Too-Specific Top 10 - So Lonely and Sadly Alone

The 600 - A Review of Theros Beyond Death Commanders

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kess, Dissident Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Kess, Dissident Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/izzymedrano">Izzy Medrano</a>)</h6>
<h1>The Calm Before The Storm</h1>
<p>The year was 2019. Jaelyn, naïve to the dangers which awaited her, spent days - weeks, even - climbing the ladder of Standard using <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/competitive-gaming/mpl-spark-split-week-4-decklists-2019-05-29#jean-emmanuel_depraz_-_izzet_phoenix">Izzet Phoenix</a> on <em>Magic: the Gathering</em> Arena. But as she continued on, she found time was not on her side: more and more <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Time Raveler" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Time Raveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s stood in her path to victory, preventing any sort of advantage from her instants. Eventually, she was being drowned in the mana advantage of Temur Floods, as <em>Core Set 2020</em> released.</p>
<p>Ever since then, she's been hunting, searching for a place where she can get that same feeling of vigor from slinging <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Strike" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Strike</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s at puny little creatures... and she may have just found that in another format entirely: Commander. As <a href="https://www.mtggoldfish.com/archetype/modern-blitz#paper">Izzet Blitz</a> blasts its way into Modern after the banning of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Uro, Titan of Nature&#039;s Wrath" href="#" target="_blank">Uro, Titan of Nature&#039;s Wrath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, spellslingers everywhere find themselves empowered to take up arms and chase the storm.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Spell Mastery</h2>
<p>This week's <em>Staple Remover</em> is a little different: instead of looking at an individual staple that's included in the 99 of Commander decks, we'll be looking at one of the format's most popular generals and finding alternative commanders which fill a similar niche or archetype while offering something more, such as a different color suite, additional synergies, wincons, or an overall more fun deck tailored to you!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kess, Dissident Mage"></div></div>
<p>Today, we'll be looking at different <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/spellslinger">Spellslinger</a> commanders, the most popular of which is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kess, Dissident Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Kess, Dissident Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, EDHREC's 11th-most-popular commander. Kess' ability is no joke, allowing you access to your discarded instants and sorceries like a reusable <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snapcaster Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Snapcaster Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This method of card advantage makes Kess builds especially resilient, a boon that has earned her a spot as one of the top cEDH commanders, but for us casual players, the resilience can be wasted, as counterspells aren't nearly as omnipresent.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Skimming the Spellbook</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Slaughter the Strong"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Taigam, Ojutai Master"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetherflux Reservoir"></div></div>
<p>Taigam is up first. The most noticeable difference between <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taigam, Ojutai Master" href="#" target="_blank">Taigam, Ojutai Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and many traditional Spellslinger commanders is that Taigam includes white in his color identity. White can play a role similar to red in spellslinger decks by providing efficient removal and board wipes, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swords to Plowshares" href="#" target="_blank">Swords to Plowshares</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slaughter the Strong" href="#" target="_blank">Slaughter the Strong</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Although we lose access to red's rituals, we gain access to white's suite of tutors, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enlightened Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Enlightened Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, in exchange.</p>
<p>Of course, the most important part of a commander is the text box, and Taigam's does not disappoint. By giving your instant and sorcery spells <em>Rebound</em>, he essentially acts as a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Double Vision" href="#" target="_blank">Double Vision</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (with a small restriction). This allows you to employ a variety of strategies and accumulate extra value while doing so: you could take the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Feather, the Redeemed" href="#" target="_blank">Feather, the Redeemed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> route and build a Voltron Spellslinger deck, or you can abuse cast triggers such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in a traditional <em>Storm</em>-style finish. Taigam also goes great in the 99 of decks looking to repeatedly cast the same spells, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks and <em>Cascade</em> decks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Double Vision"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wort, the Raidmother"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Meteor Storm"></div></div>
