Elvés Accelerati (Mono-Green)

Legacy Solomon

SCORE: 157 | 165 COMMENTS | 43287 VIEWS | IN 84 FOLDERS


Outdated Excerpt —Sept. 9, 2011

Passage from Gaea's Cradle:

You can probably already figure out how Gaea's Cradle can work symbiotically with the following cards.


Gaea's Cradle + Riptide Replicator


If you also happen to have Priest of Titania, Elvish Archdruid, Heritage Druid, and/or Rofellos, Llanowar Emissary stocked up on this artifact, Riptide Replicator can become your swinging creature of doom. For the final touch, tack on Rhys the Redeemed and you'll have an army of death in no time!

Post-Revisions Update: Since the deck's third revision, the card Riptide Replicator has been moved to its backseat. However, I believe that it is still a competent alternative to consider when brainstorming for possible card changes. As such, this card will remain in the hidden, 'Acquireboard' section of the deck list. This paragraph of the description will still remain as an explanation of why I previously chose to include this card in past revisions of the deck.


Gaea's Cradle + Priest of Titania/Elvish Archdruid + Strength of the Tajuru


As a mighty reinforcement to the Priest of Titania/Elvish Archdruid + Strength of the Tajuru combo, Gaea's Cradle pays in full any kicker cost inherited from using Strength of the Tajuru, allowing you to use either Elvish Archdruid or Priest of Titania to pay directly into the number of '+1/+1' counters available for distribution. Furthermore, the combo would replicate the effect of a more permanent Coat of Arms, allowing you to take your Elves to the battlefield and win!

Solomon says... #1

Thanks for all of the thoughtful comments! I value greatly all of your suggestions.

Without further ado, an update!

9/2/2011-

I have changed opinions in designating certain pieces of the main deck as sub-optimal. These components will probably be the first choices when I consider a swap for cards from the sideboard, or when I contemplate card replacements in order to improve this deck. They now consist of: Elvish Guidance and Riptide Replicator . In light of both recent and further past comments (from Sam_I_Am and deathseraph, thanks for your input!) that have suggested the card as being on the slower side, I have considered replacing this card with a faster alternative. Since Riptide Replicator is one of the two endgame pieces that I have chosen to utilize in this deck (the other being a firmly anchored Strength of the Tajuru ), it is important for me to be absolutely certain of its disadvantages, and the superior benefits that other alternatives will offer, before I replace this card for good. Since I have designated the Maybeboard as a dedicated site for win-cons, it is likely that (when the decision comes) I will be replacing Riptide Replicator with a card from that list. Thus, it would help me in the most if there can be further suggestions as to what I can add to the Maybeboard list.

In the sideboard, there also exist several cards which seem (to me) like weak points, which appear neither to complement the deck's strategy nor prevent it from being compromised by other deck types. However, these cards have since changed a bit since the last time that I have updated the deck. They are now (as of 9/2/2011): Door of Destinies and the two Wellwisher s.

Continued Below

September 3, 2011 1:34 a.m.

Solomon says... #2

As such, I have replaced Elvish Guidance with Aluren . A more detailed reason for the replacement is as follows:

Aluren brings an Enormous level of creature and mana acceleration to the table. As the new substitute for Elvish Guidance , which was the then substitute for Earthcraft , I believe that the single non-creature, acceleration-dedicated card slot has finally found its winning candidate. In addition to freeing All creature cards of the deck from any casting cost, the 'Flash' attribute given by Aluren grants every one of your Elves a 'Pseudo-Haste' ability. Simply play your creatures during the end phase of your opponent's round, and you are free to attack him relentlessly (or activate tapping abilities) on your immediate turn. Whether insta-blocking in an emergency situation, setting a Power-Fest trap on your enemy using Joraga Warcaller , or simply clearing your hand of useful cards so that you can use Slate of Ancestry 's ability with a peace of mind, the acceleration card Aluren gives you an advantage unlike any other. Of course, these abilities are given to your opponent as well, but it is more than likely that you can make better use of its effects than the guy/gal sitting on the other side of the table. In any event, there's only one copy of the card on the decklist, and since you are the insightful, observant Magic player that your parents made you out to be, you will be able to assess the situation appropriately and make the right decision as to whether you should play the enchantment for its advantages or discard it for a better hand using Slate of Ancestry .

