Best and Worst cards for Pioneer from Duskmourn!

[@ZAKagan]

I agree about Hedge Shredder in Greasefang. However I think shredder could be a thing in Analyst landfalls decks, though it requires experimentation

[@optimustomtv]

I didn't even think about those decks, that might be solid. Analyst trigger works with Shredder on the field, Lotus Cobra crewing it could work, but would need to see what you would remove from those decks. Being 4 mana isn't that big of an issue with Cobra out, but could be a liability if you have to keep a non-Cobra start.

[@austinturgoose]

Nice list! Was wondering what you think about Kona, Rescue Beastie since you didn't mention that card. I think it could be a "could-of" for its own list with cards like Smuggler's Copter and Springleaf Drum, but we'll have to see if the combo is just too disruptable

[@optimustomtv]

Thank you! As far as Kona goes, I think the card has a little bit of potential with Crew, Saddle, and Drum as you mentioned! Especially in a deck like a Gruul Vehicles list where you can curve into Kona on T3 with an Elf and then slam an additional threat as well! The one downside is that I don't think Kona does anything that Creativity decks or Transmogrify ones don't already do slightly better. Those decks get to hide their threat in their library, and require one less step to enable their payoff turn. Transmog/Creativity needs: - 4 Mana - Token - Namesake spell Kona needs: - 4 Mana - Namesake spell - Way to tap it - Card you want in hand Kona's game plan is much more susceptible to disruption, being able to kill Kona or the Vehicle with Kona on the stack, or kill Kona post combat (I believe Survivor only works if it exists as it resolves). It's also weak to Thoughseize and discard effects, while Creativity lists keep their payoff protected in their deck until it gets pulled out. I don't think Kona is going to be slamming Atraxa or Valgavoth into play most of the time - I think of it more as a value card to slam Migloz, Skysovereign, maybe Titan of Industry, and in it's worst case - another land - in a Gruul deck staying on-color. it does have the upside of playing a normal, beatdown game that Creativity cannot though! I don't think those payoffs are as good as what Creativity can run, so I left it as just a normal card in the set without tons of expectations from me - but it'd be neat to see it!

[@lunarkaia3964]

I’m definitely biased, but I was hoping for some spirits love from the set and was severely disappointed

[@optimustomtv]

You'd think there'd be more Spirits in a Haunted House...

[@zebedeetotty]

what is that sick beat in the backround bro? also nice list.

[@optimustomtv]

Some sick Royalty Free beats! pixabay.com/music/upbeat-dark-mantras-212990/

[@jayrod115]

Sweet list! Hope to see a fun format for DC. No mention of Leyline of Resonance? Too "low hanging fruit" or are you medium on it?

[@optimustomtv]

I don't think Leyline is going to be that great of a card. I was going to put it in my Duds, but I honestly don't think it's going to see too much play. In Standard you have a 2.5-5.5% chance (or something like that) of getting the Leyline opener into a kill with Scamp, which I think is what everyone was focused on. It's slightly better in Pioneer with the addition of Titan's Strength into the math - but you're running 12 pump spells 4 Leyline and 12 Creatures (Scamp, Mouse, Sellsword) to ensure you can kill with the Leyline Combo so there isn't much room for your deck to do anything else. I also don't think running the card in the current Mono Red or Rakdos Prowess decks does much that running extra Pump spells wouldn't do more consistently. I don't think Prowess decks are being pushed down so hard that they need an opener similar to Devotion's Leyline start hands, and that a consistent T3/4 kill is better than an inconsistent T2/3 one. It might pop up in other Red based Aggro decks, like the old Cavalcade of Calamity style Aggro decks would run that Enchantment to damage amplify their cars effects (ping damage in that case) - but it's also limited to Instants/Sorceries so a Gruul or Boros deck using Auras wouldn't work with the Leyline either - so it's applications in the Format as a whole are really tied to the power of Monstrous Rage (and other spells, but Rage put those style decks into the top tiers because of Trample + Role). I think Auras get more of a boost from this set (like Shardmage's Protection on my Studs) so there's way more support trending that way which takes away from Leyline as well.

[@jayrod115]

@@optimustomtv appreciate the in-depth breakdown on this. It seemed like a slam-dunk for prowess but may hurt more than help. I think a video on that subject (with a clickbaity title about how much leyline sucks or something lol) would be much appreciated if you can find the time for it!

[@optimustomtv]

@@jayrod115 that's not a bad idea! I've run the numbers for Sorin-Tell so this might be good too!

[@JamesOliverLindsey]

next time try Studs, Duds, and Spuds while you eat fries.

[@Kratosauron0]

You think Ghost Vacuum might see some play over / with Unlicensed Hearse? Comes down earlier and making flying bodies with abilities is nice, but only hits one card in the graveyard per turn instead of two 😅

[@optimustomtv]

I think it's fiiiiine but I still would rather run Soul Guide Lantern for the draw a card upside or the ability to nuke an entire Graveyard IMO. I think Ghost Vacuum might be a niche card in a Roots type list where you need a card for it's effect more than you need it for the P/T. It can be beneficial if you use it yourself versus an opposing Hearse for example, while still being hate vs other GY decks. Overall I think Hearse is still better, so Vacuum just gets to be an average card from the set in my mind.

[@WorldofSoupS]

:( no lotus field or modern mill upgrades

[@optimustomtv]

Nothing that I could see :( New Mill Crab!! But it needs Enchantments sadly

[@ogolthorp]

COULD HAVE not “could have” COULD HAVE, SHOULD HAVE, WOULD HAVE. sorry, this is just a massive pet peeve of mine.

[@optimustomtv]

But that doesn't rhyme!

[@ZAKagan]

Always watching cares about nontoken creatures right? That’s a nonbo with caretakers talent

[@optimustomtv]

Ahhh you're right I wasn't watching I guess 😅 Teysa Karlov would be a card for that deck, and Always Watching would be a way for *non-token Creature decks (like Humans) to benefit! Will have to add a notation when I get home, ty!