<p>Shifting in the other direction of the color pie gives us our Gruul Spellslinger commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wort, the Raidmother" href="#" target="_blank">Wort, the Raidmother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taigam, Ojutai Master" href="#" target="_blank">Taigam, Ojutai Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Wort has the potential to copy most or all of your instant and sorcery spells for extra value by giving them <em>Conspire</em>. Her biggest hurdle is her mana cost, but as <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/staple-remover-cultivate-kodamas-reach/"><em>Staple Remover - Cultivate + Kodama's Reach</em></a> covers, a curve of green two-mana ramp into four-mana ramp spells, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skyshroud Claim" href="#" target="_blank">Skyshroud Claim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, can easily mitigate that cost while simultaneously allowing for massive, game-changing spells.</p>
<p>Additionally, as mentioned earlier, red has access to fantastic spell-copying and damage-multiplying cards, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Double Vision" href="#" target="_blank">Double Vision</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Emancipation" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Emancipation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which perfectly synergize with damage-based board wipes and finishers, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Meteor Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Meteor Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. If that fails, though, Wort is adept at employing an aggressive, creature-based strategy, like a true Raidmother.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tragic Slip"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Toshiro Umezawa"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Defile"></div></div>
<p>For the most hipster of sorcerers, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toshiro Umezawa" href="#" target="_blank">Toshiro Umezawa</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can deliver a surprisingly potent mono-black Spellslinger build. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kess, Dissident Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Kess, Dissident Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Toshiro makes extensive use of the graveyard, allowing you to cast instants whenever an opponent's creature dies. This allows you to chain removal spells, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tragic Slip" href="#" target="_blank">Tragic Slip</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Defile" href="#" target="_blank">Defile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="K&#039;rrik, Son of Yawgmoth" href="#" target="_blank">K&#039;rrik, Son of Yawgmoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can also accelerate your gameplan considerably, all while acting as a potential finisher as it grows in size.</p>
<p>In a deck like Toshiro, it's not a bad idea to pack extra win conditions, like Reanimation effects, a <em>Storm</em> finish with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or additional card draw, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kothophed, Soul Hoarder" href="#" target="_blank">Kothophed, Soul Hoarder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Without these, you could have a hard time finding a way to close out a game, which may not make for the best games when you're carrying so much removal.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fatestitcher"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kaza, Roil Chaser"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaya&#039;s Immolating Inferno"></div></div>
<p>My personal pick for Spellslinger decks in EDH is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaza, Roil Chaser" href="#" target="_blank">Kaza, Roil Chaser</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Unlike the infamous <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mizzix of the Izmagnus" href="#" target="_blank">Mizzix of the Izmagnus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, Kaza uses Wizards as a foundation for casting game-ending spells, as opposed to using other, cheaper spells; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wort, the Raidmother" href="#" target="_blank">Wort, the Raidmother</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> employs creatures in a similar way, too. Because Kaza encourages the use of Wizards, she allows for a lot of other synergies which can spice up games.</p>
