Heroic Humans

I briefly considered it but went instead with Flames of the Firebrand because I could use it as burn or a trigger. The more I playtest the deck the more I realize that this was a mediocre decision. However I would still prefer either using Ethereal Armour or Rise to the Challenge, if you were to replace Firebrand. Ethereal could stack and also play off the hammer if one is out. I even considered mortal ardor because it is a one drop plus it gives lifelink. I suppose I am thinking in terms of the first five turns. It is easier to block a 3-drop than multiple lower mana drops. As a direct substitute to Firebrand, Dauntless Onsalught is far superior. However now Nyxborn Shieldmate and rollicker are viable options. Both can be used as creatures and as potential heroic triggers. I am drawn to Rollicker because of its extremely cheap bestow. Usually the decision on whether to bestow or creature needs to be made quite quickly with this deck. However, Shieldmate is a human. That said I can see many situations where dauntless can be effective and I am surely going to playtest with it to see how effective it is.

I like Ethereal Armour, especially if I end up throwing in those enchantment creatures I mentioned above. Obviously the deck is mostly about burst damage but this is a more permanent boost source. The other sources only last until end of turn.

I considered making a green white deck or even a green red one because there are many excellent green heroic triggers. The main problem I had was the lack of interesting heroics from green itself. I actually got a play set of Reap What is Sown and am still considering splashing it in. I really like that card. The problem is I think the only reason to splash in green would be for that specific card, which will ruin the streamlined process. This deck needs to gain control quickly. Plus, Anax and Cymede was my initial trigger to make this deck... So the whole red/white theme kind of fit. If you could adapt this deck for a more mid to end game approach, splashing green may be viable but in this state I feel two colors is enough.

I considered Vanguard as well but the. I thought the focus would be too much on the Hoplite which is fine but not the main focus of the deck.

I originally had Gideon in because he can become a human indestructible token base on his loyalty counter... But in the end I realised if I was at that point I already would be winning through heroic abilities.