Rasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love Machine
Alter done by Demonium
Analysis of the Commander:
Building blocks of Rasputin. I will outline why the deck was built the way it was.
1. His cost. Rasputin is in the higher range of casting cost. Because of this quite a few mana rocks are included to allow casting him sooner than turn 6.
2. His ability. Rasputin's wall of text basically lets his prevent damage done to him and lets him produce colorless mana. A lot of it.
3. Synergy. Rasputin has a natural synergy with blink. So plenty of blink/flicker and good targets for them.
4. His colors. Blue and White allow for plenty of answers and reactive cards.
This deck is focused around blinking. Blink is a powerful strategy because you can reuse resources. This translates into card advantage. The deck aims to overwhelm the opponent in sheer card/board advantage. That might entail drawing 15 cards or dropping a Kozilek on turn 5.
The secondary focus is on big mana. It fuels our draw spells and it lets us drop big fatties to close the game out. It also lets us accomplish a LOT during our turns.
Why you should play Rasputin
- You like having a lot to do during your turns. Many times you'll have a full grip of cards and plenty of mana to work with. Some turns will be long, with tons of options for you. The deck is versatile.
- You like being reactive. The deck has a fair amount of answers and you'll find yourself being very reactive of your opponent's plays. This leads to interactive games.
- You like variance. Although the deck contains an infinite combo and some big game closers, most games play out differently. Very rarely will the game play out the same (unless you gun for the combos).
- You like a deck that has tons of ways to be built. Honestly, this deck makes me want to play with 200 cards. There are just so many cards that fit.
- You like blink. Because it's fun. Who wouldn't.
- You like playing with a bad ass general. He's got sweet art and he is a playable legend from Legends.
Why you should not play Rasputin
- You like a linear strategy with a streamlined win condition. If you like to win in a similar fashion every game and have a go-to strategy then this isn't the deck for you.
- You like to be more active. Although Rasputin can be very active, most of the time you will durldle and be reactive. You might spend the entire game swinging for the fences, or you might just sit back, answer a few things and win from nowhere.
- You dislike variance. Although this deck has a few tutors and a lot of draw, most games will play differently. (This does however depend on the player. It's not the tutors, it's how you use them.)
- You dislike blink. Though I can't imagine why :rolleyes:.
- You like a general that's a little more powerful. Although I think Rasputin is a powerhouse, I will submit that GAAIV is very very powerful.
- You like being able to cast your general after he/she dies a few times. After casting Rasputin the second time, the value isn't really there anymore. A 3rd cast is rare and usually not needed.
Why play Rasputin over X?
Here I will outline why I play Rasputin over some of the other popular generals.
Bruna, Light of Alabaster: Undoubtedly powerful, her ability makes her more of a voltron general. She also doesn't lend herself to blink as easily as Rasputin.
Geist of Saint Traft: Like Bruna, Geist is a voltron general. He also plays better in 1v1.
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV: A powerhouse. And he plays well with the deck. The problem. He has a bad reputation. It's never good to have the table gunning for you before the game starts.
Hanna, Ship's Navigator: I really like generals that have recursion. And Hanna is a powerful general. But she wants to accomplish different things.
Isperia the Inscrutable: I also love generals that tutor because I love tool box. I think Isperia would fit the deck fairly well as she grabs some powerful creatures. But it would hurt the big mana aspect and cause a pretty big shift in the deck.
History:
This deck was my Sixth deck to create. I am the type of person who will build a deck then take a month to put it together. As I play the deck more, I will add more content in this section.
Personal Bio
My name is Blake and I'm 20 years old. I live in south Mississippi and I love magic. I became a level 1 Judge a little more than half a year ago and will probably become a L2 within 7 months. I got into EDH about 2 years ago. I hated standard, and legacy requires more dedication generally. I didn't have the time or money to do it. I was looking for something new and a friend of mine mentioned EDH a few times. He didn't have a deck either and had just heard about through word of mouth. So we sat down, looked up the rules and pulled out our cards. 5 Hours later I had a Thraximundar Sac matters deck and a Memnarch Myr Tribal deck. My friend made an Elesh Norn Lifegain deck. Our first few games were crazy. Some lasting hours and we loved it. Eventually we introduced our other friends to it. And now we are all addicted to EDH. It's all we play besides Limited.
My play group is competitive. And I hate to use that term because it holds a negative tone to it. Whenever I tell people that, they think we sit around holding guns to each others temple, cursing like sailors, and throwing fits if we don't win. And I don't think that's fair. We have a BLAST. And I wouldn't play any other way. I have tried playing with a casual group. It just didn't work out for me. Too much complaining for my taste.
I've been playing for a while, and I'm considered the best player in our play group. This is probably because I spend a lot of effort on theorycrafting and deckbuilding and I have a very strong grasp of the rules. As such, I win a good bit. So I suppose results may vary but I have had success with this deck. And I think you will too.
Rasputin is far from straightforward and plays differently every time, but there is a strategy.
Generally you want to drop Rasputin asap. He advances your mana and allows you to start dropping the big spells quickly. Dropping him by turn 4 or 5 is ideal.
After casting Rasputin you want to drop a big spell if you have one in hand and if it's the ideal moment (such as Rite of Replication).
