[[Spellslinger]]

( BUT SCARY GOOD ) !!

Ive learned alot about this deck going to slowly add info when I can

ACHIEVEMENTS

TOP 3 SCGCON VEGAS!!!

RAINBOW FOIL SPELLSLINGER!!!! WENT CRAZY 10-2 all weekend and only lost to the 1st and 2nd place sorcerers!!! [[Spellslinger]] is so much fun alot of shneaky combos can be insanely strong

TOP 4!! SEASON 8 OF ONLINE LEAGUE!

ALMOST won it all but sadly lost to an Archie deck in the semi-finals.. (Technically the guy I lost to lost in the finals but they have me tied for 3rd in the bracket? Ill take it! lol) SHOUT OUT @Astareal7th the true 3rd place of season 8! Very strong AoA player.

8/6 - Won a big Dragon Lord tournament at my locals 22 people! 5-0! I got lucky and won a raffle for Dragon Lord too!! Insane night!

10/11 6th place at a Cornerstone event. Barely lost door / door in top to @Minkdinker and his land destruction Pathfinder. Sometimes the heart of the cards sings for the other person lol but man good games

12/14/25 - Top 4 AZ Cornerstone! Lost to my boys in top cut unfortunately, was doing really well beating up all the Interrogators tho solid list and players! Going first against them seems to be the better play.

Spellslinger ( but scary good ) so much fun to beat good decks with this list. Hard to deny how good this is but they will try

SWAP MAKES PLAYING MIXES ALOT TRICKIER IF YOURE PLAYING AGAINST WATER BE CAUTIOUS PLAY THEM MORE STRATEGIC

*TESTING MIGHT BE EXPERIMENTING FOR A BIT THIS IS A CRAZY SET!!!*

WATER IS THE NEW META FOR NOW. I'm pretty sure anyways, going to be a lot of tough mirror type games. Slinger can punch faster then most still, just need to be careful with enemy [[Mesmerism]]s taking the our big Minions. Use movement like [[Riptide]], [[Maelstrom]], [[River Rapids]], [[Nelly Long Arms]], maybe even [[Swap]] to play things in safer places and move into attack-able sites.

Deck feels very strong still, might be even better w/ Gothic since everyone got a little worse all the Scry action in here is very helpful.

*needs gothic update testing now* (alot of good info still)

OPENING HAND

Spells

Draw 4 spells and pretty much always mulligan 3 of them unless you already have a ramp card in hand such as [[Mix Aqua]], or [[Four Waters of Paradise]] you're looking hard for these opening hand.

[[Aquamarine Core]] isn't bad but looking for more big ramp early. Plus it is better to be able to crack our artifacts right away especially with Swap around opponents could possibly take a core or ring. You are also looking for any of the game changers / bombs mono water lets you use. Cards to look for are [[Atlantean Fate]], [[Ruler of Thul]], [[Mesmerism]], [[Plague of Frogs]], [[Ring of Morrigan]], depending on the avatar youre up against any of these can be a very strong keep.

If no ramp or game changer opening draw mulligan 3 and 4th card you keep should be something you can play early on curve 1 - 3 if possible

Sites

Pretty much always keeping sites and digging for spells cause it doesnt really matter the deck is pretty much all water making it always good for threshold but if you already have ramp + a big minion or a game changer in the opening draw you can ditch regular rivers really hoping for [[Maelstrom]] or [[Troll Bridge]]. Maybe even a [[Wizard's Den]] for more draw. Big fan of [[Undertow]] turn 2 and pulling Spellslinger to the side against air and fire decks makes him a little safer and harder to hit with projectiles.

I had [[Island Leviathan]] in there instead but with no extra site draw it takes to long to activate and this deck can get exhausted sometimes.

Sites are mainly Rivers and on every search youre looking for ramp cards just like the mulligan. Unless you have one already then if you do start looking for something big to play with it instead.

(Similar list to my deck Cruel Waters, I did build Slinger first but Cruel has Waveshaper and a few different cards with a lower ceiling. Waveshaper is such a nice mix of strength and control but this is a faster very strong fun list! Beating good decks with the Slinger is always a good time. Very decent win rate when I pilot)

Deck very consistently cast out huge minions and spells.

Going second feels insane with so many cards in hand early. 5 cards turn 1 is nuts especially with a [[Wizards Den]] in hand.

TIPS/TRICKS?

To gain the full effect of [[Spellslinger]] mono water...

I believe that with mono color the buff is knowing your threshold is always okay. In slinger digging for the right threshold will slow down things dramatically, constantly drawing spells every turn is what really gives [[Spellslinger]] extra benefit.

