Well, I ran my chaos based Saskia deck this weekend. I barely lost both games. One I just petered out to infect before I could crush Atraxa. The other, I was going to swing out at 2 people with about 62 damage on the redirect due to that crazy green myriad wolf & Xenagod, then got fogged & had to return it all to my hand... The chaos effects were insanely fun in there with 1 opponent running mono blue & the other doing blue/red -- I forced several players to drop instants & killed off 2 cyclonic rifts (could not be played for overload cost). You don't have to worry so much about cmc color alignment, or card draw, with all that chaos/cast for free junk as well. Grenzo, Havoc Raiser is ridiculously fun. I've found that I get very screwed by instant boardwipes with Saskia, maybe more things like Dragonlord Dromoka would stop those massive boardstate swings

Hey Airaa, Thanks for taking a look. Those two cards are both great. I usually only play against one or two other people though. I ended up cutting them for other things for that reason. When you do make a list I would love to take a look!

Gleeock, That sounds like a pretty great game! Grenzo seems like a pretty good two drop too. I'm just unsure what I would cut for it. Any ideas? Dragonlord Dramoka is just too expensive for the deck. Finding a cut for that would be even harder.

All I can think of is Woolly Thoctar for Grenzo. He is so cool, especially with your swing wide strategy. Maybe dromoka makes no sense for you, I just know that in my meta Saskia's downfall keeps being pesky instants that completely crap on my combat phase... And lifelink beaters have been pretty solid for me

how about Boros Battleshaper ?

Hey winterflame6, thanks for the suggestion. I really love boros battleshaper, its just very expensive. I would want to cut something that costs at least as much mana, and there aren't really any good options.

What about Urabrask the Hidden or Stormbreath Dragon? Urabrask is a great haste enabler that causes opponent's creatures to enter the battlefield tapped, while Stormbreath Dragon is a great beater with haste and superb evasion! Also, have you considered adding in some more ramp? While Bloom Tender, Farseek and Nature's Claim are all fantastic, I feel with all the big 6,7 and 8-drops you have, running a bigger ramp package would be extremely beneficial! Specifically, I would add a few signets, Mana Crypt, Kodama's Reach and a few more mana dorks. Some of my favorite mana dorks are Deathcap Cultivator, Sakura-Tribe Scout, Selvala, Heart of the Wilds and Shaman of Forgotten Ways! Happy deck building!

P.S. Definite +1 from me!

Edit: Meant Nature's Lore, not Nature's Claim lol! Although it might not be a bad card to run, since it seems like you are lacking a lot of artifact and enchantment removal. Because of this, I would consider adding some more cards like Manglehorn, Kataki, War's Wage or Krosan Grip!

Hey WrathofCod!

Sorry it took me so long to reply here! I wonder if you even remember commenting, lol.

Part of the reason it took so long is I have been really tuning this deck. I brought the curve down a LOT. I was wondering what you thought about the deck now?

I have really focused my ramp on 0-1 mana cards to get all my 2 and 3 drops out early.