Start policing the board with cards like Duplicant, Mangara, Glen Elendra, Gilded Drake and Spine of Ish Sah. Follow that up with an draw you have; Mulldrifter, Blue Myojin, and Sphinx's Revelation etc, etc.
Set up a blink engine and start oozing the advantage and grind out a win however you can. That may be stealing Primordial Hydra with Sower of Temptation or just swinging with Ulamog. As a back-up there are some infinite combos in the deck.
You can tutor for these with Riptide Shapeshifter, Fabricate and Muddle the Mixture.
I use these as the "red button" that blows up the world when I'm in danger.
Other Notes:
This is the type of deck that has a lot of choices during deck construction. A lot of choices will be meta dependent. Some decks need more wraths, some don't need the enchantment and artifact removal, some don't need Aven Mindcensor (an all-star for me). So although a choice might be super sweet in your build in may only be subpar in mine or someone else's. I will do my best to include any card that could deserve a spot in this deck in the following sections.
Card Choices
Creatures
Nephalia Smuggler :rate4:: Flicker on a creature. I took out Flickerwisp for this and it was the right decision. Ranger of Eos fetches this and it's cost isn't as color intensive. Mother of Runes :rate4:: Fetch-able with Ranger of Eos. It protects Rasputin and my other cards when I don't have a blink effect in hand. Gets my fatties through. Weathered Wayfarer :rate4.5:: This card is just great. It fetches for Riptide Laboratory and all my color fixes. It helps me stay up on my mana. And since there is almost always at least 1 green deck at the table, it isn't hard to activate. Aven Mindcensor :rate5:: Meta dependent choice. This card is an all-star in my deck. Tons of tutors, fetches and the like in my meta. Hoses most decks in my group. Gilded Drake :rate5:: One of the top cards in the deck and one of the best cards to blink. This card puts in so much work. Try it if you can get one. Leonin Relic-Warder :rate3.5:: Much needed enchantment and artifact hate. The exile ability is relevant and you can permanently exile artifacts and enchantments with instant blink/flicker. Mangara of Corondor :rate4.5:: This card deals with ANY permanent. If you can pair this with an instant blink/flicker engine it can put a dent in some people's boards. Stonecloaker :rate4.5:: Another card that is just bonkers in my meta. We have a lot of graveyard interaction here, and many combos rely on the graveyard. This card hoses that. And it bounces things so I can re-cast them. Trinket Mage :rate3.5:: This card fetches a few lands and Sol Ring. It most gets Sol ring so I can cast Rasputin quicker. Galepowder Mage This is a pretty good blink. It hits Gilded Drake which is important. Having to swing can be a drawback but most times it is negligible. Glen Elendra Archmage :rate4.5:: This card does what you expect it too. Blinking it just sweetens the deal. Glimmerpoint Stag :rate3.5:: Blinks any permanent. Once again works with Gilded Drake. But it also works with things like Spine of Ish Sah Phyrexian Metamorph :rate4.5:: This is one of those cards that does just about everything. General Removal, get opponents Mimic Vats, get more of the big bad dragons and collosi. Ranger of Eos :rate5:: I love this card. Gets my nice little one drops. Does exactly what I want. Restoration Angel :rate4:: Instant Flicker on a flying 3/4 body. Riptide Shapeshifter :rate4.5:: This tutors for Draining Welk, The Drazi Titans, Sun Titan, Glimmerpoint Stag , etc etc. It's just value. Sakashima the Imposter :rate5:: Double Rasputin, Double Myojin, Double Ulamog or Kozilek? Sign me up. Solemn Simulacrum :rate4.5:: Ramps and draws. This is what we call value. Sower of Temptation :rate4.5:: Not as strong as Gilded Drake but still pretty strong. Venser, Shaper Savant :rate4.5:: Bounces spells and bounces permanents. Speaks for itself. Body Double :rate4.5:: Gives us much needed graveyard interaction. And it's part of the combo. Deadeye Navigator :rate5:: If I could rate this higher than 5 I would. Probably the best card in the deck. This card just allows for insane plays. Draining Welk :rate5:: Really good counterspell that doubles as a beater. Easily bounced and recurred. Karmic Guide :rate5:: More recursion. Some of the best recursion. Mnemonic Wall :rate4:: Gets back my blink spells. Goes great with Ghostly Flicker. Mulldrifter :rate5:: Draw. Sweet, sweet draw. Reveillark :rate5:: More recursion and win condition. Sun Titan :rate4.5:: Gets back things like Nim Deathmantle and Blasting Station. Goes great with Aura of Silence. Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir :rate4.5:: Stops my opponents from doing things during my turn, lets me do stuff during theirs. Consecrated Sphinx :rate5:: We all know what a powerhouse this card is. And it works well with blink. It's always nice to dodge spot removal. Myojin of the Seeing Winds :rate5:: Super draw. Comes down easy with Rasputin. Goes great with Sakashima. Kozilek, Butcher of Truth :rate5:: A big beater, that draws me more gas. I prefer him over Ulamog. Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre rate4.5:: Gets rid of a permanent and is hard to get rid of. Closes games quickly.
