfair.
I give him swords, swords which we can't only cast
But also equip with two counters still last!
If my introduction arouse you greatly,
I humbly welcome you to the party
And hope that my strategy sections
Will not make you regret this decision.
Basic Strategy
I divide this deck's strategy into four phases. The first phase is when we try not to be the one they left behind. We are not strong, to be frank. I mostly play rock and a few utility creature at this phase, that is all.
The second phase is when people start to throw a nasty pressure at each other. I mostly keep up at this phase without deploy our pressure. Sower of Temptation, Phyrexian Metamorph and Gilded Drake is totally effective at this state.
The third phase is when the board is wiped. This is when our deck is incredibly strong. I highly recommend you to cast Rasputin now and start pour your pressure into play. Sun Titan, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite and the like are our chosen one. You should not fear of removal and sweeper since you reserve a few resurrection effect in hand.
The last phase is when we are the one to beat which is damn hard for our opponents since we are so resourceful. I generally bring the game into this phase when I establish a solid board position and successfully cast a big draw engine.
I shall discuss our game plan further on when I talk about each card, however, you should get the big picture by now.
Card Discussion
Creatures
Creatures are bread and butter of this deck. We develop our game and protect ourselves with them. There is a sub-category, a wizard package.
Wizard Package
A wizard package is built around Azami, Lady of Scroll. Originally, I found my deck lacking in draw engine (but I'm quite a drawing fanatic so it maybe my idiosyncrasy alone.) I found Azami and recognized that a lot of creature in my deck is a wizard so I start to develop this package. It used to be consist of acceptable wizard with 1 toughness (so it could go well with Skullclamp). However, I found that is quite unreliable strategy so I shift into elite wizard package instead.
Three cards that get this package going: Azami hersef, Patron Wizard, Voidmage Prodigy and Vedalken Aethermage
Azami, Lady of Scroll
Note: It should be known that since her ability doesn't has a tap symbol in it, you can activate it the very moment she hit play
First phase: Azami is not really good at this phase, yes, she can draw you a few card but I hardly think that is justify you to cast her since we will usually have only a few amount of wizards with no way to protect her. The only situation you want to cast her this early is when the table face some fearsome combo and it is known that you don't have answer for it yet, for instance, that said combo player rip your hand off.
Second phase: She begin to shine at this phase since you ramp enough to not tapped out (or almost tapped out) to cast her and you should have at least a decent amount of wizards in play (considering you can even resurrect some of them via Sun Titan and Reveillark.) You should activate her ability before your turn begin unless you have an emergency situation, say, you really need to counter this or that spell.
Third phase: This is when you go crazy with Azami. She is THE card to resurrect with Reveillark. At this phase, Azami should be able to pull you at least four cards a turn. Even though this is the only phase she is five star player, I still give her five point in general since third phase is the most important state in our plan. You must accomplish at least two things in this state, that is, you must establish a great board position and acquire an overwhelming card advantage over your opponents, via her otherworldly draw power, we can accomplish both.
Last phase: Azami is a little bit insignificant in this phase since you are already winning anyway (It is extremely difficult for your opponent to overcome you in this state.) Be that as it may, I advice you to keep drawing till you really win the game.
Patron Wizard
Note: Like Azami, we can activate him the very minute he hit play.
First phase: He hoses early ramp, draw spell and swords, however, I do not recommend you to play him unless you have a way to employ at least other two wizards.
Second phase: He really shines here since we will have a few wizards in play and your opponents' mana pool are not absurd yet. As no one will play spell if it can be countered by our wizards, their game will be a lot slower than their expectation. I like the fact that he can be resurrect by Sun Titan.
Third phase: Yes, we should have a wizard army by now. No, he is not as dominating as you want him to be since everyone already ramp so hard. However, he still net you a card via Azami and improve your chance at counterspell war. P.S. It is quite sweet when someone totally forget about him and tapped out for Genesis Wave or the rest.
Last phase: He is just another wizard at this point, however, just another wizard is always welcome in our deck if he can do a solid work at other phase.
Voidmage Prodigy
In this deck, Voidmage Prodigy is a prodigy indeed. I have won a few game with this card stand hand in hand with Sun Titan so I can keep counter important spell while Sun Titan keep resurrect small wizard for a fodder. He can sacrifice himself but I rarely do so.
First phase: He is totally lame at this phase. You don't want to cast him now unless there is some promising play, for instance, you have both Patron Wizard and Azami in hand.
