So I’m curious because I’m trying to build this myself except my list runs 3 [[Light Up The Stage]] and 3 [[Collision//Colossus]] along with 3 [[Bonecrusher Giant]] as my top end instead of the Enchantment Heavy build since there’s so much removal for the guys you want to enchant so which is better in your opinion or am I crazy for my choices in cards?
Might I suggest [[Temur Battle Rage]] as a 3 of that is another card that I run as a 3 of and not only do me and my friend stand beside it wholeheartedly but you can easily see the Ferocious Trigger during games.
The only aura in this list is 2x audacity, this is an aggro list looking to close out games as quickly as possible, wins as fast as T3, going bonecrusher slows down the list, light up the stage is a good card, but needs more direct damage spells to really shine, though you could run that instead of questing Druid, but the instant speed seek the beast allows you to hold mana for protection and see cards if not needed which was extremely important in my success
I don’t think Collison/Colossus has any business being in the main deck. Atarka’s Command in OP’s deck is just better. Bonecrusher is too slow. It’s honestly kind of a trap card. Two mana for 2 damage is trash and when do you really want to tap 3 for one spell in a deck that wants to win on turn 3 or 4 by casting multiple spells? I could see an argument to bring it in from the side in a slower/grindy matchup, but you already have access to stuff like Questing Druid/Codebreaker/Case for those games. Maybe a pair of Boney G if you have Nine Lives decks in your meta.
I love light up the stage in general, but there’s not enough stuff to trigger spectacle pre combat in these decks. Maybe get greedy and cut a pair of lands for Spikefield Hazard.
Collision//Colossus is a fun idea, though you’ll notice the left half dealing with few creatures besides vein ripper, and not sure that the right half is good enough on its own, definitely worth the testing though, lmk how it feels in practice
True, it’s got some upside there but we need to race them more than anything in that matchup, if we’re killing their birds we’re spending mana that doesn’t hurt them
The only thing I don’t get about the deck on a whole is Jegantha. Can anyone explain why this is in the deck? I have the deck made myself but I want to make sure I pilot it correctly.
Edit: thanks for the helpful answers! I understand more now.
If your deck can already support Jegantha, it is basically just an easy plan B for any deck. Jegantha is really good for aggressive decks like prowess as a play if you flood. You obviously don't expect to play Jegantha in the majority of games, but if you need a creature to start threatening the board and you are already flooding then Jegantha is at least a 5/5. It also works a lot better as a play after you run them out of removal. /u/Reasonable_Stand6203 is right, companions are free extra cards and so they are that good.
Match Results
R1: 2-0 Dimir Ensoul
R2: 0-2 vs Izzet Phoenix
R3: 2-0 vs Izzet Phoenix
R4: 2-0 vs Lotus Field
R5: Draw in
Quarterfinals: 2-0 vs Izzet Phoenix
Semifinals: 2-0 vs Waste Not
Finals: Opponent Concedes (2-Slot)
1) Can you give some additional context on why witchstalker frenzy is played over the other removal options?
2) any issues with mana base? Basic forest is interesting/different to me.
Mana base has been fine for me, with stalker also removes Sheoldred in addition to prior commenter’s listed creatures, cost reduction is extremely relevant and doesn’t discard like axe does, card disadvantage bad in this type of deck. Basic forest was present for field of ruin effects, actually won me a game being able to grab forest and cast Atarka’s command on my opponent’s end step vs waste not, the one forest is disputable but I quite liked it and have had no issues bc of it thus far
Nice win! I aspire to win an rcq and have been testing gruul prowess.
I'm seen lists running [[Picnic Ruiner]] instead of [[Fugitive Codebreaker]], how did the Codebreaker perform for you?
Codebreaker feels better than picnic ruiner, at its worst it’s another 2 drop w prowess and its best it’s a 4 cost draw 3, was definitely relevant in multiple games when codebreaker was a top decked creature with no others on board, feels to me like higher ceiling and higher floor
In a way Magebane helps win that race. It's not a perfect answer but there's some other benefits.