@ Blitzak Thanks for responding to my earlier comment regarding possible additions to this deck! Even though it was a while ago, I still remember commenting on this deck and giving you a few suggestions! Overall, I really like the direction this deck is headed in so far. I think lowering the curve was definitely the right call, and I am so glad someone decided to take this approach since many of the lists I have seen are just a bunch of big fatties or value creatures (without a lot of synergy). The first big change I would make is to add in a few more lands. Even with a much lower average cmc, 35 lands is just not enough. I used to make the mistake of skimping on lands when I first started playing EDH, and ever since I have increased the land count in my decks, I have noticed a considerable increase in both consistency and power. With all the fetches you are running, you also further decrease your chance of consistently hitting land-drops as the game progresses, to the point where I often had trouble hitting my 4rth and 5th land-drop during testing. Because of this, I would recommend cutting a few less impactful creatures for 2 more lands, bringing your total land count up to 37! In particular, I would add in 1 Plains and 1 Mountain since you are VERY weak to nonbasic hate (think Blood Moon and Ruination) and seem to be lacking in both white and red sources. The next change I would make is to add in some more ramp and card draw. While the number of cards in each category is much better than it was before, I would still recommend an addition card or two in each. For card draw, top options include: Sylvan Library, Phyrexian Arena, Skullclamp (Why are you not running this card?! You have Bitterblossom and Hero of Bladehold!), Mentor of the Meek and Lifecrafter's Bestiary (a personal favorite!) As far as ramp goes, Deathcap Cultivator, Commander's Sphere, Mirari's Wake, any of the 1-drop mana dorks (Elvish Mystic, Elves of Deep Shadow, Avacyn's Pilgrim, etc.), the signets, and Cultivate/Kodama's Reach all warrant some consideration! The next category I feel your deck needs is anthem effects to help you win by going wide. Again, I'm just going to give you a fairly long list of cards that should work in this deck, that way you can choose whatever ones you think would work the best! Anyways, some good options are Mirari's Wake (mentioned above in ramp), Craterhoof Behemoth, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite, Cathars' Crusade, Triumph of the Hordes, Mirror Entity, Deathbringer Liege, Marshal's Anthem, Purphoros, God of the Forge and Beastmaster Ascension. While some of these can be dead draws, most of the ones I have listed here either come attached to creatures or have abilities that provide additional value! Lastly, I would try to up your boardwipes. Even though you are an aggro deck you still need boardwipes for when things aren't going your way and you need to push that metaphorical "reset button." Since you have access to the best boardwipes (minus Cyclonic Rift) there are quite few that are so flexible or can end up being so one-sided, that you should prbably be running them. Overall I would recommend 4-6 boardwipes depending on you meta. Some great ones to consider are Decree of Pain, Wrath of God, Damnation, Austere Command, Blasphemous Act, Dusk / Dawn, Retribution of the Meek, Mass Calcify, Martial Coup, Rout and Hour of Reckoning. In conclusion, I really like what you have done with your deck, but I still think that there definitely a few things that can be done to improve it as you can see above. Good luck and best wishes! -Wrath of Cod

P.S. Vedalken Orrery is another card that might be worth a slot in this deck as it gives you more things to do at instant speed and helps you dodge boardwipes + give your creatures psuedo-haste by flashing them in at your endstep!

P.P.S. Lots of other Saskia builds seem to be running a small Sunforger package; thoughts?

Hiya WrathofCod, thanks for taking another look! Im happy to hear you like where I'm taking this. I really appreciate the in-depth analysis.

I feel the need to focus my 2-3 drops on agressive creatures as much as possible. The way games play out differs dramatically when I cant play 2+ creatures before Saskia. With that being said, I do want to make 4-5 cuts to add some of the things you suggested.

I want to put craterhoof and elesh norn in, along with austere command. As well as maybe another land or a couple of 1 mana dorks. Thoughts on cuts specifically at 4+ mana? Maybe a couple at 3...

As for sunforger, it is a great card. In 4 colours you do have a lot of targets available to choose from. My issue is that I dont have room to dedicate to a proper sunforger package. That, combined with the mana intensive nature of using it, is why I didnt include it.

siege behemoth?

Hey Nolfavrell1119, thanks for the suggestion. I really like that card, but it just costs way too much for what it does. I'm trying to keep my cmc as low as possible.