Second phase: He become stronger at this phase as people start to throw in some powerful spell and it is possible that you hold Reveillark in hand. Be that as it may, unless you suspect a backbreaking combo, avoid casting him now may prove to be wiser.
Third phase: He is undeniably rock at this phase. The sheer control your wizard army give you is ridiculous and he pay the big part in that. As long as you have some form of continuous resurrection effect with him and a few wizard in play, you can't lose...okay, maybe to Boseiju, Who Shelters All but should you blame him?
Last phase: He is used exactly the same way in this phase. Just don't get cocky and over-counter so you run out of wizard (unlikely) or get to someone bad side (extremely, almost unavoidably likely!)
Vedalken Aethermage
How many time you open you mana, suspect that your opponent will cast a fearful general, and she simply pass her turn? You waste your three mana for this since you want to Hinder or Spell Crumple it. This is not the case with this wizard in your hand. You can simply simply wizardcycling it before your turn begin! I usually search for Azami, Sower of Temptation, Glen Elendra Archmage, Venser, Shaper Savant and Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir At later phase, you can tutor for Venser as an emergency counterspell. You can surprise your opponent by tutor for Patron Wizard while you have Teferi in play and so on. The combinations are truly tremendous.
Aside from these three, there are other wizards I employ:
Aven Mindcensor
First phase: Library searching at this phase rarely mean much unless your opponent really want to end game really fast. However, ramp is the name of this phase and he destroy ramp. He is also a flash wizard and I cannot ask for a better creature. He can combo nicely with Patron Wizard to surprise your opponent. Last but not least, He can safe you from wasting your mana waiting to counterspell (not unlike Vedalken Aethermage).
Second phase: People rarely tutor at this phase since they will most likely still have those that they tutor for at the earlier phase (unless you deploy Aven since turn three or so). However, I always like it when I flash him in to negate Rune-Scarred Demon. He is usually one of the best target for Sun Titan and Reveillark too.
Third phase: People unquestionably want to tutor for an answer or a big threat now. If you have him in graveyard, resurrect him unless you have a better plan to negate library searching.
Last phase: While someone may still hope for tutoring an answer, You should have a counterspell in your disposal by now so he is not THAT neccessary anymore.
Azorius Guildmage
First phase: I rarely cast he in this phase. I only do when I suspect some fast voltron or I have a Patron Wizard who desperate for support. Three mana for her effect is huge burden for you at this state.
Second phase: She is much better at this phase since a lot of player tend to swing with their big guys and activate some crazy ability. However, mana is still to much valuable to waste at this state.
Third phase: Rasputin is a man for her. He carry an absurd amount of mana with him so he can enable her to activate her ability to death. It is a happy accident that the most fearsome swing and activate ability tend to occur at this phase.
Last phase: She is a good guardian but not really useful at this phase. You may win a creature battle by her though.
Glen Elendra Archmage
First phase: What would you possibly want to counter at this phase? Explosive Vegetation? Granted, you may want to counter Contamination...after think it through, I believe she deserves at least four point at this phase!
Second phase: You want Glen to deal with your opponents' ridiculous combo or a spell so powerful it warp game, for instance, Karn Liberated. She is a bleeding target for Reveillark and I think it is called for if you cast Karmic Guid just for her.
Third phase: This is when how you use Glen reflect how good you are as a magic player. Should you sacrifice a universal counterspell in your hand for her sake? This depend on who you battle with. Read their deck and make an educated guess. If their deck is creature based, Glen may not be that important, maybe he can sacrifice that Reveillark and search for Duplicant to exile Glen...You must make a decision yourself.
Last phase: While you should have other counterspell in your hand, Glen is still an excellent wizard in this phase since she can protect your well breed army from nasty sweeper or some 'oops! I win.' combo.
Why not Future Sight? Well, Future Sight is a solid card, much more harder to destroy than Magus of The Future, however, Magus of The Future has some important edge, that is to say, he:
1. is a wizard so he can interact with the rest of wizard package
2. is a 2/3 creature, not that easy to remove, can block almost all utility creature and can be resurrect by Reveillark.
First phase: he is totally lame at this phase. What would you possibly want to cast him for? He produces no immediate advantage when he hit play since you most likely have no mana to play anything he reveals.
Second phase: You should have a few mana to spare after casting him now. He bring you a decent card advantage. Not as much as, say, Consecrated Sphinx but more subtle.
Third phase: This is when he really shines. You would have a lot of mana by now, assuming you cast Rasputin and a few rock. He works really well with Soothsaying too which is really great. You can dig for an immediate answer with these two together.
