<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood" href="#" target="_blank">Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood</a> | Art by <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/igorkieryluk">Igor Kieryluk</a>)</h6>
<h1>Let the Hate Flow Through You</h1>
Boy, howdy! Has it been two weeks already? That must mean it's time to read some Forgotten Harvest! This week, in our never-ending quest to highlight cards that see play in 300 decks or less on EDHREC, we're taking a look at the color pairing of black and red, otherwise known as Rakdos. For those of you unfamiliar, the following gif should help to clarify what it means to be Rakdos:
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-38450 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/tenor.gif" alt="" width="320" height="160" />
Looking through the Rakdos commanders, I came across this neglected fellow in need of some love. His name is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood" href="#" target="_blank">Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood</a>, and he only sees play in a measly 262 decks (both as commander and in the 99):
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood"></div></div>
Based on Kazarov's text box, we want this deck to do two things: deal lots of damage to our opponents' creatures, and clear a path for a supersized Kazarov to deal 21 to the dome. To achieve this, we'll need to supplement the deck with both enough mana ramp to support our expensive general and proper Equipment to protect him, such as <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a> and the like. Additionally, it'll be great to have some ways to give some creatures to our opponents, like with <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunted Horror" href="#" target="_blank">Hunted Horror</a> or <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akroan Horse" href="#" target="_blank">Akroan Horse</a>, so we always have something for Kazarov to bite.
But those cards are plenty popular. Let's get into some underplayed cards that could use more notoriety!
<hr />
<h2>The Needlers</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Ants"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thrashing Wumpus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Subterranean Spirit"></div></div>
First, let's look at some of the permanents that can repeatably ping opposing creatures. My favorite of them has to be <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Ants" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Ants</a> (59 decks). I love the imagery here of unleashing a swarm of bitey Insects to pester other creatures. Plus, the fact that the Ants don't damage themselves is a huge bonus.
The first walking <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pestilence" href="#" target="_blank">Pestilence</a> to be printed, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrashing Wumpus" href="#" target="_blank">Thrashing Wumpus</a> gives us exactly what we're looking for. It can function as a means to slowly ping creatures and build up Kazarov, but it can also be used to wipe the board should things begin to look hairy. It only sees play in 148 decks, but that number should be higher.
When working on this deck, I looked long and hard at creatures with protection from red and from black to help preserve the team while the rest of the board is soaking up all the untargeted damage. But I'll leave talk of protection to <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/author/elijah-klein/">Elijah</a> and his article today on <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earnest Fellowship" href="#" target="_blank">Earnest Fellowship</a>. Instead, I'll only bring up <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Subterranean Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Subterranean Spirit</a>. In just 35 decks, it's yet another wide pinger that, in this case, saves itself from all red damage.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Magmatic Core"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Circle of Flame"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Noxious Field"></div></div>
I've talked about our next card in previous articles, and I'll continue to talk about it until its numbers increase from the paltry 20 decks that run it right now. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magmatic Core" href="#" target="_blank">Magmatic Core</a> needs your love, folks! It's a wonderful card that, when played right, can function as a repeatable one-sided board wipe. It fits perfectly into what Kazarov is trying to do. Pitter patter!
With this deck not always wanting to deal lethal damage to opposing creatures (if they die, then Kazarov can't get bigger until more hit the battlefield), it's tough to find a deterrent to keep opposing creatures from attacking. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Circle of Flame" href="#" target="_blank">Circle of Flame</a> (281 decks) does a great job of that. It basically reads, "If you attack, Kazarov gets huge." Such a great deterrent.
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Noxious Field" href="#" target="_blank">Noxious Field</a> plays much the same role as <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Ants" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Ants</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Subterranean Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Subterranean Spirit</a> do, laying out a fine layer of single-point damage on everything. This Prophecy card only sees play in 65 decks, but it offers this damage-dealing deck some excellent redundancy. Plus, all this damage won't kill off the land it enchants, making this a reliable source of damage.
<hr />
<h2>Damage Done</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Widespread Brutality"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Slice and Dice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wail of the Nim"></div></div>
In addition to all of the options for repeatable damage sources, there are many instants and sorceries that help the cause, too. For instance, the recently printed <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Widespread Brutality" href="#" target="_blank">Widespread Brutality</a> is only seeing play in 104 decks, but it can cut a wide swath through each of the other creatures, making a token to boot. For me, this card feels undercosted for the ability, which is why I'm shocked it doesn't see more play.
Next up is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slice and Dice" href="#" target="_blank">Slice and Dice</a> from Onslaught. While I'll rarely play it for the full six mana, the Cycling effect is a great way to grow Kazarov while replacing itself, and all at instant speed. It only sees play in 203 decks, but it's a critical inclusion in this deck.
Another card with built-in versatility, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wail of the Nim" href="#" target="_blank">Wail of the Nim</a> can save our board from a wipe or pump up our Vampire commander. Ideally, it's going to do both every time thanks to Entwine. Given its 111 deck count on the site, it is a bit of a niche effect, but I'm always looking for an excuse to play it, and I'm happy to have one here.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Radiating Lightning"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Electrickery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Barrage of Boulders"></div></div>
Moving into instants and sorceries also means that we can find options that only damage opposing creatures. For instance, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Radiating Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Radiating Lightning</a> throws some damage around on the opposing side of the field, both to a player and their creatures. It currently sees play in just 162 decks on EDHREC.
Instead of targeting a specific player, we could always try to hit everything, again at instant speed. For this, it doesn't get much better than an Overloaded <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Electrickery" href="#" target="_blank">Electrickery</a>. Appearing in 226 decks, this instant can be a great combat trick to jump an unblocked Kazarov to lethal quite unexpectedly.
The king of these damage spells for Kazarov has to be <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cosmotronic Wave" href="#" target="_blank">Cosmotronic Wave</a>. Dealing damage across the board to opposing creatures AND ensuring that Kazarov is going to go unblocked is the dream! Sadly, it sees play in 316 decks, which is 16 too many decks to meet my super-scientific requirements. However, its cousin, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barrage of Boulders" href="#" target="_blank">Barrage of Boulders</a>, clocks in at 173 decks, so I can talk about that instead! For one less mana, we see the same damage to all opposing creatures, with a Ferocious rider that prevents creatures form blocking. Kazaorv will definitely qualify for that rider!
<hr />
<h2>Damage Utility</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Frilled Deathspitter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shield of the Realm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unstable Footing"></div></div>
There are a few other cards that don't quite fit in under the categories above, but will still help get our Kazarov big and unblockable. The first of these is features an entire mechanic that's built around similar concept: Enrage fits this deck's theme quite well, turning minor bits of damage to our creatures into big effects. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frilled Deathspitter" href="#" target="_blank">Frilled Deathspitter</a> is a great prehistoric example of this, and sees play in only 286 decks. Adding on two extra damage to all these spells and effects is certainly going to add up over time.
With all this global damage floating around, it may become necessary to prevent that damage to one of our own utility creatures. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shield of the Realm" href="#" target="_blank">Shield of the Realm</a> (161 decks) can certainly help with that. This is one of those cards that I'm shocked doesn't see more play; it has such a wide variety of applications, and its usefulness in Equipment decks alone should have those numbers spiking.
There are other times, however, when you're going to want to make sure your damage gets through. For those moments, there's <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unstable Footing" href="#" target="_blank">Unstable Footing</a>, played in 119 decks on the site. I prefer this option over something like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Everlasting Torment" href="#" target="_blank">Everlasting Torment</a> as I want to have control over when damage can and can't be dealt. Plus, Wither will lead to the death of opposing creatures. That being said, we don't want them dying, necessarily, just neutralized.
How about we snag a peek at the full decklist?
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"></div>
[Commander] 
*1 Kazarov, Sengir Pureblood 
[/Commander]
[Creatures] 
*1 Hunted Horror 
*1 Burnished Hart 
*1 Fire Ants 
*1 Frilled Deathspitter 
*1 Goblin Spymaster 
*1 Plague Spitter 
*1 Varchild, Betrayer of Kjeldor 
*1 Akroan Horse 
*1 Rakdos, Lord of Riots 
*1 Sangromancer 
*1 Solemn Simulacrum 
*1 Hunted Dragon 
*1 Kulrath Knight 
*1 Subterranean Spirit 
*1 Thrashing Wumpus 
*1 Harvester of Souls 
*1 Mephidross Vampire 
*1 Silverclad Ferocidons 
[/Creatures]
[Instants] 
*1 Electrickery 
*1 Unstable Footing 
*1 Magmaquake 
*1 Terminate 
*1 Arcbond 
*1 Bedevil 
*1 Chaos Warp 
*1 Wail of the Nim 
*1 Radiating Lightning 
[/Instants]
[Sorceries] 
*1 Blazing Volley 
*1 Vandalblast 
*1 Demonic Tutor 
*1 Mire in Misery 
*1 Barrage of Boulders 
*1 Cosmotronic Wave 
*1 Widespread Brutality 
*1 Slice and Dice 
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts] 
*1 Basilisk Collar 
*1 Blade of the Bloodchief 
*1 Sol Ring 
*1 Wayfarer's Bauble 
*1 Dowsing Dagger 
*1 Lightning Greaves 
*1 Rakdos Signet 
*1 Shield of the Realm 
*1 Tablet of the Guilds 
*1 Caltrops 
*1 Chromatic Lantern 
*1 Commander's Sphere 
*1 Loxodon Warhammer 
*1 Pristine Talisman 
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments] 
*1 Vampiric Link 
*1 Circle of Flame 
*1 Dragon Shadow 
*1 Eternal Thirst 
*1 Phyresis 
*1 Dauthi Embrace 
*1 Noxious Field 
*1 Endless Whispers 
*1 Magmatic Core 
*1 Pestilence 
*1 Pyrohemia 
[/Enchantments]
[Lands] 
*1 Blood Crypt 
*1 Bloodstained Mire 
*1 Command Tower 
*1 Desert 
*1 Dragonskull Summit 
*1 Forbidden Orchard 
*1 Graven Cairns 
*1 Luxury Suite 
*14 Mountain 
*1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx 
*1 Rogue's Passage 
*1 Smoldering Marsh 
*11 Swamp 
*1 Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth 
[/Lands]
[/Deck]

<hr />
<h2>Damage Assessment</h2>
That about does it for Kazarov and his mighty damage-makers. What did you think of the article? Any questions, comments, or snide remarks? If so, leave them in the comments below. I'll be down there to rant and rave yet again about <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magmatic Core" href="#" target="_blank">Magmatic Core</a>, or about how I included <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dragon Shadow" href="#" target="_blank">Dragon Shadow</a> in this deck, but failed to talk about it in the article. Are there any neglected commanders or cards you'd like me to talk about? So long as they see play in 300 decks or less on the site, I'm game to write about them. See you next time!

