Yea, I agree. Just looking for some way to deal with an opposing Wurmcoil Engine a la Tron.
Phyrexian Metamorph. Copy their Wurmcoil. Copying Spine of Ish Sah is amazing on them too, for creatures and their tron lands. Duplicant can get the job done too against Wurmcoil.
For further explanation of individual card choices, please refer back to my other post on page 6. As a general matter, I've found this deck to function similar to Bogles. It is very linear and very fast. I used to run some removal, Serum Visions for some filtering, etc. But I found slowing the deck down even slightly ruins many match-ups, especially Affinity and Burn. So instead I rarely interact with my opponent pre-sideboard, with the exception of Phyrexian Metamorph. The card is insane, I wouldn't recommend less than 3x and I would highly recommend 4x. It is too versatile.
I run eight 1-drops- this goes along with the earlier point above. I find the speed critical. A hand with a 1-drop is so much stronger for both Chief Engineer and Grand Architect. The reason I like the two 1-drop choices I have instead of a more traditional Judge's Familiar is for late game. Familiar is pretty brutal as a top-deck. Neither of Teardrop Kami nor Wingcrafter are. In fact, Wingcrafter is often a top-deck I actively want. Granting something flying has often been enough to punch through the last few damage. Of course, if I am well behind, both Kami and Wingcrafter are bad top-decks. But I can only ask so much from a 1-drop. Being good in early stages, parity, and when ahead is enough for me.
The reason I run so many basic lands is because otherwise I often find I get slowed down by having too many colorless lands. I used to run 4x of both Nexus lands, and even some Darksteel Citadel but the loss of speed really hurt. It also helps Vedalken Shackles. It also protects against Blood Moon.
I also strongly believe in running Inkmoth Nexus. Even without Batterskull. Having it quite commonly be a 2/2 and often times even a 3/3 flying infect from the lord effects makes Inkmoth a strong alternate win condition. When the opponent stabilizes on the ground and I can't punch through, I'll often turn to Inkmoth for the kill. Being able to cast Myr Superion off of them is just gravy.
I'm going to test out Lodestone Golem in the mainboard, as the effect does seem rather strong. The 3 toughness still bothers me though. I'm also going to test mainboard Spellskite as well. It's more of an issue of what to take out than it is reasons to include them mainboard.
...I'm going to test out Lodestone Golem in the mainboard, as the effect does seem rather strong. The 3 toughness still bothers me though. I'm also going to test mainboard Spellskite as well. It's more of an issue of what to take out than it is reasons to include them mainboard.
Interesting list, first if decide to go the Lodestone Golem route, be aware that he taxes all of your eight 1-drops. Unfortunately, the only blue 1-drop that doesn't get effected is Sphinx's Herald, I don't think we could've asked for a worst card than that lol. Its shocking that there aren't any good 1-drop blue creature artifacts. In fact, Sphinx's Herald is the ONLY one in all of Magic lol; its shocking because blue and artifacts have some much synergy you'd think there would be an abundance of them.
Also in playing this deck, to be competitive, Spellskite is mandatory mainboard. Without it, I feel you are more prone to losing game 1 against decks like Twin, Boggles and Infect. You play alot of artifacts, so the opponent will most likely bring in hate against you game 2, Spellskite is ironically weaker game 2 because your opponent is prepared for him. Game 1 they rarely are and it gives you a slight advantage. It can also help in the Burn, Bloom Titan and Scapeshift matchup.
Either way, I'm looking for more interactive blue 1-drops since I go for the "longer" game with Wurmcoil and Lodestone Golem. Martyr of Frost is another guy I want to try out, his counterspell ability isn't effected by the tax and it can be interesting with Æther Vial, he also fits the "tax" aspect along with Judge's Familiar. Sage of Epityr gives a pseduo Ponder effect when paired with fetches and Mishra's Bauble.
