The Best Wizard Combos in Commander

<p>On Saturday, June 21st, Wizards of the Coast officially announced the dates and locations of their MagicCon events for 2026. What's more, they did it in a YouTube video, which may or may not have had a few <em>Secret</em> easter eggs hidden in it. What are the dates and locations, and what do the easter eggs mean? Let's dive into this!</p>
<h2>MagicCon Dates and Locations</h2>
<p>According to the official event site <a href="https://www.mtgfestivals.com/global/en-us.html">MagicFestivals.com</a>, the dates and locations for MagicCon in 2026 list the following pieces of information:</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li><span class="text--xlarge">MagicCon: Las Vegas 2026: May 1–3, 2026</span></li>
<li><span class="text--xlarge">MagicCon: Amsterdam 2026: July 17–19, 2026</span></li>
<li><span class="text--xlarge">MagicCon: Atlanta 2026: November 13–15, 2026</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p>These event locations aren't anything too terribly new. However, it's worth noting that the conventions will return to these places again, especially for those in the area.</p>
<p>Now, we don't have any promo card information nor any confirmation one way or another. But, the YouTube video promoting these dates may hold a secret or more within it.</p>
<h2>A <em>Secret Lair</em> Teaser?</h2>
<p>As mentioned above, a YouTube video accompanied the location and date information for next year's set of MagicCon events. In that YouTube promo video, we see multiple references to the Elder Dragons of the <em>Legends</em> expansion.</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Announcing the 2026 MagicCon Lineup" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aC7lecbmXvE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Check this screenshot out again:</p>
<div id="attachment_156909" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-scaled.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156909" class="size-full wp-image-156909" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-scaled.png" alt="A still from the MagicCon 2026 promo video. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast" width="2560" height="1429" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-scaled.png 2560w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-300x168.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-1024x572.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-768x429.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-1536x858.png 1536w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/palladia-more-and-chromiyums-2048x1144.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-156909" class="wp-caption-text">A still from the MagicCon 2026 promo video. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<p>Pausing this, you can see posters for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Palladia-Mors" href="#" target="_blank">Palladia-Mors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromium" href="#" target="_blank">Chromium</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nicol Bolas" href="#" target="_blank">Nicol Bolas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In an earlier still, you can see an ad for "Arcades' Arcade", a reference to the Elder Dragon <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcades Sabboth" href="#" target="_blank">Arcades Sabboth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These poster-style ads are in various art styles befitting of a <em>Secret Lair</em> drop. Does this mean that players will have copies of these cards in a drop? Will it be Commander-At-Home for 2026? This is entirely plausible, but as we don't have concrete confirmation, you are best off taking this as a rumor for now.</p>
<p>Overall, players are probably super-excited to attend MagicCon in 2026. Are you? Will you be attending any of these events, or even Atlanta's event later this year? Sound off below!</p>


MagicCon 2026 Dates, Locations Officially Announced

<h6 style="text-align: right;">Parhelion II | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.adampaquettemtg.com/">Adam Paquette</a> | Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</h6>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Friday, June 20th, Wizards of the Coast announced a momentous Commander rules change. Starting with <em>Edge of Eternities</em>, legendary Vehicles and Spacecraft with a power/toughness box can be your commander! This change is massive and opens up a ton of design space for <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="attachment_156844" style="width: 780px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/154848.hq_.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156844" class="wp-image-156844" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/154848.hq_.jpg" alt="RMS Titanic. Illustrated by Henry Peters. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast" width="770" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/154848.hq_.jpg 551w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/154848.hq_-300x218.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-156844" class="wp-caption-text">RMS Titanic. Illustrated by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/htkpeh"><strong>Henry Peters</strong></a>. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<h2>Why This Change?</h2>
