I have made some minor updates on my previous list. So far I am enjoying the split of Overgrowth's and BOP's. I dropped Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger for Emrakul since activating chord at x=15 hasn't been much of an issue. Also, I am testing Harmonize over Wistful Selkie for draw power. Comments / critiques are appreciated!
This looks GREAT! It has ramp, card draw, and POWERFUL win-conditions. I'd love to hear how it is testing/peforming. You also can build quite a Toolbox board with all of those Commands, Chords, and Genesis Hydra. I haven't tested it, so I can't give tiny, more in-depth pointers...but the list looks strong.
I really want to get a 1-of Genesis Hydra in my Garruk Green deck just seeing your list...maybe I'll squeeze one or two in
So far it's been very consistent! Funny you mention the Genesis Hydra as its been a champ in the last 7/8 games since adding it back in. Being able to tutor just about anything I need for ramp while cycling my cards back in to the library has been super beneficial. Also having Hydra come out as a solid blocker if need be has helped me on a few occasions.
Side note...my biggest issue recently has been a friends token deck. I have ratchet bombs in sideboard but if he gets 4 or 5 turns without me casting them it's game over. I have won 3 times by getting lucky and rushing Emrakul and a couple other times by playing the token game with Garruk.
Cleaned it up a bit. Let me know what you think! I'm testing heavily tonight. Will let you know how it goes. Will be playing mainly against Eldrazi Tron, Death's Shadow, Titanshift, Storm, Burn, Abzan, Affinity, U/W Control, and Elves...
The board will likely change a little...and I really can run any color I want (as the main board is entirely mono-green). I am open to any sideboard ideas you guys have (cards you've loved, packages that have worked well for you, etc.)...they can be literally any color.
Cleaned it up a bit. Let me know what you think! I'm testing heavily tonight. Will let you know how it goes. Will be playing mainly against Eldrazi Tron, Death's Shadow, Titanshift, Storm, Burn, Abzan, Affinity, U/W Control, and Elves...
The board will likely change a little...and I really can run any color I want (as the main board is entirely mono-green). I am open to any sideboard ideas you guys have (cards you've loved, packages that have worked well for you, etc.)...they can be literally any color.
Deck looks good! I am curious how well Garruk, Caller of Beasts does since the new rule will be live soon.
Also, with Horizon Canopy being reprinted in November I am looking at picking up a few depending on price drop. Which leads me to playing with the idea of splashing white for Elesh Norn and a playset of Path's. It would help with removal since running mono green tends to let my opponent build some board presence.
I think White is the best Splash for sideboarding (although I've found red and blue to be strong too...and I honestly just haven't tested with black enough). Elesh Norn is crazy good...I had a Chord deck where she was FAR and away the best card in the deck. In that deck she often was better than Craterhoof (just due to Casting cost and defensive ability).
Garruk Caller of Beasts is way stronger than I expected it to be...and I thought it would be strong. Thus far, I used it to:
1. Refil my hand - obvious use.
2. Cheat out a Craterhoof with only 6 mana (or 7) - this has happened a few times. It's won a couple games a turn early.
3. Fill up the board - I've had a couple times where I've cast him and actually -3'd home to get a Carven Caryatid (or other) in play. It is both a great way to protect him; but more importantly it ramps your Devotion count.
4. Ultimate - I actually did this in two games
I am extremely happy with the deck right now. It is very consistent and the speed is still there. I'm a big fan of digging/drawing through the deck, and this does it. There are a few things I'm tinkering with (other Green fatties for Garruk COB to cheat in, the board, Growing Rites, etc.) but all-in-all this feel like what I was looking for when the new Legend Rule was presented. Initially I thought Garruk, Primal Hunter would be the one to break it..but it's looking like it may be Caller of Beasts. Funilly enough, Primal Hunter is the only one I don't currently play in the list (although I would like to add a 1-of Primal Hunter to test if I can find a slot).
I still have to find the best color to splash for the board and tune A LOT. So PLEASE keep the ideas/comments/criticisms coming
2. Atzocan Archer - I found this extremely interesting. Good toughness to deal with fliers...ETB can deal with any 1-toughness creature (unless you have a way to buff it). Searchable via Woodland Bellower. I'm getting a copy and keeping it in my "possible sideboard cards" box (especially if/When Delver becomes a popular deck due to Opt).
It makes perfect sense to me. Looks like a very good T&N list, with a bit of a creature toolbox. A reason I was not a fan of many T&N lists is because it lacked a toolbox.
The deck looks pretty great.
@CurdBros, your list looks pretty fun, I'll try it out. It's 61 cards though. :/
What to cut?
EDIT:
Well I played one match so far and it was vs. Rat Moon, and I won in 3. My first game I drew two Hoofs and couldn't do much after discard. Games two and three I outvalued and overwhelmed them.
I think 3 Hoofs is excessive I think 2 is enough, since Big G will draw you into in, or Genesis Hydra.
Also, Caryatid is a great defensive card, but I sometimes wished it was an attacker to put pressure on my opponents Planeswalkers.
My suggestions would be
-1 Hoof +1 Ballista
and maybe cut the Hydras although Hydras have a lot more low drops to hit so I don't mind casting it for less in this deck. Just a thought. Perhaps adding in Commands and trying to make a bit of a toolbox with the best ones like Ruric Thar and Whisperwood Elemental. I'd also consider cutting Relenless for another Ballista, just try to get as many in as you can. Though I really like Relentless so I think I'd try to cut something else before him.
I wonder how Big G's -3 actually is, but his +1 is definitely great.
Here's my first draft without adjustments to you sideboard but I definitely think it needs work
LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
It makes perfect sense to me. Looks like a very good T&N list, with a bit of a creature toolbox. A reason I was not a fan of many T&N lists is because it lacked a toolbox.
The deck looks pretty great.
@CurdBros, your list looks pretty fun, I'll try it out. It's 61 cards though. :/
What to cut?
EDIT:
Well I played one match so far and it was vs. Rat Moon, and I won in 3. My first game I drew two Hoofs and couldn't do much after discard. Games two and three I outvalued and overwhelmed them.
I think 3 Hoofs is excessive I think 2 is enough, since Big G will draw you into in, or Genesis Hydra.
Also, Caryatid is a great defensive card, but I sometimes wished it was an attacker to put pressure on my opponents Planeswalkers.
My suggestions would be
-1 Hoof +1 Ballista
and maybe cut the Hydras although Hydras have a lot more low drops to hit so I don't mind casting it for less in this deck. Just a thought. Perhaps adding in Commands and trying to make a bit of a toolbox with the best ones like Ruric Thar and Whisperwood Elemental. I'd also consider cutting Relenless for another Ballista, just try to get as many in as you can. Though I really like Relentless so I think I'd try to cut something else before him.
I wonder how Big G's -3 actually is, but his +1 is definitely great.
Here's my first draft without adjustments to you sideboard but I definitely think it needs work
P.S.Abrade is definitely a nice new tool that G/R Devotion decks have access to.
Thoughts:
1. I have used Big G (I like this name ) for his -3 more than I initially anticipated. It's won me a few games where I only had 6 mana but cheated in a Hoof. I've used it for Woodland Bellower value too (play him, cheat in bellower, get another creature, he still sticks around).
2. I've Really liked Abrade. It gives us both timy early creature hate and artifact hate in one sideboard slot.
3. I like the idea of another Ballista. You can likely get away with only two hoofs...it is the main win-con; so you want it quick...but the deck draws so much and Hydra often is for 10+ anyway that you end up seeing (through digging and drawing) at least half the deck most games anyways.
I played against Death and Taxes today and Ballista was an all-star. Even with both Thalia's in play it was able to come down and kill them both (it didn't matter that it was tapped )
4. There is stress on attacking and playing Carven Caryatid but I'm not certain what is replace it with. I discussed/thought about Courser of Kruphix but Courser tends to be just a little "slower" if that makes sense. It initially was Wistful Selkie but it just felt like I was always chump blocking early and losing my Devotion (as when every creature has 1-2 toughness they pretty much die to everything. Caryatid blocks all of the Burn guys, Thougt-Knot Seeer, Tasigur, multiple Merfolf, obstinate Baloth, etc. all without dying...so I haven't found a great replacement yet.
Also, "draw a card" is a HUGE benefit to a Devotion card. Not just for simple CA; but because our truly broken games are when we have Nykthos. Constantly digging/drawing while building Devotion. It means we don't have to run cards like Sylvan Scrying to get there. I understand the idea of not needing Nykthos (playing Overgrowth, etc.) but I like the idea of taking advantage of Devotion. When we return to Theros; we will get at least one additional true devotion card (like Reverent Hunter, Katametra's Acolyte, Nylea's Disciple, etc.) that is truly playable....they always push one
You can try Courser of Kruphix to get a similar effect (Good body to protect/block, Aggro wall, etc. while being an attacker...I haven't tested it yet; but it is worth a try.
5. You could literally "switch out" the Genesis Hydra and Primal Commands (I.e. Put the Commands in the main deck and the Hydra's in the board for Control/Big Creature match ups). The Commands are in the 75; but if you prefer to play then game one and are. Or as high on Hydra...switch em!
You noticed something very important about Hydra's I've never really focused on/discussed. Hydra is best in decks with defined "poles" (I.e. Where the majority of permanents are 1-2 drops and 6-8 drops). It gives the Hydra the ability to be cast for value/Devotion early and a win-con late.
