Experiments with old Vara based on shells and strategies that have previously and are currently doing well. Ilyak's AP ramp updates to make use of Tavrod to mill Vara reanimation targets alongside Interrogator and Tomb is a powerful combination, and the biggest draw to Winchest over straight AP is Display of Ambition to further capitalize on that power. As of now, pre-balance changes merchant breakdown has done fine, but there are still several configs I'm testing:
--Is Kerendon merchant flatly better here? 3+1 has many tempting targets for added consistency, most notably Display and big Vara, but losing Bore is a significant cost. What this list really needs is the Stonescar smuggler.
--Is Xo still useful here? As a card draw engine Xo is super strong, but with this new take on the list I want Quarry if I'm playing Xo so I get additional ramp capability and even more ways to feed the void for Vara and Display. Xo, not being a Shadow unit, is first on my chopping block if I keep the 7 merchant package.
--How do I fit in maindeck Statuary Maiden? This one is really a function of which cuts of the above two end up being better, because Maiden is a superb counter to aggro decks and opposing decks with reanimation components.