Conditions Allow - Noyan Dar, Roil Shaper

Evasive Maneuvers — Protection From...

Archetune-Up - It Was a Graveyard Smash?

Archetune-Up - Welcome to Tornado Alley

<h1 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stone-Cold Basilisk" href="#" target="_blank">Stone-Cold Basilisk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://www.donhazeltine.com/">Don Hazeltine</a></span></h1>
<h1>The Basilisk and You</h1>
<p><strong>Warning: Reading on may be dangerous. If you are to believe it, simply reading the following article will subject you to an eternity of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pain // Suffering" href="#" target="_blank">Pain // Suffering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </strong></p>
<p>Betwixt the pixels of the back-alley forums on the internet lives a legend. This beast is not yet at your doorstep, but just thinking of its existence brings it closer. Spawning from the mind of a user named "Roko" on the philosophy internet forum Less Wrong is a beast named "the basilisk". This creature is a thought experiment. A thought featuring an artificial intelligence created by humans in the future. This artificial intelligence is powerful enough to compute all possible outcomes that have ever or will ever exist and guide humans to create the perfect utopia. There is a catch here, though, that echoes the unknown challenges at any EDH table.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pain // Suffering"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Greater Basilisk"></div></div>
<p>The catch, you ask? Well, in order to best guide humans to this utopia, it needs your assistance right now. Any person who knows about it and doesn't do everything in their power to ensure creation of the basilisk will face eternal <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pain // Suffering" href="#" target="_blank">Pain // Suffering</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The details for how this beast can inflict torment upon your life can be found proliferated across the internet, including on <a href="https://youtu.be/ut-zGHLAVLI">Kyle Hill's YouTube channel</a>. Terror sets in deeper in the video <a href="https://youtu.be/ut-zGHLAVLI?t=453">at 7:33</a>:</p>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Roko&#039;s Basilisk: The Most Terrifying Thought Experiment" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ut-zGHLAVLI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<blockquote><p>"...notice that you are now being controlled by a future entity that doesn't exist yet simply because you had a single thought about it."</p></blockquote>
<p>Why is this so terrifying? This is the most relevant idea in the "Roko's Basilisk" thought experiment. This happens to you every day. In the mundane, you change your daily pattern of behavior because of unknown people simply because you know that they <em>could</em> affect you at some point in time. You might innocuously clean up your hair when going to the grocery store because of the way people you don't know might think of you.</p>
<p>The more terrifying side of this coin is the nuclear arms race. During the Cold War era of the mid-20th century, any step that the Soviet Union made toward becoming a more powerful nuclear state put the United States at risk of being unable to adequately defend itself. Paradoxically, each step the U.S. made toward nuclear superpower put the world at risk of being in the cross-hairs of this apocalyptic weapons pile. Thus, each side continued to build self-endangering weapons only because they knew the other side could do the same thing.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Fending Off Monsters</h2>
<p>Welcome to <em>EDH Political Science</em>. History, politics, warfare, and data from EDHREC all inform us how to adjust our deck design and gameplay decisions to fit this multiplayer format. Within this format we encounter our basilisk in the face of the unknown. Playing your normal group can be comforting, but bringing your deck to unknown game stores or conventions can be terrifying. However, that exciting experience can also warp our decks and playstyle in new ways. For more insight on this idea, I interviewed the creator of the video linked above, the well-known card-slinger Kyle Hill.</p>
<p>Kyle Hill is known in the <em>Magic</em> community for his role as a powerful deckbuilder among his friends at the Command Zone, and he knows that others expect this sort of power from him. In an email with Kyle he mentioned that this preceding reputation became important with how he builds and plays: "I prefer the kinds of commanders you can’t let live a turn cycle — Narset, Najeela, Selvala, Sisay, Yarok, etc... <span style="background: white;">I know I’m going to be targeted more, believed less in politics, and will be high on threat assessment. ... </span><span style="background: white;">this helps me cut/slot the ninety-nine."</span></p>
<p>Playing against a player with a terrifying reputation, who often flips over a notorious commander at the start of a game like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Najeela, the Blade-Blossom" href="#" target="_blank">Najeela, the Blade-Blossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, your expectations creep to a certain level. You know they're not about to go Warrior tribal on you, for example. Instead, they're likely to generate infinite combat rounds with the mana from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Will" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Derevi, Empyrial Tactician" href="#" target="_blank">Derevi, Empyrial Tactician</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This power play doesn't deter <em>everyone</em> from putting up a fight, but it can deter <em>some</em>. That's what's important. You don't need to deter everyone, but even deterring one-third of the opponents can be enough to eke out a win.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Najeela, the Blade-Blossom"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nature&#039;s Will"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Derevi, Empyrial Tactician"></div></div>
<p>Letting his reputation run wild, Kyle echoed the Cold War era mentality: "<span style="background: white;">I like to cultivate the perception [of power], constantly tune decks, and look up lists almost every day. It’s almost like nuclear deterrence...." His powerful builds bring powerful enemies, with a meta constantly trying to adapt. Sometimes this enables archenemy-type games of three-versus -. Other times, it can be a boon. </span><span style="background: white;">"With your regular play group, my attitude could push us towards an arms race that we don’t want. </span><span style="background: white;">At a MagicFest, the 'intimidation' factor, thanks to meta knowledge about me, personally, could win games," Kyle mentioned.</span></p>
<p><span style="background: white;">Intimidation can be a factor especially at game stores and conventions where prizes are on the line. </span>If your reputation precedes you enough that someone thinks you could win at any moment, regardless of whether you actually can, that player might attempt to pick off someone who stumbled just to claim a prize ticket or a bit of glory. That logical move on their part will always leave you in a better position.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Deescalation and Threat-Agency</h2>
<p>Kyle outlined his process to manage wielding high-level decks, saying he'll "constantly tune decks, and look up lists almost every day." But most EDH players aren't Kyle Hill (statistically speaking). Some of us do feed into these arms races, but many don't. Many want to deescalate these superpower players. We want to play much more casual games. At the same time, we want to win. We want to win against our friends and against the unknown basilisks. We want to have our cake and eat it, too. Doing this successfully comes down to adapting your play and adapting your deck. We want to deescalate the winning tension of the competitive (or near-competitive) tier lists enough to find a way to win.</p>
<p>Threat-agency is the key to deescalation<em>.</em> That is, limiting the options of players to attack, to defend, or to use their available resources to win. We identified what threat-agency means in the last entry in this series; get a refresher on the whole Political Position theory <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/edh-political-science-political-positions/">here</a>. To deescalate, we want to change our play in two ways: always have an answer, and be aggressive.</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/political-position-theory-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-51877 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/political-position-theory-1-300x214.png" alt="" width="300" height="214" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/political-position-theory-1-300x214.png 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/political-position-theory-1.png 700w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<p>Always having an answer is impossible. You cannot expect to scour the entire table's win conditions and expect to have a victory condition still in hand afterward. However, you can increase your odds of having an answer threefold if you use the resources to your left and right. Keep the entire table aware of unseen threats. Remind them of the worst possible scenario. The situation where they will lose unless they keep vigilant. You must follow suit. You are now being controlled by something that doesn't exist yet and something you can't anticipate. The good thing is that, if you can help it, the whole table is right along side you. You know the finishers are coming eventually, so push your opponents in between a rock and a hard place. You are the rock and every other corner of the table is the hard place. Never tap out, and convince the rest of the table to do the same.</p>