Last phase: He is still a good wizard, although not as necessary as before. I recommend to keep abuse him though.
Mistmeadow Witch:
One of the strongest card in my deck. She is so versatile to the point that your opponent cannot fathom her ability. Yes, she is obviously a blinker. But what can you do with her? She can refill Rasputin's counters. She can blink your ETB. She can safe your creature from removal. She can negate your opponent's swing. She can take back your creature etc.
First phase: She is rarely worth it at this phase since you don't have enough mana to abuse her. She is solid for anti fast voltron though.
Second phase: She is powerful and can hose most threat, grind advantage and so on. I often cast Rasputin at this phase if I have her in play. She is one of the important reason he is more suitable to this deck than Augustin.
Third phase: This is when you abuse the hell out of her. Keep blink that threat away, welcome back your ETB, an Angel of Serenity perhaps? Your crazy amount of mana should be suffice to make her one of the most powerful witch in this game by now.
Last phase: She is still solid at this state. She can safe your counter from some answer your opponents may want to throw at you (for an example, you can always blink your important creatures away from Terminus.
Sea Gate Oracle:
First phase: I can only name a few card that I want to see in my opening hand as much as Oracle. He is golden at this phase because he is not only replace himself but also dig and let you chose a card. He can block other utility creature too.
Second phase: He is acceptable since you may want to draw a card or two and if he die at earlier phase, he is not a terrible choice for Sun Titan. I've never Larked him though.
Third phase: He is barely significant unless you use him as a mere wizard for Azami or something. It is hilarious to flash this guy in and counter a game ending spell but that should not be involved in grading this guy.
Last phase: Just ignore him. You have better thing to do with your mana. He can be a Forbid fodder but everything does.
Sower of Temptation:
I probably underrate this card but she really pale in comparison with Gilded Drake. This is an unfair competition yet one can't help but do it. Despite that, she is part of wizard package. A strong part actually.
First phase: She is not really worth it at this phase because most creature in play is not really strong yet, although sometime people can't wait to do some opps! I drop a bat crap crazy creature in play guys so you have to answer it and Sower can answer it quite well.
Second phase: While I don't think she is as great as the strongest creature in play, her strength does depend on how good your opponents' creatures are so it is not surprising that she is positively strong in this state. A time when people throw strong creature at each other faces!
Third phase: She is a satisfying target for Reveillark at this phase. You need all strong creature you can acquire to beat combo player, out pace control player and control control player. I fear I have no more detail of how to use her at this phase since she work exactly the same as the previous phase.
Last phase: She is justified in this state since she can steal a big bad creature your opponent control which prevent you from victory, however, this is a rare case, after all, I don't think a single creature can make a different at this phase.
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
He is one of the strongest wizard in this game. He cancel a lot of strong strategy. He has a great body (for a wizard). He can save you from wasting mana your mana.
First phase: Do not cast him at this phase! It is a waste. People rarely play anything significance at this phase and Teferi deserve more than to be a removal eater.
Second phase: I rarely cast him at this phase because I don't want to resurrect him since only Karmic Guide and Body Double can do so immediately and I tend to reserve them for more important or higher cmc target. He is a good plan to figuratively murder suspend.dec though.
Third phase: He stomps most deck who dare to play an instant in front of him. He negate most combo deck since you are the only one who can play instant so you can counter their combo piece but they can't counter you. You should have enough mana to drop fatty at instant speed at this phase so you can hold your mana till it's time to announce a welcome for, say, Avacyn, Angel of Hope.
Last phase: I believe the only significant different between this and third phase is you don't really have to drop creature anymore.
Trinket Mage
First phase: He is the strongest play at this phase. We can forward our game considerably by him alone.If you can let him stand side by side with Patron Wizard or Mistmeadow Witch, your opponent can only curse you for the advantage you gain.
Second phase: He is a great target for Lark. The priority for his target at this phase should be Sol Ring -> Wayfarer's Bauble -> Artifact Land then Tormod's Crypt unless you suspect someone will abuse her graveyard soon.
Third phase: Tormod's Crypt is a good target but unless you really need it, he is not that good anymore since his other targets are not distinctively useful at this phase.
Last phase: Sadly, he rarely useful at this phase. You should have Tormod's Crypt by now. He is not worth resurrection. I usually use him as a Forbid's fodder which say nothing about his quality.
Venser, Shaper Savant
First phase: What would you cast him for? Save him for later state.
