The idea of this deck is to have a self-functional 99, bringing Mayael out only after I have the mana to exploit her as a big-creature filter. The deck features:
- aggressive creature control of both little creature hordes and single, target creatures
- targeted artifact and enchantment destruction versus mass wipeouts since I utilize both card types
- persisting ramp instead of mana dork creatures
- a decent go-wide capability of my own for things that pump all of my creatures
- Mayael's Aria as a buff and life source, though I'll take the alternate win if I get a critter high enough!
The deck is not "optimal" to most Mayael decks I've seen, but I'm starting with a good deal of what I presently own, only going after some stuff that immediately makes sense. If you see something (especially budget!) that maybe I missed that helps greatly with above, please make a suggestion! Thank you!