Help Choosing 'Group Slug' Commander
Commander Deck Help forum
Posted on Aug. 22, 2016, 4:06 p.m. by Grimaldii
Hey folks!,
I think my next project is going to be a group slug/fake group hug/hurt everyone equally/table cop type deck, so I'm looking for a little advice on a fun general to run!
My aim is to slip under the radar by appearing to be typical group hug, but with secret win-cons
So far I have;
Phelddagrif - Archetypal group hug commander, might run it with mill or a voltron theme
Xira Arien - Really want to make her work. Was thinking lots of Howling Mine effects then closing with Gaze of Adamaro and Runeflare Trap etc (I love her, but it may just be a less effective Nekusar, the Mindrazer? Or a good option as less obviously harmful?)
General Jarkeld - Really left field one here, but white control utilising the ancient banding mechanic to control combat / Angus Mackenzie with a similar turbofog theme
No real experience with group slug, but Edric, Spymaster of Trest seems ideal for your purposes.
August 22, 2016 4:18 p.m.
Shane.Allen says... #4
Edric draws way too much hate, if you play you're just going to get hated off the table. I'd go with Phelddagrif because hippos are cute, or Angus Mackenzie because you can't go wrong with a proven deck like his.
August 22, 2016 4:42 p.m.
Heliod, God of the Sun + Skybind has been my friend's wincon for his group slug deck. He just runs the normal White tax/hatebears cards: Thalia, Heretic Cathar, Iona, Shield of Emeria, Tangle Wire, and the like.
August 22, 2016 4:51 p.m.
Shane.Allen says... #7
This is true, the one guy that comes to my playgroup plays the purple hippo and it's a sort of control build so it's versatile.
August 22, 2016 5:17 p.m.
Ooft the Heliod, God of the Sun builds I looked at look downright evil, I like it! And you wouldn't expect those themes either.
Mono white aswell would help complete my themes of a mono deck for every colour. So far I have a Nemata, Grove Guardian sporeling list and a Mistform Ultimus aggro list!
August 22, 2016 6:44 p.m.
Oh what I forgot was the combo is Heliod, God of the Sun + Skybind + Serra's Sanctum. Literally helps each out so much. Then there are always cards like Illusionist's Bracers and Deserted Temple/Sword of Feast and Famine
August 22, 2016 8:37 p.m.
Nightdragon779 says... #10
Selvala, Explorer Returned? She seems like group hug but she can provide quite a bit of ramp.
August 22, 2016 9:04 p.m.
I recommend running Phelddagrif with an Enchanted Evening/Aura Thief package and call it, "The Hippo Giveth and the Hippo Taketh Away".
August 23, 2016 7:09 a.m.
MasterofMirrodin says... #12
With Enchanted Evening, you could also run Ajani's Chosen, which draws the game unless you have a sac outlet.
August 23, 2016 10:41 a.m.
hyperlocke says... #14
Personally, I don't think "slipping under the radar" is a good game plan. Sure, it may work a few times, but your playgroup should catch on pretty fast and target you too, even if you aren't the greatest threat at the table.
I'd say go all in and build an obvious group slug/stax deck. You might be a prime target, but you also have the tools to handle the pressure. Shattergang Brothers, Mogis, God of Slaughter, Sheoldred, Whispering One, Nath of the Gilt-Leaf, Nekusar, the Mindrazer etc. pp.
MasterofMirrodin says... #2
I was working on a fake group hug deck as well. The plan was to tutor out everyone's basics with cards like New Frontiers and draw everybody cards with Howling Mine effects, then play a Mind Grind for 15 or so to win.
I would play Phelddagrif over Xira Arien, because Phelddagrif's draw ability can be used multiple times per turn. The problem with General Jarkeld is mono-white is very limiting.
August 22, 2016 4:16 p.m.