<h6 style="text-align: right;">Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</h6>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Monday, June 30th, 2025, Wizards of the Coast officially banned several cards in the Standard format. The ban list now has seven new additions compared with the day before. But what are these seven cards, and why were they banned? Read on!</p>
<h2>The New Cards on the Standard Ban List</h2>
<p>The new cards banned in Standard are as follows:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cori-Steel Cutter" href="#" target="_blank">Cori-Steel Cutter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abuelo&#039;s Awakening" href="#" target="_blank">Abuelo&#039;s Awakening</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monstrous Rage" href="#" target="_blank">Monstrous Rage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heartfire Hero" href="#" target="_blank">Heartfire Hero</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Up the Beanstalk" href="#" target="_blank">Up the Beanstalk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hopeless Nightmare" href="#" target="_blank">Hopeless Nightmare</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="This Town Ain&#039;t Big Enough" href="#" target="_blank">This Town Ain&#039;t Big Enough</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>At this time, no other formats have banned any additional cards (except Pioneer Best-of-1 on Arena, which banned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tibalt&#039;s Trickery" href="#" target="_blank">Tibalt&#039;s Trickery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>). The only format with new cards on its ban list is Standard.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Monstrous Rage"></div></div>
<h3>Were Any of These Bans Surprising?</h3>
<p>Many players drafted up their proverbial ban list Bingo cards in advance of the June 30th announcement.</p>
<p>A lot of players seemed to believe that Cori-Steel Cutter and Monstrous Rage were set to be added to the list. These players were absolutely right, as were players anticipating a Beanstalk ban, as well as This Town Ain't Big Enough.</p>
<p>Some ambiguity came for the Omniscience Combo deck, however; players seemed unsure of how Wizards of the Coast would account for that deck.</p>
<p>In the end, Wizards chose to ban Abuelo's Awakening to impact the deck. Wizards also banned Heartfire Hero and Hopeless Nightmare to stabilize Standard even further.</p>
<h2>Will This Stabilize Any Prices?</h2>
<p>At the time of writing, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cori-Steel Cutter" href="#" target="_blank">Cori-Steel Cutter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is sitting at an approximate $9 average price, with the market value at approximately $6.50. Multiple formats value the card as a utility Equipment for Voltron Commander decks and the previously considered mono-red aggro decks in Standard, among potential others.</p>
<p>With Cori-Steel Cutter now on the Standard ban list, Commander players should have a considerably easier time acquiring the card.</p>
<p>Beyond that, none of these cards were particularly expensive, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abuelo&#039;s Awakening" href="#" target="_blank">Abuelo&#039;s Awakening</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> at a more-than-reasonable market value of $0.25 and the rest of the cards being of lower rarities.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Up the Beanstalk" href="#" target="_blank">Up the Beanstalk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a notable exception; in early May, Beanstalk, the core for the "Beans" deck, was sitting comfortably around $4, but now it has sunk to a market value of just over $1 per copy.</p>
<p>So, to sum this up, it stands to reason that the market will probably stabilize for these cards, if they haven't already stabilized prior to the bans.</p>
<p>And now, we open the floor to you. Are any of your Standard decks affected by <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/banned-and-restricted-june-30-2025">these additions to the Standard ban list</a>? Are you drafting up new Standard lists? Alternatively, have you been playing Standard at all? Sound off below!</p>


