Wingmate Roc or Stormbreath Dragon?

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Posted on Nov. 4, 2014, 9:44 p.m. by CanadianShinobi

So I am currently refining my Mardu Mid-range build. I've finally figured out a decent sideboard, but now I'm questioning whether or not I should use Wingmate Roc or Stormbreath Dragon as a potential finisher.

I'm currently running the Roc, and it curves well, and in a pinch to token can be Butcher fodder, but I look at Stormbreath Dragon and I also see its potential, and it's effect isn't as conditional.

Thoughts on the matter are appreciated.

mathimus55 says... #2

Depends on you play against mainly. I don't see why a 3-2 split wouldn't be bad as the top of your curve. I like Stormbreath Dragon but I haven't played with the roc enough to tell you not to.

November 4, 2014 9:49 p.m.

amccarn says... #3

I run a naya build and run a 2-2 split. Roc is great because it provides an extra blocker or swinger and also some life gain. I love stormbreath though too becuase with so many Abzan & Jeskai decks running around, the protection from white really has came in handy. So alot of it depends on the situation but running both wouldnt hurt!

November 4, 2014 10:17 p.m.

OP_Magikarp says... #4

I would prefer stormbreath. Evades all white removal and white fliers. If that's not awesome enough, it has extra damage in it's monstrosity which most times can be just enough to get your opponent in range for the kill.

November 4, 2014 10:33 p.m.

I would say split then go with the one you think performs better, or keep the split if you like that too. They are both bombs and need to be answered or likely you win.

November 5, 2014 12:01 a.m.

Jay says... #6

Depends on your meta. Roc is preferable against aggro, Stormbreath is preferable against control. Midrange both have merits, but pro white is pretty big since most midrange right now has white.

November 5, 2014 12:21 a.m.

JexInfinite says... #7

Why not both?

November 5, 2014 12:28 a.m.

TexasDice says... #8

Stormbreath Dragon requires more redsources in your manabase, resulting in more mountains for Chained to the Rocks.

November 5, 2014 2:43 a.m.

Arsene says... #9

I deffo prefer stormbreath dragon. If you're far behind and can't trigger raid wingmate roc is pretty sad. Dragon is always good though.

November 5, 2014 7:55 a.m.

capriom85 says... #10

I like both a lot and they work well for your deck but I think Stormbreath Dragon will prove to be more consistently good and the Roc will be underwhelming sometimes.

I agree with those that suggested a split. 3-2 or 2-2 dragon to roc.

November 5, 2014 8:33 a.m.

Arorsthrar says... #11

I'd think about it like this:

The dragon is much better from behind than the roc. The roc is a little bit better than thee dragon when you and you're opponent are about even (of course this depends on the matchup. When you're ahead, Roc is better most of the time. So depending on where your deck falls about turns 5-8 should be the deciding factor of which one you run.

Both are solid. Both are metagame dependent. Both are deck dependent.

November 5, 2014 7:16 p.m.

I've opted for Stormbreath Dragon right now. Running both doesn't seem practical to me.

November 5, 2014 10:56 p.m.

This discussion has been closed