Even if you only control one shrine, it turns spells into combat tricks by making those monks stronger whenever you cast noncreature spells
Thinking Ahead Combat is about not just this turn, but future turns for both players as well
It has Vigilance and Reach, which isn't unreasonable
The two Koths obviously want to be in the same deck as Mono-Red or two-color deck with enough basics to fetch out and enough duals to make the -3 work
Aside from the novelty of his creature type, Captain Howler has a lot going for him

I Know All, I See All Imprison This Insolent Wretch Into the Earthen Maw Introductions Are in Order I Will Savor Your Agony Kneel Before My Legions Know Evil Know Naught but Fire Look Skyward and Despair Make Yourself Useful May Civilization Collapse Mine Is the Only Truth Mortal Flesh Is Weak My Champion Stands Supreme My Crushing Masterstroke My Followers Ascend My Forces Are Innumerable My Genius Knows No Bounds My Laughter Echoes My Tendrils Run Deep My Undead Horde Awakens My Wealth Will Bury You My Will Is Irresistible My Wings Enfold All My Wish Is Your Command Nature Demands an Offering Nature Shields Its Own No One Will Hear Your Cries No Secret Is Hidden from Me Nothing Can Stop Me Now Only Blood Ends Your Nightmares Only I Know What Awaits Pay Tribute to Me Perhaps You've Met My Cohort Plots That Span Centuries Power Without Equal Reality Is Mine to Control Realms Befitting My Majesty Roots of All Evil Rot Like the Scum You Are Rotted Ones, Lay Siege Running Is Useless Surrender Your Thoughts The Dead Shall Serve The Fate of the Flammable The Iron Guardian Stirs The Mighty Will Fall The Pieces Are Coming Together There Is No Refuge The Very Soil Shall Shake This World Belongs to Me Time Bends to My Will Tooth, Claw, and Tail What's Yours Is Now Mine When Will You Learn