Ban List Update for June 30th, 2025 Shakes up Standard

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromatic Lantern|plg25|1" href="#" target="_blank">Chromatic Lantern</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/david_alvarez" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Alvarez</a></em></p>
<p><em>Magic Presents: Pride</em> happened this past weekend, and it was a dazzling success in many ways.</p>
<p><em>Wizards of the Coast</em> was busy with <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/celebrate-pride-at-your-local-game-store-and-beyond#Seattle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">their attendance at Seattle Pride</a>, showing their support of the LGBTQIA+ community while keeping consistent with their company goals. While this was happening, many <em>Magic</em> players attended the <em>Magic Presents</em> event.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chromatic Lantern|PLG25|1"></div></div>
<p>A lot of players came to show their support and solidarity with the community, while others showed up for the awesome <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromatic Lantern|PLG25|1" href="#" target="_blank">Chromatic Lantern</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> promo. Regardless of the reason, the event was generally a rousing success.</p>
<p>I went to <em>Magic Presents: Pride</em> this past Sunday, and here's how it went for me!</p>
<h2>The Games</h2>
<p>Playing a variant of Commander is usually a great time for all involved. After all, we're all willingly entering into a social contract by agreeing to new or variant rules. Heck, we're all entering a social contract by playing Commander, <em>Magic</em>, or most any game at all.</p>
<p>This variant for <em>Magic Presents: Pride</em> allows each player to have two commanders as though they had the partner mechanic.</p>
<h3><em>Magic Presents: Pride -</em> Game 1</h3>
<p>I got to play two full games before I had to leave, and here's how the layout of the partner commanders went for Game 1:</p>
<ul>
<li>Player 1 had <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clive, Ifrit&#039;s Dominant" href="#" target="_blank">Clive, Ifrit&#039;s Dominant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ojer Axonil, Deepest Might" href="#" target="_blank">Ojer Axonil, Deepest Might</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. His game plan here was to draw cards for value, pitch lands if necessary, and provide an aggressive strategy overall.</li>
<li>Player 2 had <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aisha of Sparks and Smoke" href="#" target="_blank">Aisha of Sparks and Smoke</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vikya, Scorching Stalwart" href="#" target="_blank">Vikya, Scorching Stalwart</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This player's overall intent was a Voltron-style strategy with Aisha/Ken, but in a partner variant, Vikya/Ryu also put in much work here.</li>
<li>Player 3 ran their first deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yorvo, Lord of Garenbrig" href="#" target="_blank">Yorvo, Lord of Garenbrig</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma" href="#" target="_blank">Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This deck was generally one that plays large creatures, makes Yorvo even larger, and does what green does best: stomp face.</li>
<li>I ran <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER" href="#" target="_blank">Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ayara, First of Locthwain" href="#" target="_blank">Ayara, First of Locthwain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. My deck was a run-of-the-mill Aristocrats build, which wanted to slowly drain the life from my opponents.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER"></div></div>
<p>Notably, the gameplay for the first game lacked any blue involvement. The Clive deck ran very smoothly, drawing upwards of seventeen cards upon Clive hitting the battlefield.</p>
<p>After this, Player 1 managed to spit almost every card he drew onto the field, as well as Ojer Axonil. He did what he had to do, and was content with that when I defeated him with a ton of Aristocrat-based damage off of Sephiroth and his emblem. I mainly had tob on account of his <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunspine Lynx" href="#" target="_blank">Sunspine Lynx</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which was keeping me off of lifegain for the majority of that game.</p>
<p>After this, I was taken down by Player 2, and Player 3 followed suit. It turns out, Ken and Ryu are <em>very</em> potent partners both in <em>Magic</em> and the <em>Street Fighter</em> series! And while I lost handily, it was a great game to play under the partner variant rules for Pride.</p>
<h3><em>Magic Presents: Pride</em> - Game 2</h3>
<p>Our second game saw a couple of changes to decks, my own included:</p>
<ul>
<li>Player 1 shifted over to a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jolrael, Voice of Zhalfir" href="#" target="_blank">Jolrael, Voice of Zhalfir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zimone, Quandrix Prodigy" href="#" target="_blank">Zimone, Quandrix Prodigy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as her partner. This deck focused on animating lands with Jolrael while putting a ton of pressure on the table through these flying lands attacking most every turn.</li>
<li>Player 2 kept his game plan the same. Aisha and Vikya proved invaluable to Player 2 and he still needed to figure out a few shifts he needed to eventually make to the deck.</li>
<li>Player 3 shifted decks to a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glarb, Calamity&#039;s Augur" href="#" target="_blank">Glarb, Calamity&#039;s Augur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> build with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azusa, Lost but Seeking" href="#" target="_blank">Azusa, Lost but Seeking</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as his partner. This deck was a Sultai (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) value pile, also focusing on land ramp like the Jolrael deck.</li>
<li>Ever true to form, I shifted to my <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kefka, Court Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Kefka, Court Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck. You can see the exact list for this deck <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/group-slugging-with-kefka-court-mage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">by clicking here</a>. My partner was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chainer, Nightmare Adept" href="#" target="_blank">Chainer, Nightmare Adept</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, chosen to give Kefka haste when he hit the battlefield. The game plan here is largely the same as in my deck tech. But, giving Kefka haste was a great plan as well, and went quite smoothly for the most part.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kefka, Court Mage"></div></div>
<p>Kefka did a lot for the majority of the game, but struggled to keep up in the end. I kept Players 2 and 3 from gaining life with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Screaming Nemesis" href="#" target="_blank">Screaming Nemesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> before trying to lock down hands with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Words of Waste" href="#" target="_blank">Words of Waste</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waste Not" href="#" target="_blank">Waste Not</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, by then my opponents managed to have a big enough board to keep the pressure on me until I lost.</p>
<p>I <em>did</em> manage to cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Disrupt Decorum" href="#" target="_blank">Disrupt Decorum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> before going down, which changed the pacing of the endgame, but it proved fruitless as Jolrael's land creatures weren't affected.</p>
<p>At the end of the game, Glarb and Azusa came out on top. I predicted that Aisha and Vikya could have ended things, but alas, it wasn't to be.</p>
<h2>The Good</h2>
<p>I appreciated how everyone got to do their thing in these games. I am certain that other pods in the optional event also saw similar success in that vein. It was fun to see the Clive/Ojer Axonil deck pop off before being summarily extinguished.</p>
<p>I didn't get to do everything I wanted with Sephiroth, but that game was a great one nonetheless. Additionally, in Game 2, I got to do a lot of what Kefka typically wants to do (partly thanks to Chainer curving into Kefka), so I was content with being taken down as well.</p>
<p>The Glarb/Azusa deck was terrifying and completely deserved the win it got, even if it was also running the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">Thassa&#039;s Oracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>/<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Consultation" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Consultation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> combo.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div id="742-1295" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
<script id="742-1295" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/embed.js?v=1&uses=%5B%22Demonic%20Consultation%22%2C%22Thassa's%20Oracle%22%5D&requires=%5B%5D&produces=%5B%22Exile%20your%20library%22%2C%22Win%20the%20game%22%5D&id=742-1295&color=UB&extraRequirementCount=0"></script></div>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe></p>
<p>These were amazingly fun games of Commander. The partner mechanic on all manner of combinations was a real sight to behold and it was great to see so many different kinds of decks spawn from the variant. However...</p>
<h2>The Less-Good</h2>
<p>We ran into a few issues tracking commander damage. The main problem came from Player 2 having both Aisha and Vikya leading a Voltron deck; both could have easily led the deck without the partner variant. There was a bit of confusion as to which commander was doing what damage in this case, namely, in the second game. However, this <em>was</em> quickly discerned soon thereafter, and for the most part, that was all fine afterwards.</p>
<p>Other than that, the event went without a hitch for us. The issue of commander damage tracking is why I'm glad this event happens once a year, give or take other special occasions. I wasn't a huge fan of having to track multiple commanders whose damage mattered as much as it did. However, I'm more than happy to attend future events like this!</p>
<p>Just, please, maybe reconsider the double-Voltron strategy next time.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>If you find yourself in a position where you can attend <em>Magic Presents: Pride</em> in the future, please attend! It's a great event and a good chance to connect to people you otherwise might not know. Also, you're supporting an important and marginalized group of people by attending this event, by way of solidarity. The event is fully optional, but if you do these events, you could also claim a promotional card.</p>
<p>No matter what, I am happy to attend this event in the future as well. But let's open the floor to you, dear readers. Did you attend the event this past weekend? What partner commanders did you run? Sound off below!</p>