<p>Obviously, there are a ton of synergistic Wizards that you can use as a foundation. You can pick a few different strategies, but I personally focused on Wizards that can untap Kaza, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fatestitcher" href="#" target="_blank">Fatestitcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so that she can be repeatedly used as a pseudo-<a href="https://edhwiki.com/wiki/Ramp#Mana_Dorks">"mana dork"</a>. Once we have that foundation, we can continue to be aggressive with our Wizards, using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adeliz, the Cinder Wind" href="#" target="_blank">Adeliz, the Cinder Wind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to put pressure on our opponents, and finally finish them off with an expensive X-spell, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jaya&#039;s Immolating Inferno" href="#" target="_blank">Jaya&#039;s Immolating Inferno</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Below is my current build for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaza, Roil Chaser" href="#" target="_blank">Kaza, Roil Chaser</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I find her to be a lot of fun, but like any deck, I'm not quite finished with her. The upcoming <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/card-image-gallery/strixhaven"><em>Strixhaven</em></a> set is sure to have a lot of goodies for Spellslinger decks, too, as it features an Izzet-colored faction focused around mages!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Roil Surfing" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Kaza, Roil Chaser
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Adeliz, the Cinder Wind
*1 Aegar, the Freezing Flame
*1 Aphetto Alchemist
*1 Arcane Artisan
*1 Augur of Bolas
*1 Azami, Lady of Scrolls
*1 Baral, Chief of Compliance
*1 Disciple of the Ring
*1 Dismissive Pyromancer
*1 Docent of Perfection
*1 Dreadhorde Arcanist
*1 Dualcaster Mage
*1 Fatestitcher
*1 Goblin Electromancer
*1 Information Dealer
*1 Izzet Chemister
*1 Jace&#039;s Archivist
*1 Jace, Vryn&#039;s Prodigy
*1 Magus of the Moon
*1 Naru Meha, Master Wizard
*1 Nivix Guildmage
*1 Puppeteer
*1 Sea Gate Stormcaller
*1 Siren Stormtamer
*1 Snapcaster Mage
*1 Spellseeker
*1 Stonybrook Banneret
*1 Voidmage Prodigy
[/Creatures]
[Lands]
*1 Command Tower
*1 Desolate Lighthouse
*15 Island
*1 Minamo, School at Water&#039;s Edge
*10 Mountain
*1 Reflecting Pool
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 Riptide Laboratory
*1 Riverglide Pathway
*1 Shivan Reef
*1 Sulfur Falls
*1 Temple of Epiphany
*1 Training Center
[/Lands]
[Instants]
*1 Blue Sun&#039;s Zenith
*1 Brainstorm
*1 Comet Storm
*1 Counterspell
*1 Dig Through Time
*1 Frantic Search
*1 Lightning Bolt
*1 Mystic Confluence
*1 Silundi Vision
*1 Stroke of Genius
*1 Sublime Epiphany
*1 Swan Song
*1 Thassa&#039;s Intervention
*1 Wizard&#039;s Lightning
*1 Wizard&#039;s Retort
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Magewright&#039;s Stone
*1 Primal Amulet
*1 Relic Amulet
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Metallurgic Summonings
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Bond of Insight
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Finale of Promise
*1 Finale of Revelation
*1 Jaya&#039;s Immolating Inferno
*1 Mana Geyser
*1 Mizzium Mortars
*1 Mizzix&#039;s Mastery
*1 Mnemonic Deluge
*1 Ponder
*1 Preordain
*1 Rite of Replication
*1 Soulfire Eruption
*1 Treasure Cruise
*1 Windfall
[/Sorceries]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>What do you think about giving commanders the <em>Staple Remover</em> treatment? What Spellslinger commanders do you love to play with the most, and are there any other archetypes with staple commanders that you avoid? Feel free to let me know in the comments!</p>


Staple Remover - Kess, Dissident Mage

Commander Showdown - Lathril vs Abomination of Llanowar

Ranking Every Equipment with EDHREC – Part 2: I'm Never Writing Another Article Again

Too-Specific Top 10 - Full Impulse

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cleansing Meditation" href="#" target="_blank">Cleansing Meditation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ron.spears.1?_fb_noscript=1">Ron Spears</a>)</h6>
<h1>Inhale</h1>
<p>We find ourselves in a tranquil place, austere and empty. But there is no loneliness in this void. Rather, there's an effortless connection across distance with the purity of all, for, with a bit of transcendental meditation, you can find yourself with an enchantment in the command zone, and without having to resort to any rule-bending, à la <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Genju of the Realm" href="#" target="_blank">Genju of the Realm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Welcome to <em>Dual Shot</em>, where we brew two decks at the same time... in one deck. This time we're digging up an early experiment. We don't have to go all the way back to <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/dual-shot-the-beginning/">the Beginning</a>, but there will be some reminiscence required.</p>
<p>The original plan could be summarized like this: make a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant" href="#" target="_blank">Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck and fill in the blanks. In those earliest stages, the deck didn't really turn into anything, but some recent additions in the name of frivolity have straightened our spines and set us to breathing with the evenness of deep, ego-defeating thought.</p>
