HIDE The stony, scarred face of a brooding warrior glared down at the cluster of small bodies that surrounded a great battle elephant. Abzan, by the banners draped over the deceased creature's sides. Its sides were littered with small gashes and punctures wounds, like a perverse pin cushion. A collection of goblins and humans clothed in the red, black, and white of the Mardu Horde lay in collapsed heaps on the ground, either bashed to death by the trunk of the warbeast, skewered by its tusks, or crushed underfoot. All horrible ways to die.
As she drew closer, she noticed that one of the small creatures was still breathing. Its chest heaved and shuddered, each breath a labour. Alesha crossed the sands to kneel by the goblin. Turning to face Alesha, the little goblin croaked, "Master... Did... Did we win?" Its hair was matted with blood, its eyes dim but hopeful. Her hard gaze softened for a moment. "Yes, little one, you did. Together, you and your horde mates slew the beast." The goblin weakly croaked its contentment.
But its eyes dimmed even further, the breaths came slower and less erratic. "Grokk does not hurt now..." A slight pang of sadness reached Alesha. She had been fighting for as long as her memory would serve her, but it always struck a morose chord within her when a comrade died or was wounded in combat. Death and life were such fundamental aspects of war; the victors lived, the defeated died. That is how it always was with the Mardu. It was one of the few laws they followed. To accept war as an inevitable part of existence was paramount within the Mardu. And Alesha knew this better than anyone else in the Horde. She met Death with a handshake. She greeted Life with a smile. But it was War she embraced lovingly. It was War who made her heart race, her wits sharpen, and made her feel truly alive.
But this creature had met War and lost. Now he was to meet Death for the first time. Alesha scooped the little creature into her arms as it drew its final breaths. Warm blood covered her hands, but she did not flinch. "Rest easy, little one, for it shall be short." Alesha was not a beautiful woman. Quite the opposite. Her features were sharp and harsh; a scowling mouth than seemed to hang downwards permanently, a multitude of scars covered her face, some old and faded, others new and fresh. Her eyes were dark and serious, a keen eye that would expose any potential weakness without mercy. But... That would change.
As the goblin's heart beat for the last time, Alesha closed its eyes with the tips of her fingers, the corners of her mouth turning upward. This little goblin fought with all his might to bring down an enemy far stronger than himself. He fought without fear and made the ultimate sacrifice for the Horde. He had heart. And he would not go unremembered by his mates. Alesha smiled.
But this was not a simple smile; it burned with a warm light than pierced the veil of Death, illuminating the afterlife. She looked to Death and gave him a small nod. This one was worthy. Death shouldered his scythe and turned the little goblin away from the underworld and pushed him towards Life, who stood smiling behind Alesha. Both Alesha and Life reached out to the goblin, offering him another chance. The goblin made a dash for the realm of living. He reached Alesha and took her hand. His wounds were healed. His eyes fluttered open. "Grokk... Is alive?" Alesha stood, brushing the sand from her knees. "Yes, you are alive, warrior. We have so much to accomplish still." War stood beside her, chuckling. Offering his hand to the reborn warrior, he spoke in a low, rumbling tone, "We still have so much blood to spill."
HIDE As far as mechanics go, Tiny Leaders decks are usually fairly straightforward, this deck included. Synergies are very possible, though. Let's break down the colour usage:
- Red is used mostly for creatures spells. Lots of fast, inexpensive creatures to deal small amounts of quick damage.
Some staples include:
- Black is used for removal, powerful creatures, and sacrifice effects. In Magic, sacrificing a creature usually provides benefits for you at the cost of your creature. But what if I told you that you can have your cake and eat it too?
Removal staples:
Badass Black Creatures:
Athreos, God of Passage - What a card. A fantastic addition for this deck. Oh hey, I just wiped the board. Wanna pay a shit ton of life or have my entire field returned to the battlefield, hungry for more? Rock, meet Hard Place.
Vampire Nighthawk: Three mana for a 2/3 with flying and deathtouch? Much deadly, so value, very dark. Wow.
Bloodflow Connoisseur
: A wonderful sac-engine who gets stronger with each morsel. A lady of fine taste, don't you agree?
Onyx Mage
: And YOU get deathtouch and YOU get deathtouch... EVERYONE gets deathtouch!
- White serves as a support and removal function within this deck.
Removal Staples
Path to Exile: Staple.
Immortal Servitude
: A great card. 6 mana to return every creature in my graveyard to the battlefield is just fantastic. Partnered with Hammer of Purphoros, this can be a deadly combo.
Spirit Bonds: A token generator and a great way to protect my creatures. Providing a Spirit token that can be sacked to make another creature indestructible is great against most removal.
Control
For an agrressive deck, this deck has some control elements in it. After all, to win a battle, you must control your opponents. Here are a few cards to keep an eye out for:
Crawlspace: In a format that focuses on tons of small creatures, this artifact is a beast, especially against commanders like Ezuri, Renegade Leader or Grenzo, Dungeon Warden. Choose your best tokens, brah.
Hissing Miasma
: This is a gem. You're attacking with all those tokens? Are you sure that's a good idea? A political piece and dangerous if left unattended.
Circle of Flame
: A passable uncommon for the most part, but in Tiny Leaders, this card really shines. Dealing damage to my opponent's attacking creatures is fantastic. It softens them up for my creatures to finish them off. Another political card that screams "You shouldn't attack me..."
