Too-Specific Top 10 - Mighty Morphin Time!

Ultra Budget Brews - Dargo and Keskit

Conditions Allow - Kaho, Minamo Historian

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/crutz">Rudy Siswanto</a>)</h6>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"The boots demonstrated many strange magical properties, but the most remarkable was their ability to withstand Westley’s ferocious chewing."</em></p>
<h1>Walk a Mile in These Louboutins...</h1>
<p>So just last week, the most frustrating thing happened. I had just gotten out of bed, and I was feeling <a href="https://mtg.gamepedia.com/Summoning_sickness">a little nauseous</a> after staying up all night eating my quarantine diet of pretzels and popcorn. I still had errands to run, though: in just a few minutes, I had to run down to the school library and pick up my textbooks for the new quarter. I only had one thing to turn to: my trusty <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With these, I could dash to the school on time, and because they're so absolutely glamorous, I could avoid all of the targeted insults thrown at me! (Apparently, it's "not professional" to show up to events in plate mail armor. <em>Ugh. </em>Posers, am I right?)</p>
<p>So, I open up my closet door, and, lo and behold, Westley's sitting there, chewing the @#$% out of my precious <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! I wrestled them from his mouth as soon as I could and wiped the dog slobber off the glistening metal with a towel. The thought of putting them on before sanitizing them brought a grimace to my face, but I was on the clock, so I threw them on as quickly as possible.</p>
<p>Finally, I was able to head out the door and began trudging my way towards campus, already in a sour mood. But as soon as I stepped onto the campus, that jerk from the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tower of the Magistrate" href="#" target="_blank">Tower of the Magistrate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> tells me that wearing greaves is "against the dress code". He must've heard about me showing up to class in plate mail armor the other day.</p>
<p>Luckily, I managed to make it to the library on time to pick up my textbooks and get the paperwork sorted out. But at what cost? What will my backup plan be? How could I <em>live</em> without my Lightning Greaves?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lightning Greaves"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Swiftfoot Boots"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and their little sibling <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are in 28% and 25% of eligible decks on EDHREC, respectively, making them the most popular colorless cards behind the mythical <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>. They are so popular that they set the standard for haste-enablers and protection pieces across the format; even <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Whispersilk Cloak" href="#" target="_blank">Whispersilk Cloak</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a very fine piece of protection for many decks, pales in comparison to these cards.</p>
<p>But as powerful as they may be, they aren't without fault: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, especially, suffers from the "Shroud" ability. Shroud prevents any spells or abilities from targeting the permanent that has it, which spells a lot of trouble for <a href="https://edhwiki.com/wiki/Voltron">Voltron</a> decks that look to suit up one creature with as many Auras and Equipment as possible. They also find themselves victim to a lot of removal (or that pesky <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tower of the Magistrate" href="#" target="_blank">Tower of the Magistrate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>), as your opponents try to avoid letting those boots walk all over them. For these reasons, the Greaves might not be the best inclusion, or perhaps you might want to <em>run</em> (heh) additional pieces alongside them.</p>
<hr />
<h1>Additional Baubles</h1>
<p>Giving this duo the <em>Staple Remover</em> treatment presents us with a few unique challenges. First off, they're colorless, which makes it a little more difficult to adhere to one color when offering alternatives. They also both fill two niches, as haste-enablers and as protection, so that's two categories to cover. Because of this, we'll be looking at cards that fill either of those niches in a variety of colors, so that hopefully you're able to find some redundancy in the colors you're running.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crashing Drawbridge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Instill Energy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Footfall Crater"></div></div>
<p>As we all know from the gospel of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Samut, Voice of Dissent" href="#" target="_blank">Samut, Voice of Dissent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the number one key to winning is <em><a href="https://youtu.be/_wJT_FigIPo?t=2571">blinding speeeeeeed</a>! </em>So if you're wise, and desire some extra speed, you'd do pretty darn well with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crashing Drawbridge" href="#" target="_blank">Crashing Drawbridge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This unassuming little common from <em>Throne of Eldraine</em> is quite possibly one of the best ways to grant haste to your <em>entire</em> team. Many people's go-to card for this effect is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Concordant Crossroads" href="#" target="_blank">Concordant Crossroads</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or perhaps <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fires of Yavimaya" href="#" target="_blank">Fires of Yavimaya</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crashing Drawbridge" href="#" target="_blank">Crashing Drawbridge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> manages to combine the efficiency of those two cards while still acting as a blocker, and, most importantly, being able to fit in any deck regardless of color or budget.</p>