Forgotten Harvest - Kazarov Damages Everything

Forgotten Harvest - Morphing Faceless Menace

Commander 2019 Set Review - Shared Cards and Reprints

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tiana, Ship&#039;s Caretaker" href="#" target="_blank">Tiana, Ship&#039;s Caretaker</a> | Art by <a href="http://www.ericdeschamps.com/">Eric Deschamps</a>)</h6>
<h1>Enchantment Awaits!</h1>
Greetings once again, and welcome to another serving of Forgotten Harvest, where we explore those cards that see play in 300 decks or less on EDHREC. For a while, I've been itching to get back into another Enchantress build, especially after <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/forgotten-harvest-nefarox-enchantress/">Nefarox Enchantress</a> was so well-received. However, I can't just go in and do the same kind of enchantment stuff all over again, and I certainly can't keep to the commonly-played Enchantress cards entirely. So what else is there? Well, I could try using the Auras on my opponents' creatures.
<a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/giphy.gif"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-37186 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/giphy.gif" alt="" width="320" height="160" /></a>
Now, instead of walking through my usual article layout of starting with the commander and moving through various classes of hyper-underplayed cards that do similar things, I'm going to relay the process of how I arrived at this deck idea and the combos that are weaved in throughout the brew. Our story begins with one card: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laccolith Rig" href="#" target="_blank">Laccolith Rig</a>.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Laccolith Rig"></div></div>
This card may not look like much, just an overly-complex common from Nemesis that grants a creature the "Laccolith" ability of being able to deal combat damage to any creature instead of the one blocking it. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laccolith Titan" href="#" target="_blank">Laccolith Titan</a>, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laccolith Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Laccolith Warrior</a>, and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laccolith Grunt" href="#" target="_blank">Laccolith Grunt</a> all have the same ability that this Aura grants. But what if you put the Rig on an opponent's creature? You still control the Aura, so if that creature becomes blocked, you'd be able to throw its damage at any creature... including itself. You've neutralized any damage this creature would deal to you (assuming you have a blocker), and gain a powerful weapon on the board. Only 45 decks on EDHREC are playing this card right now, but I'm seriously considering it as part of my standard tech for a red deck.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Latulla&#039;s Orders"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Incendiary"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elemental Resonance"></div></div>
So, I expanded upon this idea. What other cheap Auras could I find that create an interesting effect for me when attached to an opponent's creature? Some of these cards, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="One with Nature" href="#" target="_blank">One with Nature</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spirit Link" href="#" target="_blank">Spirit Link</a>, already see enough play that they don't need any cheerleading from me. But others, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Latulla&#039;s Orders" href="#" target="_blank">Latulla&#039;s Orders</a>, need some love. This card sees play in only 66 decks, but it can provide some great artifact hate using an opponent's creature. You still control the card, and you determine if the trigger happens. So if the Ordered creature swings your way, you aren't forced to lose a mana rock. The flash on this card is just icing on the cake!
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Incendiary" href="#" target="_blank">Incendiary</a> can really go on any creature on the battlefield, but possesses very interesting political options to the caster when enchanting a creature on the other side of the table. It can be used as a deterrent to prevent attacks from coming your way, it can be dropped on an opponent's creature to abbreviate their board wipe with some retribution, or it can encourage a player to start getting crazy in an effort to intentionally lose their creature before the bomb gets too big. Only 24 decks are using the card right now, but that number could be higher.
Another Aura that can go on just about anything on the field is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elemental Resonance" href="#" target="_blank">Elemental Resonance</a> (204 decks). If you're starting to fall behind on the ramp race, this card can launch you back into first place. While you may not get the right colors of mana, throwing this on an opponent's permanent (like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hogaak, Arisen Necropolis" href="#" target="_blank">Hogaak, Arisen Necropolis</a>, for instance) can vault you so far ahead while creating an interesting decision for the opponent: destroy their permanent or let you keep the extra mana each turn.
<hr />
<h2>Round One... FIGHT!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gahiji, Honored One"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quiet Disrepair"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faith Healer"></div></div>
With this theme established, I started looking for Naya commanders that would encourage attacking. No matter how hard I wish for it to change, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thantis, the Warweaver" href="#" target="_blank">Thantis, the Warweaver</a> is still Jund. Seriously, though, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gahiji, Honored One" href="#" target="_blank">Gahiji, Honored One</a> stood out as an obvious pick. Its ability encourages attacks against your opponents. Combined with white's ability to deter attackers, this would be a great option to keep out of the way while reaping the rewards of all the combat. Plus, it's a decent body size that, in a pinch, could become the base of some Voltron-style hijinks.
But Gahiji doesn't really synergize specifically with Auras, especially once creatures start dying off and taking our enchantments with them. Hence, I also added in <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tiana, Ship&#039;s Caretaker" href="#" target="_blank">Tiana, Ship&#039;s Caretaker</a>. She's here to get those Auras back from the 'yard, and she can provide some interesting interactions with cards like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quiet Disrepair" href="#" target="_blank">Quiet Disrepair</a> (59 decks) and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faith Healer" href="#" target="_blank">Faith Healer</a> (177 decks). To add some redundancy, I've also included <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dowsing Shaman" href="#" target="_blank">Dowsing Shaman</a> to help get the Auras back after they're lost. The Centaur only sees play in 244 decks, but remains one of my favorites for Enchantress builds. I looked at trying to make the deck in Boros colors with Tiana at the helm, but I just didn't have enough options, especially in red, to make it viable and different from the <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/forgotten-harvest-nefarox-enchantress/">Nefarox build</a>.
<hr />
<h2>Combo Moves</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Guilty Conscience"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stuffy Doll"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Druid&#039;s Call"></div></div>
There was yet more room in the deck after gathering together the Auras I'd like to cast on opponents' attacking creatures, so I started looking for other Aura-themed shenanigans. That's when I remembered an interaction from my days in college: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guilty Conscience" href="#" target="_blank">Guilty Conscience</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a>. This combo is an auto-knockout for a player, assuming you get the chance to untap with the Doll. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a> picks a player, you enchant it with <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guilty Conscience" href="#" target="_blank">Guilty Conscience</a>, and then the Doll pings itself for a damage. This causes <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guilty Conscience" href="#" target="_blank">Guilty Conscience</a> to trigger, dealing a damage to the Doll. The Doll then deals a damage to the chosen victim, again triggering the Aura. Rinse. Repeat. Be careful with this combo, as there are no "may" clauses here. This means you could potentially end the game in an infinite loop, which to me feels like the worst ending for an EDH night. I also like the Conscience generally, even if there's no Doll to enchant. It sees play right now in only 172 decks.
Since we're also in green, why not add in another Aura to the mix. I'm talking about the underplayed <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Druid&#039;s Call" href="#" target="_blank">Druid&#039;s Call</a>. In only 271 decks right now, this is the key to building a great and powerful Squirrel army. By itself on <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a>, it gets you a furry friend each turn. Include <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guilty Conscience" href="#" target="_blank">Guilty Conscience</a>, and you'll be swimming in Squirrels! I don't recommend casting this Aura on an opponent's creature, though, as the card specifies that the creature's controller gets the tokens from damage dealt to it. Even without the Doll, this card provides a nice rattlesnake effect.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quickening Licid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bramble Elemental"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brood Keeper"></div></div>
The next fun combo I've managed to sneak in here revolves around everyone's favorite walking, talking Auras: the Licids. All of these cards are hyper-underplayed, with <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quickening Licid" href="#" target="_blank">Quickening Licid</a> coming in at only 5 decks on EDHREC. These Licids are an excellent addition to this deck, some of them can hurt opponents' creatures, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Calming Licid" href="#" target="_blank">Calming Licid</a> (19 decks). Others provide support for your creatures, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nurturing Licid" href="#" target="_blank">Nurturing Licid</a> (24 decks), but all of them come back with the help of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tiana, Ship&#039;s Caretaker" href="#" target="_blank">Tiana, Ship&#039;s Caretaker</a>, so long as they were Auras when they died.
The combo comes in when you use the Licids to enchant <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bramble Elemental" href="#" target="_blank">Bramble Elemental</a> or <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brood Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Brood Keeper</a>. Because these cards trigger when an Aura becomes attached to them, not when the Aura is cast, each activation of the Licid targeting one of the two can net you two Saprolings or a 2/2 flying Dragon. With mana available, that can happen each turn! Please note that because the Licids tap to turn into Auras, and they still count as tapped when enchanting the creature, the effect is a once-per-turn kind of thing for each Licid you have. With six in the deck, that shouldn't be hard, though. As for deck numbers, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bramble Elemental" href="#" target="_blank">Bramble Elemental</a> comes in at 33 decks, and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brood Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Brood Keeper</a> only sees play in 75, so give them both some love, please!
Let's give the deck a look, shall we?
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"></div>
[Commander] 
*1 Gahiji, Honored One 
[/Commander]
[Creatures] 
*1 Argothian Enchantress 
*1 Enraging Licid 
*1 Faith Healer 
*1 Femeref Enchantress 
*1 Herald of the Pantheon 
*1 Kor Spiritdancer 
*1 Nurturing Licid 
*1 Quickening Licid 
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer 
*1 Aura Gnarlid 
*1 Calming Licid 
*1 Convulsing Licid 
*1 Heliod's Pilgrim 
*1 Tempting Licid 
*1 Ajani's Chosen 
*1 Brood Keeper 
*1 Kitsune Mystic 
*1 Bramble Elemental 
*1 Dowsing Shaman 
*1 Tiana, Ship's Caretaker 
*1 Heavenly Blademaster 
[/Creatures]
[Instants] 
*1 Enlightened Tutor 
*1 Path to Exile 
*1 Beast Within 
*1 Generous Gift 
[/Instants]
[Sorceries] 
*1 Open the Armory 
*1 Rampant Growth 
*1 Cultivate 
*1 Decimate 
*1 Retether 
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts] 
*1 Sol Ring 
*1 Boros Signet 
*1 Gruul Signet 
*1 Selesnya Signet 
*1 Angel's Trumpet 
*1 Commander's Sphere 
*1 Crawlspace 
*1 Stuffy Doll 
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments] 
*1 Guilty Conscience 
*1 Incendiary 
*1 Keen Sense 
*1 Laccolith Rig 
*1 One with Nature 
*1 Rancor 
*1 Sigarda's Aid 
*1 Spirit Link 
*1 Druid's Call 
*1 Latulla's Orders 
*1 Quiet Disrepair 
*1 Sluggishness 
*1 Armadillo Cloak 
*1 Cessation 
*1 Enchantress's Presence 
*1 Ghostly Prison 
*1 Oath of the Ancient Wood 
*1 Pariah 
*1 Vow of Duty 
*1 Vow of Lightning 
*1 Vow of Wildness 
*1 Elemental Resonance 
*1 Sphere of Safety 
*1 Pollenbright Wings 
[/Enchantments]
[Lands] 
*1 Battlefield Forge 
*1 Brushland 
*1 Clifftop Retreat 
*10 Forest 
*1 Hall of Heliod's Generosity 
*1 Jungle Shrine 
*1 Karplusan Forest 
*5 Mountain 
*11 Plains 
*1 Rootbound Crag 
*1 Sacred Foundry 
*1 Stomping Ground 
*1 Sunpetal Grove 
*1 Temple Garden 
[/Lands]
[/Deck]

