<h6 style="text-align: right;">"Adventures of the Little Witch" | Image credit: Wizards of the Coast</h6>
<p>On Tuesday, April 22nd, Chaos Vault, the newest initiative for <em>Secret Lair</em>, released <a href="https://secretlair.wizards.com/us/product/1107793/adventures-of-the-little-witch">"Adventures of the Little Witch"</a>, its newest drop. This drop contains four cards with art by illustrator <a href="https://heikala.com/"><strong>Heikala</strong></a>. Are these cards particularly valuable, and do they have a home in any <em>Magic</em> decks? Read on, and find out!</p>
<h2>Chaos Vault Description of "Adventures of the Little Witch"</h2>
<p>According to the description of this new drop, "These reprints were individually selected to go with the art style and tone of Heikala's amazing work, and we think they turned out great." The art features a cozy, almost cottagecore vibe reminiscent of Studio Ghibli's <em>Kiki's Delivery Service</em> or other films by <strong>Hayao Miyazaki</strong>. Inspired by Miyazaki or not, it can be said that Heikala's illustrations for this drop are calm and light.</p>
<p>But let's not bury the lede. Here are the renders for the four cards in this Chaos Vault drop:</p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/secret-rendezvous.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="322" height="450" class="wp-image-149283 size-full aligncenter" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/secret-rendezvous.png" alt="Secret Rendezvous, a card from the &quot;Adventures of the Little Witch&quot; Chaos Vault drop for Secret Lair. &lt;yoastmark class=" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/secret-rendezvous.png 322w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/secret-rendezvous-215x300.png 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/serenity.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="322" height="450" class="wp-image-149285 size-full aligncenter" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/serenity.png" alt="Serenity, a card from the &quot;Adventures of the Little Witch&quot; drop. &lt;yoastmark class=" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/serenity.png 322w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/serenity-215x300.png 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/esikas-chariot.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="322" height="450" class="wp-image-149286 size-full aligncenter" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/esikas-chariot.png" alt="Esika's Chariot, a card from the &quot;Adventures of the Little Witch&quot; drop. &lt;yoastmark class=" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/esikas-chariot.png 322w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/esikas-chariot-215x300.png 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px" /></a></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/realms-uncharted.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="322" height="450" class="wp-image-149287 size-full aligncenter" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/realms-uncharted.png" alt="Realms Uncharted, a card from the &quot;Adventures of the Little Witch&quot; drop. &lt;yoastmark class=" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/realms-uncharted.png 322w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/realms-uncharted-215x300.png 215w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px" /></a></p>
<h2>Does "Adventures" Hold Up?</h2>
<p>While cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esika&#039;s Chariot" href="#" target="_blank">Esika&#039;s Chariot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> saw play in Standard and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Realms Uncharted" href="#" target="_blank">Realms Uncharted</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> sees some play in Commander, these cards do not seem to be standouts. None of them currently boasts a particularly high price tag in normal iterations. It remains to be seen if Heikala's art will change that for these versions. Nevertheless, if you like these cards and either plan to use them or want to collect the superb and cozy art, there's nothing wrong with picking up a copy of this drop.</p>
<p>"Adventures of the Little Witch" is currently selling on the <em>Secret Lair</em> webstore under the Chaos Vault subset. It sells at a price point of $29.99 for nonfoil, but for some reason, it is $59.99 <a href="https://secretlair.wizards.com/us/product/1107792/adventures-of-the-little-witch-foil-edition">in foil</a>. This is a different pricing than previous foil <em>Secret Lair</em> drops, of this distinction or otherwise. Does this mean there's something more to the foil iterations? This is currently unclear.</p>
<p>Are you planning on picking up this Chaos Vault <em>Secret Lair</em> drop? Will you press your luck and get it in foil? Also, do you like the art for this drop? Sound off below!</p>


Chaos Vault Releases "Adventures of the Little Witch" Drop

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Martial Coup|40k|189" href="#" target="_blank">Martial Coup</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art By <a href="https://www.artstation.com/diegogisbert">Diego Gisbert Llorens</a>)</h6>
<h1>Winner Winner, Chicken Pinger</h1>
<p>Hello, and welcome to <i>Archetypes of Imagination</i>, the series in which <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/cooper-gottfried">Cooper Gottfried</a> builds decks based on popular Commander archetypes. I'm jumping in to help Cooper out with this edition as we talk about one of my favorite ways to win games and annoy your opponents: pingers!</p>
<p>Today I'll be using<a href="https://tagger.scryfall.com/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Scryfall's tagging system</a> and<a href="https://edhrec.com/tags?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> EDHREC's Tag pages</a> to build a deck around the theme of <a href="https://tagger.scryfall.com/tags/card/pinger">Pingers</a>. These are permanents that routinely deal small amounts of chip damage to our opponents either as activated or triggered abilities.</p>
<p>Sometimes they come stapled onto a creature like the classic, color-pie-breaking, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prodigal Sorcerer" href="#" target="_blank">Prodigal Sorcerer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Often they're in the form of triggered abilities on enchantments like the wonderful <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impact Tremors" href="#" target="_blank">Impact Tremors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goblin Sharpshooter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Manabarbs"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Guttersnipe"></div></div>
<p>Most players will have one or two pingers in a deck, offering small amounts of chip damage to slowly turn the game in their favor, but oftentimes these Pingers will be one of many rewards for doing what their deck does. Playing lots of lands, drawing lots of cards, or (most commonly) playing noncreature spells:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spitfire Lagac"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Psychosis Crawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firebrand Archer"></div></div>
<h2>A Deck By Pingers, For Pingers</h2>
<p>Today we want to make a deck that doesn't just benefit from playing pingers, but is built around them specifically, and for that end, we're enlisting a friend from <em>Universes Beyond</em> to help us.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph" href="#" target="_blank">Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an Izzet (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-ur" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) Tyranid Human that cares about sources we control doing exactly one damage to any target. Whenever one of our cards does one damage, Ghyrson will jump in to help out and deal two damage himself to the same target.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph"></div></div>