<p><em>Magic</em> Designer <strong>Gavin Verhey</strong> sums up the change to the Commander format with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75DcnrdoTc">a six-minute Good Morning Magic video on YouTube</a>:</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Why Are We Changing the Rules of Commander with Edge of Eternities?? | Magic Vehicles &amp; Spacecraft" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/w75DcnrdoTc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>In short, the rules change is one that Wizards wanted to apply for a while, but for a series of different reasons at different times, the format's shift had to wait until <em>Edge of Eternities</em>. Additionally, we have learned through this video that both precons from the new set contain a legendary Spacecraft to use as an alternate commander.</p>
<div id="attachment_156846" style="width: 915px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shorikai-Genesis-Engine.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156846" class="wp-image-156846" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shorikai-Genesis-Engine.jpg" alt="Shorikai, Genesis Engine. Illustrated by Wisnu Tan. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast" width="905" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shorikai-Genesis-Engine.jpg 745w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shorikai-Genesis-Engine-300x185.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 905px) 100vw, 905px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-156846" class="wp-caption-text">Shorikai, Genesis Engine. Illustrated by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/wisnutan"><strong>Wisnu Tan</strong></a>. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<h2>What is the Rule Change?</h2>
<p>While the Comprehensive Rules have yet to officially update with these rules, here is the main idea:</p>
<ul>
<li>Starting with <em>Edge of Eternities</em>, legendary Vehicles and Spacecraft cards will be eligible to lead a Commander deck.</li>
<li>To be fully eligible, the card has to be legendary and have a power/toughness box in its card rules.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Is This Impactful?</h3>
<p>In a word, this is currently not a highly impactful change. It's largely just for fun, but <span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">it<em>'s</em> still foreseeable as a</span> permanent change to the format. This doesn't change <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shorikai, Genesis Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Shorikai, Genesis Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s functionality, but it allows other Vehicles printed previously to share in that design space.</p>
<div id="attachment_156847" style="width: 753px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Esikas-Chariot.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156847" class="wp-image-156847" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Esikas-Chariot.jpg" alt="Esika's Chariot. Illustrated by Raoul Vitale. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast" width="743" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Esikas-Chariot.jpg 1080w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Esikas-Chariot-300x226.jpg 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Esikas-Chariot-1024x771.jpg 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Esikas-Chariot-768x578.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 743px) 100vw, 743px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-156847" class="wp-caption-text">Esika's Chariot. Illustrated by <a href="https://www.raoulvitaleart.com/"><strong>Raoul Vitale</strong></a>. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<p>Some of the Vehicles now affected by this change are pretty cool, though. For one, you can now play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esika&#039;s Chariot" href="#" target="_blank">Esika&#039;s Chariot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as a commander, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="RMS Titanic" href="#" target="_blank">RMS Titanic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or even <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Parhelion II" href="#" target="_blank">Parhelion II</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In fact, one interviewee I spoke with in the past for <a href="https://commandersherald.com/interview-dr-wendi-sierra-bethesda-scholar-on-the-new-fallout-decks/">Commander's Herald</a>, <strong>Dr. Wendi Sierra</strong>, has a Parhelion II "Big Angel Party Bus" deck. Frankly, I'm sure she's thrilled about this new change to the rules.</p>
<p>In any event, we'd like to open the floor to you, dear readers! How do you feel about this new change? Are you already planning a new Vehicle-led Commander deck? Which ones if so? Sound off below, and stay tuned for a slew of new Vehicle-centric deck techs from EDHREC in the coming weeks!</p>


Edge Of Eternities Rules Update: Vehicles Can Be Commanders

MagicCon Las Vegas Preview Panel: Edge of Eternities And More

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tezzeret, Cruel Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Tezzeret, Cruel Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.rahnart.com/">Chris Rahn</a> | Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</h6>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>On the night of Thursday, June 19th, Wizards of the Coast officially revealed the full card for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tezzeret, Cruel Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Tezzeret, Cruel Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This <em>Edge of Eternities</em> card is going to be a hit amongst artifact fans of all kinds! But what does the card do, and why is it such a hyped centerpiece for the set? Read on, and learn more!</p>
<h2>Tezzeret's Various In-Game Applications</h2>
<p>Currently, neither we nor Scryfall have a good render of the card handy, as most of the assets available come from photographs of the render. However, the shots we have, all thanks to fans at MagicCon Las Vegas's Black Lotus VIP Lounge, show a complete card. As such, we feel it appropriate to share it here:</p>