<hr />
<h2>Aura-n't You Glad I Didn't Say "Banana?"</h2>
Well, that about does it for the jankiness that has been this Forgotten Harvest. Any questions, comments, or snide remarks? You know where to leave them below. I'll be around to talk about what it's like sifting through boxes of commons at my LGS looking for inspiration for an article, or how the best janky cards always seem to come from Masques block. What hyper-underplayed gems have you found while digging through bulk? Any hyper-underplayed strategies that need some attention? Let me know! I'm always looking for suggestions! See you all next time!

Forgotten Harvest - Enchanting with the Enemy

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Empyrian Eagle" href="#" target="_blank">Empyrian Eagle</a> | Art by <a href="https://www.jaestudio.com/">Jason A. Engle</a>)</h6>
<h1>The Bird is the Word!</h1>
Hello, and welcome back to another exciting edition of Forgotten Harvest, where I highlight the hyper-underplayed cards on EDHREC in 300 decks or less. This week's topic is all thanks to a recent visit to my LGS. A fellow patron was talking about their Esper Commander deck led by <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sharuum the Hegemon" href="#" target="_blank">Sharuum the Hegemon</a> and its Bird subtheme. He said that he would much rather just play Azorius with <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kangee, Aerie Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kangee, Aerie Keeper</a>, but thought there wasn't enough support for a tribal Commander deck. I don't think he knew who he was talking to....
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kangee, Aerie Keeper"></div></div>
There are a few different things going on here with Kangee. Obviously, we're going to want to aim for Bird tribal, relying on some little-played gems to bring in some fun abilities. But there's also the use of feather counters to increase Kangee's avian buff. Turns out, there are a fair number of Bird-related cards that relate to counters. While most "counters matter" cards see way too much play to earn a spot in my articles (I'm looking at you, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrummingbird" href="#" target="_blank">Thrummingbird</a>), there are a few below that could use some extra love from deckbuilders. But first, let's get into those that help the tribe.
<hr />
<h2>Birds of a Feather</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soraya, the Falconer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Keeper of the Nine Gales"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crookclaw Elder"></div></div>
First up, we have the original Bird lord, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soraya, the Falconer" href="#" target="_blank">Soraya, the Falconer</a> (215 decks). Since Homelands, she's been retconned to effect all Birds and not just Falcons. While I totally recognize that Banding is usually to be avoided like the <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pox" href="#" target="_blank">plague</a>, the intent here is to use her solely for the buff with the activated ability there only for those brave enough to travel back to 1995. Some of you may say that <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Favorable Winds" href="#" target="_blank">Favorable Winds</a> is a better return on investment here, and you're probably right, but I like the flavor associated with Soraya, and I tend to prefer creature-based effects in tribal decks.
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of the Nine Gales" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of the Nine Gales</a> does a pretty good impression of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tradewind Rider" href="#" target="_blank">Tradewind Rider</a>, especially in a Bird tribal deck. There are a fair number of Bird token makers like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Migratory Route" href="#" target="_blank">Migratory Route</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Screech" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Screech</a>, so having some spare 1/1s around to help activate the Keeper's ability shouldn't be a problem. Access to white generally makes bounce and counter strategies less the "last resort" in Azorius decks, as white can <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Saltblast" href="#" target="_blank">blow up almost anything</a>. But with the tribal restrictions and a lack of creatures that offer repeatable removal, this is a nice addition. The Keeper sees play currently in 297 decks.
Also from Legions, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crookclaw Elder" href="#" target="_blank">Crookclaw Elder</a> bridges the gap between the Bird and Wizard tribes, and sees play in 266 decks. The card draw option using your leftover Bird blockers is a great way to refuel your hand. This seems to be something that Birds are generally good at doing, whether through <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Airborne Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Airborne Aid</a> or using <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seaside Haven" href="#" target="_blank">Seaside Haven</a>. I generally expect a full grip from this deck on any given turn. Also of note, there are enough Wizards in this deck to make the other ability possible, though with all of your creatures already in the air, it's more of a political tool to help opponents.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glarecaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skymark Roc"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sawtooth Loon"></div></div>
Next up, we have some of the oft-neglected Birds themselves, and first on that list is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glarecaster" href="#" target="_blank">Glarecaster</a>. Currently in 218 decks on EDHREC, this birdie is the master of redirecting damage. While the ability is a little costly, the effect on the game can be quite significant. This is especially true when you're redirecting commander damage with a Voltron deck at the table. Based on the wording of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glarecaster" href="#" target="_blank">Glarecaster</a>, the damage isn't filtered through anything on redirect, and would still count toward reaching the magical 21 damage for your opponents.
As with most tribal decks, this one is going to care about attacking often, so adding in Birds that trigger effects when they enter combat seems appropriate. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skymark Roc" href="#" target="_blank">Skymark Roc</a> is just such a card with a useful effect. On attack, it can remove a chump blocker from a single combat, or shred a small token on the battlefield. It's in a reasonable 192 decks right now, as this kind of effect isn't very strong on it's own, but exactly what we're looking for in a Bird.
I've talked about <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sawtooth Loon" href="#" target="_blank">Sawtooth Loon</a> before when building <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/forgotten-harvest-dromars-bounce-house/">Dromar's Bounce House</a>, so you should already be familiar with its hand-filtering effect. Once again, it functions as another solid Bird with a good effect to add to the list. It's still neglected, in only 164 decks. Another Bird of note that helps with draw is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raven Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Raven Familiar</a> from Urza's Legacy (275 decks). One of the few blue cards with Echo, it's just one more toolbox Bird able to provide access to options.
<hr />
<h2>Fly Like an Eagle</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Empyrean Eagle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unsettled Mariner"></div></div>
Not all of our pro-Bird cards are going to care about creature type. Some only care that the creatures have wings. For instance, Core Set 2020's <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Empyrean Eagle" href="#" target="_blank">Empyrean Eagle</a> buffs all of our flyers for a very good rate. As the set is still fairly new, the Eagle only sees play in 59 decks right now, but I expect this number to climb swiftly! I think <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury</a> wouldn't mind the inclusion of this Eagle.
Also from Core Set 2020, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade</a> provides some much needed protection for our winged friends. This will come in handy during a <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Verdict</a>, for sure. She's also a great basher in her own right, adding some much-needed power to the field. Again, as Core Set 2020 is still new, she only sees play in 217 decks at the moment. I'm less certain of her future, however, as she feels more like a part of the 99 than a commander. Maybe I can give her a deck of her own in a future article.
Then there's one of my favorite cards from Modern Masters: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unsettled Mariner" href="#" target="_blank">Unsettled Mariner</a>. Seeing play in a measly 212 decks, this card is definitely in much need of some love. What I like most about the Mariner is that it specifies all permanents you control, not just creatures. That means that your opponent's <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aura of Silence" href="#" target="_blank">Aura of Silence</a> is going to cost a little more when trying to blow up your <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptic Gateway" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptic Gateway</a>. Plus the card fits into any tribal-themed deck! Seriously, those playing <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sygg, River Guide" href="#" target="_blank">Sygg, River Guide</a> need to update their decklists.
<hr />
<h2>Don't Counter Your Chickens Before They Hatch!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetherstorm Roc"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jötun Owl Keeper"></div></div>
As I said above, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kangee, Aerie Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kangee</a> not only has love for the feathered friends but can also play into counter synergies as well. I've included cards like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Karn&#039;s Bastion" href="#" target="_blank">Karn&#039;s Bastion</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tezzeret&#039;s Gambit" href="#" target="_blank">Tezzeret&#039;s Gambit</a> to help Proliferate Kangee's feather counters. There're also Birds like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Sentinels of Arashin" href="#" target="_blank">High Sentinels of Arashin</a> and tribal cards like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soulcatchers&#039; Aerie" href="#" target="_blank">Soulcatchers&#039; Aerie</a> that love counters.
Another underplayed Bird that likes counters, this time of the energy variety, is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherstorm Roc" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherstorm Roc</a>. Played in 270 decks, the Roc builds up energy whenever a creature hits the field on your side, then turns that energy into a +1/+1 counter and removal of a blocker on an attack. Referring to two different kinds of counters, this Bird definitely benefits from Proliferate effects.
Finally, providing some unexpected counter synergy, is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jötun Owl Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Jötun Owl Keeper</a> (166 decks). One of my favorite cards from Coldsnap, the Owl Keeper builds up age counters using its Cumulative Upkeep trigger, and upon its death, gives you a Bird for each counter. While Cumulative Upkeep isn't very fun outside of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braid of Fire" href="#" target="_blank">Braid of Fire</a>, combining with Proliferate can help squeeze the most Bird tokens out of the card before its demise.
Alright, here's the deck!
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Kangee Bird Tribal" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Kangee, Aerie Keeper
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Metallic Mimic
*1 Mindshrieker
*1 Pride of the Clouds
*1 Soulcatcher
*1 Thrummingbird
*1 Unsettled Mariner
*1 Adaptive Automaton
*1 Aven Mimeomancer
*1 Aven Mindcensor
*1 Cloudchaser Kestrel
*1 Empyrean Eagle
*1 Jotun Owl Keeper
*1 Keeper of the Nine Gales
*1 Lieutenant Kirtar
*1 Mirror Entity
*1 Nimble Obstructionist
*1 Raven Familiar
*1 Soraya, the Falconer
*1 Warden of Evos Isle
*1 Aetherstorm Roc
*1 Commander Eesha
*1 Emeria Angel
*1 High Sentinels of Arashin
*1 Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker
*1 Sawtooth Loon
*1 Skymark Roc
*1 Thieving Magpie
*1 Coveted Peacock
*1 Gustcloak Savior
*1 Wingmate Roc
*1 Crookclaw Elder
*1 Glarecaster
*1 Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Cyclonic Rift
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Mirrorweave
*1 Ojutai&#039;s Command
*1 Return to Dust
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Contentious Plan
*1 Harsh Mercy
*1 Airborne Aid
*1 Battle Screech
*1 Supreme Verdict
*1 Tezzeret&#039;s Gambit
*1 Migratory Route
*1 Austere Command
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Azorius Keyrune
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Herald&#039;s Horn
*1 Urza&#039;s Incubator
*1 Worn Powerstone
*1 Door of Destinies
*1 Cryptic Gateway
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Soulcatchers&#039; Aerie
*1 Leyline of Anticipation
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Command Tower
*1 Flooded Strand
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Seachrome Coast
*1 Seaside Haven
*1 Windbrisk Heights
*13 Island
*17 Plains
[/Lands]"></div>