I have also replaced Door of Destinies with Emrakul, the Aeons Torn . Due to recommendations from mozerdozer, kxdow, and Sam_I_Am (thanks for your great suggestion!), I have concluded that this creature is likely the best 'mana-ramp' alternative to Riptide Replicator . Now listed on the sideboard, you can have the #1 alternative in your main deck whenever you please, until a popular, resolute consensus is (hopefully) established to kick out the original endgame component for good.

Meanwhile, I have carefully gone over every suggestion and piece of feedback.

Imperious Perfect (thanks, Sam_I_Am!) is definitely a far more competent spell than Riptide Replicator in terms of token-generating efficiency.

I have considered Eladamri, Lord of Leaves for quite awhile (thanks a lot for your feedback, deathseraph!), but I felt that due to the number of Elves that the deck plans on creating, 'Shroud' may be of lesser significance. I induced (my premise may be wrong, though!) that the card slots could be better used in fueling creature/mana acceleration, instead of protecting the Elves themselves.

Continued Below

September 3, 2011 1:36 a.m.

Solomon says... #5

Eldrazi Monument and card:Akroma's Memorial can indeed be better versions of Coat of Arms (thanks again for your awesome suggestion, deathseraph!), but I felt that those components can be much better used in fueling the advances of a non-tribal, large-creature beatdown deck, such as those I've seen featuring Beasts and Elementals. It is likely that I'm wrong, but I felt that Coat of Arms maybe slightly more appropriate than its two magnificent alternatives.

Oracle of Nectars (I seriously can't thank you enough for your great constructive input, deathseraph!!) is indeed an Extremely effective way of gaining life, especially since it complements perfectly with the mana acceleration properties of this deck. After considering it for quite awhile, however, I felt that the alternative listed under the current sideboard, Wellwisher , couldprobably be better suited for this purpose.

Copperhorn Scout (thanks yet again, deathseraph!) is one of the best one-drop elves I've seen, and I have seen it expertly used in Noraa's deck, Really.Fast.Elves. It may fit extremely well within the context of this deck, but I thought (again, I could very well be wrong!) that the deck's "one-mana quota" could be better used in fueling its mana acceleration capability. However, if in the future I feel that this creature may come better in handy, I will definitely not hesitate to put Copperhorn Scout in. Thanks for the great card recommendation, deathseraph!

Nissa Revane is an excellent card that is often a staple in many Elf decks. However, for some it is often a controversial add, since some players prefer a faster game approach (such as those deeply oriented around the rush Elfball combo), and criticize the Planeswalker as being on the slower side (where have I heard that before? haha :D). It is indeed an awesome card, and well worth the great amount of contemplation that I put into considering it. Many great decks come with their own title Planeswalkers, and I didn't think that this case should merit any exception. Its life-gain properties are exceptionally well-founded in the creature acceleration properties of this deck. However, I ultimately decided that, due to the 60-card limit, and the great likelihood of change in the deck's endgame strategies, it would be best to keep as many variables constant as possible, in order to accurately assess any improvements that may take place as a result of the strategic shift. Any proposed change that didn't seem absolutely necessary or overwhelmingly compelling I would probably resist, because it is incredibly important for me to find and designate the absolute best endgame strategy for this deck.

Continued Below

September 3, 2011 1:45 a.m.

Solomon says... #6

Of all the suggestions that I have seen so far, the best that I've read is regarding the addition of Timberwatch Elf /Immaculate Magistrate (thanks so much for your recommendation, Nighthawk86!) to the deck. I have definitely considered doing so before, but in light of the current uncertainty of the optimality of Riptide Replicator , Immaculate Magistrate seems like an excellent alternate endgame component, possessing the ability to tack on a ridiculous number of '+1/+1' counters on any attacking, unblocked Elf. As such, I have added the creature card to the Maybeboard. Thanks so much for your thoughtful suggestion, Nighthawk86!

Caller of the Claw , as generously suggested by Sam_I_Am (thanks so much!), is a staple, "safety" Elf card that I have seen on almost every Elf deck in existence. It truly protects the player well from the mow-down effects of Wrath of God and card:Akroma's Vengeance. As Jagged-Scar Archers and Windstorm protect the deck against flying, Caller of the Claw serves the player well against the worst effects of notorious Control. I really can't believe I hadn't thought of the idea before. Since I listed Wellwisher as a previous weak point in the Sideboard, I decided to replace the card with the critical component, Caller of the Claw . Thanks so much for your insightful comment, Sam_I_Am!