<p>Ghryson is incredibly powerful as a commander for a few reasons. First of all, he doesn't care how you do your single bits of damage. You could play a burn spell, hit someone with a 1/1 token, or of course have one of our myriad pinger effects trigger. Every time he'll add two more damage on top.</p>
<p>Secondly, Ghryson isn't just adding two damage on top of what's already there, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Torbran, Thane of Red Fell" href="#" target="_blank">Torbran, Thane of Red Fell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might. He's actually doing that two damage himself. That means we can load him up with Auras and Equipment that benefit us whenever an attached creature does damage.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="End the Festivities"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tectonic Hazard"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blazing Volley"></div></div>
<p>And lastly, Ghyrson is a "whenever" trigger. No, "only once per turn" or "one or more". He's going to trigger on every single instance of one damage we create. That means cards that deal mass amounts of one damage like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="End the Festivities" href="#" target="_blank">End the Festivities</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will generate an absolutely huge amount of triggers.</p>
<h2>Which Ping is Right?</h2>
<p>There's a few different ways in which we can trigger our pinger effects. We could just have a board full of creatures with activated abilities, forming a gun wall against our opponents. That would be pretty on theme for a <em>Warhammer 40K</em> commander.</p>
<p>We could also focus on slinging spells for our triggers. Use effects like that of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebrand Archer" href="#" target="_blank">Firebrand Archer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and try to storm off on our turns with a load of cantrips, dealing a tonne of damage to our enemies.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krenko, Mob Boss"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Howlsquad Heavy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pashalik Mons"></div></div>
<p>To get as much benefit as possible from our commander's ability however, I think we're better off leaning in another direction. For this build we're going to try and flood the board with tokens, largely Goblins. With a wide board we have three different ways in which our board can dish out single points of damage:</p>
<h3>Impact Tremors Effects</h3>
<p>Most often we'll be hitting our opponents with a lot of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impact Tremors" href="#" target="_blank">Impact Tremors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-style effects. That is, whenever a creature enters under our control we'll deal one (three!) damage to each of our opponents. There's a few different cards available in red that give us this effect, including Tremors itself.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Witty Roastmaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Molten Gatekeeper"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Agate Instigator"></div></div>
<p>Once you get a few of these on board, even just a couple of creatures entering can cause some serious problems for your opponents. With three on the board, we're dealing three damage to our opponents every time we have a creature enter. With Ghyrson on board as well, that damage triples. Nine damage per Goblin we make? Absolutely rotten stuff.</p>
<p>The absolute queen of this effect, and one that'll provide us both with the tokens we need to make and the tremors effect that we want to trigger, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="General Kreat, the Boltbringer" href="#" target="_blank">General Kreat, the Boltbringer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Not only does she have the Tremors-style effect stapled onto her, but she's also going to make us a new Goblin token every time we attack with at least one of our pre-existing Goblins.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="General Kreat, the Boltbringer"></div></div>
<h3>Attack Triggers</h3>
<p>There's not quite as many of these cards in our deck, but a few things exist in red that reward us for attacking with low power creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raid Bombardment" href="#" target="_blank">Raid Bombardment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for example triggers whenever we attack with a creature with power two or less.</p>
<p>We can't always swing out with our board, especially when we need to hold up blockers, but cards like this effectively give us a second hit of Impact Tremors whenever we attack. Albeit, only targeting the player we're attacking.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Raid Bombardment"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cavalcade of Calamity"></div></div>
<h3>Combat Damage</h3>
<p>Finally, for each of our 1/1 tokens that hit something we get one final bit of single point damage for Ghyrson to add two on top of. Nothing flashy here, basically everything that hits for one, now hits for three! On top of any other fun bonuses we can get from Ghyrson's Equipment and Auras. Speaking of, let's talk about that.</p>
<h2>Kitting Out Ghyrson</h2>
<p>There's a load of different goodies we can fill our deck with to get added benefit from Ghyrson's repeated triggers. With enough tokens on board and pinger effects in play, these should trigger quite a lot to boot. First of all, we should make sure we have a bit of card draw online. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curiosity" href="#" target="_blank">Curiosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a perfect fit to pop onto our commander.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curiosity"></div></div>
<p>Now, whenever we deal a single point of damage from any source, Ghyrson will add some more on top and also draw us a card. Importantly, this is also a <em>may </em>trigger. That'll save us from accidentally decking ourselves whenever a million of our triggers hit the stack.</p>
<p>Next up, let's make Ghyrson even more lethal. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gorgon&#039;s Head" href="#" target="_blank">Gorgon&#039;s Head</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will case any creatures he hits to drop like flies, even if the initial three damage wasn't enough to take them down, by adding deathtouch to the damage he deals. We can also gain life from every instance of his ability with something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shadowspear" href="#" target="_blank">Shadowspear</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or combine those two effects with the nasty <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Basilisk Collar" href="#" target="_blank">Basilisk Collar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gorgon&#039;s Head"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shadowspear"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Basilisk Collar"></div></div>
<p>With deathtouch online, we can perform a one-mana board wipe with our commander by casting an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="End the Festivities" href="#" target="_blank">End the Festivities</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-style spell. Ghyrson sees all the single points of damage and follows them up with two points of deathtouch damage, killing pretty much everything in sight whilst your board stays untouched.</p>
