My apologies to anyone who follows my set reviews to see how my Standard B01 Orzhov Cleric Tribal deck evolves when a new set comes out. March of the Machine: The Aftermath came out in May so this is much overdue. On the flip side, part of the reason that I did not rush to post is that there are but two clerics in the set and only one could slot into an Orzhov Cleric Tribal deck.

That sole qualifying cleric is Metropolis Reformer, a 2/3 Angel Cleric with flying and vigilance and gives you hexproof. It additional gains you as much life as it is dealt damage. All for 2 and a W. Not a bomb by any means.

The question now is, does it fit into the deck? If so, what comes out? For the same mana cost, I see two options: Annex Sentry or Yotian Medic. I think the latter makes more sense to cut. The two have the same Power and Toughness so that does not play into my decision. While the Annex Sentry is not a great card, its removal is a more potent ability than lifelink. Easy decision in the end. Besides I have three Yotian Medics in the deck and only two Annex Sentries.

On a note unrelated to this latest set, one additional change I have made is replace the 2 Valorous Stances with 2 Fateful Absences.

Here is what the updated deck looks like:

• 3 Infernal Grasp (MID) 107
• 2 Anointed Peacekeeper (DMU) 2
• 2 Fateful Absence (MID) 18
• 3 Evolved Sleeper (DMU) 93
• 9 Plains (THB) 250
• 7 Swamp (THB) 252
• 3 Shadow-Rite Priest (DMU) 106
• 2 Voice of the Blessed (VOW) 44
• 3 Shattered Sanctum (VOW) 264
• 4 Lunarch Veteran (MID) 27
• 2 Scoured Barrens (NEO) 274
• 1 Takenuma, Abandoned Mire (NEO) 278
• 2 Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire (NEO) 268
• 2 Loran’s Escape (BRO) 14
• 4 Markov Purifier (VOW) 241
• 2 Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim (DMU) 198
• 2 Phyrexian Missionary (DMU) 27
• 2 Liliana of the Veil (DMU) 97
• 3 Metropolis Reformer (MAT) 0004
• 2 Annex Sentry (ONE) 2

Sideboard:

• 2 Farewell (NEO) 13
• 1 Cut Down (DMU) 89
• 2 Chaplain of Alms (MID) 13
• 1 Voice of the Blessed (VOW) 44
• 1 Intercessor’s Arrest (NEO) 20

Changes:

• In: 3 Metropolis Reformer (MAT) 0004
• Out: 3 Yotian Medic (BRO) 33
• Out: 2 Valorous Stance (VOW) 42
• In: 2 Fateful Absence (MID) 18

Let’s see how this new deck does!

As always, feel free to drop us a comment with your thoughts and suggestions for this deck.