<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="EDHRECast 093: What Was the BEST Set of 2019?" width="500" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OHewB7A_mOc?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>It's a new year, and a new EDHRECast! Joey, Matt, and Dana have officially moved to video, and begin with a spicy topic: what was the best set from all of 2019? Can the data on EDHREC help us find out? Tune in for a data-driven deep dive through a whole year's worth of awesome Commander sets!</p>
<p>Follow the cast on twitter!<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/edhrecast">@EDHRECast</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/JosephMSchultz">@JosephMSchultz</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/danaroach">@danaroach</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/mathimus55">@mathimus55 </a></p>
<p>Question, comment, or data insight? Email us at:<br />
edhrecast@gmail.com</p>
<p>If you wanna see any of the decks we play, <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/edhrecast-our-decks/">you can check them out here</a>!</p>


EDHRECast Ep93 - What Was the BEST Set of 2019?

Too-Specific Top 10 - Enchantment-On-A-Stick

Replacement Commanders - Furballs of Warfare

Commander Showdown - Kykar vs Alela

Diabolic Intent - Infinity Gauntlet

<h1>The Cutest EDH Player</h1>
<p>Happy New Year, everyone!</p>
<p>Welcome to 2020! Anyone have any New Years resolutions? I know I do, but to go through all my self-imposed false promises would take more than my 2,000 word limit would allow. Instead of boring everyone with those, I would like to give thanks to yet another year with that certain special someone. I thought today's article would be a perfect chance to look into the past of some of my favorite moments with the love of my life, as we jump together into the new year!</p>
<p>And who is this magic someone, you ask? My significant other, you say? Oh no, we had this conversation <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/combining-hobbies-etrata-the-night-haunter/">last month</a>. We're not letting that go, are we readers? Not until every Night Lord is bought and assembled. No, this article is dedicated to the cutest girl around!</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80697427_579299209468301_7556207054151483392_n.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-43263" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80697427_579299209468301_7556207054151483392_n.jpg" alt="" width="373" height="466" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's right! You all know her and it's about darn time we introduce her properly! Meet Clementine, my little EDH helper! Here she was posing with our <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> that we created in a previous <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/commander-2019-preview-card/">article</a>.</p>
<p>Oh, and what better way to remember 2019 than our very own <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/commander-2019-preview-card/">preview card</a> from <em>Commander 2019</em>! Fun fact, Clementine broke the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aeon Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Aeon Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> 10 minutes after it was made. Was it an oopsie? Or did she psychically collect the world's reaction to our preview card and attempt to correct a horrible, horrible mistake? You decide.</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80692638_2641263849276008_5981858002636898304_n-1.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-43269" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80692638_2641263849276008_5981858002636898304_n-1.jpg" alt="" width="304" height="371" /></a></p>
<p>She insists that the dog did it. We don't own a dog.</p>
<p>Anyways, she's not always the best helper, but she's been with me since before I started writing for EDHREC and made an appearance in my articles near the very beginning. She's even slowly creeping her way to become the unofficial EDHREC mascot on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6beY0LnG6I/">Instagram</a>. Only a few are aware, but she even plays EDH and has her very own deck. To think it's been over 2 years without her getting her very own article! As Clementine would say, "You got to be kitten me"!</p>
<p>Well don't worry my little sunshine, we're going to show the world what a great EDH player you are!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Enter Clementine, Master of Cat-Fu</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/81098493_2522888387986821_1847441420294553600_n.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-43265" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/81098493_2522888387986821_1847441420294553600_n.jpg" alt="" width="575" height="425" /></a></p>
<p>As mentioned briefly, Clementine has actually been a longtime EDH player. Why haven't you seen her around? Well, she will only play in dimly lit rooms and high-stakes tables where the talented fight for the privilege of being number one. That, and wherever there's tons of catnip.</p>
<p>Clementine enjoys kitchen table action, especially when guests are over. She can get a little moody when her board state gets touched, though, and quickly throws the game with the flick of her tail. However, don't be misled by her pretty face and peerless charm - she plays one heck of a deck! And who sits at the helm of her devastating collection of EDH cards?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arahbo, Roar of the World"></div></div>
<p>Well I'm sure it's not a surprise to anyone. To be fair, we tried to get her to play blue, but every time she played <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhystic Study" href="#" target="_blank">Rhystic Study</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> she would ask everyone if they "pet one more" on every cast.</p>
<p>Anyways, Arahbo was one of my favorite <em>Eminence</em> cards from <em>Commander 2017</em>. It gives a simple combat buff to any Cat and doubles the attack of any Cat for just three mana! With trample to boot! This means that any Cat can easily get at least +6/+6 at any moment. Although the buff is nice, it definitely isn't one of the more broken <em>Eminence</em> abilities that some folks take umbrage with (looking at you, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Edgar Markov" href="#" target="_blank">Edgar Markov</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>). I personally hope Eminence comes back with similar effects as Arahbo, restrictive enough on the overall deck that the free effect from the command zone isn't too overbearing.</p>
<p>More importantly, Arahbo helps bring something EDH will always need more of a push of: combat decks. Not mass token spam. Not Voltron decks. Not <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> flashes. Not <em>Infect</em> shenanigans. Just pure, simple combat. Being the leader of Cat Tribal, Arahbo definitely adds in a sharp edge to every Cat's claw and fang, and that's how Clementine enjoys playing EDH the most!</p>
<hr />
<h2>It's Raining Cats... and Cats!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirri, Weatherlight Duelist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nazahn, Revered Bladesmith"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jazal Goldmane"></div></div>
<p>There are a lot of powerful Cats worthy of Clementine's affection. The best part is that you have quite a few options of you're ever bored of your commander and want a quick switch!</p>
<p>Although most EDH precons aim for this, few do it as well as our lovely little kitties. Your playgroup a little too aggressive? We have Mirri, who will be happy to slow down the game! Want to focus more on artifacts because your playgroup has a habit of board wipes? Well don't fall for that cat-astrophe, put Nazahn at the helm and equip a good old <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Darksteel Plate" href="#" target="_blank">Darksteel Plate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! Then of course even within our 99 we have some game-ending Lions and Tigers such as Jazal, who will be happy to end the game for their fluffy overlords.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Becoming a Crazy Cat Lady</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brimaz, King of Oreskos"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pride Sovereign"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kemba, Kha Regent"></div></div>
<p>Of course, sticking with our current commander, we have a lot of Cat creatures who love having company! This can get especially risky when you have cards like Jazal in your deck! All is fair here though, as Jazal wont surprise anyone, unlike some flash cards or instants.</p>
<p>Although we all love having one or two really scary tigers on the field, sometimes it's important to remember that the collective noun for a group of cats is called a 'glaring' for good reason! One of the biggest frustrations with a combat-focused deck is having to deal with boardwipe after boardwipe. Well, these little Cats will be happy to keep you company soon after losing it all! After all, if life gets you down, just get more cats!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Every Year is a Great Year When You're a Cat!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leonin Warleader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="King of the Pride"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Keeper of Fables"></div></div>
<p>To celebrate our New Year, let's look at some of the new cards that came out in 2019! We got quite a few new powerful Cats to really up the power level of our Cat deck. Even a simple three-mana card like <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> can make a huge difference with Jazal. Combine it with <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 suddenly even our little 1/1s have become 4/3s! Add in our commander's buff ability and now we have little <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> smacking people like an Elder Dragon! Pay three mana and now that Pouncer is pouncing Nicol Bolas, just like this:</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80692638_2641263849276008_5981858002636898304_n.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-43262" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80692638_2641263849276008_5981858002636898304_n.jpg" alt="" width="279" height="473" /></a></p>
<p>Poor little Bolas. He didn't expect Ajani's older sister to have his back. Fun fact, Clementine has broken a total of four Bolas statues as of this day. We no longer have anything Bolas in this house, out of fear. She says "you're welcome for protecting the multiverse". She'll come back to you when we find a way to fit Catnip in Paypal transactions.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Sneaky Like a Lion</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leonin Arbiter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alms Collector"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stalking Leonin"></div></div>
<p>One of the great things about Cat tribal is that we have a lot more available to us than just attacking, pumping, and generating tokens. We have tricksy little kitties who love to lure their prey into a false sense of safety.</p>
<p>Why did we get a mono-white <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Notion Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Notion Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-esque Cat like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alms Collector" href="#" target="_blank">Alms Collector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Because Cats own everything, including design spaces, that's why. They make the purrrfect versions of any of our famous <em>Magic</em> cards. What? That <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Windborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Windborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Not fluffy enough, bring in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Leonin Arbiter" href="#" target="_blank">Leonin Arbiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to show everyone how a Cat taxes people! We'll show those pesky blue players that colors like green and white can be just as crafty if they want to! Without being overly oppressive, we can bring some twists and turns to the game that keep Clementine's opponents on their toes!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Fangs of the Tiger</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hammer of Nazahn"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Behemoth Sledge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Fire and Ice"></div></div>
<p>Ever wondered what happened to all my Swords after I broke apart some of my older decks? Well, Clementine now owns the full set. She won or stole them fair and square, depending on who you ask. However she got them, she's sure as heck happy she can protect her creatures from various nasty blue and red spells with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Fire and Ice" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Fire and Ice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or any other color with the other Swords.</p>
<p>Thanks to legendary options like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nazahn, Revered Bladesmith" href="#" target="_blank">Nazahn, Revered Bladesmith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or other creatures such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taj-Nar Swordsmith" href="#" target="_blank">Taj-Nar Swordsmith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can grab any Equipment we want and start swinging those extra sharp claws! This is another reason Clementine and like-minded EDH players love Cat decks, as Equipment fits into a nice subtheme of the deck as well. By balancing your Equipment and Cats, you'll dominate the battlefield! After all what's a better sight in this world then a Clementine in shining armor?</p>
<hr />
<h2>Winner Winner, Chicken- Oh... the Cat Ate It</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Felidar Sovereign"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lost Leonin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Triumph of the Hordes"></div></div>
<p>Okay so... remember when I complained about <em>Infect</em> a moment ago? Well... I also recall mentioning Clementine doesn't like losing. In fact, she's an oddly spiteful little cat. Just look at her reaction above to the idea of losing her commander!</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80773614_2492140957549974_662157577630515200_n.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-43264" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80773614_2492140957549974_662157577630515200_n.jpg" alt="" width="338" height="464" /></a></p>
<p>She doesn't even know what's coming next, the poor thing. So how does she justify such evil cards? Well, she doesn't <em>search</em> for these cards (I'm sure you've heard that excuse before), there are just a few win conditions hidden in the deck so she can eventually win after a good drawn-out game. <em>Infect</em> too much, you say? We have a few lifegain options in our deck, so winning with <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> is a nice option as well!</p>
<p>Then again, some folks get just as salty about Felidar as they do about <em>Infect.... </em>Oh, what's a poor little demonic kitty to do?</p>
<p>Anyways, without further stalling, let us show off Clementine's decklist:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Rawr of a Thousand Meows" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Arahbo, Roar of the World
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Keeper of Fables
*1 Felidar Sovereign
*1 Lost Leonin
*1 Taj-Nar Swordsmith
*1 Qasali Slingers
*1 Regal Caracal
*1 King of the Pride
*1 Qasali Pridemage
*1 Prowling Serpopard
*1 Pride Sovereign
*1 Jazal Goldmane
*1 Nazahn, revered Bladesmith
*1 Mirri, Weatherlight Duelist
*1 Leonin Warleader
*1 Leonin Arbiter
*1 Adorned Pouncer
*1 Oreskos Explorer
*1 Kemba, Kha Regent
*1 Alms Collector
*1 Sacred Cat
*1 Brimaz, King of Oreskos
*1 Stalking Leonin
*1 Leonin Relic-Warder
*1 Raksha Golden Cub
*1 Hungry Lynx
*1 Temur Sabertooth
*1 Jareth, Leonine Titan
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Teferi&#039;s Protection
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Krosan Grip
*1 Kindred Summons
*1 Heroic Intervention
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Catastrophe
*1 Overwhelming Stampede
*1 Triumph of the Hordes
*1 Harmonize
*1 Rishkar&#039;s Expertise
*1 Open the Armory
*1 Steelshaper&#039;s Gift
*1 Kodama&#039;s Reach
*1 Traverse the Outlands
*1 Hunter&#039;s Prowess
*1 Cultivate
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Heirloom Blade
*1 Icon of Ancestry
*1 Loxodon Warhammer
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Herald&#039;s Horn
*1 Vanquisher&#039;s Banner
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 Sword of Body and Mind
*1 Sword of War and Peace
*1 Sword of Feast and Famine
*1 Sword of Sinew and Steel
*1 Sword of Fire and Ice
*1 Sword of Light and Shadow
*1 Coat of Arms
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Guardian Project
*1 Mirari&#039;s Wake
*1 Aura Shards
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Ajani, Caller of the Pride
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Command Tower
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 selesnya sanctuary
*1 Sunpetal Grove
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Temple Garden
*1 Fortified Village
*1 Temple of Plenty
*1 Wooded Bastion
*1 Temple of the False God
*13 Plains
*13 Forest
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h2>Closing Thoughts</h2>
<p>So what did everyone think? Does anyone else have any decks for their little fluffy friends? To those wondering, by the way, this is in fact Clementine's deck and she does play with us. We have her sniff the cards she wants to play from her paw - I mean, hand. Although somehow she keeps "accidentally" picking the high-cost cards on turn one...</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80773614_2492140957549974_662157577630515200_n-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-43273" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80773614_2492140957549974_662157577630515200_n-2.jpg" alt="" width="285" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>And hey, does anyone have any <em>Magic-</em>themed New Years Resolutions? Let me know in the comments below! Oh and quickly before the heads of EDHREC catch on... a small little poll if you have a moment... don't worry about what I'm planning to do with it:</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Kya</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Ps: Odin just found out Clementine got her own article and wants one too!</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80692638_2641263849276008_5981858002636898304_n-2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-43272" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/80692638_2641263849276008_5981858002636898304_n-2.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="308" /></a></p>


Bringing Magic to Life - Playtime with Clementine!

Archetune-Up - Whips and Chainers Excite Me

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mausoleum Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Mausoleum Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://www.adampaquettemtg.com/2018/12/10/mausoleum-secrets">Adam Paquette</a> )</h6>
<h1>Prologue</h1>
<p>Hello, and welcome to another installment of <em>Lore Seeker, </em>an article series devoted to the legendary creatures to whom <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> forgot to give a story. I’ll guide you through each aspect that makes up a legendary creature and finally give them a little extra background attention. This time around I’ll be highlighting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest" href="#" target="_blank">Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest"></div></div>
<hr />
<h1>Story Circle</h1>
<p>Mazirek, now dead, was a Golgari death priest from the plane of Ravnica. He was a powerful necromancer and the leader of the Kraul, an insectoid race that dwells in the undercity. Mazirek's power swells simply from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Death&#039;s Presence" href="#" target="_blank">proximity to death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. He temporarily allied with Vraska to overthrow the previous Golgari guild leader, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord" href="#" target="_blank">Jarad</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the undead Elf lich, so Vraska could take control. Soon after this change in leadership, Mazirek allied himself with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nicol Bolas" href="#" target="_blank">Nicol Bolas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which eventually lead to his demise at the hands of one of his own creations.</p>
<p>His most notable claim to fame is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Awaken the Erstwhile" href="#" target="_blank">raising the Erstwhile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the lead-up to <em>War of the Spark</em>. The Erstwhile are a dead faction of Devkarin Elves, laid to rest in a deep mausoleum long ago. The most powerful of these undead Elves is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storrev, Devkarin Lich" href="#" target="_blank">Storrev, Devkarin Lich</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who became the de facto leader of the Erstwhile. Though the Erstwhile could not disobey a direct order from Mazirek, Storrev (with assistance from Vraska and motivated by his anger at being enslaved) tricked Mazirek into the trap that killed him.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Awaken the Erstwhile"></div></div>
<p>Awaken the Erstwhile is the primary build-around for the deck; it's a symmetrical effect, so we're going to look for ways to break the symmetry by keeping fewer cards in our opponents' hands. When possible, we're looking for discard outlets that are repeatable and that rely on sacrificing creatures to interact favorably with Mazirek's ability.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cabal Therapist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sadistic Hypnotist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mind Slash"></div></div>
<hr />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Card Analysis</h1>
<hr />
<h2>Name:</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekName.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43348 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekName.jpg" alt="" width="471" height="89" /></a></p>
<p>The title of Priest carries a connotation of religious affiliation; they're figures that possesses the authority to perform rites and administer sacraments. The rites of the Golgari Swarm are likely sacrificial in nature. Though not from Ravnica, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Whisper, Blood Liturgist" href="#" target="_blank">Whisper, Blood Liturgist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> illustrates the exact flavor we're looking for here; a liturgist, a practitioner of religious worship, whose particular brand of worship involves sacrifice. Her flavor text puts it best: <em>"Look how they beg for the knife!" </em>These are the kind of devout followers Mazirek needs for his church of death.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Whisper, Blood Liturgist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloodghast"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vindictive Lich"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Mana Cost//Color Identity:</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekCost.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43345 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekCost.jpg" alt="" width="151" height="110" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Black:</strong> Amorality and pragmatism; no waste, no qualms, and no feelings.</p>
<p><strong>Green:</strong> Survival of the fittest, pure and simple. What lives will die.</p>
<p><strong>Golgari (green/black):</strong> The colors of the graveyard, rot, and necromancy. The Golgari appreciate the natural cycle more than anyone else; what dies can and will be brought back and re-purposed it <em>will</em> live once more.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Art:</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekArt.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43367 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekArt.jpg" alt="" width="572" height="418" /></a></p>
<h6 style="text-align: center;">(Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/artwork/KRlEG">Mathias Kollros</a>)</h6>
<p>Decay and rot are the Golgari way. Mazirek has transformed his section of the undercity into a fungus-ridden hive, perfect for necromantic experimentation. Kraul are an alien race to begin with, but it seems that Mazirek has intensified the dissimilarity by adopting some plantlike qualities. Perhaps this comes from self-experimentation? Perhaps this is not his first body, and the betrayal of Storrev was not the first time he has died. Whether the ground around him regrew his body or he grew a clone from the loam, something is very off. Nevertheless, this is a strong indicator of his power, and another direction for the deck to travel down. Golgari is very graveyard-focused, and it would be an incredible handicap to avoid abusing it. With the amount we want to sacrifice creatures, we'll need just as many ways to get them back as we can find.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheoldred, Whispering One"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reanimate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Living Death"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Type Line:</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekType.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43350 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekType.jpg" alt="" width="622" height="86" /></a></p>
<p>The Kraul are the insect humanoids we have only seen on Ravnica. They identify largely with the Golgari, but exclusively so affiliated; some instead choose to remain unaligned. The rest of the guilds of Ravnica generally avoid the Kraul, and the Kraul rarely attempt to venture to the surface. It is this not-so-subtle mutual avoidance that pushes them into the arms of the Golgari Swarm.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Golgari Signet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Golgari Locket"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Rules Text:</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekRules_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43362 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekRules_2.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>True to his story blurb, Mazirek makes himself and his followers more powerful by simply witnessing death. It is very possible to knock people out with Commander damage, but it'll be a grind. We're going to be more reliant on <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>-like effects to control the board and slowly accrue value, letting the counters propagate and accumulate naturally. There are easy cuts that could be made to some of the flavor inclusions, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mausoleum Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Mausoleum Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for classic Mazirek cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hardened Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Hardened Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winding Constrictor" href="#" target="_blank">Winding Constrictor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; these I would recommend trying to squeeze into your builds.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grave Pact"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dictate of Erebos"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winding Constrictor"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Flavor Text:</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekFlavor.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43346 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekFlavor.jpg" alt="" width="529" height="99" /></a></p>
<p>Mazirek did a lot for the Kraul, regardless of how corrupt or evil he was. He was their leader because they wanted him to be, not because he asked for it. We know on a meta level that Mazirek was evil; he sided with Bolas in the end and raised and enslaved the Erstwhile. Was he evil when he was placed in the position of death priest, or did his power overtake and corrupt him? I don't think we'll ever get an answer, but I'd like to believe the latter.</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><em>"Power tends to corrupt;<br />
absolute power corrupts absolutely"<br />
-Lord Acton</em></h3>
<hr />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">The Deck</h1>
<hr />
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekBasics.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-43428 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mazirekBasics.png" alt="" width="530" height="300" /></a></p>
<p>Whenever I build a deck around a character from Ravnica, I have a hard time finding better basic lands to use than the Guild Kit basics, and this deck is no exception. They're specially-made to represent the guild, and they even have a watermark of the guild symbol.</p>
<p>This build has a lot in common with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nath of the Gilt-Leaf" href="#" target="_blank">Nath of the Gilt-Leaf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck: discard for profit and work towards an advantageous opportunity to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Awaken the Erstwhile" href="#" target="_blank">Awaken the Erstwhile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I took a lot of inspiration from the EDHREC pages for <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/nath-of-the-gilt-leaf">Nath</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/meren-of-clan-nel-toth">Meren</a>, and <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/mazirek-kraul-death-priest">Mazirek</a>. I find that searching through similar decks, even if their only similarity is that they share the same colors, doing so helps to more quickly find the high-impact cards. I ignored the Elf tribal cards on Nath's page and instead focused on the discard synergies, Meren's page provided aristocrats synergies, and Mazirek's page featured primarily counter synergies (which I mostly ignored) but also had sacrifice synergies. The biggest discovery came from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wave of Vitriol" href="#" target="_blank">Wave of Vitriol</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and its interaction with Mazirek. This is a fantastic way to get through a pillowfort player's defenses while simultaneously adding an immense amount of power to the board, whether we lose a lot or not. I included a few more nonbasic lands in the list because we want to sacrifice them and replace them with the wave. Really, it acts like an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overrun" href="#" target="_blank">Overrun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in this deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="The Golgari Swarm" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Hangarback Walker
*1 Cabal Therapist
*1 Caustic Caterpillar
*1 Blood Artist
*1 Bloodghast
*1 Burglar Rat
*1 Gyre Sage
*1 Miasmic Mummy
*1 Rotting Rats
*1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
*1 Eternal Witness
*1 Fleshbag Marauder
*1 Ophiomancer
*1 Pawn of Ulamog
*1 Plaguecrafter
*1 Springbloom Druid
*1 Undercity Informer
*1 Weaponcraft Enthusiast
*1 Meren of Clan Nel Toth
*1 Rankle, Master of Pranks
*1 Vindictive Lich
*1 Whisper, Blood Liturgist
*1 Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder
*1 God-Eternal Bontu
*1 Nath of the Gilt-Leaf
*1 Sadistic Hypnotist
*1 Sidisi, Undead Vizier
*1 The Haunt of Hightower
*1 Abhorrent Overlord
*1 Sheoldred, Whispering One
*1 Myojin of Night&#039;s Reach
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 Golgari Signet
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Spawning Pit
*1 Ashnod&#039;s Altar
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Golgari Locket
*1 Eldrazi Monument
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Reanimate
*1 Dark Deal
*1 Eldritch Evolution
*1 Victimize
*1 Pir&#039;s Whim
*1 Awaken the Erstwhile
*1 Living Death
*1 Wave of Vitriol
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Assassin&#039;s Trophy
*1 Mausoleum Secrets
[/Instants]
[Enchantment]
*1 Phyrexian Reclamation
*1 Waste Not
*1 Mind Slash
*1 Necromancy
*1 Pernicious Deed
*1 Grave Pact
*1 Tombstone Stairwell
*1 Dictate of Erebos
*1 Death&#039;s Presence
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalker]
*1 Vraska, Golgari Queen
[/Planeswalker]
[Lands]
*1 Blast Zone
*1 Blighted Woodland
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Field of Ruin
*10 Forest
*1 Golgari Guildgate
*1 Golgari Rot Farm
*1 High Market
*1 Memorial to Folly
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Nurturing Peatland
*1 Overgrown Tomb
*1 Petrified Field
*1 Phyrexian Tower
*1 Strip Mine
*11 Swamp
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Woodland Cemetery
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h1>Epilogue</h1>
<p>Overall I think Nath would make a more effective commander for this deck, but the flavor is what it's all about! If you enjoy the list, I would check Mazirek out. This was yet another reader suggestion, and I'm always on the lookout for more, so let me know which legendary characters you’d like to see get the story spotlight in the future!</p>
<p>Thank you for reading!</p>


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