<p>But sometimes, you don't need to make your entire team speedy; just one creature will do, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Instill Energy" href="#" target="_blank">Instill Energy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a funny little enchantment that hasn't been reprinted in 20 years, will do just that. One mana to allow your creature to attack a turn early is pretty mana-efficient, but we're not here for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expedite" href="#" target="_blank">Expedite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are we? Luckily for us, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Instill Energy" href="#" target="_blank">Instill Energy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows us to untap that hasty creature once a turn cycle for no cost. At its worst, this is a pseudo-vigilance effect, but at its best, this card could be drawing you three extra cards off of an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcanis, the Omnipotent" href="#" target="_blank">Arcanis, the Omnipotent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>....</p>
<p>Speaking of one-mana enchantments, we have a fairly new one to add to the roster of exceptional haste-enablers. Before <em>Companion</em> ravaged every competitive <em>Magic: the Gathering</em> format, many people were singing the high praises of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Footfall Crater" href="#" target="_blank">Footfall Crater</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and those praises aren't any less valid today. Just one mana to be able to repeatedly give one creature haste and evasion is a phenomenal effect, and one that quite a few decks could easily run away with. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prossh, Skyraider of Kher" href="#" target="_blank">Prossh, Skyraider of Kher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is especially fond of this one!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kaya&#039;s Ghostform"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Giver of Runes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vanishing"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of powerful commons from recent sets (shhhh, <em>War of the Spark</em> was recent, don't make me feel old), <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaya&#039;s Ghostform" href="#" target="_blank">Kaya&#039;s Ghostform</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a phenomenal protection piece that costs just one mana. It essentially enchants one creature or planeswalker and gives it <em>Undying</em> except without the +1/+1 counter. If your commander is a planeswalker, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aminatou, the Fateshifter" href="#" target="_blank">Aminatou, the Fateshifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lord Windgrace" href="#" target="_blank">Lord Windgrace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, then you'll notice that a pair of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> won't quite fit your commander's feet. Where the Greaves falter, though, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kaya&#039;s Ghostform" href="#" target="_blank">Kaya&#039;s Ghostform</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> excels, allowing you to re-trigger ETB abilities, re-activate your newly-reanimated planeswalkers, and <a href="https://edhrec.com/combos/kayas-ghostform">even combo off</a> for a late-game win.</p>
<p>Another sweet little protection piece can be found in <em>Modern Horizons</em> with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giver of Runes" href="#" target="_blank">Giver of Runes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and their trusty mom, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mother of Runes" href="#" target="_blank">Mother of Runes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These two cards are among the best 1-drops in the whole format, allowing you to protect any one of your creatures from harm. They have no amount of versatility to them, even allowing you to use their abilities as evasion in a pinch. Although they don't do too great in the face of most board wipes, they'll surely protect your creatures from harm should your opponents become too threatened by them.</p>
<p>Finally, we have my personal favorite protection piece: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanishing" href="#" target="_blank">Vanishing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. As <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Protection" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Protection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has taught us, there aren't really any better ways to protect your permanents than by simply phasing them out. Although <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanishing" href="#" target="_blank">Vanishing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does require a bit of extra mana, it will protect the creature it is enchanting <em>and itself </em>from any threat, be it targeted removal, a board wipe, a combat step gone wrong, etc. Any deck that relies on its commander and has the mana to spare, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rashmi, Eternities Crafter" href="#" target="_blank">Rashmi, Eternities Crafter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, becomes nigh-unstoppable with this card. Another honorable mention that's comparable to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanishing" href="#" target="_blank">Vanishing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Veil" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Veil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a version of it for go-wide combat-based decks.</p>
<hr />
<h1>Speed Incarnate</h1>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="" src="https://www.mtgpics.com/pics/art/vvk/051.jpg" width="700" height="589" /></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anger" href="#" target="_blank">Anger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/velinov">Svetlin Velinov</a>)</h6>