<h3>Kill/Steal</h3>
<p>Wiping our opponents' boards is of course hilarious, but we can be even funnier with Ghyrson's ability. Using this bizarre old card that I'm sure will be very familiar to those with a paticular fondness for pinging:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Charisma"></div></div>
<p>That's right, for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> and the cast of a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tectonic Hazard" href="#" target="_blank">Tectonic Hazard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can deal three damage to every creature our opponents control and then take control of every creature that survives. After that they'll be wishing you board-wiped.</p>
<p>If each other players' board is big enough, this can quite easily win a game, but don't worry, we've got even more options to mess with our opponents. For even cheaper, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sigil of Sleep" href="#" target="_blank">Sigil of Sleep</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will activate whenever we trigger our Tremors effects and then add insult to the injury by bouncing creatures back their owners' hands.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sigil of Sleep"></div></div>
<h3>Ending the Game</h3>
<p>There's always a few games where one person in your pod gains such a ridiculous amount of life that it's effectively impossible to take them out of the running. This isn't necessarily a deck that wants your games to go long, and lifegain can really slow it down. We definitely won't be swinging in for commander damage any time soon, so we'll need some kind of backup plan.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grafted Exoskeleton"></div></div>
<p>Introducing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grafted Exoskeleton" href="#" target="_blank">Grafted Exoskeleton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card that will likely make you the biggest threat on the board as soon as you declare its cast, but also one that will likely win you the game very quickly if your opponents don't have a response. Giving Ghyrson infect will effectively make five triggers of Impact Tremors game over as he deals his damage in the form of poison counters. Ten of those and it's game over for the bearer. No matter how high their life total!</p>
<h2>Build it Yourself</h2>
<p>This deck is sure to gain some ire from those who play against it. Whilst it does rely a lot on the commander being out, the core shell of Tremors effects and Goblin spamming should be plenty strong on its own. If you want to give it a go, you can find a rough decklist I've put together below. Feel free to change it to suit your play style and power level!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Pingers - Archetypes of Imagination" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*1 Agate Instigator
*1 Anax, Hardened in the Forge
*1 Devilish Valet
*1 Enduring Curiosity
*1 General Kreat, the Boltbringer
*1 Goblin Chainwhirler
*1 Grinning Ignus
*1 Howlsquad Heavy
*1 Krenko, Mob Boss
*1 Legion Loyalist
*1 Lobber Crew
*1 Loyal Apprentice
*1 Molten Gatekeeper
*1 Niv-Mizzet, Visionary
*1 Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind
*1 Norin the Wary
*1 Pain Distributor
*1 Pashalik Mons
*1 Razorkin Needlehead
*1 Scalding Viper // Steam Clean
*1 Searslicer Goblin
*1 Siege-Gang Lieutenant
*1 Spitfire Lagac
*1 The Locust God
*1 Witty Roastmaster
*1 Roaming Throne
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*1 Cavalcade of Calamity
*1 Charisma
*1 Circle of Flame
*1 Curiosity
*1 Impact Tremors
*1 Kindred Discovery
*1 Makeshift Munitions
*1 Quicksilver Dagger
*1 Raid Bombardment
*1 Repercussion
*1 Sigil of Sleep
[/Enchantment]
[Sorcery]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Blazing Volley
*1 Chain Reaction
*1 End the Festivities
*1 Tectonic Hazard
[/Sorcery]
[Instant]
*1 Aetherize
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Electrickery
*1 Untimely Malfunction
[/Instant]
[Artifact]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Basilisk Collar
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Fire Diamond
*1 Gorgon&#039;s Head
*1 Grafted Exoskeleton
*1 Izzet Signet
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Liquimetal Torque
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Shadowspear
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sky Diamond
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifact]
[Land]
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Cascade Bluffs
*1 Command Tower
*1 Desert
*1 Eroded Canyon
*1 Exotic Orchard
*10 Island
*9 Mountain
*1 Muraganda Raceway
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Riverpyre Verge
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Scalding Tarn
*1 Shivan Reef
*1 Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance
*1 Spirebluff Canal
*1 Steam Vents
*1 Stormcarved Coast
*1 Sulfur Falls
*1 Training Center
[/Land]"></span></div>



Archetypes of Imagination - Making a Pinger Deck

Wombo Combo - Best Sorcery Combos in EDH

Tarkir: Dragonstorm - Jank Rank Part 2

<p>For a few years now, <em>Universes Beyond</em> has been hit or miss regarding integration into digital <em>Magic</em> gaming. Whether it was <em>Magic: The Gathering Online</em> or <em>Magic Arena</em>, some sets in <em>Universes Beyond</em> didn't release for the digital interface. This left many players pining for a more paper-like play experience in these interfaces. However, on Monday, April 21st, Wizards of the Coast announced <em>Through the Omenpaths</em>, a new digital-only release that sates those needs. <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> will serve a similar purpose to <em>Universes Within</em>, bringing in <em>Universes Beyond</em> cards into digital <em>Magic</em> spaces with an in-universe aesthetic.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arvinox, the Mind Flail"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deadpool, Trading Card"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan"></div></div>
<h2>Wizards of the Coast's Statement on <em>Through the Omenpaths</em></h2>
<p>In their announcement on <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/announcements/through-the-omenpaths-and-digital-universes-beyond-updates">DailyMTG</a>, <strong>Blake Rasmussen</strong> had this to say about the initiative for the digital playspaces:</p>
<blockquote><p>We will not be creating <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> sets mirroring every <em>Universes Beyond</em> set, only the ones that will not be coming to digital platforms. This lets our formats remain mechanically at parity with one another digitally without having to create patchwork solutions here or there. We are also currently only planning to create <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> releases for full sets that are legal in all formats.</p>
<p>For the remainder of 2025, two <em>Universes Beyond </em>sets will be coming to <em>MTG Arena</em> and <em>Magic Online</em>:<em> Magic: The Gathering</em>—FINAL FANTASY and <em>Magic: The Gathering </em>|<em> Avatar: The Last Airbender</em>.</p>
<p>One 2025 set, <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> | <em>Marvel's Spider-Man</em> (as well as future Marvel sets) will not be coming to digital <em>Magic </em>platforms. Instead, we will release our first <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> set on September 23. We'll have more information on that set as we get closer to the release date.</p></blockquote>
<h2>The Implications For <em>Universes Within</em></h2>
