<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.gallerygerard.com/the-art-of-justin-gerard" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Justin Gerard</a></em></p>
<p>Fan favorite Merfolk Sygg returns in the upcoming set <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ecl" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em></a>, as we revisit the much beloved plane in January. What better way to celebrate than by building a brand new Commander deck for him?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom"></div></div>
<p>But before we get ahead of ourselves, let's take a look at the freshwater ferryman that'll be leading our 99. As <em>Lorwyn Eclipsed</em> is set in a plane where the very nature of the world changes from day to night, Sygg has two faces which we can transform between to represent him in both Lorwyn and Shadowmoor.</p>
<p>On the front face, Wanderwine Wisdom, we have an unblockable 2/2 Merfolk Wizard that can't be blocked. Whenever Sygg enters or transforms back into his Wanderwine form, we can target any creature we control with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curiosity" href="#" target="_blank">Curiosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> style effect. For the rest of the turn, if they hit an opponent or one of their planeswalkers in combat, we draw ourselves a card.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Curiosity"></div></div>
<p>For this brand new set, transformation doesn't require us to meet any special conditions. Instead it's a repeatable paid ability that triggers at the start of every main phase. If we pay one <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> we'll flip Sygg over to his Wanderbrine side.</p>
<h2>Sygg's Shadow</h2>
<p>Whenever Sygg flips into <span class="edhrecp__link reverse"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we get to suit up one of our creatures with protection from every color. That makes whatever creature we choose with our ability very difficult to interact with.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards reverse"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom"></div></div>
<p>As Sygg's abilities are tied to his transformations, it can make him a little tricky to build around. Most transforming creatures will stay transformed once it's happened. But with this new flipping mechanic from <em>Lorwyn Eclipsed, </em>Sygg can technically flip back and once on every turn. It's similar to Day &amp; Night from the most recent <em>Innistrad</em> sets, but in this case we have much more direct control over the process.</p>
<h2>Making Sure We’re Equipped for Combat</h2>
<p>As Sygg's rather strange ability seems to want us to make something de facto unblockable like himself and swing in for combat damage-tied card advantage, we should build a deck that wants to get stuck into combat. But as Sygg only targets a single creature with his ability, we really want to be focusing on a single attacker.</p>
<p>Luckily, with the protection that Sygg gives us, we'll be able to make sure that our chosen creature gets in for combat damage. What we now need to provide that creature is some buffs so that we can present lethal damage to our opponents, as well as a bevvy of combat damage triggers to make sure we get as much bang for our buck as we can from one big hit.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Geist of Saint Traft"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zethi, Arcane Blademaster"></div></div>
<p>For that reason we're going for a sort of <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron</a> strategy in which we cram loads of buffs and triggers onto one single creature. And as Sygg will provide our creature with protection from all colors, we want those buffs to be colorless or else the protection will cause them to fall off.</p>
<p>That's why we're taking an Equipment focus with this build! And as Sygg's <em>Shadowmoor</em> self was a sort of swashbuckling sellsword, it makes sense that we'd suit up our swingers with an assortment of swords. Sibilance!</p>
<h2>Sellsword Sells Swords</h2>
<p>For those not aware, the Sword of X and Y cycle is a collection of ten Equipment cards, each one linked to one of the ten color pairs in <em>Magic</em>. They provide the bearer protection from both of those colors and give a +2/+2 buff. That's a pretty good benefit on its own for three mana, but what really makes them sing for our deck is the combat damage triggers they provide.</p>
<p>Whenever a creature deals combat damage to a player whilst equipped with one of these Swords, we get two triggers. One representing each of the two colors on the sword. The <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Feast and Famine" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Feast and Famine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for example, gives us some hand hate against our opponent and allows us to untap all our lands, effectively doubling the resources we have access to each turn.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Feast and Famine"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Fire and Ice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Hearth and Home"></div></div>
<p>The Sword cycle is notoriously powerful, and for good reason. When you load up enough of them onto a creature you'll get a wild amount of value out of just one swing. Not to mention that combined they give a total +20 to your creature's power.</p>
<p>The plan is very simple: We go big, and then we bring it home! We present lethal combat damage attached to creatures that can't be blocked or interacted with.</p>
<p>So how do we make it work?</p>
<h2>Finding Our Weapons</h2>
<p>First up we'll need some card advantage. This plan is all well and good, but what if our swords are still sitting in our deck? Our attacks aren't going to look very impressive.</p>
<p>First of all, we can look to some basic card draw.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sram, Senior Edificer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Puresteel Paladin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shimmer Dragon"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sram, Senior Edificer" href="#" target="_blank">Sram, Senior Edificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are classics for Equipment decks as they refill our hand whenever our Equipment enters the field. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shimmer Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Shimmer Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides some repeatable, instant speed card draw by allowing us to tap two swords for a card. As Equipment doesn't do any tapping on its own, it's effectively free.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stoneforge Mystic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starwinder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Open the Armory"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starwinder" href="#" target="_blank">Starwinder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a little more top end but will give us crazy card draw after a big swing - not to mention we can warp him in on the cheap on big turns. We can also take advantage of Equipment tutor effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stoneforge Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Stoneforge Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to root through our library for the swords we need.</p>
