I started Magic in the Hardened Scales era and I am happy to say that I am back in my element (Mana Pun). With Aether Revolt spoiled and the set about to drop, the sneaky snake Winding Constrictor is basically a 2 drop hardened scales. With Durable Handicraft on board, its easy to pump creatures. Here is the breakdown:
1 drops: Fatal Push, I mean come on...yes. Early game removal that can be sideboarded out is awesome when you need a little extra time to build your strength. With clues and Evolving Wilds leaving the battlefield too, that can really help later game with Fatal Push. Blossoming Defense Is a really nice buff and protection from removal.
2 drops: The main component of the deck Winding Constrictor, Like I said before, a 2 drop Hardened Scales. Heroic Intervention really helps by giving everything on my board indestructible AND hexproof. Servant of the Conduit Helps early game mana fixing and helps give another color to cast
Woodland Wanderer
.
3 drops: Now Rishkar, Peema Renegade is my go to for the mana stuffs later in the game. by having a counter on EVERYTHING, he really fits nice AND he gives me 2 +1/+1 on top of that so he fits nicely.
Tireless Tracker
is a powerhouse for card draw AND counters. He buffs himself, gives me card draw, and triggers revolt all in one creature. Its no wonder why he is so expensive right now. Drana, Liberator of Malikir is in for her main buffing ability. She also has flying which is nice as most of my creatures don't.
4 drops: Armorcraft Judge is strictly card draw. I thought about running Rare Artifact instead but I needed more creatures so any help on that would be nice.
Woodland Wanderer
is a nice addition with Vigilance and trample. He enters as a minimum 4/4 with chances to get bigger with Winding Constrictor, Aether Hub, and Servant of the Conduit. I dont see many other people running him which makes me think he isnt all thats cracked up to be but personally I like him.
5 drop: Verdurous Gearhulk you know why..
Sideboard
Grasp of Darkness- Just in case I need more removal and less protection. Also a replacement for Fatal Push in case creatures CMC are higher than i thought in 2nd and 3rd games.
Heroic Intervention- Board protection in case of 1st or 2nd game board wipes, playset available to run.
Lost Legacy- Saheeli Rai and Felidar Guardian combo is a thing and this helps get around that.
Natural State- Some help with choosing this over
Natural Obsolescence
would be nice. Either risk running into something bigger than 3 CMC or risk running a 2 drop that gives them their card back if they shuffle and stuff. IDK...
Ob Nixilis Reignited- Card draw, Creature detruction. Thats really it. Not sure if he fits but I like him
Prey Upon- For those pesky fliers. My creatures should be big enough to fight and win. If i find that my shop meta requires a different method, it will be replaced with other means.
Any tweaks to further make this deck awesome would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