<p>Of course, this still gives us a relatively bad deck. But there are two paths that then revealed themselves. With Rune-Tail's own peculiar defensive theme atop an <a href="https://edhrec.com/tribes/angels">Angel tribal</a> subtheme - or instead, our perma-<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can provide an awning for "alternate win-condition tribal." Though, before the journey of ascendance can unfold, one must first sit in the incense haze, let the sound of bells carry them to silence, and begin at the waypoint of the self.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="The Essence of Pure Flavor" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Knight of Dawn
*1 Gold Myr
*1 Thalia&#039;s Lancers
*1 Lieutenants of the Guard
*1 White Knight
*1 Winged Shepherd
*1 Paragon of New Dawn
*1 Felidar Sovereign
*1 Kor Firewalker
*1 Soul of Theros
*1 Binding Souleater
*1 Serra&#039;s Guardian
*1 Kor Cartographer
*1 Mentor of the Meek
*1 Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade
*1 Spirit of the Hearth
*1 Oreskos Explorer
*1 Relic Seeker
*1 Segovian Angel
*1 Walking Atlas
*1 Farfinder
*1 King of the Pride
*1 Burnished Hart
*1 Silver Knight
*1 Pilgrim&#039;s Eye
*1 Diamond Mare
*1 Regal Caracal
*1 Bygone Bishop
*1 Teshar, Ancestor&#039;s Apostle
*1 Daring Archeologist
*1 Bounty Agent
*1 Imperial Aerosaur
*1 Adorned Pouncer
*1 Vulpikeet
*1 Danitha Capashen, Paragon
*1 Hushwing Gryff
*1 Sunblade Angel
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Mana Tithe
*1 Divine Offering
*1 Rallying Roar
*1 Riot Control
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Serene Offering
*1 Charge Across the Araba
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Not Forgotten
*1 Approach of the Second Sun
*1 Gift of Estates
*1 Triplicate Spirits
*1 Proclamation of Rebirth
*1 Morningtide
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Inquisitor&#039;s Flail
*1 White Mana Battery
*1 Heraldic Banner
*1 Norn&#039;s Annex
*1 Chaos Wand
*1 Star Compass
*1 Lich&#039;s Mirror
*1 Angel&#039;s Feather
*1 Fireshrieker
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Farsight Mask
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Angelic Destiny
*1 Stasis Cocoon
*1 Face of Divinity
*1 Noble Stand
*1 Thopter Arrest
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*27 Plains
*1 Zhalfirin Void
*1 Guildless Commons
*1 Daru Encampment
*1 Emergence Zone
*1 Encroaching Wastes
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h2>Mantra</h2>
<p>This list is fine, but it needs more duality. A mono-white pilot that requires a certain life total to do its job immediately leads one to <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/lifegain">lifegain</a>. Since that felt too on-the-nose (and because lifegain tends to benefit from another color or two), a slight pivot to an adjacent theme of <a href="https://edhrec.com/tribes/angels">Angel tribal</a> was in order, and it works well to keep us above 30 for Rune-Tail.</p>
<p>As it stands, there's a lot of weird inclusions to excise. The weird <em>Dual Shot</em> beta list here was brought to 99 pretty much by adding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vulpikeet" href="#" target="_blank">Vulpikeet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so a lot needs to change to reliably incorporate the angelic subtheme.</p>
<p>That means out with Rune-Tail's vulpine friend, and we'll also make our peace with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="King of the Pride" href="#" target="_blank">King of the Pride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adorned Pouncer" href="#" target="_blank">Adorned Pouncer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The last thing this list needs is tertiary <a href="https://edhrec.com/tribes/cats">Cat tribal</a>, although house cats do seem to be in some sort of meditative state most of the time. What we'll lose in cuteness, we'll gain in more sensible slot-fillers.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bishop of Wings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Angelic Field Marshal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lyra Dawnbringer"></div></div>
<p>Let's shed some more unwanted thoughts in the pursuit of mindfulness, and attenuation with the divine. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Danitha Capashen, Paragon" href="#" target="_blank">Danitha Capashen, Paragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Regal Caracal" href="#" target="_blank">Regal Caracal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imperial Aerosaur" href="#" target="_blank">Imperial Aerosaur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. How'd these even get in here? Well, there they are - let's breathe them out. And if we're hoping to provide a cleaner curve to our angelic host:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starnheim Aspirant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Righteous Valkyrie"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Resplendent Angel"></div></div>
