@Shazam, Agreed that the deck is uncommitted to Metalcraft, it was never attended to do so only for phoenix, beastmaster was the main focus of the finishers and Mox is good to get the early rebirth that the deck needs. More testing will allow me to modify it so that if I do want to incorperate more of a Metalcraft theme then I'll do so. Most of my testing is held at my FNM's. I'll post my results in my follow up article on results, matchups, and a new version of the list if needed.

@Joe and TempleGuard thanks for the kind words.

Shazam,

Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback. As Dylan mentions, we're expanding out into new content types here on QS, and there will definitely be some growing pains as we try out new stuff.

I think your observation that the Mox Opals will often be legendary do nothings is accurate and well taken. With only 11 total artifacts in the deck the chances of hitting metalcraft in the first 7 turns are still less than 50%, so having 3 Mox Opals is probably not ideal. Given the synergies with Kuldotha Phoenix and Rebirth, however, it probably makes more sense to simply diversify the artifacts a bit rather than simply cut the Mox Opals in favor of elves. Moving to 1 Mox Opal, 1 Chimeric Mass, and 1 Everflowing Chalice might be a wise decision. Kellen might even want to up the artifact count after some testing, in which case more Everflowing Chalices, or even Iron Myr and Pilgrim's Eyes might make sense.

I do think this is an interesting take on deckbuilding and I'm looking forward to seeing what Kellen comes up with going forward. Like you, I would like to see deckbuilding backed up with testing results, but this is certainly a very interesting way to start the deckbuilding process.

Cheers,

Joe

On a side note, one thing I don't like is that, for some reason, the site seems to be unresponsive alot. Usually between 9-11am PST, I'll get either a Server busy or Taking Too Long to Respond from Firefox.

what would properly whelm you?

+1

I have been completely underwhelmed by the new, non-financial content.

I would also like to point out that, in my opinion, the mox opals are there for incidental mana and partial metalcraft. They feed the rebirths, and help with metalcraft but aren't needed for mana. Treespeaker gives mana that you don't really need and does nothing else. Opals are here for the same reasons they are in the goblin deck.

Hi Shazam,

I'm Dylan, nice to meet you! Quiet Speculation, as you've noticed, has recently changed 🙂 For the better, if I may say. We now feature the same Financial content that you're used to, but I've (along with Adam Styborski for Timmy/casual content) come on board in the role of editor for our new Spike/competitive section!

Kellen's article today features his unique deckbuilding technique. I handpicked him for this purpose, and I think the Magic: the Gathering community would do well to pay attention. Deckbuilding is an incredibly useful tool in every Magic player's arsenal, and I think Kellen goes about it in a very intriguing and useful way.

I hope you take a look around at the rest of the new content with an open mind, you might find you like what you see!

Thanks,

Dylan Lerch

The biggest problem with the deck is the uncommitted Metalcraft aspect. With Mox Opal you only have 8 artifacts in the deck that can be on the board at the same time and all are creatures. If you want speed, run the Joraga Treespeaker in its place (another card for FS). If you cut the Opal, then you need to consider cutting the Phoenix. But since it is your win condition…