I already talked to Dutch in PM's, so I'll skip his post. In short, if you don't want big mana spells, voltron or dredge might be good substitutes.
Anyway, let's talk Theros. Two cards stick out:
Nykthos, Shrine To Nyx - Act like I was going to pass this one up. This card's potential is huge. Imagine resolving a G-Wave and then cracking this bad boy for even more mana. Likely to replace Urborg.
Reaper of the Wilds - If Pharika's Mender had been printed in Mirrodin and said Artifact instead of Enchantment, we'd be in business. Reaper is a really strong card for the mana cost, being a beater with a powerful ability. I can see it effectively turning draws into nerfed tutors with Top or Library online. Grave Betrayal hasn't been working out the way I intended, so it's likely getting the cut for this.
I'm considering adding Sculpting Steel to the deck as well, to double up on things like Duplicant and Solemn Simulacrum.
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"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
two things.
why ulamog? He's a great stand alone card, but the biggest drawback is that he resets your graveyard. That kind of goes against the deck strategy.
Also, golgari signet is a little weak. why not a better 2 mana landfetch card.
two things.
why ulamog? He's a great stand alone card, but the biggest drawback is that he resets your graveyard. That kind of goes against the deck strategy.
Also, golgari signet is a little weak. why not a better 2 mana landfetch card.
Cool deck btw.
Ulamog is in the deck as a sort of contingency plan. If you're stuck with simply slugging it out with an opponent (which happens more often than you'd expect) Ulamog can easily turn the tide of battle.
Also, the graveyard reset is almost always a boon instead of a hindrance. Getting decked is definitely possible in commander, and although you shuffle your artifacts back in, you also get back your instants and sorceries, which can be huge.
Golgari Signet is a touch weak, but it can be recurred. It's solid fixing too if the mana's looking a little wonky in the early game.
Theros updates will be live next Thursday or Friday, when I get my copy of Nykthos.
"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
What do you think about Bow of Nylea or Whip of Erebos from Theros? They aren't auto includes but they might be nice touches. The life gain from the bow can add up over time. The whip does go against the artifact recursion, but you could bring back some useful etb effects.
Also I believe Burnished Hart is a very interesting addition. For a 3 mana drop that can add up over time. He definitely deserves some consideration.
I know you mentioned the Reaper of the Wilds and the devotion land. They are good additions as well.
What do you think about Bow of Nylea or Whip of Erebos from Theros? They aren't auto includes but they might be nice touches. The life gain from the bow can add up over time. The whip does go against the artifact recursion, but you could bring back some useful etb effects.
Also I believe Burnished Hart is a very interesting addition. For a 3 mana drop that can add up over time. He definitely deserves some consideration.
I know you mentioned the Reaper of the Wilds and the devotion land. They are good additions as well.
The God weapons are interesting as far as things go. Bow of Nylea, frankly, is less than impressive. Two damage to a flier is pitiful (the only meaningful target this ever has is Birds of Paradise,) and the lifegain's pretty meh. The graveyard ability is somewhat interesting as it lets you dodge graveyard exile, but being unable to hit opponents things (No, I don't want you having that Wonder, thanks) kind of irks me. The +1/+1 counter is decent, but for two mana per turn is a little underwhelming. Deathtouch on attack only is the cherry topping on this irksome sundae.
As for the Whip, the Lifelink's solid. However, that recursion ability is, at least for this deck, awful. It is nice to get creatures back for a turn, but this deck has enough ways to get back non-artifact creatures (Genesis, Eternal Witness, Rise of the Dark Realms) that I don't think it's worth the slot. Also hurting this ability is sorcery-speed activation, meaning the one thing I'd ideally use it for (throwing up emergency blockers) isn't possible.
On Burnished Hart, I've been very divided about this little stag. On the one hand, fetching two basics for six repeatably is nothing to scoff at. On the other hand, fetching two basics for six is something green can do way better at. It's a definite pick for those who want to tune their manabase a little better, and it's definitely in consideration. I'll render my final verdict when I apply the Theros updates next week.
I tried the Reaper out the day before yesterday at my local meta game night. She was actually a lot better than I thought. We run our decks a little differently but man, I would definitely recommend giving her a go.