<div id="attachment_156786" style="width: 411px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tezzeret-Crual-Captain-photo.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-156786" class="wp-image-156786" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tezzeret-Crual-Captain-photo.jpg" alt="A photo of the render for Tezzeret, Cruel Captain, a new card from Edge of Eternities. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tezzeret-Crual-Captain-photo.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tezzeret-Crual-Captain-photo-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-156786" class="wp-caption-text">A photo of the render for Tezzeret, Cruel Captain, a new card from <em>Edge of Eternities</em>. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</p></div>
<p>Tezzeret, Cruel Captain is a 4-loyalty planeswalker card for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> with no conventional means to gain loyalty. However, he has a <em>very</em> strong triggered ability that gains him the loyalty needed to survive. And boy howdy, does he ever gain it! Gaining one loyalty counter whenever an artifact you control enters, Tezzeret <em>could</em> activate his -7 ultimate loyalty ability on the turn he comes in. However, he's more useful for his -3 ability, which tutors up an artifact of mana value 1 or less. This is powerful in <em>so many formats</em>. Many Commander players will automatically recognize that this Tezzeret can immediately tutor up a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>And don't misunderstand me. Sol Ring is great, but Vintage players are apt to want to use Tezzeret to tutor up a Moxen card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Sapphire" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Sapphire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Lotus" href="#" target="_blank">Black Lotus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In Modern, players will be able to tutor up a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mox Opal" href="#" target="_blank">Mox Opal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, previously banned until very recently. Legacy's expansive player base seems to have it best here. They are able to tutor up <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lion&#039;s Eye Diamond" href="#" target="_blank">Lion&#039;s Eye Diamond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or basically any Mox that's legal in the format.</p>
<h2>Tezzeret, Living Life on the <em>Edge of Eternities</em></h2>
<p>This card is undeniably strong. Furthermore, his art, illustrated by <em>Magic</em> artist <strong><a href="https://www.rahnart.com/">Chris Rahn</a></strong>, is stunning and dramatic, perfectly fitting for a space opera-style setting.</p>
<p>How would you use Tezzeret, Cruel Captain? Hopefully, the card has its use in <em>Edge of Eternities</em> Limited, so it's not a bust to open him in your Draft or Prerelease Sealed pools. Nevertheless, the card is fantastic.</p>
<p>So with that, let's open the floor to you, dear readers! How do you feel about this new card from <em>Edge of Eternities</em>? Do you think it's strong enough to see play in formats outside of Commander? Which ones do you foresee him being used in? Sound off below!</p>


Edge Of Eternities - Tezzeret, Cruel Captain Officially Revealed

The Most Unique Commanders in Final Fantasy

<p style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vaan, Street Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Vaan, Street Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://jakemurraystudio.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jake Murray</a></span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hello hello! Welcome to another <em>Final Fantasy</em> deck tech! This set is full of interesting, powerful commanders, and I'd like to walk you through a brew with one of my favorites. I've long been a fan of mono-colored decks, so it's no surprise that I've been drawn to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vaan, Street Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Vaan, Street Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vaan, Street Thief"></div></div></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This commander is super interesting, and the typal grouping he encourages will make for some interesting deckbuilding.</span></p>
<h2>What Does Vaan, Street Thief Do?</h2>
<p>This Human Scout costs <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, and essentially turns each of our Scouts, Pirates, and Rogues into a worse version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer" href="#" target="_blank">Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Whenever they deal combat damage to one of our opponents, we'll impulse draw the top card of that player's library. If we don't cast that card, we get a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. And, when we do cast a spell this way (or any other spell that we don't own), we'll get to buff up our whole board of creatures.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vaan reminds me of some of my other favorite commanders. He encourages us to cast spells from exile and hands out +1/+1 counters like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inti, Seneschal of the Sun" href="#" target="_blank">Inti, Seneschal of the Sun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </span></p>
<p>I'm also reminded of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mari, the Killing Quill" href="#" target="_blank">Mari, the Killing Quill</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who groups together a few creature types like Vaan does, and provides us with an incentive to deal combat damage to our opponents frequently.</p>