<p>The announcement of <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> brings some hope for players who want in-universe versions of powerful <em>Universes Beyond</em> cards. Because these newly in-universe cards will have new art and aesthetics paired with mechanics that exist in paper <em>Magic</em>, this is a recipe to bring cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Orcish Bowmasters" href="#" target="_blank">Orcish Bowmasters</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dino DNA" href="#" target="_blank">Dino DNA</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Celestine, the Living Saint" href="#" target="_blank">Celestine, the Living Saint</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to <em>Universes Within</em> as well.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dino DNA"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Orcish Bowmasters"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Celestine, the Living Saint"></div></div>
<h3>The Potential Financial Impact</h3>
<p>Previously, many members of the <em>Magic</em> community who were critical of the licensing issues behind <em>Universes Beyond</em> have stated that printing mechanically-unique cards in a licensed release makes a pseudo-Reserved List. However, with this new initiative and the hope behind it, this complaint may soon become a much smaller issue. As a result, some <em>Universes Beyond</em> cards may stop carrying as much value on the secondary market. That said, players still need proof of concept from <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> before that idea is proven to hold water.</p>
<h2><em>Universes</em> Within The Digital Playspaces</h2>
<p>The implications of <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> are massive, but the proof that they're effective will have to wait for a few months from now. Nevertheless, it's an exciting prospect for fans of in-universe <em>Magic</em>. It's timely, too, as just three days earlier, <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/mark-rosewater-in-multiverse-sets-should-feel-like-magic">we reported</a> on <em>Magic</em> Head Designer <strong>Mark Rosewater</strong>'s statement that in-Multiverse aesthetics need to feel distinctly like <em>Magic</em>. This statement has sparked some discussion about what that means, both for <em>Magic</em>'s Multiverse and for <em>Universes Beyond</em>.</p>
<p>What do you think about <em>Through the Omenpaths</em> as a concept? Do you hope for in-Multiverse versions of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The One Ring" href="#" target="_blank">The One Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Great Unclean One" href="#" target="_blank">Great Unclean One</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Megatron, Tyrant" href="#" target="_blank">Megatron, Tyrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Sound off below!</p>


Through The Omenpaths Introduced For MTGO, Arena

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baylen, the Haymaker" href="#" target="_blank">Baylen, the Haymaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>|Art by <a href="https://www.ryanpancoast.com/">Ryan Pancoast</a>)</h6>
<p>Friendly greetings and welcome to <em>Bracketeering</em>, the series about sideboarding for Commander Brackets. I'm John Sherwood, here to make hay while the sun shines.</p>
<p>This month, I'm Bracketeering an average deck from one of the top 100 commanders on EDHREC: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baylen, the Haymaker" href="#" target="_blank">Baylen, the Haymaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baylen, the Haymaker"></div></div>
<h2>The Contender</h2>
<p>Baylen is the most popular commander from <em>Bloomburrow</em> by a margin of about 1,400 decks over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This beast mode bunny is punching above its weight class, with power ahead of curve and a text box that reads like a fight movie training montage.</p>
<p>From the first line, it keeps getting better, with mana acceleration, card draw, and a knock-down blow. The token-tapping costs of Baylen's abilities are easily payable in Naya colors. <a href="http://www.archidekt.com">Archidekt</a> estimates the bracket for Baylen's average deck is an Upgraded (3) because of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smothering Tithe" href="#" target="_blank">Smothering Tithe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Taking a strict view of the brackets, one game changer is the difference between Core (2) and Upgraded (3). Undoubtedly, Baylen's ability to use Treasures without sacrificing them is game-changing. Looking at the rest of Baylen's average deck, I think Upgraded (3) is a fair bracket estimate.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Baylen Average 4/4/25" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Baylen, the Haymaker
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Academy Manufactor
*1 Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon
*1 Arasta of the Endless Web
*1 Birds of Paradise
*1 Burrowguard Mentor
*1 Cadira, Caller of the Small
*1 Charismatic Conqueror
*1 Drumbellower
*1 Enduring Vitality
*1 Farmer Cotton
*1 Finneas, Ace Archer
*1 Gilded Goose
*1 Hare Apparent
*1 Jacked Rabbit
*1 Jaheira, Friend of the Forest
*1 Jetmir, Nexus of Revels
*1 Mondrak, Glory Dominus
*1 Ocelot Pride
*1 Ojer Taq, Deepest Foundation // Temple of Civilization
*1 Peregrin Took
*1 Queen Allenal of Ruadach
*1 Rhys the Redeemed
*1 Rosie Cotton of South Lane
*1 Scute Swarm
*1 Seedborn Muse
*1 Tendershoot Dryad
*1 Tireless Provisioner
*1 Warren Warleader
*1 Wildfire Awakener
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Anointed Procession
*1 Caretaker&#039;s Talent
*1 Dazzling Theater // Prop Room
*1 Doubling Season
*1 Felidar Retreat
*1 Impact Tremors
*1 Parallel Lives
*1 Smothering Tithe
*1 Warleader&#039;s Call
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Halo Fountain
*1 Idol of Oblivion
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Arid Mesa
*1 Bountiful Promenade
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Clifftop Retreat
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*8 Forest
*1 Jetmir&#039;s Garden
*1 Jungle Shrine
*1 Mountain
*10 Plains
*1 Sacred Foundry
*1 Stomping Ground
*1 Temple Garden
*1 Windswept Heath
*1 Wooded Foothills
[/Lands]
[Instants]
*1 Artifact Mutation
*1 Aura Mutation
*1 Beast Within
*1 Dawn&#039;s Truce
*1 Grand Crescendo
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 March of the Multitudes
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Second Harvest
*1 Secure the Wastes
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Elspeth, Sun&#039;s Champion
[/Planeswalkers]
[Sorceries]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Farseek
*1 For the Common Good
*1 Hop to It
*1 Hour of Reckoning
*1 Nature&#039;s Lore
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Season of the Burrow
*1 Three Visits
[/Sorceries]"></span></div>
<p>It's important to note some issues in the deck, stemming from the fact that EDHREC average decks are aggregated from data, not built by a single player. Unfortunately, Baylen's average mana base is malnourished, with a scant thirty-three lands.</p>
<p>Please, if you're one of the Baylen players skewing that average: play more lands. There's also a single copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hare Apparent" href="#" target="_blank">Hare Apparent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in Baylen's average deck. I'm challenging that inclusion as a product of dedicated Hare Apparent decks in the data pool.</p>
<h2>Sparring Partners</h2>