<h2>Suiting Up</h2>
<p>The key feature of Equipment cards is that they trade the Aura's one time use for a repeatable equip cost. But that equip cost can start to rack up once we've got enough Equipment on board. With effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brass Squire" href="#" target="_blank">Brass Squire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Codsworth, Handy Helper" href="#" target="_blank">Codsworth, Handy Helper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we can circumvent the equip costs to keep prices down.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brass Squire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Codsworth, Handy Helper"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forge Anew"></div></div>
<p>Cards like <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> however will reduce costs over all. And the fantastic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forge Anew" href="#" target="_blank">Forge Anew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will not only provide a one time discount but also allow us to equip our swords at instant speed. That turns them into repeatable protection effects against enemy spells when we need them.</p>
<p>Forge Anew also allows us to recur important Equipment from the graveyard when opponents inevitably try to remove our swords. We need to protect the things that are giving us protection, after all.</p>
<h2>Redundancy for Sygg</h2>
<p>Speaking of protection, it's worth noting that Sygg's effect is a little slow. We only get it once every other turn and we're forced to do it right at the start of our main phase. To make sure we have enough of a wall between us and our opponents' spells, we should plan some backups.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mother of Runes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel"></div></div>
<p>Luckily we're in white, which gives us a load of options - the premier color for keeping our warriors safe! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mother of Runes" href="#" target="_blank">Mother of Runes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a staple for this type of effect, giving us instant-speed protection from a single color.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pippin, Guard of the Citadel" href="#" target="_blank">Pippin, Guard of the Citadel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can also provide protection from the card type of our choice. Either something like instants to ignore interaction or just creatures to make us unblockable.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ephemerate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghostly Flicker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archaeomancer"></div></div>
<p>To get around the turns in which Sygg will transform back to his less exciting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curiosity" href="#" target="_blank">Curiosity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect, we can take advantage of flickering! Using cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> we can have Sygg re-enter the battlefield in our upkeep to give his regular blue effect, then allowing us to transform him to his white side again for the protection.</p>
<p>With cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archaeomancer" href="#" target="_blank">Archaeomancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mnemonic Wall" href="#" target="_blank">Mnemonic Wall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that effect can become repeatable as we pick back up our flicker spells.</p>
<h2>Finding the Right Attacker</h2>
<p>The only piece left of the puzzle is to find a decent creature to connect with our opponents. For that we want to seek out slippery creatures with great evasive skills or ones that hit extra hard. Creatures like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Geist of Saint Traft" href="#" target="_blank">Geist of Saint Traft</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> who's not only hexproof but rewards us with a free extra attacker with every swing.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wraith, Vicious Vigilante"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Geist of Saint Traft"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wraith, Vicious Vigilante" href="#" target="_blank">Wraith, Vicious Vigilante</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is unblockable even without protection effects, and she's also blessed with double strike, giving us double the damage and double the combat damage triggers from our swords!</p>
<p>The aforementioned Danitha has some great keywords, like lifelink to keep us kicking, and vigilance allowing us to save her as a blocker for our opponents' turns. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer" href="#" target="_blank">Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> however will find us artifacts from the top of our deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Danitha Capashen, Paragon"></div></div>
<h2>A List to Start With</h2>
<p>With all those elements combined you could have yourself a pretty powerful Equipment-focused deck. Just be sure to brush up on the rules for protection! As it's a symmetrical effect you can put yourself in some sticky situations in you're not careful.</p>
<p>For example, when Sygg gives multicolored protection to your creature, make sure it doesn't already have protection from white! Otherwise you won't be able to target it.</p>
<p>I've put together a list below that provides a look at how a deck like this might be constructed. Feel free to either put it together yourself or use it as a basis to build up your own Sygg list. Are you excited to play with this brand new version of a classic character? Let me know in the comments below how you're planning to build him!</p>
<h2>Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Sygg Equipment" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom // Sygg, Wanderbrine Shield
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Archaeomancer
*1 Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist
*1 Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer
*1 Brass Squire
*1 Bronze Guardian
*1 Codsworth, Handy Helper
*1 Danitha Capashen, Paragon
*1 Emry, Lurker of the Loch
*1 Esper Sentinel
*1 Etherium Sculptor
*1 Geist of Saint Traft
*1 Halvar, God of Battle // Sword of the Realms
*1 Hydroelectric Specimen // Hydroelectric Laboratory
*1 Leonin Shikari
*1 Mendicant Core, Guidelight
*1 Mnemonic Wall
*1 Mother of Runes
*1 Padeem, Consul of Innovation
*1 Pippin, Guard of the Citadel
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Shimmer Dragon
*1 Silent Arbiter
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Starwinder
*1 Stoneforge Mystic
*1 Wraith, Vicious Vigilante
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Azorius Locket
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Blackblade Reforged
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Excalibur, Sword of Eden
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Kaldra Compleat
*1 Marble Diamond
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Sky Diamond
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of Body and Mind
*1 Sword of Feast and Famine
*1 Sword of Fire and Ice
*1 Sword of Forge and Frontier
