Dies to Removal

Well, this started off being an idea for including Purphoros into a Norin the Wary EDH deck, but then I thought "Purphoros would take orders from no mere mortal - and a cowardly one at that - so it'd probably be best to go ahead and make him Commander." Besides, even disregarding fluff reasons, it just makes sense to use something that provides a global ETB effect (something that I have little of and very few ways to tutor up) as the general over somthing that abuses the ETB effect (which I have many of and many more ways to tutor up).

So without further ado, I present the first draft of Purphoros, God of EDH:
Plenty of chaos and lots of little synergies in here. The Goblin and token sub-theme play well with Purphoros as well as cards like Pandemonium and Confusion in the Ranks (which can annoyingly cause someone else to nab Purphoros, but I should be able to easily get him back and, generally, no one else should be able to abuse him or the Confusion like I can).

Stuff like Possibility Storm and Grip of Chaos are not only fun/aggrivating, but tend to keep Purphoros nice and safe. Speaking of which, I'm not running Lightning Greaves/Swiftfoot Boots or anything similar because it's not important that Purphoros have Haste, but that might be something I want to include to keep
him safe (even though he is indestructable).

Thoughts?

+EDIT1+ Took out some less important stuff for Gautlent of Might, Gauntlet of Power, and Caged Sun - those seem pretty good with tokens.

+EDIT2+ Dropped Young Pyromancer and Kuldotha Rebirth for Magus of the Moon and Blood Moon because lulz.

This looks like an absolute blast. Anybody with a mono-red EDH deck should already have most of these staples.

What are your thoughts on Caged Sun? You have a lot of colorless artifact creatures and tokens, which it won't do anything for, but it'll certainly help your mana production and all of your goblins/other red creatures. It's also an extra 1 per red creature for Warstorm Surge and Pandemonium.

This looks like an absolute blast. Anybody with a mono-red EDH deck should already have most of these staples.

What are your thoughts on Caged Sun? You have a lot of colorless artifact creatures and tokens, which it won't do anything for, but it'll certainly help your mana production and all of your goblins/other red creatures. It's also an extra 1 per red creature for Warstorm Surge and Pandemonium.

Caged Sun is good. So is Gauntlet of Might and Gauntlet of Power.

I'll see if I can't squeeze some number of those in.

Deck needs more Squee, Goblin Nabob.

Also, I never see a reason to not play Stranglehold and Vandalblast.

Deck needs more Squee, Goblin Nabob.

Also, I never see a reason to not play Stranglehold and Vandalblast.

Already playing Stranglehold - I would like some artifact destruction besides Scrapper and Vandalblast is pretty hot. Thanks for the suggestion.

If you really want to make people cry, pack Hoard-Smelter Dragon and Hellkite Tyrant.

After a little more research, I think this is a more polished version:

[deck]
Commander: 1
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge

Creatures: 32
1 Norin the Wary
1 Goblin Welder
1 Goblin Recruiter
1 Iron Myr
1 Plague Myr
1 Manakin
1 Millikin
1 Mogg War Marshal
1 Stingscourger
1 Goblin Matron
1 Goblin Replica
1 Goblin Ruinblaster
1 Grinning Ignus
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Manic Vandal
1 Zo-Zu the Punisher
1 Beetleback Chief
1 Goblin Ringleader
1 Goblin Settler
1 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
1 Krenko, Mob Boss
1 Moggcatcher
1 Avalanche Riders
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Tuktuk Scrapper
1 Goblin Assassin
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Precursor Golem
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Thopter Squadron
1 Goblin Marshal

Spells: 14
1 Gamble
1 Shattering Spree
1 Blood Moon
1 Chaos Warp
1 Goblin Assault
1 Goblin Warrens
1 Empty the Warrens
1 Grand Melee
1 Stranglehold
1 Confusion in the Ranks
n1 Mogg Infestation
1 Possibility Storm
1 Grip of Chaos
1 Warp World

Noncreature Artifacts: 17
1 Mana Crypt
1 Mana Vault
1 Sensei's Divining Top
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Genesis Chamber
1 Grim Monolith
1 Scroll Rack
1 Cloudstone Curio
1 Mimic Vat
1 Gauntlet of Might
1 Trading Post
1 Conjurer's Closet
1 Gauntlet of Power
1 Caged Sun
1 Mindslaver
1 Myr Incubator