6. Outside of that (and of course messing with the board); I don't know how much I would change...I know you think it needs a lot of work; but I'm having a lot of success with it; so I'm not working on any drastic changes right now. I'll be tuning it for the next couple weeks though...so the more ideas/little improvements here or there the better!
P.S. Whisperwood Elemental would be fun in this deck (lots of creatures, ways to overrun the 2/2 morph creatures, etc.). We do kind of overwhelm the board already...so I'm not certain if it wouldn't be best just as a main-deck card; although I've not played the card a ton...so I don't know what the best decks to sidebit in against are (or how often you utilize his board-wipe protection ability.
Well, I was excited for dinosaurs, then got a little less excited when they spoiled what they expected people to use to ramp INTO the dinosaurs in standard, and now I'm pretty sure looking over the things that the only playable dinosaur at all for the deck is probably Carnage Tyrant. Oh well, time to move onto greener pastures?
I've used Whisperwood Elemental before, but in a different style of deck. Usually it works best in decks where there are sacrifice mechanics already in place as the second you play the card the opponent will usually just use spot removal on the elemental or plan around it. If someone is playing board wipes in their deck it will stop them from using it until they figure out what kind of game you're playing with it, though.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Well, I was excited for dinosaurs, then got a little less excited when they spoiled what they expected people to use to ramp INTO the dinosaurs in standard, and now I'm pretty sure looking over the things that the only playable dinosaur at all for the deck is probably Carnage Tyrant. Oh well, time to move onto greener pastures?
I've used Whisperwood Elemental before, but in a different style of deck. Usually it works best in decks where there are sacrifice mechanics already in place as the second you play the card the opponent will usually just use spot removal on the elemental or plan around it. If someone is playing board wipes in their deck it will stop them from using it until they figure out what kind of game you're playing with it, though.
Yeah...Ripjaw Raptor, Regasaur Alpha. And Carnage Carnage Tyrant are the only really pushed Dino's...but the good news is that there will likely be more in the next set! In terms of ramp...we've got better ramp then they'll probably ever see in Standard again
You can play Changelings too. A Chameleon Colossus with haste ain't bad.
That said, the red cost-reduction one is good if you ever cast more than one Dino per turn.
I've seen people here recommended 1x treetop village in devotion decks, and I had people at my LGS last night recommend raging ravine. Which one, if the tap land is worth being able to hit it+ kessig with primetime, would be the better include?
I also saw abrade mentioned? Is it better than the bolts I have mainboard ATM?
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
If you want to make Dinos work, you could try Gishath, Sun's Avatar with Arcane Adaptation and then all your Ionas and Griselbrands are Dinosaurs! This is the deck I wanted to make for Standard, would be even sweeter but harder to pull off in Modern.
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LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I think Rishkar is going to be big deal in Standard soon (with Merfolk focusing heavily on counters); and it certainly is a powerful card. The idea is super interesting to turn all your creatures into dorks...that's part of the reason in many creature-based decks on the past I've used Chord of Calling (allows all of the Visionaries, Caryatids, etc. to tap for mana). Rishkar can do it for any card though...is like to hear how it goes! I wish it wasn't legendary (would be a great Bellower target). Cool idea! Let me know how it plays.
If you want to make Dinos work, you could try Gishath, Sun's Avatar with Arcane Adaptation and then all your Ionas and Griselbrands are Dinosaurs! This is the deck I wanted to make for Standard, would be even sweeter but harder to pull off in Modern.
Arcane Adaptation is such a fun card! I thought about it in an Elf build (Ezuri gets nuts, Heritage Druid becomes fun, etc,) with token generators...but it was more fun than anything (as Elves doesn't need anything as it is).
It's just seems like a card that could be broken given enough time and tuning. Do-nothing cards are REALLY tough to make work in Modern (I've tried many ) but when they do work it is about as much fun as you can have playing!
I think Rishkar is going to be big deal in Standard soon (with Merfolk focusing heavily on counters); and it certainly is a powerful card. The idea is super interesting to turn all your creatures into dorks...that's part of the reason in many creature-based decks on the past I've used Chord of Calling (allows all of the Visionaries, Caryatids, etc. to tap for mana). Rishkar can do it for any card though...is like to hear how it goes! I wish it wasn't legendary (would be a great Bellower target). Cool idea! Let me know how it plays.
If you want to make Dinos work, you could try Gishath, Sun's Avatar with Arcane Adaptation and then all your Ionas and Griselbrands are Dinosaurs! This is the deck I wanted to make for Standard, would be even sweeter but harder to pull off in Modern.