<p>But Vaan is most reminiscent of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Olivia, Opulent Outlaw" href="#" target="_blank">Olivia, Opulent Outlaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both of these commanders care about multiple creature types, make treasures, and provide +1/+1 counters to our whole team. Decks built around these commanders will have a lot of overlap, so we'll be drawing inspiration from their EDHREC pages as we go!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inti, Seneschal of the Sun"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mari, the Killing Quill"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Olivia, Opulent Outlaw"></div></div>
<p>This commander, and the others that its similar to, provide us with a pretty clear direction: we'll fill the deck with cheap and evasive Scouts, Pirates, and Rogues, pair those creatures with some artifact and non-hand casting synergies, and look to end the game with a buffed-up board of similarly-typed creatures.</p>
<p>Let's get brewing!</p>
<h2>Key Cards for Vaan, Street Thief</h2>
<h3>Cheap and Evasive Creatures</h3>
<p>Let's talk about the cheap and/or evasive creatures that we'll use to trigger our commander's abilities.</p>
<p>First, and my pick for the strongest of the bunch, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Plunderer" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Plunderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card feels tailor-made for the deck: it's got evasion, it makes us extra Treasure tokens, and it even deals extra damage to an opponent when it attacks.</p>
<p>I'm also a big fan of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gemcutter Buccaneer" href="#" target="_blank">Gemcutter Buccaneer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which will provide us with a stream of Treasures and convert those Treasures into extra damage. There's a total of 14 Pirates in the deck (and a few ways to make Pirate creature tokens), so this card will be a good value engine.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Generous Plunderer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gemcutter Buccaneer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Robber of the Rich"></div></div>
<p>Lastly, I wanted to shout out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Robber of the Rich" href="#" target="_blank">Robber of the Rich</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This was the first one I added to the deck's 99, because it just fits so perfectly. Reach is always nice to have on a creature, and haste means that this guy can start providing card advantage the turn we cast him.</p>
<p>I was surprised at how many creatures fit this deck's game plan and had relevant types, but the deck's creature suite came together quite nicely.</p>
<h3>Artifact and Treasure Synergies</h3>
<p>Next, let's talk about our artifact and Treasure synergies. Red decks have no shortage of these cards, so I had a nice pool to draw from.</p>
<p>First, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laurine, the Diversion" href="#" target="_blank">Laurine, the Diversion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a sweet control piece (and a Rogue, notably) for a deck that lacks significant removal. While we may not be able to destroy an opponent's big creature, we can certainly sacrifice a spare Treasure to ensure it doesn't swing our way.</p>
<p>And if we want to turn those spare Treasures into aggression, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swashbuckler Extraordinaire" href="#" target="_blank">Swashbuckler Extraordinaire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can do so easily. Plus, double strike works extremely well with Vaan's combat-focused abilities.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Laurine, the Diversion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Swashbuckler Extraordinaire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fathom Fleet Swordjack"></div></div>
<p>There's also <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fathom Fleet Swordjack" href="#" target="_blank">Fathom Fleet Swordjack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This creature will take a big chunk out of an opponent's life total when it attacks, and it just so happens to be a Pirate! It's a great fit here.</p>
<p>There's a whole bunch of other Pirate-centric synergies in the deck, too. Both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Breeches, Eager Pillager" href="#" target="_blank">Breeches, Eager Pillager</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Breeches, Brazen Plunderer" href="#" target="_blank">Breeches, Brazen Plunderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> work well with our supporting cast of crewmates, so there's sure to be a good deal of Pirate synergies on our battlefield at any given moment.</p>
<h3>Casting Spells From Exile</h3>
<p>Now, let's talk about the ways we'll gain advantage by casting the spells we steal from our opponents.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Passionate Archaeologist" href="#" target="_blank">Passionate Archaeologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and [/el]Flaming Tyrannosaurus[/el] will each hit our opponents for some significant damage when we cast spells from exile.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Passionate Archaeologist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Iraxxa, Empress of Mars"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wild-Magic Sorcerer"></div></div>
