Derevi Creature Combo
Commander / EDH
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Trimming the Fat —Feb. 1, 2024
More cards on the chopping block. After sorting all the cards by intended function, I noticed a couple areas of bloat and a couple other areas lacking. The intention of this update is to streamline the deck a bit better and there's been a ton of sets released from last time I played in tournaments back in 2014 or 2015 through now. First up - 13 counter spells is a bit on the high end when the intention for them is to protect the mainline and/or stopping someone from ending the game. Dropping the mana leak-esque cards seems to be an easy decision given the fact that cards like Permission Denied and Fierce Guardianship now exist. Memory Lapse also just allows someone to re-cast the card they were trying to, but a turn later; so even if I successfully memory lapse someone's win-con, they'll just try again the next turn. I know that means a lot in a pod of 4 players, but ultimately I'd rather fully counter the spell. There's also just simply too many counter spells I think, so I'm going to bring it down to 11 to see how things go. Turning attention towards removal, there just seems like not enough options, or at least faster options - looking at you Beast Within. In a format dominated by fast mana, the need for equally fast removals and counters is all too real. Krosan Grip will remain for now as the only slower removal spell simply because split second I find to be too good to not abuse if possible, especially for the mid-late game. However, later on down the road I'd be willing to consider swapping it out for an alternative should the need arise. Next, with the addition of Yisan, the Wanderer Bard and Prime Speaker Vannifar, I believe re-adding Green Sun's Zenith is very warranted as a way to get those two onto the field easier than Chord of Calling. And then the newer card Finale of Devastation fits a deck like this like a glove for its tutoring while also filling the role of a win-con after going infinite. I want to experiment with using Messenger Falcons instead of Mulldrifter because it's 1 CMC less, making it easier to pod into using Derevi. And finally, it's a bittersweet realization, but I do believe I've finally come to the bridge where I decide to cut Sakura-Tribe Elder for something. I find myself kind of sad-facing anytime I draw sakura-tribe elder instead of just a land or even a tutor. I'm only ever happy to see it in my opening hand, and even then I'd be happier with a mana rock or dork that I could play right away. And it's a slot I can really experiment with at this time. I can simply add another pod-effect via Neoform/Eldritch Evolution or I could add more protection for my turn with Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar/Tidal Barracuda/Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir/Silence - the creatures being good pod targets and silence being a real cheap "this is my win-turn" card.
Mana Leak -> Permission Denied (net 0 CMC)
Miscalculation -> Natural State (-1 CMC)
Memory Lapse -> Finale of Devastation (net 0 CMC)
Beast Within -> Green Sun's Zenith (-2 CMC)
Sakura-Tribe Elder -> Intruder Alarm (+1 CMC)
Mulldrifter -> Messenger Falcons (-1 CMC)