Swarmyard Control

Modern

DonaldF

Land (25)

• 1x Arena
• 4x Blooming Marsh
• 4x Forest
• 4x Overgrown Tomb
• 4x Swamp
• 4x Swarmyard
• 4x Vesuva

Creature (19)

• 4x Hornet Nest
• 4x Pack Rat
• 3x Rancid Rats
• 4x Ruin Rat
• 4x Typhoid Rats

Instant (4)

• 4x Abrupt Decay

Sorcery (10)

• 2x Inquisition of Kozilek
• 4x Sylvan Scrying
• 4x Thoughtseize

Artifact (2)

• 2x Expedition Map

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There's not a lot a lands in Modern that have so much power, they become a threat in of themselves. One of the few exceptions I'd argue would be Swarmyard - essentially protects a creature for 1 mana, but only among a narrow tribe of creatures with less than stellar support. However, the sizzling potential of immortal critters has given the card a high price point despite its niche audience.

My take on Swarmyard is to go all-in on the plan - fetch as many as possible with the help of Sylvan Scrying/Expedition Map, and make further copies once they enter the battlefield with Vesuva. Deathtouch rats and Hornet Nest serve as the physical wall that prevents even a large amount of creatures from attacking, while Pack Rat is the finisher. Abrupt Decay + typical discard spells will hopefully take care of the noncreature and aggro threats thrown at us. A singular, spicy Arena is included to be tutored for the long game - its a terrible mana producer, but for 5 mana (including Arena's opportunity cost), a deathtoucher, and a Swarmyard, the opponent can be forced to sacrifice a creature each turn. Especially strong with Hornet Nest too.

Would love any suggestions to improve this deck. Not meant to be tier, but to be unique and fun. Should Ravenous Rats join the party? What about Marrow Gnawer as a finisher, or other alternatives? Is the Support Package strong enough, or too much? Help the rats represent.

Date added	7 years
Last updated	7 years
Legality	This deck is Modern legal.
Rarity (main - side)	4 - 0 Mythic Rares 29 - 0 Rares 6 - 0 Uncommons 13 - 0 Commons
Cards	60
Avg. CMC	1.77
Tokens	Copy Clone, Insect 1/1 G w/ Flying, Deathtouch