*1 Sword of Hearth and Home
*1 Sword of Light and Shadow
*1 Sword of Once and Future
*1 Sword of Sinew and Steel
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 Sword of War and Peace
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Worn Powerstone
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Aetherize
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Cloudshift
*1 Counterspell
*1 Cryptic Command
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Ghostly Flicker
*1 Jwari Disruption // Jwari Ruins
*1 Kabira Takedown // Kabira Plateau
*1 Muddle the Mixture
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Razorgrass Ambush // Razorgrass Field
*1 Sejiri Shelter // Sejiri Glacier
*1 Sink into Stupor // Soporific Springs
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Three Steps Ahead
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Lórien Revealed
*1 Ondu Inversion // Ondu Skyruins
*1 Open the Armory
*1 Supreme Verdict
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Forge Anew
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Azorius Chancery
*1 Command Tower
*1 Deserted Beach
*1 Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
*1 Floodfarm Verge
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*6 Island
*1 Maze of Ith
*1 Meticulous Archive
*1 Mistrise Village
*1 Mystic Gate
*1 Otawara, Soaring City
*7 Plains
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Restless Anchorage
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Skycloud Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Read More:</h3>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="RRr3EIX2xv"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/eirdu-carrier-of-dawn-isilu-carrier-of-twilight-commander-deck/">Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight Commander Deck</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Eirdu, Carrier of Dawn // Isilu, Carrier of Twilight Commander Deck&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/eirdu-carrier-of-dawn-isilu-carrier-of-twilight-commander-deck/embed/#?secret=1dWzmLNdrg#?secret=RRr3EIX2xv" data-secret="RRr3EIX2xv" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="tC03WtTt5p"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ashling-rekindled-ashling-rimebound-deck-tech/">Ashling Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound Deck Tech</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Ashling Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound Deck Tech&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/ashling-rekindled-ashling-rimebound-deck-tech/embed/#?secret=MyzSOJjuMt#?secret=tC03WtTt5p" data-secret="tC03WtTt5p" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="8flOAJ1H3w"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/everything-revealed-for-2026-in-the-preview-panel-at-magiccon-atlanta/">Everything Revealed for 2026 in the Preview Panel at MagicCon Atlanta</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Everything Revealed for 2026 in the Preview Panel at MagicCon Atlanta&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/everything-revealed-for-2026-in-the-preview-panel-at-magiccon-atlanta/embed/#?secret=XcQu8bR37X#?secret=8flOAJ1H3w" data-secret="8flOAJ1H3w" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


Sygg Sells Swords! - Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom Commander Deck Tech

Under the Radar - Niambi, Esteemed Speaker

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tobias, Doomed Conqueror" href="#" target="_blank">Tobias, Doomed Conqueror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art by <a href="https://burmak.ru/">Dmitry Burmak</a></h6>
<p>Welcome back to <em>Bottom of the Barrel</em>! This is a series where we pick a theme from EDHREC and look at the “bottom of the barrel.” This means that we look at the least played color-combination and pick a commander in those colors to brew a spicy new deck around!</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">It’s likely that this commander has not been considered for this theme before, and that’s the point! This allows us to play around with themes that we enjoy while keeping our decks unique and interesting.</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">For today's edition, we're switching things up a bit. Usually we focus on a particular theme, but today we're focusing on a <em>type</em>: Zombies.</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">This theme is very common in Dimir (black and blue), with the most popular "Zombies" commander coming from an <em>Innistrad: Midnight Hunt</em> preconstructed Commander deck. According to EDHREC, there is one thing that Zombie commander decks have in common: the color black.</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wilhelt, the Rotcleaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Scarab God"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Varina Lich Queen"></div></div></p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gisa and Geralf"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grimgrin, Corpse-Born"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghoulcaller Gisa"></div></div></p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">But what would happen if we replaced black with another color?</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">According to EDHREC, Azorius (white and blue) is on the "bottom of the barrel" for Zombie decks, with only 15 decks to its identity. Seeing <em>only 15 decks</em>, we have a winner! Looking into possible commanders, there was one that stood out above the rest: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tobias, Doomed Conqueror" href="#" target="_blank">Tobias, Doomed Conqueror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tobias, Doomed Conqueror"></div></div></p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">Now, I know what you're thinking: "Wait, isn't Tobias a human? Isn't this supposed to be a <em>Zombie</em> deck??"</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">Allow me to explain...</p>
<h2>Category #1: Death Triggers</h2>
<p>Looking at Tobias, his ability to make Zombies cares about the amount nontoken creatures that can die in one turn. With this mind, our game plan will need to revolve around 1 huge turn of sacrificing our creatures for value. That being said, Tobias is also an amazing piece of board wipe protection, and can generate huge value if we keep the mana open to flash him in during critical points in the game.</p>
<p>Since our creatures need to die, it make sense to add creatures that <em>want</em> to die: Inga, Rune-Eyes can be a great source of card draw if enough creatures die; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surveilling Sprite" href="#" target="_blank">Surveilling Sprite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Palace Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Palace Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Outlaw Medic," href="#" target="_blank">Outlaw Medic,</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Malcator&#039;s Watcher" href="#" target="_blank">Malcator&#039;s Watcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> generate card advantage and are the <em>perfect</em> blockers; and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ao, the Dawn Sky" href="#" target="_blank">Ao, the Dawn Sky</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can grant us crazy value when he dies.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inga, Rune-Eyes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Surveilling Sprite"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Palace Familiar"></div></div>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Outlaw Medic"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Malacator&#039;s Watcher"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ao, the Dawn Sky"></div></div></p>