<p>Next up, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iraxxa, Empress of Mars" href="#" target="_blank">Iraxxa, Empress of Mars</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can provide a lot of tokens over the course of the game. Plus, her attack trigger can be a difference maker in clogged board states or close games.</p>
<p>And finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild-Magic Sorcerer" href="#" target="_blank">Wild-Magic Sorcerer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will give us one of our own spells for free after we cast one of our opponents' spells. It's no surprise that this card is good in any deck that casts spells from exile, but I find it particularly interesting that we still get the cascade trigger off of casting a spell we don't own.</p>
<h2>How Does This Vaan, Street Thief Deck Win?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck ultimately wins through damage. It can sometimes ping our opponents life totals down over time with a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but it'll more often win through combat damage with an army of Scouts, Pirates, and Rogues. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Vaan provides a lot of +1/+1 counters over the course of a game, and that can lead to a victory in the mid/late game.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glóin, Dwarf Emissary"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Caught in the Crossfire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Return the Favor"></div></div>
<p>I'm happy to say that, despite being mono-red, this deck has a good few ways to control the battlefield. Through goad effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glóin, Dwarf Emissary" href="#" target="_blank">Glóin, Dwarf Emissary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, one-sided board wipes like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caught in the Crossfire" href="#" target="_blank">Caught in the Crossfire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and redirection effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Return the Favor" href="#" target="_blank">Return the Favor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can protect our board state pretty well.</p>
<h2>Vaan, Street Thief Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Making a Vaan, Street Thief Deck" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Vaan, Street Thief
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Academy Manufactor
*1 Angrath&#039;s Marauders
*1 Breeches, Brazen Plunderer
*1 Breeches, Eager Pillager
*1 Broadside Bombardiers
*1 Captain Lannery Storm
*1 Charming Scoundrel
*1 Coercive Recruiter
*1 Crimson Caravaneer
*1 Dargo, the Shipwrecker
*1 Dire Fleet Daredevil
*1 Fathom Fleet Swordjack
*1 Flaming Tyrannosaurus
*1 Fortune Thief
*1 Gemcutter Buccaneer
*1 Generous Plunderer
*1 Glóin, Dwarf Emissary
*1 Goblin Guide
*1 Goldspan Dragon
*1 Grenzo, Havoc Raiser
*1 Hellspur Posse Boss
*1 Impulsive Pilferer
*1 Iraxxa, Empress of Mars
*1 Kari Zev, Skyship Raider
*1 Keeper of Secrets
*1 Kellan, Planar Trailblazer
*1 Laurine, the Diversion
*1 Nalfeshnee
*1 Party Thrasher
*1 Port Razer
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Prosperous Bandit
*1 Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer
*1 Robber of the Rich
*1 Rose, Cutthroat Raider
*1 Swashbuckler Extraordinaire
*1 Taurean Mauler
*1 Tin Street Dodger
*1 Treasure Nabber
*1 Wild-Magic Sorcerer
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Beamtown Beatstick
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Inspiring Statuary
*1 Maskwood Nexus
*1 Staff of Eden, Vault&#039;s Key
*1 Tarrian&#039;s Soulcleaver
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Gamble
*1 Reckless Handling
*1 Sundering Eruption // Volcanic Fissure
*1 Vandalblast
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Bottle-Cap Blast
*1 Caught in the Crossfire
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Fiery Cannonade
*1 Great Train Heist
*1 Lightning Bolt
*1 Return the Favor
*1 Siege Smash
*1 Untimely Malfunction
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Alchemist&#039;s Talent
*1 Charred Foyer // Warped Space
*1 Daring Piracy
*1 Passionate Archaeologist
*1 Powerbalance
*1 Uncivil Unrest
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Exotic Orchard
*30 Mountain
*1 Mutavault
*1 Shinka, the Bloodsoaked Keep
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks for reading this <em>Final Fantasy</em> deck tech! Before you go, there's a few odd inclusions I wanted to point out. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First among them is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Guide" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Guide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While this creature seems better suited for aggressive decks in 60-card formats, it actually works quite well in this deck. It's a Scout with haste, so it works well with our commander's abilities, and its attack trigger means that it can clear lands off of the top of our opponents' libraries.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Guide"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We'd much rather impulse draw one of their spells than one of their lands, so this one-mana 2/2 slots right into the deck.</span></p>
<p>In the course of building this deck, I came across a card that I'd never seen before: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fortune Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Fortune Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This creature can prevent us from losing the game due to damage, potentially letting us untap and win the game on the crack back from an opponent's big attack. Plus, it's a Rogue! Vaan loves Rogues.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fortune Thief"></div></div>
