The Sun God Rises

The Sun God Rises

Faithless Brewing, Episode 38: Heliod, Sun-Crowned

All things must come to an end, and for Mox Opal, that end proved to be a rather unceremonious bludgeoning with the ban hammer in Modern. Also banned are Oko, Thief of Crowns (yet again) and Mycosynth Lattice (thank you, next), the largest shakeup in Modern since… the printing of Throne of Eldraine. The crew pours one out for the fallen victims of last week’s B&R, and takes another look ahead at promising new printings from Theros: Beyond Death.

But while the sun sets on an entire era, another sun rises, in both Modern and Pioneer — specifically Heliod, the Sun-Crowned, who is perhaps the most hotly anticipated printing from Theros: Beyond Death. Heliod’s infinite damage combo with Walking Ballista has echoes of Saheeli Felidar, or even (some say) Splinter Twin. Can the new God possibly live up to the hype?

In truth, Heliod Ballista is an enormously mana intensive combo, but there are sneaky tools available to shave on mana costs and arrive at a leaner, meaner 1-2 combo punch. In Modern, this can also mean eschewing Ballista altogether, and instead pursuing infinite life with Spike Feeder or Kitchen Finks. And if that fails? Well, nothing says we can’t turn our 5/5 indestructible beater sideways. Will any of these decks rise to glory? Let’s find out!

Decklists for Episode 38

Roundup: Modern B&R + Theros Previews 

Modern B&R Announcement

Oko: total days legal, by format

Mox Opal: end of era  

Flashback: Ghirapur Orrery  

Sultai Dredge (David): 2-3 league 

Simic Lands (David): 2-3 league 

Simic Midrange (Damon): 3-2 league  

Brew Session: Heliod, Sun-Crowned  

Modern 

Sketch 1: Soul Sisters Company  

Pioneer 

Sketch 2: Azorius Owl Midrange 

Sketch 3: Selesnya Enchantments Ramp 

Sketch 4: Orzhov Heliod Walkers 

Bonus Sketch: Boros Reckoner Midrange 

Bonus Sketch: Bant Vannifar Heliod 

Bonus Sketch: Bant Heliod Flash 

Bonus Sketch: Basic Mono-W Heliod  

Ready to take the Oath of Brewers? Patreon supporters get access to our Discord channel, bonus content, and more. Join the Faithless Family and come brew with us!
Become a patron at Patreon!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *