Phyrexian Unlife in Death's Shadow

Modern Deck Help forum

Posted on Jan. 16, 2018, 12:27 a.m. by LearnedHand

I am considering brewing Black White Death's Shadow with Phyrexian Unlife. I feel like unlife takes a little of the risk out of low life totals. My question is, why is Phyrexian Unlife not featured in more death shadow decks? Its obviously not vital to the deck but it seems to have enough synergy to be worth a few spots in the deck. Am I missing something?

Azdranax says... #2

Due to the popularity of Affinity, playing Phyrexian Unlife will allow Affinity to one-shot you even easier with Inkmoth Nexus and Cranial Plating or Arcbound Ravager. It's makes a very tough matchup even worse, thus severely hurting it's use in any main/sideboard slots in Death's Shadow decks.

January 16, 2018 1:38 a.m.

MollyMab says... #3

Its a spell that helps you not lose. It doesnt help you win. Compare to Ad Naeseum where it lets them draw their deck as part of a two card combo

January 16, 2018 2:14 a.m.

LearnedHand says... #4

Azdranax, at the point that Phyrexian Unlife's counters become relevant, in a regular shadow deck I would have already lost so I am not following. It may encourage Affinity to use the Inkmoth Plan sooner but it doesnt make it easier. I would also be more aware that Inkmoth would be a bigger threat and focus in my removal. I still see unlife buying extra time in that match up.

LeaPlath I can definitely get on board with this logic. It doesn't directly help win. But it does allow a Death's Shadow to reach its full potential. And even tier 1 and 2 decks run some form of solid defense (counterspells, removal, land disruption). I can see that it shouldn't be the highlight/focus of the deck but I still don't see why a 1 or 2 of wouldn't be helpful to a high risk deck.

January 16, 2018 10:06 a.m.

IlGuale says... #5

If you really want to try an unconventional DS build in Orzhov colours, you must play Orzhov Charm. It's jankyness at its finest, but its second and third abilities look good with DS.

January 16, 2018 10:11 a.m.

APPLE01DOJ says... #6

Unlife seems to be the flavor of the month. :/

January 16, 2018 10:34 a.m.

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