Andramalech says... #2
sergiodelrio thanks for the feedback on the list!
- from my play tests, I have found that the Deserted Temple is able to guarantee me +1 Mana when I walk out the steps. I understand it isn't a huge advantage, but it's just enough to give me some gas for one more Chromatic Sphere, etc. and that could be all the difference in when I'm getting my permanents to the field.
I.e.; if I cast a Labyrinth/Maze on one, and a Deserted Temple on turn two, I can still cast my Glaring Fleshraker on turn two.
Since a big portion of my deck is getting cast for zero, I decided to prioritize having that "and one more" mentality, it has panned out well in my testing.
Thanks for your commentary! I look forward to hearing from you further.
June 24, 2024 8:24 a.m.
sergiodelrio says... #3
That's exactly my point tho... any land other than Deserted Temple would provide you with 3 mana total from all land sources on turn 2 as well (*if you play a tap2 land on T1)...
- T1, play Ugin's Labyrinth or Eldrazi Temple
- T2, play Deserted Temple, tap Lab for ... now, if you spend to activate Deserted Temple and untap Ugin's Labyrinth (to tap it again for 2 mana) you end up with in the mana pool, which is nice, but any other land would just naturally tap for that third mana anyway, if you start your T1 with Labyrinth... Deserted Temple is almost a basic Wastes in most cases unless you have a bunch of mana and a Urza's Saga on II.
I guess what I'm saying is you could look for replacements of Deserted Temple which add maybe utility or sth else without actually sacrificing anything important here imho. Maybe even go with a split: 1x Gemstone Caverns 2x Cavern of Souls 1x Blast Zone you have many great options actually ... Inventors' Fair, Mutavault.
Sorry if I'm being annoying, that's not my intention, I just feel you're overselling the role of Deserted Temple in this particular deck imho, which I still think is very nice no matter if you keep deserted temple or not.
Cheers!
June 24, 2024 9:04 a.m. Edited.
Andramalech says... #4
sergiodelrio you're not annoying at all, please don't interpret yourself as such. I find it really insightful that you were able to provide so many great alternatives to the Deserted Temple. It is modern and that has taken away my ability to use something like Ancient Tomb, but truthfully I think the Cavern of Souls would be most effective. Please let me know if you're gonna draft up a list! I would be intrigued to see it!
June 24, 2024 9:16 a.m.
Andramalech says... #5
sergiodelrio I kinda need your input now that B&R has made Mox Opal relevant again. Can i get away with using Deserted Temple here a bit more effectively or do I need to use a different land? I'm trying to get the most out of this mana-base, for sure. Right now I am using Zhalfirin Void as a reputable utility spot and a placeholder. NoobNoob275, feel free to chime in as this is the list I'm most likely bringing when we reprise Modern duels at the table.
sergiodelrio says... #1
+1 this looks really nice indeed.
The only thing I feel conflicted about is Deserted Temple... I mean maybe my math is off, but since untapping another land costs AND tap itself that's a net 0 on the Labyrinth no matter where the mana comes from, no? I can see Urza's Saga untaps with it, maybe, but not sure if it checks out for your gameplan. Any results from playtesting?
Anyway, nice brew regardless!
June 24, 2024 8:11 a.m.