<p>Aggression forces your opponents' hands. When you get aggressive with your threats, you are investing in future leverage and doing so with opponents' resources. Each chip at health or trade can be taxing, but you are turning their life into a ticking clock. They either have to spend their resources now to slow that clock, or they could lose valuable time later. This is amplified by the other threats at the table. Chipping in with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reclamation Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Reclamation Sage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and a couple other creatures doesn't mean much here or there, but that little damage here or there could mean that a group effort may later stop someone the turn before they win. Never underestimate the ability of a few 2/2s to end a game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Ephara, Torpor Orb" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
Ephara, God of the Polis
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Giver of Runes
*1 Mother of Runes
*1 Containment Priest
*1 Drannith Magistrate
*1 Grand Abolisher
*1 Hushbringer
*1 Leonin Arbiter
*1 Mistmeadow Witch
*1 Selfless Spirit
*1 Stormscape Familiar
*1 Thalia, Guardian of Thraben
*1 Tocatli Honor Guard
*1 Unsettled Mariner
*1 Aven Mindcensor
*1 Benalish Marshal
*1 Brazen Borrower
*1 Brimaz, King of Oreskos
*1 Eldrazi Displacer
*1 Hushwing Gryff
*1 Kinjalli&#039;s Sunwing
*1 Kira, Great Glass-Spinner
*1 Nadir Kraken
*1 Sea-Dasher Octopus
*1 Thalia, Heretic Cathar
*1 Vryn Wingmare
*1 Angel of Jubilation
*1 Celestial Crusader
*1 Galepowder Mage
*1 Glen Elendra Archmage
*1 Hero of Bladehold
*1 Jazal Goldmane
*1 Linvala, Keeper of Silence
*1 Luminous Broodmoth
*1 Mangara, the Diplomat
*1 Meadowboon
*1 Slithermuse
*1 Thistledown Liege
*1 Tidal Barracuda
*1 Faerie Formation
*1 Teferi, Mage of Zhalfir
*1 Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
*1 Wormfang Manta
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Swan Song
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Cyclonic Rift
*1 Dovin&#039;s Veto
*1 Settle the Wreckage
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Winds of Abandon
*1 Supreme Verdict
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Idol of Endurance
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Thought Vessel
*1 Torpor Orb
*1 Scroll of Fate
[/Artifacts]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Elspeth, Sun&#039;s Champion
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Castle Ardenvale
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Ghost Quarter
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Irrigated Farmland
*7 Island
*1 Kjeldoran Outpost
*1 Moorland Haunt
*14 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Scavenger Grounds
*1 Temple of Enlightenment
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Wastes
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>This <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ephara, God of the Polis" href="#" target="_blank">Ephara, God of the Polis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> list is my own. This is the deck I pull out whenever I'm in an unknown scenario. It's my safe place. It's usually not oppressive against precon-level decks, and it will put up a fight at many cEDH tables. The stax pieces in here are most powerful against degenerate combos, but against fairer lists they are only a nuisance. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Torpor Orb" href="#" target="_blank">Torpor Orb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will not be winning you any friends, but you'll have to remind your opponents that it's what's keeping the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thassa&#039;s Oracle" href="#" target="_blank">Thassa&#039;s Oracle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> off the table.</p>
<p>Adjusting your own deck to deescalate unknown threats can be done simply by adding versatile threats of your own. If your answers can also be threats, every card in your deck will be valuable most of the time. <em>Adventure</em> cards are fantastic for this. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brazen Borrower" href="#" target="_blank">Brazen Borrower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Murderous Rider" href="#" target="_blank">Murderous Rider</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may be giving you bad rates at times, but they are invaluable in their ability to stave off death in one instance while adding pressure in the next. This keeps up your threat-agency while toning down others. Even taking a look at the top <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/creatures">100 creatures on EDHREC</a> can provide plenty of inspiration. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deathrite Shaman" href="#" target="_blank">Deathrite Shaman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Notion Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Notion Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eternal Witness" href="#" target="_blank">Eternal Witness</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all threats, resources, and/or answers.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brazen Borrower"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deathrite Shaman"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Go for the Throat"></div></div>
<p>Additionally, keeping your curve as low as possible is essential. Being able to play a threat and keep an answer in hand will be the only way to win most games. All things being equal, I would prefer to play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swan Song" href="#" target="_blank">Swan Song</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in any list with less than 30 blue sources, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Go for the Throat" href="#" target="_blank">Go for the Throat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> over <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hero&#039;s Downfall" href="#" target="_blank">Hero&#039;s Downfall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in any list, period. They are severely more limited, but the type of mana you use on your removal is crucial. Keeping up answers after playing threats is important. Luckily, many times, you'll want both.</p>
<p>Playing against unknown enemies can be scary. Heck, it should be. You're facing someone who considers you just as much of a threat as you do them. Consider how others will change because of you so that you can change because of them. In the words of Kyle Hill, "<span style="background: white;"><em>Magic</em> is just a game — the greatest on the planet — and zooming out from meta minutiae, you can play it 'correctly' any way you like. I’m not going to tell you you’re wrong for not running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mana Crypt" href="#" target="_blank">Mana Crypt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s in every deck. Just know that if you sit down with me, I’m not pulling punches!" </span></p>
<p>How will you prepare for the basilisk?</p>
<p>Thank you for reading <em>EDH Political Science</em>! I'd love to know your thoughts on facing unknown threats. Do you do anything different when going up against people you've never faced? Also, we tackled threat-agency a bit in this article, but I would love to know what you want to see in future articles. Let me know here in the comments, on Reddit, or on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/RickWorldNews">@RickWorldNews</a>!</p>


EDH Political Science - The Basilisk and You (Kyle Hill Interview)

Conditions Allow - Medomai the Ageless

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| Art by <a href="http://www.matthew-stewart.com/">Matt Stewart</a>)</h6>
<h1>Epic Preparations</h1>
<p>Hello, EDHREC fans! I’m Bernardo Melibeu, 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>This week, we'll be exploring the exciting '<a href="https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/187820655383/just-wanted-to-let-you-know-that-i-like-white">new white mechanic</a>' that we got from <em>Throne of Eldraine:</em> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<p>Kidding aside, let's see what we can come up with for this new alternative win condition.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Happily Ever After"></div></div>
<p><strong>When Happily Ever After enters the battlefield, each player gains 5 life and draws a card.</strong></p>
<p><strong>At the beginning of your upkeep, </strong><strong>if there are five colors among permanents you control</strong><strong>, </strong><strong>there are at least six or more card types among permanents you control and/or cards in your graveyard</strong><strong>, </strong><strong>and your starting life total is greater than or equal to your starting life total</strong>, <strong>you win the game.</strong></p>