Arcane Adaptation is such a fun card! I thought about it in an Elf build (Ezuri gets nuts, Heritage Druid becomes fun, etc,) with token generators...
It's just seems like a card that could be broken given enough time and tuning. Do-nothing cards are REALLY tough to make work in Modern (I've tried many ) but when they do work it is about as much fun as you can have playing!
I actually already did try it out before. The main weakness it has is that it's a bolt magnet and once it dies we sort of just have +1/+1 counters on two random low powered creatures. I think it works best when other things in the deck already get +1/+1 counter on them, so that when you end up playing Rishkar you get more mana back than the mana used to cast into him. I'll keep toying around and see how it goes.
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1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
How do we feel about removing one Craterhoof for a Primeval Titan?
Or should it just be another Ballista?
I'd like to have another card I can cheat in with Garruk...the "craziest" options would be Dragonlord Atarka, Progenitus, Worldspine Wurm, or Vorniclux.
The deck feels really close (especially with the correct board for the match ups that aren't super favored. I'm gonna be playing this deck for a while (and I'm going to try to play some online games when the legend rule changes to see if I can get an X-0...it's going to take a lLOT of tuning though. The core feels right, however; so I'm not gonna go down the rabbit hole on it. Just a few cards here or there within the 75 and a super solid board.
I'd like it to get to where I feel the G/W walker list is (where when I play I start each match up with a game plan and feel like I have options against all decks; but with a very specific core focus as well (especially in game one).
When I think of a green creature to cheat into play, yes, the unbeatable you just mentioned spring to mind. But Then I go to the worst case scenario. Crater hoof is just a 5/5. Primeval potentially ramps you if you get another turn. That's why I like Bellower for its ability to dig you out of a hole. That's why I like the new 7/6 hex proof dino, or even hornet queen. Utility creatures that can up your card advantage or just not die.
When I think of a green creature to cheat into play, yes, the unbeatable you just mentioned spring to mind. But Then I go to the worst case scenario. Crater hoof is just a 5/5. Primeval potentially ramps you if you get another turn. That's why I like Bellower for its ability to dig you out of a hole. That's why I like the new 7/6 hex proof dino, or even hornet queen. Utility creatures that can up your card advantage or just not die.
Good Call! I have no idea why I didn't think of Hornet Queen. You're right...they need to generate value right away. The deck wins many of its match ups (the non-Combo one) simply by out-valuing the opponent; so it should feel at home in the deck. Haste would be great; but there are so few.
I wish Khalni Hydra and/or Primalcrux had some benefit outside of being a big trampler. Khalini could be cast quickly without being cheated in and both give huge Devotion boosts...but can die with no added value.
I wish Khalni Hydra and/or Primalcrux had some benefit outside of being a. If trampler. Khaki could be cast quickly without being cheated in and both give huge Devotion boosts...but can die with no added vakue.
Too cute. I don't like playing any threat with cmc > 5 without some immediate effect on the board. I'm okay with Polukranos getting pathed bc at least I'm ramping into the real bombs. Not okay with K Hydra being pathed. Unfortunately modern has devolved into a format where you can do a lot of cool things. But at the end of the day, cool things do not win sanctioned magic tournaments. I absolutely hate how some streamers try out a cool modern deck and admit they just want to see a neat interaction the deck has to offer rather than win. If devotion is to be taken to the next level, we need to figure out how to win. Period.
Wait there's more. I've never been a fan of primetime in devotion bc he's just a 6/6 target. The lands are cute and yes, it's nice to tudor up a nykthos but if you don't have the land by the time you have 6 mana, it's not a big deal. Bellower is better bc he adds to the field. Yeah, it's soft to a wrath but so are all our creatures. Now, I'd say carnage tyrant beats them bc it can't die.
Furthermore, on the debate over the 3 cmc card advantage getters, I'll throw tireless tracker in the mix. It's insane with aforementioned titan. It was featured main deck in a devotion deck by ujego recently.
I wish Khalni Hydra and/or Primalcrux had some benefit outside of being a. If trampler. Khaki could be cast quickly without being cheated in and both give huge Devotion boosts...but can die with no added vakue.
Too cute. I don't like playing any threat with cmc > 5 without some immediate effect on the board. I'm okay with Polukranos getting pathed bc at least I'm ramping into the real bombs. Not okay with K Hydra being pathed. Unfortunately modern has devolved into a format where you can do a lot of cool things. But at the end of the day, cool things do not win sanctioned magic tournaments. I absolutely hate how some streamers try out a cool modern deck and admit they just want to see a neat interaction the deck has to offer rather than win. If devotion is to be taken to the next level, we need to figure out how to win. Period.