Interesting list, first if decide to go the Lodestone Golem route, be aware that he taxes all of your eight 1-drops. Unfortunately, the only blue 1-drop that doesn't get effected is Sphinx's Herald, I don't think we could've asked for a worst card than that lol. Its shocking that there aren't any good 1-drop blue creature artifacts. In fact, Sphinx's Herald is the ONLY one in all of Magic lol; its shocking because blue and artifacts have some much synergy you'd think there would be an abundance of them.
Also in playing this deck, to be competitive, Spellskite is mandatory mainboard. Without it, I feel you are more prone to losing game 1 against decks like Twin, Boggles and Infect. You play alot of artifacts, so the opponent will most likely bring in hate against you game 2, Spellskite is ironically weaker game 2 because your opponent is prepared for him. Game 1 they rarely are and it gives you a slight advantage. It can also help in the Burn, Bloom Titan and Scapeshift matchup.
Either way, I'm looking for more interactive blue 1-drops since I go for the "longer" game with Wurmcoil and Lodestone Golem. Martyr of Frost is another guy I want to try out, his counterspell ability isn't effected by the tax and it can be interesting with Æther Vial, he also fits the "tax" aspect along with Judge's Familiar. Sage of Epityr gives a pseduo Ponder effect when paired with fetches and Mishra's Bauble.
Yeah, you hit upon the major reasons I haven't used Lodestone Golem. I think I agree on Spellskite, but I need to figure out what to take out for it. That's the bigger problem. The combo decks like Twin, Amulet Bloom, and Scapeshift, are definitely issues, but I really don't have issues with Bogles or Infect. I can match their speed. A turn 2 Myr Superion really slows them both down. Turn 3 Batterskull is nice as well. The matchups are fairly even.
As for interactive 1 drops for your list, I usually don't like Sage of Epityr but like you said, you are running a lot of fetches. Martyr of Frost seems decent, if you had fewer fetches that is what I would choose, but I think I like Sage in your deck.
Mmmm, i never considered him. The thing is do we want a 5th golem? One of the reasons we play golem is we can accelerate into it, augustin can't be played turn before 4 and with the number of lands we play he can't even be consistently played turn 4, so my initial impression is a no.
Feel like the deck needs either another "Lord" effect as with Grand Architect and another peace of equipment.
Maybe a Sword of Fire and Ice for card draw.
Question I keep asking myself is what are we better at doing than Merfolk or Affinity?
Maybe its dropping Wurmcoils, Superions and Batterskulls asap. Sage of Epityr has been interesting, one thing I like to do is play Æther Vial turn 1, then during my next upkeep add a counter and vial in Sage of Epityr to optimize my draw. Makes playing that turn 2 Myr Superion alittle more consistent by making sure you get the Chief Engineer, Superion or even land drop.
Also trying to find the right balance of Etherium Sculptor and Chief Engineer. Multiple Sculptor is good but you really only need one Chief Engineer. Then when you get Grand Architect online Chiefs effect is merely negated. Also having Æther Vial provides another way of getting Superion of even Lodestone Golem in play. So I reduced it to a 2/2 split.
Feel like the deck needs either another "Lord" effect as with Grand Architect and another peace of equipment.
This is why i'm playing signal pest, it is basically another lord. It can provide lots of needed power points turning my useless dorks into potent attackers. Otherwise i think some equipment could be needed, i still havent decided on which one to put in my deck.
Hey guys, anymore testing?
Basically haven't modified my list, added a Miren, the Moaning Well to try and do tricks with Vedalken Shackles by sacing my opponents creatures. But its just too mana intensive so I took it out.
Wonder if it should just be a Tectonic Edge.
Hows the Merfolk matchup for you guys?
Also, do you guys think this deck can support Mindslaver?
Nope, I haven't changed my list either. I've played the deck for a long time so I haven't done any more testing since a while, I've been tuning other brews lately. I like how the deck plays, it has some variance but can do powerful things. I'll probably come back to it in the future but i'm trying other stuff for upcoming PPTQs.
For people asking for a way to gain CA: run 4x Batterskulls and problem fixed. I'm not kidding. It really is the best option. It gains you CA each turn and helps you when you're behind, it breaks crature stalls and can be landed turn 3 and beat down if you have one of those fast Superion hands and it's near impossible to deal with. Besides it gives your mana dorks something to do since bouncing/replaying or re-equipping Batterskull is expensive. They also wear the equipment (Familiar in particular does a nice Baneslayer impression).