Lands: 36
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Cavern of Souls
1 Hall of the Bandit Lord
1 Homeward Path
1 Kher Keep
1 Mouth of Ronom
1 Scrying Sheets
1 Shinka, the Bloodsoaked Keep
1 Springjack Pasture
1 Strip Mine
1 Wasteland
25 Snow-Covered Mountain
[/deck]

So what's different? Well, first I removed all the Sorceries that put a few Goblins into play - they're flavorful and potentially powerful, but there are better ways to get similar effects. Second I removed the secondary ETB damage Enchantments like Pandemonium and Warstorm Surge since Purphoros does that well enough on his own. Finally, I simply dropped some of the
spells that seemed less powerful like the Goblin Lords which, while they do grant nice buffs, don't really promote the general gameplan of abusing the hell out of Purphoros or disruption my opponents.

That created a lot of slots, and since I'm all about filling slots, here's what I did it with:

• Grinning Ignus - Him + Purphoros = [mana]r[/mana]: Deal 2 damage to every opponent.
  Thopter Squadron/Pentavus - Like Grinning Ignus they're repeatable ways to abuse Purphoros.
  Shattering Spree/Manic Vandal/Goblin Replica - a few more ways to pop Artifacts - the Replica and, to a lesser extent, the Vandal are searchable, they're both abusable with Vat, the Vandal can also abuse the Closet and Curio, and the Replica is recurrable.
  Trading Post/Goblin Welder - ways to abuse artifacts with ETB abilities or trade used up resources for more Mindslaver activations.
  Mimic Vat - another way to abuse ETB abilities.
  Myr Incubator - I remove 20 Artifacts, get 20 Myr, everyone take 40.
  GG.
  Warp World - I can't imagine that a resolved Warp World wouldn't be awesome.

Something I want to try:

• Elemental Mastery - I just want to put it on Purphoros so bad, but it's probably terrible. Still, one activation = 12 damage to every opponent + 6 1/1s attacking.

I really like the new version. Good call removing Pandemonium and Surge (especially the former since it's symmetric) because you always have access to your commander.

I really like the new version. Good call removing Pandemonium and Surge (especially the former since it's symmetric) because you always have access to your commander.

Yeah, when most of the dudes in the deck are 1/1s that ETB do 2 damage to each opponent, I don't think you really need to waste card slots on something that allows them to do an extra 1 to target something.

So what do you think the odds are of Imperial Recruiter being in one of the Commander 2 decks? I really don't want to drop $85 on a Judge promo if there's a decent chance I'll be able to pick one up + 99 other cards for less than half that.

Imperial Recruiter - very very low. The Commander decks are good value, but if last time is any indication they'll shy away from printing any single card that's too expensive.

I've been following this thread because I'm curious how well it will work. Make sure you post some results once you start playing!

I got the Counterpunch precon for $38, and I was able to sell the Scavenging Ooze from it for a little more than that.
If people will pay barely over a third of the cost of the cost of the card for a JUDGE FOIL, I can't imagine that a non-foily, non-p3k version would pull too much of a price tag. The price of the P3K versions would stay virtually the same (because we all know people can't get enough of that sword&shield swag), so they wouldn't upset collectors (except for the ones that immediately sell theirs after they hear the announcement, then regret it when the price remains the same). I'd predict a $35-$50 price tag for a non-foil reprint, $60 tops.

Oh, wow, I just realized that the flavor on that card is actually pretty cool. A dude going around and recruiting fairly weak men for the army.

Imperial Recruiter - very very low. The Commander decks are good value, but if last time is any indication they'll shy away from printing any single card that's too expensive.

I've been following this thread because I'm curious how well it will work. Make sure you post some results once you start playing!

Yeah, I figured the chances probably weren't that great, but you never know - the card's good and all, but the only reason it's so expensive is because it's so incredibly rare. I mean, on MODO they're like $5-10 aren't they? Seems like reprinting it would be a pretty good way to sell boxes and make red more accessible (since no matter what you're playing, if you have access to R, you should probably be playing Recruiter).

You're
right, though, it probably is just a pipe dream. Still, I think I'll wait until decklists are announced before grabbing one just to make sure.

I'll post up once I get some games in. Likely I'll proxy Purphorose and IR and do that this weekend.

Played a good half dozen games last weekend and a few things became apparent:

1a. The deck really likes to have its mana - I was constantly looking at a mit full of cards that I couldn't cast or could only cast one of a turn.
1b. Mountains >>>>>>>>>>>>> non Mountain lands.
2. Goblins are a premium, non Goblins that do similar things are not - what this means is that if I have a Goblin that fills a niche, I probably do not also need a non Goblin that does the same.
3. Deck generally needs a lower curve. The big stuff is great, but the deck is vulnerable during the early game.