Sorcery
Fabricate :rate4:: Gets my combo pieces and mana rocks. Solid Tutor. Rite of Replication :rate5:: One of the big splashy spells. There are tons of crazy targets for this in EDH. Rout :rate4.5:: Instant speed wrath. Very good in my meta where instant speed makes the difference between me dying and not a lot of the time. Austere Command :rate4.5:: Versatile. It is what you need it to be.
Instants
Momentary Blink :rate3:: Instant Flicker. Re-usable. Muddle the Mixture :rate4.5:: Usually conditional counters aren't good but this hits G-waves, Tooth and Nails, Demonic Tutor and every other major spell in my meta (big instants and sorceries are more common here). Capsize :rate5:: This card can win all on its own, especially 1v1. Ghostly Flicker :rate3.5:: Hits two creatures and works great with Mnemonic Wall. Ghostway :rate4.5:: Makes wraths not symmetrical and resets all your ETB effects. Hinder :rate4:: Plenty of voltron generals in my meta. Hits em hard. Also hits those decks that rely heavily on the general. Spell Crumple :rate4:: Same as Hinder. Sphinx's Revelation :rate5:: I love this card. Drawing cards is sweet and the life is just icing. Stroke of Genius :rate4.5:: Almost as good as the former. But still pretty good. Also can act as a win con. Oblation :rate4.5:: Hits those voltron decks and is an instant speed answer to things like Mike/Trike and other TnN combos. Vanish into Memory :rate5:: I have to give this full points just because of how awesome it works with the general. Becomes a good draw spell in this deck.
Enchantments
Aura of Silence :rate4:: Taxes, destroys, and it can be recurred by Sun Titan. Omniscience :rate5:: New addition to the deck. Dropping this the turn after Rasputin is just insane. It wins games.
Sol Ring :rate5:: Staple. Allows for turn 4 Rasputin. Azorious Signet :rate3:: Fixes and helps for an earlier Rasputin. Nim Deathmantle :rate5:: Natural synergy with Rasputin. Protects him and my other creatures. Combo piece. Azorius Keyrune :rate3.5:: Fixes and can beat when you have nothing else. Blasting Station :rate4:: Sac outlet for things like control magic and tuck. Win condition. Cloudstone Curio :rate4:: Lets you use and re-use ETB abilities. Coalition Relic :rate5:: Turn 4 Rasputin. Fixing. Phyrexian Alter :rate.5:: Help against Insurrection and fixes mana. Part of an infinite mana combo. Worn Powerstone :rate5:: Turn 4 Rasputin. Conjurer's Closet :rate4.5:: Repeatable blink. Lets you keep Sower of Temptation targets. Spine of Ish Sah :rate4:: Removal for anything basically. Unfortunately it is hard to blink but not impossible.
Lands
Mistveil Plains :rate4.5:: Just a fantastic card. Wish I could play with Sunforger though. Reliquary Tower :rate4:: Doesn't produce colored mana but you often will have a full grip of cards. Very useful after casting Sphinx's Revelation for 15. Riptide Laboratory :rate5:: Bounces all the sweet wizards like Rasputin, Venser, Shaper Savant, Glen Elendra Archmage etc etc. Tolaria West :rate4:: A land to get your other sweet lands.
Other Options
Coming Soon
Notable Exclusions Time Warp :rate5:: Two reasons I don't run this card. It goes infinite with Mnemonic Wall fairly easily. The second reason is because my Riku deck is all about time magic and I would rather not have two decks doing that.
If I were you, I would cut Nephalia Smuggler, Leonin Relic-Warder, Vivid Lands and Azorius Chancery. Nephalia Smuggler is probably too slow since it's require tapping. I would like to see more early-middle game draw engine instead, such as Future Sight. There is better artifact/ enchantment removal out there, for instance, Return To Dust and Dismantling Blow. Vivid Lands and Azorius Chancery is not good enough in my opinion. Reflecting Pool is great and since you play big spell Temple of The False Gods is good too. If your meta allow you, Exotic Orchard serve me well.
Since you play a lot of cheap artifact, especially mana rock and combo, I suggest you give Tezzeret the Seeker a try.
If I were you, I would cut Nephalia Smuggler, Leonin Relic-Warder, Vivid Lands and Azorius Chancery. Nephalia Smuggler is probably too slow since it's require tapping. I would like to see more early-middle game draw engine instead, such as Future Sight. There is better artifact/ enchantment removal out there, for instance, Return To Dust and Dismantling Blow. Vivid Lands and Azorius Chancery is not good enough in my opinion. Reflecting Pool is great and since you play big spell Temple of The False Gods is good too. If your meta allow you, Exotic Orchard serve me well.
Since you play a lot of cheap artifact, especially mana rock and combo, I suggest you give Tezzeret the Seeker a try.
Although it does tap for it's ability Nephalia Smuggler has proven itself in my deck. It replaced Flickerform. It's main draw is that Ranger of Eos fetches it. It works great because it is a flicker rather than a blink which is big with cards like Draining Welk.
Vivid Lands and the Azorius Karoo land can be slow, but so far they haven't messed up my tempo. If they ever become a problem with my tempo I will remove them.
Future Sight is a powerful card...but not in my meta. It unfortunately won't stick around. :/
I don't have a Reflecting Pool or I would put it in here. Most decks in my meta contain BG so I'm not sure on Exotic Orchid. People do run things like Rupture Spire though so I don't see why it couldn't work.