<h2>Category #2: Sacrifice</h2>
<p>Since we want our creatures to die, sacrifice outlets are crucial: Ravenous Amulet is a great piece of new tech that does it all; Martyr's Cause can save us against any huge attackers; and Spawning Pit can help us create more tokens outside of the Zombies that Tobias makes.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ravenous Amulet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Martyr&#039;s Cause"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spawning Pit"></div></div>
<p>If we can't draw our sacrifice outlets, we still need ways to ensure that our creatures can die <em>on our own terms.</em> For this need, we can add creatures that sacrifice themselves to provide an effect.</p>
<p>For example: Bounty Agent can kill a commander or another "legendary" threat; Cathar Commando can remove a problem artifact or enchantment; Glen Elendra Archmage can counter any pesky noncreature spells that could put us in trouble (I'm looking at you, Expropriate!); and Benevolent Bodyguard can protect any of our creatures from any targeted action (as long as the source has a color).</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bounty Agent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cathar Commando"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glen Elendra Archmage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Benevolent Bodyguard"></div></div>
<h2>Category #3: Recursion</h2>
<p>With any strategy that relies on our own creatures dying, it's important that we have enough recursion pieces to keep our engine moving. My decklist has a whopping 12 pieces of recursion, but that is necessary for our game plan to succeed.</p>
<p>I won't list all 12 here, but here are a few of the highlights: God-Pharoah's Gift goes from former standard all star to arguably our best piece of recursion (not to mention, it turns the creatures into <em>Zombies</em>!); Enduring Renewal has a bit of a downside, but getting our creatures back to our hand when they die is incredibly powerful; and Starfall Invocation acts as both a board wipe <em>and</em> a reanimation spell - what's not to love!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="God-Pharaoh&#039;s Gift"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Enduring Renewal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Starfall invocation"></div></div>
<h2>Category #4: The "Secret <em>Zombie</em> Spice"</h2>
<p>I'm sure by now you may have forgotten that this deck is a Zombie deck, but have no fear! We have plenty of sneaky ways to ensure that our "Zombie plan" is fulfilled! The first, and most obvious, card is Maskwood Nexus, as it turns <em>all</em> of our creatures into Zombies, and this will allow us to copy any creature on our board with a card like Cleaver Skaab.</p>
<p>God-Eternal Oketra creates 4/4 Zombies whenever we cast a creature spell, which is amazing on its own, but can get really ridiculous with things like Aven Wind Guide.</p>
<p>Stitcher Geralf gets a nod in this deck as well, as he is able to creature a <em>huge</em> Zombie token while removing resources from our opponents. When we have our Zombies, either from Tobias or otherwise, Hordewing Skaab can help close out the game by granting our undead friends flying.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Maskwood Nexus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cleaver Skaab"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="God-Eternal Oketra"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aven Wind Guide"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stitcher Geralf"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hordewing Skaab"></div></div>
<p>For today's deck, we also have a "secret spice MVP", and that is Geralf, Visionary Stitcher.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Geralf, Visionary Stitcher"></div></div>
<p>Geralf does everything this decks wants: sacrifices creatures AND makes Zombies. Turning our value creatures into <em>flying Zombies</em> can create problems our opponents will struggle to handle.</p>
<p>Overall, this deck was an absolute blast to build and playtest, and I hope you'll feel inspired to give this lesser-played commander a chance!</p>
<p data-slot-rendered-content="true">This brings us to the end of our third edition of <em>Bottom of the Barrel</em>! I hope you enjoyed exploring a lesser-played color-combination in the world of Zombies, and hope you’ll take my ideas to brew your own craziness!</p>
<p>Check out my decklist below!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Bottom of the Barrel - Tobias, Doomed Conqueror" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Tobias, Doomed Conqueror
[/Commander]
[Sorceries]
*1 Ascend from Avernus
*1 Starfall Invocation
*1 Storm of Souls
*1 Time Wipe
[/Sorceries]
[Creatures]
*1 Ao, the Dawn Sky
*1 Aven Wind Guide
*1 Benevolent Bodyguard
*1 Boss&#039;s Chauffeur
*1 Bounty Agent
*1 Cathar Commando
*1 Champion of Wits
*1 Cleaver Skaab
*1 Elesh Norn // The Argent Etchings
*1 Enduring Innocence
*1 Eternal of Harsh Truths
*1 Geralf, Visionary Stitcher
*1 Glen Elendra Archmage
*1 God-Eternal Oketra
*1 High Fae Trickster
*1 Hordewing Skaab
*1 Inga Rune-Eyes
*1 Jason Bright, Glowing Prophet
*1 Luminous Broodmoth
*1 Malcator&#039;s Watcher
*1 Mulldrifter
*1 Nulldrifter
*1 Outlaw Medic
*1 Palace Familiar
*1 Phantasmal Image
*1 Phantasmal Shieldback
*1 Phantom Steed
*1 Selfless Spirit
*1 Stitched Assistant
*1 Stitcher Geralf
*1 Surveilling Sprite
*1 The Council of Four
*1 Vizier of Many Faces
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Cauldron of Souls
*1 Gate to the Afterlife
*1 God-Pharaoh&#039;s Gift
*1 Hourglass of the Lost
*1 Maskwood Nexus
*1 Midnight Clock
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Ravenous Amulet
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Spawning Pit
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Enduring Renewal
*1 Gift of Immortality
*1 Martyr&#039;s Cause
*1 Promise of Tomorrow
*1 Valkyrie&#039;s Call
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Akroma&#039;s Will
*1 Brought Back
*1 Faith&#039;s Reward
*1 Lazotep Plating
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Rally the Ancestors
*1 Second Sunrise
*1 Startle
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Azorius Chancery
*1 Command Tower
*1 Cradle of the Accursed
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Deserted Beach
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Field of the Dead
*1 High Market
*9 Island
*1 Lazotep Quarry
*1 Meticulous Archive
*1 Myriad Landscape
*10 Plains
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 War Room
[/Lands]"></span></div>


Bottom of the Barrel - Tobias, Doomed Conqueror

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<a href="https://scryfall.com/card/unf/527/space-beleren">Space Beleren</a> | Art by <a href="https://artofscooter.com/">Scooter</a>)</h6>
<h1>W<span style="font-size: 12pt;">ould</span> U let me be your commander?</h1>
