I'd love an April Fools TTC where the entire episode is just them apologising for getting Commander Damage wrong, shrugging at a crack a pack from a limited format they weren't present for, and explaining comprehensively what Canadian Highlander is.
I haven't played MTG for about 14 years; neither have my friends, although we used to play it together in secondary school. However, we have a money-wasting tradition in which every time we go to a convention or any games-related event we each buy an MTG booster pack just to see what cards we get. This year, yesterday in fact, we went to Comiccon Kyiv and got Shadows over Innistrad packs. A friend of mine got a foil Sorin, Grim Nemesis... From the first pack he bought this year and one of the few packs he'll buy this year in general... Always lucky...
For those interested, I believe this is Alex's list from this episode (apologies if I'm wrong, but every card seems to match the deck-tech) tappedout.net/mtg-decks/mardu-midrange-may-10-2016-1/ Didn't see this version of Cam's list yet, fortunately the video is detailed enough that it's not hard to recreate if you have the cards. Also both decks seem fun, I wouldn't mind tinkering with something like this myself.
I think Praetor - Rector could be considered a combo deck. Since it does the same thing to start the combo each time, mostly. That said, depending on what it looks for with Praetor Hulk, it could be considered a combo/toolkit deck. Main difference being that a combo deck uses the Praetor Hulk to mass board presence and then flunge, or kill the opponent with ETB effects, or creatures that burn etc etc. Toolkit pulls out specific creature to destroy the enemy's board state and make your victory assured. Like getting naturalize on a stick to remove artifacts/enchantments or pingers that get rid of their field.
+RUOK2000 People play Highlander on MTGO. It can subset entirely into Vintage (the only concession they have to make is not having their mulligan rule). Look at www.twitch.tv/canhighlander
RUOK2000 Bear in mind it's (afaik from watching their streams) largely only the regular Victoria crowd who play, so they may be difficult to challenge and whether you netdeck or brew it'll likely take a bit of time and money before your deck is competitive.
I had tried different commander decks and I could never decide what appealed to me. I like Combo and value decks in theory, so I built a Grenzo reanimator deck that was really powerful, but the problem was that because Grenzo runs at instant speed with lots of scry there were a lot of decisions to make and I would end up slowing down the game as I float mana from Mana Echoes, or choose Duplicant targets, or decide if I want to leave open Soldevi Digger protection. The games took so long that I wasn't having fun, and I could tell it wasn't fun for anyone else either, so I shelfed it. Then I made a straightforward Gruul stompy token deck with Wort the Raidmother that somehow morphed into this Token Storm atrocity that generated 20 mana, drew 20 cards, and infinite looped regrowth spells. Shelfed it too. All this to say, I really want to play a midrange deck similar to Alex's Mardu deck. Something with lots of answers, dynamic lines, two for ones, but also just jamming in for damage. Who would you recommend?
+lyndis123 Yes -- at three mana she is too slow, although I do think she's a cool card, but the deck is already a little heavy on pet cards that aren't best in class.
+Cameron Lauder What about Reanimate #2 as in Death of Life // Death? Sure, it's 2 mana and it only gets stuff from your own bin, but other than that the fatty sticks slightly better than enchanted ones.
So I'm only about 25 minutes (right after the reanimation target section of the deck tech) and while you hit most of the reanimator allstars I would like to register a complaint on behalf of my clients Mr. Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur and Mr. Tidespout Tyrant. They feel that they have been unfairly excluded from your deck.
How did Highlander players react to the ten point system change? After looking at the point list/reasoning, I think that the point system might benefit from introducing half points. Especially when concerning controversial pointed cards. I'm interested to hear what opinions highlander players have regarding this suggestion.
no one plays Canadian Highlander where I'm from. I understand that some others do play it but I just can't be interested in a third entire episode about a format that I don't and never will play. Love the channel though.
+Andrew Hayman The most relevance the actual format has to the deck-tech is in the case of some cards that are good exclusively in singleton formats, of which there are others that people do play. Beyond that the fact that the episode is about Canadian Highlander is largely irrelevant to what's actually shown.
The only highlander format that is played around me is Commander which is so different from Canadian Highlander that so little of this is relevant for me. It's not that their decks here aren't sweet and interesting but in my opinion TTC has been paying too much attention to a format that hardly anyone outside of their city even plays.