<p>In all seriousness, paying <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-4" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> for a 0/1 creature (or <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>+<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> if we Morph it) is a tough rate. But given that this deck is lower power, it's got room for some fun cards like this.</p>
<p>That's all I've got for this week! I'll see you all again next week for another deck tech.</p>


Making a Vaan, Street Thief Commander Deck

Building a Clone Commander Deck With Kimahri, Valiant Guardian

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unfinished Business" href="#" target="_blank">Unfinished Business</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/search?artistName=eq~Ramza_Psyru" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramza Psyru</a></em></p>
<h2>Recruitment Process</h2>
<p>Hello, and welcome to a special edition of <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>. This week we're tackling something rather odd. It's a deck that's got a short story to it that was basically my brain being obsessed over it. Basically, we're taking on a Commander deck for the Pride Event this month. To sum it up, it's essentially any two legendary creatures can be your commander(s) as though they had the Partner mechanic. I thought I'd take this opportunity to tackle a deck for the event in case it's something you want to do.</p>
<p>That said, let's get into it.</p>
<h2>Assemble the Turks!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reno and Rude"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elena, Turk Recruit"></div></div>
<p>We're talking about the Turks, which is an informal name for the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department, a branch of the Shinra Company from <em>Final Fantasy VII.</em> To put it in basics, they're spies and assassins who also look out for potential new recruits into the SOLDIER program. They're very much akin to an intelligence agency. Reno, Rude, and Elena are three of the members.</p>
<p>With Reno/Rude (and will henceforth be known as such for simplicity), they do their best iteration of the notorious <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer" href="#" target="_blank">Ragavan, Nimble Pilferer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Unfortunately, you have to sacrifice a creature or an artifact, and there's no dash mechanic to "protect" them. Elena, on the other hand, recurs historic permanents and gets bigger for each one cast.</p>
<p>If you're not doing the Pride Event (perhaps you're playing this deck later this year, for example), there's a number of Orzhov options you can use. Perhaps <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tymna the Weaver|fca|18" href="#" target="_blank">Tymna the Weaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on her own.</p>
<p>However, we're going to try and use Reno/Rude to the best of our ability while Elena sits back, act as both utility and part-time win-con.</p>
<h2>An Orientation, If You Will</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hildibrand Manderville"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sarah Jane Smith"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloodforged Battle-Axe|pip|226"></div></div>
<p>Crucially, we need to have stuff to sacrifice to Reno/Rude's ability. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sarah Jane Smith" href="#" target="_blank">Sarah Jane Smith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> drops Clue tokens when we cast historic spells. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hildibrand Manderville" href="#" target="_blank">Hildibrand Manderville</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and the token he makes, are great sacrifice fodder. Moreover, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="General&#039;s Enforcer|pip|217" href="#" target="_blank">General&#039;s Enforcer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> protects the Turks, makes a token, and hits graveyards. Secondly, if we can connect with it enough times, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodforged Battle-Axe|pip|226" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodforged Battle-Axe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will make a lot of copies of itself. Thirdly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Astrid Peth" href="#" target="_blank">Astrid Peth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes tokens when she enters or attacks. However, she is frail, so take care where she attacks.</p>
<p>Further, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff" href="#" target="_blank">Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> nets us Treasure tokens when someone casts multiple spells a turn. Similarly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pitiless Plunderer|fic|281" href="#" target="_blank">Pitiless Plunderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes two when we lose a creature we control. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Market Connections" href="#" target="_blank">Black Market Connections</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does everything: if you pay six life, you get a Treasure, draw a card, and make a creature token to sacrifice. That said, that life loss is brutal long-term, so you're probably better off removing the Treasure. Looking at the cards I mentioned so far, I can notice a subtle pattern.</p>
<h2>Shinra Armory</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Biotransference"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Truth and Justice|sld|1867"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pip-Boy 3000"></div></div>
