Hibernation

Eventually, I knew that the Inspirations were not doing what I wished they would. 

Sometimes, the old ways are best-when in doubt, blow everything up. 

For whatever reason, I find myself reluctant to use good cards that I own. I'm trying to get over that; slimming down the number of decks I have, letting ideas that aren't working go, boosting the actual power level of decks with cards that perform well.

To that end, I have decided to utilize Karn's Sylex as a way to reset the board. Kindred bears as a deck does not have the "I win" combo qualities of Goblins or Elves, it does not have the grindy elements of Zombies, nor the interactive parts that Merfolk might provide, or the sheer aggression of Soldiers or Humans. 

So why not just blow everything up? The bears are in their caves. They'll let this all blow over and start fresh.

This at least feels like a good solution, and a way to stop working on this every freaking day. It may not be perfect but it should do the trick for now. 

Brown Bears

 After several plays, it's apparent that I'm trying to take a weak creature type and shore up those with some strong cards. 

Which, duh right? Still! We take our shots. 

First, let's add in some ways to make extra bears when our bears get the axe: Caller of the Claw. I resisted this card for a bit because it isn't a bear but even if I only get a bear and the Caller, that's a good rate for three mana. If I can get more? Then I'm definitely being efficient. 

Next: it has become very apparent how important Ayula is to this deck. Games just go so much better if she's in play, that finding her is critical, so Time of Need to help make sure that happens. If you already have an Ayula in play, having another one is good to get, and if you've already got another one, there is nothing wrong with searching up the Ruxa, Patient Professor. 

I've also added in more Ashcoat Bears because America's #1 Threat has been living too much on its own turn. Having the ability to play anything as an instant means that the deck can utilize Ayula's triggers or even present more threats than expected, and then untap with a full suite of mana. Anything to let the deck interact is a good idea. 

Inscription of Abundance has been OK, but only OK. I'm going to up it to four, to see if a more consistent showing tells me more. However I think I have to admit that the abilities are all just adequate and unless the mana is there to do all then maybe it's on the cutting block.

America's #1 Threat

Once upon a time, I tried to teach a now ex-girlfriend how to play Magic. She had a thing for nature and for fun, I built a bear deck, riffing on the old Colbert Report joke. 

4 Bramble Armor

4 Ayula, Queen Among Bears
4 Balduvian Bears
4 Grizzly Bears
2 Pale Bears
2 Ashcoat Bear
4 Ruxa, Patient Professor
2 Alpine Grizzly

4 Muraganda Petroglyphs
3 Bearscape

4 Inscription of Abundance

20 Forest
3 Boseiju, Who Endures

The woman broke up with me, so I'm taking the deck back. 

Annnnnnnnd yes that sounds dramatic, on purpose. But the ex is a lovely human, and I wish nothing but the best for her. We didn't work out but I ain't mad about it. 

On top of that, I've made a new friend who wants to get back into Magic...and loves bears. So here we go. Let's make a new bears deck that's fun!