I'll admit, even for limited, I was unimpressed with the power of Scry 1 at first. However, when I actually played with it, it turns out that it's way better than I imagined. The ability to filter out extra fuel/lands when you've got too little of one and too much of the other is HUGE, since it essentially allows you to skip turns where your ability to do actions is hindered by your lack of fuel/mana. Don't underestimate this Gorgon, not by a longshot.
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"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
It being 4 cmc is a big point in its favor since... I only have 1 four cmc creature card in my deck atm (solemn).. which is havoc for my pod chain. i had to conjurers bauble a solemn back into my library so I could go get it with my pod last game I played.
Other than that I am just really happy with my deck atm.. it has just the right power level for my group. Not too strong to be oppresive not too weak that it just dies to decks with more power in them. I think the only thing I looking to improve is my mana base.
Burnished hart is indeed super good... I think the card it is fighting for a spot with is Armilliary sphere.. I am starting to think it winning particularly when i have more ways to abuse it than the sphere. including poding it.
It being 4 cmc is a big point in its favor since... I only have 1 four cmc creature card in my deck atm (solemn).. which is havoc for my pod chain. i had to conjurers bauble a solemn back into my library so I could go get it with my pod last game I played.
Other than that I am just really happy with my deck atm.. it has just the right power level for my group. Not too strong to be oppresive not too weak that it just dies to decks with more power in them. I think the only thing I looking to improve is my mana base.
Burnished hart is indeed super good... I think the card it is fighting for a spot with is Armilliary sphere.. I am starting to think it winning particularly when i have more ways to abuse it than the sphere. including poding it.
"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
The primer's been updated. Burnished Hart is being considered for the deck, but I need to get back to my desk and do some organizing. Watch this post.
Edit: Burnished Hart has made the cut! After consideration, Green staple Yavimaya Elder is getting cut for it. Burnished Hart seems almost like a straight upgrade, in fact. It's lack of color dependence and the fact that it drops the lands directly onto the battlefield, not to mention it's artifact typing (therefore, recursion!) beats out the fact that Elder only takes five mana (3GG VS 6), draws an extra card, and gets it's search any time it dies. The added utility is nice.
"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Have you considered any imp effects, e.g. Nettling Imp, Maddening Imp, Imps' Taunt? I have a Nettling Imp in my deck to force attacks, but I never seem to draw him. I figure it's a good strategy to trigger Glissa and get rid of puny utility creatures. Any thoughts on that?
EDH, on the other hand, is more like a monster truck rally. It's more about the spectacle than the race, the games go long, and it's not usually clear who's in the lead until there's only one truck left.*
Single player EDH is like two guys smacking each other with pillows... until one of them pulls out a shotgun.
How has Lurking Predators been for you? The interaction with Sylvan Library/Top is nice, but it seems like the card may not be worth it with 20 creatures. I recently cut it from a etb bant list I have that has 29 creatures, because the effect didn't seem worth spending 6 mana on.
How has Lurking Predators been for you? The interaction with Sylvan Library/Top is nice, but it seems like the card may not be worth it with 20 creatures. I recently cut it from a etb bant list I have that has 29 creatures, because the effect didn't seem worth spending 6 mana on.
Lurking Predators is actually really solid. One interesting use I've had is using it to dig. If you want to, you're allowed to keep whatever card you reveal at the top of your library.
Have you considered any imp effects, e.g. Nettling Imp, Maddening Imp, Imps' Taunt? I have a Nettling Imp in my deck to force attacks, but I never seem to draw him. I figure it's a good strategy to trigger Glissa and get rid of puny utility creatures. Any thoughts on that?
They're not bad, per se, but they're kind of dead without Glissa.
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"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Lurking Predators is actually really solid. One interesting use I've had is using it to dig. If you want to, you're allowed to keep whatever card you reveal at the top of your library.
I'm playing almost your exact list (thanks for this primer! Total inspiration) and I have to agree, Lurking Predators is awesome. This happened last night (not that this is typical, but just shows how awesome it can be):
-Opponent casts board wipe
-Lurking Predators triggers and flips a Mikaeus, the Unhallowed, which ETBs
-Board wipe resolves, but Mikaeus gives all my creatures undying.
-I win game.
Great list, Woohah, I'm really having a lot of fun with it! It doesn't draw too much hate until it's too late, super resistant to board wipes, and you get to play big dumb things that usually beat your opponents big dumb things.
Survival is ridiculously expensive, is the short answer to this one.