I'll make changes and post up an updated list asap.

[deck]
Commander: 1
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge

Creatures: 29
1 Norin the Wary
1 Goblin Welder
1 Goblin Recruiter
1 Iron Myr
1 Plague Myr
1 Manakin
1 Millikin
1 Stingscourger
1 Goblin Matron
1 Goblin Replica
1 Goblin Ruinblaster
1 Grinning Ignus
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Manic Vandal
1 Zo-Zu the Punisher
1 Beetleback Chief
1 Goblin Ringleader
1 Goblin Settler
1 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
1 Krenko, Mob Boss
1 Moggcatcher
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Tuktuk Scrapper
1 Goblin Assassin
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Precursor Golem
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Thopter Squadron

Spells: 11
1 Gamble
1 Chaos Warp
1 Goblin Assault
1 Goblin Warrens
1 Empty the Warrens
1 Stranglehold
1 Confusion in the Ranks
1 Mogg Infestation
1 Possibility Storm
1 Grip of Chaos
1 Warp World

Noncreature Artifacts: 22
1 Everflowing Chalice
1 Mana Crypt
1 Mana Vault
1 Sensei's Divining Top
1
Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Fire Diamond
1 Genesis Chamber
1 Grim Monolith
1 Mind Stone
1 Ruby Medalion
1 Worn Powerstone
1 Cloudstone Curio
1 Eye of Ramos
1 Mimic Vat
1 Gauntlet of Might
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Gauntlet of Power
1 Guilded Lotus
1 Caged Sun
1 Mindslaver
1 Myr Incubator

Lands: 37
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Cavern of Souls
1 Kher Keep
1 Scrying Sheets
1 Shinka, the Bloodsoaked Keep
32 Snow-Covered Mountain
[/deck]

Played some more games last weekend:

[deck]
Commander: 1
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge

Creatures: 27
1 Skirk Prospector
1 Goblin Welder
1 Goblin Recruiter
1 Stingscourger
1 Goblin Matron
1 Goblin Sharpshooter
1 Goblin Warchief
1 Grinning Ignus
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Manic Vandal
1 Zo-Zu the Punisher
1 Beetleback Chief
1 Goblin Ringleader
1 Goblin Settler
1 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
1 Krenko, Mob Boss
1 Moggcatcher
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Tuktuk Scrapper
1 Goblin Assassin
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Precursor Golem
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Skirk Fire Marshal
1 Thopter Squadron
1 Zealous Conscripts

Spells: 8
1 Gamble
1 Skred
1 Chaos Warp
1 Sulfuric Vortex
1 Goblin Warrens
1 Empty the Warrens
1 Stranglehold
1 Mogg Infestation

Noncreature Artifacts: 27
1 Everflowing Chalice
1 Mana Crypt
1 Aether Vial
1 Mana Vault
1 Sensei's Divining Top
1 Skullclamp
1
Sol Ring
1 Coldsteel Heart
1 Fellwar Stone
1 Fire Diamond
1 Genesis Chamber
1 Grim Monolith
1 Mind Stone
1 Ruby Medallion
1 Star Compass
1 Worn Powerstone
1 Cloudstone Curio
1 Coalition Relic
1 Heart of Ramos
1 Mimic Vat
1 Gauntlet of Might
1 Thran Dynamo
1 Gauntlet of Power
1 Gilded Lotus
1 Caged Sun
1 Mindslaver
1 Myr Incubator

Lands: 37
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Cavern of Souls
1 Kher Keep
34 Snow-Covered Mountain
[/deck]

Dropped the Chaos-y stuff for more mana rocks because this thing is mana-hungry. Hopefully, the number of rocks I have right now will prove to be too many so I can put some of the fun stuff back in.

Also, added Sulfuric Vortex because... why not?

Put about a dozen more games on Purphoros and it's a beating. Some things I've discovered:

1. While I'm not playing Purphoros for its pump ability or to be a creature, both are excellent bonuses to and otherwise ridiculous ability.
2. You're actually better off playing fast cheap things asap than you are saving up for a big spell. Commonly you can Aggro out the #1 threat against you before they can really get their deck online.
3. Unless someone else is playing a known broke Commander, the game regularly turns into Archenemy with you as the target. I guess that's what happens when you average something like 100 damage a game.
4. The deck is not for someone who likes to use subtle diplomacy, but, on the other hand, if you enjoy putting 1 or 2 opponents right on the edge of oblivion and then holding a metaphorical
gun up to their head to make them do what you say or threatening the first person to turn on you with mutually assured destruction then Purphoros is where you want to be.

