A new stab at the Nulltread.
I'm unable to leave a 5/6 for three mana alone in the standard format; and am making an attempt at a competitive deck among the ranks which employs that creature.
So far, I've only tested it against Jund, and it's winning about 60-70% of the time; largely due to Spreading Seas, Flashfreeze as well as the Great Sable Stag.
One interesting tact is forcing a recast of the Kithari Remnant via the Nulltread Gargantuan. It's an stimulating way to drop some cards for free. Coupled with Jace and such the Remnant, it may be viable against some of the more tempo'centric decks in current standard play.
Ive been analyzing this a bit more and looking at some interesting comparisons here with many of the popular Jund cards this deck of my creation bares striking similarities with. Nearly a sort of anti-Jund concept; not necessarily a bad thing either -
Nulltread Gargantuan vs. Sprouting ThrinaxCertainly several points come to light here. Same casting cost for one and easily cascaded into as another! Generally, Ill take a 5/6 beater to a mere 3/3 anytime but the Thrinax has black in its casting cost, and thus makes it generally resilient to black magic but loses its umph to Path of Exile and remains in Lighting Bolt range. The Nulltread however, is very susceptible to the wrath of black and white magic, yet remains fairly out of red range! Its strength is in the title its a beast used for beating, and there isnt a better one for the same casting cost. The downside is largely the fact that it puts another creature onto of your library. This drastically impacts the tempo of any mage digging through their collection of spells. The question is this; can you glean an advantage from its side effect? If you can, then three mana for a 5/6 becomes better than the same for a 3/3.
Kathari Remnant vs. Bloodbraid ElfThey both cascade in the same manner, so lets move beyond the obvious to a little more meat at this table of discussion. Theres no question that a 3/2 Hasted beater makes for better offense than a 0/1 Flying, Regenerator. However, consider what youre seeing in the format as it relates to creatures directly; namely deathtouch, first strike as well as doublestrike. There is some admitted trample going on, but not nearly as much, certainly not from above, and mostly due to a certain piece of equipment. From a defensive perspective, the Remnant is certainly a better choice; from an offensive perspective, Bloodbraid has it hands down. Lets proceed with the idea that the best offense is a good defense for now, and see where it leads.
Cascade Option (3 mana or less) -
Jund
Sprouting ThrinaxBlightningMaelstrom PulseLightening BoltPutrid Leech
Quagmire
Nulltread GargantuanMind RotMaelstrom PulseHideous EndPutrid LeechBirds of ParadiseGrim Discovery
Looking at that list; I almost wanna get rid of the BoP's, but they are going to secure your 5/5 shrouded flyer one turn early. I'd consider the Leatherback Baloth for further beatdown, but I'm not sure it's necessary.
I'm mainboarding Hideous End here as it deals with anything that's not black; playing against Vampyre's, Jund or Esper... Smother may make more sense; but I figure you'll simply sideboard for the Stag instead of removal at that point anyway.