Wait there's more. I've never been a fan of primetime in devotion bc he's just a 6/6 target. The lands are cute and yes, it's nice to tudor up a nykthos but if you don't have the land by the time you have 6 mana, it's not a big deal. Bellower is better bc he adds to the field. Yeah, it's soft to a wrath but so are all our creatures. Now, I'd say carnage tyrant beats them bc it can't die.
Furthermore, on the debate over the 3 cmc card advantage getters, I'll throw tireless tracker in the mix. It's insane with aforementioned titan. It was featured main deck in a devotion deck by ujego recently.
Yep...agreed...that's why I said, "I wish" and "both die without added value"...a boy can dream I haven't played either card in a VERY long time; but I wish there was a way to make them work...
And please don't get me wrong...this deck is made TO WIN. I love playing green devotion. It is my favorite way to play; but I only will play a deck that is viable. If not, I move on. It may take weeks of tuning (and many times ideas don't work out); but generally I can tell if an idea is going to work within a few days of testing (i.e. after I've played all of the top decks enough to feel like with an appropriate board it can beat any of them). I honestly think this has a chance.
I actually am somewhat in agreement with you on Primeval Titan. As you've probably noticed being on here so long...I rarely (if ever) have PrimeTime in my decks. I too prefer Woodland Bellower as I think it fits the Devotion archetype better. I do understand Primeval Titan's use in some decks...I just rarely see a use for it in mine. You hit the nail on the head...if I have six mana; I usually don't need to tutor up another land. And I HATE enter the battlefield tapped lands...so I rarely have enough utility lands to make it worth it.
I also agree on Tireless Tracker. My brother and I were practicing our cube tonight and I played him and said to him, "man, I wonder why I haven't used him in a while"...granted it is a little "slower" than a lot of the cards I'm used to (again no true added value until your next land drop) but over a long game he is insane! I think he does warrant discussion, however, in any 3-drop conversation.
I think Tracker is more of a grindy card. Not sure how much this deck wants it. Casting Bellower fetching a giant Reverent Hunter is a very strong play.
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Always wear protection kids, sleeve up your deck.
LEGACY: Soldier Stompy WW // Blue Stompy UU // Fit Variants BGRW // Sol Land Brews BGRUWC MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
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So far it's been very consistent! Funny you mention the Genesis Hydra as its been a champ in the last 7/8 games since adding it back in. Being able to tutor just about anything I need for ramp while cycling my cards back in to the library has been super beneficial. Also having Hydra come out as a solid blocker if need be has helped me on a few occasions.
Side note...my biggest issue recently has been a friends token deck. I have ratchet bombs in sideboard but if he gets 4 or 5 turns without me casting them it's game over. I have won 3 times by getting lucky and rushing Emrakul and a couple other times by playing the token game with Garruk.
4x Arbor Elf
3x Birds of Paradise
4x Elvish Visionary
3x Carven Caryatid
1x Duskwatch Recruiter
1x Reverent Hunter
1x Eternal Witness
1x Kitchen Finks
1x Woodland Bellower
1x Walking Ballista
2x Genesis Hydra
3x Craterhoof Behemoth
4x Utopia Sprawl
3x Oath of Nissa
Planeswalker
4x Garruk Wildspeaker
1x Garruk Relentless
3x Garruk, Caller of Beasts
Land
7x Green Fetch
6x Forest
2x Stomping Ground
4x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1x Horizon Canopy
1x Kessig Wolf Run
2x Primal Command
2x Abrade
2x Bonfire of the Damned
2x Scavenging Ooze
1x Kitchen Finks
1x Beast Within
1x Ghost Quarter
1x Walking Ballista
1x Creeping Corrosion
1x Cloudstone Curio
1x Acidic Slime
Cleaned it up a bit. Let me know what you think! I'm testing heavily tonight. Will let you know how it goes. Will be playing mainly against Eldrazi Tron, Death's Shadow, Titanshift, Storm, Burn, Abzan, Affinity, U/W Control, and Elves...
The board will likely change a little...and I really can run any color I want (as the main board is entirely mono-green). I am open to any sideboard ideas you guys have (cards you've loved, packages that have worked well for you, etc.)...they can be literally any color.
Deck looks good! I am curious how well Garruk, Caller of Beasts does since the new rule will be live soon.
Also, with Horizon Canopy being reprinted in November I am looking at picking up a few depending on price drop. Which leads me to playing with the idea of splashing white for Elesh Norn and a playset of Path's. It would help with removal since running mono green tends to let my opponent build some board presence.
Garruk Caller of Beasts is way stronger than I expected it to be...and I thought it would be strong. Thus far, I used it to:
1. Refil my hand - obvious use.
2. Cheat out a Craterhoof with only 6 mana (or 7) - this has happened a few times. It's won a couple games a turn early.
3. Fill up the board - I've had a couple times where I've cast him and actually -3'd home to get a Carven Caryatid (or other) in play. It is both a great way to protect him; but more importantly it ramps your Devotion count.