<p>With such a diverse array of protection pieces and haste-enablers across all five colors of the Pie, it's really hard to pick just one or two to showcase and slot in any given deck, especially given how essential they are to so many decks. If you look closely, the decks that I build will usually feature some sort of protections and/or haste-enablers, many of which are on this list. Today, I'd like to showcase <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghired, Conclave Exile" href="#" target="_blank">Ghired, Conclave Exile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the next evolution of the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Warlord Radha" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Warlord Radha</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> extra-combat deck that I showcased in my <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/staple-remover-craterhoof-behemoth/">Craterhoof Behemoth article</a>.</p>
<p>In this deck, I require haste-enablers to be able to attack with the tokens I create during combat, so I run the full suite of them, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anger" href="#" target="_blank">Anger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crashing Drawbridge" href="#" target="_blank">Crashing Drawbridge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and more. They really allow me to abuse <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nacatl War-Pride" href="#" target="_blank">Nacatl War-Pride</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, especially.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Retribution of the Clans" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Ghired, Conclave Exile
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Acidic Slime
*1 Angel of Destiny
*1 Anger
*1 Aurelia, the Warleader
*1 Combat Celebrant
*1 Crashing Drawbridge
*1 Etali, Primal Storm
*1 Fireflux Squad
*1 Flamerush Rider
*1 Gemrazer
*1 Glorybringer
*1 Goblin Rabblemaster
*1 Grand Warlord Radha
*1 Hellkite Charger
*1 Hellrider
*1 Keeper of Fables
*1 Legion Warboss
*1 Leonin Warleader
*1 Lightning Runner
*1 Loyal Apprentice
*1 Nacatl War-Pride
*1 Ohran Frostfang
*1 Runic Armasaur
*1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
*1 Samut, Voice of Dissent
*1 Scourge of the Throne
*1 Silverwing Squadron
*1 Tendershoot Dryad
*1 Tilonalli&#039;s Summoner
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Explorer&#039;s Scope
*1 Helm of the Host
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of the Animist
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Aggravated Assault
*1 Breath of Fury
*1 Druids&#039; Repository
*1 Fires of Yavimaya
*1 Goblin Assault
*1 Rhythm of the Wild
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Edge of Autumn
*1 Farseek
*1 Harmonize
*1 Harvest Season
*1 Into the North
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Relentless Assault
*1 Saproling Migration
*1 Search for Tomorrow
*1 Shamanic Revelation
*1 Sylvan Offering
*1 Three Visits
*1 Waves of Aggression
*1 World at War
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Battlefield Forge
*1 Branchloft Pathway
*1 Brushland
*1 Command Tower
*1 Cragcrown Pathway
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*8 Forest
*1 Grove of the Burnwillows
*1 Karplusan Forest
*9 Mountain
*1 Needleverge Pathway
*3 Plains
*1 Scattered Groves
*1 Sheltered Thicket
*1 Stomping Ground
*1 Temple Garden
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]
[Instants]
*1 Artifact Mutation
*1 Beast Within
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Chord of Calling
*1 Eladamri&#039;s Call
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Response // Resurgence
*1 Savage Beating
*1 Signal the Clans
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>What haste-enablers and protection pieces do you run in place of (or alongside with) <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? There are bound to be extra spicy inclusions, and I'd love to hear about them in the comments down below!</p>


Staple Remover - Lightning Greaves

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Siren of the Silent Song" href="#" target="_blank">Siren of the Silent Song</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://anthonypalumboillustration.com/">Anthony Palumbo)</a></h6>
<h1>Baby, You Can Drive My Car</h1>
<blockquote><p><em>"Rules and rails are made to be broken."</em></p>
<p style="text-align: right;">—<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aradara Express" href="#" target="_blank">Aradara Express</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> flavor text</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Vehicles, a relatively new invention that was first introduced in <em>Kaladesh</em>, act like Equipment in reverse. Your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cultivator&#039;s Caravan" href="#" target="_blank">Cultivator&#039;s Caravan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> becomes a 5/5 by forming a crew of low-power creatures as opposed to your low-power creature becoming a 5/5 via a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Feast and Famine" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Feast and Famine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In both scenarios, you're banking on "going tall" by building up a single threat to hurl at your opponents. It's a cornerstone Boros: aggressive, large threats played early to make sure you won't have opponents for too long. That's why this <em>Mind Bend</em>, the article series that breaks down the conventional notions of the color pie to forge new ground outside the confines of the already established, we're driving these Vehicles out of the Boros garage and parking them right into Sultai's lot.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cultivator&#039;s Caravan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>An Exemplar List</h2>