<hr />
<h2>Gotta Fly!</h2>
Well that about does it for this bird-brained deck on Forgotten Harvest. Unleash your questions, comments, and snide remarks in the comments section below. I'll be on there to talk about how just how far the mighty dinosaur hath fallen, and to convince you to play <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unsettled Mariner" href="#" target="_blank">Unsettled Mariner</a> as often as possible! Let me know if you have any hyper-underplayed tribes that you think need some more love. Or, for that matter, any generally hyper-underplayed cards and strategies that you'd like me to talk about. I love suggestions from readers! See you all in two weeks.
<a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/maxresdefault.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-36466" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/maxresdefault.jpg" alt="" width="546" height="307" /></a>
&nbsp;

Forgotten Harvest - Kangee Bird Tribal

Forgotten Harvest - Zedruu Land Grant

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Muldrotha, the Gravetide" href="#" target="_blank">Muldrotha, the Gravetide</a> | Art by <a href="https://www.jasonrainville.com/">Jason Rainville</a>)</h6>
<h1>Such a Chimichanga!</h1>
Another two weeks have passed, which means it's time for Forgotten Harvest. This time, I'm focusing all my hyper-underplayed skills on tackling another request from a reader, and I have to say this one was a bit of a challenge! A big thank you to @rowenwolff for daring me to take on the ever-popular commander <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Muldrotha, the Gravetide" href="#" target="_blank">Muldrotha, the Gravetide</a> paired with a Voltron package.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Muldrotha, the Gravetide"></div></div>
I know this may sound unconventional, but as many of you know from my <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/forgotten-harvest-mono-red-voltron/">article on Kurkesh</a>, unconventional is what we're all about here at Forgotten Harvest! As with any Voltron-style deck, the name of the game is going to be granting evasion and packing on mass buffs to our commander. The key will be abusing Muldrotha's recursion ability to turn her into a real chimichanga turn after turn.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-35259 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/giphy-3.gif" alt="" width="320" height="168" />
While it's very tempting for a Voltron to focus on a particular card type like artifacts or enchantments, Muldrotha benefits most from a balanced approach. With optimized diversity in our permanent types, we are allowed more recursion each turn, inevitably leading to a bigger commander.
Another contributing factor in deck design is prioritizing those cards that have a built-in sacrifice effect, so they can then be recast and re-buff our commander. We can use slots for <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Claws of Gix" href="#" target="_blank">Claws of Gix</a>-type cards to sacrifice our permanents and recast them if absolutely necessary, but on the whole, I opted instead for more self-contained sacrificers, peppering in only a few additional cards to help get things in the bin. You may find that a different balance works for you. As always, I encourage you to build your own version of this deck using the cards you enjoy tapping and untapping.
Now, let's see how a Muldrotha Voltron deck actually works.
<hr />
<h2>Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, and Dodge</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flight Spellbomb"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Illuminated Wings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shielding Plax"></div></div>
Some of my first inclusions were the Spellbombs from Scars of Mirrodin. The least-played of the three is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flight Spellbomb" href="#" target="_blank">Flight Spellbomb</a>, coming in at 133 decks. My research here revealed some fairly limited options for granting evasion while still fitting Muldrotha's theme, so flying is about the best that can be hoped for here. Another instance of this, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Illuminated Wings" href="#" target="_blank">Illuminated Wings</a>, sees play in only 8 decks, and also draws you a card when sacrificed. I'm still torn on the amount of evasion to include, and I might need to go back and add more options, even if they're not on-theme. Let me know your thoughts on this in the comments, especially if you give the deck a try.
Providing some safety for our juggernaut is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shielding Plax" href="#" target="_blank">Shielding Plax</a>. Played in 294 decks, this hexproof-granting enchantment also replaces itself, making for some great hijinks when combined with a sacrifice outlet (see <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Greater Harvester" href="#" target="_blank">Greater Harvester</a> below). I think the protective nature of this enchantment is something Muldrotha can greatly benefit from, as she makes for a pretty big target.
Though it doesn't count as an underplayed card, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plaxmanta" href="#" target="_blank">Plaxmanta</a> is another option for protecting our commander. While the flash is a bit of a "non-bo" with Muldrotha, I still see value in being able to cast <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plaxmanta" href="#" target="_blank">Plaxmanta</a>, before combat but after buffs, to keep her safe in the red zone from the likes of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Condemn" href="#" target="_blank">Condemn</a> and other combat tricks. And there's no way I'm spending any green mana on <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plaxmanta" href="#" target="_blank">Plaxmanta</a>, so it's coming back turn after turn.
<hr />
<h2>+3/+3 For Days</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Seal of Strength"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Llanowar Augur"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aven Augur"></div></div>
I don't know what it is about this color combination, but I kept running into pump effects based on sacrifice which give +3/+3 until end of turn. The simplest of these is the classic <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seal of Strength" href="#" target="_blank">Seal of Strength</a>. Seen in only 36 decks, the repeatable nature of this card when combined with our commander can mean some big combat phases for us. I've also included <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seal of Doom" href="#" target="_blank">Seal of Doom</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seal of Removal" href="#" target="_blank">Seal of Removal</a> to help remove pesky blockers, but those cards already get enough love in other decks.
When @rowanwolff first proposed the deck, the card <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Augur" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Augur</a> (57 decks) was mentioned as a good inclusion. And yes, this card is an all-star! Much like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seal of Strength" href="#" target="_blank">Seal of Strength</a>, this card does its best impression of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giant Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Giant Growth</a> on the way to the bin, but it also grants a very relevant trample ability as well.
