Spellfist would work w/ Ascendancy & any 0-cost, non-creature artifact, in which case you could just attack w/ it for unblockable lethal (eliminating the need for Molten Nursery). Agree that 3 isn't too much. And along w/ tutoring, Drift of Phantasms can also be cast to provide a blocker, though you'd probably rather not.
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Jeskai Ascendancy would actually work, so long as the permanent being returned/recast was the Relic. Of course, Nettle doesn't need Ascendancy to untap...but maybe Spartan's point was that it would provide other options...? As for the artifact land, I confess, that part lost me.
Especially the interaction between Wasteland Strangler & Silkwrap, Complete Disregard, etc.; I wouldn't have thought of that. +1 for a solid-looking deck overall.
Perhaps I didn't express myself clearly. You're targeting the Nettle w/ an instant that lets you tap the Nettle to return one of the artifacts to your hand. You re-cast the artifact (for 0); the casting triggers the Nursery, the artifact entering the BF triggers the altar & causes the Nettle to untap...at which point you repeat the sequence, as often as needed, to either deck your opponent w/ the Altar or kill them w/ the Nursery. You're not tapping the Nettle to deal direct damage in this sequence.
As far as I know, Center Soul or Feat of Resistance are the only similar options available in Standard right now.
When you activate the Sundial's ability, "until end of turn" effects end. Since Dominus of Fealty's ability falls into that category, you don't get to keep the creature. Even if you "flicker" it w/ Flickerwisp, it'll still return to it's owner at the beginning of the next end step (it doesn't have to happen during your turn).
*Floating-Dream Zubera. Unnatural Selection can help you get more cards, but since it leaves abilities intact, it won't keep you from decking yourself in the instance you mentioned as being of concern in your deck description...? Artificial Evolution could prevent that, as well.
The Nettle is tapping in response to being targeted by either Retraction Helix or Banishing Knack to return either the 'Thopter or the Relic to hand so that it can then be recast, triggering the Alter &/or the Nursery while at the same time untapping the Nettle, repeat repeat repeat until your opponent is decked or dead. So you actually do require either the Altar or the Nursery.
Bladewing the Risen approves.
Surgical Extraction will only blow your gig IF (a) your opponent has a way of putting one of your pieces in your GY in the first place, & (b) you're not holding any counter magic. For that reason, you probably want to be able to board-out Remand in favor of another counter spell as needed. Rather than trying to add an alt win-con, though, I'd probably focus on protecting the one you have. For example, Mirror of Fate also removes your library, while allowing you to "replace" it w/ up to 7 cards you own that are exiled, which could make Surgical Extraction actually work in your favor; you can also sac the Mirror after Leveler goes off to get back anything you need/want that was exiled by it. The decks I've played Leveler in were so different as to not be much help here (you'd have to change your whole deck), but I think what you already have is fine, so long as you cater to it. You came up w/ a cool concept here, so run w/ it! - & let naysayers like your friend try to keep up! ;)
I'm glad I came across this deck...I'm working on one myself, & I've been so focused on creatures w/ prowess that I forgot all about Spellheart Chimera. -.- (I know, right?) I've seen a lot of support for Phantasmal Image on this site, & it is a good card, but I'd personally rather have Geist. Sphinx's Revelation may be too slow, as may Cyclonic Rift (if you're planning to overload it); I'm on the fence about Mind Spring & Secure the Wastes. I do like to play as fast as possible, so I have that bias...& given I forgot the Chimera, I realize my credibility may be "somewhat questionable" at this point. ;) Anyway, nice deck, & thanks...I'll be watching to see what other input you get/updates you make. +1.
I like the variety of interactions in this deck...it gives you a lot of options. +1.
What Spike67 said was that it's pretty budget if you take Cascade Bluffs & Serum Visions out...at which point it's only about $20 on the midrange price. Also, it perhaps bears pointing out that Pauper, etc., are constructed formats. Add to that the number of people playing at the KT, & I think it's safe to say that Magic is for anyone who wants to play. And while I've never personally argued budget either way, I have seen some killer budget decks on this site.
Little scrying starfish is sad... :'( Really like the theme. +1.
Groups can agree to use SBs, but only 10 cards are allowed (not an official rule, but a fairly common "house rule"). Nicely done, +1.
Apostle's Blessing could be used to protect either the Drone or the Altar, w/o requiring splashing a third color...but there's also already more counter spells in the SB.
Unfortunately, Preordain is also banned in Modern. :( Serum Visions, Sleight of Hand, & Telling Time are some Modern-legal options you might consider. Always like Leveler decks! :) +1.
I like this version...it reads as a token deck, which could get you in under the radar (as opposed to the original UG version, which just read as a polymorph deck). Proteus Staff would be a dead giveaway, though. I'd replace those & 1 Emrakul w/ 3x See Beyond. +1.
Idyllic Tutor = W enchantment fetch.
Checked the rulings. It only triggers once, regardless of the # of creatures. :(
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