<p>Just how far is the Vehicles theme skewed in Boros' direction? Out of the <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/vehicles">over 1200 Vehicle decks on EDHREC</a>, just one Boros commander helms over 60% of them: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Depala, Pilot Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Depala, Pilot Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Depala, Pilot Exemplar"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Depala, Pilot Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Depala, Pilot Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> proves that Boros players will take anything when it comes to card advantage. Although fresh-off-the-printing-press commanders like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wyleth, Soul of Steel" href="#" target="_blank">Wyleth, Soul of Steel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akiri, Fearless Voyager" href="#" target="_blank">Akiri, Fearless Voyager</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> have shown that <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> is now giving the color combination better rewards for doing what it does best, Depala was possibly the first to do so years ago.</p>
<p>Granted, you needed to focus your deck around two very specific things: Dwarves and Vehicles, with both at high density, to reap the benefits. Yet the <em>Kaladesh</em> block brought some great new Dwarfs alongside the "new car smell" of Vehicles. The deck nearly built itself right then and there: find the right mixture of value-driven Dwarves and muscular Vehicles and you had a lean, mean Boros machine.</p>
<p>According to the <a href="https://edhrec.com/decks/depala-pilot-exemplar-vehicles-theme">EDHREC average <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Depala, Pilot Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Depala, Pilot Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decklist</a>, you'll find roughly twenty or so Vehicles ready to ram right into your opponents and at least ten Dwarves to fill your crew with small upsides, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duergar Hedge-Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Duergar Hedge-Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. On top of that, add a few ace pilots; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Renegade Wheelsmith" href="#" target="_blank">Renegade Wheelsmith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great example.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Duergar Hedge-Mage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Renegade Wheelsmith"></div></div>
<p>Subsequent years have been somewhat kind to the deck, with a smattering of new potential inclusions every few sets. It's an easy-to-maintain deck that handles well right off the lot.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Slow and Steady Wins the Race</h2>
<p>Now that we've reviewed the Boros build, let's slap a fresh coat of paint on this Vehicles deck make it into a beautiful, streamlined Sultai machine, with sweet black, green, and blue stripes. And to do that, let me introduce you to our driver, the new #1 Turtle: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archelos, Lagoon Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Archelos, Lagoon Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archelos, Lagoon Mystic"></div></div>
<p>Now, you might be wondering, "Hey, doesn't Archelos' flavor text say, albeit slowly, that <em>'Life is not a race?'</em>" That fact is that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archelos, Lagoon Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Archelos, Lagoon Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the best pilot in the multiverse not named Depala. Sorry, Sonic, our goal isn't to go fast, our goal is just to go faster than everyone else, and we can do that by slowing them all down.</p>
<p>The <em>Crew</em> mechanic on Vehicles means that we can easily tap our commander without need for haste or for our Turtle shaman to ever cross into the red zone. Having our commander tapped creates a massive speed bump for our opponents to navigate, which we will use to our advantage.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Truly Inspired</h3>
<p>Archelos won't be our only pilot in this build. We need a little more inspiration to bring this dream machine to life. Luckily, there is a lesser-known Vehicle deck out there that we can emulate: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="King Macar, the Gold-Cursed" href="#" target="_blank">King Macar, the Gold-Cursed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="King Macar, the Gold-Cursed"></div></div>
<p>Lovingly known as "Dude, Where's Macar?", <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="King Macar, the Gold-Cursed" href="#" target="_blank">King Macar, the Gold-Cursed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a build dedicating him to crewing some fancy Vehicles so that he can untap and exile a threat, making a little change in the process. The <em>Inspired</em> ability came from the original <em>Theros</em> block, and it rewards you for untapping your creatures. Unfortunately, most of these creatures are rather small, making them more safe to attack in a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smuggler&#039;s Copter" href="#" target="_blank">Smuggler&#039;s Copter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> than on the ground.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pain Seer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Siren of the Silent Song"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Disciple of Deceit"></div></div>