<p>All right, so that most seraphic of tribes offers a good deal of obvious flexibility in replacing our chakra-clogging chaff. And hark! there are plenty amongst the host that lean into the bridge of high life totals : <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Angel of Vitality" href="#" target="_blank">Angel of Vitality</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> most obviously, and some that are more adjacent to the tribe, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Serra Ascendant" href="#" target="_blank">Serra Ascendant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ajani, Strength of the Pride" href="#" target="_blank">Ajani, Strength of the Pride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But there are still some cards that don't really belong in the list as is, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Walking Atlas" href="#" target="_blank">Walking Atlas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; the initial brew did have a fairly low curve, but 32 lands is far too risky and makes the Atlas much more useless besides. Some of the early inclusions should be cut, simply to make room for about four more lands. But if we divert our meditations from the Angel strategy, and indeed most combat in general, we can also exclude <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fireshrieker" href="#" target="_blank">Fireshrieker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inquisitor&#039;s Flail" href="#" target="_blank">Inquisitor&#039;s Flail</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>What then? Inquisitor's Flail especially benefits from Rune-Tail, but rather than relying on Fog to win in combat, our meditative ideal can keep us afloat and gum up the board while we assemble instant wins: sudden realizations achieved after a long, transformative vision quest. That the divine was within us all along, and all our sacred icons, as beautiful as they are, are manifestations of ourselves.</p>
<p>So in addition to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felidar Sovereign" href="#" target="_blank">Felidar Sovereign</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Approach of the Second Sun" href="#" target="_blank">Approach of the Second Sun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, let's decide what we can do with all the space given to us in the absence of our celestial guides.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Angel&#039;s Grace"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Celestial Convergence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Test of Endurance"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Mindfulness</h2>
<p>Oh, I guess that's it. Sure, there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barren Glory" href="#" target="_blank">Barren Glory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Near-Death Experience" href="#" target="_blank">Near-Death Experience</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but this isn't the list to enable that level of esoterica. So we can comfortably run about four self-contained alternate win-cons, as well as some flavorful support pieces like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Angel&#039;s Grace" href="#" target="_blank">Angel&#039;s Grace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or even <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gideon of the Trials" href="#" target="_blank">Gideon of the Trials</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We can achieve a modicum of transcendence with this cluttered list, transforming our muddied energy into something more focused. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant" href="#" target="_blank">Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can provide a thin layer of protective fog, otherwise obfuscating an Angel supertheme atop an alternate win condition subtheme.</p>
<p>Perhaps one space for white's design to meaningfully expand into could be alternate win conditions, given its purview of the rule-writers. In lieu of that, it does have great means with which to find those forgotten laws. From <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Academy Rector" href="#" target="_blank">Academy Rector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Idyllic Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Idyllic Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, "alternate win-con tribal" is certainly functional, if a little awkward. As for the correlation to Angels, there are two shining examples to act a bridge between themes, and through tempered practice, forge that mind-body connection so necessary to meditation.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Platinum Angel"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Angel of Destiny"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Exhale</h2>
<p>That's it for this meditation session. When have you managed to take one of <em>Magic</em>'s iconic tribes and reframe it alongside a new approach? Angels and Dragons and Demons and the like are all well-suited to focused isolation, but when have they worked in some strange tandem for you? Let us know in the comments below!</p>
<p>It's nice to take a look at these old decks that helped shape the experiment, but going forward will be a trend of explorations more suited to duality. Commanders like the Kirin, for example, all neatly direct a deckbuilder towards divergent themes. And furthermore, in anticipation of the 20th <em>Dual Shot</em>, a deviation from the usual lists and deck techs should avail us of studying some rudiments of synergy - and allow us to take a closer peak at the idea of "bridge" cards - where commanders like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alela, Artful Provocateur" href="#" target="_blank">Alela, Artful Provocateur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> so obviously invite us to try two (or more) things at once, which cards actually enable such parallel strategies?</p>
<p>Well then, until next time. Namaste.</p>


Dual Shot - Divine Meditation

Evasive Maneuvers — Stalking