I liked the idea of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Augur" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Augur</a> so much, in fact, that I also opted to include the blue card from the Augur cycle in Future Sight: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aven Augur" href="#" target="_blank">Aven Augur</a>. It sees play in even fewer decks (only 21), but it can help repeatedly clear the way for our commander to get through. This whole cycle is great when mixed with recursion, and these cards are very underplayed right now.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cunning"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Briarhorn"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Afiya Grove"></div></div>
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cunning" href="#" target="_blank">Cunning</a>, probably my favorite find for this theme, only sees play in 18 decks right now. The Aura seems tailor-made for this kind of deck. It pumps our baddie +3/+3, sticks around until after combat, then drops off only to be cast again. While I'll admit this card would be even better if I had gone in the Enchantress direction with Muldrotha, I still think it has a good home here, essentially functioning as a second <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seal of Strength" href="#" target="_blank">Seal of Strength</a>.
The Evoke mechanic plays great with Muldrotha, as can be seen from her page on EDHREC. Of course <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mulldrifter" href="#" target="_blank">Mulldrifter</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shriekmaw" href="#" target="_blank">Shriekmaw</a> made the deck, but I also included the hyper-underplayed <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Briarhorn" href="#" target="_blank">Briarhorn</a>, despite seeing play in only 122 decks. A great option to <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giant Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Giant Growth</a> each turn, I can see its numbers going up in the near future, especially with all the Elemental tribal cards coming out in Core 2020. I can't wait for those!
From the ranks of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Reborn</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthen Arms" href="#" target="_blank">Earthen Arms</a>, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Afiya Grove" href="#" target="_blank">Afiya Grove</a> does something I've rarely seen on another card: it's a noncreature that enters with +1/+1 counters on it. The enchantment slowly doles out its three counters to the creature(s) of your choice, sacrificing itself when its counters are spent. Only seeing play in 51 decks, I'm surprised that more Proliferate decks don't run this card.
<hr />
<h2>Supporting Creatures</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Greater Harvester"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wood Sage"></div></div>
We've covered a lot of the buffs for our commander, but haven't really gotten into the support cards which help to glue the deck together. First on my list here is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Greater Harvester" href="#" target="_blank">Greater Harvester</a>. This card, in 35 decks, just needs some sweet evasion to regularly get through and start removing opponents' resources. And the "downside" is actually a bonus in this deck, where we can use Muldrotha to recast all those sacrificed permanents again. There's nothing sweeter than binning <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stitcher&#039;s Supplier" href="#" target="_blank">Stitcher&#039;s Supplier</a> each turn to keep the Harvester alive while watching the graveyard fill up with all kinds of options.
While we're on the subject of self-mill, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wood Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Wood Sage</a> is definitely a pet card of mine. It allows you to dig for that one spell you need, and also fills the graveyard with the scraps. With Muldrotha on the field, a whiff from <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wood Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Wood Sage</a> can actually be a blessing! It's only used in 86 decks right now, but <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tamiyo, Collector of Tales" href="#" target="_blank">Tamiyo, Collector of Tales</a> seems to think the ability is very relevant.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avenging Druid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fungal Shambler"></div></div>
Another option for self-mill that can be tough to fit into a deck is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avenging Druid" href="#" target="_blank">Avenging Druid</a>. I've been looking for a home for this card for a while, a deck where I don't really care what cards go into the bin. But, despite only seeing play in 88 decks, this looks to be a perfect home for it. The Druid is an excellent target for an early-game <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flight Spellbomb" href="#" target="_blank">Flight Spellbomb</a>, or you can feel free to swing in willy-nilly knowing that Muldrotha can bring it back onto the battlefield later on.
Finally, as with any Voltron deck, it's important to include some Plan B options should our commander become incapacitated. My first pick for this role is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vorosh, the Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Vorosh, the Hunter</a>. With the option to grow its power and toughness by six each time it connects with an opponent, coupled with native flying, the Dragon is a great second option to Muldrotha. But for a far more underplayed option, please consider <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fungal Shambler" href="#" target="_blank">Fungal Shambler</a> (21 decks). This loamy devil gives you a great trigger on connection, and has trample to help force that combat damage through. While it will put your opponents on a longer clock, it may be advantageous to keep the key ability granting you so much card advantage and all your buffs separated.
Enough jank, here's the full list:
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"></div>
[Commander] 
*1 Muldrotha, the Gravetide 
[/Commander]
[Creatures] 
*1 Llanowar Augur 
*1 Siren Stormtamer 
*1 Stitcher's Supplier 
*1 Looter il-Kor 
*1 Magus of the Bazaar 
*1 Plaxmanta 
*1 Sakura-Tribe Elder 
*1 Wood Sage 
*1 Avenging Druid 
*1 Bone Shredder 
*1 Eternal Witness 
*1 Fleshbag Marauder 
*1 Scribe of the Mindful 
*1 Aura Thief 
*1 Aven Augur 
*1 Briarhorn 
*1 Phyrexian Metamorph 
*1 Venser, Shaper Savant 
*1 Brood Butcher 
*1 Greater Harvester 
*1 Mulldrifter 
*1 River Kelpie 
*1 Shriekmaw 
*1 Verdurous Gearhulk 
*1 Fungal Shambler 
*1 Vorosh, the Hunter 
*1 Nylea's Colossus 
[/Creatures]
[Instants] 
*1 Assassin's Trophy 
*1 Sultai Charm 
*1 Moonlight Bargain 
*1 Status // Statue 
*1 Windgrace's Judgment 
[/Instants]
[Artifacts] 
*1 Claws of Gix 
*1 Expedition Map 
*1 Flight Spellbomb 
*1 Horizon Spellbomb 
*1 Nihil Spellbomb 
*1 Wayfarer's Bauble 
*1 Dimir Signet 
*1 Golgari Signet 
*1 Simic Signet 
*1 Chromatic Lantern 
*1 Commander's Sphere 
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments] 
*1 Kaya's Ghostform 
*1 Seal of Removal 
*1 Seal of Strength 
*1 Afiya Grove 
*1 Animate Dead 
*1 Cunning 
*1 Ground Seal 
*1 Illuminated Wings 
*1 Seal of Primordium 
*1 Aether Barrier 
*1 Hadana's Climb 
*1 Pernicious Deed 
*1 Reality Acid 
*1 Seal of Doom 
*1 Shielding Plax 
*1 Deadbridge Chant 
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers] 
*1 Tamiyo, Collector of Tales 
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands] 
*1 Barren Moor 
*1 Blighted Woodland 
*1 Breeding Pool 
*1 Drowned Catacomb 
*1 Evolving Wilds 
*9 Forest 
*1 Hinterland Harbor 
*8 Island 
*1 Lonely Sandbar 
*1 Misty Rainforest 
*1 Overgrown Tomb 
*1 Polluted Delta 
*1 Prismatic Vista 
*6 Swamp 
*1 Terramorphic Expanse 
*1 Tranquil Thicket 
*1 Verdant Catacombs 
*1 Watery Grave 
*1 Woodland Cemetery 
[/Lands]
[/Deck]