<p>The first group of inspired creatures we have in our stable provide either card advantage or card quality. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pain Seer" href="#" target="_blank">Pain Seer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a cousin of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Confidant" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Confidant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Siren of the Silent Song" href="#" target="_blank">Siren of the Silent Song</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> sets our opponents each back a card, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sphinx&#039;s Disciple" href="#" target="_blank">Sphinx&#039;s Disciple</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is straight draw. On the card quality side, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Disciple of Deceit" href="#" target="_blank">Disciple of Deceit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can trade a dead card for one much more suited to the current situation.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Daring Thief"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghostly Pilferer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fallowsage"></div></div>
<p>Just like King Macar, there are a few other inspired choices that can shift the balance of permanents on the board. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Daring Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Daring Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can swap out a lowly <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wood Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Wood Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or a late <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Signet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for an opponent's big threat. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arbiter of the Ideal" href="#" target="_blank">Arbiter of the Ideal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can net us more Vehicles and more pilots for each untap.</p>
<p>There are even a few creatures we can use that don't say "<em>Inspired</em>", but act just the same. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghostly Pilferer" href="#" target="_blank">Ghostly Pilferer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> just hit tables earlier this year and can net us cards each time it untaps. The same is true when we crew a Vehicle with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fallowsage" href="#" target="_blank">Fallowsage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Additionally, we can stymie threats via <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surgespanner" href="#" target="_blank">Surgespanner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Normally, the <em>Inspired</em> mechanic is too slow for the game. You have to cast the creature, then wait until your next turn to attack, then wait until it untaps. However, if we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archelos, Lagoon Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Archelos, Lagoon Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in play and tapped, we can skip the first few steps. Or, if we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amulet of Vigor" href="#" target="_blank">Amulet of Vigor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in play, we can get the <em>Inspired</em> trigger right then and there. And we don't need to worry about other players because with Archelos tapped, they're moving at a Turtle's pace.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Superchargers</h3>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amulet of Vigor" href="#" target="_blank">Amulet of Vigor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not the only hack this machine can run. Since we'll be crewing our Vehicles, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quest for Renewal" href="#" target="_blank">Quest for Renewal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will hit its four counters in no time. Or, we could also just slap <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> into play. Either of these active means that we can crew our Vehicles over and over on each player's turn, not just our own, and get our <em>Inspired</em> triggers fours times as often.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Amulet of Vigor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quest for Renewal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Throne of the God-Pharaoh"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Throne of the God-Pharaoh" href="#" target="_blank">Throne of the God-Pharaoh</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives us incentive to tap every creature, even our crewed Vehicles, every turn, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Opposition" href="#" target="_blank">Opposition</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can hinder the advances of our opponents' biggest threats. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fatestitcher" href="#" target="_blank">Fatestitcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tideforce Elemental" href="#" target="_blank">Tideforce Elemental</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provide ways to hit more <em>Inspired</em> triggers on one turn, or can help tap Archelos, should the need arise.</p>
<hr />
<h3>Finish Line</h3>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Throne of the God-Pharaoh" href="#" target="_blank">Throne of the God-Pharaoh</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> marks one of our win conditions, but our primary focus is on a slower grind. For that, planeswalkers offer us some added routes to victory. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas" href="#" target="_blank">Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> nets us card advantage, can turn a Vehicle into a creature for good, and has a killer finisher. Same for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tezzeret, Artifice Master" href="#" target="_blank">Tezzeret, Artifice Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, giving us a token that can help crew, drawing us cards, or hitting the ultimate under the ideal racing conditions. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archelos, Lagoon Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Archelos, Lagoon Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> supports this strategy as hasty creatures are no threat to a naked planeswalker.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skysovereign, Consul Flagship"></div></div>