<p>The question of planeswalkers as commanders has been brought up in <em>Magic</em> discourse an infinite number of times. People say it would kill EDH as a format, and others say it will do nothing but give more options to an endless pool of commanders. I believe the truth is somewhere in the middle. My name is Nick, and the seventh installment of <em>Myth Realized</em> will cover Azorius (blue, white) cards and how they would each ruin (or not ruin) your favorite 100-card singleton format.</p>
<p>If you have stuck around with me till this article, then you know what cards to look out for in this color combination. If not, check out the individual articles I did on both <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/myth-realized-what-if-any-planeswalker-could-be-your-commander/">white</a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/myth-realized-what-if-any-planeswalker-could-be-your-commander-blue-pt-1/">blue</a> to see the cards I've shouted out before in these colors.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dovin, Architect of Law" href="#" target="_blank">Dovin, Architect of Law</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong> - 4WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dovin, Architect of Law"></div></div>
<p>This is one of the better Planeswalker Deck planeswalkers that we have seen up till this point. It does cost six mana, but it has abilities you want to see on a planeswalker, especially in these colors. Drawing cards, gaining life, and locking down a single creature or an entire opponent's board gives you a lot of decisions. I would not be embarrassed to have this as my commander, but I feel this would be an annoying and tiresome deck to play against. Dovin would be very good friends with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghostly Prison" href="#" target="_blank">Ghostly Prison</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Propaganda" href="#" target="_blank">Propaganda</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dovin Baan" href="#" target="_blank">Dovin Baan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 2WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dovin Baan"></div></div>
<p>Similar to one of his other versions, Baan would be a very serviceable planeswalker to lead a deck. The tradeoff for this Dovin is less mana to cast, but less starting loyalty. A bonus is the "lockdown" ability, which is a +1 this time. I think this Dovin is better since if you are able to ultimate this, you get a one-sided <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winter Orb" href="#" target="_blank">Winter Orb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Sadly, counter-doubling cards paired with Planeswalkers do not get you an immediate ultimate, but in UW (blue, white) there are plenty of ways to make it to one more turn around the table.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dovin, Hand of Control" href="#" target="_blank">Dovin, Hand of Control</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 2W </strong>or <strong>2U</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dovin, Hand of Control"></div></div>
<p>A fitting name since most of the cards that end up in your opponent's hand are going to be stranded there thanks to Dovin. I think the passive ability on this card is why you would want to run it in your command zone. Doing their best impression of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Arbiter Augustin IV" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Arbiter Augustin IV</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, this would be a similar style of deck.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narset Transcendent" href="#" target="_blank">Narset Transcendent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 2WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Narset Transcendent"></div></div>
<p>This card is a powerhouse planeswalker. Only four mana and a massive six loyalty to start out with is crazy. Narset features a +1 that lets you get the top card off your deck more often than not (as long as you build right) and a -2 that can make a good spell great by letting you cast it the next turn, thanks to rebound. I have gotten this card to ultimate before, and it is one of the most guaranteed ways to end a game. Locking your opponents to only casting creatures when you have a UW deck, a color combination known for dealing with creatures as its favorite pastime, does not look good for your opponents. I would imagine this card would see a big uptick in play if it were legal to lead a deck.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Niko Aris" href="#" target="_blank">Niko Aris</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- XWUU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Niko Aris"></div></div>
<p>One of the most interesting planeswalkers out there and one of the hardest to evaluate. I have talked before about planeswalkers with abilities that do not mesh together to form a game plan. Niko suffers from this same idea. There are a lot of things that can be done with this card. You can reuse enter-the battlefield (ETB) triggers with its +1, make tokens off its cast and its -1, and kill a tapped creature if you draw the right amount of cards. Unless you can find a way to maximize the Shard tokens this card can make, you're going to run this card because you like the character more than the abilities they were given.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Space Beleren" href="#" target="_blank">Space Beleren</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 2WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Space Beleren"></div></div>
<p>I know what you are going to say. "Nick, this is an un-card; why are you wasting our time with it?" Because the card is legal in the format and, honestly, might be super fun as a commander. This card does something unique by dividing the battlefield into three zones and then having its abilities do things to zones of your choice. Thoughts on un-cards aside, I think this would be a very interesting UW creatures-matter commander, and that is not something often seen in these colors. Bonus if you want to get really weird with this card and slap <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Luxior, Giada&#039;s Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Luxior, Giada&#039;s Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on it.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Hero of Dominaria" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Hero of Dominaria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 3WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi, Hero of Dominaria"></div></div>
<p>Strong. Dominant. Format defining. Hated. These words are often used to describe Teferi, and this card is one of the reasons why. One of the most UW cards to ever exist. A +1 that can draw you into action and give you the mana to cast it or untap a utility land. A minus ability that is both removal and a way people have avoided milling out on their path to victory. Finally, one of the most back-breaking ultimates ever. A guaranteed commander if it was legal, and a very good one at that.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Timebender" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Timebender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 4WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi, Timebender"></div></div>