+Andrew Hayman No one plays the format because people keep saying "no one plays Canadian Highlander where I'm from". Be the vanguard. Be the one who goes to the local shop with two decks and says "Listen here, chucklefucks, we're gonna play the best Magic format ever made. Unless you're scared little babies and only wanna play Standard. Like babies.". It worked for me. We've got a good dozen or so people playing Highlander here in SW Ohio now.
I'm kind of surprised Sheoldred isn't in the Reanimator deck. I'm guessing it's because Cam doesn't own one? Ironically also one of those Swampwalkers.
+SmaugUKA Sheoldred is simply too slow. My reanimator targets end the game on resolution (iona, massacre wurm) or present an impossible clock (sphinx of the steel wind). Sheoldred does neither.
Cameron Lauder Thanks Cam. Makes total sense in that regard then. Appreciate the reply. I've always looked at her as a Plan B with a touch of board control if things aren't working out. Or, better suited to work in tandem with Recurring Nightmare/EtB effects. I just wasn't quite sure about it's place in a deck like yours. (I have a Casual Reanimator deck that loops Kokushos with her, along with running a lot of Black ramp teching in Tendrils as an AWC. Really fun to play in Multiplayer as well.) Looking forward to more of these Deck Techs, and especially looking forward to that Chaos Draft. Have a great Summer Cam, the same goes for the rest of LRR. Also, good luck with Desert Bus 10 and it's Documentary.
Thanks for the reply. Because my Commander is Sliver Overlord (A tutor), he's (it's?) pretty important. And the tutoring can't begin until turn 6. So, I think it's to slow for Highlander.
LIfe//Death seems like a good addition to your suit of reanimation spells. Sure it's a strictly worse Reanimate, but it still gets the job done pretty well.
Man every time these guys talk about Highlander it makes me want to build a deck for the format... but literally NOBODY in this area plays highlander :(
I really dislike formats with extremely high or extremely low power, and Highlander seems to be a bit on the high end for my tastes. May still try it though
Colton Schnepf It depends on the list. Almost all the midrange decks are basically modern Jund on steroids (value and power wise), but other decks like goblins are pretty cheap and just swing in.
I really hate Iona, Shield of Emeria in regular commander, it is such a douchy card to play in a casual format. Sure its effective and can win you the game, but its not even fun to see that card enter the battlefield.
I'd love an April Fools TTC where the entire episode is just them apologising for getting Commander Damage wrong, shrugging at a crack a pack from a limited format they weren't present for, and explaining comprehensively what Canadian Highlander is.
sensei's divining talk confirmed.
great flavor text on that Spinx too! ~ No one has properly answered her favorite riddle, "Why should I spare your life?"
You guys definitely need to put up decklists! I'm super interested in building Cam's deck
I haven't played MTG for about 14 years; neither have my friends, although we used to play it together in secondary school. However, we have a money-wasting tradition in which every time we go to a convention or any games-related event we each buy an MTG booster pack just to see what cards we get. This year, yesterday in fact, we went to Comiccon Kyiv and got Shadows over Innistrad packs. A friend of mine got a foil Sorin, Grim Nemesis... From the first pack he bought this year and one of the few packs he'll buy this year in general... Always lucky...
Oh wow two TTC in a week? Best week ever!!!!
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS KEEP UP THE HIGHLANDER CONTENT :DDD
Love the Highlander Videos! Keep it up. Anyone know if there is a deck list of Cam's Highlander deck?
For those interested, I believe this is Alex's list from this episode (apologies if I'm wrong, but every card seems to match the deck-tech) tappedout.net/mtg-decks/mardu-midrange-may-10-2016-1/
Didn't see this version of Cam's list yet, fortunately the video is detailed enough that it's not hard to recreate if you have the cards.
Also both decks seem fun, I wouldn't mind tinkering with something like this myself.
Cameron, have you considered Looter Il-Kor? 1/1 for 1U, shadow, when he connects you may loot.
I think Praetor - Rector could be considered a combo deck. Since it does the same thing to start the combo each time, mostly. That said, depending on what it looks for with Praetor Hulk, it could be considered a combo/toolkit deck.
Main difference being that a combo deck uses the Praetor Hulk to mass board presence and then flunge, or kill the opponent with ETB effects, or creatures that burn etc etc.
Toolkit pulls out specific creature to destroy the enemy's board state and make your victory assured. Like getting naturalize on a stick to remove artifacts/enchantments or pingers that get rid of their field.