<p>Observation 1:</p>
<p>To achieve this win condition, we are required to play five colors, or to find some means of stealing multicolored permanents or changing the colors of our permanents.</p>
<p>Observation 2:</p>
<p>A three-mana enchantment can be a target for cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zur, the Enchanter" href="#" target="_blank">Zur, the Enchanter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sun Titan" href="#" target="_blank">Sun Titan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <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>.</p>
<p>Observation 3:</p>
<p>There are a total of three conditions that we need to fulfill in order to win the game, four if we count "we need to make it to our upkeep" as a condition. Some are very easy to achieve, while others require a bit of setup. For instance, we may have to jump through some hoops to achieve both lifegain <strong>and</strong> enough permanents in play or in the graveyard, since many lifegain strategies don't rely upon a diversity of card types or colors.</p>
<p>Observation 4:</p>
<p>Playing alternate win condition cards always draws a big target on yourself.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Old Formula</h2>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Happily-Ever-After-Cmdr.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-40706" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Happily-Ever-After-Cmdr.png" alt="" width="500" height="248" /></a></p>
<p>It's no surprise that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has extremely low levels of adoption; its ETB is not earth-shattering, and the win condition has a lot of...conditions. It's most well-represented in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kenrith, the Returned King" href="#" target="_blank">Kenrith, the Returned King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> decks, with 88 at the time of writing this article, and it otherwise hasn't caught on in other decks with more powerful methods of victory. With three requirements, it is indeed a hard-to-build-around card.</p>
<p>Notably, all the commanders that do play it even a tiny bit are five colors. Since we're all about epic experiments, though... is there any way we might be able to play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <em>without </em>all five colors...?</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Epic Ingredients</h2>
<p>The choice of commander is difficult. We need multiple colors, and we need lifegain... but more than anything, we need a hero.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Daxos of Meletis"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Daxos of Meletis" href="#" target="_blank">Daxos of Meletis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to the rescue!</p>
<p>"But Bernardo," I hear you retort, "he's only blue and white!"</p>
<p>This is true: on his own, he won't be able to fulfill the five-color trigger condition for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, this commander is sneaky, and can take cards from our opponents by dealing damage to them. He even has a way to gain life, helping us out with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s other tricky condition!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Memory Lapse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unexpectedly Absent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Not Forgotten"></div></div>
<p>A 'tuck' package will help us find exactly what we need. Not only will it put our opponents behind on tempo, but it will also put the exact cards we need on top of our opponents' libraries, allowing us to sneak through and pilfer them from the top of their decks, providing us with the colors we don't already have. Control the enemies' boards while also leading to a win condition? Yes, please.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unexpectedly Absent" href="#" target="_blank">Unexpectedly Absent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Set Adrift" href="#" target="_blank">Set Adrift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are two pretty good catch-all tuck effects that, while sorcery-speed, are cheap enough to not mess with our potential plans. To complement those effects, we're also playing a couple of tucking counterspells, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Memory Lapse" href="#" target="_blank">Memory Lapse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lapse of Certainty" href="#" target="_blank">Lapse of Certainty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which are extremely versatile, and can even put a spell on top of its owner's deck if we decide we'd like to steal a spell instead of a permanent.</p>
<p>Another package that helps our commander steal our way to victory is by having <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lantern of Insight" href="#" target="_blank">Lantern of Insight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects to reduce the chance of getting blown out by variance. Sometimes it's not as useful to predict your own future as much as it is to predict your enemies' futures!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lantern of Insight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blatant Thievery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Agent of Treachery"></div></div>
<p>Thievery effects complete the support suite for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We don't just take from the top of their decks - we take them from the battlefield too. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blatant Thievery" href="#" target="_blank">Blatant Thievery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an expensive card, but it can get us a permanent of each color all on its own. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Agent of Treachery" href="#" target="_blank">Agent of Treachery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also on the expensive side, but when we consider that it can easily draw us lots of cards with its end step trigger, it's easy to see how valuable it can be.</p>
<p>Finally, the biggest of the big deals: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Expropriate" href="#" target="_blank">Expropriate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be one of the biggest splashiest cards ever printed, and there are almost no cases where casting this card won't swing the game drastically into our favor. If we ever cast it with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on the field, it's pretty much GG.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<p><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Happy Daxos" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Daxos of Meletis
[/Commander]
[Artifact]
*Everflowing Chalice
*Lantern of Insight
*Sol Ring
*Azorius Signet
*Fellwar Stone
*Lightning Greaves
*Mind Stone
*Prowler&#039;s Helm
*Swiftfoot Boots
*Talisman of Progress
*Thought Vessel
*Trailblazer&#039;s Boots
*Coalition Relic
*Darksteel Plate
*Sword of Feast and Famine
*Thran Dynamo
*Gilded Lotus
[/Artifact]
[Creature]
*Giver of Runes
*Mother of Runes
*Drift of Phantasms
*Thada Adel, Acquisitor
*Wizened Snitches
*Agent of Treachery
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*Aqueous Form
*Land Tax
*Happily Ever After
*Steel of the Godhead
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Enlightened Tutor
*Mystical Tutor
*Opt
*Path to Exile
*Swords to Plowshares
*Arcane Denial
*Azorius Charm
*Counterspell
*Cyclonic Rift
*Disdainful Stroke
*Dovin&#039;s Veto
*Expel from Orazca
*Memory Lapse
*Reality Shift
*Think Twice
*Unexpectedly Absent
*Blue Sun&#039;s Zenith
*Frantic Search
*Lapse of Certainty
*Thirst for Knowledge
*Run Aground
*Banishment Decree
[/Instant]
[Sorcery]
*Ponder
*Preordain
*Serum Visions
*Not Forgotten
*Compulsive Research
*Idyllic Tutor
*Day of Judgment
*Deep Analysis
*Wrath of God
*Austere Command
*Set Adrift
*Blatant Thievery
*Expropriate
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Command Tower
*Hallowed Fountain
*City of Brass
*Mana Confluence
*Adarkar Wastes
*Glacial Fortress
*Prairie Stream
*Port Town
*Temple of Enlightenment
*Celestial Colonnade
*Flooded Strand
*Polluted Delta
*Castle Ardenvale
*Castle Vantress
*Moonring Island
*Ghost Quarter
*Tectonic Edge
*12 Island
*8 Plains
[/Land]"></span></div></p>
<hr />
<p>Daxos is pretty mana-hungry, and it takes time to get going, so the natural first step is to build towards a UW control shell. We should try to avoid committing too early to our main plan, because it's important that we can actually cast the cards Daxos steals from enemy decks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Steel of the Godhead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Darksteel Plate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Trailblazer&#039;s Boots"></div></div>