<hr />
<h2>Such a Non-Traditionalist</h2>
Thanks for reading this edition of Forgotten Harvest. I hope you enjoyed my crazy take on a fairly straightforward commander. What are some other non-traditional directions to take popular commanders? Are there any hyper-underplayed graveyard-based cards you'd like to see featured? Lastly, I have a question for you, a question I've been asking myself recently (unrelated to <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Muldrotha, the Gravetide" href="#" target="_blank">Muldrotha, the Gravetide</a>): what are some commanders that haven't really found their archetype yet? I absolutely love suggestions from readers, and try to fit them in as soon as I can. Let me hear your thoughts in the comments section. See you all next time!

Forgotten Harvest - Muldrotha Voltron

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Copperhorn Scout" href="#" target="_blank">Copperhorn Scout</a> | Art by <a href="http://shelly-wan.squarespace.com/">Shelly Wan</a>)</h6>
<h1>I Got Rhythm</h1>
Friends! Romans! Countrymen! Welcome back to another Forgotten Harvest, where we put on display the hyper-underplayed cards of EDHREC by brewing up a fun and extra-janky deck. As promised in the last article, this week we're diving into a Gruul deck. However, in a bizarre twist, this combination of red and green is going to be focused on doing something very blue. We're tapping stuff like crazy!
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-34438" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/tenor.gif" alt="" width="320" height="184" />
I know this may seem a little daffy, but red and green used to have loads of options related to tap effects. We can see small hints of the remains of those abilities in current Magic. Green, forexample, which used to tap or untap things more regularly, now has the vigilance mechanic (such as on cards like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Greenwood Sentinel" href="#" target="_blank">Greenwood Sentinel</a>). Red, meanwhile, moved from tapping permanents into just preventing them from blocking (see <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Siegebreaker Giant" href="#" target="_blank">Siegebreaker Giant</a>).
We're going to dip heavily into the past for some of these tapping cards, and pair them with current bombs to create some very unique interactions. Since we're talking about removing opposing blockers, it just makes sense to go with a commander like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Warlord Radha" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Warlord Radha</a>. This deck should be doing a lot of attacking, and what better Gruul legend capitalizes on that?
<hr />
<h2>A Horse is a Horse of Course of Course</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thundermare"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shrieking Mogg"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Timbermare"></div></div>
The idea behind this deck comes from the recent printing of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ilharg, the Raze-Boar" href="#" target="_blank">Ilharg, the Raze-Boar</a>. As has been covered in endless deck techs by now, this card pairs very well with <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thundermare" href="#" target="_blank">Thundermare</a>. Swing in with Ilharg, toss out <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thundermare" href="#" target="_blank">Thundermare</a> on the Raze-Boar's attack trigger, then the horsey taps down the field and allows your team to shoot right through any defenses. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thundermare" href="#" target="_blank">Thundermare</a> only sees play right now in 138 decks, but this is definitely an awesome combo.
Some friends of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thundermare" href="#" target="_blank">Thundermare</a> can also join the party, and they're similarly underplayed. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shrieking Mogg" href="#" target="_blank">Shrieking Mogg</a> is a Goblin version of the mass-tapper, and is in only 90 decks. Green can provide <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Timbermare" href="#" target="_blank">Timbermare</a> (97 decks) as another Elemental Horse with the same ability. Who cares about Echo when Ilharg returns the creature back to your hand at end of turn? With these additional creatures to extend the theme, it's important to include an alternative to Ilharg, which is why <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Piper" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Piper</a> makes the deck. Use the Piper's ability after attackers are declared to throw a <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shrieking Mogg" href="#" target="_blank">Shrieking Mogg</a> onto the field and tap down the opposing team!
<hr />
<h2>Tapped or Untapped, Either Way...</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pheres-Band Tromper"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pheres-Band Raiders"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Satyr Nyx-Smith"></div></div>
While some may say I was inspired while brewing this deck, others will say that's a terrible pun. Either way, when creatures are regularly getting tapped and untapped, those with Inspired abilities will help us maximize the effectiveness of the theme. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pheres-Band Tromper" href="#" target="_blank">Pheres-Band Tromper</a> gets bigger and bigger with each untapping, and only sees play in 45 decks. While it's not a great card on the surface, I expect its power to grow quickly, given the tappy shenanigans flying around in this brew. Plus, there's no need for evasion when all potential blockers are getting tapped down.
Instead of going tall, there's also the option to go wide. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pheres-Band Raiders" href="#" target="_blank">Pheres-Band Raiders</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Satyr Nyx-Smith" href="#" target="_blank">Satyr Nyx-Smith</a> help with that by providing a token when they untap (for a small fee). Both are heavily underplayed, only appearing in 37 and 40 decks, respectively. I'm not too psyched that the tokens cost mana to generate, but these cards definitely fit into the overall plan for this deck. They felt like an auto-include to me.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Medics"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spireside Infiltrator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Centaur Omenreader"></div></div>
The other side of this coin are the creatures that trigger abilities when they're tapped. Going back to my heyday in the Urza's Saga block, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Medics" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Medics</a> (23 decks) is a neat pinger that will go off when one of the Mares taps down the board. Similarly, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spireside Infiltrator" href="#" target="_blank">Spireside Infiltrator</a> is a more current pinger that only hits players, but shoots all opponents instead of targeting just one. Despite being a newer card, it's only in 77 decks at this time.
I'm shocked this next card, which only gets better upon tapping, sees so little play - only 154 decks. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Centaur Omenreader" href="#" target="_blank">Centaur Omenreader</a> is incredibly versatile for any creature-based deck, and will come in handy here to help drop the cost of some of our more expensive cards (<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="End-Raze Forerunners" href="#" target="_blank">End-Raze Forerunners</a>, for instance). With the return of snow permanents in Modern Horizons, I expect the Omenreader to become a more popular option when fleshing out that theme, and hopefully this number will go up.
<hr />
<h2>Support Spells</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Onslaught"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winter Blast"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deadshot"></div></div>
Enough with the creatures. Let's look at the spells that're going to help us tap down blockers in case Ilharg and friends are still buried in the 99. First up is a favorite of mine from Exodus called <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Onslaught" href="#" target="_blank">Onslaught</a>. This enchantment lets you tap down a creature whenever you cast a creature spell. This is great for removing potential blockers, but also can be used on your own Inspired creatures to save them from the dangers of combat and still get their untap effects. It only sees play in 45 decks, and I think that's very low for the effectiveness of this card, especially in red.
Last printed in 5th Edition, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winter Blast" href="#" target="_blank">Winter Blast</a> feels very blue until you get to the second sentence about damaging flyers. Frankly, though, we only care about abusing the first sentence. Knocking off some flying baddies is just icing on the cake. It's only being played right now in 18 decks, which is understandable given the low power level of this card, but I'd argue that this is a very unique ability for green to have access to, and that the number should therefore be higher.
Also only appearing in 18 decks, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadshot" href="#" target="_blank">Deadshot</a> is a form of red removal that potentially removes two creatures from combat in one shot. This card gets even better as the number of players in the game increases. There's nothing sweeter than using one opponent's creature to remove another.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blockbuster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Entangling Vines"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mudslide"></div></div>
In any other deck, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blockbuster" href="#" target="_blank">Blockbuster</a> comes off as pretty humdrum. Seven mana to deal 3 damage to everything is quite a bit. However, if you're able to manipulate the battlefield appropriately, this enchantment turns into a one-sided board wipe. The separation of the cost (five mana to cast but two mana to activate) means that you can tag this onto the tail end of a <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winter Blast" href="#" target="_blank">Winter Blast</a> fairly easily. Similarly, you can always wait until after an untap trigger from your <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a> or <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paradox Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Paradox Engine</a> to leave your creatures unscathed.
I'm wary of encountering any of the God-Eternals that recently made their debut, and have been adjusting my decks to accommodate. I'm leaning more heavily on <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arrest" href="#" target="_blank">Arrest</a>-type cards that keep the creature on the board, but nerf it to a great degree. In this vein, I've included <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Entangling Vines" href="#" target="_blank">Entangling Vines</a> in the deck. Currently only seeing play in 12 decks, I expect the numbers for all of these arresting Auras to go up as more War of the Spark cards make it into decks.
Finally, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mudslide" href="#" target="_blank">Mudslide</a> (145 decks) is an excellent enchantment that can really dirty up the board. Using our untap engines like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a> or vigilance granters like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="End-Raze Forerunners" href="#" target="_blank">End-Raze Forerunners</a>, that <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mudslide" href="#" target="_blank">Mudslide</a> shouldn't be a problem for our side of the field. Given all the excess tapping going on, it should be quite the pain for everyone else. It's a very unique card for its color, and I think it has a lot of use in decks like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zedruu, the Greathearted" href="#" target="_blank">Zedruu, the Greathearted</a> where pillowfort is valued highly.
How about we look at this deck, eh?
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"></div>
[Commander] 
*1 Grand Warlord Radha 
[/Commander]
[Creatures] 
*1 Copperhorn Scout 
*1 Grenzo, Havoc Raiser 
*1 Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin 
*1 Shrieking Mogg 
*1 Goblin Medics 
*1 Oak Street Innkeeper 
*1 Satyr Nyx-Smith 
*1 Spireside Infiltrator 
*1 Centaur Omenreader 
*1 Champion of Rhonas 
*1 Elvish Piper 
*1 Felhide Spiritbinder 
*1 Krenko, Mob Boss 
*1 Pheres-Band Tromper 
*1 Timbermare 
*1 Ilharg, the Raze-Boar 
*1 Seedborn Muse 
*1 Torchling 
*1 Urabrask the Hidden 
*1 Great Oak Guardian 
*1 Pheres-Band Raiders 
*1 Rustmouth Ogre 
*1 Thundermare 
*1 Hateflayer 
*1 End-Raze Forerunners 
[/Creatures]
[Instants] 
*1 Vitalize 
*1 Benefactor's Draught 
*1 Tangle 
*1 Beast Within 
*1 Chord of Calling 
*1 Fissure 
[/Instants]
[Sorceries] 
*1 Mobilize 
*1 Winter Blast 
*1 Cultivate 
*1 Harvest Season 
*1 Deadshot 
*1 Decimate 
*1 Explosive Vegetation 
*1 Burn at the Stake 
*1 Twist Allegiance 
*1 Insurrection 
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts] 
*1 Sol Ring 
*1 Springleaf Drum 
*1 Gruul Signet 
*1 Atarka Monument 
*1 Commander's Sphere 
*1 Umbral Mantle 
*1 Paradox Engine 
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments] 
*1 Instill Energy 
*1 Onslaught 
*1 Curse of Bounty 
*1 Quest for Renewal 
*1 Smoke 
*1 Aggravated Assault 
*1 Mudslide 
*1 Breath of Fury 
*1 Entangling Vines 
*1 Magmatic Core 
*1 Blockbuster 
[/Enchantments]
[Lands] 
*1 Cinder Glade 
*1 Command Tower 
*1 Copperline Gorge 
*13 Forest 
*1 Gruul Turf 
*1 Holdout Settlement 
*1 Karplusan Forest 
*1 Kessig Wolf Run 
*1 Mosswort Bridge 
*13 Mountain 
*1 Rootbound Crag 
*1 Spinerock Knoll 
*1 Spire Garden 
*1 Stomping Ground 
*1 Survivors' Encampment 
*1 Wooded Foothills 
[/Lands]
[/Deck]

<hr />
<h2>All Tapped Out</h2>
Well that's it from me on this edition of Forgotten Harvest. I'll see you all in the comments section to take in your questions, comments, and snide remarks. Maybe you want to ask me why I'd waste <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paradox Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Paradox Engine</a> in a non-combo deck. Or maybe we can debate about the awesomeness of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Magmatic Core" href="#" target="_blank">Magmatic Core</a>. Or, perchance, you'd like to make a hyper-underplayed suggestion for a future article. Whatever you'd like to talk about, I'll see you on there. Until next time, keep on tappin'!