Hey, I am working on building Glissa and I was just wondering, what other cards would you include in your list if you didn't have to worry about the monetary cost?
Also, how do you feel about voltroning Glissa with Swords, Trample enablers, etc as a potential win condition if I don't want to go the big mana Genesis Wave route?
Hey, I am working on building Glissa and I was just wondering, what other cards would you include in your list if you didn't have to worry about the monetary cost?
Also, how do you feel about voltroning Glissa with Swords, Trample enablers, etc as a potential win condition if I don't want to go the big mana Genesis Wave route?
Take a look in the Suggested Cards for the cards I'd add if I could. Mainly, I want to get Entomb and Kozilek, both of which are hard to find and expensive.
As for the voltron bit, if you want to go down this route, I'd replace the mana generation creatures with guys who can protect or pump Glissa (Wolfir Silverheart, Boon Satyr, and Hunter's Prowess are examples of pump + advantage I'd heavily consider)
Alright folks, it's time for the Born of the Gods update. Due to slogging out most days at Hell Wal-Mart, I've been a little lazy on primer upkeep. Here's my picks for this set:
Champion of Stray Souls: This bony fellow really excites me considering his whole schtick is reanimating every possible thing for the low, low price of everything we can recur for FREE (and some mana, which is not difficult here.) He's a definite shoe-in for the deck. Replaces the underwhelming Pontiff of Blight.
Eater of Hope - This guy is my debatable card in this set. He's a solid effect, killing creatures by sacrificing ours, but seven mana is a pretty steep cost for a 6/4 flier.
Keep those comments, suggestions, questions, and praises/go-to-hell letters coming.
Edit: THEY BANNED SYLVAN PRIMORDIAL?!
You know, I was a little miffed when they banned Prime Time. Fine, he's a threat, he generated too much land for too little investment, yadda yadda. But Wizards prints Sylvan to give players a decent backup option, and they get rid of him too? Sheldon and Co. need to start tightening the noose on some other strategies, or back off of hosing ramp. I don't see Ad Nauseum or Iona, Shield of Emeria getting the axe anytime soon.
"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Worst Fears - This card rules, and playing Mindslaver in this deck would bug me due to the player lock it creates with Forbidden Orchard. This is a neat version that serves as a wincon in Duel and the harbinger to the end of the game in a multiplayer table. Replaces Primeval Bounty.
I'll just go ahead and say Pharika disappointed the hell out of me. It would have been broken to print it so you always got the snakes by exiling their stuff, but as it is, I'll pass.
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"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
I run High Market in my own Glissa list for that reason. It's also useful to protect your artifact creatures from exile effects so that you can keep recurring them.
I have considered High Market before, but I've tried Phyrexia's Core and was pretty unimpressed. The thing with this build is that it's Commander-independent, that being, the deck doesn't just roll over to a well-timed Hinder or Spin Into Myth. Plus a lot of this deck's spells are color intensive (looking at you, Phyrexian Obliterator!) and cutting a Forest\Swamp for it makes me a little nervous. Still, not a bad alternative if you have a more Glissa-reliant build.
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"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
My list won't be running Oblit or any of the mana-heavy spells like Exsanguinate. I'm instead trying to focus on ways to break the Glissa ability like Perilous Myr and Heartless Summoning. The way I see it, she's 1 of 3 combo pieces at best, and an excellent voltron at worst.
Deathreap Ritual - A unique, simple effect. This is actually my debatable card for the set, because I worry it won't be enough bang for the buck. Like Triumph of Ferocity (which I also ran once,) I feel like it either won't trigger enough or draw too much hate for it to matter. Anyone trying this/have stories of it's success/failure?
The primer is updated, with minor fixes throughout to improve accuracy.
"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Ladies and gentlemen, boggarts and ghouls (I'm clever!) here comes the update for M15!
Soul of New Phyrexia - This card rocks. It rocks so much. It protects all your stuff, and makes wraths one-sided, for a (in terms of the format) small amount of mana. I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again here, this card will be a Commander staple card, alongside the much-discussed Hushwing Gryff. It's even better here, because it's an artifact! It's gonna replace Garruk, Primal Hunter, which was okay, but I feel like this will be much better in terms of deck synergy. Losing the triple green is a little easier on the mana.