Magic Presents: Pride 2025, Recapped

The 5 Most Important Magic Sets for Commander

MagicCon Vegas 2025: A Recap

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imprisoned in the Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Imprisoned in the Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.ryanleeart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryan Alexander Lee</a></em></p>
<p>There's just so much exciting stuff coming down the pipeline in the back half of 2025. <em>Edge of Eternities </em>is literally <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/edge-of-eternities-rules-update-vehicles-can-be-commanders" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changing the rules of Commander</a> with its introduction of legendary Spacecrafts. <em>Spider-Man </em>is already coming in September and if the fervor surrounding <em>Final Fantasy</em> is anything to go off of, the discourse surrounding that set is going to be absolutely bonkers.</p>
<p>But the thing I can't stop looking forward to is the <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em> (ATLA) release in November. <em>Avatar</em> is a tremendous show that I love dearly, and from the preview of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/magiccon-las-vegas-preview-panel-edge-of-eternities-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Wizards of the Coast</em> showed at MagicCon: Las Vegas</a>, it seems that they're really taking the property and running with it in some incredible ways.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avatar Aang"></div></div>
<p>I wouldn't expect anything less from the franchise. The new <em>Avatar Legends</em> roleplaying game is excellent. And <em>The Legend of Korra: Pro-Bending Arena</em> is a board game whose years-long stranglehold over my friend group is as well-earned as it is hard to explain.</p>
<p>Clearly they don't just hand out the license to anyone willing to pay up for it. ATLA produces exclusively high-quality gaming tie-ins, which has ratcheted up my hype for the set past the point that I can keep quiet about it any longer.</p>
<p>To that end, here are some cards I'd love to see reprinted within the <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em> set. I've listed them here from easiest direct translation to stretches so wild that I would be not only shocked, but also appalled, to see them put into the set.</p>
<p><strong>WARNING: Avatar spoilers abound below</strong></p>
<h2>Direct Translation Reprints for <em>Avatar</em></h2>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imprisoned in the Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Imprisoned in the Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Imprisoned in the Moon"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Tenth Doctor" href="#" target="_blank">I&#039;m sorry, I&#039;m so sorry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to start us here. But it's the absolutely the first card I thought of to be put into this set. It's just right there.</p>
<p>Obviously Yue, Sokka's love interest from the end of Season 1, becoming a moon spirit is a sledgehammer to the feelings of any person, young or old, who watches <em>Avatar</em>. Their relationship is well written, and her departure from Sokka's life at the end of the season is one of the most heartbreaking moments of the series.</p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/BB8CGkJTESo?si=EoCtsdNdsYRZRuSu&amp;t=188" target="_blank" rel="noopener">And then he tries to tell Zuko about it</a>.</p>
<p>That moment took on a life of its own, becoming one of the show's most enduring memes. It's also an excellent go-to response when someone tells you about work, friend, or commander pod drama. It expresses solidarity while also encouraging them to lighten up.</p>
<p>This card was first printed in <em>Eldritch Moon</em> back in 2016, and every one of its nine printings since has used the original art by Ryan Alexander Lee (except for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imprisoned in the Moon|sld|1102" href="#" target="_blank">Secret Lair printing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>). A new version, perhaps an update to the original by the man himself featuring Sokka and Zuko pondering the moon together, would be extremely choice and a fun easter egg for the set.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deflecting Palm" href="#" target="_blank">Deflecting Palm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deflecting Palm"></div></div>
<p>This card is excellent and doesn't see nearly enough play. A dramatic, last-second Deflecting Palm is one of the absolute best ways to turn the tides in a Commander game. By and large, people just don't see it coming. But it's a perfect marriage of the mantras of white and red to say "Actually, no. And in fact, goodbye."</p>
<p>In a world of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Bumbleflowers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jumbo Cactuar" href="#" target="_blank">Cactaurs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cori-Steel Cutter" href="#" target="_blank">whatever they have going on in Standard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it's good to have that extra bit of protection in your back pocket.</p>
<p>Deflecting Palm was first printed in <em>Khans of Tarkir</em> back in 2014. Tarkir sets have a lot of fun Monk-based and Elemental cards, which translate well into this set, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few of them receive reprints.</p>
<p>This one specifically would be a perfect excuse to pay tribute through new art (this card has used its original art by Eric Deschamps in each of its three printings) to <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/TheLastAirbender/comments/ya0jbw/this_shot_of_aang_deflecting_the_explosion_with/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one of the more visually impressive moments in the show</a>.</p>
<p>Aang's fight with Combusion Man is the cherry on top of an already iconic episode (<em>The Beach</em>), and it's filled with impressive moments. But this one, where the show slows down time to allow us to appreciate Aang airbending around the explosive shot as it detonates, sending Aang flying and leaving Combustion Man in the blast radius, is simply top notch.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sylvan Library" href="#" target="_blank">Sylvan Library</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sylvan Library"></div></div>
<p>Sylvan Library is obviously very strong, but it does give the player an interesting choice to make. It provides you with knowledge and the potential for power, if you're willing to risk your life for it. Which is exactly the plot of one of my favorite episodes of <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em>. And as luck would have it, that episode is called <em>The Library</em>.</p>
<p>It's a memorable episode for the beautifully drawn architecture of the hidden library, as well as its Studio Ghibli-esque guardian. It's also an extremely important episode to the narrative of the entire series, as it leads Team Avatar to the discovery that firebenders lose their bending ability during a lunar eclipse.</p>
<p>The card's mechanics are a perfect match to the story of the episode, as the gang nearly loses their lives as the cost for gaining that information.</p>
<p>Sylvan Library has seen a fair number of printings, including in Secret Lairs, since its debut way back in <em>Legends</em> in 1994. But putting it into this set would be a good chase card while also allowing many players to play with a card they might well have never encountered otherwise.</p>
<p>And it would be an excellent excuse to use the gorgeous design of the Library, adorned internally with stone carvings of its ominous librarian, in the card's art.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thespian&#039;s Stage" href="#" target="_blank">Thespian&#039;s Stage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thespian&#039;s Stage"></div></div>
<p>There simply isn't much to say about this one. If there's not an Ember Island Players version of Thespian's Stage, I don't know why this set even got made.</p>
<p>Even just as a <em>Magic</em> card, Thespian's Stage is very interesting. The ability to permanently copy a target land only goes up in value as the power of your pod increases. Is someone running a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx" href="#" target="_blank">Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Congratulations, you are too. Did someone just lay down a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Please welcome to the stage Miss <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marit Lage" href="#" target="_blank">Marit Lage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>And paying homage to the Ember Island Players is an absolute no brainer. It's one of the best episodes of the show, and honestly, more shows should employ an episode where the characters watch a heavily propagandized version of their own adventures.</p>
<p>Can you imagine Frodo cowering in the corner of the mezzanine as a crowd of orcs ferociously boos his portrayal in "Small Coward Won't Give Ring Back" at the Mordor Lyric Opera House?</p>
<h2>Renamed Cards</h2>
<p>Some cards will require renaming to allow them to fit the set, as has been done in some past Universes Beyond products, as well as in many Secret Lairs. Though this makes me less confident in their inclusion, some of these opportunities are simply too good for them to pass up.</p>
<h3>Cabbage Merchant as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sakura-Tribe Elder" href="#" target="_blank">Sakura-Tribe Elder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sakura-Tribe Elder"></div></div>
<p><em>Magic's</em> favorite punching bag, meet <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em>'s favorite punching bag.</p>
<p>The Cabbage Merchant needs to make an appearance in this set. There's simply no way he won't. He's perhaps one of the greatest unnamed characters in television history. But what card could possibly encapsulate his frequent misfortune at the hands of any bender or large animal in a 20 mile radius? It has to be Sakura-Tribe Elder.</p>
<p>It's an absolutely iconic card to match with an iconic character. And at least this time when his cabbages get destroyed, you'll be able to recoup a basic land for your trouble.</p>
<h3>Secret Tunnel as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Escape Tunnel" href="#" target="_blank">Escape Tunnel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Escape Tunnel"></div></div>
<p>Do you want to count us in or shall I? Ok. One... Two... Three...</p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/4-GiYP_4qc0?si=qF8IINgspAmpPQOG" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SECRET TUNNEL! SECRET TUNNEL! THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS!!!</a></p>
<p>It's an earworm even after all these years. If you walk past a band that's playing in the hallway of a nerdy convention four times, they'll be playing Secret Tunnel at least two of those times. And honestly, it's still always welcome.</p>
<p>I've never seen Escape Tunnel played. Even in Landfall decks, including my own, where this would be a welcome inclusion, I've never seen it touch the table. So it would be nice to give this overlooked card some love (despite the fact that you could sacrifice it to make Jumbo Cactuar unblockable, which is something every <em>Magic</em> player has to be wary of for the rest of time now).</p>
<h3>Zuko, The Blue Spirit as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fugitive Codebreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Fugitive Codebreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fugitive Codebreaker"></div></div>
<p>There will surely be a Zuko card in this set, and it will undoubtedly be entirely new, very cool, and interact with the new firebending mechanic in some way. But I want a version of Zuko that plays homage to his alter ego, The Blue Spirit.</p>
<p>There aren't many cards with the disguise mechanic which still see play in any meaningful way. But, assuming that firebending will involve some amount of mono-red spellslinging (which, c'mon, is waterbending wet?), this card would be a great way to refill your hand and to provide some immediate threat with its inclusion of prowess and haste.</p>
<h2>Honorable Mention/They Should Not Do This</h2>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Propaganda" href="#" target="_blank">Propaganda</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, But in Green, Featuring Ba Sing Se</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Propaganda"></div></div>
<p>They absolutely shouldn't do this. Propaganda is already a troublesome enough card when it's only playable in blue decks. Giving another color access to this deterrent could turn Commander games into staring contests.</p>
<p>However, giving me the ability to turn to a player and ask, "Can you pay the <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>? Then there is no war in Ba Sing Se." would make it all worthwhile.</p>


