General:So this is a deck I am working on for a friend that is just a beginner in the world of mtg and in need of a fairly decent standard deck. After looking at cards and playing a few matches with a substitute deck, I've noticed these could possibly be the best areas for her as a player:- Batallion- Bloodrush- Lifelink- First Strike- Double Strike- Extort
So far I've taken all the cards I currently own to create a deck that revolves around these concepts that she likes and I've added the element of enchantments in as well. This deck is still in its prototype stage and any input would be appreciated. I haven't described why I've used the cards that are featured in the deck at this point but I will explain other possible card that can be used and why I think they would work. It might lead the deck in the right direction.
I also want to add a discard card feature just to annoy opponents - or even a sacrifice effect that would render all hexproof creatures useless as well. I don't have any card at the moment with those capabilities but I am looking to get them at some point.
-Maybe Cards:
a. Assemble the Legion: This to me is a really great card for so many reasons - it is an enchantment (so with Ethereal Armor it could keep on stacking, plus these little token soldiers are ideal to use for batallion or even a defense line). The problem is the manna cost. I'm making this deck for a friend that just loves low manna cost cards and this is just on the line of yes or no.
b. Ethereal Armor: Personally, I like this card. If some creature are removed from this deck and more enchantments introduced as I plan to, then all the stacking power can give way to some massive hits. Add a Boros Charm to a creature that is now a 7/7 and has first strike to give it double strike? I can't imagine how anybody would be happy with that.
c. Legions Initiative:This could be on the acquire list as well but it is a rather highly priced card so I would rather be sure it is a good fit than to just throw it in for fun. Why would I even bother adding 4 of these? Besides the fact that most of the creatures in this deck used for attacking is both red and white (so they will get both boosts), it is also a very useful card in the case of a board wipe trying to get rid of the forces on the field. Just sacrifice and exile everything and boom - they come back again. It is great for offensive and defense strategies in any game.
d. Fencing Ace:This is just the perfect creature to use stacks and amps on. Two manna for a 1/1 double strike means it can be paired with Ethereal Armor armor to make one beast of a creature.
e. Martial Law:This is like a budget version of blind obedience and I'm not sure if it would be a good fit for the deck. Maybe, maybe not. It could be fun.
f. Tajic, Blade of the Legion:This is also on the maybe list because I'm not sure how much my friend wants battallion to be a part of this deck. Yet it is still a pretty powerful creature and even if not used - it is a useful distraction to make your opponents waste spells on.
g. Pyrewild Shaman: There's already two creatures that provide bloodrush in this deck and this card might be a good replacement for any of those - once it is used it can come back to your hand. Ideal for some mid-game amp when you need it.
h. Fiendslayer Paladin: When I first showed my friend all the cards in the current standard sets, this was the one that she liked the most. It would work well in this deck, I'm just not sure if it would be perfect. Considering what they price for, I've certainly put it on the maybe side.
i. Drainpipe Vermin: This is one of those really annoying cards in the current game - for one extra manna an opponent has to discard a card. It is the perfect way to cut down your opponents resources.
-To Be Acquired:
a. Boros Charm: Why a boros charm? Who wouldn't want an instant that can burn, make a creature indestructible or give it double strike? I would love to use it for the purpose of double strike but it is such a multi-purpose card that I feel it would complement the deck nicely. Just for one extra white or black manna you can even extort on it with some additions to the deck.
b. Blind Obedience: This is a card that is both in the maybe and acquire list. It can slow another deck down while giving the option to extort some more - why not leave the other guy without defenses when you have haste? It could leave a nasty mark early and mid-game.
