{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Marhault Elsdragon"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":" led bracket 3 EDH deck."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Mr. Elsdragon hates everyone! His plan is to kill everyone all at once by forcing them to block his mighty swing! "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"I am currently fully altering this deck, you can see the progress via @mrs_gitaxias on Instagram."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The early game consists of drawing and ramping, as a non-white equipment deck, it is very mana hungry. With a limited number of tutors, the draw needs to be utilised to find most combo pieces."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ramp"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The ramp falls mainly into three categories, with some exceptions:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"1. Candelabra of Tawnos package."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Candelabra of Tawnos"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" combos with any land that produces more than one mana. The deck plays 3 bounce lands, 2 depletion lands, as well as "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Field"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" . Two of the three game changers are also in the mana base, "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Gaea's Cradle"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Ancient Tomb"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". Candelabra also works well with utility lands, for example "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Mosswort Bridge"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can be immediately untapped to free cast the hideaway card, or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Urza's Saga"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can be used to make extra construct tokens."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"2. Springheart Nantuko package."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Springheart Nantuko"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" combos with nonlegendary ramp creatures to make ramp engines. "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Wood Elves"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Clifftop Lookout"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Solemn Simulacrum"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Arboreal Grazer"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Farhaven Elf"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can be chained with Nantuko for huge value. The fact that they all ramp lands makes the deck less vulnerable to board wipes. Playing one of these dorks on turn 3 means a repeatable rampant growth for every subsequent land drop. On turn 4, nantuko’s ability can be used once after it is played, and on turn 5 can have 10 lands in play if the ability is used 3 times. Nantuko also combines with some other creatures in the deck for additional value. "},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"3. Equip tech."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Equip costs are very expensive and limited options exist for equip reductions in Gruul. This deck plays the few cards availble:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Hammer of Nazahn"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" gives free equips for all equipment and is less vulnerable to removal;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Blacksmith's Talent"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can be played on turn one and leveled up whenever needed;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Professor Hojo"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is the strongest card in this category, as it reduces equip costs and also draws a card each turn for equipping. A turn one equipment into turn 2 Hojo means an extra card and any additional value from the equipment;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Strong Back"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" discounts both equipment and auras and also pumps."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Other ramp is fairly straightforward, rocks, equipment and attack triggered. The other noteworthy card is "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Icetill Explorer"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" which provides a lot of value with the mana base, allowing sacrificed lands like "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Urza's Saga"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Sandstone Needle"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" to be replayed, as well as those sacced to "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Lotus Field"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Crop Rotation"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". Additionally, once it has been played, lands can be discarded for free with looting effects such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Brass's Tunnel-Grinder // Tecutlan, the Searing Rift"}},{"insert":".\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Draw"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The card draw in this deck is aimed to be on cards with multiple functions. In total the deck contains 15 cards that generate card advantage, they are as follows."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Benefactor's Draught"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" is a combo piece that offers a huge burst of card draw. "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Disciple of Freyalise // Garden of Freyalise"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" gives a burst at the cost of a poor fella and can also be played as a land."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Bitter Reunion"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" loots and offers a one-time haste enabler. "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Brass's Tunnel-Grinder // Tecutlan, the Searing Rift"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" loots and eventually flips into a land. "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Valakut Awakening // Valakut Stoneforge"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" loots and can also be played as a land."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"War Room"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" can be tutored with "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Crop Rotation"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" or "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Urza's Cave"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Hansk, Slayer Zealot"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" gives your opps meat for the slaughter and draws cards for zombies you kill. Particularly strong against a zombie deck."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Infiltration Lens"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" gives cards when a dork is blocked and can be tutored by "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Urza's Saga"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Neyith of the Dire Hunt"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" performs a similar effect while also giving the option to pump and force a block. "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Ohran Frostfang"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" draws on a hit and also gives deathtouch, which is good against go-tall. "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Snake Umbra"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" also gives cards for hitting and gives Marhault an extra life. Lens is strong in the early game paired with umbra or Frostfang where the creature draws no matter what, blocked or no."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Professional Face-Breaker"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Professor Hojo"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Solemn Simulacrum"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" all perform ramp and draw simultaneously."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* "},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":{"card-link":"Treasure Map // Treasure Cove"}},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":" gives repeatable early game card selection, and then once it flips the treasures can be used as ramp or draw. It also combos with other treasure generators."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Assembling the Combo"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Around turn 5 or 6 the deck will be approaching the intended purpose. Marhault or one of his understudies can be played if they have some protection. By now the board should have lots of mana at its disposal, as well as most of the combo pieces in hand or in play."