<p>So Azorius cards might have gotten the "best" Planeswalker Deck planeswalkers we have seen so far. Much like the first card in this article, six mana is up there in cost, but this card is all about gaining you advantage. The ability to untap an artifact and a creature can lead to all forms of combo potential. Any card that can let you take an extra turn is always viable, so having that out of the command zone is welcomed.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Time Raveler" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Time Raveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 1WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi, Time Raveler"></div></div>
<p>One of the best passive abilities ever seen on a planeswalker. This is also a callback to his non-planeswalker version <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Another callback is the ability this card has to let you cast sorceries at instant speed, and if you have never cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrath of God" href="#" target="_blank">Wrath of God</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> during your opponent's combat step, you have never lived. The -3 does put this card into the danger zone of dying to a stiff breeze, but bouncing almost any nonland permanent you or an opponent has and drawing a card is often worth it. If all of this was not good enough, three mana makes this card come down early and lets you possibly have it come down often.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 2WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Teferi, Who Slows the Sunset"></div></div>
<p>I underrated this card when it first came out. I looked at the words on this card and laughed. Then I got smashed by this card in 1v1 formats and realized sometimes I am bad at magic. This Teferi is a solid roleplayer type of card. Untapping three different cards you control (or tapping three of your opponent's cards) and gaining two life on a +1 lets Teferi stay on the board for a long time. Getting to have the best of your top three cards and clear unwanted cards allows for a lot of selection. Now, the ultimate on this card does not look "game-winning", but there is a reason that 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> and the banned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prophet of Kruphix" href="#" target="_blank">Prophet of Kruphix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are/were considered must-kill threats by many. The benefit to Teferi is that if you get to its -7, you get an emblem, which cannot be killed. Plus, unlike Seedborn and Prophet, you get to draw a card as well. This card slows sunsets and slows down Commander pods when it gets to lead a deck.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Venser, the Sojourner" href="#" target="_blank">Venser, the Sojourner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <strong>- 3WU</strong></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Venser, the Sojourner"></div></div>
<p>The reason that Karn is able to planeswalk. Lore aside, I have always liked this card, and I will defend myself and say it is with good reason. This is often seen in blink decks thanks to its +2 ability. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Space Beleren" href="#" target="_blank">Space</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, this is another UW planeswalker that cares about creatures. Low loyalty and a five-mana value casting cost makes getting to the -8 emblem tricky but rewarding, since you are almost certain to win the game when every spell you cast comes with a free exile. The first two abilities look strange on the same card, but I will say that designers were playing the long game knowing that Venser was just waiting to get a hold of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Luxior, Giada&#039;s Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Luxior, Giada&#039;s Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or to get animated with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sarkhan the Masterless" href="#" target="_blank">Sarkhan the Masterless</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>alongside other planeswalker friends. They gave Venser the ability to grant unblockable, I suspect, with the knowledge of foresight. Another potential option for a blink commander or another option of the ever-growing UW creatures-matter archetype being discovered in this article.</p>
<hr />
<h3><strong>Wrap Up</strong></h3>
<p>Azorius has a reputation for being a hard-control color combination in the game. Years of counterspells and wrath effects preventing players prone to entering the combat step pull their hair out in disgust at what is sitting across the table from them. The planeswalkers available in this color combination do not shy away from this fully, but they might tone it down a bit. Would <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi, Time Raveler" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi, Time Raveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> need to be banned? What about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narset Transcendent" href="#" target="_blank">Narset Transcendent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Anything is possible, after all.</p>
<p>I think these cards would fit into the same realm as many of the currently available commanders in this color. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Arbiter Augustin IV" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Arbiter Augustin IV</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lavinia, Azorius Renegade" href="#" target="_blank">Lavinia, Azorius Renegade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> certainly could be argued as more oppressive than anything in the list above, but the majority does not seem to be calling for either of those cards' heads. Many of these cards would be strong, and there would be people who would build a deck with them. However, the vast majority of players will all, without talking to one another, decide they would rather not build decks around these cards, much like many of the overpowered options in Commander out there.</p>
<p>Azorius aside, join me with my next article, where we go over the sneakiest of all the two-color combinations: Dimir.</p>


Myth Realized - What if Any Planeswalker Could Be Your Commander? (Azorius)

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alora, Merry Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Alora, Merry Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.aaronbmiller.com/">Aaron Miller</a>)</h6>
<h1>Epic Preparations</h1>
<p>Hello, EDHREC fans! I’m Bernardo, and this is <em>Epic Experiment</em>, a series where we throw all common sense aside and experiment with some unusual strategies, changing how we normally build our deck. Is it going to work? Who knows?! We’re making science here. When you’re an Izzet mage, blowing things up is half the fun.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alora, Merry Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Alora, Merry Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alora, Merry Thief"></div></div>
<p>Alora's kit is simple, yet surprisingly flexible. While it might seem a bit underwhelming at first, since it's a combat ability in a multiplayer format, it only targets one creature, and we have to bounce that creature back to our hand at our end step. However, upon closer inspection, there are a lot of ways that we can capitalize on this snazzy and subtle effect!</p>
