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Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks

Modern Casual GW (Selesnya) Midrange Ramp Theme/Gimmick Tribal

emarg0ed

Land (22)

Planeswalker (1)

Creature (22)

Sorcery (1)

Enchantment (5)

Artifact (4)

Instant (5)

Sideboard

Instant (7)

Enchantment (3)

Sorcery (4)

Maybeboard

Instant (20)

Artifact (4)

Creature (11)

Sorcery (7)

Enchantment (8)

Land (7)

A few months ago I got the bright idea to build a somewhat serious deck around one of my favorite tribes - Elk! I've always loved the artwork on these cards, so when this idea somehow made it into my brain (let's be honest, I was probably drunk) and wouldn't go away, I decided to give this build a shot.

I know I'm not the first person to build a tribal deck around elk creatures, but I've taken it a step further: the deck has been built around a combination of elk creatures and historical elements from the Elks Lodge fraternal order. This means that all of the cards are a combination of elk creatures, spells and lands with elk artwork, and spells that can be a direct representation of elements of Elks Lodge initiations, ceremonies, and lore.

I've spent an embarrassing amount of time working on the deck, acquiring and testing various cards, etc. I feel that the deck is mostly complete and currently is at a 1.0 version of the build, so it's time to share my creation with all of you.

As you proceed to read through the hows and whys of the deck, please hit play on the video below and be serenaded by the sweet, soothing sounds of elk in their natural habitat.

As I began working on the deck, I gave myself a few rules to adhere to:

  • All creatures must be elk or have a correlation to the Elks Lodge theme.
  • Avoid horned creatures that merely look similar to elk; for example: some beasts, antelope, gnarrs, archons, or even the feared Jackalope Herd!
  • Any card with elk in the artwork will be considered.
  • Try to include spells that can be tied directly to the lore and history of the Elks Lodge.
  • The deck has to be Modern legal.
  • Stay on theme but also create a fun, somewhat competitive deck.
  • No. Fucking. Centaurs.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, otherwise known as the Elks Lodge or simply The Elks, is one of the largest fraternal orders in the United States. The elk is a peaceful animal, but will rise in defense of its own (Talisman of Unity) in the face of a threat. The majestic creature is fleet of foot and keen of perception. Belief in a Supreme Being or God (Nylea, God of the Hunt) is a prerequisite for membership.

The Elks adopted several fraternal traditions mimicking (Metallic Mimic) the Freemasons. An initiation altar (Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx) is found in the center of every Lodge throughout Elkdom. The initiation of new members involves the altar with a Bible placed upon it, Old Glory (Vanquisher's Banner) placed to the right of the altar, with a chaplain leading the brethren in prayers and psalms (Sigil Blessing, Serra's Blessing). Deceased (Rest in Peace) and otherwise absent lodge members are toasted each evening when the clock (Lifecrafter's Bestiary) strikes 11 p.m., in a ceremony known as the Hour of Recollection.

An Exalted Ruler (Noble Hierarch) governs each Elks Lodge. A Tiler (Vivien Reid) guards the entrance (Door of Destinies) of every Lodge, preventing all outsiders from entering a Lodge without proving themselves to be an Elk in good standing.

The Elks National Memorial consists of a large rotunda displaying murals and statues illustrating the Elks' four cardinal virtues of charity, justice, brotherly love, and fidelity. Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx bears a striking physical resemblance to the actual Elks National Memorial. Nyx is also known as the home of the gods and celestial versions of earthly creatures suck as elk.

As stated before, The Elks theme was the main driving force behind card selection. I started with elk creatures or spells with elk artwork exclusively, then spent time researching the Elks Lodge and their history to tie in additional spells. In the breakdown below, I'll do my best to point out when things are present solely to stay on theme, when things are on-theme and actually decent cards, or when I'm cheating.

Creatures

All of the creatures are on theme with The Elks. The creatures are either an elk, have a tie-in with the Elks Lodge, or are shapeshifters (they're elk too, shut it).