Second phase: This is when he truly shine. He can save the world by negate a crucial combo piece, bounce a surprise gigantic beater and the like. The best part is, since your opponent already expose herself as a threat, your table should gang up on her. You should read a political atmosphere at your table regarding whether to drop Crystal Shard at this state or not.
Third phase: I rarely find him useful at this phase because most people can simply recast their spell and Venser is not Capsize, however, if you have Crytal Shard in play, he is five star.
Last phase: Unless you can find his buddy, Deadeye Navigator, he is not fruitful, despite that, Venser stand side by side with Deadeye Navigator guarantee your victory.
Resume
Total games: 20
Total victories: 10
50%
Solo
No data available
Multiplayer
Total games: 6
Total victories: 3
50%
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
KAALIA SMASH!
Intet dreams of times ahead
and more
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
Stonehorn Dignitary is a great card to stop decks based around turning sideways. Blink it multiple turns to skip multiple turns worth of combat phases.
Deadeye Navigator is amazing. It's ability to abuse things is really the icing on the cake. The real power comes from being able to save itself or it's bonded creature from so many things.
The Mimeoplasm
Maga, Traitor to Mortals
Rhys the Redeemed
Merieke Ri Berit
Nekusar, the Mindrazer
Cromat Wurm Tribal
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight
Looking for Green friendly EDH players/groups in the Toronto area. PM me if this is you.
Everyone, please keep comment.
PS. This is my birthday
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
Solemn Simulacrum: when blinked, he ramps like crazy
Knight-Captain of Eos: this plus blinkers such as crystal shard can lock your opponents out of dealing combat damage to you
Sower of Temptation: gain control of whatever creature you want? blink it to take a different creature? yes please.
I don't know why but I remember it wrong. I don't know the proper English for this situation but I remembered my deck list and type it here from the top of my head so while I think I have 38 lands, I have only 36 lands instead. I totally forgot about Solemn Simulacrum and Knight-Captain which is in my deck. Deepest apology.
I tested Deadeye and he is so awesome. I used to consider take out Rule of Law but when I see what Deadeye can do with my Draining Whelk...
Right now, I am considering to remove Blasting Station. It's a beast and a lot of my friend's deck is quite hardcore. But I don't like to win my game out of no where. What do you think?
P.S. Regarding Sower of Temptation, I will think about it.
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
Some recommendations:
Ghostly Flicker – At first glance, it seems pretty weak because you can only blink once (vs. repeatable blink effects like Mistmeadow Witch). But pair it with Mnemonic Wall and you can have unlimited blink shenanigans for 3 mana a pop. Another big difference is that Ghostly Flicker returns the targets from exile immediately, instead of at the end of the turn. This is especially good for Draining Whelk. What’s more, the targets come back under your control, not their owners. The difference is that if you target Sower of Temptation and the creature you originally stole with her, you get to keep that guy AND the Sower can steal another guy.
Momentary Blink over Otherworldly Journey – Personally, I think two blinks are better than one, even with that slight p/t boost. Like with Ghostly Flicker, it’s usually better for the creature to come back immediately, unless you’re trying to save your guys from a board sweep. Although for that, you may want…
Ghostway – Saves everyone from board sweeps if you want, or just retrigger everyone’s ETB abilities. You can even use this in response to your own sweeps.
Cackling Counterpart – This doesn’t blink creatures, but it does get you multiple uses of their ETB triggers, which is what we want, right? The main difference between this and ‘normal’ clones is the fact that it’s an instant, so you can use it to get a counter off your Draining Whelk. Rasputin’s mana boost makes the flashback cost easy to pay, too. (You can clone your Mnemonic Wall over and over too. Having an army of walls isn’t gonna win you the game, but it does make you a pain to attack.)
Duplicant – Phyrexian Ingester’s older brother.
Augustin, Rasputin, Bruna, Brago, Ojutai
The [Primer] section of your thread name has been removed for now.
Signature by Inkfox Aesthetics by Xen
[Modern] Allies
Ghostly Flicker seems really good but I try to use a card that allow me to blink any creature due to Gilded Drake and Sundial of Infinite. This is the same for Momentary Blink.
Ghostway is great but sometime I really don't want to cast it because it will let loose the creature I stole by Gilded Drake.
Cackling Counterpart is terrific. I used to run it but I swaped it for Stonecloaker. I'm still not so sure I made a right decision.
I've already run Duplicant.
I'm considering Worldpurge, Spine of Ish Sah and Tinker right now. What do you think?
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
You have to think of it as giving that creature back but maintaining everything else you have against a board wipe. You should try Homeward Path as a just in case against situations like this, or if your own stuff gets stolen.
