Dies to Removal

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 2:01 pm**

With regards to Magic, this is a funky time in the rotation cycle. One one hand, the huge card pool in Standard provides lots of options, but on the other, the variety of viable archetypes means that every deck is going to have more chinks in its armor. Sideboard planning for a broad meta is also a pain; it's frustrating to plan for the decks you expect to see then end up playing against everything but. If you don't have the time to playtest against the gamut of deck archetypes, even FNM can be a frustrating experience. At least there is some variety in the meta this season...it may be like trying to shoot a moving target when trying to plan for all the possible matchups, but at least we're not having to play against Delver two out of every 3 matches.

@Khaos - Sorry to hear that life is cooperating, my brother. You're asking the questions at the right time, at least...it becomes way more complicated when you try to
sort things out after entering into the legal bond that is marriage (especially when kids are involved). If you don't feel comfortable with the path, don't take it; the only person who you "owe" the right to determine your path is yourself. Take care of you, my clansman.

edit - Well said, rc and freedom...I've forgotten of late how much I value the brotherhood of this clan!

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 2:35 pm**

@windstrider- I know how you feel right now. Sometimes you have to take a step back and reevaluate things. Sometimes its burnout, and sometimes you just need to take a break to figure out what it is you really want. Nobody just picks up magic with aspirations to go pro or to be the best. You start because you love the game, because its fun. Having fun is what ignites the spark for competitive play. And when it ceases to be fun because of the overcompetitiveness, it really becomes a chore. Or a job. And you already have one of those.

Whatever it is that you feel like doing, I support it.

On another note, I'm seriously considering ending my relationship with my fiance for some of these very reasons. This is something I've been pondering over lately and it makes
me sad. I really don't think this is something a break will fix either. We've been having problems over stupid things, arguing more, and I'm starting to figure out that the future I once wanted isn't what I want anymore.

I guess you know things are coming to a head when you have to delete your own Facebook because even that is a problem.

Thanks, Khaos. I love this game. I really do. But I'm wondering if I'm remembering what I loved about it earlier rather than the reality of what it is now. At the gaming store on Sunday, I overheard two players being upset about Shivan Dragon, a once awesome card now relegated to semi-junk status. But it's a dragon, a fire-breathing dragon. How could that be bad? But in the context of competitive Magic, it is. It's the changing nature of the game.

Don't ignore or second guess your instincts, my friend. If you're sensing that this isn't what you want, listen to them. It sounds like you've been thinking of this for a while, so this isn't
a quick decision on your part. Marriage will not fix problems. In many ways, it makes them worse. Whatever decision you come to, I support it. You need to do what is best for you.

I'm curious though as to the timing of these problems between the two of you. I'm reminded of something I learned to deal with students: whatever problem a student comes to you with, that's not the real problem. Not sure if that's applicable here, but it might be worth considering. It may be that your fiancé is feeling the same as you are, but she doesn't want to say anything.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 2:54 pm**

Khaos, I won't try and give you advice on such a touchy subject, but IME just trying to ignore that feeling and hoping for the best won't make it just go away.

It's always hard to throw away something that you've invested so much time and effort in, but trust me when I say that it sure beats the hell out of investing even more time and effort into it when it'll only pay out in misery in the end.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:41 pm**

Just remember windstrider FoS is about causing misery for your opponents not yourself, if you need to take time off from the game that's fine just be sure to lurk about here every once in a while. Hang in there buddy

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:43 pm**

I'd like to offer my support to Khaos and windstrider both (and other members who may be going through tough times). I got a lot of emotional support last February when my lady and I split up and I started working on a lot of built-up crap in my life. I'm happy to pay it forward, the members here are extremely supportive in between the frequent dick jokes and trolling.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:52 pm**

Jokes about troll dicks are perfectly normal if done safely

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:58 pm**

In happier news, I got my pre-ordered cards from Channel Fireball yesterday. In a bit of speculative madness, I bought 16 Young Pyromancers (99 cents), 16 Ogre Battledrivers (99 cents) and 4 Chandra's Phoenix (1.49).

I opened up the package, flipped through the cards, enjoying my 16 Young Pyromancers, 16 Ogre Battledrivers and then, peeking out from the bottom of the pile were 4 Chandra, Pyromaster.

I checked my order and it definitely said 4 [card]Chandra's Phoenix[/card]. Packing error in my favor!

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:03 pm**

In happier news, I got my pre-ordered cards from Channel Fireball yesterday. In a bit of speculative madness, I bought 16 Young Pyromancers (99 cents), 16 Ogre Battledrivers (99 cents) and 4 Chandra's Phoenix (1.49).