  • Golden Hind - elk creature is on theme, helps with ramp. Wish it cost less so it would basically be an elk version of Llanowar Elves.
  • Dawntreader Elk - on theme elk creature, and works well as a cheat fetch land in a pinch.
  • Great Sable Stag - this is quickly becoming my favorite creature in the deck - it can't be countered, and the extra protection is a bonus.
  • Somberwald Stag - another mid to large size elk I'm testing out; the built-in Prey Upon effect is nice. We'll see if this one stays.
  • Stampeding Elk Herd - on theme, and great in the late game to push damage through.
  • Avian Changeling - look, it's a flying elk!
  • Voice of Resurgence - a great elk-shaped elemental creature, has the potential to create lots of annoying tokens.
  • Shalai, Voice of Plenty - testing out pulling Shalai from the sideboard into the main deck for the time being. The extra counter help will be great, as well as that whole hexproof thing.
  • Metallic Mimic - a fantastic shapeshifter card (metal elk?), and those counters really add up.
  • Noble Hierarch - on theme to represent the Exalted Ruler (see what I did there?) of the Elks Lodge. And just an amazing card that is crucial to this deck. If I were a smarter man I'd probably be taking advantage of the splash this gives me. Someday this deck will have four copies of this card.
  • Nylea, God of the Hunt - on theme to represent the Supreme Being all Elks must signify their belief in. Excellent finisher as well.

Spells

  • Settle the Wreckage - not on theme at all, I just felt that I needed a sweeper in the deck.
  • Sigil Blessing - on theme regarding Elks Lodge lore. I just need to get an alter made of the card to replace the rhino with an elk.
  • Rebuff the Wicked - a counter?!?!?!!??!? Yes, please!
  • Path to Exile - great removal.
  • Vivien Reid - Vivien is the Tiler who guards the Door of Destinies that members use to enter the Lodge. I'm really liking how these abilities interact with the rest of my deck and sideboard.
  • Song of Freyalise - currently testing this card out, can help with ramp then push everything through to finish the game. Adding counters/interactions with other spells is extra spice.
  • Descendants' Path - this card is a beast, helps me get free creatures onto the battlefield. Also, I'm going to say that the girl is holding a baby elk in the artwork.
  • Seal Away - not on theme, I just think this card kills it in every game.
  • Serra's Blessing - elk artwork, on theme, vigilance.
  • Idyllic Tutor - tutor to help me get specific enchantments into my hand.
  • Talisman of Unity - on theme (Elk, Unite!) and helps deal with mana issues.
  • Vanquisher's Banner - represents the crazy obsession the Elks have with the American flag. Fantastic for tribal decks like this as well.
  • Primeval Bounty - high cost enchantment, but it does so so much. Also, elk artwork for the win.
  • Door of Destinies - the door is the entrance to the Elks Lodge. Also helps pump up all of my creatures because of the tribal nature of the deck.
  • Lifecrafter's Bestiary - I think this looks like a pocketwatch, which would signal the Hour of Recollection each night at the Elks Lodge. Great to get extra card draw every time I play a creature.

Lands

Sideboard

The sideboard is currently in a constant state of flux; once I settle on the cards I'll add more explanation here.

Like I said at the beginning of this write-up, the deck is at an early iteration so there is definitely room for improvement. I would love to hear feedback and suggestions from the community on ways to make it better. I'm sure there are cards out there that are on theme and would work better than others I currently have in the deck; and are the colors I typically play with the least, so I'm sure I've missed a few things.

With that said, a few specific things I'm looking for feedback on are:

  • I know I need to add two more Noble Hierarch. Unless the Elks Lodge sponsors me because of this build, it'll be awhile until I can afford to add those extra copies.
  • Take advantage of Noble Hierarch splash of ? Maybe for a sideboard surprise or two.
  • Better removal main and sideboard.
  • Tutors to help get my artifacts and enchantments out.

Building a deck with such unique and weird restrictions has been quite the learning experience, and I'm honestly really surprised with how well it has turned out.

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Top Ranked
  • Achieved #38 position overall 6 years ago
Date added 6 years
Last updated 6 years
Legality

This deck is Modern legal.
Rarity (main - side)

4 - 1 Mythic Rares

29 - 4 Rares

8 - 5 Uncommons

10 - 4 Commons
Cards 60
Avg. CMC 2.76
Tokens Beast 3/3 G, Elemental */* GW, Emblem Vivien Reid
Folders A Very Cool Modern Folder, Fun casual ideas, Wishlist, Modern, yes, Hooded hydra
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Revision 25 See all

(6 years ago)

+3 Aether Vial maybe
+1 Chameleon Colossus maybe
+4 Chord of Calling maybe
+3 Collected Company maybe
+1 Eternal Witness maybe
+1 Gaddock Teeg maybe
+1 Knight of Autumn maybe
+1 Lead the Stampede maybe
+1 Pendelhaven maybe
+1 Phyrexian Revoker maybe
+1 Tarmogoyf maybe
+1 Tireless Tracker maybe
+1 Unclaimed Territory maybe