<p>First, we're going to sideboard for more speed and power. This rascally rabbit is going to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Our existing list includes 28 cards that make tokens. I prefer a deck's main theme to be around 30 cards, which means this sideboard needs a few more token-producers.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Call the Coppercoats" href="#" target="_blank">Call the Coppercoats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Song of Totentanz" href="#" target="_blank">Song of Totentanz</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Springheart Nantuko" href="#" target="_blank">Springheart Nantuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arachnogenesis" href="#" target="_blank">Arachnogenesis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>Baylen wants to tap all those tokens for value. Untapping effects will be a force multiplier in this deck. It already has repeatable untapping from cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but I think we can improve this with more instant untapping.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="To Arms!" href="#" target="_blank">To Arms!</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vitalize" href="#" target="_blank">Vitalize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Benefactor&#039;s Draught" href="#" target="_blank">Benefactor&#039;s Draught</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Great Train Heist" href="#" target="_blank">Great Train Heist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Savage Beating" href="#" target="_blank">Savage Beating</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>As a combat deck that wants to tap things for reasons other than attacking, a little vigilance will go a long way. There's a lot of creatures in this deck that would love to get in for damage and tap to pump Baylen. Beylen itself is itching to swing, and every attack is better if you can leave up blockers. To that end, I'm sideboarding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brave the Sands" href="#" target="_blank">Brave the Sands</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brave the Sands"></div></div>
<h2>Hitting the Heavy Bag</h2>
<p>Siding in some more Game Changers and tutors will give this deck a strong boost toward Optimized (4). <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Enlightened Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Enlightened Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an extra copy of many of this deck's force multipliers, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doubling Season" href="#" target="_blank">Doubling Season</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Worldly Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Worldly Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can find the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drumbellower" href="#" target="_blank">Drumbellower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and increase opportunities for Baylen's activated abilities.</p>
<h2>The Training Diet</h2>
<p>Technically, this deck becomes Core (2) by taking out <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smothering Tithe" href="#" target="_blank">Smothering Tithe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we want to honor the spirit of the bracket system, not just the letter of it. A Core (2) version of Baylen should be less bare knuckle and more padded sparring.</p>
<p>Replacement effects that increase token creation are great for Upgraded (3) and Optimized (4) games. However, Core (2) is precon level, so we should side out some of those pushed cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointed Procession" href="#" target="_blank">Anointed Procession</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The question, then, is what to sideboard in?</p>
<p>While Baylen itself has strong synergy with Food tokens, Foods are the least threatening of the many token options. Food tokens are also thematic for a commander with an agricultural pun its name.</p>
<p>There're only six Food cards in Baylen's average deck, leaving lots of Food options we can side-in for a tasty subtheme. My vegan friends might not approve, but I couldn't resist the irony of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stew the Coneys" href="#" target="_blank">Stew the Coneys</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit" href="#" target="_blank">Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stew the Coneys"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit"></div></div>
<p>With about a dozen more Food-producers in the lineup, we're ready to play this deck for fun at Core (2) or rumble in an Optimized (4) pod. Check out this sideboard:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Bracketeering Baylen Sideboard" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Instants]
*1 Arachnogenesis
*1 Benefactor&#039;s Draught
*1 Call the Coppercoats
*1 Enlightened Tutor
*1 Great Train Heist
*1 Pawpatch Formation
*1 Savage Beating
*1 Stew the Coneys
*1 To Arms!
*1 Vitalize
*1 Worldly Tutor
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Apothecary White
*1 Sam, Loyal Attendant
*1 Springheart Nantuko
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Giant Opportunity
*1 Late to Dinner
*1 Revive the Shire
*1 Song of Totentanz
*1 Spider Food
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Brave the Sands
*1 Killer Service
*1 Night of the Sweets&#039; Revenge
*1 Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
*1 Welcome to Sweettooth
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 The Shire
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Betting on a Second Round Knock-Out</h2>
<p>I hope you enjoyed the Commander Brackets Beta as much as I did. For me, the first round of Commander Brackets injected some interesting deck brewing considerations. My bracket-centric interactions with other members of the community were mostly positive, and it really helped my game selections on Spelltable.</p>
<p>I'm personally excited for the Bracket action to heat up in Round Two, and curious to see how potential changes will affect this series. I'm planning to Bracketeer one of my personal decks next month, so stay tuned. In the mean time, tell us about your bracket experiences in the comments, especially if you're experimenting with sideboards for Commander.</p>


Bracketeering - Baylen, the Haymaker

The Top 10 Most Played Commander Cards from DTK

<p>It's been several weeks since the release of <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm"><em>Tarkir: Dragonstorm</em></a>, and it's already making a huge impact on Commander! From the commons up to the mythic rares, there's already a lot of instant staples in this set. That being said, there are plenty of playable rares that are sitting in the budget range that I want to shine the spotlight on today!</p>
<p>My name is Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks, and I go through your bulk bins so you don't have to. My main goal with the<em> <a href="https://commandersherald.com/the-best-bulk-from-tarkir-dragonstorm-part-1-bulk-up/">Bulk Up</a> </em>series is to show players that they don't have to break the bank to supercharge their decks. Plus, if you've opened a lot of boosters from a recent set, there's a good chance that some of these great bulk rares are sitting in a pile on your kitchen table!</p>
<p>For clarity, I define bulk rares as follows: rares, usually under $1, that often get overlooked during deckbuilding, causing their price to stay in budget building range.</p>
<p>With that out of the way, let's take a look at the list and <em>Bulk Up</em>!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Bloomvine Regent</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloomvine Regent"></div></div>