4. Ultimate - I actually did this in two games
CURRENT GARRUK GREEN LIST
4x Arbor Elf
3x Birds of Paradise
4x Elvish Visionary
3x Carven Caryatid
1x Duskwatch Recruiter
1x Reverent Hunter
1x Eternal Witness
1x Kitchen Finks
1x Woodland Bellower
1x Walking Ballista
2x Genesis Hydra
3x Craterhoof Behemoth
4x Utopia Sprawl
3x Oath of Nissa
Planeswalker
4x Garruk Wildspeaker
1x Garruk Relentless
3x Garruk, Caller of Beasts
Land
7x Green Fetch
6x Forest
2x Stomping Ground
4x Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1x Horizon Canopy
1x Kessig Wolf Run
2x Primal Command
2x Abrade
2x Bonfire of the Damned
2x Scavenging Ooze
1x Kitchen Finks
1x Beast Within
1x Ghost Quarter
1x Walking Ballista
1x Creeping Corrosion
1x Cloudstone Curio
1x Acidic Slime
I still have to find the best color to splash for the board and tune A LOT. So PLEASE keep the ideas/comments/criticisms coming
______
A few cards I found interesting today:
1. Pounce - Instant speed prey upon/fight...
2. Atzocan Archer - I found this extremely interesting. Good toughness to deal with fliers...ETB can deal with any 1-toughness creature (unless you have a way to buff it). Searchable via Woodland Bellower. I'm getting a copy and keeping it in my "possible sideboard cards" box (especially if/When Delver becomes a popular deck due to Opt).
1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
2 Stomping Ground
1 Temple Garden
4 Windswept Heath
4 Wooded Foothills
18 CREATURES
4 Arbor Elf
1 Dragonlord Dromoka
1 Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
3 Eternal Witness
1 Inferno Titan
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Thragtusk
4 Voyaging Satyr
1 Walking Ballista
1 Xenagos, God of Revels
7 INSTANTS and SORC.
3 Primal Command
4 Tooth and Nail
13 OTHER SPELLS
2 Blood Moon
2 Garruk Wildspeaker
1 Nissa, Worldwaker
4 Overgrowth
4 Utopia Sprawl
1 Blood Moon
1 Heroic Intervention
1 Hornet Queen
2 Leyline of Sanctity
1 Path to Exile
1 Pithing Needle
2 Relic of Progenitus
1 Scavenging Ooze
1 Shatterstorm
2 Stony Silence
The deck looks pretty great.
@CurdBros, your list looks pretty fun, I'll try it out. It's 61 cards though. :/
What to cut?
EDIT:
Well I played one match so far and it was vs. Rat Moon, and I won in 3. My first game I drew two Hoofs and couldn't do much after discard. Games two and three I outvalued and overwhelmed them.
I think 3 Hoofs is excessive I think 2 is enough, since Big G will draw you into in, or Genesis Hydra.
Also, Caryatid is a great defensive card, but I sometimes wished it was an attacker to put pressure on my opponents Planeswalkers.
My suggestions would be
-1 Hoof +1 Ballista
and maybe cut the Hydras although Hydras have a lot more low drops to hit so I don't mind casting it for less in this deck. Just a thought. Perhaps adding in Commands and trying to make a bit of a toolbox with the best ones like Ruric Thar and Whisperwood Elemental. I'd also consider cutting Relenless for another Ballista, just try to get as many in as you can. Though I really like Relentless so I think I'd try to cut something else before him.
I wonder how Big G's -3 actually is, but his +1 is definitely great.
Here's my first draft without adjustments to you sideboard but I definitely think it needs work
DECK BELOW
// 24 Creature
4 Arbor Elf
3 Birds of Paradise
4 Elvish Visionary
3 Carven Caryatid
1 Duskwatch Recruiter
1 Reverent Hunter
1 Eternal Witness
1 Kitchen Finks
1 Woodland Bellower
3 Walking Ballista
2 Craterhoof Behemoth
// 7 Enchantment
4 Utopia Sprawl
3 Oath of Nissa
6 Forest
2 Stomping Ground
4 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
1 Horizon Canopy
1 Kessig Wolf Run
2 Wooded Foothills
2 Windswept Heath
2 Verdant Catacombs
1 Misty Rainforest
// 8 Planeswalker
4 Garruk Wildspeaker
1 Garruk Relentless
3 Garruk, Caller of Beasts
1 Cloudstone Curio
2 Scavenging Ooze
1 Kitchen Finks
1 Walking Ballista
1 Acidic Slime
2 Abrade
1 Beast Within
1 Ghost Quarter
2 Primal Command
2 Bonfire of the Damned
1 Creeping Corrosion
P.S.Abrade is definitely a nice new tool that G/R Devotion decks have access to.
