This argument is becoming so prevalent that according to the internet, every commander ever is archenemy. If everything is archenemy, nothing is archenemy. It's not like commander players run enough removal anyway. Especially not against any blue deck😅
Completely SAME. After reducing my number of decks, my new rule is, one deck in, one deck out and only one commander from a set - Obeka is the one! The best thing is, that package of 11 creatures can rotate so I could go Grixis demons, in the same way my Hama Pashar version of this deck switches between Praetors and Sphinxes. I bloody love magic the gathering!! Hope all is well at CampMTG.
@@Torsav I've updated the description with the 'pain and steal' version - not sure how it works but it is a good start. I upped the removal and ramp. Enjoy!
It took me a literal second to know I was building this and building it in paper! I've already kicked out one of my existing decks to make room (sorry Tegwyll!).
Howdy! I noticed you made some changes to your deck, and I have a couple of questions. 1. What made you add Bloodthirster? I see it gives extra combats, but it only untaps itself for each combat. 2. I see the power pack is now at 10 cards. Was 11 cards testing to be too much? 3. What is the goal with Mirage Mirror? It looks fun, im just curious as to what you primarily use it for. Thanks in advance for humoring my onslaught of questions. Im almost done with my Obeka/Undercity deck, and I can't wait to start using it! 🤠
I am ALWAYS down to talk magic with you! 1 and 3: Pet cards BUT I was thinking redundancy. With the three rings that add counters during your upkeep, and the Goad elements, Bloodthirster can deal a ton of damage to everyone, especially with his flying and trample and an Aether Tunnel strapped to him. I love Obeka, I just want a few aggro options to enjoy all the evasion and damage options. With Mirage Mirror, I made a pact with Alec @ The Faerie Conclave to not cut it from my decks (I talked about it on his podcast) so it's a nod to a really amazing experience I want to remember BUT it doubles up on loads of the amazing stuff in the deck - another Sphinx of the Second Sun, makes two additional beginning phases, another Bloodgift Demon is more cards, more damage if Obeka hits. 2 I wanted to make room for some more evasion and find that we have Sphinx of the Second Sun that makes up for taking one out as it costs 8. Plus, I felt the third 'Ring of' needed to go in and three more evasion/protection pieces (Sword Coast, Champion's Helm and Tunnel). The key is keeping Obeka untargeted, unblockable and moving in for the kill quickly. Let me know immediately how the first game goes!
@@domahug But wouldn't you only get 2 myriad copies? Because you have 3 opponents to attack. Dosnt myriad only make attacking copies for non-defending opponents?
Not bad at all actually. There's quite a few smaller, initiative creatures knocking about and really, we only need small Increments of power to have Obeka do serious work. Then you have a 5/4 flyer out that you can suit up with stray equipment, counters from the Undercity. Liking the fliers in this deck especially if you need to take the Undercity back.
@mtgspecs If you like synergistic flyers for this deck, you might be interested in Tyrant's Familiar. 5/5 Flying, haste Lieutenant - As long as you control your commander, Tyrant's Familiar gets +2/+2 and has "Whenever Tyrant's Familiar attacks, it deals 7 damage to target creature defending player controls."
@@Shouten707 now I've gotta go back and think about the deck again haha - both are great. Part of me is wanting to go full demons with a Liliana's Contract - I like the idea of Obeka having sold her soul to winged baddies. I'll probably do it - I have an Azorius dungeons deck list with sphinxes so it'd be a good companion for that deck.
@mtgspecs If you do end up taking the Demon path, I think Spirit of the Night would be a cool addition for the power pack. 6/5 Flying, trample, haste, protection from black Spirit of the Night has first strike as long as it's attacking.
Deck sounds great, but I'm concerned the Average Mana Value (CMC) is too high for this deck to function properly, but I have zero experience with this commander. I know certain decks like Kaalia fudge the values but play fast. Is this deck super slow? What do the first 5 turns look like in average?
Thanks for the comment. I play an Azorius version of this deck and with the mana rocks and the initiatives way of adding free value, it functions beautifully. That first room guarantees finding lands, another room adds treasure. 30 cards fall in the 1 to 3 mana value range, and it's room 5 which cheats more expensive creatures into play. Obeka being in the zone, coupled with the cheap evasion and protection trigger all that free value. It's such a unique experience, highly recommended!
@@mtgspecs yours is the first I've seen that I'm actually interested in playing because it sounds so good so I will go ahead and proxy the deck and see how it plays within my playgroup. I appreciate the response and explanation. I don't normally net deck but I knew this card was going to be great however admittedly I don't think I ever would have gone the route that you've gone so I'm very interested to give this a try
I did indeed - I built the ninth in a 14th shell and I learnt you needed a lot of tap effects to make it work HOWEVER, I am kicking myself for not including Cyclonus - good shout!