<p>Going an artifact sub-theme will ensure that the Turks will gain maximum benefit. Artifacts are historic, so Elena will recur them and count for her trigger. They're also the best stuff to sacrifice to get Reno's/Rude's trigger, and the various Equipment will make our smaller creatures more menacing.</p>
<p>Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dalek Squadron" href="#" target="_blank">Dalek Squadron</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes tokens that get sacrificed at end of combat. However, why not get rid of one of them to trigger Reno/Rude? Meanwhile, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Canoptek Scarab Swarm" href="#" target="_blank">Canoptek Scarab Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Death in Heaven" href="#" target="_blank">Death in Heaven</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are graveyard hate that make fodder for them. Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Biotransference" href="#" target="_blank">Biotransference</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> nets us tokens and turns every creature we have into an artifact, meaning options to sacrifice.</p>
<p>However, we're working with a lot of creatures with tiny stats, so let's buff them. The Swords of X and Y cycle (of which half are in the <em>Universes Beyond</em> card pool) is a great start. Of note is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Truth and Justice||sld|1867" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Truth and Justice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives the equipped creature a permanent +2/+2. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pip-Boy 3000" href="#" target="_blank">Pip-Boy 3000</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides a lot of utility, including pumping the equipped creature. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umezawa&#039;s Jitte|sld|1865" href="#" target="_blank">Umezawa&#039;s Jitte</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is very good, doing a lot of stuff just from doing any damage rather than just hitting out opponent.</p>
<p>It's worth noting that the best creature to equip these to is Reno/Rude, since they'll die to a breeze. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Astrid Peth" href="#" target="_blank">Astrid Peth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another good target as well for the same reason. That said, the others aren't bad targets, either. The reason is because we want to get swinging, chipping away at our opponents while getting value from our stuff. That last sentence is a hint as to what the overall archetype of the deck will likely be. I might have even given it away when I mentioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tymna the Weaver|fca|18" href="#" target="_blank">Tymna the Weaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>Elena and Reno and Rude Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond - The Turks (Pride Event)" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Elena, Turk Recruit
*1 Reno and Rude
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Al Bhed Salvagers
*1 Astrid Peth
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Canoptek Scarab Swarm
*1 Canoptek Spyder
*1 Canoptek Wraith
*1 Company Commander
*1 Dalek Squadron
*1 Gaius van Baelsar
*1 General&#039;s Enforcer
*1 Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor
*1 Hildibrand Manderville // Gentleman&#039;s Rise
*1 Judge Magister Gabranth
*1 Loran of the Third Path
*1 Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff
*1 Mangara, the Diplomat
*1 Morbid Opportunist
*1 Pitiless Plunderer
*1 Sarah Jane Smith
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Sun Titan
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Biotransference
*1 Black Market Connections
*1 Death in Heaven
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Crush Contraband
*1 Deadly Dispute
*1 Despark
*1 Dismember
*1 Flawless Maneuver
*1 Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal
*1 Lethal Scheme
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Utter End
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Austere Command
*1 Cut a Deal
*1 Damn
*1 Toxic Deluge
*1 Unfinished Business
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bloodforged Battle-Axe
*1 Brotherhood Regalia
*1 Genji Glove
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Pip-Boy 3000
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Sword of Feast and Famine
*1 Sword of Hearth and Home
*1 Sword of Light and Shadow
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 Sword of War and Peace
*1 Sword of the Animist
*1 Tome of Legends
*1 Umezawa&#039;s Jitte
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Abstergo Entertainment
*1 Ash Barrens
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Command Tower
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Insomnia, Crown City
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Path of Ancestry
*9 Plains
*1 Scoured Barrens
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Silent Clearing
*1 Sunlit Marsh
*9 Swamp
*1 Tainted Field
*1 Temple of Silence
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>The Briefing</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor|fca|35"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tome of Legends|fic|369"></div></div>
<p>The name of the game with this list is to go on the aggressive while having enough fodder for Reno/Rude's trigger. In addition, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor|fca|35" href="#" target="_blank">Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> helps with this. He'll provide card draw, and incentive for our opponents to go elsewhere. In a similar vein, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Canoptek Spyder" href="#" target="_blank">Canoptek Spyder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> draws us cards when an artifact enters our board. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will ensure that Reno/Rude can slip through a horde of tokens and connect.</p>