Reprints We Want To See in the Upcoming Avatar Magic Set

The Over/Under - A Review of OTJ Commanders

Top 10 Most Played Universes Beyond Cards Outside LTR

<h6 style="text-align: right;">Tornado, Sonic's Biplane | Illustrated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yardleyart/?hl=en">Tracy Yardley</a> | Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and SEGA</h6>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Friday, June 27th, Wizards of the Coast unveiled three all-new <em>Secret Lair</em> drops. In collaboration with SEGA, Wizards is bringing the world of <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em> to the <em>Magic Universes Beyond</em> family with <em>Secret Lair x Sonic</em>! Please feel free to join us as we take a quick look at the world's fastest Hedgehog and his escapades.</p>
<h2><em>Secret Lair x Sonic: Friends &amp; Foes</em></h2>
<p>Revealed on Variety's website, <em>Secret Lair x Sonic: Friends &amp; Foes</em> focuses on seven new mechanically-unique cards utilizing properties from the <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em> canon. These cards are mostly notable characters from the franchise, as well as one Aura. Let's take a look!</p>
<p>(Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and SEGA. Source: <a href="https://variety.com/2025/gaming/news/magic-the-gathering-sonic-the-hedgehog-secret-lair-cards-1236441713/">Variety</a>)</p>
<p data-wp-editing="1"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sonic-the-Hedgehog.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157372" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sonic-the-Hedgehog.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sonic-the-Hedgehog.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Miles-Tails-Prower.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157373" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Miles-Tails-Prower.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Miles-Tails-Prower.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Miles-Tails-Prower-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Miles-Tails-Prower-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Miles-Tails-Prower-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Amy-Rose.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157374" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Amy-Rose.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Amy-Rose.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Amy-Rose-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Amy-Rose-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Amy-Rose-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckles-the-Echidna.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157375" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckles-the-Echidna.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckles-the-Echidna.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckles-the-Echidna-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckles-the-Echidna-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckles-the-Echidna-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dr-Eggman.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157376" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dr-Eggman.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dr-Eggman.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dr-Eggman-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dr-Eggman-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Dr-Eggman-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shadow-the-Hedgehog.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157377" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shadow-the-Hedgehog.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shadow-the-Hedgehog.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shadow-the-Hedgehog-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shadow-the-Hedgehog-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Shadow-the-Hedgehog-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Super-State.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157378" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Super-State.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Super-State.jpg 773w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Super-State-215x300.jpg 215w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Super-State-733x1024.jpg 733w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Super-State-768x1073.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></p>
<p><em>Friends &amp;</em> Foes will sell for $29.99 in nonfoil and $39.99 in foil.</p>
<h2><em>Turbo Gear</em></h2>
<p>The next <em>Secret Lair x Sonic</em> drop is called <em>Turbo Gear</em>. It features many accessories belonging to Sonic and his friends, rivals, and enemies.</p>
<p>(Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and SEGA. Source: <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/sonic-the-hedgehog-magic-the-gathering-crossover-spoilers-secret-lair">IGN</a>)</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Air-Shoes-Swiftfoot-Boots.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157382" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Air-Shoes-Swiftfoot-Boots.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Air-Shoes-Swiftfoot-Boots.jpg 636w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Air-Shoes-Swiftfoot-Boots-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Hammer-Myr-Battlesphere.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157383" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Hammer-Myr-Battlesphere.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Hammer-Myr-Battlesphere.jpg 635w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Hammer-Myr-Battlesphere-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckless-Gloves-The-Reaver-Cleaver.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157385" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckless-Gloves-The-Reaver-Cleaver.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckless-Gloves-The-Reaver-Cleaver.jpg 635w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Knuckless-Gloves-The-Reaver-Cleaver-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Piko-Piko-Hammer-Hammer-of-Nazahn.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157386" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Piko-Piko-Hammer-Hammer-of-Nazahn.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Piko-Piko-Hammer-Hammer-of-Nazahn.jpg 636w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Piko-Piko-Hammer-Hammer-of-Nazahn-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Power-Sneakers-Lightning-Greaves.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157387" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Power-Sneakers-Lightning-Greaves.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Power-Sneakers-Lightning-Greaves.jpg 636w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Power-Sneakers-Lightning-Greaves-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tornado-Sonics-Biplane-Weatherlight.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157388" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tornado-Sonics-Biplane-Weatherlight.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tornado-Sonics-Biplane-Weatherlight.jpg 635w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Tornado-Sonics-Biplane-Weatherlight-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Pawn-Myr-Token.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157384" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Pawn-Myr-Token.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Pawn-Myr-Token.jpg 635w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Egg-Pawn-Myr-Token-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></a></p>
<p><em>Sonic: Turbo Gear</em> will sell on the <em>Secret Lair</em> webstore for $29.99 in nonfoil and $39.99 for its foil iteration.</p>
<h2><em>Chasing Adventure</em></h2>
<p>Finally, Game Informer revealed the <em>Sonic: Chasing Adventure</em> <em>Secret Lair</em> drop. This drop is full of spells as abilities and moments from the <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em> franchise. Let's take a closer look!</p>
<p>(Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and SEGA. Source: <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive/2025/06/27/magic-the-gathering-secret-lair-announces-sonic-the-hedgehog-collaboration?fbclid=IwY2xjawLLj0pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYbjQ0VkROR3lQYTVWd3VuAR5R87xGm6xlq2UOLBjeJBYO8tmBvzcsztQKCOrUTvDCXSZZxwFPg3QzNqWJRg_aem_aF6wsQoirsx61UFwrC4Uww">Game Informer</a>)</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sol-Ring-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157433" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sol-Ring-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sol-Ring-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Sol-Ring-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-the-Armory-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157432" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-the-Armory-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-the-Armory-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Open-the-Armory-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Generous-Gift-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157431" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Generous-Gift-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Generous-Gift-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Generous-Gift-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fabricate-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157430" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fabricate-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fabricate-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Fabricate-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Deadly-Dispute-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157429" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Deadly-Dispute-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Deadly-Dispute-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Deadly-Dispute-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Unexpected-Windfall-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157435" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Unexpected-Windfall-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Unexpected-Windfall-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Unexpected-Windfall-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a> <a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Treasure-Token-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-157434" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Treasure-Token-1.jpg" alt="" width="401" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Treasure-Token-1.jpg 672w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Treasure-Token-1-215x300.jpg 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 401px) 100vw, 401px" /></a></p>
<p>You can buy <em>Sonic: Chasing Adventure</em> on the <em>Secret Lair</em> webstore for $29.99 in nonfoil or $39.99 for the foil version.</p>
<p><em>Secret Lair x Sonic</em>'s three drops all <a href="https://secretlair.wizards.com/us">go on the webstore on July 14th</a> at 9 AM Pacific Time (or Noon Eastern Time). Because of the limited print-run model for the drops, these drops are sure to, appropriately, go fast, so plan accordingly!</p>
<p>And now, let's hear from you, dear readers. Are you excited for this drop series? Are you a fan of <em>Sonic the Hedgehog</em>? Sound off below!</p>