Splashing one threshold is to tough having double in the second thresh is impossible atleast to get the full mini buff from the draw

Now with the full benefit of the draw I love water having every river to constantly cycle the deck only searching for bombs mixes etc. ([[Mix Aqua]] [[Four Waters of Paradise]] [[Mesmerism]] [[Atlantean Fate]] [[Ruler of Thul]] or all the big minions once you have a mix or combo). All the extra cards and draw make the mixes so much more powerful and can push combos out that can be tough to recover from especially with the game changers full water provides

[[Mesmerism]] is just so good will win the game most of the time! Use it wisely!

EVERY CARD AND WHAT I THINK

AVATAR:

[[Spellslinger]] is a very basic avatar his main + is the extra card out the gate making the mix combos less detrimental to thinning out our own hand. Whats really helpful is the mono water sites so threshold is always okay and you can keep drawing spells. Making [[Spellslinger]] tap to draw sites the main way we collect sites. Only draw a site at the start of turn if a combo in hand requires it if not keep digging spells. I will say after turn three sometimes drawing a site is necessary so you dont fall to behind in mana but even so if you have a [[Lugbog Cat]] or a [[Mix Aqua]] combo you might not need too and can keep drawing spells for advantage.

SPELLBOOK:

• AURA

[[Atlantean Fate]] (x1)

Can be a game winner! Setting an opponents threshold to water only can hurt bad, especially if they don't run water spells. Just be careful ordinary sites not being affected can be tricky to play around at times.

• ARTIFACTS

[[Aquamarine Core]] (x1)

Always nice to see early. Helps get the deck running a little faster. Simple and effective.

[[Mix Aqua]] (x2)

RAMP O’CLOCK! Everything is a water spell and can always use a mix. Really hoping to see some ramp early for some big plays to apply pressure whenever possible. Usually a good idea to wait to crack a mix until there is a 5-6 cost water spell needing to be cast but in an emergency these can come in handy to combo out whatever is needed.

[[Ring of Morrigan]] (x1)

Such a win more card. Can gain just enough life to outlast opponent and helps with trades or removal in general. Great to see for a Deaths Door final avatar hit.

[[Four Waters of Paradise]] (x1)

RAMP! Try to save for bigger costing/threshold spells. Always on the hunt for this card to cast heavier combos.

[[Pnakotic Manuscript]] (x1)

Simple draw support can be used on smaller minions mainly especially a twin [[Adept Illusionist]] but with all the river abilities (such as [[Winter River]]) it can be easy to know what will survive the draw or if youll only take a small amount of damage to the avatar. [[The Green Knight]] with so much defense can be a strong option

+ FROGS LOVE TO READ! [[Plague of Frogs]] or [[Tadpole Pool]] combo so well for easy draw engine

[[Truesight Crossbow]] (x1)

Mainly for when an opponent is at deaths door, can be a sneaky way to avoid blockers with a snipe. Gives some extra range to waterbound creatures! Seeing this late game is preferred but if you see it early play it on your avatar and wait it out. Avatars gain some range and can target stealth minions with spells!!! (can be big for kill spells or [[Mesmerism]]). My favorite tech has been strategically placing either [[Plague of Frogs]] or my minions on board, in a way so that I can run a [[Truesight Crossbow]] from my avatar to whatever minion can tap in range for game.

[[Grim Guisarme]] (x1)

Might need to be x2 so good! Can hit for door out of nowhere with all these big minions. Better saved for door can be brutal used against you. [[Grim Guisarme]] + [[Seirawan Hydra]] is NUTS btw

• MINIONS

[[Fenvale Muse]] (x1)

With all the rivers this extends the dig for any of the ramp cards [[Mix Aqua]], [[Four Waters of Paradise]] or [[Aquamarine Core]]. Could be (x2) but I dont like to many 0 power non token creatures so only 1 for tech when seen. Great option for [[Shapeshift]].

[[Adept Illusionist]] (x2)

A staple in any water deck for me. Just feels like so much value, constant chump blocks or [[Pnakotic Manuscript]] draw. He is also a spellcaster so he can bring out his buddy ol’ pal and start casting [[Ice Lance]] or [[Mesmerism]] from farther for game.

[[Polar Explorers]] (x2)

For attacking with hopefully unseen damage, or finding a new angle to help whatever the agenda is at the moment. Here for tech. Could be anything really. Combo with [[Geyser]] for even crazier back door angles

[[Fey Changeling]] (x1)

Helpful for blocker removal and can set an opponent back a turn if they play some huge minion. Just send it back to the hand and continue on about your business. Sending certain genesis cards back to hand can be tricky so watch out for those. Great target for [[Shapeshift]].