When I'm up against Abzan Liege for instance all it comes down to is whether I draw Batterskull or not. Wurmcoil they can deal with and is generally not amazing in creature stalls but Batterskull just gives such a great accumulated advantage that is hard to match outside of maybe Township.
Hmm maybe Oblivion Stone. It does kill all of your blue creatures but on the flip side you can ramp into it and it's not taxed by Lodestone.
EDIT: sorry I was mixing O. Stone and All is Dust/Ugin together. It still might be ok-esque. Engineered Explosives@2 against Merfolk and @1 against Bogles/Elves might be decent too. Or Contagion Engine though pretty bad against Township and Steel Overseer (speaking from experience). Serrated Arrows is another card I've had decent amount of success with. But mostly vs. Delver and Affinity.
I've been playing a singleton hibernation in the sideboard. I recommend one copy for any mostly blue deck. It is great vs elves and bogles, it has allowed me to win otherwise unwinnable games vs green decks, and you never know when you are going to face random mono green good stuff like genesis wave and such.
For merfolk maybe additional vedalken shackles in the board if you care enough about that matchup? There is always the danger of them outgrowing the shackles with lords though... I play a singleton ratchet bomb in the side. It can hurt us but when it is good it is going to hurt them more. Also some instant bounce, so you can bounce a islandwalk lord and set up a blowout with profitable blocks. I haven't seen the deck in ages though so i'm no expert for that matchup in particular.
If you play mindslaver see it as a one-shot effect, you can put academy ruins in your deck but without expedition maps you likely will never draw both in a single game. Using it once might be good enough though.
Looking for card draw spell I discovered military intelligence. I think the card might be perfect for creature heavy decks like mine. I costs half the price of bident of thassa and triggers off of signal pests. I think I should be able to trigger it most turns. It also happens to be playable with only two lands, so when you occasionally get stuck on 2 lands it seems pretty awesome to have. I'm going to try 2 in the main, see how it goes.
If you play mindslaver see it as a one-shot effect, you can put academy ruins in your deck but without expedition maps you likely will never draw both in a single game. Using it once might be good enough though.
Looking for card draw spell I discovered military intelligence. I think the card might be perfect for creature heavy decks like mine. I costs half the price of bident of thassa and triggers off of signal pests. I think I should be able to trigger it most turns. It also happens to be playable with only two lands, so when you occasionally get stuck on 2 lands it seems pretty awesome to have. I'm going to try 2 in the main, see how it goes.
Yea, I expect to use slaver as a one time effect with the opportunity to combo off with Academy Ruins. Debating if I should throw in a Treasure Mage and up the Academy Ruins count to 2x. Might be too much of a reach and I don't really have free spots, I'll just test out Slaver and see.
Military Intelligence is interesting, would love to hear how it goes.
Think the deck is shaping up and has game against most of the tier decks, Tron still a work in progress lol.
One thing I'm really enjoying is:
Turn 1: Aether Vial, Mishra's Bauble (pop during opponents turn).
Turn 2, During upkeep, Bauble trigger on stack: Vial in Sage of Epityr, draw 2 cards, play fetchland/other land if not wanting to shuffle.
I've done this quite often, not always with the Bauble, but that's just icing.
Just opens up some opportunities for drawing what you need since we don't run that many CA spells.
Sage of Epityr has also been decent to draw late game; I can imagine him being really good with Gitaxian Probe.
Nice one, mindslaver seems like it can do damage, but isn't it a bit reliant on having architect?
I tried my latest version today at my LGS weekly modern and went 4-0, beating blue tron, grixis delver, Jeskai midrange/control and burn. I haven't drawn military intelligence a lot but during game 2 vs jeskai i must have drawn 6-7 cards off of it. It really helped me win because i was flooded and was just able to keep 2 creatures alive the whole game, playing more after my opponent kept removing them. It really adds a grinding aspect to my game, in addition to early explosiveness so i think it will stay.