I opened up the package, flipped through the cards, enjoying my 16 Young Pyromancers, 16 Ogre Battledrivers and then, peeking out from the bottom of the pile were 4 Chandra, Pyromaster.

I checked my order and it definitely said 4 [card]Chandra's Phoenix[/card]. Packing error in my favor!

well thats one way to save ~74$

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:11 pm**

Damn Ham, nicely done!

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:14 pm**

Damn Ham, nicely done!

And more importantly - safely done.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:15 pm**

I still have to buy the damn Chandra's Phoenix now, though. First world problems

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:18 pm**

Buys $80 worth of cards for $4.

Bitches that he still has to buy the $4 worth of cards.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:19 pm**

Serious question though -

Hold Chandra in anticipation of a price jump, or trade immediately for Mutavaults?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:23 pm**

The only thing I know about that is Mutavault has already jumped up a dollar. And I'd assume Mutavault will see more play than Chandra, simply because any mono-color and many dual-color decks can use them.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:26 pm**

Trade now.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:28 pm**

Maybe if I order some guildgates from Channel Fireball, they'll ship me beta duals?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:38 pm**

Maybe if I order some guildgates from Channel Fireball, they'll ship me beta duals?

Orders dimir auqaducts, get underground seas instead -_- better return them

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:39 pm**

Maybe if I order some guildgates from Channel Fireball, they'll ship me beta duals?

Maybe, but then you'd still have to buy the gates.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:57 pm**

Thank for the advice and support, guys. It means a lot.

I could go on all day about the problems and possible solutions, but ultimately it's up for me to decide whether or not this is going to work and if I'm going to be happy.

I keep dancing around what I should do, but my gut tells me that if somebody asked me if I see me and her being happy together years from now, I honestly cannot answer yes. And that's a tough pill to swallow.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 4:59 pm**

Ham, I have a phoenix you can have.

I also have a promo Cackler as well.

If I win any more, they're yours. Same goes for any extra birds I can snag in trades Friday.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:17 pm**

SO HAVE I TOLD YOU SHOULD BELIEVE IN FATE YET?

Last night I went to my LGS to pick up some green cards for GRUUL STOMPY. They only had 3 kalonian tuskers, and the 4th predator ooze they had listed was foil instead of regular. The guys there were cool and said "well bank error, we'll give it to you for the nonfoil price" So cha ching, got my tuskers.

Then we got a box of m14 to do a draft.

I open Shivan Dragon and say "what the hell, red time." Get passed a Kalonian Tusker (would finish my playset). Go ALL IN on Mono Green.

Pack 2 crack a Mutvault!!! Except we were doing rare re-drafting. Now I had to win (picked it cause mono green obv).

Deck was INSANE.

had at LEAST:

3x Rumbling Baloth
1x Kalonian Tusker
2x Advocate of the Beast
2x Hunt the Weak
1x Deadly Recluse
1x Lay of the Land
1x Briarpack Alpha
2x HUNGER OF THE HOWLPACK (wolves win fucking games son.)
1x Fireshrieker (
DOUBLESTRIKING badassses)
1x Sporemound (flood into chumps wins gamez)
1x 4 life gain Boar
1x Voracious Wurm
1x Mutavault

SB:
1x Life gain boar
1x Naturalize

Stomp Slivers with 6 wolves. G2 Get the Advocate+Baloth combo out.

R2 beat UR tempo (didnt enough this archetype existed, was pretty sick if he could get it off). He had trained condors, firecats, and infinite lockdown combo with frost breath and elite arcanist. Mutavault helped push through damage and theres no way he could fight back.

R3 Finals against my rival. Playing MONO black. He had a bullshit deck. G1 he gets out two intimidate creatures.... Lifebane Zombie (pretty good against green you see) witH MARK OF VAMPIRE and DARK FAVOR. I didnt' see removal.

Board in the Boar and naturalize.

Make 6 wolves, just barely win G2. He needed one more land to win that race.

G3 was down to the wire. He opens it up with duress, takes my lay of the land instead of fireshrieker. I laugh, but he plays a 2nd duress for the
fireshrieker...

I get a 6/6 wurm out after saccing a boar. He has -6/6 bullshit removal because of 6 swamps.

I get advocate out, then draw a beast. I decide to swing with advocate into his 3/2 intimidate, figured the trade was in my favor if he wanted it. He had wring flesh, oops, but I pushed 2 damage through with a giant spider that also swung. He mark of the vampires his fucking intimidate guy again... topdecked. I sigh....

me: 12
him: 17

I draw another land for my wolves. I make 7 of them this time. I bash him down for 6

me: 12
him: 11

He topdecks another blocker! FFS. He swings all, drops me to 5. he goes up to 16.