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Marhault works best against go-wide strategies, where every 1/1 blocking him is a free kill. He struggles against go-tall, which is where his buddies can help. [[Screaming Nemesis]] goes over the top of big blockers by shooting the player for damage. [[Brash Taunter]] does the same thing but comes with removal and indestructible built in. [[Assembled Alphas]] makes creatures much easier to kill and also burns. [[Engulfing Slagwurm]] is the best for this as it outright destroys blockers and offers incidental life-gain as a bonus. [[Mage Slayer]] and [[Pain For All]] can also be used in these situations by Marhault."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Next the deck can force blocks with one of four options, each with their own benefits:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"1. [[Nemesis Mask]], can be tutored with [[Godo, Bandit Warlord]];"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2. [[Noble Quarry]], the most expensive, but it does survive a board wipe and can be used to rebuild engines after one;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"4. [[You Look Upon the Tarasque]], versatile modal spell. Can be cast either as a fog or as a lure that also pumps and gives indestructible;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"5. [[Tempting Licid]], can be played as a creature before Marhault comes down and activated for only one mana."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"An issue that this deck will frequently run into is a board of opposing creatures that have attacked and are therefore tapped. There are a very limited number of solutions for this. The deck plays [[Jangling Automaton]] which can safely attack with a lured creature to ensure maximum carnage, and [[Benefactor’s Draught]] which can be only used once but also gives a huge burst of card draw."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Although each aspect of the combo has redundancy, the deck still runs [[Bala Ged Recovery]] and [[Emeritus of Abundance]] as recursion. This is particularly useful with [[Benefactor’s Draught]] and [[You Look Upon the Tarasque]] which can be used repeatedly if Emeritus is on board, since getting to eight lands is trivial with the ramp package."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Tutors"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"The deck runs 5 tutors, outside of the several land ramp tutors. Each one of them has access to a wide variety of tools, depending on what the board state calls for. More niche cases are possible, but the below guide outlines the most common targets."},{"insert":"\n\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"1. [[Crop Rotation]] and [[Urza’s Cave]] both perform the same function, and tutor for one of 7 lands. None of the other lands are worth using the tutors on, aside from a bounce land which can be used to pick up [[Boseiju, Who Endures]] or an MDFC."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Gaea’s Cradle]] is usually the target if crop rotation is ramping, but if there are no creatures on board [[Ancient Tomb]] also does the same thing;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Arena of Glory]] grants haste and [[Kessig Wolf Run]] grants trample;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Talon Gates if Madara]] is excellent in this slot and offers instant speed protection;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Urza’s Saga]] can also be grabbed as a tutor for a tutor, and also makes bodies;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* Finally [[War Room]] draws cards if no other engine is online."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"2. [[Formidable Speaker]] has 26 targets, and most of them have a use case. It also untaps permanents, which can be used to untap opposing creatures to force a block; or as a candelabra style effect; or to untap the candelabra itself. If played on curve on turn 3 or earlier the best target is easily [[Professor Hojo]]. Usually by turn 3 an equipment will be on board and Hojo and Speaker give a free card every turn by alternating equips. Late in the game the options are broader."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* Any missing part of the combo can be tutored, Marhault substitutes, [[Jangling Automaton]], or a lure-on-a-stick;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Emeritus of Abundance]] is a useful repeatable recursion effect;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Endurance]] is a graveyard hate piece, although the flash is less good as you have to reveal the card tutored with speaker;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Disciple of Freyalise]] can be used for a burst of card draw;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Godo, Bandit Warlord]] as a tutor for a tutor;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Vigor]] as a pseudo-indestructible effect. Although it is notably narrower, as it doesn’t stop destroy effects."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"3. [[Godo, Bandit Warlord]] has 14 targets. Considering that he is 6 mana, most of the equipment will be irrelevant at that point in the game. He also has considerable cross-over with [[Urza’s Saga]]."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Barrow-Blade]] and [[Shadowspear]] strip problematic abilities, mainly deathtouch and indestructible, from opposing creatures;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Swiftfoot Boots]] can be useful to stop removal and give haste;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Mage Slayer]] as outlined above is great against go-wide;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Nemesis Mask]] as a combo piece;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* Rarely, [[Nettlecyst]] as pump;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Hammer of Nazahn]] grants indestructible and makes future equipment equip for free;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Kaldra Compleat]] is a huge buff to a creature, but it costs 7 mana to equip. If there is a free equipper on board it performs many functions at once: trample; haste; pump; indestructible; and first strike with “exile-touch” against deathtouchers and indestructible creatures. By itself it can make up for some of Marhault’s shortcomings. One thing to note is that the “exile-touch” interacts with trample differently to deathtouch. Lethal damage must be fully assigned to each creature for damage to trample through, unlike deathtouch where one damage to each creature is recognised as lethal."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"4. [[Urza’s Saga]] has 7 targets."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Mox Opal]] and [[Sol Ring]] are rocks;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Candelabra of Tawnos]] can provide a lot of mana as long as it has some accompanying lands, outlined above;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Barrow-Blade]] and [[Shadowspear]] provide similar roles as outlined above;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Infiltration Lens]] gives card advantage;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Lavaspur Boots]] are a budget [[Swiftfoot Boots]]."},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Removal"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"Because the main plan of the deck acts as a pseudo board wipe, the deck is interaction light. The interaction suite mainly targets problematic artifacts and enchantments."},{"insert":"\n\n\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Boseiju, Who Endures]] is a forest that can also blow up problematic enchantments, artifacts or lands. The 3 bounce lands also make it less punishing to play it early as a land;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Brash Taunter]], [[Hansk, Slayer Zealot]] and [[Pain For All]] incidentally interact with creatures in an emergency;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Chaos Warp]] is a catch-all mostly played for fun ([[Beast Within]] is optimal in this slot);"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Endurance]] is graveyard hate that can also be used as pseudo-recursion, it also has flash;"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Pest Infestation]] is mass removal for artifacts and enchantments while also making a lot of bodies for [[Gaea’s Cradle]];"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000"},"insert":"* [[Untimely Malfunction]] is mostly played for its second mode, redirecting single target spells. This effect can protect Marhault against removal, or stop counters on crucial spells. Many value spells also target and can be directed for draw or ramp."},{"insert":"\n \n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"Current alter progress |"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","background":"#e5e7eb"},"insert":"████▒░░░░░░░░"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","background":"#e5e7eb","bold":true},"insert":"|"},{"attributes":{"color":"#000000","bold":true},"insert":"28/100||"},{"insert":"\n\n _._ _,-'\"\"`-._"},{"attributes":{"code-block":"plain"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"(,-.`._,'( |\\`-/|"},{"attributes":{"code-block":"plain"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":" `-.-' \\ )-`( , o o)"},{"attributes":{"code-block":"plain"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":" `- \\`_`\"'-"},{"attributes":{"code-block":"plain"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"}]}