<p>First up, flying in from <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm">Tarkir</a></em>, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloomvine Regent" href="#" target="_blank">Bloomvine Regent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! Three mana to get a basic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forest" href="#" target="_blank">Forest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> into play and another into your hand isn’t too bad of a rate. Even though it doesn’t help you color-fix, like some other land-fetching effects, it makes up for that by also being a five-mana 4/5 flyer that can be a life gain engine in a Dragon deck. In a mono-color or even a two-color deck, this could just be a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cultivate" href="#" target="_blank">Cultivate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with upside!</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vrondiss, Rage of Ancients" href="#" target="_blank">Vrondiss, Rage of Ancients</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a Dragon commander in Gruul that would take full advantage of both modes from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloomvine Regent" href="#" target="_blank">Bloomvine Regent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Dragon decks are already mana-hungry, so any help with ramp is needed, but the fact that Vrondiss creates so many tokens means that you’ll be gaining a whole lot of life. Since both sides of the card works so well with your commander, you’ll never feel bad when you pull this creature off the top of your deck.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Temur Battlecrier</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Temur Battlecrier"></div></div>
<p>In the main set of <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm">Dragonstorm</a></em>, Temur was filled with so many great ‘power matters’ cards, and a perfect example of that is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temur Battlecrier" href="#" target="_blank">Temur Battlecrier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. At its base level, you will be getting one-mana reduction for each of the spells you cast on your turn (since the Battlecrier has four power itself). If you were to put this in a deck with a high-power commander, or in a deck that makes a lot of buff tokens, you could see your spells costing cheaper and cheaper, making this a supercharged <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goblin Anarchomancer" href="#" target="_blank">Goblin Anarchomancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eshki Dragonclaw" href="#" target="_blank">Eshki Dragonclaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a commander that I am very familiar with, after my list of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN-kDwSpdT0&amp;t=509s">budget Adventure spells</a> to pair with her gained some traction! While playtesting the deck I built around her, I noticed that any little bit of help with mana acceleration is welcomed. Chaining spells together to trigger your commander can get expensive, so with only the Battlecrier and Eshki out, all the spells on your turn will cost two mana less!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Naga Fleshcrafter</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Naga Fleshcrafter"></div></div>
<p>Clones are always handy to have around, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Naga Fleshcrafter" href="#" target="_blank">Naga Fleshcrafter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here with a very interesting take on that type of effect. On the battlefield it can copy any creature on the board for only four mana, that’s on rate for most copying effects.</p>
<p>However, once it’s in your graveyard, you can use that <em>Renew</em> ability to buff a creature, then turn your whole board into a copy of it. If you pair this with popular strategies centered around tokens, evasion, stompy, or really anything ready to have a big combat, you can simply turn your whole board into your best attacker, which could be enough to close out a game!</p>
<p>A commander that works well with graveyard synergies, as well as stealing powerful creatures from your opponents, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gyruda, Doom of Depths" href="#" target="_blank">Gyruda, Doom of Depths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. When it enters you mill your opponents, then steal the best creature that goes into the graveyard that way. Running this clone in the deck allows you to copy Gyruda, get its enters trigger again, then sacrifice the Fleshcrafter to state-based actions. Now that it’s in your graveyard, you can just <em>Renew</em> it to turn your whole board into the best thing you stole (as long as it’s not legendary!)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Tip the Scales</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tip the Scales"></div></div>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/abzan-armor-precon-guide-tarkir-dragonstorm">Coming in from the Abzan precon</a>, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tip the Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Tip the Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This new three-mana board wipe hits a similar note as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toxic Deluge" href="#" target="_blank">Toxic Deluge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> by being cheap to cast while also giving you a little bit of control as to what will get swept up. In the case of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tip the Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Tip the Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, you're limited to the level of -X/-X you’re able to hit by how large the creature you sacrifice is.</p>
<p>I do think that it could still find a home in decks that reliably have larger creatures since there’s a good chance you would be able to wipe most of your opponents' chump blockers off the board, making way for bigger attacks to come.</p>
<p>Not that it needs anymore help, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Korvold, Fae-Cursed King" href="#" target="_blank">Korvold, Fae-Cursed King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> would benefit from utilizing this new sweeper. Sacrificing a creature to cast this spell will draw you a card and grow your commander, then you'll wipe most of the board all while leaving Korvold safe. Only three mana to change the face of the game in your favor is a nice rate, if you ask me.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Awaken the Honored Dead</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Awaken the Honored Dead"></div></div>
<p>Sorcery-speed removal might not be the most ideal in today’s meta, however I think we should make an exception for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Awaken the Honored Dead" href="#" target="_blank">Awaken the Honored Dead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Three mana to destroy any nonland permanent on the board, fill your graveyard, and then get something strong back to your hand from your graveyard are all pivotal in the right kind of deck. Even though the last chapter makes you discard a card, there’s plenty of cards that prefer to be in your graveyard, all while you get back exactly what you need for that turn.</p>
<p>A truly unique commander that can be built in so many different ways is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Xavier Sal, Infested Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Xavier Sal, Infested Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. If your deck is built around creating tokens and you need more permanents to remove counters from, then this new Saga is here to help. Imagine casting it, destroying something, then using your commander to remove the Saga’s lore counter, populate, and then destroy something all over again. It will surely become your playgroup’s least favorite combo.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Floral Evoker</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Floral Evoker"></div></div>
