So, I should explain why I came up with this idea.
Recently, a friend of mine (who goes by FuzzyMcLumkins around on this website.) We were doing some sort of a draft game type on XMage and we were doing draft that revolves around on SOI block. I happened to draft an Ulvenwald Hydra while getting Ongoing Investigation. I had a huge influx of clues and I had to play them to keep drawing cards which fed Ulvenwald Hydra to fifteen with first strike and flying. That round was ridiculously unexpected, yet funny.
After taking a look at several different decks that revolves around counter plays and hydras. I had noted that
Protean Hydra
and Mistcutter Hydras were very useful for putting up a good front at the beginning of the game. Allowing that to rise in numbers after each turns, I could use
Bioshift
to continually switch up counters. For instance, allowing Protean Hydra to rack up counters, and using
Bioshift
will allow me to split the counters from
Protean Hydra
and pour it on Mistcutter Hydra, feeding it to become a fearsome tank. That can work as well with Vastwood Hydra.
If Vastwood Hydra is to die for any reasons, such as spells or cards destruction themed decks, I can take the counters and place it upon other Hydras, continually feeding them counters, to allow them to multiply their attacking power with toughness threshold.
Managorger Hydra
also saps from player's plays with their spells, allowing them to rise in power when situation calls for it. It can become an excellent battering ram against defending lines. Very useful and in synergy when using
Bioshift
as well.
I could play protection spells such as Apostle's Blessing which can give me a quick exit strategy with quick access, along with Swiftfoot Boots, Whispersilk Cloak and Asceticism.
Asceticism can be very useful when retrieving Vastwood Hydra and
Heroes' Bane
from the graveyard, and then using
Bioshift
to split the counters that were stacked from previous turns, or stacked by Proteans Hydras until they manufacture their own counters.
Explore
can help feed Ulvenwald Hydra, although I need help on determining on how to find basic lands from my library to feed it. I am on the fence with Abundant Growth and
Return to the Earth
. These are situational responses to certain elements in the games in case I cannot defend myself against flying creatures or destroying artifacts.
Winning conditions are Soul's Fire and
Temur Battle Rage
.
UPDATE: 5/31/16
The deck does not require Explore, and I would need to cut down on the mana cost- considering that the experiences from playing this deck had caused major mana floods more than it should. I should also look for enchantments and instants-- or even better, find a mechanic to work with Sprouting Phytohydra, although the mana cost I had going so far had been so high.
