Re: Pontiff of Blight --The hybrid W/B mana symbol is in the reminder text of the extort keyword. This means it is not part of the card's color identity. So mono-black EDH decks can use mono-black extort creatures. Same with white.

Also, as far as this deck goes, I suggest taking out Touch of Death . It's a very bad card, regardless of the fact that it replaces itself. That card slot would definitely be better filled with a different card. Even just a small extort creature like Basilica Screecher . At least then the effect is repeatable, and drains each opponent. Also serves as a chump blocker in the air later.

ReRe: Pontiff of Blight what about cards like Rhys the Exiled ? they amended the ruling for color identity to include activated and triggered abilties (like regenerate and extort) to include associated mana costs

qk1 - Yeah... That was more of a filler card while I was building the deck. I'll probably drop it for Dark Ritual

I think this deck is missing a few things. Personally I think it needs Sorin Markov to quickly put yourself in a higher position than any one player. Strata Scythe is always great in mono decks along side Lash. Filth is strangely missing, as Grave Titan , Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni , Ob Nixilis, the Fallen and several other mono black all stars. With the creature base you have right now though, Endless Whispers could add some fun to the deck, especially when attacking with Phage. They block with a creature and she dies, or take the hit and you give them Phage and they lose.

I built mono black all stars called I See A Red Door... that may offer you some idea.

you may find that in edh, cards such as Corrupt and Mind Sludge , are exceptionally more useful than in standard, or other formats. perhaps look into those? also, Whispersilk Cloak is a damn good card with phage.

and you got a +1 from me as well.

also, maybe Exquisite Blood and Sanguine Bond . could be a new win con for you. and yes, Sorin Markov is an excellent addition to any deck at all that has black in it. he is amazing, and even better in edh. I have won several games with my grixis edh deck with him alone. yes....literally just him. it is really funny, seriously. I just use him, and counter whatever the other guy has and they lose. you would love it with Sorin's Vengeance or possibly Corrupt if you add it.

Ok... let's see.

I have a Sorin Markov but he's in Life total? A lot. Just a lot. I'll leave him there.

Strata Scythe sounds perfect for this deck : )

Filth sounds good.

Grave Titan , Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni , and Ob Nixilis, the Fallen all sound great!

Endless Whispers is a no.

Corrupt I have in there. I want a Tendrils of Corruption . Cheeper and targets creature.

Whispersilk Cloak ...meh. Cool, but not here.

hmm.....for a creature, have you considered using Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief ?

also, I noticed your deck seems to lack tutor effects. perhaps Diabolic Tutor or even Increasing Ambition ? their are many other ones, but those are just two that come to mind. you could also use Diabolic Revelation to search for the pieces to your win cons more easily.

Vampiric Tutor , Demonic Tutor ....so many.

Yeah... I play in a league where you get points throughout the season, one of the points is "Follow the script: +1 point for not searching for anything but a basic land". so I tend to run tutorless. I own a Diabolic Tutor , Diabolic Revelation , and Rune-Scarred Demon that I splash in when not in my group.

Hmm... I like Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief , and I like having substitute commander in the deck incase I get board enough to swap one out.

ahh, I didn't know about the points thing, but that does make sense. just thought I would suggest it.

Yeah... I get that a lot. It's to make the games longer and more fun.

fair enough. do you guys have a banned list that you use? that would also be good info for making suggestions. I don't really play with a league or anything as it stands, but it does sound like a pretty interesting way to go.

We use the standared bann list

Okay, I was just curious. thank you for that link, it may help out other people that want to know the list too, actually.

looks like most things have already been said here but replace Murder with Hero's Downfall . strictly superior . nice deck +1

oh, also, is Dash Hopes really that good in EDH when you have so much life? I just never considered it because it doesn't seem like it would have much value. it just seems like a bad version of Painful Quandary that you can only use once, and you already have that. check out Imp's Mischief -- it's not a black Counterspell (since I'm not sure it can hit creatures...) but it's something of a counter in black if you need them badly.

Zerafiall,

Great deck (+1), couple suggestions if your interested. Life gain is good: Subversion , Polluted Bonds and I bet this deck makes a boat load of black mana, so how about some X spells: Exsanguinate , Soul Burn , Drain Life , Consume Spirit , Howl from Beyond , Bond of Agony , Killing Wave , Mind Twist , Black Sun's Zenith , Mind Shatter , Maga, Traitor to Mortals . I dont think you should run as much card draw as you do, because it seems redundant with your indestructible card drawing general, but I think these are better than a few that you are currently running: Phyrexian Arena and Syphon Mind .

For sure add Exsanguinate it's a great finisher and super good mid game too. Polluted Bonds will wreck any Green mage with land ramp or on average net you 4-6 life per turn in multiplayer. Also, I guarantee if you play a Mind Twist early and empty their hand they are likely out of the game and may punch you in the face.

While the above has a lot of great suggestions, I wouldn't recommend Mind Shatter or Soul Burn ; they're just worse versions of the cards they're modeled after. I tried Mind Twist and as much as i love it i learnt that Myojin of Night's Reach is usually more utility in EDH (being a recoverable creature). Mind Twist can be really really fun though so it's kinda up to your preference. however, Killing Wave and Maga, Traitor to Mortals seem really fun here. i really don't think you should replace Phyrexian Arena though because it's really very good. and/or you could try Necropotence which is insanely fun in erebos i run it in mine.

I've got a question about Sorin Markov . When you activate his ultimate, can you choose to discard the player's hand?