Chord of Calling - A creature-focused tutor that sees tons of play in the Modern format. The instant speed and Convoke on this thing is totally bonkers. I can just imagine searching for Ulamog EOT. Replaces Nemesis Mask, which really hasn't done as much work as I had hoped.
Soul is the only confirmed card this round (Edit: Okay, two. I didn't realize Chord is an instant.) I do have two debatable cards this time, however.
Scuttling Doom Engine - First of all, why not call this Phyrexian Doom Engine? Or if this thing is a scuttler, why not make this an Insect Construct? Flavor aside, this card only hits one guy, and that's my main issue. If he hit everybody, I would swap Jarad out for this in a heartbeat, but as it is, I just don't think it's good enough.
Genesis Hydra - If anyone plays this deck, there isn't much of a better feelgood moment than resolving a big G-Wave. This card lets you pick, shuffles everything back in, and isn't quite the bright, exploding red flag that its big brother is. Unless you hit Ulamog.
"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
I picked up a scythe of the wretched from a friend... but I am not sure its worth it.. thoughts?
Also kind of rediclously I have an eternal witness thats not actually in my deck...codex shredder is kind of in its slot but this is not really the thread my list belongs in, I just can't be bothered looking deeper into the lists for the one mine is posted in. I just can't really make the cut for it :S.
Soul of New phyrexia helped me win my prerealease I hope it wins me some EDH games as well.
Wait.. did I read your list correctly... you are really playing worst fears and not mindslaver... that has got to be an error surely! I mean you are playing an abrupt decay, so I guess that means your meta is super comdeative (I don't think the card hits anything)does 2 mana really make that much of a difference ?, the upside is just 10 times better for mindslaver
I picked up a scythe of the wretched from a friend... but I am not sure its worth it.. thoughts?
Also kind of rediclously I have an eternal witness thats not actually in my deck...codex shredder is kind of in its slot but this is not really the thread my list belongs in, I just can't be bothered looking deeper into the lists for the one mine is posted in. I just can't really make the cut for it :S.
Soul of New phyrexia helped me win my prerealease I hope it wins me some EDH games as well.
Wait.. did I read your list correctly... you are really playing worst fears and not mindslaver... that has got to be an error surely! I mean you are playing an abrupt decay, so I guess that means your meta is super comdeative (I don't think the card hits anything)does 2 mana really make that much of a difference ?, the upside is just 10 times better for mindslaver
Let's take a moment and discuss my opinion on infinite combo.
I don't entirely hate infinite combo. I just don't think it makes for good games of Commander. Think about it like this; would you rather, after twenty+ turns, playing and responding to big spells, making and breaking alliances, and winning the end of a long drawn out war...or just spend five turns assembling combo pieces and just going "I win." Mindslaver is known for being a strong combo piece in Glissa in tandem with Forbidden Orchard. Worst Fears is an effect I want to play, but after being the victim of my own(!) copy, I know that it's not an effect I want to repeat.
As for Abrupt Decay, it's uncounterable removal for a variety of combo pieces, utility creatures, and mana rocks. My meta isn't hella competitive, but that doesn't invalidate this card as useful removal.
Talking about Scythe of The Wretched, it's an interesting bit of equipment. Equipped to Glissa and combined with Thornbite Staff or Viridian Crossbow could be a sweet combo. I'd trial run it at the very least, if you have room for it.
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"When does a man die? When he is hit by a bullet? No! When he suffers a disease? No! When he ate a soup made out of a poisonous mushroom? No! A man dies when he is forgotten!" Currently Piloting: EDH BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer) WBRKaalia of The Vast URGRiku of Two Reflections WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius UBRamirez DePietro GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern UG Infect
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Anyway, let's talk Theros. Two cards stick out:
Nykthos, Shrine To Nyx - Act like I was going to pass this one up. This card's potential is huge. Imagine resolving a G-Wave and then cracking this bad boy for even more mana. Likely to replace Urborg.
Reaper of the Wilds - If Pharika's Mender had been printed in Mirrodin and said Artifact instead of Enchantment, we'd be in business. Reaper is a really strong card for the mana cost, being a beater with a powerful ability. I can see it effectively turning draws into nerfed tutors with Top or Library online. Grave Betrayal hasn't been working out the way I intended, so it's likely getting the cut for this.