<p>To consistently stay on board and connect with our commander, we are using a Voltron suite. <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> is great in a shell that wants to cast spells after the combat step; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trailblazer&#039;s Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Trailblazer&#039;s Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prowler&#039;s Helm" href="#" target="_blank">Prowler&#039;s Helm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aqueous Form" href="#" target="_blank">Aqueous Form</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are ways to completely avoid getting chump blocked by a random mana dork; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Darksteel Plate" href="#" target="_blank">Darksteel Plate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> keep us safe against removal, making sure that we get a few attacks in.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>For our opening hand, we need a very hefty chunk of lands and mana rocks. Our curve is on the heavy side, with even our single-target removal spells sometimes costing up to five mana, so it's much better to be overly mana flooded than even a tiny bit mana screwed.</p>
<p>In the early game, our job is to develop our mana and find some type of Equipment that will either protect or provide evasion to our commander. Saving our removal spells is wise; this will allow us to target permanents of specific colors we'll need later. Just make sure not to let the life total dip too low.</p>
<p>The mid-game is where we set our plan in motion, casting our commander while holding on to some form of protection, such as a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, to ensure his survival. Once we start hitting our opponents with Daxos, things get harder to predict; who knows what we'll find!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Expropriate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Idyllic Tutor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blue Sun&#039;s Zenith"></div></div>
<p>By the late game, we should have more than enough mana to steal the big threats from our enemies, perfect for our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is where all those big-mana spells shine, and if our enemies haven't figured out what we're up to, it will mean their demise. The lifegain from Daxos may have looked inconsequential to our enemies at first, but it has a nonzero impact on the game, not only helping us stabilize, but also preparing the grounds for one big happy ending (for us, at least).</p>
<p>Oh, and what do we do if we encounter a pod that <em>doesn't </em>have all five colors represented at the table? What if no opponent is playing red, never allowing us to steal a red permanent to appease <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s win condition?</p>
<p>Easy: we steal things anyway and use them to beat our opponents the old-fashioned way!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Results</h2>
<p>I know this isn't the most competitive list out there, and some playgroups might even frown upon the alternative win condition. If you'd like to take the deck in a different direction, here are some other options:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zur, the Enchanter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sliver Hivelord"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zur, the Enchanter" href="#" target="_blank">Zur, the Enchanter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a tutor in the command zone, perfect for finding the win condition. This type of build would probably focus on more traditional <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Control Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Control Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects, and use cards like the new <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirrormade" href="#" target="_blank">Mirrormade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to copy them at a moment's notice. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sliver Hivelord" href="#" target="_blank">Sliver Hivelord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is resilient against removal, has access to every tutor available, and is itself all five colors. This makes a flexible shell; we don't really need much to set up a win for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Happily Ever After" href="#" target="_blank">Happily Ever After</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and we have every card at our disposal.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Epic Experiment!</em> What do you think about this list? Was this a happy end after all? Do you have any questions about the deck? Which cards did you like? Which didn’t you? Was the <em>Epic Experiment</em> a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


Epic Experiment - Happily Ever After

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Masterful Replication" href="#" target="_blank">Masterful Replication</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://victoradameart.com/">Victor Adame Minguez</a>)</h6>
<h1>Parvus sed Potens</h1>
<p>No, you're not in Ancient Rome, you're reading <em>Forgotten Harvest</em>, the article series that shines a brilliant light on all the hyper-underplayed gems that see play in 300 decks or less on EDHREC. Today, we're digging into a strategy that I've been itching to build around since <em>Fifth Dawn</em>. The brew is going to be all about baubles: artifacts with converted mana cost one or less. I know this may not sound like the most powerful strategy at first, but let me send some card images across your screen for you to change your mind.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sol Ring"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sensei&#039;s Divining Top"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mox Opal"></div></div>
<p>Right?!? Not only are these cards at their normal level of greatness in any old deck, but if we're building our deck to abuse low-drop artifacts, they'll play directly into that strategy and still be as amazing as they are in the first place.</p>
<p>Powerful baubles have been around for quite a while, so I'm sure you're asking why I haven't brought this deck concept up before now. Well, the deck is capable of slinging around quite a bit of power with all these cheap artifacts. However, there haven't been enough ways for the deck to pull off an actual <em>win</em> with these baubles. A high density of low-drop artifacts means that the build is creature-light, and traditional combat strategies aren't an option, leading to mill or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirrodin Besieged" href="#" target="_blank">Mirrodin Besieged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as the only reliable win cons.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dance of the Manse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Workshop Elders"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Animating Faerie"></div></div>
<p>Enter <em>Throne of Eldraine!</em></p>
<p>The newest <em>Magic: the Gathering</em> set provides just enough artifact animation, when combined with existing creatures, to make combat an option for snatching the big win with baubles. Now all we need is a commander that feeds into an artifact synergy as well. While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hanna, Ship&#039;s Navigator" href="#" target="_blank">Hanna, Ship&#039;s Navigator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems like a great choice, I think I want to go with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raff Capashen, Ship&#039;s Mage" href="#" target="_blank">Raff Capashen, Ship&#039;s Mage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> instead.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Raff Capashen, Ship&#039;s Mage"></div></div>
<p>This deck isn't heavy on instants, but there are tons of baubles with activated abilities; Raff should help us keep our mana open for these abilities, which can be quite mana-intensive, during other people's turns. There are enough reanimation options without <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hanna, Ship&#039;s Navigator" href="#" target="_blank">Hanna, Ship&#039;s Navigator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that I don't know how often her ability would be relevant. Feel free to try either/both in your own versions of this deck, but I think I'm gonna stick with my trusty Raff.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Burst your Bauble</h2>
<p>As stated above, there have been many wonderful artifacts printed throughout the history of <em>Magic</em> which are both baubles and critical pieces in any Commander deck, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we're also going to use some baubles that see significantly less play than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Because this deck makes them easy to tutor up and easy to recur from the graveyard, we're going to rely on these effects in lieu of typical Azorius instants and sorceries. The effect will cost more in artifact form than on an instant or sorcery spell, but with increased deck synergy, the cards should be well worth it.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Origin Spellbomb"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skycloud Egg"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloodtallow Candle"></div></div>