Here's the current list for those interested:

[deck]
Commander: 1
1 Purphoros, God of the Forge

Creatures: 36
1 Norin the Wary
1 Goblin Welder
1 Skirk Prospector
1 Flamekin Harbinger
1 Goblin Recruiter
1 Mogg War Marshal
1 Stingscourger
1 Orcish Librarian
1 Goblin Warchief
1 Imperial Recruiter
1 Zo-Zu the Punisher
1 Magus of the Moon
1 Goblin Sharpshooter
1 Grinning Ignus
1 Goblin Matron
1 Manic Vandal
1 Moggcatcher
1 Tuktuk Scrapper
1 Hero of Oxid Ridge
1 Krenko, Mob Boss
1 Goblin Settler
1 Beetleback Chief
1 Flametongue Kavu
1 Hellrider
1 Goblin Ringleader
1 Solemn Simulacrum
1 Ib Halfheart, Goblin Tactician
1 Thermopod
1 Ingot Chewer
1 Siege-Gang Commander
1 Heartless Hidetsugu
1 Skirk Fire Marshal
1 Precursor Golem
1 Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker
1 Goblin Assassin
1 Zealous Conscripts

nSpells: 26
1 Mana Crypt
1 Everflowing Chalice
1 Mana Vault
1 Gamble
1 Sensei's Divining Top
1 Skullclamp
1 Sol Ring
1 Grim Monolith
1 Ruby Medallion
1 Goblin Bombardment
1 Goblin Warrens
1 Cloudstone Curio
1 Mimic Vat
1 Wheel of Fortune
1 Sulfuric Vortex
1 Boggart Shenanigans
1 Hammer of Purphoros
1 Koth of the Hammer
1 Gauntlet of Might
1 Kyren Negotiations
1 Pyrohemia
1 Aftershock
1 Mogg Infestation
1 Reforge the Soul
1 Mind's Eye
1 Mindslaver

Land: 37
1 Kher Keep
1 Cavern of Souls
1 Ancient Tomb
1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
33 Mountain
[/deck]

This looks SO MUCH FUN. How good is Orcish Librarian? Seems like sweet tech.

This looks SO MUCH FUN. How good is Orcish Librarian? Seems like sweet tech.

Not bad. If you need a land, it'll probably get you a land. If you need a creature it'll probably get you a creature. If you're digging for 1 specific card... well, there's a pretty good chance you're boned.

But what would red be without a little Chaos?

Needs more Chandra, Thighro Master.

Tested Chandra, Pyromaster but didn't love it. I'll probably try out some of the other Chandras though.

Really now? Drawing a card every turn wasn't good?

You have to consider the format. If it was an enchantment that just had the ability printed on it, it would be good since it'd probably stick around for a few turns. However, it's a Planeswalker, and in a format where 2 or more people get a combat step before you get to untap again, you often don't get to use a Planeswalker more than once, especially one that is known to be good.

Play Chandra Ablaze. Mini Wheels are cool, especially when you make the blue player lose his 20 card grip.

You have to consider the format. If it was an enchantment that just had the ability printed on it, it would be good since it'd probably stick around for a few turns. However, it's a Planeswalker, and in a format where 2 or more people get a combat step before you get to untap again, you often don't get to use a Planeswalker more than once, especially one that is known to be good.

Chandra is regularly 2RR: deal 1 damage to a player, kill a token, become a huge target. I mean, Koth only gets the nod because he's explosive mana accel late game and, when he comes out early enough, can get in for a few damage + a badass emblem. Twice last Friday I went Turn 1 rock, Turn 2 Koth, +1 +1, Emblem - sure that makes you a target, but when every Mountain
is a colorless pinger you can handle it.

That makes sense. Didn't actually think about the fact that we're in the Multiplayer forum, I only play 1 v. 1. (don't h8)

Are you still playing this deck? If yes, how is it looking now?

It still looks like it would be stronger if Krenko and Purphoros switched places.

Purph gave way to Prossh.

Krenko is basically the same deck as Purph, but I liked the fact that my general was basically un-fuckable too much to go with Krenko.