Stahp telling me about AWESOME formats no one plays in my area! Highlander for MTGO!!
+RUOK2000 People play Highlander on MTGO. It can subset entirely into Vintage (the only concession they have to make is not having their mulligan rule). Look at www.twitch.tv/canhighlander
Thank you that's great I'll check it out :)
RUOK2000 Bear in mind it's (afaik from watching their streams) largely only the regular Victoria crowd who play, so they may be difficult to challenge and whether you netdeck or brew it'll likely take a bit of time and money before your deck is competitive.
I had tried different commander decks and I could never decide what appealed to me. I like Combo and value decks in theory, so I built a Grenzo reanimator deck that was really powerful, but the problem was that because Grenzo runs at instant speed with lots of scry there were a lot of decisions to make and I would end up slowing down the game as I float mana from Mana Echoes, or choose Duplicant targets, or decide if I want to leave open Soldevi Digger protection. The games took so long that I wasn't having fun, and I could tell it wasn't fun for anyone else either, so I shelfed it. Then I made a straightforward Gruul stompy token deck with Wort the Raidmother that somehow morphed into this Token Storm atrocity that generated 20 mana, drew 20 cards, and infinite looped regrowth spells. Shelfed it too.
All this to say, I really want to play a midrange deck similar to Alex's Mardu deck. Something with lots of answers, dynamic lines, two for ones, but also just jamming in for damage. Who would you recommend?
+Benjamin Coyle Have you met Alesha? She's basically straight value and fits both the criteria and colors you're describing.
did you consider a green splash to play oath of druids and add a forbidden orchard to ensure your opponents hate you a sufficient amount??
Deck looks sick. Got a list?
Goblin Wardrive is such a good card I run it in my Krenko edh deck, turning 10 1/1's into 2/1's is so amazing.
I totally forgot sensei's divining talk but that idea is amazing
can i haz plx hav talk?
Every time I see Alex bring out something Mardu, I ask myself, "why am I not playing Mardu?"
Alex's deck is very similar to the deck that I hope to build. Mine is just more control focused with planeswalkers as the finishers
It's would be the Boros Elite, I'm currently building a boros theme deck and I love that girl, it's a great way to get some cheap beats in early.
way to go Cam, taking up all the deck tech time :p jk enjoyed yours immensely!
Cam, have you considered enclave cryptologist from ROE? is it too slow at effectively three mana?
+lyndis123 Yes -- at three mana she is too slow, although I do think she's a cool card, but the deck is already a little heavy on pet cards that aren't best in class.
+Cameron Lauder What about Reanimate #2 as in Death of Life // Death? Sure, it's 2 mana and it only gets stuff from your own bin, but other than that the fatty sticks slightly better than enchanted ones.
Hey guys, big fan of the podcast. I was wondering what you would say is the best budget way to get into highlander.
+RayKing729 The answer to this question, much like every format, is Goblins. All the goblins.
Also Animate Dead can target creatures opponent's graveyard, so you do that before Exhume ;o
Treasure mage is a mono blue tron staple
So I'm only about 25 minutes (right after the reanimation target section of the deck tech) and while you hit most of the reanimator allstars I would like to register a complaint on behalf of my clients Mr. Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur and Mr. Tidespout Tyrant. They feel that they have been unfairly excluded from your deck.
new TTC, and it's the A team. Effe yeah.
Fangren Marauder is a beast in pauper (pun intended)
How did Highlander players react to the ten point system change? After looking at the point list/reasoning, I think that the point system might benefit from introducing half points. Especially when concerning controversial pointed cards.
I'm interested to hear what opinions highlander players have regarding this suggestion.
YES MORE HIGHLANDER! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have you considered Catalog for your draw. You only discard one and for 3 mana it seems decce
+MovieMan47 With reanimator, having cards in your graveyard is usually better than having them in your hand.
@loadingreadyrun can circular logic or foil help...
no one plays Canadian Highlander where I'm from. I understand that some others do play it but I just can't be interested in a third entire episode about a format that I don't and never will play. Love the channel though.
+Andrew Hayman The most relevance the actual format has to the deck-tech is in the case of some cards that are good exclusively in singleton formats, of which there are others that people do play. Beyond that the fact that the episode is about Canadian Highlander is largely irrelevant to what's actually shown.
The only highlander format that is played around me is Commander which is so different from Canadian Highlander that so little of this is relevant for me. It's not that their decks here aren't sweet and interesting but in my opinion TTC has been paying too much attention to a format that hardly anyone outside of their city even plays.
