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This deck is a variant of Explorer Pod. A deck that I loved to see in action. However, I wanted to try something diferent with the interactions of , specifically, Cloudshift.

Let's start with some combos that the deck can offer, and I'll explain the choice of the cards next. So, here are some nice combos that the deck can do:

Cloudshift + Eternal Witness

Cloudshift + Shriekmaw

Eternal Witness + Recurring Nightmare

Eternal Witness + Swords to Plowshares

These are just some of the combos that the deck has to offer. As for the card choices, I divide into 2 topics, creatures and non creatures.

The creatures chosen have mainly ETB effects, and the decks tends to use and abuse those effects, using Birthing Pod and Cloudshift.

Birds of Paradise - this one doesn't have an ETB effect, but running a 4 color deck can be a problem, even with a good mana base. So this card has 2 purposes, being the first a fixer and secondly a ramper. The deck can have a slow start, and dropping one of this little fliers can help a lot gain advantage early on. Normally, without the birs, the deck takes it's course, between turn 3 to 5, with these, he can start at turn 2 to 4.
Here I had some troubles deciding which card to choose. There is Baleful Strix, but I followed a path where I could control the top of my deck.

Augury Owl - I don't find this a perfect 2 drop, but for now seems a good choice. This litte bird can fix the top 3 cards of my deck, beign the start up of Birthing Pod sequence.

Eternal Witness - Here is one of the all stars of the deck, being that the reason I run a playset. This creature has some great synergies, with Strip Mine, Cloudshift, Abrupt Decay, Swords to Plowshares, almost every card. It's a good target for Recurring Nightmare and Sun Titan.
Linvala, Keeper of Silence - Although this card doesn't have an ETB effect, it's a strong presence in the board, stopping creatures like Arcbound Ravager, Mother of Runes, etc. Plus, it has a nice body with evasion.

Nekrataal - It comes with a Terror attatched and can have his abilitty abused with Cloudshift. I preffer this card over Murderous Redcap, since the 2 damage are not be enough sometimes.

Acidic Slime - It's a very good creature against heavy artifact/enchantmens decks, and can even control the lands on the field, like some Tolarian Academy. Also, if played at instant speed with Birthing Pod, can do a surprise defense and take out a creature with it's deathtouch ability.

Shriekmaw - I really like this creature and it fits perfectly in this deck, being that the reason why I run 2. It serves as the chain for pod, but he's great value seats in he's evoke ability. Play with the evoke and then Cloudshift him and you can destroy 2 creatures and get a free body.Or, play the evoke cost and then use Pod, you get to destroy a creature and get a 6 drop for only 3 mana. I can't get enough of this card and it's one of the best creatures in the deck.

Thragtusk - A best friend of Cloudshift, or every blink effect. A good body, a good ETB effect (believe me, the life gain is very good here), and a effect if he leaves the field (notice that he doesn't need to die). A good powerhouse and put's a good pressure in the field.

Sun Titan - the top seat is taken by this guy. Normally, the version of Explorer Pod uses Grave Titan, but I prefer the recurring ability of Sun Titan, since with him I can get back my Eternal Witness, which comes with a variety of tricks. Augury Owl to organize my top deck, or even a Strip Mine.

Abrupt Decay - it's a very powerfull card and a staple in G/B. It allows the removal of creatures, as well as another permanent like Liliana of the Veil. Plus, it can't be countered.

Birthing Pod - this is one of the reasons the deck exists. It's a very good card that creates the chain of creatures that we want. It also has the advantage of having phyrexian mana, which really flexs the mana base.

Brainstorm - Besides Ancestral Recal I believe this is the best cantrip available. Combine it with a fetche or Birthing Pod and you can change your top deck. Buy 3 cards, put 2 that you don't need on the top, and then shuffle with the previous cards mentioned.

Cloudshift - the deck tries to take the maximum power with the ETB effects, and one way to abuse these is with blink. You can even put a Shriekmaw permantly in the game with he's evoke cost and this card. (Pst...you just destroyed 2 creatures of your opponent).

Eladamri's Call - it serves as fixes, not mainly to start the chain, but to get a creature that you need ASAP, like Eternal Witness or Shriekmaw. The deck runs few creatures, so there are times when you'll be starving to have one. This is where this card comes in and it lets you choose the one that you need.

Recurring Nightmare - this is an impressive card, but since it's mana hunger I only run 2. It's used in the late game, but when it comes is massive. It's a trigger for ETB effects, can bring big guys to the fiels, it helps with spot removal. And it's always recurring.

Sensei's Divining Top - An impressive artifact that makes a huge impact when in play. It's very good to organize the top deck, and it prevents you from drawing big creatures that you don't want at the moment.

Swords to Plowshares - A very good removal that can keep coming back with the help of Eternal Witness.

As for the mana base, there are 3x Wastelands to disrupt your opponents play. Also, these lands can be re-used with Eternal Witness, making a very frustrating game to your opponents.

I hope you liked the deck and there is always room for improvement. Feel free to give any advice and suggestion.

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Date added 8 years
Last updated 8 years
Key combos
Legality

This deck is not Legacy legal.

Rarity (main - side)

1 - 0 Mythic Rares

38 - 0 Rares

14 - 0 Uncommons

7 - 0 Commons

Cards 60
Avg. CMC 2.33
Tokens Beast 3/3 G
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