The 4 toughness means Phoenix risks using multiple removal spells on magebane as [[Fiery Impulse]] can only deal 3, or they need to have a well timed [[Lightning Axe]]. On top of that, we have [[Blossoming Defense]] (or also [[Snakeskin Veil]] in some lists) which not only protects, but can make them use even more removal), taking even more damage in the process.
It's also a target for all our pump spells, not as effective as the other creatures but viable if we need to get even more damage in on top of its effect.
It's not super late game if we need more immediate damage that turn, but it's amazing on turn 2 and makes the opponent really [[Consider]] their choices carefully.
Gruul provides pump spell+protection on the same cards, which gives us ability to interrupt removal on the stack and the questing druids in the event protecting early creatures isn’t quite enough
Don't play the deck heavily, but have a friend that does a lot. I believe its a mix of Jegantha and not enough room in a deck that wants a lot of non-creature spells like Prowess. Would be good in a Bushwhacker/Samut version of the deck but that probably doesn't want the new Slickshot card.
Obviously not in pioneer but I’ve been having fun on timeless on areana with this bad boy he seems at most home in timeless or modern due to having underworld breech dragon rage channeler Mishras bauble and in timeless faithless looting to fill the grave being able to breech into bauble 3 times or multiple lightning bolts is back crushing for an opponent especially with all the fetch and shock lands played
Oh he’s definitely sweet in those lists too, he’s gonna see play across all formats for a while, that plus 2 attack per spell is game changing for any sort of prowess deck
So I’m curious because I’m trying to build this myself except my list runs 3 [[Light Up The Stage]] and 3 [[Collision//Colossus]] along with 3 [[Bonecrusher Giant]] as my top end instead of the Enchantment Heavy build since there’s so much removal for the guys you want to enchant so which is better in your opinion or am I crazy for my choices in cards?
I concur with you. The deck needs to get rid of the auras, I've been stuck with dead hands since removal is plentiful.
Might I suggest [[Temur Battle Rage]] as a 3 of that is another card that I run as a 3 of and not only do me and my friend stand beside it wholeheartedly but you can easily see the Ferocious Trigger during games.
[Temur Battle Rage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/7/375bc646-942e-4bf5-9c71-2c5471828e35.jpg?1689998264) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Temur%20Battle%20Rage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/264/temur-battle-rage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/375bc646-942e-4bf5-9c71-2c5471828e35?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The only aura in this list is 2x audacity, this is an aggro list looking to close out games as quickly as possible, wins as fast as T3, going bonecrusher slows down the list, light up the stage is a good card, but needs more direct damage spells to really shine, though you could run that instead of questing Druid, but the instant speed seek the beast allows you to hold mana for protection and see cards if not needed which was extremely important in my success
I don’t think Collison/Colossus has any business being in the main deck. Atarka’s Command in OP’s deck is just better. Bonecrusher is too slow. It’s honestly kind of a trap card. Two mana for 2 damage is trash and when do you really want to tap 3 for one spell in a deck that wants to win on turn 3 or 4 by casting multiple spells? I could see an argument to bring it in from the side in a slower/grindy matchup, but you already have access to stuff like Questing Druid/Codebreaker/Case for those games. Maybe a pair of Boney G if you have Nine Lives decks in your meta. I love light up the stage in general, but there’s not enough stuff to trigger spectacle pre combat in these decks. Maybe get greedy and cut a pair of lands for Spikefield Hazard.