I'm considering adding Sculpting Steel to the deck as well, to double up on things like Duplicant and Solemn Simulacrum.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
why ulamog? He's a great stand alone card, but the biggest drawback is that he resets your graveyard. That kind of goes against the deck strategy.
Also, golgari signet is a little weak. why not a better 2 mana landfetch card.
Cool deck btw.
Ulamog is in the deck as a sort of contingency plan. If you're stuck with simply slugging it out with an opponent (which happens more often than you'd expect) Ulamog can easily turn the tide of battle.
Also, the graveyard reset is almost always a boon instead of a hindrance. Getting decked is definitely possible in commander, and although you shuffle your artifacts back in, you also get back your instants and sorceries, which can be huge.
Golgari Signet is a touch weak, but it can be recurred. It's solid fixing too if the mana's looking a little wonky in the early game.
Theros updates will be live next Thursday or Friday, when I get my copy of Nykthos.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Also I believe Burnished Hart is a very interesting addition. For a 3 mana drop that can add up over time. He definitely deserves some consideration.
I know you mentioned the Reaper of the Wilds and the devotion land. They are good additions as well.
The God weapons are interesting as far as things go. Bow of Nylea, frankly, is less than impressive. Two damage to a flier is pitiful (the only meaningful target this ever has is Birds of Paradise,) and the lifegain's pretty meh. The graveyard ability is somewhat interesting as it lets you dodge graveyard exile, but being unable to hit opponents things (No, I don't want you having that Wonder, thanks) kind of irks me. The +1/+1 counter is decent, but for two mana per turn is a little underwhelming. Deathtouch on attack only is the cherry topping on this irksome sundae.
As for the Whip, the Lifelink's solid. However, that recursion ability is, at least for this deck, awful. It is nice to get creatures back for a turn, but this deck has enough ways to get back non-artifact creatures (Genesis, Eternal Witness, Rise of the Dark Realms) that I don't think it's worth the slot. Also hurting this ability is sorcery-speed activation, meaning the one thing I'd ideally use it for (throwing up emergency blockers) isn't possible.
On Burnished Hart, I've been very divided about this little stag. On the one hand, fetching two basics for six repeatably is nothing to scoff at. On the other hand, fetching two basics for six is something green can do way better at. It's a definite pick for those who want to tune their manabase a little better, and it's definitely in consideration. I'll render my final verdict when I apply the Theros updates next week.
I'll admit, even for limited, I was unimpressed with the power of Scry 1 at first. However, when I actually played with it, it turns out that it's way better than I imagined. The ability to filter out extra fuel/lands when you've got too little of one and too much of the other is HUGE, since it essentially allows you to skip turns where your ability to do actions is hindered by your lack of fuel/mana. Don't underestimate this Gorgon, not by a longshot.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
It being 4 cmc is a big point in its favor since... I only have 1 four cmc creature card in my deck atm (solemn).. which is havoc for my pod chain. i had to conjurers bauble a solemn back into my library so I could go get it with my pod last game I played.
Other than that I am just really happy with my deck atm.. it has just the right power level for my group. Not too strong to be oppresive not too weak that it just dies to decks with more power in them. I think the only thing I looking to improve is my mana base.
Burnished hart is indeed super good... I think the card it is fighting for a spot with is Armilliary sphere.. I am starting to think it winning particularly when i have more ways to abuse it than the sphere. including poding it.
Pioneer:UR Pheonix
Modern:U Mono U Tron
EDH
GB Glissa, the traitor: Army of Cans
UW Dragonlord Ojutai: Dragonlord NOjutai
UWGDerevi, Empyrial Tactician "you cannot fight the storm"
R Zirilan of the claw. The solution to every problem is dragons
UB Etrata, the Silencer Cloning assassination
Peasant cube: Cards I own
Oracle of Mul Daya, Wickerbough Elder, Dimir House Guard, Graveborn Muse, and Mindslicer are all solid options if you need to upgrade your four-mana slot a little more.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Edit: Burnished Hart has made the cut! After consideration, Green staple Yavimaya Elder is getting cut for it. Burnished Hart seems almost like a straight upgrade, in fact. It's lack of color dependence and the fact that it drops the lands directly onto the battlefield, not to mention it's artifact typing (therefore, recursion!) beats out the fact that Elder only takes five mana (3GG VS 6), draws an extra card, and gets it's search any time it dies. The added utility is nice.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
On building a Celestial Kirin Stax EDH:
Karador: Toolbox Hatebears
Edric: Flying Men and Extra Turns
Jhoira: Eldrazi and Sweepers
GAAIV: Control Goodstuff + Combo + Prison
Kiki-Jiki: ETB Goodstuff and Combo
Thrun: Gear+Removal+Draw=Trollsmash
Survival is ridiculously expensive, is the short answer to this one.