As far as Return to Dust goes. It's obviously powerful. And was in the main. But I prefer Leonin Relic-Warder for the fact that it is a creature. And much more easily recurred and abused in my deck than Return to Dust.
Spine is really good in my meta where combos based around permanents (and spells) are the main win conditions. And it hits walkers. Which is important.
Crystal Shard was in the deck. But it under preformed for me. I usually have a LOT to do during my turns and the Shard was just one of those things that was last on the list of stuff to do and sometimes I wouldn't use it at all. I replaced it with Ghostly Flicker.
On Tezzeret; I don't have one as I traded mine not too long ago. Besides that I'm unsure. His inclusion will make it much easier for me to combo. This is not the main intention of the deck and is more of a back up plan. He might streamline the deck too much. If I get one I will playtest him to see if that happens.
To reiterate what I said in my post, I feel like Rasputin (perhaps UW in general) is pretty meta dependent. Unless you are running him balls to walls combo and aren't really worried about answers. So some of my choices are because of the group I play with.
Thanks for the replies.
Deck looks pretty awesome :]
Since I know you've seen my thread then you know what I would run/suggest.
I didn't know what Myojin of Seeing Winds drew a card for each permanent you control. I thought it was blue permanents only! I might test him in the spot of Recurring Insight.
I replaced Body Double with Consecrated Sphinx. Having the graveyard play is important but card advantage is the bread and butter of this deck. C. Sphinx is easier to protect in this deck than most against spot removal.
Also added Omniscience to the Currently Testing section.
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Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
The problem with Myojin is that blinking it removes the counter, and you don't get a new one since you didn't cast it from your hand.
But it's still amazing.
It still draws around 13 cards and has great synergy with Sakashima the Imposter. I also have a few ways to return it to my hand.
I'm thinking of cutting one of the Eldrazi. Probably Ulamog since I prefer the draw Kozilek gives. Indestructibly is nice. And vindicating something is nice. But the draw on Kozilek just gives me more gas.
Quote from jylichan »
However, I've always thought the Myojin is win-more. It costs so much mana to cast. x_x
I always have tons of mana in this deck. I usually just cast it after I cast rasputin for UUU. Then draw into blink to reset rasputin and start playing out my hand. I think Omniscience is going to be a great addition to this deck since I'm always holding 10+ cards (if I have tower out. Almost makes me want to run spellbook).
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If you want Reliquary Tower more often just run Expedition Map instead of Spell Book. Map is a great Trinket Mage target and it can grab other important lands as well. There are a lot of easy ways to recur it as well.
I think you should probably run Ulamog over Kozilek in my opinion.
If you want Reliquary Tower more often just run Expedition Map instead of Spell Book. Map is a great Trinket Mage target and it can grab other important lands as well. There are a lot of easy ways to recur it as well.
I think you should probably run Ulamog over Kozilek in my opinion.
I will try removing each one and test that out.
I run expedition map in a few other decks but it usually finds better lands (cabal coffers, uborg, Gaea's Cradle, Vesuva) but I might try it out. Not sure on what I would cut for it.
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I run it in my build. I cast it while I was playing online and it was pretty good. I haven't had a chance to test in paper yet but I'm sure it will be great.
I have stayed away from it currently. Because it really hoses the mayael player. Who already feels like my decks hate on him (they really don't but what can you do). I'm working on a section to outline cards that are good in this deck but perhaps not a certain meta. Keep the suggestions coming though. Still testing previous suggestions.
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So Diluvian Primordial looks awesome. Unfortuantly I'm in the same spot as jylichan and don't want to cut anything lol XD.
I've noticed that no matter the build, Rasputin Dreamweaver players end up very satisfied with their approaches to the commander, and this problem we have probably goes across the board.
Nothing has been truly underwhelming in this deck like other decks I have built. So it' makes updating hard. However that card is pretty sweet and I would like to try it.
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I think I want to make room for one and of the ones in my colors I think the white one is stronger than the blue. Thoughts?
I'm going with White for my Rasputin. I think blue could potentially be stronger, but white will be more consistently good.
And playstyle wise, I don't really like spending time looking through other players' yards deciding what to cast.
Alter done by Demonium
Building blocks of Rasputin. I will outline why the deck was built the way it was.
1. His cost. Rasputin is in the higher range of casting cost. Because of this quite a few mana rocks are included to allow casting him sooner than turn 6.
2. His ability. Rasputin's wall of text basically lets his prevent damage done to him and lets him produce colorless mana. A lot of it.
3. Synergy. Rasputin has a natural synergy with blink. So plenty of blink/flicker and good targets for them.
4. His colors. Blue and White allow for plenty of answers and reactive cards.
This deck is focused around blinking. Blink is a powerful strategy because you can reuse resources. This translates into card advantage. The deck aims to overwhelm the opponent in sheer card/board advantage. That might entail drawing 15 cards or dropping a Kozilek on turn 5.
The secondary focus is on big mana. It fuels our draw spells and it lets us drop big fatties to close the game out. It also lets us accomplish a LOT during our turns.
Why you should play Rasputin
- You like having a lot to do during your turns. Many times you'll have a full grip of cards and plenty of mana to work with. Some turns will be long, with tons of options for you. The deck is versatile.
