Pariah: An Unconventional Strategy in Magic: The Gathering

In the vibrant multiverse of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), where countless decks clash for dominance, the pariah archetype stands out as a unique and enigmatic strategy. Unlike other archetypes that seek to overwhelm opponents with sheer force or cunning machinations, pariah decks embrace a more passive approach, utilizing creatures with the Pariah keyword to redirect damage away from themselves and onto their aggressors.

What is Pariah?

Pariah is a keyword ability that grants creatures a unique defense mechanism. When a creature with pariah becomes the target of a spell or ability that would deal it damage, that damage is instead redirected to another target of the creature's controller's choice. This ability allows pariah creatures to survive attacks that would otherwise decimate them, making them formidable defensive linchpins.

Advantages of Pariah

• Damage Redirection: Pariah creatures can redirect damage to any target of their controller's choice, including opponents, their own creatures, or even Planeswalkers. This versatility provides strategic options and can disrupt opponents' plans.
• Survival and Resilience: Pariah creatures are highly resilient, able to absorb damage that would normally be fatal to other creatures. This resilience makes them difficult to remove, giving pariah decks a significant advantage in attrition-based matchups.
• Creature Protection: Pariah creatures can protect other valuable creatures by redirecting damage away from them. This can be especially effective in protecting Planeswalkers or creatures with vulnerable abilities.

Disadvantages of Pariah

• Targeted Damage: Pariah only protects against targeted damage. Spells and abilities that deal damage to all creatures or players will still affect pariah creatures and their controller.
• Multiple Attackers: Pariah can be less effective against decks with multiple attackers, as the damage can be spread across multiple targets, reducing the effectiveness of damage redirection.
• Limited Offensiveness: Pariah creatures tend to have lower offensive capabilities, as their main strength lies in their defensive abilities. This can limit their ability to win games on their own.

Key Pariah Cards

Pariah decks rely on a number of key cards to maximize their potential:

• Pariah's Shield (Artifact): Gives any creature you control pariah until end of turn.
• Lich's Mirror (Artifact): Gives any creature you control pariah and makes it indestructible.
• Whitemane Lion (Creature): A 2/3 creature with pariah that can cycle for two mana.
• Akroma's Memorial (Enchantment): Gives all your creatures pariah and +1/+1.
• Sigarda's Aid (Enchantment): Protects creatures with pariah from being countered or targeted by removal spells.

Building a Pariah Deck

Building a successful pariah deck requires careful consideration of the following factors:

• Mana Curve: Pariah decks typically have a higher mana curve than other archetypes, as many of their key cards are expensive. Ramp spells and mana-producing creatures can help accelerate your mana development.
• Creature Selection: Select creatures with high toughness and low attack power to maximize the effectiveness of pariah. Creatures with evasion abilities can also be valuable for dealing damage while protected by pariah.
• Protection: Include cards that protect your pariah creatures from removal spells or board wipes. Sigarda's Aid and other similar enchantments can provide this protection.
• Removal: Include removal spells to deal with opposing threats that can bypass pariah. Targeted removal and mass removal spells can help clear the way for your pariah creatures.

Playing a Pariah Deck

Playing a pariah deck requires a different mindset than playing other archetypes. Here are some tips for success:

• Stay Defensive: Focus on protecting your pariah creatures and redirecting damage away from them. Avoid making aggressive plays that expose your creatures to unnecessary risk.
• Target Selection: When redirecting damage, carefully consider your target. Choose targets that are vulnerable, have low removal resistance, or can benefit from taking damage.
• Patience: Pariah decks are often slower than other archetypes. Be patient and don't rush into combat. Wait for the right opportunity to deploy your pariah creatures and maximize their impact.
• Control the Board: Use removal spells and board control effects to disrupt your opponents' plans and protect your pariah creatures.

Conclusion

Pariah is a unique and unconventional strategy in Magic: The Gathering that offers a different approach to victory. By redirecting damage away from themselves, pariah creatures can survive and thrive in situations where other decks would falter. While this archetype has its limitations, it can be a powerful and rewarding choice for players who embrace its defensive playstyle.