Overview:
This is a storm-based combo deck that aims to chain together multiple spells to generate value through various payoffs, ultimately winning through Aetherflux Reservoir, Thassa's Oracle, or storm count damage via cards like Grapeshot.
Primer:
The deck operates as a classic storm combo deck, utilizing cost reduction effects from cards like Goblin Electromancer and the medallions to chain together multiple spells in a single turn. The commander, Ral, Monsoon Mage, provides additional value by copying spells and generating treasures, which helps fuel further spell casting.
The deck's primary gameplan involves setting up with cost reducers and card advantage engines like Mystic Remora and Archmage Emeritus, then attempting to go off with ritual effects and card draw spells. The deck includes multiple protection pieces like Force of Will and Fierce Guardianship to protect its combo turns, while cards like Thousand-Year Storm and Arcane Bombardment provide alternative value engines for longer games.
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to targeted graveyard hate and artifact removal, which can disrupt key pieces like Aetherflux Reservoir
- Heavily reliant on having critical mass of spells and mana generators
- Can struggle against heavy stack interaction and Rule of Law effects
- Limited creature-based defense makes it vulnerable to aggressive strategies
Most Important Cards:
- Aetherflux Reservoir
- Thousand-Year Storm
- Storm-Kiln Artist
- Birgi, God of Storytelling
- Thassa's Oracle
- Mana Drain
- Force of Will
- Jeska's Will
- Mystic Remora
- Displacer Kitten
Attribute Ratings:
- Speed: 8/10
- Resilience: 7/10
- Consistency: 8/10
- Interaction: 8/10
Rating Justification:
This deck sits firmly in the 8.0-8.5 range due to its ability to consistently threaten wins around turn 3-4 with protection. While it's not quite as fast as top-tier cEDH decks, it includes numerous high-powered interaction pieces and efficient combo lines. The deck's mana base is highly optimized with fetch lands and dual lands, and it runs essential free counterspells and efficient card selection, marking it as a high-power competitive deck.
Final power level rating: 8.2 - 8.4
The deck features a highly tuned manabase with all relevant fetchlands, premium interaction, and efficient combo pieces. While it can occasionally achieve turn 2-3 wins, it more consistently operates in the turn 3-4 range, placing it just below top-tier cEDH decks but well above casual builds.
Ral, Monsoon Mage // Ral, Leyline Prodigy