Optimator says... #1

I think switching Library of Leng for a Thought Vessel might be an upgrade. I could keep the former in my side board for black and Dimir decks.

July 28, 2016 6:13 p.m.

suneater says... #2

I've been looking to build a Group Hug deck that isn't Kruphix, God of Horizons or Phelddagrif. I have most of these cards sitting around so I'm going to throw together something similar and see how it goes. Thanks for the inspiration!

August 11, 2016 7:53 p.m.

Optimator says... #3

My pleasure!! Thank you for the up-vote!!

August 11, 2016 9:03 p.m.

Athraithe says... #4

suneater There is another commander you could use, Edric, Spymaster of Trest. Hes a sort of huggy guy, as he incites people attacking anyone BUT you and drawing

August 11, 2016 9:39 p.m.

suneater says... #5

Athraithe He's definitely good for Group Hug but I am trying to avoid him since he's already pretty popular, I don't like playing with or against him, and he's banned in one of my groups. Thanks for the tip though

August 11, 2016 11:33 p.m.

Hipparchos says... #6

Can't wait to see more updates. :) What are your future changes; do you have any ideas yet?

August 23, 2016 10:02 a.m.

Optimator says... #7

Thran Dynamo, Caged Sun, Void Winnower, Rhystic Study (already own one now!), Darksteel Colossus, Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx, Winding Canyons, Vedalken Orrery, Capsize, Duplicant, Psychosis Crawler, Gilded Lotus, Thought Vessel are all very very likely to go in once I upgrade. The deck needs much more ramp in order to function smoothly I believe. Getting Braids out just before my turn would help immensely too. I feel that if Braids is shut down my deck is neutered since my average CMC is a whopping 5. The deck needs to run on its own without Braids--her group-hug aspect is rarely seen as beneficial, it seems. Blue isn't the best color for ramp but at least it's a mono-colored deck. Also, being able to raw-cast my fatties along with a free one will help a lot with board-presence, which is an issue. A lot of times I finally get a bomb out and it's removed promptly.

Perhaps a Sword of the Animist as well. Gauntlet of Power is perfect but a bit expensive. Same with Doubling Cube, although that one is much more affordable. Might splurge on one. Might also throw in a Mind Stone and a Hedron Archive. On the fence about Sapphire Medallion.

Walk the Aeons and Time Warp would be good but they're so pricey. Might be worth it if I want this deck to be casually competitive. I do love my Braids, Conjurer Adept!

Phyrexian Metamorph is on the short list of upgrades but perhaps not the next big wave (see what I did there?). Same with Akroma's Memorial and Platinum Emperion

Also, might by a foil Braids for good measure.

The hard part is the cuts, obviously. I love my creature base but with my card-draw I could use a few less. That will require lots of balancing, I'm sure.

August 23, 2016 2:12 p.m.