<p>Easy first additions to this deck are the Spellbombs printed in various Mirrodin-based sets. Of those that we're relying on, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Origin Spellbomb" href="#" target="_blank">Origin Spellbomb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the least played, seeing play in 230 decks on EDHREC. This excellent bauble replaces itself when sacrificed, both on the battlefield and in hand. Providing an emergency chump blocker can be invaluable, as can being a viable sac outlet for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Angelic Purge" href="#" target="_blank">Angelic Purge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aether Spellbomb" href="#" target="_blank">Aether Spellbomb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also makes the list, but sees far more play than the Origin version.</p>
<p>I remember, back in <em>Invasion</em>/<em>Odyssey</em> Standard, playing a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balancing Act" href="#" target="_blank">Balancing Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck that ran all of the Eggs from <em>Odyssey</em> and several sacrificing lands from both sets. These generated a bunch of mana in one turn before clearing the board and then dropping a few <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nimble Mongoose" href="#" target="_blank">Nimble Mongoose</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s to finish off the opponent. Several baubles from that deck make an appearance here, including <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromatic Sphere" href="#" target="_blank">Chromatic Sphere</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the hyper-underplayed <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skycloud Egg" href="#" target="_blank">Skycloud Egg</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (223 decks). An early draft of this deck tried to work in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balancing Act" href="#" target="_blank">Balancing Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to really up the nostalgia level, but alas, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Verdict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is just too reliable and non-situational. The Eggs are all interesting choices, and require some special circumstances to make a final decklist, but the Skycloud iteration works out here for sure!</p>
<p>A prime example of a bauble replacing an instant in this deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodtallow Candle" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodtallow Candle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Included in only 79 decks, this artifact provides some excellent creature removal albeit for a higher cost. However, being able to grab this out of the deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Artificer&#039;s Intuition" href="#" target="_blank">Artificer&#039;s Intuition</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or out of the graveyard with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Auriok Salvagers" href="#" target="_blank">Auriok Salvagers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes that cost worthwhile to me. While more popular, we see similar spell replacements with baubles like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dispeller&#039;s Capsule" href="#" target="_blank">Dispeller&#039;s Capsule</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Universal Solvent" href="#" target="_blank">Universal Solvent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Sphere" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Sphere</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Benefits to Over-Artifact-ing</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glassdust Hulk"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Salvage Scuttler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ethersworn Shieldmage"></div></div>
<p>Since we're invested in playing a bunch of easy-to-cast artifacts, it would make sense to abuse that as much as possible. Plus, we need to be on the lookout for ways to win whenever possible using these baubles. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glassdust Hulk" href="#" target="_blank">Glassdust Hulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the epitome of this strategy. A pet card of mine, the Hulk only sees play in 194 decks, which seems ludicrous! After casting several baubles in a turn, this creature can get huge and unblockable quickly. A few turns of that, and you'll have taken someone out of the game for sure. Combine that with recursion or maybe some repeatable artifact bounce, and those 'few turns' become a regular occurrence.</p>
<p>I forgot that mentioning "artifact bounce" makes <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esperzoa" href="#" target="_blank">Esperzoa</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Salvage Scuttler" href="#" target="_blank">Salvage Scuttler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> magically appear! These cards, in 103 and 34 decks respectively, are the key to abusing cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glassdust Hulk" href="#" target="_blank">Glassdust Hulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sai, Master Thopterist" href="#" target="_blank">Sai, Master Thopterist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Riddlesmith" href="#" target="_blank">Riddlesmith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With all our artifacts costing so little, who cares if you're replaying your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manifold Key" href="#" target="_blank">Manifold Key</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for the third time this turn? If you're getting tokens or cards out of the deal, it's well worth it!</p>
<p>A fair number of our key creatures in this deck, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Master of Etherium" href="#" target="_blank">Master of Etherium</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or the countless tokens we can generate, are artifacts. Thus, it's a good idea to have some way to protect against damage-based board wipes or combat predicaments. Enter <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ethersworn Shieldmage" href="#" target="_blank">Ethersworn Shieldmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which only sees play in 102 decks on the site. When played correctly, this creature is a fun little surprise for your opponents. Plus, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esperzoa" href="#" target="_blank">Esperzoa</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Salvage Scuttler" href="#" target="_blank">Salvage Scuttler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it becomes a reusable resource. I try and sneak this card into artifact-based builds whenever I have room.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lumengrid Augur"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Override"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Masterful Replication"></div></div>
<p>A card that I've been itching to use lately is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirrodin Besieged" href="#" target="_blank">Mirrodin Besieged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and this felt like the perfect deck to work it into. As I plan to select its second mode 90% of the time, I looked for cards which would help me find the enchantment in my deck, and get artifacts into my graveyard. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Riddlesmith" href="#" target="_blank">Riddlesmith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> helps take care of this for me, but so does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lumengrid Augur" href="#" target="_blank">Lumengrid Augur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (34 decks). While not the looter for just any deck, the Augur here provides re-usability which can allow us to quickly hunt for the buried enchantment we need. Or, should the right conditions exist, it can be turned into some minor mill against an opponent, with a slight upside if an artifact is discarded. This card should be on your radar, even if it's not always the right pick.</p>
<p>I'm sure I'll catch some flack for running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Override" href="#" target="_blank">Override</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in this deck over something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Render Silent" href="#" target="_blank">Render Silent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or even <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Absorb" href="#" target="_blank">Absorb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I wish I could tell you I had reasons beyond theme that caused me to consider the soft counterspell, but I have no excuse beyond theme and its use in only 105 decks right now. Consider this card for budget decks in an artifact theme. There are definitely better counterspells out there, but they definitely don't cost as much to add to your collection.</p>