Forgotten Harvest - Tapdancing Radha

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evermind" href="#" target="_blank">Evermind</a> | Art by <a href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?action=advanced&amp;artist=[%22Matt%20Thompson%22]">Matt Thompson</a>)</h6>
<h1>Deckbuilding Postbellum</h1>
Hello everyone, and welcome back to another edition of Forgotten Harvest, where I highlight the most hyper-underplayed cards in EDH. For today's article, we're going to take a look at one of the new commanders from War of the Spark. First, however, I should discuss my policy when digesting a new set.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-33747 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Spaghetti-Policy-Always-Sunny.gif" alt="" width="325" height="183" />
During each spoiler season, I keep an eye out for the missing pieces to complete decks on my "wish list." These are cards or commanders that will complete a deck idea I have and make it a legitimate build instead of just a sorry attempt at a deck. I mean, my decks are already full of jank, but at least it's cohesive jank. The hype gets especially heavy for me when tribal themes are spoiled, as a bunch of these ideas are founded in creature types. Anyway, when preview season for War of the Spark began, I had my eye out for any of these missing pieces, ready to pounce.
<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ilharg, the Raze-Boar" href="#" target="_blank">Ilharg, the Raze-Boar</a> was the first such piece to emerge, but I'm saving that deck for two weeks from now. The second meatball to roll out of WAR was <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="God-Eternal Kefnet" href="#" target="_blank">God-Eternal Kefnet</a>.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="God-Eternal Kefnet"></div></div>
My goodness, this commander is wonderful! He plays so well with blue's spellslinger tendencies, especially if you can control the rate of card draw. Additionally, he's very hard to get rid of, slipping back into the library if removed. I knew this birdie would be a popular commander and would likely get paired up with the plethora of extra-turn spells that always crop up whenever folks talk about great blue cards. However, I saw him commanding a different kind of spellslinger deck.
<hr />
<h2>On Top of Spaghetti / All Covered with Cheese...</h2>
The deck I'm talking about is Arcane and Spirit tribal. From all the way back in Kamigawa block, these two themes go hand-in-hand. The Splice onto Arcane cards work especially well with <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="God-Eternal Kefnet" href="#" target="_blank">God-Eternal Kefnet</a>, as you can splice cards onto the copy generated by Kefnet, including the actual card you copied. For example, let's say I draw <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dampen Thought" href="#" target="_blank">Dampen Thought</a> (105 decks on EDHREC) and reveal it using Kefnet's ability. I get a copy of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dampen Thought" href="#" target="_blank">Dampen Thought</a> that I can cast while the real one goes to my hand. I want to splice the real <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dampen Thought" href="#" target="_blank">Dampen Thought</a> in my hand onto the copy, so I reveal it (again), and then pay the full cost of the spell, reduced by two generic mana (the last bit of Kefnet's ability), which makes it UU to mill eight cards while losing no card advantage. The next time I draw an Arcane spell, I can splice <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dampen Thought" href="#" target="_blank">Dampen Thought</a> onto the copy again with no card loss.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dampen Thought"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Consuming Vortex"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lifted by Clouds"></div></div>
Now, I would love to get into each and every underplayed Arcane card, both those that splice and those that can be spliced upon. But nearly every blue card of this spell type is underplayed, so instead I'm going to hit some highlights. There isn't really a clear theme among the effects caused by these Arcane cards, and as the mechanic only appeared in Kamigawa block, there isn't a huge pool to draw from. But one common theme that I've seen is that these spells tend to target creatures a lot! As such, despite being a spellslinger deck devoid of pump spells, the main win condition becomes combat.
Some Arcane spells, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Consuming Vortex" href="#" target="_blank">Consuming Vortex</a> (142 decks) and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Psychic Puppetry" href="#" target="_blank">Psychic Puppetry</a> (80 decks), can be used to remove blockers and clear a path. Others, like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lifted by Clouds" href="#" target="_blank">Lifted by Clouds</a> (20 decks) and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Veil of Secrecy" href="#" target="_blank">Veil of Secrecy</a> (158 decks), provide evasion to your creatures to get those attacks through (<a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/forgotten-harvest-block-party-with-virtus-and-gorm/">Virtus and Gorm</a> from two weeks ago would be so proud). And if a more permanent form of removal is required, I've got <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dismiss into Dream" href="#" target="_blank">Dismiss into Dream</a> in the deck to make all that targeting magic lethal. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reweave" href="#" target="_blank">Reweave</a>, in 270 decks, also gives some great spot removal for any kind of permanent on its own, assuming you keep on casting/splicing it.
<hr />
<h2>I Lost My Poor Meatball / When Somebody Sneezed</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teller of Tales"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloudhoof Kirin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Unspeakable"></div></div>
In addition to providing Arcane spells, Kamigawa block also brought us a series of Spirits that care about them. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teller of Tales" href="#" target="_blank">Teller of Tales</a> (53 decks) and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guardian of Solitude" href="#" target="_blank">Guardian of Solitude</a> (35 decks) are both a continuation of the themes above, removing blockers or providing evasion whenever a Spirit or Arcane spell is cast. Similarly, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kiri-Onna" href="#" target="_blank">Kiri-Onna</a>, in 122 decks, can help clear the field with bounce effects and can be repeatably cast. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quillmane Baku" href="#" target="_blank">Quillmane Baku</a> provides even more tapping shenanigans, while only seeing play in 33 decks.
An alternative wincon in this deck is mill, though it's the more difficult option. The presence of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dampen Thought" href="#" target="_blank">Dampen Thought</a> is bolstered by <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudhoof Kirin" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudhoof Kirin</a>, found in only 138 decks. Given the card draw in the deck, and the duplication of spells thanks to <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="God-Eternal Kefnet" href="#" target="_blank">God-Eternal Kefnet</a>, all these abilities should be triggering regularly.
The uber-mono-blue Spirit from the same block, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Unspeakable" href="#" target="_blank">The Unspeakable</a>, also makes the deck, despite only being in 206 decklists. This also includes the three spells that help summon him directly out of the deck: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reach Through Mists" href="#" target="_blank">Reach Through Mists</a>, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Peer Through Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Peer Through Depths</a>, and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sift Through Sands" href="#" target="_blank">Sift Through Sands</a>. Given the amount of library manipulation and draw in this deck, I expect the alternate summoning route to be a regular occurrence.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lantern Spirit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soulsworn Spirit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Supreme Phantom"></div></div>
As the modern Magic player knows, not all great Spirits come from Kamigawa. The plane of Innistrad has supplied its fair share of Spirit spells. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lantern Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Lantern Spirit</a> is currently only in 45 decks, but it fits into the theme of wanting to repeatedly cast Spirit spells, and its self-bounce can pay off big in this deck. When its cost is reduced thanks to a card like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza&#039;s Incubator" href="#" target="_blank">Urza&#039;s Incubator</a>, this card can be a real all-star!
Since we're playing Spirits repeatedly, we might as well throw in <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nebelgast Herald" href="#" target="_blank">Nebelgast Herald</a> (190 decks). Again, we have a phantasm that helps tap down opposing creatures that gets better as we play more and more Spirit spells. Tapping down a creature isn't the same as a full neutralization, and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soulsworn Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Soulsworn Spirit</a> can provide that option while keeping to our theme. It's a wonder that it only sees play in 75 decks.
Finally, we have the true Spirit tribal cards: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battleground Geist" href="#" target="_blank">Battleground Geist</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Phantom" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Phantom</a>. This duo will help pump our team, making sure that our attacks count for more. Given its fairly weak power level overall, this deck is going to win primarily on tempo and explosive turns, and these cards are going to play a big role in keeping up the pressure. They're in 194 and 133 decks, respectively.
Let's take a look at the final deck, shall we?
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"></div> 
[Commander] 
*1 God-Eternal Kefnet 
[/Commander] 
[Creatures] 
*1 Mausoleum Wanderer 
*1 Departed Deckhand 
*1 Ghost-Lit Warder 
*1 Guardian of Solitude 
*1 Kaijin of the Vanishing Touch 
*1 Mindshrieker 
*1 Rattlechains 
*1 Supreme Phantom 
*1 Callous Deceiver 
*1 Drift of Phantasms 
*1 Lantern Spirit 
*1 Latch Seeker 
*1 Nebelgast Herald 
*1 Niblis of the Breath 
*1 Soulsworn Spirit 
*1 Battleground Geist 
*1 Cloudhoof Kirin 
*1 Kiri-Onna 
*1 Quillmane Baku 
*1 Soul Seizer 
*1 Sturmgeist 
*1 Teller of Tales 
*1 Keiga, the Tide Star 
*1 Sire of the Storm 
*1 The Unspeakable 
[/Creatures] 
[Instants] 
*1 Evermind 
*1 Reach Through Mists 
*1 Consuming Vortex 
*1 Cyclonic Rift 
*1 Dampen Thought 
*1 Disrupting Shoal 
*1 Peer Through Depths 
*1 Psychic Puppetry 
*1 Stream of Consciousness 
*1 Veil of Secrecy 
*1 Lifted by Clouds 
*1 Murmurs from Beyond 
*1 Sift Through Sands 
*1 Toils of Night and Day 
*1 Shifting Borders 
*1 Reweave 
[/Instants] 
[Sorceries] 
*1 Eye of Nowhere 
*1 Ideas Unbound 
*1 Eerie Procession 
*1 Heed the Mists 
*1 Petals of Insight 
*1 Ribbons of the Reikai 
[/Sorceries] 
[Artifacts] 
*1 Library of Leng 
*1 Sensei's Divining Top 
*1 Sol Ring 
*1 Baku Altar 
*1 Long-Forgotten Gohei 
*1 Urza's Incubator 
*1 Lux Cannon 
*1 Primal Amulet 
*1 Gilded Lotus 
[/Artifacts] 
[Enchantments] 
*1 Imprisoned in the Moon 
*1 Rhystic Study 
*1 Jace's Sanctum 
*1 Future Sight 
*1 The Mirari Conjecture 
*1 Dismiss into Dream 
[/Enchantments] 
[Planeswalkers] 
*1 Jace, the Mind Sculptor 
[/Planeswalkers] 
[Lands] 
*1 Desert of the Mindful 
*1 Evolving Wilds 
*1 Halimar Depths 
*26 Island 
*1 Lonely Sandbar 
*1 Moonring Island 
*1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx 
*1 Remote Isle 
*1 Soldevi Excavations 
*1 Teferi's Isle 
*1 Terramorphic Expanse 
[/Lands] 
[/Deck]

<hr />
<h2>Time to Roll Out!</h2>
That about does it for this edition of Forgotten Harvest. If you have any questions, comments, or snide remarks, you can find me in the comments section below. I'll be down there to talk about how I keep building Spirit tribal or how <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evermind" href="#" target="_blank">Evermind</a> would make a really great name for a band. Let me know about the decks on your wish list that are just waiting for a missing card or commander to become a reality, or any hyper-underplayed cards you'd like to see featured on this series in the future. In the meantime, I'll be working out the kinks in this little red-green number that's all set to abuse <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ilharg, the Raze-Boar" href="#" target="_blank">Ilharg, the Raze-Boar</a>. See you later!