Congrats on the win.
Yea, Mindslaver is pretty reliant on GA, mainly because of its activation cost. Getting 4 mana on the board can be a factor sometimes; 3 seems like the usual. Sucks Chief Engineer doesn't work with activated abilities. Really like having mindslaver in there since my list is on the midrangey side and it adds another element to it. Will keep testing and really hope to make it work competitively. Otherwise, it might just become another Phyrexian Metamorph (card is ridiculously good lol) or Lodestone/Thoughcast.
Tec edge is too much colorless lands for architect's UU. I prefer blinkmoth nexus for the aggro and as an additional way to cast myr superion. Cavern of souls is fine, i still have one, I just forgot to list it lol. Previous post edited.
Updated list.
If you guys splashed black, would Tidehollow Strix be an auto include?
I was wondering if I should -2 Etherium Sculptor and +2 Tidehollow Strix.
He flies, blocks well and is more aggressive than Sculptor. But Sculptor does allow for some better "ramping".
Not sure about strix. First it can't be convoked via engineer because of the black mana so the synergy is poor. Also sculptor has always been very good for me. On the other hand vialing strix seems like it could be good sometimes. I don't know if it is worth it. Tidehollow strix is no baleful strix...
So how has sword of light and shadow been for you? I'm thinking of giving it a try. I find the main way i lose games is because the opponent has infinite removal so the sword seems good.
The sideboard is still a work in progress, sometimes sideboarding is hard because everything is good. I'm considering adding some additional phyrexian metamorph in the 15. The card is sooo good, in particular vs grixis delver/midrange. Copying a tasigur/angler is amazing and with architect we can break stat parity by making them blue. Also we can actually pay for tasigur's ability to get stuff back...
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Phyrexian Metamorph. Copy their Wurmcoil. Copying Spine of Ish Sah is amazing on them too, for creatures and their tron lands. Duplicant can get the job done too against Wurmcoil.
Here is my deck list:
4 Inkmoth Nexus
2 Blinkmoth Nexus
1 Academy Ruins
15 Island
Creatures (32)
4 Teardrop Kami
4 Wingcrafter
4 Etherium Sculptor
4 Myr Superion
4 Chief Engineer
4 Grand Architect
4 Master of Etherium
4 Phyrexian Metamorph
2 Bident of Thassa
4 Batterskull
4 Spellskite
3 Vedalken Shackles
2 Wurmcoil Engine
2 Pithing Needle
2 Defense Grid
1 Duplicant
1 Lodestone Golem
For further explanation of individual card choices, please refer back to my other post on page 6. As a general matter, I've found this deck to function similar to Bogles. It is very linear and very fast. I used to run some removal, Serum Visions for some filtering, etc. But I found slowing the deck down even slightly ruins many match-ups, especially Affinity and Burn. So instead I rarely interact with my opponent pre-sideboard, with the exception of Phyrexian Metamorph. The card is insane, I wouldn't recommend less than 3x and I would highly recommend 4x. It is too versatile.
I run eight 1-drops- this goes along with the earlier point above. I find the speed critical. A hand with a 1-drop is so much stronger for both Chief Engineer and Grand Architect. The reason I like the two 1-drop choices I have instead of a more traditional Judge's Familiar is for late game. Familiar is pretty brutal as a top-deck. Neither of Teardrop Kami nor Wingcrafter are. In fact, Wingcrafter is often a top-deck I actively want. Granting something flying has often been enough to punch through the last few damage. Of course, if I am well behind, both Kami and Wingcrafter are bad top-decks. But I can only ask so much from a 1-drop. Being good in early stages, parity, and when ahead is enough for me.
The reason I run so many basic lands is because otherwise I often find I get slowed down by having too many colorless lands. I used to run 4x of both Nexus lands, and even some Darksteel Citadel but the loss of speed really hurt. It also helps Vedalken Shackles. It also protects against Blood Moon.