<p>Finally, we come to a card that I'm shocked is still below 300 decks on EDHREC. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Masterful Replication" href="#" target="_blank">Masterful Replication</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a beautiful instant, only in 267 decks right now. While <em>Core Set 2020</em> is still fairly new, this card's potential is so great that I think that that number is inexcusable! The second mode pairs nicely with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mechanized Production" href="#" target="_blank">Mechanized Production</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <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>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glassdust Hulk" href="#" target="_blank">Glassdust Hulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or the first mode is usable all on its own. You all should be playing more of this card, so pitter-patter!</p>
<p>Enough baubling, here's the decklist.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Raff Capashen Baubles" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards=""></span></div></p>
<p>[Commander]<br />
*1 Raff Capashen, Ship's Mage<br />
[/Commander]</p>
<p>[Creatures]<br />
*1 Hangarback Walker<br />
*1 Stonecoil Serpent<br />
*1 Walking Ballista<br />
*1 Gingerbrute<br />
*1 Heap Doll<br />
*1 Merchant's Dockhand<br />
*1 Etherium Sculptor<br />
*1 Myrsmith<br />
*1 Riddlesmith<br />
*1 Animating Faerie<br />
*1 Emry, Lurker of the Loch<br />
*1 Esperzoa<br />
*1 Ethersworn Shieldmage<br />
*1 Master of Etherium<br />
*1 Sai, Master Thopterist<br />
*1 Trinket Mage<br />
*1 Auriok Salvagers<br />
*1 Leonin Abunas<br />
*1 Lumengrid Augur<br />
*1 Vedalken Humiliator<br />
*1 Glassdust Hulk<br />
*1 Salvage Scuttler<br />
*1 Sanctum Plowbeast<br />
*1 Workshop Elders<br />
*1 Broodstar<br />
[/Creatures]</p>
<p>[Instants]<br />
*1 Path to Exile<br />
*1 Override<br />
*1 Masterful Replication<br />
[/Instants]</p>
<p>[Sorceries]<br />
*1 Dance of the Manse<br />
*1 Angelic Purge<br />
*1 Supreme Verdict<br />
*1 Open the Vaults<br />
[/Sorceries]</p>
<p>[Enchantments]<br />
*1 Artificer's Intuition<br />
*1 Mirrodin Besieged<br />
*1 Mechanized Production<br />
*1 Smothering Tithe<br />
[/Enchantments]</p>
<p>[Artifacts]<br />
*1 Dark Sphere<br />
*1 Everflowing Chalice<br />
*1 Mox Opal<br />
*1 Orochi Hatchery<br />
*1 Aether Spellbomb<br />
*1 Altar of the Brood<br />
*1 Bloodtallow Candle<br />
*1 Brittle Effigy<br />
*1 Chromatic Sphere<br />
*1 Chromatic Star<br />
*1 Codex Shredder<br />
*1 Dispeller's Capsule<br />
*1 Expedition Map<br />
*1 Manifold Key<br />
*1 Origin Spellbomb<br />
*1 Pacification Array<br />
*1 Pyramid of the Pantheon<br />
*1 Retrofitter Foundry<br />
*1 Sensei's Divining Top<br />
*1 Skycloud Egg<br />
*1 Sol Ring<br />
*1 Universal Solvent<br />
*1 Wayfarer's Bauble<br />
*1 Witching Well<br />
*1 Azorius Signet<br />
*1 Gilded Lotus<br />
*1 Scourglass<br />
[/Artifacts]</p>
<p>[Lands]<br />
*1 Adarkar Wastes<br />
*1 Ancient Den<br />
*1 Darksteel Citadel<br />
*1 Flooded Strand<br />
*1 Glacial Fortress<br />
*1 Hallowed Fountain<br />
*16 Island<br />
*1 Mystic Gate<br />
*10 Plains<br />
*1 Prairie Stream<br />
*1 Sea of Clouds<br />
*1 Seat of the Synod<br />
[/Lands]</p>
<p>[/Deck]</p>

<hr />
<h2>An Artisanally Crafted Conclusion</h2>
<p>That's all I've got for this artifact-heavy edition of <em>Forgotten Harvest</em>. I know you've got to have some questions, some comments, and of course some snide remarks regarding the deck, so leave them in the comments below. I'll be around to talk about all the counterspells that are better than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Override" href="#" target="_blank">Override</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and which deck I should tackle in my next article. Speaking of, if you've got a hyper-underplayed card you think I need to look at, or a deck idea/challenge worthy of the <em>Forgotten Harvest</em> treatment, let me know. I'm always looking for new ideas. Until we meet again, may you be able to separate artifact from arti-fiction.</p>


Forgotten Harvest - Raff Capashen, Master of Baubles

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Empyrian Eagle" href="#" target="_blank">Empyrian Eagle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.jaestudio.com/">Jason A. Engle</a>)</h6>
<h1>The Bird is the Word!</h1>
<p>Hello, and welcome back to another exciting edition of <em>Forgotten Harvest</em>, where I highlight the hyper-underplayed cards on EDHREC in 300 decks or less. This week's topic is all thanks to a recent visit to my LGS. A fellow patron was talking about their Esper Commander deck led by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sharuum the Hegemon" href="#" target="_blank">Sharuum the Hegemon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and its Bird subtheme. He said that he would much rather just play Azorius with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kangee, Aerie Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kangee, Aerie Keeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but thought there wasn't enough support for a tribal Commander deck. I don't think he knew who he was talking to....</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kangee, Aerie Keeper"></div></div>
<p>There are a few different things going on here with Kangee. Obviously, we're going to want to aim for Bird tribal, relying on some little-played gems to bring in some fun abilities. But there's also the use of feather counters to increase Kangee's avian buff. Turns out, there are a fair number of Bird-related cards that relate to counters. While most "counters matter" cards see way too much play to earn a spot in my articles (I'm looking at you, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrummingbird" href="#" target="_blank">Thrummingbird</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>), there are a few below that could use some extra love from deckbuilders. But first, let's get into those that help the tribe.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Birds of a Feather</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soraya, the Falconer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Keeper of the Nine Gales"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crookclaw Elder"></div></div>
<p>First up, we have the original Bird lord, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soraya, the Falconer" href="#" target="_blank">Soraya, the Falconer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (215 decks). Since <em>Homelands</em>, she's been retconned to effect all Birds and not just Falcons. While I totally recognize that <em>Banding</em> is usually to be avoided like the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pox" href="#" target="_blank">plague</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the intent here is to use her solely for the buff with the activated ability there only for those brave enough to travel back to 1995. Some of you may say that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Favorable Winds" href="#" target="_blank">Favorable Winds</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a better return on investment here, and you're probably right, but I like the flavor associated with Soraya, and I tend to prefer creature-based effects in tribal decks.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of the Nine Gales" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of the Nine Gales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does a pretty good impression of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tradewind Rider" href="#" target="_blank">Tradewind Rider</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, especially in a Bird tribal deck. There are a fair number of Bird token makers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Migratory Route" href="#" target="_blank">Migratory Route</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Screech" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Screech</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so having some spare 1/1s around to help activate the Keeper's ability shouldn't be a problem. Access to white generally makes bounce and counter strategies less the "last resort" in Azorius decks, as white can <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Saltblast" href="#" target="_blank">blow up almost anything</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But with the tribal restrictions and a lack of creatures that offer repeatable removal, this is a nice addition. The Keeper sees play currently in 297 decks.</p>
<p>Also from <em>Legions</em>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crookclaw Elder" href="#" target="_blank">Crookclaw Elder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> bridges the gap between the Bird and Wizard tribes, and sees play in 266 decks. The card draw option using your leftover Bird blockers is a great way to refuel your hand. This seems to be something that Birds are generally good at doing, whether through <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Airborne Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Airborne Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or using <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seaside Haven" href="#" target="_blank">Seaside Haven</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I generally expect a full grip from this deck on any given turn. Also of note, there are enough Wizards in this deck to make the other ability possible, though with all of your creatures already in the air, it's more of a political tool to help opponents.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Glarecaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skymark Roc"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sawtooth Loon"></div></div>
