My second mardu version of death shadow (first was mardu burn, check my profile if interested).
About the deck:
Gideon of the Trials and Phyrexian Unlife are there so that even if we kill ourselves or the opponent kills us we still live and death's shadow can be a full 1 mana 13/13, plus Gideon of the Trials is a really good beat stick; Deflecting Palm just in case we are about to die + it's good against burn which is why there's 2 in the side
Bitterblossom, Dark Confidant,
Pain's Reward
which combos well with Phyrexian Unlife and Gideon of the Trials are all there to lower our life total while reaping benefits so we can cast Death's Shadow;
Dross Harvester
serves the same purpose in the side while also being a 4/4 pro white for 3 that gains 2 life whenever a creature dies but has you lose 4 at your upkeep
things like Boros Charm and discard spells like Inquisition of Kozilek have a duel purpose of either burning your opponent, saving your death's shadow or screwing up your opponent's hand; same with side board card
Orzhov Charm
.
Lingering Souls is side boarded for decks weak to small creatures (pairs well with Bitterblossom for 1/1 flying onslaught) and Anguished Unmaking is for big creature decks, although it could be replaced with Path to Exile but I prefer the flexibility and life loss. Finally Nihil Spellbomb is in for graveyard decks
Obviously the side board and mana base is flexible to whatever you prefer; maybe board is just stuff I was thinking about using but wasn't good enough, best card there that would maybe replace
Pain's Reward
is
Spoils of the Vault
EDIT: Replaced
Pain's Reward
with
Spoils of the Vault
Also note, with Phyrexian Unlife affects that cause you to lose life do not add infect counters so essentially
Spoils of the Vault
, Bitterblossom and Dark Confidant have no draw backs
EDIT: Added Apostle's Blessing 2 main and 2 side to protect Death's Shadow
IMPORTANT: WHEN YOU'RE LIFE TOTAL IS NEGATIVE, DEATH'S SHADOW'S POWER AND TOUGHNESS DOES GO OVER 13!!!
