Let me know in the comments below, or share your beginner Commander stories on the Draftsim Discord
There aren't actually any rulings about how the player must perform the shuffle, meaning that they could theoretically conceal their shuffling completely and turn your opponent's blocking into a complete guessing game as opposed to trying to follow the shuffle around which might have been the intention of the card
Of course, this means you need a character on board that can initiate the challenge before Maid Marian gets value, but there are 11 4-cost characters that all have decent Strength values, so it isn't hard to get something down the previous turn that can take the Challenge
In short, you can animate the devotion gods, but whether they stay creatures depends on the timing of the effects
The Soul Stones harness ability is a bit overblown given the massive set-up cost, but it's all gravy on a massive upgrade to Charcoal Diamond, and an indication that the other colors will be getting some improved mana rocks soon enough, probably a few as early as Marvel Super Heroes next year