- You like being reactive. The deck has a fair amount of answers and you'll find yourself being very reactive of your opponent's plays. This leads to interactive games.
- You like variance. Although the deck contains an infinite combo and some big game closers, most games play out differently. Very rarely will the game play out the same (unless you gun for the combos).
- You like a deck that has tons of ways to be built. Honestly, this deck makes me want to play with 200 cards. There are just so many cards that fit.
- You like blink. Because it's fun. Who wouldn't.
- You like playing with a bad ass general. He's got sweet art and he is a playable legend from Legends.
Why you should not play Rasputin
- You like a linear strategy with a streamlined win condition. If you like to win in a similar fashion every game and have a go-to strategy then this isn't the deck for you.
- You like to be more active. Although Rasputin can be very active, most of the time you will durldle and be reactive. You might spend the entire game swinging for the fences, or you might just sit back, answer a few things and win from nowhere.
- You dislike variance. Although this deck has a few tutors and a lot of draw, most games will play differently. (This does however depend on the player. It's not the tutors, it's how you use them.)
- You dislike blink. Though I can't imagine why :rolleyes:.
- You like a general that's a little more powerful. Although I think Rasputin is a powerhouse, I will submit that GAAIV is very very powerful.
- You like being able to cast your general after he/she dies a few times. After casting Rasputin the second time, the value isn't really there anymore. A 3rd cast is rare and usually not needed.
Why play Rasputin over X?
Here I will outline why I play Rasputin over some of the other popular generals.
Bruna, Light of Alabaster: Undoubtedly powerful, her ability makes her more of a voltron general. She also doesn't lend herself to blink as easily as Rasputin.
Geist of Saint Traft: Like Bruna, Geist is a voltron general. He also plays better in 1v1.
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV: A powerhouse. And he plays well with the deck. The problem. He has a bad reputation. It's never good to have the table gunning for you before the game starts.
Hanna, Ship's Navigator: I really like generals that have recursion. And Hanna is a powerful general. But she wants to accomplish different things.
Isperia the Inscrutable: I also love generals that tutor because I love tool box. I think Isperia would fit the deck fairly well as she grabs some powerful creatures. But it would hurt the big mana aspect and cause a pretty big shift in the deck.
History:
This deck was my Sixth deck to create. I am the type of person who will build a deck then take a month to put it together. As I play the deck more, I will add more content in this section.
Personal Bio
My play group is competitive. And I hate to use that term because it holds a negative tone to it. Whenever I tell people that, they think we sit around holding guns to each others temple, cursing like sailors, and throwing fits if we don't win. And I don't think that's fair. We have a BLAST. And I wouldn't play any other way. I have tried playing with a casual group. It just didn't work out for me. Too much complaining for my taste.
I've been playing for a while, and I'm considered the best player in our play group. This is probably because I spend a lot of effort on theorycrafting and deckbuilding and I have a very strong grasp of the rules. As such, I win a good bit. So I suppose results may vary but I have had success with this deck. And I think you will too.
Decklists
6 Rasputin Dreamweaver
Creature:33
11 Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
10 Myojin of Seeing Winds
7 Luminate Primordial
6 Sun Titan
6 Draining Welk
6 Duplicant
6 Deadeye Navigator
6 Consecrated Sphinx
5 Mull Drifter
5 Mnemonic Wall
5 Karmic Guide
5 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
5 Reveillark
4 Sower of Temptation
4 Phyrexian Metamorph
4 Glen Elendra Archmage
4 Venser, Shaper Savant
4 Restoration Angel
4 Galepowder Mage
4 Glimmerpoint Stag
4 Sakashima the Imposter
4 Solemn Simulacrum
4 Ranger of Eos
4 Admonition Angel
3 Stone Cloaker
3 Mangara of Corondor
3 Aven Mindcensor
3 Trinket Mage
2 Leonin Relic-Warder
2 Gilded Drake
1 Nephalia Smuggler
1 Mother of Runes
1 Weathered Wayfarer
4 Vanish into Memory
3 Sphinx's Revelation
3 Ghostly Flicker
3 Spell Crumple
3 Hinder
3 Capsize
3 Oblation
3 Ghostway
2 Muddle the Mixture
2 Momentary Blink
Sorcery: 4
6 Austere Command
5 Rout
4 Rite of Replication
3 Fabricate
Enchantments: 2
3 Aura of Silence
10 Omniscience
Artifacts: 11
7 Spine of Ish Sah
5 Conjurer's Closet
3 Azorius Keyrune
3 Coalition Relic
3 Worn Powerstone
3 Cloudstone Curio
3 Blasting Station
3 Phyrexian Alter
2 Azorius Signet
2 Nim Deathmantle
1 Sol Ring
Planeswalkers: 1
5 Venser, The Sojourner
Land: 37
1 Reliquary Tower
1 Mistveil Plains
1 Riptide Laboratory
1 Tolaria West
1 Ancient Den
1 Seat of the Synod
1 Mystic Gate
1 Nimbus Maze
1 Flooded Strand
1 Seachrome Coast
1 Tundra
1 Hallowed Fountain
1 Glacial Fortress
1 Boreal Shelf
1 Vivid Meadow
1 Vivid Creek
1 Celestial Colonnade
1 Coastal Tower
1 Wanderwine Hub
1 Azorius Guildgate
1 Azorius Chancery
1 Sejiri Refuge
1 Adkar Wastes
1 Mikokoro, Center of the Sea
6 Plains
7 Islands
Playing Rasputin:
Rasputin is far from straightforward and plays differently every time, but there is a strategy.