<p>The most obvious interactions with Alora are, of course, creatures that benefit from the evasion, like <em>Infect</em> or <em>Ninjutsu</em> creatures. Playing around with Backgrounds is super fun and gives us color flexibility for these archetypes, but overall, the pool on each of those specific strategies still feels limited, for some reason.</p>
<p>The second part of her triggered ability is the thing that caught my eye. It turns out that it's actually really easy to leverage Alora's 'downside' into a strength! Bouncing our creatures can be extremely versatile! We can use it to re-trigger enter-the-battlefield effects, for instance, or invest in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Act of Treason" href="#" target="_blank">Act of Treason</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects to steal, attack with, and subsequently bounce our opponents' creatures. We can also avoid bad end-of-turn triggers, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sneak Attack" href="#" target="_blank">Sneak Attack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded" href="#" target="_blank">Purphoros, Bronze-Blooded</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects. The possibilities are endless!</p>
<p>So what did I decide to try with Alora? Let's get to it!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Ingredients</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Far Traveler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reflector Mage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azami, Lady of Scrolls"></div></div>
<p>Let's get straight to the point: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Far Traveler" href="#" target="_blank">Far Traveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an <em>incredible</em> Background to pair with Alora. First, it gives us the option to keep the creature that we targeted with our commander, because we can stack the end step triggers so that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Far Traveler" href="#" target="_blank">Far Traveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> blinks the creature first. When it re-enters, it's considered a new game object, and Alora's ability won't affect that creature anymore!</p>
<p>Second, it allows us to get even more value out of our ETB triggers. Blinking creatures to get tons of extra effects is tried and true for white and blue, which means we have a lot of tricks to work with. In fact, while looking through cards, I realized there's a tribe of creatures that would make this deck really hum along nicely, and it has the bonus of making the deck even more D&amp;D themed: Wizards are perfect for this strategy, because they're moderately cheap, have plenty of useful ETB effects like removal and card draw, and they'll benefit from a constant source of unblockability.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Barrin, Tolarian Archmage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Champion of Wits"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Naban, Dean of Iteration"></div></div>
<p>The blue side of our deck resembles a somewhat run-of-the-mill Wizard tribal list, with lots of card draw and utility-based threats. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Naban, Dean of Iteration" href="#" target="_blank">Naban, Dean of Iteration</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the archetype's cornerstones, as he's cheap and allows us to go over the top pretty fast. Cheap creatures, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faerie Seer" href="#" target="_blank">Faerie Seer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overwhelmed Apprentice" href="#" target="_blank">Overwhelmed Apprentice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sage of Epityr" href="#" target="_blank">Sage of Epityr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are solid early plays that can be bounced back to our hand as a cheap way to fuel some of our favorite cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rumor Gatherer" href="#" target="_blank">Rumor Gatherer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Watcher for Tomorrow" href="#" target="_blank">Watcher for Tomorrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerhouse in this deck and plays well with our Background, constantly digging out tons of extra cards for us. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclone Summoner" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclone Summoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be a bit wonky at times, especially when it ends up bouncing our Background and commander (ouch), but it's still a one-sided board wipe that can be used more than once throughout a game. That 7/7 body is also no joke with Alora.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Door of Destinies"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Obelisk of Urd"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vanquisher&#039;s Banner"></div></div>
<p>Our support suite feels pretty different than most Wizards builds out there! We're trying to gather as much power as possible to make a single threat hit hard, but without committing to the usual Aura/combat tricks that characterize an evasive strategy. Those don't play nice with our commander pair, but pure power helps make <em>any </em>of our creatures a threat. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Door of Destinies" href="#" target="_blank">Door of Destinies</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerful damage boost that grows pretty quickly when combined with Alora's play pattern, since we'll be able to cast and recast a lot of cheap creatures over and over.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindred Discovery" href="#" target="_blank">Kindred Discovery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is even more busted, granting us tons of triggers when we attack, recast, and blink our various creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azami, Lady of Scrolls" href="#" target="_blank">Azami, Lady of Scrolls</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a personal favorite, since she plays extremely well with our Background, always allowing us to get a tapped creature for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Far Traveler" href="#" target="_blank">Far Traveler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as well as letting us 'double dip' when that creature comes back untapped. (Remember, Azami's ability doesn't care about summoning sickness!)</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Alora Wizard Tribal" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Alora, Merry Thief
*Far Traveler
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*Faerie Seer
*Overwhelmed Apprentice
*Sage of Epityr
*Deep Gnome Terramancer
*Drannith Magister
*Metallic Mimic
*Mistmeadow Witch
*Naban, Dean of Iteration
*Omenspeaker
*Raffine&#039;s Informant
*Sage&#039;s Row Savant
*Stonybrook Banneret
*Thassa&#039;s Oracle
*Voidmage Prodigy
*Watcher for Tomorrow
*Adaptative Automaton
*Barrin, Tolarian Archmage
*Champion of Wits
*Cloudfin Seer
*Deputy of Detention
*Exclusion Mage
*Gadwick, the Wizened
*Mirror Entity
*Patron Wizard
*Rumor Gatherer
*Windrider Wizard