[[Lugbog Cat]] (x3)

It’s extremely hard not to put 3 of these in every water deck. Just value. 3 cost 4 power can cast to any water site. Cast to an enemy back row water site if possible or even better back row on a [[Pristine Paradise]] and just attack.

[[Nelly Longarms]] (x1)

Can be easy removal especially against bigger minions. Normally just a deterrent threat defending her range of sites. If she isnt taken care of can be a good option for [[Shapeshift]]

Love to combo with [[Riptide]] and just pull into the right angle and drown something.

[[Sea Raider]] (x3)

Here for much needed card draw. Ability still works even if he dies attacking and is usually worth the sacrifice to help with hand advantage. Decent target for [[Shapeshift]].

[[The Lady of the Lake]] (x1)

Cycle any mortal you need! Mainly [[Pirate Ship]], [[Ruler of Thul]] for charge sneak attacks or [[The Green Knight]] feel the best.

[[Captain Baldassare]] (x1)

Here for extra draw similar to [[Sea Raider]]. Pure water list just need more draw and this gives some hand advantage, use enemy spells whenever possible. Decent cycle option for [[The Lady of the Lake]].

[[Lord of Unland]] (x1)

Usually feels best played submerged at first for a few turns or even the whole game moving under toward enemy avatar for a door blow or back to our [[Spellslinger]] for defense. The +1 in his body of water always feels strong especially with all water sites and the avatars ability. Was doubting this cards worth and then he came in clutch a ton of times. Combos well with [[Ruler of Thul]] giving a bunch of bonus’. Can be [[Selfsame Simulacrum]]’d for more buffs!

[[Pirate Ship]] (x3)

Just a strong 4 cost 5x5 BEATER. At worst hes a huge defender and maybe a [[Pnakotic Manuscript]] sacrifice but if on a [[Floodplain]] or connected to enemy water site is such a beast and must be dealt with.

[[Ruler of Thul]] (x1)

Top tier card giving +1 power to allies on the TOP and BOTTOM of the realm + unexpected movement. Very good for sneak attacks for door especially with [[Plague of Frogs]].

Can be cycled with [[The Lady of the Lake]].

[[Selfsame Simulacrum]] (x2)

Tech card! Love to copy pretty much any unique / big minion card in this list but pretty much if something is good on board copy it!

[[Questing Beast]] (x1)

Really great card all around, 5x5 power is always strong. I like to use this for a final stealth strike at Deaths Door especially with the movement at the end of turn. Just the pressure of a 5 power swing + the added movement feels great. When playing against Earth opponents the movement at the end of turn can be used to move back onto a water site for safety.

[[Mester Stoor Worm]] (x2)

Waterbound and Submerge hard to kill giant 7 power. Just all value basically a constant smaller [[Poison Nova]] threat on top of that. Can be used to board wipe with the lethal ability and ping for a Deaths Door final blow! Decent combo for [[Pnakotic Manuscript]] for a draw engine it will always stay alive but not attacking for 7 or using ability is tough lol

[[Seirawan Hydra]] (x2)

Very hard to stop must be submerged, buried, or hit with lethal only to be killed. Any amount of power means nothing to this minion so this + [[Grim Guisarme]] is a terrifying combo

[[The Green Knight]] (x1)

Can win you the game! Forcing the enemy movement and crushing smaller minons is so good I forget about the strike he does at deathrite! Feels best when played on a [[Troll Bridge]]. This turn 3 with a [[Mix Aqua]] can really set the tone for a game. Also great option for [[Pnakotic Manuscript]]

• MAGIC

[[Plague of Frogs]] (x1)

Great defensively mainly, can buy some time. Crazy draw when paired with [[Pnakotic Manuscript]]. [[Ruler of Thul]] and [[Lord of Unland]] can turn these boys up +1 power for a sneak attacks. Can be used to run artifacts around to different units! Easy target for [[Shapeshift]]

[[Geyser]] (x3)

Important for attacking with waterbound creatures can be secret damage if opponent isnt ready. Hoping to use it for surprise attacks and possibly drowning pesky burrowed minions especially [[Root Spider]]. Can be used with [[Polar Explorer]] for extremly hard to predict attacks

[[Polymorph]] (x2)

Banish the original minion so it never sees the cemetery leaving only a little baby enemy frog. Pairs really well with [[Sea Raider]] and [[Captain Baldassare]]

[[Riptide]] (x2)

Helpful movement spell for your own minions but it can also target enemies. Moving them out the way or closer for whatever you need. Can help facilitate a final blow at Deaths Door. [[Floodplain]] can help with range when needed. CAN TARGET STEALTH

If I end up with a [[Riptide]] opening hand I like to play to the side and [[Riptide]] my avatar over to get out of the way of [[Grapple Shot]] or any pesky projectile right away turn 2 make it a little harder to line up shots

[[Drown]] (x1)

With so many water sites and the flood ability this is very strong removal. Really helps remove pesky artifacts especially ring with an enemy avatar on the move for door or any crazy artifact really.

