HUGE UPDATE POST 1/9/17 BANNINGS
Puresteel Paladin is my favorite card and this deck is super fun and super silly, but is also extremely scary.
This is my deck that everyone likes to call...
STEEL RAIN
IGNORE THE SIDEBOARD, its always been mostly irrelevant. I'm still working on it.
Key Cards
Puresteel Paladin
Puresteel Paladin is GOD. This is essential for this deck to function at all. Mulligan until you get one (or Sram) or you will likely lose. If you are not familiar with this card I will explain its function. First, the draw trigger only applies to equipment ENTERING THE BATTLEFIELD not casting. NOTE: Always make sure to equip him with the high toughness stuff to avoid burn removal.
Sram, Senior Edificer
Sram, Senior Edificer is the brand new addition to this deck that will hopefully push the deck into play-ability. His ability triggers ON CASTING, just like his predecessor Riddlesmith.This guy escentially makes this deck play 8 true draw engines.
Equipment
The other equipment are pretty self-explanatory. Except for Paradise Mantle which is used to generate mana on creatures that do not have summoning sickness. So this works with a turn 1 Ornithopter play land equip for 2 mana turn two. Also, remember that the mantle just turns a creature into a Birds of Paradise so once that creature is tapped he can no longer be used with Paradise Mantle. NOTE: When using Retract the Ornithopters will be returned so they cannot tap for mana again. Proper management of creatures is actually a very important skill when piloting this deck.
Da Mox
Mox Opal is another very important card in the deck. This card is a main piece of the Steel Rain combo, because it is reusable mana for Retract. Tap the Mox Opal to add blue to then cast Retract returning the Mox Opal then replay everything. This card is also responsible for turn 1 Puresteel Paladin.
Da Spells
Grapeshot this is the win condition (in 99% of my games). Don't be afraid to cast the Grapeshot for 10 if you fail the combo, every bit of damage counts. Also, using it to wipe the enemy's board of Snapcaster Mages and
Vendillion Clique
s is fine too.
Retract is the another key card in the combo. As I mentioned above in the Mox Opal section, Retract can be cast for free with the Mox, and you should always try to do this. Try not to Tap you lands until you need them.
Paradoxical Outcome is another new addition to this deck. it is seeing some play in janky standard decks, so you might have already heard of the potential this card brings to the deck. it is important to remember this is also an instant that can save your Puresteel Paladin and Sram, Senior Edificer from any removal. The mana cost is quite high for this deck so this is more of an experimental addition.
Metallic Rebuke
is an interesting addition for this strategy. I think improvise is a pretty cool mechanic and it shines in decks like this. The purpose of this inclusion is to just stave off your opponents attempts to disrupt you or kill you lol. 1 mana mana leak is pretty good.
Strats
As for general strategy, I always like to think ahead when trying to combo off. Even if I do not have a Grapeshot in hand I make sure to leave 2 mana open to cast it (either land or creatures for Paradise Mantle).
I did not create this idea, but I believe my version is an upgrade. Also, I have put so much time and effort into improving this deck that I can now call this deck list my own.