@@mtgspecsin my testing lavaspur boots has been doing fine to help disincentivize removal early game and the haste comes in handy late game when obeka inevitably gets hit off the board
When I make decks, I put every card that interests/inspires me into one list, before sorting through them. They use the term in interior design and other creative endeavours - I like to share it as the cards I don't use might inspire someone else.
@mtgspecs Gotcha, mind if I ask you a few questions about this deck and its strategy? (Apologies for the interrogation I'm about to conduct.) 1. How is Minion of Tev not killing you with upkeep damage? 2. Do you hard cast your dungeon reward creatures (like Rilsa Rael)? Or do you try to cheat them with undercity? 3. Are you intentionally avoiding mana rocks like chrome mox and mox amber for budget reasons? 4. The mana value of this deck seems pretty high. Do you find this deck to be kind of slow most games? Or is the ramp and free spell cheats sufficient enough to keep up with your opponents? 5. Greater Stone Spirit's "fire breathing" ability takes a minimum of 3 mana to activate. Do you usually have the available mana to boost Obeka with it? And finally, have you considered either Stonewright or Shizo death's storehouse for this deck? Thank you in advance for your time and insight!
@@Shouten707 Absolutely fine! I love talking about my decks. 1. Yes, potentially but it would take a long time. However, the tap and add 3, plus Obeka's 2, makes 5, which is one run of the undercity. Coupled with being able to snipe small creatures and never having played him before, it was a risk I am happy to take to experience a new card. 2. Either. Last night, Rilsa was cheated into play after completing The Undercity, which meant Obeka has an extra 5 power, next turn. That was another run of the city. It felt good! 3. Yes, but I would expect anyone looking at my deck lists to make calls on ramp and mana changes based on what they have access to/is allowed in their playgroup. Same with this creature package - there are better choices but I'm usually about giving an old card a new home. Plus my Mox Amber is in Jodah where it belongs! 4. This is a good question and it is to do with the strategy. With the right combination of starting pieces, one run of The Undercity gives you all the resources you need - a land, treasure, removal (goad), card draw and finally, cheating costs. The snowball effect (see Rilsa) example is hard to keep up with. The priority is protecting Obeka - once she connects once, depending on your board state, it's hard to come back from. 5. GSP - when you are not casting things (Sarevok's Tomb, Undercity cheats, Treasures, As foretold etc), you have spare mana. There are better creatures 100% - I've never really cared for 'better' until my meta demands it. I hope anyone looking at my deck can see the centre of what it is trying to achieve and then put their own stamp on it - I already started making changes last night and have been creating a Grixis demon package for the 11. I also really need to set up a Discord! haha - love the Shizo recommendation - it's in two other relevant decks!
@mtgspecs Thanks for the fast response. This is all extremely helpful information. I just have one final follow-up question. You mentioned there are "better cards" for the Room 5 Power Package. I'm in a position where I don't have limitations in my play groups, and I'm aiming to make this deck as strong as I can. That being said, my question is, what would be the 11 Power Package cards you would recommend to someone trying to use the best cards for those 11 spots?
@@Shouten707 I'm glad you asked as I am working on an update with different types of packages and some swaps I've already started making - I'll @ you when that is ready. And if you don't have limitations, the key is protect Obeka with your life - I am sure you know the counter spells that do that job so well. Leave it with me.
I'll be honest. I never thought about combining upkeep triggers with initiative. Thanks! Gave me alot of inspiration on making my own Obeka deck!
Love to hear that. It's so much fun and free stuff - there's a reason this is my second RL deck using The Undercity.
Deck looks rad but you just know you'll be archenemy the second you reveal her as your commander
I do, I do. I mean, it's no difference from the Brenard, Jodah, Stangg, Tom B or Marvo decks I run, I'm used to that problem . . . .
This argument is becoming so prevalent that according to the internet, every commander ever is archenemy. If everything is archenemy, nothing is archenemy. It's not like commander players run enough removal anyway. Especially not against any blue deck😅
Yesss, this is a must build for me!
Completely SAME. After reducing my number of decks, my new rule is, one deck in, one deck out and only one commander from a set - Obeka is the one! The best thing is, that package of 11 creatures can rotate so I could go Grixis demons, in the same way my Hama Pashar version of this deck switches between Praetors and Sphinxes. I bloody love magic the gathering!! Hope all is well at CampMTG.
I am looking forward to this video/deck. When she was revealed, my brain immediately went to Xanathar.