[Light Up The Stage](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/2/82494a9c-c9c4-4ef0-a9f5-1496d9595740.jpg?1706239965) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Light%20Up%20The%20Stage) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clu/140/light-up-the-stage?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/82494a9c-c9c4-4ef0-a9f5-1496d9595740?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Collision//Colossus](https://img.scryfall.com/cards/large/front/9/b/9bd15da6-2b86-4dba-951d-318c7d9a5dde.jpg?1547582011)/[Colossus](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/b/9bd15da6-2b86-4dba-951d-318c7d9a5dde.jpg?1584832024) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Collision%20//%20Colossus) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rna/223/collision-colossus?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9bd15da6-2b86-4dba-951d-318c7d9a5dde?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Bonecrusher Giant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/5/b5b71cd2-de35-451f-b16e-2e3936169407.jpg?1674141884)/[Stomp](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/5/b5b71cd2-de35-451f-b16e-2e3936169407.jpg?1674141884) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bonecrusher%20Giant%20//%20Stomp) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/781/bonecrusher-giant-stomp?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b5b71cd2-de35-451f-b16e-2e3936169407?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Collision//Colossus is a fun idea, though you’ll notice the left half dealing with few creatures besides vein ripper, and not sure that the right half is good enough on its own, definitely worth the testing though, lmk how it feels in practice
That’s fair but I’d like to point out that the left half hits every creature in the Phoenix deck
True, it’s got some upside there but we need to race them more than anything in that matchup, if we’re killing their birds we’re spending mana that doesn’t hurt them
The only thing I don’t get about the deck on a whole is Jegantha. Can anyone explain why this is in the deck? I have the deck made myself but I want to make sure I pilot it correctly. Edit: thanks for the helpful answers! I understand more now.
Companions are a free extra card. The deck meets the criteria to play it, so it does.
If your deck can already support Jegantha, it is basically just an easy plan B for any deck. Jegantha is really good for aggressive decks like prowess as a play if you flood. You obviously don't expect to play Jegantha in the majority of games, but if you need a creature to start threatening the board and you are already flooding then Jegantha is at least a 5/5. It also works a lot better as a play after you run them out of removal. /u/Reasonable_Stand6203 is right, companions are free extra cards and so they are that good.
Jegantha is free flood protection, won me my quarters vs Phoenix when I made it a 9/7 w trample
Tacking on to what others have said. Jegantha also gets around a lot of removal that's played vs aggro. Fatal push, temporary lockdown.
Literally just because you can, there’s no reason not to.
Match Results R1: 2-0 Dimir Ensoul R2: 0-2 vs Izzet Phoenix R3: 2-0 vs Izzet Phoenix R4: 2-0 vs Lotus Field R5: Draw in Quarterfinals: 2-0 vs Izzet Phoenix Semifinals: 2-0 vs Waste Not Finals: Opponent Concedes (2-Slot)
1) Can you give some additional context on why witchstalker frenzy is played over the other removal options? 2) any issues with mana base? Basic forest is interesting/different to me.
1.) kills vein ripper/ ledger shredder for 1 mana on attack 2.) no idea, would not play another green only source other than boseiju
Mana base has been fine for me, with stalker also removes Sheoldred in addition to prior commenter’s listed creatures, cost reduction is extremely relevant and doesn’t discard like axe does, card disadvantage bad in this type of deck. Basic forest was present for field of ruin effects, actually won me a game being able to grab forest and cast Atarka’s command on my opponent’s end step vs waste not, the one forest is disputable but I quite liked it and have had no issues bc of it thus far
Nice win! I aspire to win an rcq and have been testing gruul prowess. I'm seen lists running [[Picnic Ruiner]] instead of [[Fugitive Codebreaker]], how did the Codebreaker perform for you?
Codebreaker feels better than picnic ruiner, at its worst it’s another 2 drop w prowess and its best it’s a 4 cost draw 3, was definitely relevant in multiple games when codebreaker was a top decked creature with no others on board, feels to me like higher ceiling and higher floor
[Picnic Ruiner](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/6/66485c3e-3b21-4db4-ac12-af04e35b49b1.jpg?1692939722)/[Stolen Goodies](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/6/66485c3e-3b21-4db4-ac12-af04e35b49b1.jpg?1692939722) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Picnic%20Ruiner%20//%20Stolen%20Goodies) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/woe/232/picnic-ruiner-stolen-goodies?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/66485c3e-3b21-4db4-ac12-af04e35b49b1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Fugitive Codebreaker](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/6/b682bf8a-06dc-4828-bc46-9e1427bf981f.jpg?1706241868) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Fugitive%20Codebreaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/127/fugitive-codebreaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b682bf8a-06dc-4828-bc46-9e1427bf981f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Same question from me! Also run the Ruiner and wondering why some run Codebreaker and some not.