I also strongly believe in running Inkmoth Nexus. Even without Batterskull. Having it quite commonly be a 2/2 and often times even a 3/3 flying infect from the lord effects makes Inkmoth a strong alternate win condition. When the opponent stabilizes on the ground and I can't punch through, I'll often turn to Inkmoth for the kill. Being able to cast Myr Superion off of them is just gravy.
I'm going to test out Lodestone Golem in the mainboard, as the effect does seem rather strong. The 3 toughness still bothers me though. I'm also going to test mainboard Spellskite as well. It's more of an issue of what to take out than it is reasons to include them mainboard.
Interesting list, first if decide to go the Lodestone Golem route, be aware that he taxes all of your eight 1-drops. Unfortunately, the only blue 1-drop that doesn't get effected is Sphinx's Herald, I don't think we could've asked for a worst card than that lol. Its shocking that there aren't any good 1-drop blue creature artifacts. In fact, Sphinx's Herald is the ONLY one in all of Magic lol; its shocking because blue and artifacts have some much synergy you'd think there would be an abundance of them.
Also in playing this deck, to be competitive, Spellskite is mandatory mainboard. Without it, I feel you are more prone to losing game 1 against decks like Twin, Boggles and Infect. You play alot of artifacts, so the opponent will most likely bring in hate against you game 2, Spellskite is ironically weaker game 2 because your opponent is prepared for him. Game 1 they rarely are and it gives you a slight advantage. It can also help in the Burn, Bloom Titan and Scapeshift matchup.
Either way, I'm looking for more interactive blue 1-drops since I go for the "longer" game with Wurmcoil and Lodestone Golem.
Martyr of Frost is another guy I want to try out, his counterspell ability isn't effected by the tax and it can be interesting with Æther Vial, he also fits the "tax" aspect along with Judge's Familiar. Sage of Epityr gives a pseduo Ponder effect when paired with fetches and Mishra's Bauble.
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
Yeah, you hit upon the major reasons I haven't used Lodestone Golem. I think I agree on Spellskite, but I need to figure out what to take out for it. That's the bigger problem. The combo decks like Twin, Amulet Bloom, and Scapeshift, are definitely issues, but I really don't have issues with Bogles or Infect. I can match their speed. A turn 2 Myr Superion really slows them both down. Turn 3 Batterskull is nice as well. The matchups are fairly even.
As for interactive 1 drops for your list, I usually don't like Sage of Epityr but like you said, you are running a lot of fetches. Martyr of Frost seems decent, if you had fewer fetches that is what I would choose, but I think I like Sage in your deck.
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
I agree with Ace, I think he is too slow since we cannot ramp into him.
Maybe a Sword of Fire and Ice for card draw.
Question I keep asking myself is what are we better at doing than Merfolk or Affinity?
Maybe its dropping Wurmcoils, Superions and Batterskulls asap.
Sage of Epityr has been interesting, one thing I like to do is play Æther Vial turn 1, then during my next upkeep add a counter and vial in Sage of Epityr to optimize my draw. Makes playing that turn 2 Myr Superion alittle more consistent by making sure you get the Chief Engineer, Superion or even land drop.
Also trying to find the right balance of Etherium Sculptor and Chief Engineer. Multiple Sculptor is good but you really only need one Chief Engineer. Then when you get Grand Architect online Chiefs effect is merely negated. Also having Æther Vial provides another way of getting Superion of even Lodestone Golem in play. So I reduced it to a 2/2 split.
4 Polluted Delta
2 Watery Grave
2 Misty Rainforest
2 Blinkmoth Nexus
1 Cavern of Souls
1 Academy Ruins
2 Ghost Quarter
7 Island
Creatures (25)
4 Judge's Familiar
4 Grand Architect
4 Lodestone Golem
3 Myr Superion
2 Spellskite
2 Sage of Epityr
2 Etherium Sculptor
2 Chief Engineer
2 Wurmcoil Engine
2 Thoughtcast
2 Murderous Cut
Artifacts (10)
4 Æther Vial
2 Mishra's Bauble
2 Vedalken Shackles
1 Batterskull
1 Sword of Light and Shadow
2 Thorn of Amethyst
2 Logic Knot
2 Vendilion Clique
2 Damnation
1 Engineered Explosives
1 Nihil Spellbomb
1 Pithing Needle
1 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Trinket Mage
1 Echoing Truth
1 Sower of Temptation
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
This is why i'm playing signal pest, it is basically another lord. It can provide lots of needed power points turning my useless dorks into potent attackers. Otherwise i think some equipment could be needed, i still havent decided on which one to put in my deck.