Lastly, I fully understand that this deck idea may be a disappointment for those who are hardcore oriented around the effectiveness of the Elfball combo. Believe me, I have given that strategy an extraordinary amount of thought. I've researched tournament history, analyzed through the top ten decklists of PT Berlin, and went through a lot of trouble to figure out what works, and what doesn't work, in a combo so awe-inspiring as the Elfball one. I have come to realize that it is impossible to implement or incorporate this strategy into the listed deck here without completely compromising its current vision. I indeed understand the effectiveness and potential of an Elfball deck, and encourage all of you who wish to better your ideas for such a type by re-visiting the decklists (although I'm quite sure that you've examined them at least a million times) at the tournament info sites: here or here. I'll continue try everything I can to make this deck as best as it can be according to its current (or similar) vision. Thanks everyone in the meantime for your valuable support and suggestions!--

I will continue update this deck periodically (weekly or biweekly) until I feel that it has reached its maximum potential. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

September 3, 2011 1:47 a.m.

theemptyquiver says... #7

This deck page needs professional bindings in a hardcover.

It may look nice on my coffee table.

Seriously? Your deck page makes the rest of look like lazy low-lifes.It's so organized.

September 3, 2011 5:38 a.m.

deathseraph says... #8

I just thought about this, how about some Seeker of Skybreak s to untap massive mana producers like Elvish Archdruid and Priest of Titania

September 3, 2011 8:57 a.m.

theemptyquiver says... #9

....pssh. Built wrong?

How can anyone say a deck is "built wrong"?

There is no "right" way to build any deck, as the creator of the deck is ultimately responsible for playing it, thus the way it is built must solely be right for them.

Saying a deck is "built wrong" just seems so out of place and unnecessary.

It's magic snobbiness I guess.

September 3, 2011 2:01 p.m.

Sam_I_am says... #10

Lol Hipster

September 3, 2011 2:05 p.m.

locustPLAGUE says... #11

no one has mentioned Mentor of the Meek ?

September 4, 2011 1:30 a.m.

probably because this is currently mono-green.

September 4, 2011 5:32 a.m.

mozerdozer says... #13

To the people who doubt Glimpse of Nature - There is a very good reason it was banned in Modern. It can get turn 3 wins very consistently. Even with 20 lands and 40 creatures, which is a proper elf deck, it can get 20 or more creatures out on turn 2.

September 4, 2011 10:33 a.m.

Sam_I_am says... #14

I just playested your deck a couple times.

I am always disappointed to see Oran-Rief, the Vastwood in my hand, since it comes into play tapped, and you can't use it for mana until the next turn, and if you dropped it on turn 1, it seems like a lost turn.

also, Wirewood Lodge was worth much as a mana source since it wasn't the kind of mana source that I wanted. It don't drop your Llanowar Elves or Heritage Druid . you should REPLACE Wirewood Lodge with Quirion Ranger , which is an elf drop, and an untapper.

Let me explain to you a trick that comes up often enough to note.

Turn 1: Forest into Llanowar Elves or Fyndhorn Elves

turn 2: tap Forest to play Quirion Ranger , float 1 with Llanowar Elves , return Forest to your hand to untap Llanowar Elves , replay Forest , and you now have 2 elves, 3 mana, and 5 cards in your hand to spend it on.

Wirewood Lodge doesn't achieve these tricks, and it's not an elf creature either

Aluren came up surprisingly often(3 out of 4 times) , but was often quite underwhelming. The most utility I got out of it was to drop 2 cards that would have cost me 4 mana anyways.(emptying my hand)

It also doesn't kick Joraga Warcaller

September 4, 2011 12:07 p.m.

i love hove much people love to tell you that you are wrong.

i guess some people are a little bit TOO serious about their elves.

they probably think they ARE elves.

that makes sense. you gotta protect your own kind.

September 4, 2011 1:55 p.m.

Sam_I_am says... #16

Yeah, What's wrong with these people giving all this "feedback" on the effectiveness of design decisions.

Maybe we should all be yes-men and just say that everything is perfect.

September 4, 2011 2:27 p.m.

gbjfrtswym says... #17

Hunting Triad is a great card. Similar to mine... And mines been doing really well in my group... Elf Proto

September 4, 2011 3:24 p.m.

Its ok.

I'm just pointing out that he isn't conforming to some preconceived notion of exactly how other legacy decks are.

Maybe he just wants his deck to play a bit different. Not every elf deck has to be exactly the same. He obviously has looked into the net decks and chose to go a slightly different direction.

I think advice is fine, but it should be constructive towards the deck builders goals. Not simply telling him he is doing it wrong because 2000 other uncreative deck builders online said differently.

