Need some help/ideas for a 'Balrog' deck!

[Aus_Snow]

I've been bitten by the building bug, after a long break from the game. And there's a (skeletal) deck idea that I once had, that I'd like to see actually happen: 'The Balrog'! I got reminded in another thread (bugs, snakes, assassins) by the suggestion of Fire Whip.

So, here's what I got already:

4 Pit Spawn (the Balrog)
4 Fire Whip (duh; also neat - if expensive - combo)

I have to protect those core cards somehow. . .

Also, I like the look of:

Some Demonfire, some Earthquake perhaps, Terminate?, um. . .


I'm thinking it needs some more creatures, of course. But what? Goblins would be classic, and I've got a lot of those. Orcs? Trolls even?

As you can see, this is just a hazy idea, with a cheesy 'combo' for the basic theme. But I really would like to be able to play it, in a casual environment, and have it be at least a little bit competitive, if possible.

 

[WhatGravitas]

Artwork-wise, you want Rakdos, though it's a notoriously bad card, because usually you lose half your permanents and it Rakdos gets hit by some spell during the attack.

Din of the Fireherd is also a big, swingy spell with an interesting look and has the right colours.

You definitely want the Scourge of the Nobilis and a Nightmare Lash to give your guys some fiery whipping power!

I also somehow like the Wrecking Ball.

Cheers, LT.

 

[Jok3R]

terminate and smother are the best kill spells in the game, really. Incinerate, lightning bolt, and flame javelin are all good, though the middle severely outclasses the others. What format is this for? You may want to try solid accel through rituals (dark and cabal ritual) to power it out.

 

[Aus_Snow]

Thanks for the suggestions, LT. Still weighing a couple of them up.

Maybe I can add in things like unto the Nazgul, and go the whole 9 Tolkien yards. What is like unto da Nazgul anyhow? I think there was a Stromgald Crusader or such, in a recent set, that could sub OK. Doesn't look the part much though. Something big with Shadow, especially on/off? But then, they only get to about 3/3, right?

Damn, but that Rakdos looks like like the (movie) Balrog. But I really want the Pit Spawn + Fire Whip to be the core.

As many theme-y pics, titles, flavour bits, and stuff as possible, is what I'd like to use.

 

[Aus_Snow]

What format is this for? You may want to try solid accel through rituals (dark and cabal ritual) to power it out.

Format? Buh?!

(totally casual 1-on-1, with standard rules and basic t1 or t1.5(?) restrictions)

Yep, rits might be nice too. I prefer Dark to Cabal, tbh.

 

[WhatGravitas]

Maybe I can add in things like unto the Nazgul, and go the whole 9 Tolkien yards. What is like unto da Nazgul anyhow? I think there was a Stromgald Crusader or such, in a recent set, that could sub OK. Doesn't look the part much though. Something big with Shadow, especially on/off? But then, they only get to about 3/3, right?

This would make a good Nazgul - since its damage is lasting damage, very like the cursed blades the Nazgul used. And it flies. But the whole burning thing doesn't fit, I fear. Otherwise, all Specters are very Nazgul-like and could give your deck a discard theme - disrupting your enemy, then coming to smash his face with your Balrog!

Cheers, LT.

 

[Asmo]

Me? I would go for Lord of the Pit wich just screams Balrog to me. You also need some minions for him to feed on, and flavor wise Goblins would fit the bill perfectly. A bit mana intensive but fun card is from the latest set Eventide:Rise of the Hobgoblins
You can fetch the Balrog using Buried Alive and Animate Dead.

Asmo

 

[Asmo]

Ohhhhh! I love the Knight, yes indeed! Very cool! It would be a worthy addition.

 

[Runestar]

Rakdos seems to interact well with fire whip, since the latter allows you to deal combat damage to the opponent without it having to attack. So effectively, you have a creature with the ability "tap: target opponent sacrifices 1/2 his non-demon permanents".

 

[Aus_Snow]

Rakdos seems to interact well with fire whip, since the latter allows you to deal combat damage to the opponent without it having to attack. So effectively, you have a creature with the ability "tap: target opponent sacrifices 1/2 his non-demon permanents".

Unfortunately not. It's not combat damage. Otherwise, that would've made him a dead cert.

That Knight is cool, for sure. I might have to get some, and find a place for them in this (as yet) non-existent deck.

Asmo - I know the Pit Spawn is kinda lame. But I like using lame cards, and making them work, even if not optimally. I have my 'hell decks' (as in effective) if I ever need them again, but I generally prefer the pace to be a bit less brutal.


This far in, looks like:

4 Pit Spawn
4 Kulrath Knight

4 Fire Whip
4 Terminate

*lol* which ain't a deck, I know.