Mizzix of the Izmagnus: Ride the Lightning
Commander / EDH
SCORE: 100 | 107 COMMENTS | 45297 VIEWS | IN 70 FOLDERS
Oath additions and other changes... —Jan. 24, 2016
So now that I've had a few chances to play the deck, I've decided to heed what others have said already - Inexorable Tide and Jace's Sanctum don't help the game plan much. Sure, I was able to amass a decent amount of experience counters when Inexorable Tide was on the table, but ultimately found that it really didn't matter as the sheer number of spells in the deck gave me more than enough. Jace's Sanctum also felt weak in that regard. The scry was alright I suppose, but the cost reduction was trivial and again, I'd rather see a spell in my hand instead.
So...What did I replace them with you ask? A couple of new funsies spells from OotG! Crush of Tentacles isn't the best board clear option out there (would definitely prefer instant speed but hey, that's what Leyline of Anticipation is for right?) but given the nature of the deck, the surge cost should be easy to hit and who doesn't love a bonus 8/8 octopus on a clear table in front of you? Continuing with the same logic on the surge mechanic, I suspect Fall of the Titans is going to win me a game or 2.
On to the creatures! I've decided to go with a 'wizards only' theme (wizard tribal, all 3 of them, heh) and removed Guttersnipe and Keranos, God of Storms in favour of Dualcaster Mage & Talrand, Sky Summoner. Guttersnipe is just way too fragile and Keranos, God of Storms falls into the realm of 'good stuff' and ultimately doesn't justify a spot in here. I threw around the idea of adding Jori En, Ruin Diver but had misread the card when she was first spoiled - I thought I drew a card for each spell beyond the first in a turn, but it's merely the second spell and that's it. Derp. I'd rather add an additional draw spell instead. Shame, because a) she's a wizard & b) that gorgeous full art promo. Oh well.
Lastly, you'll notice Snapcaster Mage in the maybeboard. The only reason he's not in the deck is because I don't own one. SOON. I'll need to figure out what to take out in order to make room for him when he arrives. So far the main replacement contender is Chaos Warp - Yes, it's good removal but I've got enough removal options already without giving an opponent the additional bonus of slapping their top-deck into play.
And that's that. So far I'm liking the deck. Playing hard control/combo is still pretty new to me, but I'm enjoying the change of style and pace.
beakedbard says... #2
Dualcaster Mage is always worth thinking about as well. Him and Rite of Replication are already something without all the other things he helps in your deck. I run him with Riptide Laboratory in mine (i do also have Archaeomancer) but those are both ones I'm just experimenting with where as Dualcaster is solid in this deck.
December 26, 2015 12:31 p.m.
That is a very sensible call regarding Inexorable Tide. The Command Zone guys said similar things about both cards (including Jace's Sanctum) - At first glance they look like incredible fits for Mizzix, but as you say they perhaps aren't doing enough to push toward victory, especially late game.
Talrand, Sky Summoner also seems like a wise replacement for Keranos - A fleet of chump blocking drakes may keep the aggro swarms at bay. I mainly kept Keranos in there for the instant/sorcery symmetry + he's been sitting in my binder for a quite a while and I've been itching for an excuse to slap him in a deck.
As for how it's working, I actually haven't had a chance to play it yet! I have most of the deck assembled but am still waiting on some key cards that I've ordered to arrive. That and my MTG crew is pretty busy with family holiday mayhem.
Thanks for stopping by MrHighscore, really good advice!
December 26, 2015 1:14 p.m.
Thanks beakedbard. I keep going back & forth on Dualcaster Mage but I really like your suggestion of pairing it with Riptide Laboratory. I may need to give that a shot! Riptide may also come in handy as defensive utility for Mizzix, even works with fragile Talrand if I end up throwing him in here too.
December 26, 2015 1:21 p.m.
If you can find room for a Lightning Bolt and Pyretic Ritual, it allows you to dig for Reiterate + Pyretic Ritual + Lighting bolt for a win condition with Firemind's Foresight
December 26, 2015 1:53 p.m.
I've been debating that combo Apezap. Given what this deck is trying to do, I should probably try to fit it in here. Thanks man.
December 26, 2015 2:36 p.m.
MrHighscore says... #8
@Romer I am strongly considering her for my Mizzix deck! She could be really strong.
Cheers!
December 30, 2015 7:06 p.m.
beakedbard says... #11
I was looking at her more towards Mizzix for TL. Not sure how well she fits in a general Mizzix deck I mean generally speaking if you don't have her by turn 3 you won't cast her at all. Not to mention is removed far too easily I think you are better sticking to inst/sorc draw spells. That full art is amazing though.
December 31, 2015 2:28 a.m.
Yeah, I hear what you're saying - Fragile and possibly too slow. I'll test her out to see how she fares.
January 1, 2016 1:53 p.m.
Goblin Electromancer, I don't know how that I'd in EDH, but paying one less for each instant and sorcery is pretty nice. It'd better if combo'd with Guttersnipe!
January 8, 2016 10:29 p.m.
He's definitely on theme Atony1400 - An Izzet goblin wizard...Perhaps the less successful younger brother of Mizzix, heh. I'm thinking of incorporating a very minor wizard sub-theme (only 3 or 4 wizards: Dualcaster Mage, Talrand, Sky Summoner, Snapcaster Mage & Jori En, Ruin Diver - I like the idea of potential Riptide Laboratory shenanigans with Dualcaster & Snappy) so perhaps this little freak will make the cut as well.
January 9, 2016 1:22 p.m.
Forkbeard, He's awesome in my deck How to CounterBurn, so he might be great here as well. Nivix Cyclops is great too!
MrHighscore says... #1
Looks like a pretty solid build! How is it working for you?
Necrotize gave me some good advice that I'll pass to you: Replace Inexorable Tide with something else - It is rather high CMC and it does not win you the game, it just pushes you even further along, assuming you are already ahead. If you are casting it the turn after your commander, you are just wasting a turn rather than building up significant experience or card advantage. I would replace it with a draw spell. Same can be said for Jace's Sanctum.
I also had Keranos, God of Storms in my inital lineup, but I replaced him with Talrand, Sky Summoner for some added defence, in case you need to buy some time.
Cheers
December 26, 2015 5:12 a.m.