Generally you want to drop Rasputin asap. He advances your mana and allows you to start dropping the big spells quickly. Dropping him by turn 4 or 5 is ideal.
Early game you want to develop your mana. Drop the Sol Ring Worn Powerstone, Solemn Simulacrum, Weathered Wayfarer.
After casting Rasputin you want to drop a big spell if you have one in hand and if it's the ideal moment (such as Rite of Replication).
Start policing the board with cards like Duplicant, Mangara, Glen Elendra, Gilded Drake and Spine of Ish Sah. Follow that up with an draw you have; Mulldrifter, Blue Myojin, and Sphinx's Revelation etc, etc.
Set up a blink engine and start oozing the advantage and grind out a win however you can. That may be stealing Primordial Hydra with Sower of Temptation or just swinging with Ulamog. As a back-up there are some infinite combos in the deck.
Infinite Mana:
Phyrexian Alter + Nim Deathmantle + Rasputin Dreamweaver
Infinite Damage:
Blasting Station+ Karmic Guide/Body Double+ Reveillark
Blasting Station+ Nim Deathmantle + Rasputin Dreamweaver
You can tutor for these with Riptide Shapeshifter, Fabricate and Muddle the Mixture.
I use these as the "red button" that blows up the world when I'm in danger.
Other Notes:
This is the type of deck that has a lot of choices during deck construction. A lot of choices will be meta dependent. Some decks need more wraths, some don't need the enchantment and artifact removal, some don't need Aven Mindcensor (an all-star for me). So although a choice might be super sweet in your build in may only be subpar in mine or someone else's. I will do my best to include any card that could deserve a spot in this deck in the following sections.
Card Choices
Creatures
Nephalia Smuggler :rate4:: Flicker on a creature. I took out Flickerwisp for this and it was the right decision. Ranger of Eos fetches this and it's cost isn't as color intensive.
Mother of Runes :rate4:: Fetch-able with Ranger of Eos. It protects Rasputin and my other cards when I don't have a blink effect in hand. Gets my fatties through.
Weathered Wayfarer :rate4.5:: This card is just great. It fetches for Riptide Laboratory and all my color fixes. It helps me stay up on my mana. And since there is almost always at least 1 green deck at the table, it isn't hard to activate.
Aven Mindcensor :rate5:: Meta dependent choice. This card is an all-star in my deck. Tons of tutors, fetches and the like in my meta. Hoses most decks in my group.
Gilded Drake :rate5:: One of the top cards in the deck and one of the best cards to blink. This card puts in so much work. Try it if you can get one.
Leonin Relic-Warder :rate3.5:: Much needed enchantment and artifact hate. The exile ability is relevant and you can permanently exile artifacts and enchantments with instant blink/flicker.
Mangara of Corondor :rate4.5:: This card deals with ANY permanent. If you can pair this with an instant blink/flicker engine it can put a dent in some people's boards.
Stonecloaker :rate4.5:: Another card that is just bonkers in my meta. We have a lot of graveyard interaction here, and many combos rely on the graveyard. This card hoses that. And it bounces things so I can re-cast them.
Trinket Mage :rate3.5:: This card fetches a few lands and Sol Ring. It most gets Sol ring so I can cast Rasputin quicker.
Galepowder Mage
Glen Elendra Archmage :rate4.5:: This card does what you expect it too. Blinking it just sweetens the deal.
Glimmerpoint Stag :rate3.5:: Blinks any permanent. Once again works with Gilded Drake. But it also works with things like Spine of Ish Sah
Phyrexian Metamorph :rate4.5:: This is one of those cards that does just about everything. General Removal, get opponents Mimic Vats, get more of the big bad dragons and collosi.
Ranger of Eos :rate5:: I love this card. Gets my nice little one drops. Does exactly what I want.
Restoration Angel :rate4:: Instant Flicker on a flying 3/4 body.
Riptide Shapeshifter :rate4.5:: This tutors for Draining Welk, The Drazi Titans, Sun Titan, Glimmerpoint Stag , etc etc. It's just value.
Sakashima the Imposter :rate5:: Double Rasputin, Double Myojin, Double Ulamog or Kozilek? Sign me up.
Solemn Simulacrum :rate4.5:: Ramps and draws. This is what we call value.
Sower of Temptation :rate4.5:: Not as strong as Gilded Drake but still pretty strong.
Venser, Shaper Savant :rate4.5:: Bounces spells and bounces permanents. Speaks for itself.
Body Double :rate4.5:: Gives us much needed graveyard interaction. And it's part of the combo.
Deadeye Navigator :rate5:: If I could rate this higher than 5 I would. Probably the best card in the deck. This card just allows for insane plays.
Draining Welk :rate5:: Really good counterspell that doubles as a beater. Easily bounced and recurred.
Karmic Guide :rate5:: More recursion. Some of the best recursion.