Lurking Predators is actually really solid. One interesting use I've had is using it to dig. If you want to, you're allowed to keep whatever card you reveal at the top of your library.
They're not bad, per se, but they're kind of dead without Glissa.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
I'm playing almost your exact list (thanks for this primer! Total inspiration) and I have to agree, Lurking Predators is awesome. This happened last night (not that this is typical, but just shows how awesome it can be):
-Opponent casts board wipe
-Lurking Predators triggers and flips a Mikaeus, the Unhallowed, which ETBs
-Board wipe resolves, but Mikaeus gives all my creatures undying.
-I win game.
Great list, Woohah, I'm really having a lot of fun with it! It doesn't draw too much hate until it's too late, super resistant to board wipes, and you get to play big dumb things that usually beat your opponents big dumb things.
BURGGrixis DelverBURG
BUGReanimatorBUG
EDH
BGGlissaGB
Hey, I am working on building Glissa and I was just wondering, what other cards would you include in your list if you didn't have to worry about the monetary cost?
Also, how do you feel about voltroning Glissa with Swords, Trample enablers, etc as a potential win condition if I don't want to go the big mana Genesis Wave route?
GUB [Retired Primer] The Mimeoplasm BUG
Modern: UR Storm RU
Cube: WUBRG Pauper Cube GRBUW
Credit for the banner goes to DarkNightCavalier at Heroes of the Plane Studios
Take a look in the Suggested Cards for the cards I'd add if I could. Mainly, I want to get Entomb and Kozilek, both of which are hard to find and expensive.
As for the voltron bit, if you want to go down this route, I'd replace the mana generation creatures with guys who can protect or pump Glissa (Wolfir Silverheart, Boon Satyr, and Hunter's Prowess are examples of pump + advantage I'd heavily consider)
Alright folks, it's time for the Born of the Gods update. Due to slogging out most days at
HellWal-Mart, I've been a little lazy on primer upkeep. Here's my picks for this set:Champion of Stray Souls: This bony fellow really excites me considering his whole schtick is reanimating every possible thing for the low, low price of everything we can recur for FREE (and some mana, which is not difficult here.) He's a definite shoe-in for the deck. Replaces the underwhelming Pontiff of Blight.
Courser of Kruphix - You know, there's this elf fellow named Oracle of Mul Daya. I hear he's pretty playable, so this guy is as well. Replaces the now-banned Sylvan Primordial.
Eater of Hope - This guy is my debatable card in this set. He's a solid effect, killing creatures by sacrificing ours, but seven mana is a pretty steep cost for a 6/4 flier.
Keep those comments, suggestions, questions, and praises/go-to-hell letters coming.
Edit: THEY BANNED SYLVAN PRIMORDIAL?!
You know, I was a little miffed when they banned Prime Time. Fine, he's a threat, he generated too much land for too little investment, yadda yadda. But Wizards prints Sylvan to give players a decent backup option, and they get rid of him too? Sheldon and Co. need to start tightening the noose on some other strategies, or back off of hosing ramp. I don't see Ad Nauseum or Iona, Shield of Emeria getting the axe anytime soon.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Dictate of Erebos - An instant, less color restrictive Grave Pact? Yes. Strionic Resonator was fine, but underwhelming, so it goes.
Worst Fears - This card rules, and playing Mindslaver in this deck would bug me due to the player lock it creates with Forbidden Orchard. This is a neat version that serves as a wincon in Duel and the harbinger to the end of the game in a multiplayer table. Replaces Primeval Bounty.
I'll just go ahead and say Pharika disappointed the hell out of me. It would have been broken to print it so you always got the snakes by exiling their stuff, but as it is, I'll pass.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Vedalken Orrery - Flash ALL THE THINGS. Replaces Champion of Stray Souls, which didn't work quite as well as I hoped.
Pernicious Deed - A neat instant speed global wrath with great scalability and a low investment cost. Replaces the inferior Gaze of Granite.