<p>And obviously, we can just get our beatdown on with evasive Vehicles like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skysovereign, Consul Flagship" href="#" target="_blank">Skysovereign, Consul Flagship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aradara Express" href="#" target="_blank">Aradara Express</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Perfect Line</h2>
<p>If you're looking for a deck that has a non-standard play pattern where tapping out is sometimes the best board state to have and where your sequencing might be counter to what you're used to, this is the deck for you. You might oversteer at the green flag, but you'll be rounding the turns like a pro with a little bit of practice. Turn your commander sideways at the right moments and speed on past the checkered flag while your opponents lag a few turns behind.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Sultai Vehicles" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Archelos, Lagoon Mystic
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Arbiter of the Ideal
*1 Daring Thief
*1 Disciple of Deceit
*1 Fallowsage
*1 Fatestitcher
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Ghostly Pilferer
*1 Jhoira&#039;s Familiar
*1 King Macar, the Gold-Cursed
*1 Oak Street Innkeeper
*1 Oracle of Mul Daya
*1 Pain Seer
*1 Phyrexian Metamorph
*1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
*1 Seedborn Muse
*1 Servant of Tymaret
*1 Siren of the Silent Song
*1 Sphinx&#039;s Disciple
*1 Surgespanner
*1 Tangled Florahedron
*1 Tideforce Elemental
*1 Wake Thrasher
*1 Wood Elves
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Aethersphere Harvester
*1 Amulet of Vigor
*1 Aradara Express
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Cultivator&#039;s Caravan
*1 Daredevil Dragster
*1 Fleetwheel Cruiser
*1 Heart of Kiran
*1 Honor-Worn Shaku
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mobile Garrison
*1 Renegade Freighter
*1 Silent Submersible
*1 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship
*1 Smuggler&#039;s Copter
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Throne of the God-Pharaoh
*1 Thundering Chariot
*1 Untethered Express
*1 Weatherlight
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Assassin&#039;s Trophy
*1 Beast Within
*1 Counterspell
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Sultai Charm
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Agadeem&#039;s Awakening
*1 Bala Ged Recovery
*1 Decree of Pain
*1 Harvest Season
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Painful Truths
*1 Rishkar&#039;s Expertise
*1 Sea Gate Restoration
*1 Toxic Deluge
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Cryptolith Rite
*1 Opposition
*1 Phyrexian Arena
*1 Quest for Renewal
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Nissa, Vital Force
*1 Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas
*1 Tezzeret, Artifice Master
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Breeding Pool
*1 Command Tower
*1 Creeping Tar Pit
*1 Dimir Aqueduct
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fabled Passage
*4 Forest
*1 Golgari Rot Farm
*1 Hinterland Harbor
*3 Island
*1 Llanowar Wastes
*1 Lotus Field
*1 Lumbering Falls
*1 Morphic Pool
*1 Nurturing Peatland
*1 Overgrown Tomb
*1 Rejuvenating Springs
*1 Simic Growth Chamber
*2 Swamp
*1 Temple of Deceit
*1 Temple of Mystery
*1 Underground River
*1 Undergrowth Stadium
*1 Waterlogged Grove
*1 Watery Grave
*1 Yavimaya Coast
*1 Zagoth Triome
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h2>Checkered Flag</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Depala, Pilot Exemplar" href="#" target="_blank">Depala, Pilot Exemplar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might get the fastest laps in qualifying, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archelos, Lagoon Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Archelos, Lagoon Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will catch up over the course of the race, and should have the gas to go the distance. Also, this was a first for the series: I actually wrote about a commander from the most recent set! Okay, there are, like, a billion new commanders in <em>Commander Legends</em>, so one of them was bound to be worth highlighting, but I'm still calling this a win. It's always fun to flip the script on how you normally do things, if only just to expand your horizons. But, for now, I have to drive off into the sunset.</p>
<p>Until next time, where I'll have another mind-bending brew for you!</p>


Mind Bend - Sultai Vehicles

Ranking Every Planeswalker with EDHREC – Part 12: I Speak for the Trees, They Want to Murder You

Too-Specific Top 10 - Don't Go Chasing Cascades

Evasive Maneuvers — Menace

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umori, the Collector" href="#" target="_blank">Umori, the Collector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/styloren">Jehan Choo</a>)</h6>
<h1>Time to Make a New Friend</h1>
<p><em>Companions</em> are a game-changer. They give us access to a free card from the start of the game in exchange for some deckbuilding restrictions (and, of course, they now have an extra three-mana tax). Here on <em>Collected Company</em>, we’re going to take a look at all of them and see how we can build around their quirks.</p>
<p>In this article, we'll talk about one of the more interesting of the <em>Companions;</em> its ability to shape its deck is unparalleled, making the choice that much more impactful. It's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umori, the Collector" href="#" target="_blank">Umori, the Collector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> time!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Umori, the Collector"></div></div>
<p>The cost reduction is a pretty nice effect to have, especially when considering that we are playing a very specialized deck.</p>
<p>While very similar to Zirda's ability, Umori doesn't suffer as much with the <em>Companion</em> tax. Umori's cost reduction is more versatile and that makes it that much more powerful.</p>