[[Ice Lance]] (x1)

Not my favorite Deaths Door spell but water doesnt have a ton of options. Usually best to hold until late game if found early, only to be used in emergencies to get rid of some flying or huge minion threat. Being able to pierce and choose any target per space is very good but damage starts at casters location 3, adjacent site 2, next adjacent site 1. Range is a little weaker than I thought but still usually does the job. [[Adept illusionist]] work well with this being a spellcaster the 1st copy can bring out the 2nd and should be in range for a final blow.

[[Mesmerism]] (x1)

Might be one of the best cards in the deck. Taking someone’s untapped minion and swinging especially if theyre huge feels very good. Can swing the momentum greatly.

[[Shapeshift]] (x1)

Looking to shift into something big preferably [[The Green Knight]], [[Mester Stoor Worm]], [[Seirawan

Hydra]], or [[Questing Beast]] for a sneak attack.

• SITES

[[Autumn River]], [[Spring River]], [[Winter River]] (x4), and [[Summer River]] (x2)

Searching hard for ramp cards such as [[Mix Aqua]], [[Four Waters of Paradise]], or [[Aquamarine Core]] pretty much always. Once found start looking for something big to play like [[The Green Knight]], [[Mester Stoor Worm]], or [[Questing Beast]]. Repeat this until you get close to the end game where it’s best to start looking for Deaths Door spells. Late game [[Ring of Morrigan]] or [[Ice Lance]] are probably the best options but you can also look for [[Questing Beast]], [[Mesmerize]], [[Truesight Crossbow]], or maybe [[Riptides]] / whatever is needed at the time.

[[Floodplain]] (x3)

Really helps for attacking with any of the waterbound minions. [[Riptide]] combos similarly, you can flood for more reach and hit some forced movement when needed. Love to use with a [[Tide Naiads]] to keep somewhere flooded

[[Kelp Cavern]] (x2)

I think of this as a better [[Observatory]], searching the bottom of the deck instead, giving you more card selection and much appreciated water threshold.

[[Maelstrom]] (x1)

Should of had this in here the entire time!!! Can play minions back or to the side pulling them next start of turn to then be in attack range feels very strong. Doesn't always have to be used either but in a full body of water pulling everything in can come in handy

[[Mirror Realm]] (x1)

Here mainly to be a river and scry but can copy something big maybe [[Troll Bridge]] for defense, [[Undertow]] for free movement, or enemy towers for ramp a nice maybe option.

DOUBLE [[Maelstrom]]!!! insane movement options at all times very good idea to be sneaky with attacks

[[Tadpole Pool]] (x1)

x3 little tadpoles can be used as chump blockers mainly, but if you're lucky you can combo with [[Ruler of Thul]] for a +1 power sneak attack style or my favorite [[Pnakotic Manuscript]] to get an easy x3 draw. Good targets for [[Shapeshift]]

[[Troll Bridge]] (x3)

Staple for any water deck. Helps with defense and provides threshold. [[Riptide]]-ing someone into here feels great.

[[Undertow]] (x3)

Super helpful for attacking or adjusting the board in an unseen way. Nice bonus that it is free and adds mana.

[[Wizard's Den]] (x2)

Draw and hand advantage is top tier. Even if you have to discard later in the game the draw was a card you didn't have before and sometimes people arent even able to attack the site and its just a free draw. Very underrated I believe it should be in pretty much any deck that isn't to threshold stressed.

MAYBE CARDS

[[Observatory]] (x2)

Provides some useful information giving a little advantage to the next few turns. I was always skeptical of this site might be better to have towers and push but if used correctly can feel like it extends your hand size. Might be worth a pen/paper or pad.

[[Tide Naiads]] (x1)

Tech card. Can help waterbound minions move around easier. Best used with [[Floodplain]] to keep sites flooded. Good target for [[Shapeshift]]

(BUT SCARY GOOD)

@goodluckbad