MTG Salvation

Jolrael has been in my on-deck pile for my Titania build for the longest time, what a fun card. I've had a lot of luck with Natural Affinity, it's super tricky and opponents don't see it coming, especially when Jolrael isn't on the board or you're light on cards for her ability.

Upgraded my Japanese P3K version! At long last, there will be no more "what does this guy do again?" nonsense at the draft table. Also, this upgrade was financed solely through PucaTrade, what a service!

I recently came into this nice set of artist's proofs for the power I don't already have (sans Timetwister). I resigned myself to the fact that actual copies are unattainable, and even CE is just too much to shell out for. They're a little jarring to see with the rest of the cube, but hey, it's as close as I'll ever get.

PS. Nevermind that Riku, that's for EDH.

Quote from rantipole »

If you want to try out Feldon, my suggested cut is Seething Song or Blistering Firecat.

I wasn't too sure on Feldon either, until he started spitting out Inferno Titans in his first appearance. It's an awfully good effect, I'd give him a shot.

Erhnamgeddon was one of my favorite decks back in the day (despite my Chronicles copies), very cool idea to try and translate it to the cube.

I'll be particularly interested in how Edge of Autumn works out for you. I really like that card, but never felt like it had enough impact in this environment.

Also, does this new Loam package warrant the re-inclusion of Fireblast? It plays well with a handful of cards you're adding.

After seeing how crazy she can get in EDH, it makes me want to find room for Titania in the cube. The average small to medium sized cube with a full compliment of fetch lands ought to be able to get at least 10 power plus a land out of her, which feels above rate. And look out if you're in to Wildfire or Smokestack decks. I am, however, disappointed that she does not get along with Pox and its ilk. Can't have it all, I guess.

It played like a bad Vampiric Tutor, costing an extra U and usually couple more life. The instant speed is very nice, though it's a less than stellar top deck when you're under pressure to find something right away. Two colors on this one is rough, but it's not the worst Dimir card if you're looking for something different.

So I'm in a position to acquire some very nice artist proof proxies (specifically, the Moxen, Lotus, and Time Walk). As much as I'd like some CE ones, it's gotten to the point where even those are getting awfully spendy (for proxies). These provide form and function, at a fraction of the cost.

Another cube owner I know said he likes them, but would never add them to his cube, as they don't feel authentic enough. Obviously, all proxies are not created equal, but I like how unique they are, sort of indicative of their power. It got me curious, what are the other opinions out there? Are these cool enough for your cube? Or do they just feel a little too fake?

I'm also trying out the Infect angle, and I feel like it's legit with Marchesa at the helm. Some notes from my own experiences:

• As you pointed out, the pool of Infect creatures is shallow and quality is low. But you're not even running some of the best ones! Ichor Rats is simply incredible here, considering the amount of times they can hit the battlefield. Phyrexian Vatmother gives *5* (that's half) counters with Marchesa out. Suq'Ata Assassin has built-in evasion, and Fallen Ferromancer, while a little expensive, is very handy. You have some sub-par Infect guys (Phyrexian Digester, Scourge Servant) that could use upgrades.
• With a decent Proliferate sub-theme, you can afford to run some non-Infect guys. Remember, you don't need to connect with your opponent all that often. Thalakos Deceiver, River Kelpie, and Needle Specter are among my favorite. Necroskitter is also hilarious.
• Dire Undercurrents provides some crazy card advantage, considering how many creatures are coming in to play on your board.
• Hatred!
• You might consider some extra ways to keep Marchesa and your Infect guys protected. Spellskite does this AND keeps you "off the throne," and Kira, Great Glass-Spinner is really difficult to deal with.

Hope this helps, good luck!

I need to see them in action some more, but I think Memory Lapse and Submerge are good enough to warrant consideration here. They're pretty nuts preceding a Jeleva trigger.

Also, Kaho, Minamo Historian does a lot of good work. It's nice to be able to grab some utility spells and have them handy, or even snag a bigger spell if you happen to have the mana.

If you're running Sanguine Bond, you might as well run Exquisite Blood along with it. It's another "just win" card like Sovereign and Test.

You might also want to take advantage of some more of the "pay life, draw cards" cards. I'm running Ambition's Cost and Moonlight Bargain in addition to what you have. Once you cheat it in to play, it's not hard to connect with a creature.

Also, since you're running the Stoneforge/Stonehewer duo, give Elbrus, the Binding Blade a shot. Once you cheat it in to play, it's not hard to connect with a creature. Nothing like Withengar Unbound terrorizing the table!

Why do you even need Hinterland Harbor? Isn't 8 green sources enough for your 4 green cards?

Champions aren't usually spending much time as 1/1s from what I've seen. I'm not really keeping hands that have Champion and no two-drop to go along with it. I just like how they can keep growing as I curve out, whereas Dryad will never be bigger than 2/1. If there's Snapcasters all over your meta, they yeah, Dryad will probably be pretty good for you.

You make a good point about Rancor. Around them or through them, no need for both avenues. I see Rancor as a good way to reload after a board wipe, something I can't say about Feeling. Maybe I'll add back the Spectral Flights and one other card instead (probably Faith's Shield).

Contrary to what you think, Rancor is more than fine here. War Falcon can swing for 4 on turn 2. Captain and Thalia really benefit from the extra power. It's crazy with Silverblade Paladin. Look out if you can attach two of them on a guy. I'd much rather splash for Rancor than Sigarda and some Centaur Healers.

I'm trying to squeeze a little green into my UW aggro deck, JUST for Rancor. That's certainly the best card for an aggro deck, you ought to find room for it. Why else are you running green? Your Sigardas can easily be Sublimes or Resto Angels, and I think Champion of the Parish is an overall better MD choice than Dryad Militant. At that point, you can fix your manabase and drop the Hinterland Harbors.

Here's the list I'm working with (very similar):


I had to drop the Spectral Flights, which I wasn't thrilled about. I'm not sure if all those Feeling of Dreads is where I want to be now, since the deck had taken a more "run them over" approach with Rancor.

I know how good Azorious Charm is, but shouldn't we be running Feeling of Dread instead? Charm is pretty versatile, but I can't see the cycling mode used much in a deck like this. Four blockers per copy is pretty crazy, and that goes a long way in keeping Geist swinging (who should be a 4 of, btw).

What are people's experiences with Lyev Skyknight? He seems alright to me, but I'm wondering if I'd rather just have extra Resto Angels and/or Sublimes instead.

A couple of Detention Spheres belong in the main, right?