I initially made an upkeep steal and deal damage deck featuring Xanathar (happily share the unrefined decklist)
@mtgspecs Definitely interested. I was the early adopter of Descent into Avernus in my playgroup. Along with The Ruinous Powers.
@@Torsav l shall put it in the description this evening.
@@Torsav I've updated the description with the 'pain and steal' version - not sure how it works but it is a good start. I upped the removal and ramp. Enjoy!
@@mtgspecs cheers
Upkeep trigger Maxing! Love it!
It took me a literal second to know I was building this and building it in paper! I've already kicked out one of my existing decks to make room (sorry Tegwyll!).
Howdy! I noticed you made some changes to your deck, and I have a couple of questions.
1. What made you add Bloodthirster? I see it gives extra combats, but it only untaps itself for each combat.
2. I see the power pack is now at 10 cards. Was 11 cards testing to be too much?
3. What is the goal with Mirage Mirror? It looks fun, im just curious as to what you primarily use it for.
Thanks in advance for humoring my onslaught of questions. Im almost done with my Obeka/Undercity deck, and I can't wait to start using it! 🤠
I am ALWAYS down to talk magic with you!
1 and 3: Pet cards BUT I was thinking redundancy. With the three rings that add counters during your upkeep, and the Goad elements, Bloodthirster can deal a ton of damage to everyone, especially with his flying and trample and an Aether Tunnel strapped to him. I love Obeka, I just want a few aggro options to enjoy all the evasion and damage options. With Mirage Mirror, I made a pact with Alec @ The Faerie Conclave to not cut it from my decks (I talked about it on his podcast) so it's a nod to a really amazing experience I want to remember BUT it doubles up on loads of the amazing stuff in the deck - another Sphinx of the Second Sun, makes two additional beginning phases, another Bloodgift Demon is more cards, more damage if Obeka hits.
2 I wanted to make room for some more evasion and find that we have Sphinx of the Second Sun that makes up for taking one out as it costs 8. Plus, I felt the third 'Ring of' needed to go in and three more evasion/protection pieces (Sword Coast, Champion's Helm and Tunnel). The key is keeping Obeka untargeted, unblockable and moving in for the kill quickly.
Let me know immediately how the first game goes!
Have you considered Auton Soldier? I chose to include it instead of spark double. Copies any creature on the board and has myriad! 5 obekas? Ok!
I mean this in the most platonic way possible - I love you and this is genius and I have that precon and it's happening! Thanks!
How are you getting the 5th Obeka?
@@Shouten707
Obeka
Auton soldier (copy of obeka)
Myriad 1
Myriad 2
Myriad 3
5 total!
@@domahug But wouldn't you only get 2 myriad copies? Because you have 3 opponents to attack. Dosnt myriad only make attacking copies for non-defending opponents?
@@Shouten707 true! My bad, I often play in a 5 player pod so I got confused.
How is Boltwing Marauder working for you? Do you find yourself dropping enough creatures every turn to get good value out of its ability?
Not bad at all actually. There's quite a few smaller, initiative creatures knocking about and really, we only need small Increments of power to have Obeka do serious work. Then you have a 5/4 flyer out that you can suit up with stray equipment, counters from the Undercity. Liking the fliers in this deck especially if you need to take the Undercity back.
@mtgspecs If you like synergistic flyers for this deck, you might be interested in Tyrant's Familiar.
5/5
Flying, haste
Lieutenant - As long as you control your commander, Tyrant's Familiar gets +2/+2 and has "Whenever Tyrant's Familiar attacks, it deals 7 damage to target creature defending player controls."
Oh, also Blood Tyrant 👌🏾
@@Shouten707 now I've gotta go back and think about the deck again haha - both are great. Part of me is wanting to go full demons with a Liliana's Contract - I like the idea of Obeka having sold her soul to winged baddies. I'll probably do it - I have an Azorius dungeons deck list with sphinxes so it'd be a good companion for that deck.
@mtgspecs If you do end up taking the Demon path, I think Spirit of the Night would be a cool addition for the power pack.
6/5
Flying, trample, haste, protection from black
Spirit of the Night has first strike as long as it's attacking.
Deck sounds great, but I'm concerned the Average Mana Value (CMC) is too high for this deck to function properly, but I have zero experience with this commander.
I know certain decks like Kaalia fudge the values but play fast.
Is this deck super slow?
What do the first 5 turns look like in average?
Thanks for the comment. I play an Azorius version of this deck and with the mana rocks and the initiatives way of adding free value, it functions beautifully. That first room guarantees finding lands, another room adds treasure. 30 cards fall in the 1 to 3 mana value range, and it's room 5 which cheats more expensive creatures into play. Obeka being in the zone, coupled with the cheap evasion and protection trigger all that free value. It's such a unique experience, highly recommended!