Secret Lair x Sonic: Three New Drops Officially Announced

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Art by <a href="https://www.mtgpics.com/illus?art=2208" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yasunari Hirasaka</a></em></p>
<p>Hello, and welcome back! In this week's <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>, I'm killing two birds with one stone. Firstly, I'm tackling a deck centered on a mechanic that I'm currently enamored with. Secondly, every card in today's deck will be from the <em>Final Fantasy</em> release, highlighting my personal ambitions for the set. And I'm doing it with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn"></div></div>
<p>Between the precons, the notoriously anxiety-inducing <em>Secret Lair Drops</em>, the bonus sheet, and the main set itself (Starter Kit included), building a Bracket 2 deck was easy. However, there's no small number of <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>, making Bracket 3 decks very possible. Those, and even mono-color decks are very possible here.</p>
<p>A set as large as this one is something I've been waiting for a long time, and the stars aligned!</p>
<p>But you didn't click the link to hear me gush about the set. You're here because of the deck list, so let's not waste anymore time (or words for that matter).</p>
<h2>Entering the Crystal Tower</h2>
<p>G'raha Tia was a major character in the critically acclaimed <em>Final Fantasy XIV</em>, guiding the hero character in various main quests. Specifically, he's a descendant of an ancient race, and the newest member of the Scions.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wants two things: noncreature spells and Hero tokens. There's going to be quite a few subthemes with G'raha, since we also need some lifegain to buoy our life total to take advantage of his ability.</p>
<p>There's two ways to approach our commander. The first puts much greater emphasis on his ability, filling the deck with noncreature spells, and the Hero tokens will come out stronger.</p>
<p>The other takes the focus off G'raha and utilizes <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ranking-the-job-select-equipment-cards-from-final-fantasy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the various job select cards</a> from throughout the <em>Final Fantasy</em> release. The former paints a bigger target on our commander, as we'll be more dependent on him to stick around.</p>
<p>However, if you picked up the hint from the introduction, we're going the latter route, putting the job select cards to perfect use.</p>
<h2>Choose Your Character</h2>
<p>Before I begin, I want to say that I originally wanted to make this five color to add the red and green job select cards. That said, their numbers were few, and there's no five-color commander that fits the bill perfectly. Hopefully, we'll get one some day, but I digress.</p>
<p>Looking at the card pool for job select, there's only so many. Not only does cutting two of the colors sting a bit, but we only have one release to go on. So, we're running as many as we can here.</p>
<p>Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dancer&#039;s Chakrams" href="#" target="_blank">Dancer&#039;s Chakrams</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows our Hero to put up a performance, getting +2/+2 and lifelink, but also giving our commander the same deal. With all of the artifacts we'll be having in the deck, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Machinist&#039;s Arsenal" href="#" target="_blank">Machinist&#039;s Arsenal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes our Hero token into a sizeable threat.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dancer&#039;s Chakrams"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Machinist&#039;s Arsenal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reaper&#039;s Scythe"></div></div>
<p>Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paladin&#039;s Arms" href="#" target="_blank">Paladin&#039;s Arms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may be costly to equip, but it also provides some protection with ward <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thief&#039;s Knife" href="#" target="_blank">Thief&#039;s Knife</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> nets us a card each time the equipped Hero connects.</p>
<p>Speaking of connecting, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ninja&#039;s Blades" href="#" target="_blank">Ninja&#039;s Blades</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't just net us a card, but also makes us discard and make our opponent lose life equal to the mana value.</p>
<p>Thirdly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reaper&#039;s Scythe" href="#" target="_blank">Reaper&#039;s Scythe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can make our equipped Hero token grow quickly, especially if multiple players lost life during our turn.</p>
<p>Finally, even the commons have some uses. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Mage&#039;s Rod" href="#" target="_blank">Black Mage&#039;s Rod</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> pings opponents when we cast a noncreature spell - useful if Reaper's Scythe is out as well. On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Knight&#039;s Greatsword" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Knight&#039;s Greatsword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns our equipped Hero into a sizeable but fragile threat.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sage&#039;s Nouliths" href="#" target="_blank">Sage&#039;s Nouliths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has us untap a creature when the equipped Hero attacks, giving us a potential blocker later.</p>
<p>That said, we need to buff those Heroes further. I wonder how we can do that. But, of course! The Cids!</p>
<h2>Are You Cid-ding Me?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cid, Timeless Artificer"></div></div>
<p>I'm not sorry for pulling that pun, by the way. No regrets, because I'm evil.</p>
<p>We're running a total of 15 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cid, Timeless Artificer" href="#" target="_blank">Cid, Timeless Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s here. We don't need too many of those, as they'll only end up clogging our hand. Crucially, the idea is to keep a few back, and cycle the rest. The reason is that the Cids will have targets painted on their backs the second they drop. Removal spells will be flung, boards will be wiped, and your graveyard can get exiled, setting back your hard work.</p>
<p>If you have access to instant-speed recursion or cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment|fic|236" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, use those to protect both G'raha and what Cids are in play. They only draw one card, but they can cycle through your deck.</p>
<p>However, for reasons I stated above, it's best to not cycle or play every Cid you see. Those Hero tokens will be weak on their own, and will need some help to become threats.</p>
<h2>G'raha Tia, Scion Reborn Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Beyond the Multiverse-G&#039;raha Tia" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Astrologian&#039;s Planisphere
*1 Black Mage&#039;s Rod
*1 Dancer&#039;s Chakrams
*1 Dark Knight&#039;s Greatsword
*1 Dragoon&#039;s Lance
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Machinist&#039;s Arsenal
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Monk&#039;s Fist
