Archangels, Sovereigns, & Gnarlids... Oh, my~!
I love this deck. I originally drafted this deck at Anime Boston, and it has evolved to match the pace of some my friends' favorite decks. It is my go-to for casual play. Not my best deck, per say. It is just simple and fun to play! ^^
I would appreciate any input. I am aware that there are many new enchantment cards in the more recent sets. I will have to look into those. I am also considering incorporating better land-fixing/mana acceleration cards. e.g: replacing the Treva's Ruins and Vivid lands for alternatives.
The theme of the deck is simple. Since I drafted Sovereigns of Lost Alara, Finest Hour, Sigiled Paladin, and Qasali Pridemage, I decided to build an Exalted creature deck. I tried to incorporate cards that gave the most desirable effects for low cost. It was that simple.
I have since focused on adding creatures & enchantments that allow the deck to be able to swing over (flying), through (trample), or right past (unblockable) the opponent's defenses. On occasion, creatures are even able to deliver a one-two punch (double strike), go back for a second attack (via Finest Hour), or both!
The idea of the deck is to put down a couple creatures. Ideally, one of them would be an Aura Gnarlid. Next, use aura cards to make them more threatening. I really like the synergy between Aura Gnarlid & Ethereal Armor.
Also useful are Rancor (you knew that), Steel of the Godhead and Shield of the Oversoul. Between these three cards, you are looking at the ability to impart: added toughness, trample, lifelink, unblockable, indestructible, or flying to your creature. The only drawback to the Shield and Steel are that they give effects based on color. Depending on the colors of the creatures on your board, you may not be able to use them to full effect. However, when you are searching up auras with the Sovereigns of Lost Alara, you can pick and choose based on what you have on the field.
When you have enough mana (with help from Fertile Ground / Sunscape Familiar) and you manage to draw them, it is time to play the more threatening cards. Namely, the Sublime Archangel or the Sovereigns of Lost Alara (which can be searched for with one of the Fierce Empaths).
Example win situations:
There are a couple ways this deck tends to go off.
(Disclaimer: These things do not always pan out. Remember, your opponents are trying to kill you. They don't want to be killed, and may be holding the answers to whatever threat you can play.)
Ideal situation 1:
Aura Gnarlid on the field, with means to get damage through to the opponent. Some ways this is achieved is by giving it flying &/or trample, but that is only necessary if it's own effect doesn't make it unblockable. If possible, make it indestructible with Shield of the Oversoul.
Judging the situation (considering your opponents card/mana/deck theme), you tactfully play Sovereigns of Lost Alara and swing for the fences with the Gnarlid alone. This triggers Sovereigns ability, allowing you to search your deck for a Eldrazi Conscription, giving the Gnarlid +10/+10, trample, and Annihilator 2 (in addition to the extra +1/+1 the Gnarlid gets for the aura being on the field).
Another option would be to use the Conscription on a Champion of Lambholt, making sure that your opponent(s) cannot block your creatures. It is particularly fun to surprise opponents with this late game in a multiplayer match. Be advised, though, that if you cannot muster the force to kill everybody, you have just painted a HUGE target on yourself.
Ideal situation 2:
There are an array of creatures on your side of the battlefield. Perhaps you and your opponent have been evenly matched, and have not been attacking one another... biding your time. At least one of your creatures can get damage through to your opponent. Then, you draw a Sublime Archangel. Lucky you. Now you can swing for massive Exalted beats. If double strike is thrown into the equation (via Fabled Hero or Silverblade Paladin), the damage gets ridiculous.
Lastly, I'd like to point out the synergy between Finest Hour & either the Sovereigns of Lost Alara or the Sublime Archangel. Rather, I am referring to the way it takes advantage of the Sovereign's effect and the way it works with Exalted in general.
With the Sovereigns, Finest hour allows you to search up two auras from your deck an attach them to creatures you control, provided you attack alone on both combat phases.
As for the Archangel (or any instance of exalted), the creature will receive the exalted bonuses on both combat phases. This is because the exalted bonus triggers when the creature attacks alone and lasts until the end of your turn. Again, this is only if it attacks alone during both combat phases.
Thanks for taking the time to checkout my deck. I realize that by not hyperfocusing on just one thing (e.g: Exalted) it can water down the effectiveness of said effect. I could change out a lot of cards to take the deck in one of any directions. However the mechanics in the deck work reasonably well together, and make for a fun game. I will likely change out a few cards, and look forward to any suggestions.