Basically haven't modified my list, added a Miren, the Moaning Well to try and do tricks with Vedalken Shackles by sacing my opponents creatures. But its just too mana intensive so I took it out.
Wonder if it should just be a Tectonic Edge.
Hows the Merfolk matchup for you guys?
Also, do you guys think this deck can support Mindslaver?
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
When I'm up against Abzan Liege for instance all it comes down to is whether I draw Batterskull or not. Wurmcoil they can deal with and is generally not amazing in creature stalls but Batterskull just gives such a great accumulated advantage that is hard to match outside of maybe Township.
Ever think of increasing your "Wizard" count and running 2-3x Diviner's Wand?
You already run 8, with Master of Etherium and Wingcrafter.
Cosi's Trickster, Cursecatcher, Vedalken Certarch are all possible blue 1-drop Wizards that you could add. I'd also recommend finding room for atleast 2x Cavern of Souls.
You and @Badabing are pretty convinced on the 4x Batterskull route.
It's interesting, you guys have any videos of your decks in action?
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
I figure replace the 2x Damnation I have in the sideboard.
-It helps us maintain our board presence
-"Easier" to cast, not requiring double black
Otherwise what would you guys recommend as a 1-sided sweeper?
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
EDIT: sorry I was mixing O. Stone and All is Dust/Ugin together. It still might be ok-esque. Engineered Explosives@2 against Merfolk and @1 against Bogles/Elves might be decent too. Or Contagion Engine though pretty bad against Township and Steel Overseer (speaking from experience). Serrated Arrows is another card I've had decent amount of success with. But mostly vs. Delver and Affinity.
Obviously a singleton hurkyl's recall is good vs affinity.
For merfolk maybe additional vedalken shackles in the board if you care enough about that matchup? There is always the danger of them outgrowing the shackles with lords though... I play a singleton ratchet bomb in the side. It can hurt us but when it is good it is going to hurt them more. Also some instant bounce, so you can bounce a islandwalk lord and set up a blowout with profitable blocks. I haven't seen the deck in ages though so i'm no expert for that matchup in particular.
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
Looking for card draw spell I discovered military intelligence. I think the card might be perfect for creature heavy decks like mine. I costs half the price of bident of thassa and triggers off of signal pests. I think I should be able to trigger it most turns. It also happens to be playable with only two lands, so when you occasionally get stuck on 2 lands it seems pretty awesome to have. I'm going to try 2 in the main, see how it goes.
Military Intelligence is interesting, would love to hear how it goes.
Think the deck is shaping up and has game against most of the tier decks, Tron still a work in progress lol.
One thing I'm really enjoying is:
Turn 1: Aether Vial, Mishra's Bauble (pop during opponents turn).
Turn 2, During upkeep, Bauble trigger on stack: Vial in Sage of Epityr, draw 2 cards, play fetchland/other land if not wanting to shuffle.
I've done this quite often, not always with the Bauble, but that's just icing.
Just opens up some opportunities for drawing what you need since we don't run that many CA spells.
Sage of Epityr has also been decent to draw late game; I can imagine him being really good with Gitaxian Probe.
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIAEaGUI3U4&feature=youtu.be
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
I tried my latest version today at my LGS weekly modern and went 4-0, beating blue tron, grixis delver, Jeskai midrange/control and burn. I haven't drawn military intelligence a lot but during game 2 vs jeskai i must have drawn 6-7 cards off of it. It really helped me win because i was flooded and was just able to keep 2 creatures alive the whole game, playing more after my opponent kept removing them. It really adds a grinding aspect to my game, in addition to early explosiveness so i think it will stay.