*Elite Guardmage
*Galepowder Mage
*Glen Elendra Archmage
*Master of Winds
*Riverwise Augur
*Sower of Temptation
*Venser, Shaper Savant
*Azami, Lady of Scrolls
*Cyclone Summoner
*Galecaster Colossus
[/Creature]
[Artifact]
*Moonsnare Prototype
*Sol Ring
*Springleaf drum
*Arcane Signet
*Azorious Signet
*Fellwar Stone
*Talisman of Progress
*Door of Destinies
*Panharmonicon
*Vanquisher&#039;s Banner
*Obelisk of Urd
[/Artifact]
[Enchantment]
*Land Tax
*Duelist&#039;s Heritage
*Dictate of Helliod
*Kindred Discovery
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Cloudshift
*Ephemerate
*Path to Exile
*Swords to Plowshares
*Arcane Denial
*Cyclonic Rift
*Disenchant
*Eerie Interlude
[/Instant]
[Sorcery]
*Fragmentize
*Farewell
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Adarkar Wastes
*Command Tower
*Deserted Beach
*Exotic Orchard
*Fabled Passage
*Flooded Strand
*Glacial Fortress
*Hallowed Fountain
*Hengegate Pathway
*Mystic Gate
*Otawara, Soaring City
*Port Town
*Prairie Stream
*Prismatic Vista
*Sea of Clouds
*Temple of Enlightenment
*Tranquil Cove
*14 Island
*6 Plains
[/Land]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>White might not be a conventional Wizard tribal color, but I think it has plenty to offer to the archetype. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reflector Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Reflector Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deputy of Detention" href="#" target="_blank">Deputy of Detention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are a solid removal duo with abilities that mono-blue doesn't usually have access to. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elite Guardmage" href="#" target="_blank">Elite Guardmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great three-for-one, and getting multiple ETB triggers can help us stabilize an otherwise lost game. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rumor Gatherer" href="#" target="_blank">Rumor Gatherer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an impressive newcomer that feels like it was tailor-made for the archetype, given how easy it is to trigger its ability twice.</p>
<p>While these are good additions to the archetype, the main selling point in white isn't its threat potential - it's the support that the color provides. I mean this both in terms of offense, with anthem effects and other combat tricks to help us pack a bigger punch, and the extra blink support, which synergizes extremely well with our gameplan.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Duelist&#039;s Heritage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Galepowder Mage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eerie Interlude"></div></div>
<p>For instance, on the offensive front, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duelist&#039;s Heritage" href="#" target="_blank">Duelist&#039;s Heritage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great card when combined with our commander, allowing our threats to scale pretty quickly. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dictate of Heliod" href="#" target="_blank">Dictate of Heliod</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> plays well with some of our instant-speed interactions, and turns a tribe that every expects to be tiny into an evasive, meaningful chunk of damage. Our Bakcground covers a lot of our blinking needs, but we can also enlist cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Galepowder Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Galepowder Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mistmeadow Witch" href="#" target="_blank">Mistmeadow Witch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which are great, tribe-relevant options. Oh, and who could forget the classics? We love to play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudshift" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudshift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephemerate" href="#" target="_blank">Ephemerate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eerie Interlude" href="#" target="_blank">Eerie Interlude</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>Since both of our commanders cost three mana, we're mostly looking for a couple of solid early ETB Wizards in our opening hands. One-drops are especially desirable, because they curve out pretty well with our Background. Frankly, our early game is quite busy. Between playing our commander, our Background, and mana rocks/early Wizard drops, the deck tends to have a smooth transition to the mid-game without many difficult choices.</p>
<p>The mid-game is usually when our lines start getting a bit more complex. We have to carefully choose which creature to target with Alora, and whether we want to blink it with our Background to get the instant value and keep it in play, or else let it bounce back to hand to cast later, and target a different creature with our Background for a different ETB trigger. If we make these choices carefully, we can set ourselves up for a really good late-game. We get tons of value from all our creatures flitting in and out of play, and lots of these creatures provide tons of extra utility, allowing us to grind through almost any board state. Repeating their ETB effects keeps us safe, and our evasion and pump effects transforms them into lethal threats, so our opponents won't have to suffer long!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Results</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Augury Adept"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sevinne&#039;s Reclamation"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mist-Syndicate Naga"></div></div>
<p>Any list can be improved upon, so I always like to suggest other directions you could take this idea if it strikes your fancy. Mixing Wizards, enablers, and payoffs isn't an exact science, and this ratio may vary according to personal preference. Even adding some more combat-oriented threats, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Augury Adept" href="#" target="_blank">Augury Adept</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, can change how the deck plays. With all the different moving parts, it's a bit hard to find slots to add creature recursion, but I'm sure many players out there would love to add more into the 99! If I may be so bold, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sevinne&#039;s Reclamation" href="#" target="_blank">Sevinne&#039;s Reclamation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could fit right into a deck with this many three-drops!</p>
<p>And of course, Alora's also still really fun with those other strategies too! I invite you to explore those other strategies, like <em>Ninjutsu </em>or <em>Infect. </em>Frankly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> tribal sounds fun, too!</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Epic Experiment</em>! What do you think of this list? Do you have any questions about the deck? Which cards did you like? Which did you not? Was this Epic Experiment a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


azorious

Sygg Sells Swords! - Sygg, Wanderwine Wisdom Commander Deck Tech

Under the Radar - Niambi, Esteemed Speaker

Bottom of the Barrel - Tobias, Doomed Conqueror

Myth Realized - What if Any Planeswalker Could Be Your Commander? (Azorius)

Epic Experiment - Alora

Archetune-Up - Isperia's Flying Circus