Been toying with a deck that would synergy well with clues and came up with one that is dependent on them. Plan is to get out defensive low-cost creatures --
Jaddi Offshoot
and Erdwal Illuminator -- and Deathcap Cultivator as my mana dork to get either Tamiyo's Journal, Tireless Tracker, or
Ulvenwald Mysteries
to start pumping out clues as quickly as possible. After that it's about drawing the cards you need to make the win conditions, which are: sack 3 clues off Tamiyo's Journal to place Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger on the end-step. Then we untap, tap, sack tokens and a creature or two to transform Westvale Abbey
and swing on in, all without casting a spell.
Most control elements are actually anti-counter cards, or anti-burn cards. In general, I'm worried about speed, overall balance, and resiliency. Looking for all the constructive criticism I can get.
I'm wondering if Jace, Unraveler of Secrets is a good card in this deck, or if I should sub out for more creatures, or potentially another Enchantment.
More in-depth analysis:
Jaddi Offshoot
: solid 1-drop for early survivability. This might possibly be one to sideboard out against slower decks? Whaddya think?
Erdwal Illuminator: Hard to overestimate this card. Running a full set is highly recommended. The 3 toughness makes it survivable, and Confront the Unknown has the possibility of making this a heavy hitter to meet or exceed
Mindwrack Demon
fairly easily.
Deathcap Cultivator: I find that I'm hitting Delirium fairly often, but this card's inclusion is mostly for the mana dork abiliy. I'm not sure that it's the best choice, though, so suggestions are welcome.
Tireless Tracker: One of the chief Investigation engines, as well as a game-finisher by itself, if given enough time. I drafted one of these in a sealed draft pre-release, and it performed in play so well that I immediately starting picking more up.
Briarbridge Patrol: Despite its necessity for combo-ing into Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger I wonder if I might be able to get away with 2-3 copies instead of a full set. I've been play-testing a deck with 2 copies, and it's still performing fairly consistently. If I don't draw one, I do tend to draw my Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger, and I can use the search ability from Tamiyo's Journal to find a copy of Briarbridge Patrol. By game 2, my opponent is convinced that this card absolutely needs to be removed, which does eat up some resources, which I'm ok with.
Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger: Ok, so we don't get the nice ability off of casting it, but bringing this on the field at my opponent's end-step, and then swinging with an Indestructible 10/10 that mills 20 cards is a pretty big deal. This card is the finisher.
Confront the Unknown: I included a full set because it can be an Investigation engine in its own right, and it's not rare that I'm getting +8/8 for 1 mana. Yes,please, and thank you.
Dispel: As stated above, most counters and control-oriented cards are actually anti-control cards. This goes a long way against a host of removal and bounce cards, but my favorite is in response to a counterspell.
Essence Flux: Ditto the above for removal and bounce effects, with the added benefit of protecting creatures against Sorcery cards.
Rabid Bite
: I started play-testing this deck with 4 copies, but I think 2 is the sweet spot. Great creature removal, especially in conjunction with Confront the Unknown.
Ongoing Investigation: Solid card, good effect, cheap. I have been subbing it out in my last few games for
Fleeting Memories
though.
Ulvenwald Mysteries
: This card really helps with getting Ormendahl, Profane Prince
out, and the tokens themselves can just be overwhelming. I've had very good luck with it in play.
Jace, Unraveler of Secrets: The scrying effect is good, drawing is better, especially if I've subbed out a
Sage of Ancient Lore
. I've found that it's very helpful for getting to the cards that I need quicker, and his -8 effect is huge, but I'm not completely sold on this card's inclusion. Maybe it would be better as a sideboard addition.