<p>Next up, we have some of the oft-neglected Birds themselves, and first on that list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glarecaster" href="#" target="_blank">Glarecaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Currently in 218 decks on EDHREC, this birdie is the master of redirecting damage. While the ability is a little costly, the effect on the game can be quite significant. This is especially true when you're redirecting commander damage with a Voltron deck at the table. Based on the wording of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glarecaster" href="#" target="_blank">Glarecaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the damage isn't filtered through anything on redirect, and would still count toward reaching the magical 21 damage for your opponents.</p>
<p>As with most tribal decks, this one is going to care about attacking often, so adding in Birds that trigger effects when they enter combat seems appropriate. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skymark Roc" href="#" target="_blank">Skymark Roc</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is just such a card with a useful effect. On attack, it can remove a chump blocker from a single combat, or shred a small token on the battlefield. It's in a reasonable 192 decks right now, as this kind of effect isn't very strong on it's own, but exactly what we're looking for in a Bird.</p>
<p>I've talked about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sawtooth Loon" href="#" target="_blank">Sawtooth Loon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> before when building <a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/forgotten-harvest-dromars-bounce-house/"><em>Dromar's Bounce House</em></a>, so you should already be familiar with its hand-filtering effect. Once again, it functions as another solid Bird with a good effect to add to the list. It's still neglected, in only 164 decks. Another Bird of note that helps with draw is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raven Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Raven Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from <em>Urza's Legacy</em> (275 decks). One of the few blue cards with <em>Echo</em>, it's just one more toolbox Bird able to provide access to options.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Fly Like an Eagle</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Empyrean Eagle"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unsettled Mariner"></div></div>
<p>Not all of our pro-Bird cards are going to care about creature type. Some only care that the creatures have wings. For instance, <em>Core Set 2020's</em> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Empyrean Eagle" href="#" target="_blank">Empyrean Eagle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> buffs all of our flyers for a very good rate. As the set is still fairly new, the Eagle only sees play in 59 decks right now, but I expect this number to climb swiftly! I think <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Kykar, Wind&#039;s Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wouldn't mind the inclusion of this Eagle.</p>
<p>Also from <em>Core Set 2020</em>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides some much needed protection for our winged friends. This will come in handy during a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Supreme Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Supreme Verdict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, for sure. She's also a great basher in her own right, adding some much-needed power to the field. Again, as <em>Core Set 2020</em> is still new, she only sees play in 217 decks at the moment. I'm less certain of her future, however, as she feels more like a part of the 99 than a commander. Maybe I can give her a deck of her own in a future article.</p>
<p>Then there's one of my favorite cards from <em>Modern Masters</em>: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unsettled Mariner" href="#" target="_blank">Unsettled Mariner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Seeing play in a measly 212 decks, this card is definitely in much need of some love. What I like most about the Mariner is that it specifies all permanents you control, not just creatures. That means that your opponent's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aura of Silence" href="#" target="_blank">Aura of Silence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is going to cost a little more when trying to blow up your <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptic Gateway" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptic Gateway</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Plus the card fits into any tribal-themed deck! Seriously, those playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sygg, River Guide" href="#" target="_blank">Sygg, River Guide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> need to update their decklists.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Don't Counter Your Chickens Before They Hatch!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetherstorm Roc"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jötun Owl Keeper"></div></div>
<p>As I said above, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kangee, Aerie Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kangee</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not only has love for the feathered friends but can also play into counter synergies as well. I've included cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Karn&#039;s Bastion" href="#" target="_blank">Karn&#039;s Bastion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tezzeret&#039;s Gambit" href="#" target="_blank">Tezzeret&#039;s Gambit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to help <em>Proliferate</em> Kangee's feather counters. There're also Birds like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Sentinels of Arashin" href="#" target="_blank">High Sentinels of Arashin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and tribal cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soulcatchers&#039; Aerie" href="#" target="_blank">Soulcatchers&#039; Aerie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that love counters.</p>
<p>Another underplayed Bird that likes counters, this time of the energy variety, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherstorm Roc" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherstorm Roc</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Played in 270 decks, the Roc builds up energy whenever a creature hits the field on your side, then turns that energy into a +1/+1 counter and removal of a blocker on an attack. Referring to two different kinds of counters, this Bird definitely benefits from <em>Proliferate</em> effects.</p>
<p>Finally, providing some unexpected counter synergy, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jötun Owl Keeper" href="#" target="_blank">Jötun Owl Keeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (166 decks). One of my favorite cards from <em>Coldsnap</em>, the Owl Keeper builds up age counters using its <em>Cumulative Upkeep</em> trigger, and upon its death, gives you a Bird for each counter. While <em>Cumulative Upkeep</em> isn't very fun outside of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braid of Fire" href="#" target="_blank">Braid of Fire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, combining with <em>Proliferate</em> can help<em> </em>squeeze the most Bird tokens out of the card before its demise.</p>
<p>Alright, here's the deck!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Kangee Bird Tribal" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Kangee, Aerie Keeper
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Metallic Mimic
*1 Mindshrieker
*1 Pride of the Clouds
*1 Soulcatcher
*1 Thrummingbird
*1 Unsettled Mariner
*1 Adaptive Automaton
*1 Aven Mimeomancer
*1 Aven Mindcensor
*1 Cloudchaser Kestrel
*1 Empyrean Eagle
*1 Jotun Owl Keeper
*1 Keeper of the Nine Gales
*1 Lieutenant Kirtar
*1 Mirror Entity
*1 Nimble Obstructionist
*1 Raven Familiar
*1 Soraya, the Falconer
*1 Warden of Evos Isle
*1 Aetherstorm Roc
*1 Commander Eesha
*1 Emeria Angel
*1 High Sentinels of Arashin
*1 Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker
*1 Sawtooth Loon
*1 Skymark Roc
*1 Thieving Magpie
*1 Coveted Peacock
*1 Gustcloak Savior
*1 Wingmate Roc
*1 Crookclaw Elder
*1 Glarecaster
*1 Sephara, Sky&#039;s Blade
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Cyclonic Rift
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Mirrorweave
*1 Ojutai&#039;s Command
*1 Return to Dust
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Contentious Plan
*1 Harsh Mercy
*1 Airborne Aid
*1 Battle Screech
*1 Supreme Verdict
*1 Tezzeret&#039;s Gambit
*1 Migratory Route
*1 Austere Command
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Azorius Keyrune
*1 Commander&#039;s Sphere
*1 Herald&#039;s Horn
*1 Urza&#039;s Incubator
*1 Worn Powerstone
*1 Door of Destinies
*1 Cryptic Gateway
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Soulcatchers&#039; Aerie