BUT WAIT:
4 (Baloth)
14 (7 2/2 wolves)
2 (giant spider)
I topdeck a land but swing for exactsies no matter how he blocks. Math was always his weakness!

MUTAVAULT #1 GET!

Did I mention I traded 3 shocks+ modern master uncommons (spell snare is $5 WTF!?) for playset of scavenging oozes?

Was a pretty great night through and through.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:18 pm**

Awwwwww yeah! I ordered the cards for all in red this morning, including Mutavaults, so I'll just amass store credit on the back of x/1s.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:00 pm**

Awwwwww yeah! I ordered the cards for all in red this morning, including Mutavaults, so I'll just amass store credit on the back of x/1s.

I've been having a lot of... dare I say it?... FUN playing this deck on MODO. Can't wait for M14 to release so I can get my Mutavaults and Young Pyromancers.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:27 pm**

I'm going to be rocking my Boros Humans featuring Young Pyromancer brew that I posted, and Z polished (well, he did more to it than polish), in the other thread once I get all the cards. Imposing Sovereign x4 and Banisher Priest x2 are in the mail for it. Some lines of play are similar to AIR with Champion, Boros Elite, Gather the Townsfolk, and Rally the Peasants.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:34 pm**

I'm going to be rocking my Boros Humans featuring Young Pyromancer brew that I posted, and Z polished (well, he did more to it than polish!), in the other thread once I get all the cards. Imposing Sovereign x4 and Banisher Priest x2 are in the mail for it. Some lines of play are similar to AIR with Champion, Boros Elite, Gather the Townsfolk, and Rally the Peasants.

Awwwwwww yeeeeaaaah giggity, giggity, goo

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:36 pm**

So what's the latest from kamahl, lord of phallusies in the land of dega? I'd check myself but don't wanna get sucked into that thread

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:43 pm**

WHATS UP FIREY MAN HOS?!

And hos. Not firey man hose, cuz I'm currently refraining from talking directly to thirsts dick.

With a new set out I am no longer bored of my local meta and thinking about jamming out some FNMs and 1ks. Was wondering what you guys thought of some of the decks that just hit the mothership in this thread http://www.wizards.com/Magic/Magazine/A ... ily/rc/257

What red decks are currently performing well in the meta? Fuck I have to actually go figure out the meta again....

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:54 pm**

So what's the latest from kamahl, lord of phallusies in the land of dega? I'd check myself but don't wanna get sucked into that thread

Last I was in there I told him his card evaluation skills sucked and used him arguing with me that Varolz and Blood Baron were completely unplayable garbage as an example.

He linked to what was probably his least ridiculous of about a dozen posts regarding Blood Baron where he said "it didn't currently fit into any archetype" and described that as all he had to say regarding it, but that he stood behind his evaluation of Varolz.

I pointed out that he had said much worse about Blood Baron (linking to an earlier post in the exact thread he linked to) and that whether he liked Varolz or not was
irrelevant - it had not only seen competitive play in the last 3 months but had successful decks built around or changed to accommodate playing it.

His "defense" was that I must have some sort of vendetta against him personally and not just against the constant bullshit he spews onto the forum and then rips into anyone who dares question him when he says it's gold.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:58 pm**

His reclamation defense?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:58 pm**

Or defecation defense?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 6:59 pm**

I'm going to be rocking my Boros Humans featuring Young Pyromancer brew that I posted, and Z polished (well, he did more to it than polish!), in the other thread once I get all the cards. Imposing Sovereign x4 and Banisher Priest x2 are in the mail for it. Some lines of play are similar to AIR with Champion, Boros Elite, Gather the Townsfolk, and Rally the Peasants.
Awwwwwww yeeeeaaaah giggity, giggity, goo

Can you do a Quagmire in an Australian accent?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:01 pm**

I'm going to be rocking my Boros Humans featuring Young Pyromancer brew that I posted, and Z polished (well, he did more to it than polish!), in the other thread once I get all the cards. Imposing Sovereign x4 and Banisher Priest x2 are in the mail for it. Some lines of play are similar to AIR with Champion, Boros Elite, Gather the Townsfolk, and Rally the Peasants.
Awwwwwww yeeeeaaaah giggity, giggity, goo[
/quote]
Can you do a Quagmire in an Australian accent?
Auuuuuu jeah gaggady gaggady goo.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:02 pm**

It'd probably sound like "Oi, giggity, mate! "

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:05 pm**

didgeri didgeri doo?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:09 pm**

You call that a goo? This is a goo.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:14 pm**

I miss all the good stuff by not going to Sally anymore.