I take inspiration from other decks all the time, but I always add in cards I enjoy playing because I genuinely find it fun to play, which may make me slightly less competitive but it keeps me interested and it also keeps me creativity flowing. Copying a net deck and some cut and paste method is a good way to atrophy the brain mechanic.

September 4, 2011 3:25 p.m.

ramen44 says... #19

A good Standard deck that is mono green elves, that I personally have played against is Kaento's Screw it, I'm going Elves deck. Take a look at it.

September 5, 2011 7:31 p.m.

stu516 says... #20

Not bad. +1

September 6, 2011 5:17 p.m.

Solomon says... #21

Hey everyone!

Thanks very much for all of the thoughtful comments! Really, I appreciate ALL pieces of constructive advice and feedback that you guys have to offer.

A quick response to the recent discussion. I will follow up with an update soon this week.

As locustPLAGUE has kindly mentioned, Mentor of the Meek (thanks for the great suggestion!) indeed helps greatly to facilitate the acceleration properties of the deck, by providing a constantly replenishing supply of cards to the player. Unfortunately, however, since deck is aimed toward a mono-green approach, I cannot make as much use out of this card as I would like to.

Deathseraph has provided a very interesting foresight into the alternative acceleration potentials of this deck. The use of Seeker of Skybreak (thanks for the great recommendation!) to precipitate mana, and possibly even creature acceleration, is an extremely potent idea. The card indeed works symbiotically with the mechanism of the deck. However, it is regrettable that the card is a two-drop. Since the creature quota is currently filled, I would have to either forgo an Elvish Archdruid /Priest of Titania itself, or otherwise replace a one-drop with the Seeker of Skybreak . In light of the current mana curve, I am not quite sure as to how this may affect the deck's mechanism and speed, and so for now I think I'm going to delay that replacement until I've given it further consideration. Meanwhile, thanks for another great suggestion, deathseraph!

Sam_I_Am has alerted me to the potentially encumbering effects of Oran-Rief, the Vastwood . I can't believe that I have overlooked that potential weak point for the past week, and now that I see where it may come from, I agree with this point of view. I think I might have to replace a copy of that land with a more effective alternate. Currently, I'm still considering as to what that component can be, but thanks very much for raising the alarm, Sam_I_Am!

I have considered very seriously the possibility of replacing Wirewood Lodge with a combination of one-drop creatures that achieve the same (or better) effect. The utilization of Quirion Ranger and a mana-producing Elf together presents an interesting strategy for early game. However, since the combo requires to use of two creatures, one being an available, mana-producing Elf, the mechanism may be slightly more difficult to pull off. Additionally, the combo would set back the production of a Forest that round, which would probably hinder the mana acceleration slightly. When repeated, there is a possibility that the effects of impeded landfall may further pronounce this issue. However, I greatly appreciate this suggestion from Sam_I_Am, and this recommendation definitely deserves more consideration.

Continued Below

September 7, 2011 8:41 p.m.

Solomon says... #22

I've carefully examined the decklists linked in both gbjfrtswym and ramen44's comments, looking for any new ideas that I have overlooked and can incorporate into the deck. The lists were excellent and very well put together in my opinion, and two cards stuck out distinctly in my mind: Primordial Hydra and Voice of the Woods .

The former presents an extremely powerful endgame option. As an 'X-mana' creature, the creature can be powered up to an indefinite amount of strength and toughness. Its potential of doubling in size every upkeep allows it to become twice as strong on the turn that it first attacks (second). Lastly, Primordial Hydra 's Trample renders the creature a dangerous force to be reckoned with. When given ten or more '+1/+1' counters, the Hydra has the potential to finish off your opponent on the next turn! As such, I will probably add this creature onto the maybeboard this week, since it can definitely become a potent endgame component.

The latter card, Voice of the Woods , is an excellent strategy for catalyzing creature acceleration. However, since the creature is a five-drop, the replacement may upset the speed and function of the deck a little bit. This option, in the meantime, deserves further consideration.

I have not yet addressed every suggestion made available since my last post. I will respond to all of them in the next update, expected soon this week. Meanwhile, please keep in mind that I am not trying to present an opinion as to the direction anyone should take when assembling a similar or related deck. I am only trying to expand my research and knowledge in this matter, and to add what I either know or can educationally guess to the forum of information propelled by this discussion.

Thanks for all of your valuable advice and feedback! As I am still relatively new to Magic the Gathering, I would very much appreciate any further suggestions and/or constructive criticism that you may have to offer.

September 7, 2011 8:42 p.m.