@@mtgspecs yours is the first I've seen that I'm actually interested in playing because it sounds so good so I will go ahead and proxy the deck and see how it plays within my playgroup.
I appreciate the response and explanation.
I don't normally net deck but I knew this card was going to be great however admittedly I don't think I ever would have gone the route that you've gone so I'm very interested to give this a try
@@LTAT42069 You are very welcome. Let me know how it goes.
Have you considered Cyclonus, the Saboteur or the Ninth Doctor for redundancy?
I did indeed - I built the ninth in a 14th shell and I learnt you needed a lot of tap effects to make it work HOWEVER, I am kicking myself for not including Cyclonus - good shout!
whispersilk is probably bad because it shuts off all the power boosting
I actually agree. Great advice in the comments today! What to replace it with?
@@mtgspecsin my testing lavaspur boots has been doing fine to help disincentivize removal early game and the haste comes in handy late game when obeka inevitably gets hit off the board
Other evasion cards I’ve been playing are aether tunnel, aqueous form and arcane flight if all your looking for is to guarantee hitting
@@ethanwilliams4900 that is goooood. I love the haste and protection. Comments coming through today! Thank you!
@@ethanwilliams4900 Tried our Lavaspur and now I have preordered three copies!
What is a Mood Board??
When I make decks, I put every card that interests/inspires me into one list, before sorting through them. They use the term in interior design and other creative endeavours - I like to share it as the cards I don't use might inspire someone else.
@mtgspecs Gotcha, mind if I ask you a few questions about this deck and its strategy? (Apologies for the interrogation I'm about to conduct.)
1. How is Minion of Tev not killing you with upkeep damage?
2. Do you hard cast your dungeon reward creatures (like Rilsa Rael)? Or do you try to cheat them with undercity?
3. Are you intentionally avoiding mana rocks like chrome mox and mox amber for budget reasons?
4. The mana value of this deck seems pretty high. Do you find this deck to be kind of slow most games? Or is the ramp and free spell cheats sufficient enough to keep up with your opponents?
5. Greater Stone Spirit's "fire breathing" ability takes a minimum of 3 mana to activate. Do you usually have the available mana to boost Obeka with it?
And finally, have you considered either Stonewright or Shizo death's storehouse for this deck?
Thank you in advance for your time and insight!
@@Shouten707 Absolutely fine! I love talking about my decks.
1. Yes, potentially but it would take a long time. However, the tap and add 3, plus Obeka's 2, makes 5, which is one run of the undercity. Coupled with being able to snipe small creatures and never having played him before, it was a risk I am happy to take to experience a new card.
2. Either. Last night, Rilsa was cheated into play after completing The Undercity, which meant Obeka has an extra 5 power, next turn. That was another run of the city. It felt good!
3. Yes, but I would expect anyone looking at my deck lists to make calls on ramp and mana changes based on what they have access to/is allowed in their playgroup. Same with this creature package - there are better choices but I'm usually about giving an old card a new home. Plus my Mox Amber is in Jodah where it belongs!
4. This is a good question and it is to do with the strategy. With the right combination of starting pieces, one run of The Undercity gives you all the resources you need - a land, treasure, removal (goad), card draw and finally, cheating costs. The snowball effect (see Rilsa) example is hard to keep up with. The priority is protecting Obeka - once she connects once, depending on your board state, it's hard to come back from.
5. GSP - when you are not casting things (Sarevok's Tomb, Undercity cheats, Treasures, As foretold etc), you have spare mana. There are better creatures 100% - I've never really cared for 'better' until my meta demands it.
I hope anyone looking at my deck can see the centre of what it is trying to achieve and then put their own stamp on it - I already started making changes last night and have been creating a Grixis demon package for the 11.
I also really need to set up a Discord! haha - love the Shizo recommendation - it's in two other relevant decks!
@mtgspecs Thanks for the fast response. This is all extremely helpful information. I just have one final follow-up question. You mentioned there are "better cards" for the Room 5 Power Package. I'm in a position where I don't have limitations in my play groups, and I'm aiming to make this deck as strong as I can. That being said, my question is, what would be the 11 Power Package cards you would recommend to someone trying to use the best cards for those 11 spots?
@@Shouten707 I'm glad you asked as I am working on an update with different types of packages and some swaps I've already started making - I'll @ you when that is ready. And if you don't have limitations, the key is protect Obeka with your life - I am sure you know the counter spells that do that job so well. Leave it with me.