<p>Out of the types of permanents available, creatures are the strongest, with artifacts being a close second, then enchantments, and planeswalkers as a dead last.</p>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
<ul>
<li>ALL SORCERIES</li>
<li>ALL INSTANTS</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2>Endless Possibilities</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The First Sliver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Karador, Ghost Chieftain"></div></div>
<p>Creature is the easiest type to find a suitable commander for. It might seem that we've got plenty of options, but, considering what we lose, we better get a lot of value from our creatures. Commanders that have innate recursion, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Karador, Ghost Chieftain" href="#" target="_blank">Karador, Ghost Chieftain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are the quintessential creature-based commanders and are worth considering as the starting point for any creature-based Umori list. Tribes with plenty of creatures to spare can also benefit from the discount, especially those that are on the aggressive side. Regarding our losses, we don't lose all that much, to be honest; most of our losses can be replaced by creatures (although we'll lose some consistency and efficiency).</p>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buried Alive" href="#" target="_blank">Buried Alive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Animate Dead" href="#" target="_blank">Animate Dead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Birthing Pod" href="#" target="_blank">Birthing Pod</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Panharmonicon" href="#" target="_blank">Panharmonicon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grave Pact" href="#" target="_blank">Grave Pact</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Finale of Devastation" href="#" target="_blank">Finale of Devastation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pharika, God of Affliction"></div></div>
<p>Enchantment is another great permanent type. Between some enchantment staples and some great enchantment creatures, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doomwake Giant" href="#" target="_blank">Doomwake Giant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we have plenty of great cards to build a deck. One thing to notice is that we might have some trouble finding good finishers, so we'll probably have to grind our way out of every game. We don't have the luxury of choice, either: it's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pharika, God of Affliction" href="#" target="_blank">Pharika, God of Affliction</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or bust. Our losses are notable in that we lose most of the best finishers in the format, some enchantress effects, and most tutors.</p>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Argothian Enchantress" href="#" target="_blank">Argothian Enchantress</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craterhoof Behemoth" href="#" target="_blank">Craterhoof Behemoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gray Merchant of Asphodel" href="#" target="_blank">Gray Merchant of Asphodel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><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></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lord Windgrace"></div></div>
<p>This is more of a meme than a suggestion, but Umori can really help out reducing the costs of planeswalkers. I doubt that this would be a functional shell since we'll forfeit any other type of control elements and possible bodies, leaving our planeswalkers extremely vulnerable.</p>
<h3>Notable Exclusions</h3>
<ul>
<li>EVERYTHING</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2>Is it Too Late For Halloween?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reaper King"></div></div>
<p>Artifacts are a very good type to pair with Umori. After all, they get the most mileage out of the cost reduction and they also tend to play similar effects. Artifacts also tend to have a more diverse choice pool and they're pretty well-rounded.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rattleblaze Scarecrow"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Universal Automaton"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Heap Doll"></div></div>
<p>One artifact commander in particular that really appreciates the cost reduction aspect of Umori is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reaper King" href="#" target="_blank">Reaper King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Scarecrows as a tribe are filled with sub-optimal creatures that are just too expensive and that lack any real power to them. Umori helps us by making them cheap enough to justify running them, which is good because we're packing a bunch of them: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rattleblaze Scarecrow" href="#" target="_blank">Rattleblaze Scarecrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wingrattle Scarecrow" href="#" target="_blank">Wingrattle Scarecrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seem lackluster choices, but when considering that we'll always cast them with our commander on the field (which means a black permanent), we get to profitably sacrifice them to trigger our commander one more time; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adaptive Automaton" href="#" target="_blank">Adaptive Automaton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Metallic Mimic" href="#" target="_blank">Metallic Mimic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Universal Automaton" href="#" target="_blank">Universal Automaton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are some cheap tribal support that can help out a bit (we can even go infinite with the aforementioned Scarecrows); and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heap Doll" href="#" target="_blank">Heap Doll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scarecrone" href="#" target="_blank">Scarecrone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scaretiller" href="#" target="_blank">Scaretiller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scuttlemutt" href="#" target="_blank">Scuttlemutt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provide some utility.</p>
