This is an updated version of Underworld Alliance 2.0
This deck has many gods in it... but let's face it: It's all about Athreos. I ran another version of this deck at FNM last night and I went 3-2. After that I could see I wasn't focusing enough on activating my gods, and that my sideboard was missing something to handle
Soldier of the Pantheon
which is ubiquitous and tough for me to handle.
This deck is designed to work quickly, and when the gods come into play, things get ugly. Red, white, and black is a wedge that doesn't get played too often... but I think I've found some great synergies to entice you into playing.
Creatures:
Athreos, God of Passage: Athreos turns every block and every kill spell into a face-melting 3 damage to the brain! The creatures and spells I run try to take advantage of this ability.
2x
Mogis, God of Slaughter
: An exception to the comment above, Mogis is just a sexy god that puts pressure on players. He turns on quickly with all the Rakdos colors I run.
Purphoros, God of the Forge: So you don't want to pay the three life? Well I guess I'll burn and beat you again next turn! No lets face it... you're going to take the three damage.
Stormbreath Dragon
: Apparently this card is good. I honestly don't see the big deal... but I'm going to play with it, and succumb to peer pressure.
Underworld Cerberus
: This guy is a beast, and he combos with Altar's Reap
+
Athreos, God of Passage
.
Obzedat, Ghost Council
: This card is amazing, if they don't have instant speed removal to respond immediately, you will immediately turn the tide of the game. Make sure you save a
thought seize
to protect him!
Tymaret, the Murder King: Sac outlet that pings for 5 potentially with Athreos. You can sac a creature to bring him back, triggering Athreos and Purphoros... it's like you're juggling daggers with a partner who can't juggle. :D Combos with
Underworld Cerberus
and Purphoros.
Rakdos Shred-Freak
: Haste, and hybrid devotion... it just makes sense. These come out the door swinging, so players will think twice about giving them back when Athreos triggers.
Spike Jester
: 3/1 Haste. Some love him, some hate him... I love him, but if you have a better suggestion for these 3 slots let me know.
Spark Trooper
: Deal 9 damage and gain six lives. This card has found a home among the lost souls of Theros.
Removal:Banishing Light: Nice security blanket for those pesky permanents.
Dreadbore
: Awesome creature removal unless you're playing monowhite running 4 copies of
Soldier of the Pantheon
or some whacked hexproof deck. All you can do is hope they can kill a planeswalker. You'll want to side these out versus those decks, keep them versus creatureless decks though, because they mop up planeswalkers really nice.
Warleader's Helix
: This is a nice blast-to-the-face/removal/shockland-recovery tool. It kills a lot of things, and is the only instant kill I'm running, so I usually save it for something special. I have 2 more in my sideboard but maybe I should take these out in favor of something else??
Card Advantage:
Altar's Reap: This card is really undervalued. People just don't know how to use it. In this deck it is particularly potent with Atheros in the field. The key is to save this card for when your opponent casts a removal spell on one of your creatures, then you respond by casting Altar's reap. The result is they lose a card, and you draw two new cards. With Atheros, you might get 3 cards or possibly deal 3 dmg. and if Purphoros happens to be out, you're getting more ammunition. (I love this card in this deck.) THAT SAID, you might favor something else,
Brain Maggot
maybe? (Oh gawd now I want to run brain maggot!)
Utility:
Thoughtseize: Use these before a big play to clear out threats, or as an opener to clear out early threats.
Rakdos's Return
: Always a good card, but you can side this out for Anger of the Gods or
Warleader's Helix
versus creature heavy decks.
Whip of Erebos: Combos with Obzedat, and makes your creatures replenish your life.
SIDEBOARD
Anger of the Gods: While this card can potentially work against us, I think it is the better choice among boarding clearing options right now. It REALLY mops up white weenie!! (Which if you couldn't tell I have hostility towards.)
Devour Flesh: When you can't choose who to eat, let him choose for you. Hexproof and protection be damned!
Erebos, God of the Dead: When you're dealing with lifegain decks, or when you side in Devour Flesh.
Warleader's Helix
: When you need more direct damage, this is your ticket to ride.
Soul Collector
: Versus control, when certain cards are ruining your day.
ENJOY Please leave comments and criticisms... all is welcome.