What do you guys think of this deck for July-August?

[deck]20 Mountain
4 Mutavault

4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Stromkirk Noble
4 Young Pyromancer
4 Chandra's Phoenix

2 Shock
4 Searing Spear
3 Skullcrack
3 Thunderbolt
4 Brimstone Volley
1 Thunderous Wrath

3 Chandra, Pyromaster
Sideboard:

2 Shock
3 Mizzium Mortars
1 Skullcrack
1 Thunderbolt
3 Ash Zealot
3 Hellrider
2 Thundermaw Hellkite[/deck]

Land: Deck is done at CMC 4 so I could possibly drop a land but with Maw in the board I might not want too. Crucible may be a better land than Vault for this deck before the Sept rotation.

Creatures: Cackler and Noble for early game repeatable pressure. Pyro for getting free blockers from cards or attackers to join the fray. CF for recurring flying damage.

Instants: Shock count may be a little low, but primarly for early game pick offs, running it
for the EOT T1 play and maximizing mana when possible. Spear because spear. Crack for dome spear 5-8 and for the lifegain I hear is running rampant. Bolt for some more spears and to pick off fliers that CF cant. Volley to make use of all those Pyro tokens. And a singleton wrath for a one cost lava axe topdeck.

PW: Chandra because, wow a red PW that I can use in a real deck?! Ultimate + Wrath? Yes please

SB:
Shock, mizz, crack thunderbolt - up removal/burn package for creature heavy aggro, control or fog decks.
Zealot, rider and hellkite for morphing to more creature based deck if needed. This may be the wrong plan, but a rider with lots of pyro tokens seems good. Not sure if zealot is strong enough here without SW.

Thoughts?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:18 pm**

Played with mono-red earlier running Phoenixes. It is powerful and I felt it. Mutavaults are also awesome.

Despite all that I went 2-2 losing to Jund due to flood, and that damn Bant Hexproof. The Bant match was him getting the nutdraw of Gladecover and equipping with Unflinching Courage. I wasn't able to setup blockers because they got ORing'ed. Witchstalker was much worse when it got equipped with cloak and I had enough blockers that got D-Sphered. First time I really felt frustrated by a loss because I wasn't able to do anything.

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:14 pm**

didgeri didgeri doo?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:16 pm**

I miss all the good stuff by not going to Sally anymore.

What do you guys think of this deck for July-August?

[deck]20 Mountain
4 Mutavault

4 Rakdos Cackler
4 Stromkirk Noble
4 Young Pyromancer
4 Chandra's Phoenix

2 Shock
4 Searing Spear
3 Skullcrack
3 Thunderbolt
4 Brimstone Volley
1 Thunderous Wrath

3 Chandra, Pyromaster
Sideboard:

2 Shock
3 Mizzium Mortars
1 Skullcrack
1 Thunderbolt
3 Ash Zealot
3 Hellrider
2 Thundermaw Hellkite[/deck]

Land: Deck is done at CMC 4 so I could possibly drop a land but with Maw in the board I might not want too. Crucible may be a better land than Vault for this deck before the Sept rotation.

Creatures: Cackler and Noble for early game repeatable pressure. Pyro for getting free blockers from cards or
attackers to join the fray. CF for recurring flying damage.

Instants: Shock count may be a little low, but primarly for early game pick offs, running it for the EOT T1 play and maximizing mana when possible. Spear because spear. Crack for dome spear 5-8 and for the lifegain I hear is running rampant. Bolt for some more spears and to pick off fliers that CF cant. Volley to make use of all those Pyro tokens. And a singleton wrath for a one cost lava axe topdeck.

PW: Chandra because, wow a red PW that I can use in a real deck?! Ultimate + Wrath? Yes please

SB:
Shock, mizz, crack thunderbolt - up removal/burn package for creature heavy aggro, control or fog decks.
Zealot, rider and hellkite for morphing to more creature based deck if needed. This may be the wrong plan, but a rider with lots of pyro tokens seems good. Not sure if zealot is strong enough here without SW.

Thoughts?

I know that Mutavaults are not "only" lands, but aren't 24 mana sources a bit too many?

Posted: **Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:21 pm**

24 is about right if you're looking to cast Chandra and Tmaw on curve. No idea about the rest of the deck though, and I'm eyeing that Thunderous Wrath with suspicion.

Young Pyromancer and Hellrider are anti-synergistic under all but the most magical draw scenarios.

Dies to Removal

[Fedoras of Salvation] - White Knights ITT