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esika, God of the Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Esika, God of the Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/algenpfleger">Johannes Voss</a>)</h6>

<h1>Epic Preparations</h1>
<p>Hello, EDHREC fans! I’m Bernardo Melibeu, and this is <em>Epic Experiment</em>, a series where we throw all common sense aside and experiment with some unusual strategies, changing how we normally build our deck. Is it going to work? Who knows?! We’re making science here. When you’re an Izzet mage, blowing things up is half the fun.</p>
<p>This week, we'll start exploring <em>Kaldheim</em> with what's probably one of the most powerful commanders recently released. It's part creature, part enchantment, 100% bomb. Yes, it's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esika, God of the Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Esika, God of the Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/esika.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-62708" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/esika.jpg" alt="" width="243" height="339" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/esika.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/esika-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="(max-width: 243px) 100vw, 243px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/prismatic-bridge.jpg"> <img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-62709" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/prismatic-bridge.jpg" alt="" width="244" height="339" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/prismatic-bridge.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/prismatic-bridge-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="(max-width: 244px) 100vw, 244px" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Esika, God of the Tree</strong></p>
<p><strong>Vigilance</strong></p>
<p><strong>{T}: Add one mana of any color.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Other legendary creatures you control have vigilance and “{T}: Add one mana of any color.”</strong></p>
<p><strong>The Prismatic Bridge</strong></p>
<p><strong>At the beginning of your upkeep, reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a creature or planeswalker card. Put that card onto the battlefield and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.</strong></p>
<p>Observation 1:</p>
<p>Esika has tough competition on her front side; both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kethis, the Hidden Hand" href="#" target="_blank">Kethis, the Hidden Hand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sisay, Weatherlight Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Sisay, Weatherlight Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> offer a better support for the 'legendary matters' archetype. However, the versatility of having two forms can't be underestimated.</p>
<p>Observation 2:</p>
<p>The enchantment is quite strong. In fact, it's probably the main reason one should consider running Esika as a commander.</p>
<p>Observation 3:</p>
<p>The combination of the creature side plus the enchantment side is really powerful in a deck dedicated to playing haymakers, as both halves can help the gameplan in their own way.</p>
<p>Observation 4:</p>
<p>Cheating creatures or planeswalkers into play can be used in plenty of different ways, from getting big haymakers to a more combo-focused approach.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Old Formula</h2>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Esika-Sig.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-62299" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Esika-Sig-1024x510.png" alt="" width="1024" height="510" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Esika-Sig-1024x510.png 1024w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Esika-Sig-300x150.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Esika-Sig-768x383.png 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Esika-Sig.png 1224w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></p>
<p>As we can see, Esika is often used as the head of a God tribal, which makes sense, in a way, since Gods tend to be quite good. This seems more like a thematic choice than one based on power, though.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Epic Ingredients</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stuffy Doll"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brash Taunter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spiteful Sliver"></div></div>
<p>Like in my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Illuna, Apex of Wishes" href="#" target="_blank">Illuna, Apex of Wishes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/epic-experiment-illuda-storm/">article</a>, the challenge of building around The Prismatic Bridge is to find out what we're trying to cheat into play. One of my favorite two-card combos is a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect plus some big damage spell. This combo has always felt a bit clunky because we need to find one combo piece, play them, and then cast our damage effect. This is can lead us into two outcomes: either we play our creature early and wait for our next turn to play the damage spell, or we wait until we have the mana to cast both cards on the same turn. The Prismatic Bridge helps us find our creatures and play them for free. This makes so we can hold playing our commander until we find a damage spell, and then on the next turn we can combo out.</p>
