So someone explain to me the concept of Atlanteans.

I wasn't sure whether or not this was a TCG-applicable post, but whatever.

In preparation for the next format, I've been trying to learn how to build Atlanteans and what exactly their purpose is, because I'm extremely confused. They have some really good (borderline broken on a few) cards, but putting a Deck together, I don't really understand how they're supposed to work.

I mean, I know you run Undines, Marksman, Diva, etc., but how do you even Trigger the effects of the majority of them? I threw in an Abyss Soldier, but that didn't seem to do as much as I would've liked it to, as well.

If someone can help me out, as well as give me a sample list I can toy around with, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Atlanteans get used as costs n' junk for WATER monster effects, and then you basically net pluses as a result.
For example, Abyss Soldier discards Marksman/Armsman and you end up removing 2 cards.

Anything that uses an Atlantean as a cost triggers its effect. So brionac bounces and destroys so on, and so on. this also includes Xyz monsters when they detach one. Its all about building field advantage through creating +1s. So they usually go with mermails, who help swarm, build Brionac/Xyz monsters, and starting building field advantage from there.

Byakk posted this on Duelist Groundz about the subject.

http://duelistgroundz.com/index.php?showtopic=145038

So can someone explain to me why I've never seen these guys using Dragon Ice?

Especially since Dragon Ice has that borked ruling where it can discard itself as a cost to Summon itself.