Braids is one of my favorites to play. You can check out my list for ideas: Big Bottoms - Braids EDH A couple of the budget, non-eldrazi options you should consider: Arena, AEtherplasm, Nullstone Gargoyle, Reef Worm, Sphinx of Magosi, Arcane Laboratory and the phasing package of Vodalian Illusionist, Teferi's Veil and Vanishing.

Beautiful! Thanks so much!

A couple of those were already in my Maybe list but that Nullstone Gargoyle is exactly the type of creature I hadn't heard of but was looking for. <3

Fun-looking deck!

Some suggestions of creatures with high converted mana costs: Great Whale (not budget, but amazing for this deck), Jokulmorder, Mage-Ring Responder, Goliath Sphinx, Beast of Burden, Quicksilver Dragon, Icefall Regent, and Rishadan Brigand.

Some suggestions of cards that work nicely with the high converted mana costs of cards in this deck: Puca's Mischief (not budget, but could be a lot of fun), Energy Tap, Ratchet Bomb, Dispersal Shield, Dragon Wings, Hedron Matrix, Ugin's Insight, and Psychic Battle.

As usual, excellent suggestions DaringApprentice! Thanks so much. I genuinely appreciate your insight and willingness to comment and share. I have no doubt your input will improve my decks' efficiency and power while remaining purchasable.

No problem, I enjoy seeing interesting designs like this one and searching Gatherer for cards I didn't know about before!

DaringApprentice mentioned Energy Tap, and stole my thunder!

I'd probably try to get something like Unstable Obelisk in here, in order to ramp and shore up mono-blue's removal deficiencies.

Chromeshell Crab is a fun bait-and-switch sea creature.

Otherwise, I think you have all your bases covered. Another great deck you have here!

I want to add Empress Galina so bad. I'm splurging on a Cyclonic Rift so her $3.50 price tag isn't so bad. And she acts like a siren!! It's too perfect

scumbling1, I was thinking about perhaps obtaining a Lux Cannon for removal too. I have the Spine of Ish Sah and Argentum Armor in, along with Cyclonic Rift I thought that would be adequate. I own a Boomerang that I think I should re-add. I have a lot of blue counterspells and the like in my physical collection and was going to hone and polish my sorceries and instants tonight.

Perhaps a Capsize?

I like the idea of sending things back to owner hands since that is where Braids pulls (and it's usually cheaper). Having to force someone to use their freebie each round on something they already put out seems like a good way to build tempo and advantage.

Okay, crunch time. I put in all the cards I actually own and took out what I thought I could but I'm still 12 over. I think I'll sleep on it and try again tomorrow.

No, not cutting cards! I have to stop building at 99, rather than take things out later. I get more sleep at night, that way.

Capsize is amazing, though your group may hate you out upon casting... I guess it depends upon how oppressive it gets. This deck may be innocuous enough to make it work, though.

I don't think Lux Cannon works well without some sort of Proliferate-type theme. Otherwise, it's too slow.

Perhaps you have enough removal; I know I tend to err on the side of too much in my decks. I suggested the Obelisk as it was nearly a 'free' slot, doubling as ramp.

Haha I totally glossed over the fact that it is also a mana ramp! I might try to squeeze it in