This is an interesting combo that I am going to try and mess with.
Right now I am working on mono black control (possibly converting to B/G more aggro version) running nameless inversion, shriekmaw, graveborn muse, hippie, lilianna.  I think incorporating this into my deck.  Thoughtsieze is useful, and with this combo can be used as an additional discard outlet, although a poor one.  I'll get back to you with a decklist once I work the kinks. 

About adding green to my list: this nameless inversion combo works so well with tarmogoyf, espicially since just nameless inversion and haakon together make your tarmo a 3/4. 

I'm also going to look at all the other shapeshifter cards, this is an interesting idea.

[Edit]: with the addition of red, lightning axe and the red changeling instant, two creatures get +2/+0 could be interesting additions.  But I believe the best way to take this deck is B/G aggro control, possibly with an elf theme.  I am trying to decide on which planeswalker fits best liliana or garruk.  Decklist coming soon. 

right now im working on a mono U aether vial build, running voidmages, spiketails, Bouncers, Martyr of frost (from timespiral),ninjas, COtV, and of course wastelands and manlands.  I havent decided on the exact numbers for the creatures, counterbalances and such.  I havent got it into the testing stages yet, and i have tourny to prepare for on the 30th.  I doubt I will be running this build, but i might if i can get some testing in. 

I think spiketail hatchling could be great for this deck, helping oath of ghouls.  Right now im testing a mono blue version with standstills in place of bobs, and running all 4 wastelands.  I also removed meddling mages for Chalices, and testing with stifles and dazes maindeck as well.  And the martyr of the frost will be added as well.  I was also thinking of trying this deck with top and counterbalance engine.

This thread was last updated over a year ago. Verbal warning for thread necromancy.

-- Rich

It seems that counterbalance would have the most success in Tog.  I want to experiment with counterbalance in u/r fish, as it could be interesting especially in this meta..  I have also been out of magic for a couple years, and in my build back then I didn't run brainstorms, but to maximize the effectiveness of counterbalance, top and brainstorms are necessary. 

I'm not very experienced in extended, but is 3 basic islands sufficient for vedalken shackles?  And what creatures in the format are you looking at stealing with shackles.  I'm trying to think of a "control magic" effect that could go in that spot, but none come to mind. 

Except maybe that shapeshifter creature that takes control of an opponent's creature in Lorwyn.

[Edit]  I've been out of magic for 2 years, and I did not realize the ravnica duals counted as islands, whoops.