Reflecting Pool - Overall, a solid land that can override the restrictions on trickier lands such as Tainted Wood to produce mana. Replaces Golgari Signet.
Deathreap Ritual - A unique, simple effect. This is actually my debatable card for the set, because I worry it won't be enough bang for the buck. Like Triumph of Ferocity (which I also ran once,) I feel like it either won't trigger enough or draw too much hate for it to matter. Anyone trying this/have stories of it's success/failure?
The primer is updated, with minor fixes throughout to improve accuracy.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Soul of New Phyrexia - This card rocks. It rocks so much. It protects all your stuff, and makes wraths one-sided, for a (in terms of the format) small amount of mana. I've mentioned it before, and I'll say it again here, this card will be a Commander staple card, alongside the much-discussed Hushwing Gryff. It's even better here, because it's an artifact! It's gonna replace Garruk, Primal Hunter, which was okay, but I feel like this will be much better in terms of deck synergy. Losing the triple green is a little easier on the mana.
Chord of Calling - A creature-focused tutor that sees tons of play in the Modern format. The instant speed and Convoke on this thing is totally bonkers. I can just imagine searching for Ulamog EOT. Replaces Nemesis Mask, which really hasn't done as much work as I had hoped.
Soul is the only confirmed card this round (Edit: Okay, two. I didn't realize Chord is an instant.) I do have two debatable cards this time, however.
Scuttling Doom Engine - First of all, why not call this Phyrexian Doom Engine? Or if this thing is a scuttler, why not make this an Insect Construct? Flavor aside, this card only hits one guy, and that's my main issue. If he hit everybody, I would swap Jarad out for this in a heartbeat, but as it is, I just don't think it's good enough.
Genesis Hydra - If anyone plays this deck, there isn't much of a better feelgood moment than resolving a big G-Wave. This card lets you pick, shuffles everything back in, and isn't quite the bright, exploding red flag that its big brother is. Unless you hit Ulamog.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect
Also kind of rediclously I have an eternal witness thats not actually in my deck...codex shredder is kind of in its slot but this is not really the thread my list belongs in, I just can't be bothered looking deeper into the lists for the one mine is posted in. I just can't really make the cut for it :S.
Soul of New phyrexia helped me win my prerealease I hope it wins me some EDH games as well.
Wait.. did I read your list correctly... you are really playing worst fears and not mindslaver... that has got to be an error surely! I mean you are playing an abrupt decay, so I guess that means your meta is super comdeative (I don't think the card hits anything)does 2 mana really make that much of a difference ?, the upside is just 10 times better for mindslaver
Pioneer:UR Pheonix
Modern:U Mono U Tron
EDH
GB Glissa, the traitor: Army of Cans
UW Dragonlord Ojutai: Dragonlord NOjutai
UWGDerevi, Empyrial Tactician "you cannot fight the storm"
R Zirilan of the claw. The solution to every problem is dragons
UB Etrata, the Silencer Cloning assassination
Peasant cube: Cards I own
Let's take a moment and discuss my opinion on infinite combo.
I don't entirely hate infinite combo. I just don't think it makes for good games of Commander. Think about it like this; would you rather, after twenty+ turns, playing and responding to big spells, making and breaking alliances, and winning the end of a long drawn out war...or just spend five turns assembling combo pieces and just going "I win." Mindslaver is known for being a strong combo piece in Glissa in tandem with Forbidden Orchard. Worst Fears is an effect I want to play, but after being the victim of my own(!) copy, I know that it's not an effect I want to repeat.
As for Abrupt Decay, it's uncounterable removal for a variety of combo pieces, utility creatures, and mana rocks. My meta isn't hella competitive, but that doesn't invalidate this card as useful removal.
Talking about Scythe of The Wretched, it's an interesting bit of equipment. Equipped to Glissa and combined with Thornbite Staff or Viridian Crossbow could be a sweet combo. I'd trial run it at the very least, if you have room for it.
Currently Piloting:
EDH
BGGlissa, The Traitor - Recursion (Primer)
WBRKaalia of The Vast
URGRiku of Two Reflections
WUBSydri, Galvanic Genius
UBRamirez DePietro
GWKrond, The Dawn-Clad
GWUDerevi, Empyrial Tactician
RGOmnath, Locus of Rage
Modern
UG Infect