My current list:
4 Signal Pest
4 Judge's Familiar
4 Vault Skirge
4 Myr Superion
4 Chief Engineer
4 Etherium Sculptor
2 Spellskite
4 Grand Architect
2 Phyrexian Metamorph
4 Lodestone Golem
2 Vedalken Shackles
enchantments: 2
2 Military Intelligence
lands: 20
4 Blinkmoth Nexus
1 cavern of souls
15 Snow-Covered Island
1 Echoing Truth
1 Hurkyl's recall
1 Hibernation
1 Ratchet Bomb
1 Chalice Of The Void
1 Quicksilver Fountain
1 Mindlock Orb
2 Thorn Of Ametyst
2 Grafdigger's Cage
2 Torpor Orb
2 Pithing Needle
Yea, Mindslaver is pretty reliant on GA, mainly because of its activation cost. Getting 4 mana on the board can be a factor sometimes; 3 seems like the usual. Sucks Chief Engineer doesn't work with activated abilities. Really like having mindslaver in there since my list is on the midrangey side and it adds another element to it. Will keep testing and really hope to make it work competitively. Otherwise, it might just become another Phyrexian Metamorph (card is ridiculously good lol) or Lodestone/Thoughcast.
In your old list did you find the Cavern of Souls and Tectonic Edge hindering your manabase?
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
4 Polluted Delta
2 Watery Grave
2 Misty Rainforest
2 Blinkmoth Nexus
1 Buried Ruin
1 Academy Ruins
2 Ghost Quarter
7 Island
Creatures (27)
4 Judge's Familiar
4 Grand Architect
3 Lodestone Golem
3 Myr Superion
3 Sage of Epityr
2 Spellskite
2 Etherium Sculptor
2 Chief Engineer
2 Wurmcoil Engine
1 Phyrexian Metamorph
1 Solemn Simulacrum
2 Murderous Cut
Artifacts (10)
4 Æther Vial
2 Mishra's Bauble
2 Vedalken Shackles
1 Batterskull
1 Sword of Light and Shadow
2 Thorn of Amethyst
2 Logic Knot
2 Vendilion Clique
2 Damnation
1 Engineered Explosives
1 Nihil Spellbomb
1 Pithing Needle
1 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Trinket Mage
1 Echoing Truth
1 Silent Arbiter
Updated list.
If you guys splashed black, would Tidehollow Strix be an auto include?
I was wondering if I should -2 Etherium Sculptor and +2 Tidehollow Strix.
He flies, blocks well and is more aggressive than Sculptor. But Sculptor does allow for some better "ramping".
Twitch: gamerchamp
Modern: UGrand Architect, UBTezzeret Control, UBWRG Bridge From Below (Dredge)
Legacy: UWGTrue-Name Bant
So how has sword of light and shadow been for you? I'm thinking of giving it a try. I find the main way i lose games is because the opponent has infinite removal so the sword seems good.
New list:
4 Signal Pest
4 Judge's Familiar
4 Vault Skirge
4 Myr Superion
4 Chief Engineer
4 Etherium Sculptor
2 Spellskite
4 Grand Architect
2 Phyrexian Metamorph
4 Lodestone Golem
2 Vedalken Shackles
1 Sword Of Light And Shadow
1 Bident Of Thassa
lands: 20
4 Blinkmoth Nexus
1 Cavern Of Souls
15 Snow-Covered Island
2 Brittle Effigy
2 Ratchet Bomb
2 Thorn Of Ametyst
2 Pithing Needle
1 Chalice Of The Void
1 Mindlock Orb
1 Grafdigger's Cage
1 Torpor Orb
1 Relic Of Progenitus
1 Hurkyl's recall
1 Hibernation
The sideboard is still a work in progress, sometimes sideboarding is hard because everything is good. I'm considering adding some additional phyrexian metamorph in the 15. The card is sooo good, in particular vs grixis delver/midrange. Copying a tasigur/angler is amazing and with architect we can break stat parity by making them blue. Also we can actually pay for tasigur's ability to get stuff back...