Mnemonic Wall :rate4:: Gets back my blink spells. Goes great with Ghostly Flicker.
Mulldrifter :rate5:: Draw. Sweet, sweet draw.
Reveillark :rate5:: More recursion and win condition.
Sun Titan :rate4.5:: Gets back things like Nim Deathmantle and Blasting Station. Goes great with Aura of Silence.
Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir :rate4.5:: Stops my opponents from doing things during my turn, lets me do stuff during theirs.
Consecrated Sphinx :rate5:: We all know what a powerhouse this card is. And it works well with blink. It's always nice to dodge spot removal.
Myojin of the Seeing Winds :rate5:: Super draw. Comes down easy with Rasputin. Goes great with Sakashima.
Kozilek, Butcher of Truth :rate5:: A big beater, that draws me more gas. I prefer him over Ulamog.
Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre rate4.5:: Gets rid of a permanent and is hard to get rid of. Closes games quickly.
Sorcery
Fabricate :rate4:: Gets my combo pieces and mana rocks. Solid Tutor.
Rite of Replication :rate5:: One of the big splashy spells. There are tons of crazy targets for this in EDH.
Rout :rate4.5:: Instant speed wrath. Very good in my meta where instant speed makes the difference between me dying and not a lot of the time.
Austere Command :rate4.5:: Versatile. It is what you need it to be.
Instants
Momentary Blink :rate3:: Instant Flicker. Re-usable.
Muddle the Mixture :rate4.5:: Usually conditional counters aren't good but this hits G-waves, Tooth and Nails, Demonic Tutor and every other major spell in my meta (big instants and sorceries are more common here).
Capsize :rate5:: This card can win all on its own, especially 1v1.
Ghostly Flicker :rate3.5:: Hits two creatures and works great with Mnemonic Wall.
Ghostway :rate4.5:: Makes wraths not symmetrical and resets all your ETB effects.
Hinder :rate4:: Plenty of voltron generals in my meta. Hits em hard. Also hits those decks that rely heavily on the general.
Spell Crumple :rate4:: Same as Hinder.
Sphinx's Revelation :rate5:: I love this card. Drawing cards is sweet and the life is just icing.
Stroke of Genius :rate4.5:: Almost as good as the former. But still pretty good. Also can act as a win con.
Oblation :rate4.5:: Hits those voltron decks and is an instant speed answer to things like Mike/Trike and other TnN combos.
Vanish into Memory :rate5:: I have to give this full points just because of how awesome it works with the general. Becomes a good draw spell in this deck.
Enchantments
Aura of Silence :rate4:: Taxes, destroys, and it can be recurred by Sun Titan.
Omniscience :rate5:: New addition to the deck. Dropping this the turn after Rasputin is just insane. It wins games.
Planeswalkers
Venser, the Sojourner :rate5:: Yea...obvious include. He is a powerhouse.
Artifacts
Sol Ring :rate5:: Staple. Allows for turn 4 Rasputin.
Azorious Signet :rate3:: Fixes and helps for an earlier Rasputin.
Nim Deathmantle :rate5:: Natural synergy with Rasputin. Protects him and my other creatures. Combo piece.
Azorius Keyrune :rate3.5:: Fixes and can beat when you have nothing else.
Blasting Station :rate4:: Sac outlet for things like control magic and tuck. Win condition.
Cloudstone Curio :rate4:: Lets you use and re-use ETB abilities.
Coalition Relic :rate5:: Turn 4 Rasputin. Fixing.
Phyrexian Alter :rate.5:: Help against Insurrection and fixes mana. Part of an infinite mana combo.
Worn Powerstone :rate5:: Turn 4 Rasputin.
Conjurer's Closet :rate4.5:: Repeatable blink. Lets you keep Sower of Temptation targets.
Spine of Ish Sah :rate4:: Removal for anything basically. Unfortunately it is hard to blink but not impossible.
Lands
Mistveil Plains :rate4.5:: Just a fantastic card. Wish I could play with Sunforger though.
Reliquary Tower :rate4:: Doesn't produce colored mana but you often will have a full grip of cards. Very useful after casting Sphinx's Revelation for 15.
Riptide Laboratory :rate5:: Bounces all the sweet wizards like Rasputin, Venser, Shaper Savant, Glen Elendra Archmage etc etc.
Tolaria West :rate4:: A land to get your other sweet lands.
Other Options
Coming Soon
Notable Exclusions
Time Warp :rate5:: Two reasons I don't run this card. It goes infinite with Mnemonic Wall fairly easily. The second reason is because my Riku deck is all about time magic and I would rather not have two decks doing that.
Changelog
10/19/12
- Body Double
+ Consecrated Sphinx
- Gilded Lotus
+ Omniscience
2/1/13
- Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
- Riptide Shapeshifter
+ Luminate Primordial
+ Admonition Angel
Cards currently being tested
Coastal Piracy
Mistmeadow Witch
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Since you play a lot of cheap artifact, especially mana rock and combo, I suggest you give Tezzeret the Seeker a try.
By the by, Crystal Shard and Erratic Portal combo really well with Draining Whelk.
Spine of Ish Sah? Is it good?