<p>We have basically every variation of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. They all look very similar, but upon further look we can see their differences. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coalhauler Swine" href="#" target="_blank">Coalhauler Swine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> being able to damage every opponent makes it a very effective threat. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spiteful Sliver" href="#" target="_blank">Spiteful Sliver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the best target for our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clone" href="#" target="_blank">Clone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects, because they'll get multiple instances of the damage trigger. Aside from these creatures, we do have some honorable mentions that help us, too. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Repercussion" href="#" target="_blank">Repercussion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcbond" href="#" target="_blank">Arcbond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toralf, God of Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Toralf, God of Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turn our opponents' creatures into our own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s.</p>
<p>The best part of this archetype is that one of its combo pieces are board wipes. This means that we are somewhat slot-efficient and we can reliably interact with our opponents' creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasphemous Act" href="#" target="_blank">Blasphemous Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the best options out there. It's cheap and does a lot of damage. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthquake" href="#" target="_blank">Earthquake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rolling Earthquake" href="#" target="_blank">Rolling Earthquake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> do a good job both triggering our creatures and as a burn to face. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundering Stroke" href="#" target="_blank">Sundering Stroke</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerful burn spell that can act both as a way to spread damage across and as a way to focus damage onto one opponent.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spellshock"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sulfuric Vortex"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ankh of Mishra"></div></div>
<p>We probably won't be able to wipe out all of our opponents with our combo, so we need a way to soften everyone up. This is a bit of a challenge because we want to avoid playing creatures (other than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s) and planeswalkers, so we need another way to find a constant source of pressure. Group Slug enchantments do a great job covering that weakness. They punish greed and play nicely with damage multiplier effects, another key part of our gameplan. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cindervines" href="#" target="_blank">Cindervines</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spellshock" href="#" target="_blank">Spellshock</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> punish our opponents for playing multiple spells, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Roiling Vortex" href="#" target="_blank">Roiling Vortex</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sulfuric Vortex" href="#" target="_blank">Sulfuric Vortex</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might seem a bit too slow, but they do add up by the time we're combing out.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Esika Piñata" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Esika, God of the Tree
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*Mogg Maniac
*Boros Reckoner
*Hornet Nest
*Spiteful Sliver
*Toralf, God of Fury
*Spitemare
*Truefire Captain
*Brash Taunter
*Stuffy Doll
*Coalhauler Swine
[/Creature]
[Sorcery]
*Earthquake
*Faithless Looting
*Magmatic Insight
*Reanimate
*Rolling Earthquake
*Vandalblast
*Explore
*Farseek
*Nature&#039;s Lore
*Three Visits
*Tormenting Voice
*Twinflame
*Cultivate
*Grow from the Ashes
*Kodama&#039;s Reach
*Chain Reaction
*Pirate&#039;s Pillage
*Skyshroud Claim
*Shivan Meteor
*Into the Maw of Hell
*Star of Extinction
*Sundering Stroke
*Blasphemous Act
[/Sorcery]
[Artifact]
*Sol Ring
*Ankh of Mishra
*Arcane Signet
*Chromatic Lantern
*Lithoform Engine
[/Artifact]
[Enchantment]
*Phyrexian Reclamation
*Animate Dead
*Cindervines
*No Rest for the Wicked
*Roiling Vortex
*Overabundance
*Repercussion
*Spellshock
*Sulfuric Vortex
*Flameshadow Conjuring
*Manabarbs
*Dictate of the Twin Gods
*Fiery Emancipation
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Mystical Tutor
*Vampiric Tutor
*Arcane Denial
*Boros Charm
*Cyclonic Rift
*Heroic Intervention
*Thrill of Possibility
*Arcbond
*Chaos Warp
*Kolaghan&#039;s Command
*Faith&#039;s Reward
[/Instant]
[Land]
*Arid Mesa
*Blood Crypt
*Bloodstained Mire
*Cinder Glade
*City of Brass
*Command Tower
*Flooded Strand
*Ketria Triome
*Luxury Suite
*Mana Confluence
*Marsh Flats
*Misty Rainforest
*Polluted Delta
*Raugrin Triome
*Sacred Foundry
*Savai Triome
*Scalding Tarn
*Spectator Seating
*Spire Garden
*Steam Vents
*Stomping Ground
*Training Center
*Verdant Catacombs
*Windswept Heath
*Wooded Foothills
*12 Mountain
[/Land]"></span></div>