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
Thoughts:
1. I have used Big G (I like this name ) for his -3 more than I initially anticipated. It's won me a few games where I only had 6 mana but cheated in a Hoof. I've used it for Woodland Bellower value too (play him, cheat in bellower, get another creature, he still sticks around).
2. I've Really liked Abrade. It gives us both timy early creature hate and artifact hate in one sideboard slot.
3. I like the idea of another Ballista. You can likely get away with only two hoofs...it is the main win-con; so you want it quick...but the deck draws so much and Hydra often is for 10+ anyway that you end up seeing (through digging and drawing) at least half the deck most games anyways.
I played against Death and Taxes today and Ballista was an all-star. Even with both Thalia's in play it was able to come down and kill them both (it didn't matter that it was tapped )
4. There is stress on attacking and playing Carven Caryatid but I'm not certain what is replace it with. I discussed/thought about Courser of Kruphix but Courser tends to be just a little "slower" if that makes sense. It initially was Wistful Selkie but it just felt like I was always chump blocking early and losing my Devotion (as when every creature has 1-2 toughness they pretty much die to everything. Caryatid blocks all of the Burn guys, Thougt-Knot Seeer, Tasigur, multiple Merfolf, obstinate Baloth, etc. all without dying...so I haven't found a great replacement yet.
Also, "draw a card" is a HUGE benefit to a Devotion card. Not just for simple CA; but because our truly broken games are when we have Nykthos. Constantly digging/drawing while building Devotion. It means we don't have to run cards like Sylvan Scrying to get there. I understand the idea of not needing Nykthos (playing Overgrowth, etc.) but I like the idea of taking advantage of Devotion. When we return to Theros; we will get at least one additional true devotion card (like Reverent Hunter, Katametra's Acolyte, Nylea's Disciple, etc.) that is truly playable....they always push one
You can try Courser of Kruphix to get a similar effect (Good body to protect/block, Aggro wall, etc. while being an attacker...I haven't tested it yet; but it is worth a try.
5. You could literally "switch out" the Genesis Hydra and Primal Commands (I.e. Put the Commands in the main deck and the Hydra's in the board for Control/Big Creature match ups). The Commands are in the 75; but if you prefer to play then game one and are. Or as high on Hydra...switch em!
You noticed something very important about Hydra's I've never really focused on/discussed. Hydra is best in decks with defined "poles" (I.e. Where the majority of permanents are 1-2 drops and 6-8 drops). It gives the Hydra the ability to be cast for value/Devotion early and a win-con late.
6. Outside of that (and of course messing with the board); I don't know how much I would change...I know you think it needs a lot of work; but I'm having a lot of success with it; so I'm not working on any drastic changes right now. I'll be tuning it for the next couple weeks though...so the more ideas/little improvements here or there the better!
P.S. Whisperwood Elemental would be fun in this deck (lots of creatures, ways to overrun the 2/2 morph creatures, etc.). We do kind of overwhelm the board already...so I'm not certain if it wouldn't be best just as a main-deck card; although I've not played the card a ton...so I don't know what the best decks to sidebit in against are (or how often you utilize his board-wipe protection ability.
I've used Whisperwood Elemental before, but in a different style of deck. Usually it works best in decks where there are sacrifice mechanics already in place as the second you play the card the opponent will usually just use spot removal on the elemental or plan around it. If someone is playing board wipes in their deck it will stop them from using it until they figure out what kind of game you're playing with it, though.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Yeah...Ripjaw Raptor, Regasaur Alpha. And Carnage Carnage Tyrant are the only really pushed Dino's...but the good news is that there will likely be more in the next set! In terms of ramp...we've got better ramp then they'll probably ever see in Standard again
You can play Changelings too. A Chameleon Colossus with haste ain't bad.
That said, the red cost-reduction one is good if you ever cast more than one Dino per turn.
I also saw abrade mentioned? Is it better than the bolts I have mainboard ATM?
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC
I think Rishkar is going to be big deal in Standard soon (with Merfolk focusing heavily on counters); and it certainly is a powerful card. The idea is super interesting to turn all your creatures into dorks...that's part of the reason in many creature-based decks on the past I've used Chord of Calling (allows all of the Visionaries, Caryatids, etc. to tap for mana). Rishkar can do it for any card though...is like to hear how it goes! I wish it wasn't legendary (would be a great Bellower target). Cool idea! Let me know how it plays.