This deck has been featured in Gathering Magic by Carlos Gutierrez
Although it does tap for it's ability Nephalia Smuggler has proven itself in my deck. It replaced Flickerform. It's main draw is that Ranger of Eos fetches it. It works great because it is a flicker rather than a blink which is big with cards like Draining Welk.
Vivid Lands and the Azorius Karoo land can be slow, but so far they haven't messed up my tempo. If they ever become a problem with my tempo I will remove them.
Future Sight is a powerful card...but not in my meta. It unfortunately won't stick around. :/
I don't have a Reflecting Pool or I would put it in here. Most decks in my meta contain BG so I'm not sure on Exotic Orchid. People do run things like Rupture Spire though so I don't see why it couldn't work.
As far as Return to Dust goes. It's obviously powerful. And was in the main. But I prefer Leonin Relic-Warder for the fact that it is a creature. And much more easily recurred and abused in my deck than Return to Dust.
Spine is really good in my meta where combos based around permanents (and spells) are the main win conditions. And it hits walkers. Which is important.
Crystal Shard was in the deck. But it under preformed for me. I usually have a LOT to do during my turns and the Shard was just one of those things that was last on the list of stuff to do and sometimes I wouldn't use it at all. I replaced it with Ghostly Flicker.
On Tezzeret; I don't have one as I traded mine not too long ago. Besides that I'm unsure. His inclusion will make it much easier for me to combo. This is not the main intention of the deck and is more of a back up plan. He might streamline the deck too much. If I get one I will playtest him to see if that happens.
To reiterate what I said in my post, I feel like Rasputin (perhaps UW in general) is pretty meta dependent. Unless you are running him balls to walls combo and aren't really worried about answers. So some of my choices are because of the group I play with.
Thanks for the replies.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Since I know you've seen my thread then you know what I would run/suggest.
I didn't know what Myojin of Seeing Winds drew a card for each permanent you control. I thought it was blue permanents only! I might test him in the spot of Recurring Insight.
GWUBAtraxa, Praetor's Voice PrimerGWUB
GWURoon Bant Blink WhateverGWU
BRGLord Windgrace LandsBRG
Right now I'm testing Mistmeadow Witch and Coastal Piracy.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Pristaxcontrombmodruu!
Haha
You gotta admit though, Rasputin has some sweet art.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
GWUBAtraxa, Praetor's Voice PrimerGWUB
GWURoon Bant Blink WhateverGWU
BRGLord Windgrace LandsBRG
I made some changes tonight. Will update the OP later tonight. Will probably finish and add a new section.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Also added Omniscience to the Currently Testing section.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
But it's still amazing.
Signature by Ace of Spades Studio!
Repetitive bounce can reset the counter. However, I've always thought the Myojin is win-more. It costs so much mana to cast. x_x
Augustin, Rasputin, Bruna, Brago, Ojutai
It still draws around 13 cards and has great synergy with Sakashima the Imposter. I also have a few ways to return it to my hand.
I'm thinking of cutting one of the Eldrazi. Probably Ulamog since I prefer the draw Kozilek gives. Indestructibly is nice. And vindicating something is nice. But the draw on Kozilek just gives me more gas.
I always have tons of mana in this deck. I usually just cast it after I cast rasputin for UUU. Then draw into blink to reset rasputin and start playing out my hand. I think Omniscience is going to be a great addition to this deck since I'm always holding 10+ cards (if I have tower out. Almost makes me want to run spellbook).
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
I think you should probably run Ulamog over Kozilek in my opinion.
GWUBAtraxa, Praetor's Voice PrimerGWUB
GWURoon Bant Blink WhateverGWU
BRGLord Windgrace LandsBRG
I will try removing each one and test that out.
I run expedition map in a few other decks but it usually finds better lands (cabal coffers, uborg, Gaea's Cradle, Vesuva) but I might try it out. Not sure on what I would cut for it.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
GWUBAtraxa, Praetor's Voice PrimerGWUB
GWURoon Bant Blink WhateverGWU
BRGLord Windgrace LandsBRG
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Still working on the Notable Exclusions and the Other Options section. Currently too busy but I'm sure I will have time in the future.
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
I've noticed that no matter the build, Rasputin Dreamweaver players end up very satisfied with their approaches to the commander, and this problem we have probably goes across the board.
Augustin, Rasputin, Bruna, Brago, Ojutai
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
I think I want to make room for one and of the ones in my colors I think the white one is stronger than the blue. Thoughts?
Thanks to Heroes of the Plane for the awesome Sig.
Currently Playing- EDH
GGGOmnath, Locus of the LifestreamGGG
BBBShirei, Lord of PoniesBBB
UWRasputin Dreamweaver, Russia's Greatest Love MachineUW
UBWZur, Killer of FunUBW
UGWTreva, Princess of CanterlotUGW
RWTajic, Master of the Reverse BladeRW
RRRZirilan, How to Train Your DragonRRR
PDH Decks
Gelectrode
Ascended Lawmage
Blaze Commando
I'm going with White for my Rasputin. I think blue could potentially be stronger, but white will be more consistently good.
And playstyle wise, I don't really like spending time looking through other players' yards deciding what to cast.
Banner by Nakamura, Thanks!
EDH Math
EDH Decks:
BB Drana: Down with the Sickness
BWR Kaalia Punisher: Heaven's on Fire