finding a way into the abyss...

The Christmas season is always a time to have fun and relax. But for tournament hungry players like me, it is 3 weeks of no playing time, no practice, and no grinding. The good news though is that its the best time to focus on new tech since the metagame is well defined and there is no rush to practice your deck.

The project I came up with for the next 2 weeks is coming up with a deck to fit the monster demon named Abyssal Prosecutor. In my opinion he is definitely a player in the game if only we could find him a place in this standard world. A friend of mine came up with a B/G aggro version for him comprised mostly of beats and a little disruption. I on the other hand would like something a little bit more on the control side, but still aggressive enough to make a few palms sweaty.

First thing that came to mind is monoblack control, which i think i will stick with right now. there are three major components to previous successful MBC decks: 1. lots of creature control; 2. lots of disruption; and 3. a card advantage engine. Black right now has the first two components, but lacks the final key. this led me to the other side of the coin: card advantage isn't simply drawing more than your opponent, its making your opponent lose cards without you losing any. having said this, i came up with a list of cards that would do that. my best choices are:

gatekeeper of malakir(+1rcreature for me, -1creature for opponent)
skinrender(+1rcreature for me, -1creature for opponent)
mind rot(2 cards for one)
mindsludge(X cards for one)
bloodhusk ritualist(X cards for one)
consuming vapors(2 cards for one)
consume the meek(X cards for one)
ratchet bomb(X cards for one)
lilianna vess(X cards over time)

now, mix these with a few of black's staple cards and i think we may be on to something... here's what i came up with:

3 inquisition if kozilek
1 duress
4 mind rot
1 mindsludge
3 consuming vapors

4 gatekeeper of malakir
3 skin render
3 bloodhusk ritualist
3 abyssal prosecutor
2 grave titan

3 liliana vess

2 ratchet bomb
4 everflowing chalice

4 tectonic edge
20 swamps

The one thing that sets this decklist apart from the other MBCs is its speed. When opponents cast creatures, Gatekeepers and Skinrenders rush in to kill the critter, and provide a creature to put pressure on the opponent early into the game. Plus lets not forget our powerhouse demon.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of a playing partner, I havent playtested it yet. on paper, It looks decent enough, I just dont know yet. I would appreciate any feedback on this decklist.

We may as well be on the verge of building the perfect Prosecutor deck, maybe we're one or two sets away,this much i can say though about that card: give it the right fit and it will rule the standard world.