Arcane Adaptation is such a fun card! I thought about it in an Elf build (Ezuri gets nuts, Heritage Druid becomes fun, etc,) with token generators...but it was more fun than anything (as Elves doesn't need anything as it is).
It's just seems like a card that could be broken given enough time and tuning. Do-nothing cards are REALLY tough to make work in Modern (I've tried many ) but when they do work it is about as much fun as you can have playing!
I actually already did try it out before. The main weakness it has is that it's a bolt magnet and once it dies we sort of just have +1/+1 counters on two random low powered creatures. I think it works best when other things in the deck already get +1/+1 counter on them, so that when you end up playing Rishkar you get more mana back than the mana used to cast into him. I'll keep toying around and see how it goes.
1. (Ravnica Allegiance): You can't keep a good esper control deck down... Or Wilderness Reclamation... or Gates...
2. (War of the Spark): Guys, I know what we need! We need a cycle of really idiotic flavor text victory cards! Jace's Triumph...
3. (War of the Spark): Lets make the format with control have even more control!
Or should it just be another Ballista?
I'd like to have another card I can cheat in with Garruk...the "craziest" options would be Dragonlord Atarka, Progenitus, Worldspine Wurm, or Vorniclux.
The deck feels really close (especially with the correct board for the match ups that aren't super favored. I'm gonna be playing this deck for a while (and I'm going to try to play some online games when the legend rule changes to see if I can get an X-0...it's going to take a lLOT of tuning though. The core feels right, however; so I'm not gonna go down the rabbit hole on it. Just a few cards here or there within the 75 and a super solid board.
I'd like it to get to where I feel the G/W walker list is (where when I play I start each match up with a game plan and feel like I have options against all decks; but with a very specific core focus as well (especially in game one).
Good Call! I have no idea why I didn't think of Hornet Queen. You're right...they need to generate value right away. The deck wins many of its match ups (the non-Combo one) simply by out-valuing the opponent; so it should feel at home in the deck. Haste would be great; but there are so few.
I wish Khalni Hydra and/or Primalcrux had some benefit outside of being a big trampler. Khalini could be cast quickly without being cheated in and both give huge Devotion boosts...but can die with no added value.
Too cute. I don't like playing any threat with cmc > 5 without some immediate effect on the board. I'm okay with Polukranos getting pathed bc at least I'm ramping into the real bombs. Not okay with K Hydra being pathed. Unfortunately modern has devolved into a format where you can do a lot of cool things. But at the end of the day, cool things do not win sanctioned magic tournaments. I absolutely hate how some streamers try out a cool modern deck and admit they just want to see a neat interaction the deck has to offer rather than win. If devotion is to be taken to the next level, we need to figure out how to win. Period.
Wait there's more. I've never been a fan of primetime in devotion bc he's just a 6/6 target. The lands are cute and yes, it's nice to tudor up a nykthos but if you don't have the land by the time you have 6 mana, it's not a big deal. Bellower is better bc he adds to the field. Yeah, it's soft to a wrath but so are all our creatures. Now, I'd say carnage tyrant beats them bc it can't die.
Furthermore, on the debate over the 3 cmc card advantage getters, I'll throw tireless tracker in the mix. It's insane with aforementioned titan. It was featured main deck in a devotion deck by ujego recently.
Yep...agreed...that's why I said, "I wish" and "both die without added value"...a boy can dream I haven't played either card in a VERY long time; but I wish there was a way to make them work...
And please don't get me wrong...this deck is made TO WIN. I love playing green devotion. It is my favorite way to play; but I only will play a deck that is viable. If not, I move on. It may take weeks of tuning (and many times ideas don't work out); but generally I can tell if an idea is going to work within a few days of testing (i.e. after I've played all of the top decks enough to feel like with an appropriate board it can beat any of them). I honestly think this has a chance.
I actually am somewhat in agreement with you on Primeval Titan. As you've probably noticed being on here so long...I rarely (if ever) have PrimeTime in my decks. I too prefer Woodland Bellower as I think it fits the Devotion archetype better. I do understand Primeval Titan's use in some decks...I just rarely see a use for it in mine. You hit the nail on the head...if I have six mana; I usually don't need to tutor up another land. And I HATE enter the battlefield tapped lands...so I rarely have enough utility lands to make it worth it.
I also agree on Tireless Tracker. My brother and I were practicing our cube tonight and I played him and said to him, "man, I wonder why I haven't used him in a while"...granted it is a little "slower" than a lot of the cards I'm used to (again no true added value until your next land drop) but over a long game he is insane! I think he does warrant discussion, however, in any 3-drop conversation.
MODERN: Pure Pili-ness GU // Red Devotion RR // Green Devotion Variants GRWUG // U/G Emerge CGU // Lots and Lots of Brews BGRUWC