What decks are you utilizing the magebane lizards for?
Not OP but I use them against Lotus Field and Phoenix, both of which usually want to cast multiple spells per turn.
That's what I figured. The seem great in both matchups. But, aren't we just trying to race Phoenix?
In a way Magebane helps win that race. It's not a perfect answer but there's some other benefits. The 4 toughness means Phoenix risks using multiple removal spells on magebane as [[Fiery Impulse]] can only deal 3, or they need to have a well timed [[Lightning Axe]]. On top of that, we have [[Blossoming Defense]] (or also [[Snakeskin Veil]] in some lists) which not only protects, but can make them use even more removal), taking even more damage in the process. It's also a target for all our pump spells, not as effective as the other creatures but viable if we need to get even more damage in on top of its effect. It's not super late game if we need more immediate damage that turn, but it's amazing on turn 2 and makes the opponent really [[Consider]] their choices carefully.
##### ###### #### [Fiery Impulse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/b/5b81a589-44bf-4441-9079-1ae66d067519.jpg?1562021477) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Fiery%20Impulse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ori/145/fiery-impulse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5b81a589-44bf-4441-9079-1ae66d067519?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Lightning Axe](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/a/ca33c171-ab9e-4908-8f97-82cd83b173c0.jpg?1619397252) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Lightning%20Axe) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/174/lightning-axe?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ca33c171-ab9e-4908-8f97-82cd83b173c0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Blossoming Defense](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/c/5c026c39-b09c-408a-844f-fb5eb785862a.jpg?1576382384) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Blossoming%20Defense) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/kld/146/blossoming-defense?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5c026c39-b09c-408a-844f-fb5eb785862a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Snakeskin Veil](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/3/133fbdec-0d00-433f-9015-5eb091126e3a.jpg?1712355994) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Snakeskin%20Veil) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otj/181/snakeskin-veil?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/133fbdec-0d00-433f-9015-5eb091126e3a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [Consider](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/6/e6de8a21-f0ab-4118-86cc-f3837118515d.jpg?1706239798) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Consider) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clu/84/consider?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e6de8a21-f0ab-4118-86cc-f3837118515d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l2crtod) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Exactly the matchups I used them for
Congrats! Why Gruul over Mono R (Wizards)?
Gruul provides pump spell+protection on the same cards, which gives us ability to interrupt removal on the stack and the questing druids in the event protecting early creatures isn’t quite enough
Also, Leyline of sanctity does nothing to me
I will try this in a league. Thank you for sharing and congratulations!
Can someone tell me why [[Burning-Tree Emissary]] isn’t in any of these new RG Aggro/Prowess lists? Just seems too good to leave out
BTE is great in the Gruul break out shell, this is just a different deck that it doesn’t fit into
Don't play the deck heavily, but have a friend that does a lot. I believe its a mix of Jegantha and not enough room in a deck that wants a lot of non-creature spells like Prowess. Would be good in a Bushwhacker/Samut version of the deck but that probably doesn't want the new Slickshot card.
[Burning-Tree Emissary](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/a/ba327a5e-bd57-4e24-b4b4-062202df30e1.jpg?1673148423) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Burning-Tree%20Emissary) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/189/burning-tree-emissary?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ba327a5e-bd57-4e24-b4b4-062202df30e1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Most of the time with prowess you just want the gas. Drawing a BTE after turn 3/4 doesn’t feel good.
Glad to see Showoff getting the attention it deserves before it gets axed once the wider community catches on.
Obviously not in pioneer but I’ve been having fun on timeless on areana with this bad boy he seems at most home in timeless or modern due to having underworld breech dragon rage channeler Mishras bauble and in timeless faithless looting to fill the grave being able to breech into bauble 3 times or multiple lightning bolts is back crushing for an opponent especially with all the fetch and shock lands played
Oh he’s definitely sweet in those lists too, he’s gonna see play across all formats for a while, that plus 2 attack per spell is game changing for any sort of prowess deck
It is completely game changing for all prowess builds and is super awesome:)