*1 Ninja&#039;s Blades
*1 Paladin&#039;s Arms
*1 Reaper&#039;s Scythe
*1 Sage&#039;s Nouliths
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Thief&#039;s Knife
*1 Tome of Legends
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 White Mage&#039;s Staff
*1 World Map
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Weapons Vendor
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Austere Command
*1 Combat Tutorial
*1 Damn
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 The Crystal&#039;s Chosen
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Battle Menu
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Into the Story
*1 Overkill
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Void Rend
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Champions from Beyond
*1 Forge Anew
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Adventurer&#039;s Inn
*1 Arcane Sanctum
*1 Capital City
*1 Choked Estuary
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Command Tower
*1 Contaminated Aquifer
*1 Darkwater Catacombs
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Idyllic Beachfront
*1 Insomnia, Crown City
*1 Ishgard, the Holy See // Faith &amp; Grief
*4 Island
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Jidoor, Aristocratic Capital // Overture
*1 Midgar, City of Mako // Reactor Raid
*4 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Sharlayan, Nation of Scholars
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Skycloud Expanse
*1 Starting Town
*1 Sunlit Marsh
*4 Swamp
*1 The Gold Saucer
*1 Treno, Dark City
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Saving the World</h2>
<p>Taking the Cids out of the equation, our decklist today is very low to the ground in its mana curve. Even so, we can only trigger our commander once each turn, so be sure to cast some instant-speed stuff on our opponents' turns as well.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Tutorial"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Champions from Beyond"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forge Anew|sld|7002"></div></div>
<p>That said, some hawk-eyed readers will notice some odd card choices in this list. I also went a more flavorful route, and added the "game" cards (like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Tutorial" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Tutorial</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) in there. I thought it'd be a fun take on a deck. They, too, have their uses.</p>
<p>While Combat Tutorial draws us cards, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Menu" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Menu</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is very flexible, but you're mostly using the options to destroy a creature or, when needed, the lifegain option. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="World Map" href="#" target="_blank">World Map</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't ramp us, but it does search for any land if we pay more into it.</p>
<p>Another notable card in the list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Champions from Beyond" href="#" target="_blank">Champions from Beyond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives us an army of Hero tokens on top of the benefits the card provides. Just be sure to protect that board, because even getting back up to four might take some turns.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forge Anew|sld|7002" href="#" target="_blank">Forge Anew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can bypass the first equip cost each turn, and can return an Equipment card from the graveyard onto the battlefield. Speaking of bypassing equip costs, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weapons Vendor" href="#" target="_blank">Weapons Vendor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin|fic|250" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> help reattach Equipment that have been fallen off because the equipped Heroes have been removed.</p>
<h2>The Search for More Heroes</h2>
<p>Going beyond <em>Universes Beyond</em> (and <em>Final Fantasy</em> in this case), we can be sure to find more artifact and/or Equipment support for the deck. We even gain a color in red if we take the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silas Renn, Seeker Adept" href="#" target="_blank">Silas Renn, Seeker Adept</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> &amp; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder" href="#" target="_blank">Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> pairing. That said, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akiri, Line-Slinger" href="#" target="_blank">Akiri, Line-Slinger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also works instead of Bruse.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Steelshaper&#039;s Gift"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mondrak, Glory Dominus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silas Renn, Seeker Adept"></div></div>
<p>Outside of that, a lot of the key Equipment cards are reprinted in <em>Universes Beyond</em>, so what I'll do for this section is to cover cards outside of <em>Final Fantasy</em>, both in-universe and beyond it.</p>
<p>Firstly, tutor cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steelshaper&#039;s Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Steelshaper&#039;s Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can find our job select cards that much faster. Meanwhile, token doublers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mondrak, Glory Dominus" href="#" target="_blank">Mondrak, Glory Dominus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> multiplies the number of Hero tokens that arrive.</p>
<p>If you want to expand your Equipment options beyond the job select cards, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of the Animist" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of the Animist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hammer of Nazahn" href="#" target="_blank">Hammer of Nazahn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allow for more Equipment options because, flavorfully, heroes tend to find Equipment. This can be a legendary blade, or something outright superior to what they're already wielding.</p>
<p>In addendum, anthem effects that bolster the Hero tokens are another way to go, making them stronger without having to rely so heavily on Equipment, and being slowed down by the equip costs.</p>
<h2>Saving the Day</h2>
<p>To wrap things up, the job select mechanic is something I adored when it was revealed. Even better, though, is improving on the whole process of creating your Hero. Who said the names have to be "Hero"? Name your Hero tokens!</p>
<p>Maybe you want to take the immersive (some would call vain) route and put yourself on the battlefield. Maybe it's your friends, or characters that you wrote for a novel. Feel that personal attachment, and it's almost as though you're literally playing a <em>Final Fantasy</em> game for real. That's part of the fun for me with this deck. Do you name your Hero tokens?</p>
<p>Before checking out for the week, I do intend on covering box-mander (Commander decks from a booster box, in a nutshell) next week, and I have no less than two lists for you in store. However, whether I cover one or all in detail is something I haven't decided yet. Tune in next week to see what I've assembled from said boxes.</p>


