What is the proper way to utilize Sensei's DT in this deck. I also run it in my version but im never too happy to see it.

@Lechero21

One-shot protection spells compare poorly to Mother and Giver.

@Ilnez

I'd say my group is fairly average. People play what they want while not resorting to combo, stax, or anything else that's miserable.

I don't focus nor care on how this deck plays against anything of cEDH power level.

@fellgamer

Sensei's Divining Top is essentially a 3-card hand extension. Not sure how you could be disappointed in having access to three extra cards.

There's no "proper way" to use it. It provides a substantial advantage just by existing.

C19 Spoiler - Sevinne's Reclamation

Interesting...

If your drawing enough hate then it’s well worth it.

voltron always grabs the hate of the board especially after the first kill

fellgamer
Play Sensei's Divining Top .
Just play and leave it there.

If you need an answer and don't have that in hand, look at the top three cards and if you find one, "spin the top" to get that answer to your hand
If you don't find the answer, just leave the best draw on top of your library

In the case of a whole turn without needing an answer, just look at the three cards just before your turn to get the best draw (or if you're out of mana do it in your upkeep)

Also if someone targets your Top with anything without Split Second you just tap it to save it, it is funny

Cliffside Rescuer

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Cliffside Rescuer

Creature - Kor Soldier

Vigilance

, Sacrifice Cliffside Rescuer: Target permanent you control gains protection from each opponent until end of turn. (It can't be blocked, targeted, dealt damage, or enchanted by anything controlled by those players.)

Another protector.

A decent body that does not only protect Balan , but also makes it completely unblockable when activated during your own turn. I like it, but I would not consider replacing something like Mother of Runes .

Anyone think that maxing out on all four protectors is a good idea?

I just feel like anytime I'll play my commander it will get countered in a 4 man commander game

Lechero21 voltron is a blue meta has to be wise when to cast his commander. you want to have them either be fully tap or by making sure there is another threat on the table you can sneak in your commander suit up and k.o someone. i personally prefer to run cavern of souls however its a pricey land but it gets the job done. balan on floor and ready to suit up into their very own nightmare if i have all the pieces out and ready for grab.

Lechero21
I second sinister1234 and I would also add that you have tools to try and avoid counterspells

In this deck Nensou runs Grand Abolisher and Conqueror's Flail , these cards won't let they respond in your turn

Scout's Warning , Emergence Zone , Winding Canyons and the like will let you play your commander with Flash, so you may time it right on a moment no one has enought mana to counter it (of course there will be the occasional Pact of Force of Will but we have to live with that)

What would you say is the biggest weakness of this deck? I have a buddy playing something similar and wondering how I can beat it, lol.

Wicker The deck is pretty weak to edicts, countermagic, fast combo, damage prevention ( Constant Mists ) and good anti-artifact stax like Kataki, War's Wage

@Wicker

This deck's win condition is entirely centered around Equipment. Keep Equipment off the board and the deck struggles.

Anything more specific or any good builds you can point me towards? So far I have:

Bane of Progress Merciless Eviction Austere Command Cyclonic Rift Kataki, War's Wage Aura Shards Cleansing Nova Aura of Silence Nullmage Shepherd

I feel like Null Rod and Stony Silence wouldn't be great because of Balan's effects.

But there has to be even more right?

@Wicker

Any GW/x deck should be sufficient. Perhaps a Trostani Discordant token build to support Aura Shards and Nullmage Shepherd?

• End Hostilities destroys attached Equipment.
• Freyalise, Llanowar's Fury can shoot down an Equipment every other turn.
• Return to Dust, Sylvan Reclamation, and Krosan Grip are strong spot removal spells.

There's only so many artifact removal options you can put in a deck. The above and what you already mentioned should be more than plenty for whatever you decide to put together.

NensouHiebara

Thank you so much for the recommendations! Any reason why you wouldn't run Rhys the Redeemed over Trostani Discordant?

@Wicker

Trostani Discordant popped in my head first. A more recently printed card is much easier (and cheaper) to acquire. But if you want to use Rhys the Redeemed instead, go for it.

I noticed in the change log you are planning on switching Single Combat for Winds of Abandon , what's your logic?

Personally, I think instead of Switching out Single Combat , switch out Wrath of God instead. Single Combat is one of the best boardwipes for the Voltron Strategy, while Wrath of God is cheaper, it doesn't synergise with the deck as well as Single Combat .

@MrJelly

I see Winds of Abandon as an upgrade over Single Combat.

• It doesn't leave any opposing creature behind.
• It doesn't remove any of my creatures.
• It has the option of being a single target killspell.

I'm holding onto Wrath of God as a cut for another sweeper like Cleansing Nova.

NensouHiebara would it be better to take out Cataclysmic Gearhulk instead of single combat then? because gearhulk does half the eff and can potentially take himself out if you already got balan suited up? or is it that you keep it for the enchantment and artifact hate it gives?

@sinister1234

Cataclysmic Gearhulk is one of the better sweepers in this deck.

Potentially take itself out? That's what I expect. It's a sweeper that can be used repeatedly with my artifact and creature recursion.

Are you considering the new pre con brawl commander Syr Gwyn replace Balan? I’m assuming no because Balan can more easily kill people but just wondering

@Fablab

I have no intention of adding other colours to this deck. I greatly enjoy the simplicity of mono-coloured.