Big Surprises in Tiny Archfiend's Vessels

Core Set 2021, Episode 3: Archfiend's Vessel

 

Archfiend's Vessel is a card to make your jaw drop. 5/5 flying? For a single black mana? Move over, Gurmag Angler; where can we sign up?

 

As with most demonic bargains, the truth is that Archfiend's Vessel is rife with hidden costs. On the surface, the bargain is simple: kill my vessel, then bring it back for demonic fun and profit. But the card gives no guidance on how we are actually supposed achieve this. A 1/1 lifelink is not a relevant combat creature, so you can't rely on your opponent to kill the Vessel for you. And it's not like "reanimate a creature" is an effect that just gets thrown around for free. Once you set out to solve all the puzzles, the Archfiend might not feel like such a bargain after all. But, as we know, there's only one way to find out, so let's build some decks!

 

Meanwhile, around the Multiverse: a surprise B&R announcement has us putting on our speculation hats again, this time for both Pioneer and Modern. There's plenty that we'd like to see changed, but the timing of the announcement is also suspicious: is it possible that something will be freed from B&R purgatory? We make our best guesses before the bombshell is dropped on Monday. Also on the Flashback: our testing results with Silversmote Ghoul.

 

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Decklists for this episode can be viewed at FaithlessBrewing.com

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Roundup: B&R Predictions

 

Modern Predictions

 

Pioneer Predictions

 

Flashback: Silversmote Ghoul

 

Mardu Helix (Modern): 3-2 league

 

WB Silversmote Midrange (Pioneer): 1-4 league

 

Sultai Blood for Ghoul (Pioneer): 1-4 league

 

Sultai Jolrael Delirium (Pioneer): 4-1 league

 

 

Brew Session: Archfiend's Vessel

 

Theorycraft

 

Four Conceptual Challenges

 

Reanimation Options

 

Decklists

 

Reference: BR Lurrus Rites (by Wolfie98, 4-1 Pioneer preliminary)

 

Sketch 1: Rakdos Archfiend Rites (Modern)

 

Brainstorm: Archfiend Pox (Modern)

 

Sketch 2: Abzan Collected Sacrifice (Pioneer)

 

Sketch 3: Abzan Horse Rallier (Pioneer)