@ Blitzak Glad you appreciated my opinion on what you have done so far! Overall, I really agree with the point you are making, specifically with Sunforger. I was confused why you weren't running it at first, but now I completely understand your reasoning! As far as cuts go there are many, but there are probably 5-6 cards that might be worth letting go of. Overwhelming Forces - Decree of Pain is just better, besides it seems too expensive for what you are trying to do. Rakdos, Lord of Riots - The mana cost is incredibly color-intensive, has the same cmc as you commander making it awkward to curve out, and the cost reduction is not amazing since the majority of your creatures are cheap and require lots of colored mana. Yahenni, Undying Partisan - Stats are not great for the mana you pay, and although it does have haste, I feel like there are both better sac outlets and 3-drops. Glory-Bound Initiate - While it is an AMAZING card in standard, I have never been impressed with this card in EDH and feel like it's mediocre stats combined with the fact that it needs to exert to gain lifelink makes it suboptimal in your deck. And finally Garruk Wildspeaker - While he is a great card in some decks, I don't know if your deck is built to maximize the effect he provides. In addition, he paints a target on your back and the ability you want him most for is his ultimate. Anyways, these are just a few small suggestions and my opinion, so feel free to do with them whatever you like! Best of luck man!

really nice deck! im going to build it for myself. can you make a changelog/update if you change cards and why? would be very helpful.

As usual, your post is very insightful WrathofCod. Thanks for taking the time. The second look really helps focus in on cuts.

Hi Domo1989! Im glad you like it! Ive put a lot of time into tuning it to where it is.

Ive never thought of doing a changelog. I could probably start doing that. Might be helpful for me too. Thanks for the idea.

can you see any cards from the new set ixalan fitting into that deck?

Hi Domo1989,

There are a few cards crom Ixalan that I have thought about putting in. As of right now I think only one of them is going to get in though. That is Tilonalli's Skinshifter.

It reminds me of Flamerush Rider which I have considered putting in, but didnt because it is expensive and doesn't have haste without dash.

Hopefully Skinshifter will be as great as I am expecting.

Haha! Tilonalli's Skinshifter was exactly what I was thinking

Hi, I'm not sure if this list is still active but I do like it. Currently comparing it to my list seen here:http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/saskia-the-unyieldings-zoo/

I do have a couple of questions.

1) How often do you put a threat onto the table?2) Mine may be focused around Kiki combo but do you think with all the tokens producers and goodstuff you could win off of God of the Forge and critical mass of threats? 3) If you want Planeswalkers why not use Elspeth and Arlinn?

Love, love, LOVE this decklist. Had a couple of questions, though!

Is this designed for 1v1 or for multiplayer? My group is usually four/five people, but we do pair up for 1v1 games from time to time.

Secondly, Aether Vial. I just saw you added it. Been thinking about picking one up for my Sliver Overlord deck, so if I can get it for both, that'd really push me over. There are a lot of three drops in the deck, but where do you see yourself keeping the charge most?

Thanks, in advance!

Hi Haeskirle,

I usually start dropping threats by turn 3 at the absolute latest. After that I drop one or more every turn. I don't think this deck would work well with purph. 4 drops might as well be 5 drops because of my commander, and I empty most of hand before then. Same thing goes for the planeswalkers. They just come down too late to help me the way I want them to.

Hiya, UmbraBrae!

I'm happy to hear you like it so much! This deck works better with less opponents. 1 or 2 opponents is ideal. More people than that requires play that's counterintuitive to what the deck wants to do. Too much early aggression makes you a big target.

As for Aether vial, I haven't had a chance to try it yet, but I think it will normally stay at 3. The only time I can think of that I would go higher is if I have two things that cost 4+ to play on turn 5.

My Saskia is a bit different but I agree. The only thing I would add is that it is pretty meta dependant. Sometimes if you have 1-2 pillowfort opponents 3 opponents is no problem... But yeah definitely makes enemies.

I don't like Aether Vial in this decklist. I'd swap it for Champion's Helm.

Hey there Hipparchos!

Thanks for the suggestion. I have to admit I haven't played with aether vial before. Pulled it from a pack and put it in immediately. It seemed like a good way to get some more creatures into play before Saskia to me.

What is it that you don't like about it for this list?

Maybe it's just because, i don't know how many counters i'd put on Aether Vial! ;)