<hr />
<p>Another key component of our list are damage multiplier effects. These effects stack amazingly well with our creatures (both the damage on our creatures and the triggers are affected by the multipliers). While they are great, we do have to be careful because they tend to be win-more. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Emancipation" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Emancipation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerful new addition that not only scales better than any other, it's also safer because it doesn't apply to us. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dictate of the Twin Gods" href="#" target="_blank">Dictate of the Twin Gods</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has flash, which is a pretty nice way to get first value out of it.</p>
<p>Most of our pieces lack protection, which makes them mostly a "one-time deal". That being said, having a bit of recursion goes a long way to help us continue going off. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="No Rest for the Wicked" href="#" target="_blank">No Rest for the Wicked</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is great because we pay it in advance. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Reclamation" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Reclamation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows us to use our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stuffy Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Stuffy Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects as effective blockers. We can also give the missing protection for our creatures: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boros Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Boros Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both great protection spells that could be used both to protect our pieces from removal and to allow us to continue the combo.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>We have some different kinds of opening hands and their usefulness will vary according to the type of game we're looking for. Hands with hate pieces are great for slower games where we don't need to rush for our combo out. Hands with ramp, on the other hand, can be good for faster combos, but without the board wipes we might run out of steam by the mid game.</p>
<p>For our early game we need a clear starting plan. Are we going to try to rush for our combo? Are we playing early Slug pieces? We can even take it a bit slow and dig for a plan. Regardless of the path chosen, we need to stick to it; it doesn't make any sense to try to rush for our commander without access to board wipes to combo after. One thing that is very important to keep in mind is that having access to all of our colors can be a bit tricky because our mana based is stretched to fit <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundering Stroke" href="#" target="_blank">Sundering Stroke</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sundering Stroke"></div></div>
<p>In the mid game we can, hopefully, start looking to combo. Even if we don't get to, however, that's okay: our Group Slug pieces can go a long way throughout the game. A bit of politics go a long way in lying low while we search for our threats.</p>
<p>By the time we get to the late game we should be careful to not die to our own effects, but aside from that we have lots of one-shot potential even with spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthquake" href="#" target="_blank">Earthquake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Results</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Angrath&#039;s Marauders"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archaeomancer"></div></div>
<p>Esika is a really fun commander to build around, and it's too bad that I can't show more builds that I've tried. However, I can tell you some that were pretty close to being featured: Turbo Turns using <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archaeomancer" href="#" target="_blank">Archaeomancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects to recur our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Time Warp" href="#" target="_blank">Time Warp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s, Burn using damage multipliers on creatures to get more value out of our Burn spells and slug pieces, even a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curiosity" href="#" target="_blank">Curiosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> combo deck featuring every single variation of those effects and some cards that combo with it.</p>
<p>As for this build, cutting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundering Stroke" href="#" target="_blank">Sundering Stroke</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help out alleviate our mana problems. Having more <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clone" href="#" target="_blank">Clone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects can also increase our all-in potential at the cost of being dead draws outside of the combo.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Epic Experiment</em>! What do you think about this list? Do you have any questions about the deck? Which cards did you like? Which did you not? Was this <em>Epic Experiment</em> a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


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