<p>Another card that assists you with filling your graveyard with creatures, all while ramping you, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Floral Evoker" href="#" target="_blank">Floral Evoker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-sultai-arisen-precon-guide-tarkir-dragonstorm">from the Sultai precon</a>. If you have a deck that's constantly throwing cards into the bin, you know that sometimes you'll mill a great land away that you just wish was on your battlefield instead. Similarly, you might also be in a spot where a creature is in your hand, and you just want it in your yard to reanimate. Well, Floral Evoker can help with both of those situations, all while growing whenever a land comes into play under your control.</p>
<p>I have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nethroi, Apex of Death" href="#" target="_blank">Nethroi, Apex of Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck in my collection, and I can tell you from experience that I would prefer that my lands are on the battlefield, and my creatures were in the graveyard. The Evoker assists on both levels, and all for only one mana! Plus, it can become a large threat on the battlefield while still having a smaller power in the graveyard if you need to recur it with Nethroi.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Glacierwood Siege</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glacierwood Siege"></div></div>
<p>If you happen to be in Simic colors and still need help with graveyard strategies, then <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glacierwood Siege" href="#" target="_blank">Glacierwood Siege</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here to help. Both modes can assist you depending on where you are in your gameplan. Sometimes you need more of your cards to be milled away; in that case you can choose 'Temur'. Other times, your bin is packed full of great lands, and choosing 'Sultai' as you cast this lets you have access to those cards again. If you’re in these colors and thinking about splurging on the expensive staple <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crucible of Worlds" href="#" target="_blank">Crucible of Worlds</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, pick this bulk rare up instead!</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flubs, the Fool" href="#" target="_blank">Flubs, the Fool</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a deck that can live fast and die young, so spells like this Siege can help offer some life support. As your gameplan continues, you’ll be discarding plenty of cards, and even though your commander lets you play an additional land on your turn, you may end up with no ways to get land drops. For only three mana, you can have a way to play any land you discard along the way not just <em>once</em>, but twice!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Thunder of Unity</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thunder of Unity"></div></div>
<p>A lot of aggressive strategies in Commander run into a few issues: little to no cards in hand as well as drawing the ire of the rest of the table as the game goes on. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thunder of Unity" href="#" target="_blank">Thunder of Unity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is here to help give you some more cards in hand, plus it sets you up for two turns of some life gain and drain. Sure, it’s a little telegraphed that one big token-making spell can help turn the match in your favor, but if no one has the means to remove this Saga, you can be set up for a huge swing in the game.</p>
<p>This new Saga is an absolute slam dunk in the Mardu precon, especially if you have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zurgo Stormrender" href="#" target="_blank">Zurgo Stormrender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> at the helm. Slamming down a lot of you threats from your hand just to have this Siege help refill it is nice of course, but if you can pump out a large number of tokens while those last two chapters are active, you can take your opponents down a few pegs. Pairing this with another spell that’s already in the precon like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Crescendo" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Crescendo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be such a huge blowout!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Winternight Stories</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winternight Stories"></div></div>
<p>Next up, we have a card that has a similar effect to many other spells we’ve seen before, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winternight Stories" href="#" target="_blank">Winternight Stories</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> brings another twist to the table. Harmonize lets you cast it again from your graveyard, which adds a lot of value to the mix. As we talked about before, throwing a creature into your 'yard can be just what some decks want, turning that downside into upside.</p>
<p>Paired with the right commander, this spell can become its own engine, allowing you to churn through the top cards for your deck, looking for the right piece at the right time.</p>
<p>A commander that I fell head over heels in love with when I first saw it this year was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist" href="#" target="_blank">Hashaton, Scarab&#039;s Fist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Decks built around this commander are always looking for ways to discard creatures while not going down with their cards in hand. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winternight Stories" href="#" target="_blank">Winternight Stories</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> fits that bill perfectly, all while being able to be cast again from your graveyard. Plus, its harmonize ability costs four generic mana and a blue, which means that the 4/4 Zombie versions of the creatures Hashaton makes can perfectly assist in recasting this spell!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Revival of the Ancestors</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Revival of the Ancestors"></div></div>
<p>Closing out the list today is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Revival of the Ancestors" href="#" target="_blank">Revival of the Ancestors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can give you board presence and the means to capitalize on it, all in one card. Making three flyers, buffing up to three creatures, and then giving your board trample and lifelink for a big swing can change the game in your favor! Trample is incredible, of course, but that lifelink shouldn't be overlooked since it can make for a big life total swap between you and your foes.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghave, Guru of Spores" href="#" target="_blank">Ghave, Guru of Spores</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a classic commander that still sees play to this day, and for good reason. Making tokens and building counters are both very popular archetypes, and this new Saga is proof of that. Ghava loves trading in counters for creatures, and vice versa, so having a spell that helps with both sides is incredibly useful in this deck! On top of that, if you already have a big board of modified tokens, this Saga can assist with closing out that game.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">The Wrap Up!</h2>
<p>Thank you so much for making it to the end of the list! This set is truly incredible, and even these budget rares can pack a big punch. If I missed any of your favorites here today, let me know in the comments below. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to dive headfirst into all those bulk piles I see building up...</p>


The Bulk Rares from Tarkir: Dragonstorm You Don't Want to Miss - Bulk Up!