Forgotten Harvest - Splicey Meatballs

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elven Warhounds" href="#" target="_blank">Elven Warhounds</a> | Art by Kev Walker)</h6>
<h1>Won't You Be My Neighbor?</h1>
Hello neighbor! Welcome back to another instance of Forgotten Harvest, where I construct a deck using some of the most underplayed cards on EDHREC. This go-round, I'll be taking a turn with the gruesome twosome: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Virtus the Veiled" href="#" target="_blank">Virtus the Veiled</a> and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gorm the Great" href="#" target="_blank">Gorm the Great</a>.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Virtus the Veiled"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gorm the Great"></div></div>
I've seen a lot of takes on this duo since they debuted in Battlebond, and to be honest, I've been disappointed with the various builds. Virtus and Gorm decks usually break down into one of three categories:
<ul>
<li>Deathtouch-tribal</li>
<li>Lifechop-tribal (my term for Virtus's triggered ability)</li>
<li>Voltron-esque Equipment-based builds</li>
</ul>
All of these versions focus heavily on the themes of the better of the two commanders: <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Virtus, the Veiled" href="#" target="_blank">Virtus, the Veiled</a>. Virtus is played in 328 decks on EDHREC, while Gorm is in about a hundred less (219 to be exact). And I get it! Gorm's ability requires at least one other card to be effective, while Virtus just needs a single, unimpeded attack to be worth the cost. But the interaction of the two cards is so much deeper than the ideas above.
My different take borrows from the themes of all three of the above versions, coalescing into a deck focused on controlling the combat step. I make sure the creatures I want blocked face off against a defending creature, and the attackers I want unblocked actually make it through the line. In doing this, I don't overly rely on Equipment or Auras, instead dedicating deck space to options that work in a multitude of board states. This could be cards that force combat interactions, or have benefits when blocked or unblocked.
<hr />
<h2>Block Captains</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ochran Assassin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Matsu-Tribe Decoy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lurking Arynx"></div></div>
Ever since the days of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Bard" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Bard</a>, green has been an expert at forcing blocks. Carrying on that legacy in Standard today is <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ochran Assassin" href="#" target="_blank">Ochran Assassin</a>. So far, this deathtoucher is only seeing play in 143 decks. I'm sure that number is bound to go up, but for now it's low enough that I get to talk about the card, so neener-neener! I'm not crazy about the five mana it costs me to put an <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Bard" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Bard</a> into play, so I tend more toward the Assassin and other "Hey! Block me!" creatures like <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taunting Elf" href="#" target="_blank">Taunting Elf</a>.
There's also a contingent of green creatures that don't require every creature to hug them, but do single out a specific buddy. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Matsu-Tribe Decoy" href="#" target="_blank">Matsu-Tribe Decoy</a> (196 decks) and <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lurking Arynx" href="#" target="_blank">Lurking Arynx</a> (43 decks) both pick out a creature of their choice and force a block during combat. Sure, there's always the chance that the creature could become tapped come the combat step, no longer making it a legal blocker, but the point here is clearing a path for Virtus and his crew, so who cares!
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Satyr Piper"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rimehorn Aurochs"></div></div>
This deck contains a fair number of creatures just begging to be blocked (see next section). To help them partner up in combat, here comes <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Satyr Piper" href="#" target="_blank">Satyr Piper</a>. Played in only 45 decks on EDHREC, this musical goat-man ensures that your "when this becomes blocked" triggers go off. The only downside is that the Piper doesn't specify which creature must block.
That's why we're also running <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rimehorn Aurochs" href="#" target="_blank">Rimehorn Aurochs</a>. How on Earth is this card only played in eight decks?!?!? It's totally worth it to play snow lands to get access to that sweet activated ability. And as a bonus, it doesn't specify that either target be one of your creatures. You can use this card as a political tool in combat all over the battlefield! Please give this ungulate a look the next time you play green, and don't limit it to the eight Aurochs-themed decks on EDHREC. Please!
<hr />
<h2>Blocking Problems</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elven Warhounds"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rust Scarab"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Corrupt Official"></div></div>
Now that we've covered the means to force blocks during combat, let's get into some of the creatures that are begging to be blocked. First up, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elven Warhounds" href="#" target="_blank">Elven Warhounds</a> (32 decks) usually feels a little overpriced for its 2/2 body, but when we can all but guarantee a block on the battlefield, combined with the fact that this creature doesn't die in combat, it looks pretty great for this kind of deck. Plus, it looks great wearing a <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nemesis Mask" href="#" target="_blank">Nemesis Mask</a>.
From Gatecrash, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rust Scarab" href="#" target="_blank">Rust Scarab</a> can provide us with some artifact or enchantment removal when blocked. In 191 decks on EDHREC, the Scarab becomes a part of this deck's removal package. Given its size, the Insect might also be able to take out a defending creature in the process.
Green isn't the only color with excellent "when blocked" abilities. Black provides <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Corrupt Official" href="#" target="_blank">Corrupt Official</a> from Mercadian Masques. Played in only 32 decks, I can see how the high mana cost may drive some people away, but with regeneration and forcing the discard of a random card when blocked, I think the cost is well worth it.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thresher Beast"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunstone"></div></div>
I know there are some people who really don't like land destruction in EDH. There are others that will flip the table when a <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strip Mine" href="#" target="_blank">Strip Mine</a> hits play. So, I suggest <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thresher Beast" href="#" target="_blank">Thresher Beast</a> with the warning that not everyone will like it. It only sees play in 63 decks right now, so I hope you do give it a try, but I'll understand if you'd rather keep your friends. At least they choose which land hits the bin when they block.
Finally, I have to assume that there are some decks out there running combat tricks which could require us to have an escape plan. It could also be wise to have a line of defense, should we swing in with our army and leave no creatures up to block. <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunstone" href="#" target="_blank">Sunstone</a> is a great addition to help in both cases, and works well with the snow lands in the deck for <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rimehorn Aurochs" href="#" target="_blank">Rimehorn Aurochs</a>. It's only seeing play in 263 decks, but that could certainly go up.
<hr />
<h2>You Cannot Block My Style!</h2>
I would be remiss if I went this whole article without squeezing in one gif:
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-33196" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/IxWsd91.gif" alt="" width="320" height="244" />
There! Thanks for letting me get that out of my system. Anyway, here are some creatures your opponents aren't going to want in their quiet little town.
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emperor&#039;s Vanguard"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Caustic Wasps"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Woebearer"></div></div>
Providing some deck filtering upon connection, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emperor&#039;s Vanguard" href="#" target="_blank">Emperor&#039;s Vanguard</a> only sees play in 83 decks. I think it's a great card for the cost, and with a 4/3 body that is only going to grow, we can force it to be blocked later in the game, as a means of taking out defending creatures.
Almost the inverse of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rust Scarab" href="#" target="_blank">Rust Scarab</a> above, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caustic Wasps" href="#" target="_blank">Caustic Wasps</a> blows up an artifact after drawing blood. The flying will come in handy to help get this little fella through any defenders, especially in the early game when you can use it to pick off any mana rocks that could lead to trouble.
Hailing from Mirrodin, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Woebearer" href="#" target="_blank">Woebearer</a> is one of my favorite cards when playing Zombie tribal, and it should see more play than the 181 decks it's currently in. Having evasion baked in along with a continuous source of slow-reanimation makes this card a real all-star in creature-centric builds. It was a superhero in my <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thraximundar" href="#" target="_blank">Thraximundar</a> deck, and I highly recommend it!
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bone Dancer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rime Transfusion"></div></div>
While you'll likely not have it deal combat damage when it connects, <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bone Dancer" href="#" target="_blank">Bone Dancer</a> is a wonderful means of building up an army from fallen foes. Being able to target specific creatures to block means that graveyards should be ripe with targets. Just pick your favorite and clear a path for the Dancer. I'm shocked this is only in 282 decks given the power of reanimation in EDH.
Finally, since we're playing snow lands, it felt appropriate to sneak in <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rime Transfusion" href="#" target="_blank">Rime Transfusion</a> (64 decks). While somewhat narrow in scope, this Aura seems perfect for what we're trying to accomplish in this deck: getting Virtus and friends through the line. I don't know if it has viability outside of these kinds of builds with reasons to play snow lands already baked in, but it'll work in this deck.
Now, let's have a look at everything all together:
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"></div>
[Commander] 
*1 Virtus the Veiled 
*1 Gorm the Great 
[Commander]
[Creatures] 
*1 Taunting Elf 
*1 Bone Dancer 
*1 Caustic Wasps 
*1 Drana, Liberator of Malakir 
*1 Graveblade Marauder 
*1 Matsu-Tribe Decoy 
*1 Ochran Assassin 
*1 Satyr Piper 
*1 Elven Warhounds 
*1 Emperor's Vanguard 
*1 Mirri the Cursed 
*1 Storrev, Devkarin Lich 
*1 Tangle Angler 
*1 Yeva, Nature's Herald 
*1 Banshee of the Dread Choir 
*1 Corrupt Official 
*1 Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper 
*1 Lurking Arynx 
*1 Raving Dead 
*1 Rimehorn Aurochs 
*1 Rust Scarab 
*1 Woebearer 
*1 Archetype of Finality 
*1 Ink-Eyes, Servant of Oni 
*1 Nacatl War-Pride 
*1 Necropolis Regent 
*1 Sisters of Stone Death 
[/Creatures]
[Instants] 
*1 Giant Growth 
*1 Assassin's Trophy 
*1 Go for the Throat 
*1 Arachnogenesis 
*1 Beast Within 
*1 Hunter's Insight 
*1 Krosan Grip 
*1 Maelstrom Pulse 
*1 Putrefy 
*1 Sudden Spoiling 
*1 Stonewood Invocation 
*1 Thrilling Encore 
[/Instants]
[Sorceries] 
*1 Into the North 
*1 Cultivate 
*1 Damnation 
*1 Languish 
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts] 
*1 Infiltration Lens 
*1 Sol Ring 
*1 Dolmen Gate 
*1 Golgari Signet 
*1 Lightning Greaves 
*1 Trailblazer's Boots 
*1 Commander's Sphere 
*1 Nemesis Mask 
*1 Sunstone 
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments] 
*1 Rime Transfusion 
*1 Sylvan Library 
*1 Journey to Eternity 
*1 Phyrexian Arena 
*1 Wilderness Reclamation 
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers] 
*1 Vraska, Golgari Queen 
*1 Vraska the Unseen 
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands] 
*1 Blooming Marsh 
*1 Command Tower 
*1 Golgari Rot Farm 
*1 Jungle Hollow 
*1 Llanowar Wastes 
*1 Mouth of Ronom 
*1 Overgrown Tomb 
*1 Rogue's Passage 
*1 Scrying Sheets 
*14 Snow-Covered Forest 
*12 Snow-Covered Swamp 
*1 Temple of Malady 
*1 Twilight Mire 
*1 Verdant Catacombs 
*1 Woodland Cemetary 
[/Lands]
[/Deck]

<hr />
<h2>What a Blockhead!</h2>
That about does it for this build on Forgotten Harvest. What are some of your favorite underplayed cards that deal with the combat step? Are there any commanders that you think have more versatility than what the typical deck demonstrates? Any other questions, comments, or snide remarks? Let's talk about it below. I'll be on there to talk about the greatness of <a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rimehorn Aurochs" href="#" target="_blank">Rimehorn Aurochs</a>, and, in keeping with this article's theme, will block you if you disagree with me. Just kidding! But I will be there to get into the underplayed cards you'd like to see featured in this series in future articles. Until next time!

Kyle Keller