Forging Suns Out of Skulls

Commander / EDH Phaetion

SCORE: 47 | 84 COMMENTS | 25739 VIEWS | IN 24 FOLDERS


Kaladesh Set Review (AKA The Shortest Review Ever) —Sept. 24, 2016

So...Kaladesh came out. For Kalemne, this set is MEGA disappointing. Here's why: The best options would've been vehicles. Oh, wait, they aren't creatures when they're cast, so you will not get an experience counter. There's only 3 cards worthwhile. So I'll merge this review with Conspiracy 2. So you get 2 reviews in this update. Let's start with Kaladesh.

Cataclysmic Gearhulk: Tragic Arrogance on a stick is pretty good if you can abuse it. However, it won't go in my version because with the Gearhulk, they choose what cards to sac, not you. That is important to note.

Combustible Gearhulk: The only card from the set that I'll consider adding. Either you draw 3 cards, or (since most of the deck has a high CMC cost) they take a ton of damage. They pick their poison. You get an experience counter and a 6/6 first striker for your trouble.

Fateful Showdown: This is good on a budget if you can't afford Wheel of Fortune. Just watch your hand size when you cast it. It's a risky card since its power level is based on your hand size and its quality. It's a tough card to judge, but if you can't afford the OG Wheel, then go for it.

Now, for Conspiracy 2:

Before I begin, I would like to mention that the Monarch mechanic is good but it can be a trap. Remember that your opponents will be gunning you harder now that you got a source of card draw and will want it as well (Aren't monarchs greedy bastards anyway?) If you can protect it, great. If not, there's other sources of card draw.

Protector of the Crown: This is good of you're on the Giant Tribal plan. Find a way to keep him alive, and you'll be the monarch for a long time.

Skyline Despot: Not bad. You become the monarch and, if you can retain the crown, you get dragons. Not as good, but not bad either.

EDIT: Next round of fixes. Long overdue, I know, but I'm focusing elsewhere while this deck collects dust while answering questions that define me as a player.

-Boros Guildgate: Got enough mana fixing anyway.

-Winding Canyons: This hardly did anything.

-Spitebellows: I'm sad to see this go, but Combustible Gearhulk outvalues it.

-Archangel Avacyn  Flip: This was about personal taste. I didn't like the idea of having 2 legendaries of the same name in here. That and double-faced cards in the 99 irk me.

-Knollspine Dragon: This card was one I thought about removing for a good while. You will not reliably get the trigger off this guy. You have more chances with Dragon Mage in this deck than you will with Knollspine.

-Angel's Grace: It only came up once, and there was nothing graceful about it. Too situational as well.

+Strip Mine and Wasteland: Some land destruction to take out those pesky mazes.

+Thalia's Lancers: Experience counter for Kalemne, and tutors for a legendary. There are at least 7 targets. Seems good.

+Sigarda's Aid: About (insert profanity here) time I added this thing.

+Tenza, Godo's Maul: I decided to up the equipment package count by one, and this was too good to pass up.

+Combustible Gearhulk: Again, draw 3 cards, or have a very dead opponent. Abusable effect, lots of high cmc cards, and a 6/6 body makes this a fine choice.

Only Champion's Helm remains. Any ideas? I'm thinking Whispersilk Cloak but I don't know.

Casey4321 says... #1

Any consideration of Aegis Angel ?

September 23, 2016 11:07 a.m.

Phaetion says... #2

Casey4321: Sure. Aegis Angel is a good card for budget decks. Here, though, there are other ways to shield Kalemne from harm. Darksteel Plate and Boros Charm give her indestructible. Bastion Protector buffs her and grants her indestructible. Also, if she gets expensive, either go the stompy route or use Command Beacon to get her back to your hand.

In an optimal list, Aegis Angel does not fare so well. The reason being is because she herself can be destroyed, and she takes up a slot where more powerful options exist. Protector is cheaper by half (literally), and does the same thing but better. But, again, if budget were a concern, I'd definitely use the Angel.

September 23, 2016 11:25 a.m.

Casey4321 says... #3

Right right cool.

September 23, 2016 3:07 p.m.