Have you ever seen a world fall to its knees? Have you ever faced a foe with power so immeasurable, that for whatever their purpose, it has nothing to do with something as insignificant as you? Zendikar lays in ruins. The corpses of its people are strung out, the survivors beaten to helplessness. The Eldrazi not only consumed a world, but a force of life.
It's time to strike back. It's time to take a stand. Zendikar is strong. We stand together, allies, in a world torn apart. It's time to set our differences apart and be strong; because if we don't, we too will fall. It all comes down to us. Rogues, outcasts. Striking by night, in the dark. You won't see us coming. You won't hear the sounds of your armies crumbling, or feel the trembling of your cities falling. Not until it's too late. It's time, my friends. It's time for the anguish we feel to be let out. It's for retribution.
Welcome to the Anguished Retribution (B/W Ally Lifedrain!) I needed a deck for Standard Showdown, so I decided to go with my comfort zone, because I adore Orzhov Lifetampering decks.
The key point out this deck is simple: hit your enemy while making sure his damage doesn't hurt. This happens via my powerful extorting allies: Bloodbond Vampire // Drana, Liberator of Malakir // Drana's Emissary // Kalastria Healer // and finally, Zulaport Cutthroat. These guys are all potent friends, with winning being a common interest. In the words of Lucio, let's break it down.
COMBATANTS:
Bloodbond Vampire
- A very easily built up attacker/blocker that ramps itself.
Drana, Liberator of Malakir- A very powerful Ally. When paired with
Captain's Claws
, creates a 2/2 attacker that triggers Rally and fortifies the rest of the creatures.
LIFEDRAINERS
Drana's Emissary
- Pretty straightforward drain. They don't really notice the small ticks in their health until they need that health back, which is after they're dead. evil laugh
Kalastria Healer
- The bread and butter. Combined with Drana, Liberator of Malakir +
Captain's Claws
or Gideon, Ally of Zendikar = a bad situation for your enemy.
Zulaport Cutthroat- "So you want to get rid of my creature? Sure, I'll allow it, as long as you give me recompense." Perfection.
Okay, so we've got the creatures down, let's inspect the rest of the deck:
Removal
Stasis Snare- Specifically for creatures that don't need to attack or block to hurt me. Get the hell out of here.
Anguished Unmaking- Planeswalkers? Vehicles? I don't mind paying a bit of life to hurt you. Get the hell out of here.
Blessed Alliance- You think you're so cool, swinging your Noxious Gearhulk or Metalwork Colossus at me? Well, kill it and I think that I'll gain some life(: Get the hell out of here.
Grasp of Darkness- Get the hell out of here.
Factories
Retreat to Emeria- Everytime I play a land, I get a chump blocker and a Rally activator? Yes please.
Oath of Gideon- Two Allies and an extra loyalty counter. Loyalty is a good thing.
Captain's Claws
- Attacking only makes us stronger.
Gideon, Ally of Zendikar- A very key player. Produces Ally's as a trigger or can swing in for 5, or can anthem.
And, if all comes to worse, a massive rez via March from the Tombs is an entirely plausible situation. Especially with a Healer or two on the field.
I very much hope you enjoy my deck! PLEASE leave advice, as I very clearly need it. Very excited for Standard Showdown, and I hope that, with your help, I can pull myself a Masterworks! Thanks guys!