Beyond the Multiverse-G'raha Tia

<p style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lyse Hext" href="#" target="_blank">Lyse Hext</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ramzapsyru/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramza Psyru</a></span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With <em>Edge of Eternities</em> just around the corner, and some awesome cards from the set having been previewed just a week ago in Las Vegas, I wanted to take one last look at a <em>Final Fantasy</em> card that I found super impressive. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There's tons of legends in this set with enough text on them to fill a novel, some legends that enable brand new strategies, and some legends that add a nice twist to pre-existing archetypes. Today, I'll be talking about a card that fits squarely in that third category: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lyse Hext" href="#" target="_blank">Lyse Hext</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lyse Hext"></div></div></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This card is sweet, lending a fresh take to Azorius Spellslinger and Voltron decks. We'll be focusing on the Voltron side of things today, but this new commander also fits really well into strategies focused on instants and sorceries. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For now, though, let's talk about how we'll turn this new card into the leader of this week's deck!</span></p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lyse Hext" href="#" target="_blank">Lyse Hext</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, we get a 2/2 Human Rebel Monk with prowess. She also reduces the cost of our noncreature spells by <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, and gains double strike if we cast two noncreature spells in a single turn. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These are relatively simple abilities, but they work so well together. If we string together a few spells, we essentially double the effectiveness of our commander's built-in prowess. Plus, any power/toughness buffs that we give to our commander are supercharged by her double strike!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm reminded of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruna, Light of Alabaster" href="#" target="_blank">Bruna, Light of Alabaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This commander asks us to suit it up with a ton of Auras, and lets us get those Auras on the battlefield for free during combat. Lyse Hext is a bit stronger than Bruna, because Lyse relies less on our opponents allowing us to go to combat with our commander to get its benefit. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm also reminded of <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>. Much like our commander, Danitha reduces the cost of some relevant spells and has cool combat abilities. I actually almost included Danitha in the 99 of this deck, but cut her for some cards that fit more closely with the theme.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bruna, Light of Alabaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Danitha Capashen, Paragon"></div></div> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is firmly a Voltron deck, full of Auras to buff our commander, ways to make her harder to block, and so much more. Usually, when I think of <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> decks I don't think of Voltron as a primary strategy, so I'm excited to get brewing! </span></p>
<h2>Key Cards for Lyse Hext</h2>
<p>This deck has a whopping 37 enchantments, so let's talk about a few of the best ones.</p>
<p>First up, let's make our commander evasive. She's naturally going to hit quite hard, due to the combination of double strike and prowess, so we've just got to make sure she can punch in for damage.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fly" href="#" target="_blank">Fly</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a basic card, but it does everything we want in this deck. It's a cheap Aura that makes our commander hard to block, and it lets us get a little bonus every time she deals combat damage.</p>
<p>Speaking of flying, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fae Flight" href="#" target="_blank">Fae Flight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great roleplayer in the deck too. This Aura gives flying and a small buff to our commander, but also provides it with protection from a removal spell in a pinch. This card fills multiple slots, serving as protection and evasion, and slots very nicely in our 99.</p>
<p>There's a few other cards that can make our commander difficult to block, and one of my favorites is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steel of the Godhead" href="#" target="_blank">Steel of the Godhead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. First of all, the art on this card is <em>so</em> cool. Secondly, making our commander completely unblockable <em>and</em> giving it lifelink is super useful. So, for those reasons combined (and definitely not just the Kithkin in the art), this card is great.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fly"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fae Flight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Steel of the Godhead"></div></div>
<p>This deck has a lot of cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ethereal Armor" href="#" target="_blank">Ethereal Armor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that scale with the number of enchantments that we've got on the battlefield. So, to that end, a lot of the deck's key pieces are enchantments!</p>
<p>Instead of protection spells like <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>, we've got enchantments like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shardmage&#039;s Rescue" href="#" target="_blank">Shardmage&#039;s Rescue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dog Umbra" href="#" target="_blank">Dog Umbra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Instead of removal spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pongify" href="#" target="_blank">Pongify</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we've got <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eaten by Piranhas" href="#" target="_blank">Eaten by Piranhas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Darksteel Mutation" href="#" target="_blank">Darksteel Mutation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>This may seem like it's a downgrade, but there's a lot of super powerful cards that just so happen to be enchantments. I'll show the full deck list later, and I think it's really cool that there's so few cards that you'd find in a typical <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> deck. There's some unique inclusions here, and that's my favorite way to build decks.</p>