Also have you looked at Sakashima's Student from the Planechase decks? I am currently testing it in my blink deck but out of 3 games never drew it =/
EDH Decks:
B Toshiro Umezawa B
W Mikaeus, the Lunarch W
G Azusa, Lost but Seeking G
UB Grimgrin, Corpse-Born BU
BGU The Mimeoplasm UGB
GUW Rubinia Soulsinger WUG
GRB Sek'Kuar, Deathkeeper BRG
It's a shame that Sakashima's Student is not enter battlefield with it's original name.
After I removed a little bit of tutor from my list, I found that it's lack consistency. When I find my draw engine, it's great. When I don't...well, let's just say I don't have a fuel to play my game.
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
I don't think I can bear include Restoration Angel in the deck that Riptide Shapeshifter tutor for Karmic Guide around 40% of time. I highly doubt Nephalia Smuggler's potential. It has to tap and my deck has no haste-giver.
Thank you Atlas_hugged. However, the price give me some heart attack
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
I want to include Spelljack, Overwhelming Intellect, Gather Specimens and Dersertion but I have no idea what to take out.
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
1x Nevermaker
1x Mistmeadow Witch
1x Galepowder Mage
1x Mulldrifter
1x Sphinx of Uthuun
1x Mnemonic Wall
1x Sun Titan
1x Reveillark
1x Karmic Guide
1x Glen Elendra Archmage
1x Phyrexian Metamorph
1x Body Double
1x Gilded Drake
1x Duplicant
1x Tidespout Tyrant
1x Riptide Shapeshifter
1x Draining Whelk
1x Fiend Hunter
1x Sakashima the Impostor
1x Deadeye Navigator
1x Solemn Simulacrum
1x Knight-Captain of Eos
1x Phyrexian Ingester
1x Myojin of Seeing Winds
1x Glimmerpoint Stag
1x Darksteel Ingot
1x Minion Reflector
1x Journeyer's Kite
1x Crystal Shard
1x Cloudstone Curio
1x Sundial of the Infinite
1x Fellwar Stone
1x Conjurer's Closet
1x Mind's Eye
1x Coastal Piracy
1x Future Sight
1x Aura of Silence
1x Skycloud Expanse
1x Reflecting Pool
1x Mystic Gate
1x Exotic Orchard
1x Adarkar Wastes
1x Glacial Fortress
1x Seachrome Coast
1x Command Tower
1x Temple of the False God
1x Reliquary Tower
1x Tectonic Edge
1x Ghost Quarter
1x Tolaria West
12x Island
12x Plains
1x City of Brass
1x Bant Panorama
1x Ghostway
1x Ghostly Flicker
1x Capsize
1x Spell Crumple
1x Hinder
1x Forbid
1x Return to Dust
1x Swords to Plowshares
1x Path to Exile
1x Fact or Fiction
1x Vanish into Memory
1x Otherworldly Journey
1x Cackling Counterpart
1x Recurring Insight
1x Rite of Replication
1x Austere Command
1x Terminus
1x Planar Cleansing
1x Venser, the Sojourner
1x Tezzeret the Seeker
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
Yeva (88/92 foils)
Raff
Scarab
Rakdos
Wort ($50 budget, 94/97 foils)
Trostani
That's really great suggestion! I'm just about to buy Sanctum Gargoyle. However, it has a down side that I can't tutor for it by Riptide Shapeshifter...hmmm...but if I choose Hunter over gargoyle, I can include Stonecloaker...
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
First game: Memnarch, Kaalia and me
Kaalia's mana base was screw. It's mainly Memnarch and me. I won by card advantage alone.
Second game: Memnarch, Kaalia, Ghave and me
Ghave set up his board too strong and too early so we ganged up on him but Kaalia devoted too much of his resource to do so which bring him to an early defeated. I had to fight against Blightsteel Colossus and Darksteel Golem. I barely kept up and scoop in the end.
Third game: Memnarch, Kaalia, Ghave and me
Kaalia was fast and furious against Ghave while I rush Memnarch with Coastal Piracy. Memnarch scooped when I deployed Cloudstone Curio and sacrifice Riptide Shapeshifter for Karmic Guide and have five mana left to activate Glen Elendra Archmage and/ or sacrifice Riptide again for Draining Whelk. Kaalia didn't dare to divert his attack to me and let Ghave revenged him so he used his army to end Ghave, giving me an opportunity to use Rasputin and Sakashima the impostor (Rasputin) to cast Tidespout Tyrant and then kick Rite of Replication on him.
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez