Need help optimizing Dark/Aether deck

[Dyl94]

So I'm currently using a dark/aether deck (I specced dark and that is what it gave me, ran with it, ending up figuring out a decent strategy, I'm brand new to this game).
It does really well up through elders, but it's not quite hitting half bloods. I want to know any advice you have and what I should probably add/remove on the deck. I know I have too many cards in it (40), but I just can't figure out how to optimize it correctly.

[Zyardran]

Random ... First thing you wanna do is get rid of the fractal, random pendulum and quint, and add a few devourers. The next thing is upping the pillars before any other card, that way you get a faster quanta build up/regeneration. Only keep three vampires, get a few more Psions, get rid of the dragon, not sure why you need it tbh. And grab a couple more steals. I think that might do it.

 Half Bloods are a little tougher, they have half upped decks btw, i suggest you grind AI3 until your deck is at least half upped.

If this doesn't work for you, pay a visit to chat, or leave me a PM with the results, i might be able to help a little more if i know your style of play.

[AD TienzuStorm]

Welcome to the forums Dyl94! You can make an introductory thread here.

Anyways, onto the deck.

You should try figuring out what your strategy is. Is it to rush the opponent and quickly get out creatures before the opponent can do anything? Or is it to control the opponent using CC (creature control) and PC (permanent control)?

Right now, your deck seems to be one based around vampiric healing. So, if you want to continue on that path, I'd say that you should drop all cards that don't help strengthen that core strategy. So, Psions, Immortals, and Quints don't help too much. You could try a deck build with 4 Fractals, 6 Minor Vampires/Vampires, a Nightfall or two, and some support cards like Steal, Dusk Mantle, etc. if you really wanted to.

But honestly, Minor Vampires usually aren't worth the trouble. Upgraded ones work rather well, but since you seem to only have one, that won't really be helpful. I'd recommend building a mono Darkness deck like the one on this thread.

[JonathanCrazyJ]

For early game success with these elements/cards:

1) Mono Dark. This deck is strong against almost all types of opponent at AI3 / Bronze / Silver level.

Hover over cards for details, click for permalink

Deck import code : [Select]

5uk 5uk 5uk 5uk 5uk 5uk 5ul 5ul 5ul 5ul 5ul 5ul 5um 5um 5um 5um 5um 5um 5up 5up 5up 5us 5us 5us 606 606 606 606 606 606 8pt

The devourers hold up their Quanta generation while you build up Quanta for dragons and siphon life. (upgraded) vampires could be added in place of pretty much anything except devourers. Srsly, 6 devourers is so good. Make sure you do your maths right when you are going to use siphon life (if you have 30-39 quanta you deal/heal 8 damage etc)

2) Devtal. This is a lockdown denial deck that involves getting out AS MANY devourers as possible with fractal as quickly as you can, and completely shutting down your opponent. Then later on you can use another fractal on minor vampires for healing.

Hover over cards for details, click for permalink

Deck import code : [Select]

5ul 5ul 5um 5um 5um 5um 5um 5um 5up 5up 5up 5ut 5ut 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 606 622 622 622 622 8pu