<h2>How Does This Lyse Hext Deck Win?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck intends to suit our commander up with a whole bunch of Auras, give her double strike, and hit our opponents very hard in the face. Enchantments like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="All That Glitters" href="#" target="_blank">All That Glitters</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be super helpful, turning all of our Auras into power and toughness buffs for our commander. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One of my favorite win-condition Auras is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Auramancer&#039;s Guise" href="#" target="_blank">Auramancer&#039;s Guise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is an awesome color pie break that provides a huge buff to our commander <em>and</em> gives it vigilance. Given how large our commander is likely to be at any given moment, the ability to use it offensively and defensively can be game-winning. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Similarly, I'm a fan of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="On Serra&#039;s Wings" href="#" target="_blank">On Serra&#039;s Wings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This gives our commander three fantastic keywords: flying for extra evasion, vigilance for defense, and lifelink to put the game out of our opponents' reach. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lastly, I really like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Michiko&#039;s Reign of Truth" href="#" target="_blank">Michiko&#039;s Reign of Truth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This provides a big buff to our commander for two turns, before becoming a huge creature itself. </span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Auramancer&#039;s Guise"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="On Serra&#039;s Wings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Michiko&#039;s Reign of Truth"></div></div>
<p>Sometimes Lyse is going to be removed from the board and cost too much mana to be reasonably recast. What do we do then? Well, there's a few creatures that do quite well as alternative targets for our Auras.</p>
<p>Among them, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kor Spiritdancer" href="#" target="_blank">Kor Spiritdancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hero of Iroas" href="#" target="_blank">Hero of Iroas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Katilda, Dawnhart Martyr" href="#" target="_blank">Katilda, Dawnhart Martyr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> each become big threats when we've got enough enchantments on the board. Plus, each of these creatures plays nicely into our game plan when we do manage to keep our commander on the battlefield.</p>
<p>And, one of my favorite new cards, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Riptide Gearhulk" href="#" target="_blank">Riptide Gearhulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has the some double strike / prowess combo that makes our commander such a dangerous attacker. Plus, it's a removal spell!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kor Spiritdancer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Riptide Gearhulk"></div></div>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lyse Hext" href="#" target="_blank">Lyse Hext</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Building a Lyse Hext Deck" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Lyse Hext
[/Commander]
[Enchantments]
*1 All That Glitters
*1 Amphibian Downpour
*1 Aqueous Form
*1 Auramancer&#039;s Guise
*1 Combat Research
*1 Darksteel Mutation
*1 Daybreak Coronet
*1 Dog Umbra
*1 Eaten by Piranhas
*1 Eldrazi Conscription
*1 Ethereal Armor
*1 Fae Flight
*1 Feather of Flight
*1 Flickerform
*1 Fly
*1 Imprisoned in the Moon
*1 Mantle of the Ancients
*1 Michiko&#039;s Reign of Truth
*1 Monologue Tax
*1 Octopus Umbra
*1 On Serra&#039;s Wings
*1 Ossification
*1 Pacifism
*1 Planar Disruption
*1 Sage&#039;s Reverie
*1 Shardmage&#039;s Rescue
*1 Shark Typhoon
*1 Sheltered by Ghosts
*1 Shimmering Wings
*1 Sigarda&#039;s Aid
*1 Smuggler&#039;s Share
*1 Songbirds&#039; Blessing
*1 Spirit Mantle
*1 Staggering Insight
*1 Steel of the Godhead
*1 Tempest Technique
*1 Timely Ward
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Armored Skyhunter
*1 Codsworth, Handy Helper
*1 Eidolon of Countless Battles
*1 Entity Tracker
*1 Gremlin Tamer
*1 Hero of Iroas
*1 Inquisitive Glimmer
*1 Katilda, Dawnhart Martyr
*1 Kor Spiritdancer
*1 Light-Paws, Emperor&#039;s Voice
*1 Mesa Enchantress
*1 Monastery Mentor
*1 Optimistic Scavenger
*1 Pearl-Ear, Imperial Advisor
*1 Protean Thaumaturge
*1 Riptide Gearhulk
*1 Slumbering Keepguard
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Starfield Mystic
*1 Transcendent Envoy
*1 Triton Wavebreaker
*1 Umbra Mystic
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Unfinished Business
*1 Winds of Rath
[/Sorceries]
[Battles]
*1 Invasion of Theros
[/Battles]
[Instants]
*1 Aetherize
*1 Fumble
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Command Tower
*1 Deserted Beach
*1 Floodfarm Verge
*1 Hall of Heliod&#039;s Generosity
*1 Irrigated Farmland
*1 Ishgard, the Holy See
*13 Island
*1 Mystic Gate
*12 Plains
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Skycloud Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thanks so much for reading! Before you go, there's a few more cards I wanted to talk about. These cards aren't necessarily the strongest ones in the list, but they do something unique. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shimmering Wings" href="#" target="_blank">Shimmering Wings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a one-mana Aura that doesn't have a very exciting effect: it just gives enchanted creature flying. But, for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, we're able to bounce this enchantment back to our hand to recast it again. The ability to cast this enchantment as many times as we'd like can be super useful in this deck, especially with a 99 full of cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monastery Mentor" href="#" target="_blank">Monastery Mentor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and a commander with prowess.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shimmering Wings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Triton Wavebreaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invasion of Theros"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speaking of prowess, our next card is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Triton Wavebreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Triton Wavebreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This can come down as a blocker in a pinch, or provide our commander with an additional instance of prowess. Given that she's got double strike, this is extra useful. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last card I wanted to shoutout is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invasion of Theros" href="#" target="_blank">Invasion of Theros</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is a relatively cheap tutor on its front half, and a lifelinking card advantage engine on its back half. This card ought to see more play in Enchantress-style decks, and I'm glad it's found a home here.</span></p>
<p>Thanks again for reading, and I'll see you all soon for another deck tech!</p>


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