Singleton Shmingleton - Raise Dead

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stop That" href="#" target="_blank">Stop That</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://ansonmaddocks.com/">Anson Maddocks</a>)</h6>
<h1>We usually like to read articles about how to best win a game of <em><strong>Magic: The Gathering</strong></em>,</h1>
<p>strategies on how to better your approach to the game. I'm not interested in that today. I want to talk about the approach we take, when we lose. When we concede a game, how do we go about it? This is, funnily, not a big deal in competitive 1v1 formats like Standard, but in Commander, it's a big deal.</p>
<p>Conceding a game when someone declares you as a target for a high value spell could potentially lead to irreparable damage to the board state for the other players.</p>
<p>In Commander, we all know that as a multiplayer format, the game doesn't necessarily end when you concede. In games like Standard, concession is encouraged to keep the games snappy and worthwhile.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inevitable Defeat"></div></div>
<p>When a player sees they've lost, they concede, in Competitive 1v1 formats. I want to talk about the the potential perspectives and feelings surrounding the topic of concession in Commander.</p>
<h2>"Da Rules"</h2>
<p>Before we get into how we feel, <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/rules">it's important to discuss the official, Wizards of the Coast's, ruling on the topic</a>. Trust me, pro instant speed scoopers in Commander are quick to bring up the comprehensible ruling on the topic. Rule 104.3a reads: "A player can concede the game at any time.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lose Hope"></div></div>
<p>A player who concedes leaves the game immediately. That player loses the game." So, according to Wizards of the Coast, scooping happens instantaneously. Before we discuss the morals of this, we have to discuss what happens when a player leaves the game.</p>
<p>According to rule 800.4a: "When a player leaves the game, all objects (see rule 109) owned by that player leave the game and any effects which give that player control of any objects or players end. Then, if that player controlled any objects on the stack not represented by cards, those objects cease to exist.</p>
<p>Then, if there are any objects still controlled by that player, those objects are exiled. This is not a state-based action. It happens as soon as the player leaves the game. If the player who left the game had priority at the time they left, priority passes to the next player in turn order who’s still in the game."</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lose Focus"></div></div>
<p>So, when someone concedes, everything about their board state, instantaneously changes. This is important to consider. Reading through some of 800.4: If combat damage would be assigned to that player, that damage isn’t assigned; If an object requires that player to pay a cost or choose whether to pay a cost, that cost is not paid; and mostly importantly according to 109.1.</p>
<p>An object is an ability on the stack, a card, a copy of a card, a token, a spell, a permanent, or an emblem so all objects owned by that player leave the game and any effects which give that player control of any objects or players end. Now that we're acquainted with the rules, now for the blood.</p>
<h2>Timing</h2>
<p>The biggest aspect of the etiquette of conceding focuses solely on the speed in which you concede. The colloquial term for this is instant speed scooping and sorcery speed scooping. Instant speed scooping allows a player to remove themselves from a game at any time, as written by WOTC.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Impeccable Timing"></div></div>
<p>It allows a player to leave a game which, from what I see online about this topic, is usually a miserable to continue playing. And they can do that on their own terms.</p>
<p>If they're sitting through a miserable Stax game, with no win in sight or an indeterminate infinite combo that the opponent insists on demonstrating, they can do that whenever they need to.</p>
<p>It also allows for the salty scoop as well, the spiteful one that might affect the games state or not, but simply when you no longer want to be apart of the game. We've all been there.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lose Calm"></div></div>
<p>The alternative is the sorcery speed scoop, which is also known as scooping on your turn. The idea is to let everyone have a chance to do what they need before you scoop.</p>
<p>This one is a little finicky because players will also just like to ask permission to scoop at instant speed in lieu of sorcery speed and consider them equal. "Can I scoop if you don't need me in the game for your turn."</p>
<p>Sorcery speed scooping allows triggers to happen as they need to before removing themselves from the game. It allows player dependent effects to continue until all players have had a chance the utilize this. An <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Insurrection" href="#" target="_blank">Insurrection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could be ruined by a instant speed scoop by the wrong player.</p>
<p>It disrupts the game state by scooping at instant speed, so sorcery speed scooping attempts to mitigate that. Asking permission also mitigates that.</p>
<p>It wouldn't be an opinion piece if I didn't include my 2 cents. I think for the most part, sorcery speed scooping is the way. We want to win because of our genius of the game.</p>
<p>We don't want to spite another player's win while losing ourselves. We're not trying to king-make, so scooping at instant speed seems spiteful to the person who is trying to win. However, for some reasons I'll get into in a second, scooping at instant speed should be an option as well.</p>
<h2>Doing the Thing</h2>
<p>Another contentious point about concessions is the feeling and reasoning behind the act. I know that's vague, but follow me. Sometimes a game of Commander is down to two players, putting their heart and soul into the end of the game. One player manages to play two components to an infinite combo.</p>
<p>The other player notices and has no interaction and concedes on the spot. The first player might feel some kind of way not being able to play out their combo at least once before their opponent concedes. They built their deck to do the thing and they want the opportunity to do that thing: demonstrate the loop, or finish out their turn to win without the loop.</p>
<p>This is the exact sentiment that brought me to writing this article (and posting about it on my socials to get ideas from the community).</p>
<p>My thoughts here, personally, are that you've already won in a 1v1 when I concede. Conceding is a legitimate win to the other player, and it should feel like that. I know it might not feel as good for some players, but it is still a win. Why should I have to walk through your combo to know that I've lost?</p>
<p>I know it will only take 3 seconds to demonstrate the loop, and to be really honest, I'm willing to see it if the first time you've ever done it, or you're not sure about the line in it and are testing, but if it's just to win the way you want, I'm out.</p>
<p>It seems like you're rubbing my face into a loss. This is why a lot of players insist on scooping at instant speed even when it's high key toxic: to protect against players that want to rub their faces into a loss or a player who wants to make the experience un-fun for the other player. But maybe that's the salt in me. I imagine you can feel the heavy levels of salt through the screen.</p>
<h2>What is the Right Etiquette?</h2>
<p>Hey, if left to me, it will always be a concession at sorcery speed unless the person you're playing with is trying to rub it in your face. Sympathy first, flexibility when needed. The interesting thing is that concession is admitting a loss, which is tough in and of itself. No one likes to lose, to say they have nothing left, but this article is more about how that action affects others.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaws of Defeat"></div></div>
<p>In Commander everything we do doesn't just affect our board states and our emotions but the board states and emotions of our opponents. What exactly is most important in a game of Commander: personal fun or the fun of the table? It's tough to say when those two things diverge in a game.</p>
<p>Either way, I know I took sides with this article, but take my thoughts as a suggestion. I know how unique everyone's experiences are and these aren't hard and fast rules. I see the ultimate merit to both sides of the argument, and because I've shared a lot of your sentiments.</p>
<p>We can't transpose a hard rule for every play group. We can't expect others to accept our personal expectations on a game, just like we can't get people to not lie about the power levels--sorry, <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/wotc-introduces-new-bracket-system-for-edh">Bracket</a>--of their decks just to get a cheap win. However, we can advocate as much as we can and avoid players we don't enjoy.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Closing Statement"></div></div>
<p>I will always end an article with the same thing: talk to your pod. Talk about your reasons for wanting to scoop at instant or sorcery speed and discuss your feelings on it. It's not about what is right or wrong, it's about compromise to make the experience best for everyone.</p>
<p>Commander is an incredibly social game and requires social solutions. Maybe WOTC sees a need here, like they have with the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/bracketeering-eternal-might">Brackets</a>, to discuss a Commander specific rule on scooping. Perhaps they don't need to. I want to hear your thoughts! <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/mike-carrozza">For more social aspects of Commander, check out Am I the Bolas</a>.</p>
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