+Andrew Hayman No one plays the format because people keep saying "no one plays Canadian Highlander where I'm from". Be the vanguard. Be the one who goes to the local shop with two decks and says "Listen here, chucklefucks, we're gonna play the best Magic format ever made. Unless you're scared little babies and only wanna play Standard. Like babies.".
It worked for me. We've got a good dozen or so people playing Highlander here in SW Ohio now.
where the lists @?
No Yogmoth's will?
Marauder is such a house
I used shimmer myr to sneak out my breya when the only control deck on the table tapped out... I won that game.
Can we get the links to the lists?
Run Sheoldred
Cameron! Cabal Coffers maybe? with urborg it's too strong!
I'm kind of surprised Sheoldred isn't in the Reanimator deck. I'm guessing it's because Cam doesn't own one? Ironically also one of those Swampwalkers.
+SmaugUKA Sheoldred is simply too slow. My reanimator targets end the game on resolution (iona, massacre wurm) or present an impossible clock (sphinx of the steel wind). Sheoldred does neither.
Cameron Lauder Thanks Cam. Makes total sense in that regard then. Appreciate the reply.
I've always looked at her as a Plan B with a touch of board control if things aren't working out. Or, better suited to work in tandem with Recurring Nightmare/EtB effects. I just wasn't quite sure about it's place in a deck like yours. (I have a Casual Reanimator deck that loops Kokushos with her, along with running a lot of Black ramp teching in Tendrils as an AWC. Really fun to play in Multiplayer as well.)
Looking forward to more of these Deck Techs, and especially looking forward to that Chaos Draft. Have a great Summer Cam, the same goes for the rest of LRR. Also, good luck with Desert Bus 10 and it's Documentary.
Was that a BETA Demonic Tutor!? That's awesome.
it was CE, not beta, highlander allows Gold Border cards to allow for more free access to certain cards.
the infinite recursion of reveillark/karmic guide/saffi eriksdotter is amaaazing. i run it in my karador edh to kill my opponents with siege rhino
im just surprised hes not playing olivia voldaren in that mardu list
no living death cam?
What about dread return???
Hmmm so what's with the super-low quality of the video?
+JenxRodwell Oh hey it showed up! I LOVE seeing more highlander on TTC!
links to decks?
I'd like to see surge's lands list
+SquaredT This is the most recent one he posted. tappedout.net/mtg-decks/frogs-monster-four-colour-turbo-land/
+Jeph Lewis thank you very much : )
I play Slivers in edh. Can I successfully play Slivers in Highlander or is it too slow?
Thanks for the reply. Because my Commander is Sliver Overlord (A tutor), he's (it's?) pretty important. And the tutoring can't begin until turn 6. So, I think it's to slow for Highlander.
Cameron needs to play worldgorger combo in that deck :D
+Hyena don't I thought this as well, and then realized that he actually isn't playing red
doesn't have to play red though, just find a slot for the card. Highlander ftw
LIfe//Death seems like a good addition to your suit of reanimation spells. Sure it's a strictly worse Reanimate, but it still gets the job done pretty well.
y u no play ULAMOG
I'm surprised Cam isn't playing Highlander Storm...
It's probably cause it plays expensive tutors and black lotus. Otherwise he'd probably be all over it.
+Da Kookaburra Yeah, that makes sense
So many money cards I'll never get close to owning ;w;
poor shriekmaw
/r/popping is life
Man every time these guys talk about Highlander it makes me want to build a deck for the format... but literally NOBODY in this area plays highlander :(
same. I've been trying to convince my local edh players to make a deck but they just don't seem as interested as I am.
I really dislike formats with extremely high or extremely low power, and Highlander seems to be a bit on the high end for my tastes. May still try it though
Colton Schnepf It depends on the list. Almost all the midrange decks are basically modern Jund on steroids (value and power wise), but other decks like goblins are pretty cheap and just swing in.
Hello dis is Hamster
hello
I really hate Iona, Shield of Emeria in regular commander, it is such a douchy card to play in a casual format. Sure its effective and can win you the game, but its not even fun to see that card enter the battlefield.
+89Animelover Highlander is not even remotely Commander.
+Cameron Lauder oh I get that, but I still dont like that card. Too many times have I been on the opposite side and I just dont like her anymore.
## :D