<p>However, going on the aggressive makes us more vulnerable to board wipes. Fortunately, white gives us access to some counters to this. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal" href="#" target="_blank">Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> serves as one of the best for our purposes. On the other hand, it can also serve as a way to clear blockers for a massive attack. Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment|fic|236" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> easily protects our stuff. Moreover, if we have enough creatures out, we can take advantage of the convoke cost. Speaking of free spells, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flawless Maneuver|sld|1728" href="#" target="_blank">Flawless Maneuver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be cast for free if either commander is out.</p>
<p>With the Turks being so cheap to cast, we can take advantage of a few cards to further our plan. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tome of Legends|fic|369" href="#" target="_blank">Tome of Legends</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will accrue counters quickly, which we can turn into a steady source of card draw. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bastion Protector|fic|233" href="#" target="_blank">Bastion Protector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will protect the Turks while they carry out their respective tasks. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Genji Glove" href="#" target="_blank">Genji Glove</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not only allows for certain creatures to take advantage of the double strike (like Reno/Rude), but also gives us an extra combat step to reap more value.</p>
<h2>Missions Beyond This Universe</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Esper Sentinel"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Breena, the Demagogue"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cathars&#039; Crusade"></div></div>
<p>Our in-universe options mostly consist of staples we could run. If you're looking for an alternate commander to the Turks, look no further than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Breena, the Demagogue" href="#" target="_blank">Breena, the Demagogue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The card can be confusing, so allow me to break it down for you. Say you attack while you have Breena out. Her trigger will go off, and it'll check life totals. If that player has more life than another opponent (not you), you get the trigger. Keep in mind that an opponent can also get Breena's trigger, so there's incentive not to attack you. Those counters will add up very fast, making you into a threat very quickly.</p>
<p>For this section, I'm going to assume that you're going to switch the Turks out for Breena (it'd be good to keep them in the 99 anyway). That said, other options include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esper Sentinel" href="#" target="_blank">Esper Sentinel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dusk Legion Duelist" href="#" target="_blank">Dusk Legion Duelist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for more card draw. Meanwhile, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necropolis Regent" href="#" target="_blank">Necropolis Regent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a heavy black mana requirement, it'll also pump your board each time they connect.</p>
<p>With Breena now at the helm, we want to buff our little guys as much as we can. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Pup" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Pup</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not just an adorable pooch, but it can pump the whole team, possibly each turn. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drana, Liberator of Malakir" href="#" target="_blank">Drana, Liberator of Malakir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can put counters on our board when she connects. It's worth noting that she has first strike, so you get said counters onto the other attacking creatures before they deal their damage. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felidar Retreat" href="#" target="_blank">Felidar Retreat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will make our creatures bigger with each land we play.</p>
<p>I do want to take a moment to address <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cathars&#039; Crusade" href="#" target="_blank">Cathars&#039; Crusade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It's easily one of the best cards to add in-universe, but the amount of counters being added, especially when multiple come in at once (say, a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Martial Coup" href="#" target="_blank">Martial Coup</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) will make heads spin. I avoid it for this reason, but you're welcome to run the card if you can manage it.</p>
<h2>Mission Accomplished</h2>
<p>In conclusion, this an approach in Orzhov colors I can get behind. Like I said, I built this deck specifically for the Pride Event this month, but it won't take much to change the command zone. When you go to play in a pod of random people, be sure to utilize Rule 0 to see if they let you use the Turks as the commanders. If not, there's plenty to choose from. There's even one in the 99 of the decklist I posted. Tune in next week where I tackle what will be a small taste of my ambitions for the <em>Final Fantasy </em>set.</p>


Articles