<p>As mentioned before, Scarecrows aren't a particularly strong tribe, as such the number of cards we play is limited. This means that whenever we are online, we need to get more mileage out of triggers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Panharmonicon" href="#" target="_blank">Panharmonicon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Helm of the Host" href="#" target="_blank">Helm of the Host</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are crazy powerful cards that have the potential to make our other supports exponentially more impactful. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blade of Selves" href="#" target="_blank">Blade of Selves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conjurer&#039;s Closet" href="#" target="_blank">Conjurer&#039;s Closet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are consistent ways to get triggers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirrorworks" href="#" target="_blank">Mirrorworks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strionic Resonator" href="#" target="_blank">Strionic Resonator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are a bit taxing, but each has a lot of utility outside of our commander.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grindstone"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetherflux Reservoir"></div></div>
<p>Our win conditions are mainly combo. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Painter&#039;s Servant" href="#" target="_blank">Painter&#039;s Servant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a Scarecrow and, together with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grindstone" href="#" target="_blank">Grindstone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is a great player-sniping tool. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sensei&#039;s Divining Top" href="#" target="_blank">Sensei&#039;s Divining Top</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bolas&#039;s Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Bolas&#039;s Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are build-your-own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Necropotence" href="#" target="_blank">Necropotence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can be an outright win condition 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>.</p>
<p>Umori plays a crucial role in a deck like this. It's an early play that helps us get to the point where we start chaining Scarecrows from our hand. The impact of the <em>Companion </em>tax is negligible because our early plays aren't all that exciting (since we need to hold playing Scarecrows until after we have our commander on the battlefield).</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Reaper King Umori" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Reaper King
[/Commander]
[Companion]
*Umori, the Collector
[/Companion]
[Artifact]
*Everflowing Chalice
*Grindstone
*Sensei&#039;s Divining Top
*Skullclamp
*Sol Ring
*Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*Arcane Signet
*Blade of Selves
*Fellwar Stone
*Ichor Wellspring
*Lightning Greaves
*Mind Stone
*Mycosynth Wellspring
*Strionic Resonator
*Swiftfoot Boots
*Wishclaw Talisman
*Ashnod&#039;s Altar
*Birthing Boughs
*Chromatic Lantern
*Darksteel Plate
*Sculpting Steel
*Aetherflux Reservoir
*Birthing Pod
*Hedron Archive
*Helm of the Host
*Krark-Clan Ironwork
*Nevinyrral&#039;s Disk
*Panharmonicon
*Perilous Vault
*Thran Dynamo
*Cauldron of Souls
*Conjurer&#039;s Closet
*Mirrorworks
*Scourglass
*Bolas&#039;s Citadel
*Spine of Ish Sah
*The Great Henge
[/Artifact]
[Creature]
*Heap Doll
*Universal Automaton
*Baleful Strix
*Etherium Sculptor
*Metallic Mimic
*Myr Retriever
*Painter&#039;s Servant
*Adaptive Automaton
*Foundry Inspector
*Junk Diver
*Scarecrone
*Scrap Trawler
*Scuttlemutt
*Shimmer Myr
*Wild-Field Scarecrow
*Wingrattle Scarecrow
*Jhoira&#039;s Familiar
*Master Transmuter
*Phyrexian Metamorph
*Scaretiller
*Kuldotha Forgemaster
*Sphinx Summoner
*Rattleblaze Scarecrow
*Sharuum the Hegemon
*Myr Battlesphere
[/Creature]
[Land]
*Ancient Den
*Arcane Sanctum
*Arch of Orazca
*Blast Zone
*Cascading Cataracts
*City of Brass
*Command Tower
*Crumbling Necropolis
*Darksteel Citadel
*Exotic Orchard
*Forest
*Frontier Bivouac
*Ghost Quarter
*Glimmervoid
*Great Furnace
*Indatha Triome
*Inventors&#039; Fair
*Island
*Jungle Shrine
*Ketria Triome
*Mana Confluence
*Mystic Monastery
*Nomad Outpost
*Opulent Palace
*Plains
*Raugrin Triome
*Reflecting Pool
*Sandsteppe Citadel
*Savage Lands
*Savai Triome
*Seaside Citadel
*Seat of the Synod
*Spire of Industry
*Swamp
*Tectonic Edge
*Tree of Tales
*Zagoth Triome
[/Land]"></span></div></p>

<hr />
<h2>This is the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jousting Dummy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chromatic Star"></div></div>
<p>I don't think that investing more into Scarecrows is worth it, but that's certainly an option.</p>
<p>One interesting build is adding Eggs to provide a more solid draw engine. Umori's cost reduction allows for a great chain of draw with low-costed artifacts.</p>
<p>Umori is a fun <em>Companion</em>! The cost-reducing ability feels great in-game, especially in an artifact shell where both our threats and our ramp are discounted. It might not seem like this is the case, but there is a lot of space when building a deck using Umori. It's a shame that we can't have instants or sorcery because it would be interesting to have a spellslinger build.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Collected Company</em>! What do you think about this article? What are your thoughts on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umori, the Collector" href="#" target="_blank">Umori, the Collector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Which<em> Companion</em> do you want to see covered next? Share your opinions in the comments.</p>


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