*1 Leyline of Anticipation
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Command Tower
*1 Flooded Strand
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Seachrome Coast
*1 Seaside Haven
*1 Windbrisk Heights
*13 Island
*17 Plains
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h2>Gotta Fly!</h2>
<p>Well that about does it for this bird-brained deck on <em>Forgotten Harvest</em>. Unleash your questions, comments, and snide remarks in the comments section below. I'll be on there to talk about how just how far the mighty dinosaur hath fallen, and to convince you to play <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unsettled Mariner" href="#" target="_blank">Unsettled Mariner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as often as possible! Let me know if you have any hyper-underplayed tribes that you think need some more love. Or, for that matter, any generally hyper-underplayed cards and strategies that you'd like me to talk about. I love suggestions from readers! See you all in two weeks.</p>
<p><a href="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/maxresdefault.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-36466" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/maxresdefault.jpg" alt="" width="546" height="307" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Forgotten Harvest - Kangee Bird Tribal

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Protection of the Hekma" href="#" target="_blank">Protection of the Hekma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="http://www.ryanleeart.com/">Ryan Lee</a> )</h6>
<h1>Prologue</h1>
<p>Hello and welcome to another installment of <em>Lore Seeker, </em>an article series devoted to the legendary creatures to whom <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> forgot to give a story. I’ll guide you through each fragment that makes up a legendary creature and finally give them a little extra background love. This time around we’ll be highlighting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun" href="#" target="_blank">Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun"></div></div>
<hr />
<h1>Story Circle</h1>
<p>Temmet was the unofficial tour guide in Naktamun for the Gatewatch. Temmet was the first to encounter the Gatewatch when they escaped the wastes on the plane of Amonkhet. Temmet grew suspicious of the Gatewatch, noting their clothing and mannerisms as foreign to his city and way of life. He answered their questions and eventually treated them to an audience with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oketra the True" href="#" target="_blank">Oketra the True</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the god of stability, order, and protection on Amonkhet. Temmet eventually confirmed that the members of the Gatewatch were not native to Amonkhet. Having discovered them in the embalming chambers, he attempted to have them restrained but ended up getting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mind Control" href="#" target="_blank">Mind Control</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>led by Jace.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oketra the True"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oketra&#039;s Monument"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jace, Cunning Castaway"></div></div>
<p>He was a minor character, especially in the shadow of Nicol Bolas's schemes. The plane of Amonkhet was based on ancient Egyptian history, Temmet on King Tutankhamen. King Tut was one of the shortest-lived Pharaoh's in ancient Egypt, so it's fitting that Temmet made very little impact on the story at large... but what impact did he have before his 15 seconds of fame?</p>
<hr />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">Card Analysis</h1>
<h2>Name:</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-36252 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/temName.jpg" alt="" width="507" height="84" /></p>
<p><strong>Vizier: </strong>title; highest official in ancient Egypt to serve the pharaoh, often appointed directly by the pharaoh.</p>
<p>Given this definition, it seems ol' King Tut went through a bit of a demotion in his translation to <em>MtG, </em>although when gods walk among their subjects, it should be expected. In Naktamun the viziers worked directly for the gods. Temmet is primarily the vizier of Oketra, but served other gods and their respective viziers. His position was one that was highly respected and revered.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vizier of Many Faces"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Mana Cost//Color Identity:</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-36250 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/temCost.jpg" alt="" width="100" height="69" /></p>
<p><strong>White: </strong>White would be happiest in a utopian society where everyone shares and cooperates with one another.</p>
<p><strong>Blue: </strong>For blue, the purpose of life is to discover what you want and how to achieve it.</p>
<p>Temmet seemed well on his way to achieving the ultimate goal of a utopian society. He was in charge of the embalming process on Amonkhet, meaning he worked with the dead and performed many rituals. Amonkhet's natural magic brings the dead back to life as wild malevolent creatures. The cartouche system in the city harnessed the natural power of the plane and channeled it through a talisman. Attendant mummies put these cartouches on the dead in the embalming process, binding specific orders and tasks to the undead servants. If the denizens of a city are all indentured servants and programmed to cooperate, it makes a utopia easy! Temmet embodies form over function, utilitarianism to the utmost degree.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Embalmer&#039;s Tools"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cartouche of Solidarity"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Art:</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-36255 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/temArt.jpg" alt="" width="571" height="418" /></p>
<p>King Tut was a very young and shortlived pharaoh in Egypt. In fact, he was mostly forgotten by the people of the time. He lived to around the age of 19, another correlation to Temmet, who is depicted to be around 16 years old. The story/legend of Tutankhamen rose in popularity only after his tomb was discovered: his chamber was mostly untouched by grave robbers, so the great number of artifacts and relics found gave the modern world a closer look at the ancient culture.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Desecrated Tomb"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Treasure Trove"></div></div>
<p>For this reason, when assembling Temmet's flavor-filled deck, I am including a large sub-theme of artifacts and Treasure. It will be a good representation of the massive trove discovered in King Tut's burial chamber while supplying our deck with plenty of meat to fill out its bones. (Well, perhaps 'bones' is the wrong word... its wrappings?) This will be an artifact-heavy deck, including a few combos to finish off the game and grind out value. I also wanted to include a package of Trap cards as a nod to the classic trope of the booby-trapped tomb.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Traps and Treasure" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Combo Pieces]
*1 Teshar, Ancestor&#039;s Apostle
*1 Scrap Trawler
*1 Krark-Clan Ironworks
*1 Myr Retriever
*1 Junk Diver
*1 Workshop Assistant
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Etherium Sculptor
[/Combo Pieces]
[Traditional Traps]
*1 Pit Trap
*1 Mindbreak Trap
*1 Arrow Volley Trap
*1 Whiplash Trap
[/Traditional Traps]
[Polymorph Traps]
*1 Pongify
*1 Rapid Hybridization
*1 Swan Song
[/Polymorph Traps]"></span></div>
<hr />
<h2>Type Line:</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-36254 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/temType.jpg" alt="" width="592" height="54" /></p>
<p>Naktamun is governed much like a church, Temmet performing many duties similar to a priest. Another card that portrays someone performing the embalming ritual is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointer Priest" href="#" target="_blank">Anointer Priest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives us a strategic direction for the deck. White likes gaining life and making a lot of small creatures, and if we're using lots of creatures in an artifact-heavy deck, we can take advantage of the abilities of one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teshar, Ancestor&#039;s Apostle" href="#" target="_blank">Teshar, Ancestor&#039;s Apostle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Timed correctly, Teshar can create some crazy infinite loops: by sacrificing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Myr Retriever" href="#" target="_blank">Myr Retriever</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Junk Diver" href="#" target="_blank">Junk Diver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and/or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Workshop Assistant" href="#" target="_blank">Workshop Assistant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krark-Clan Ironworks" href="#" target="_blank">Krark-Clan Ironworks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can reclaim and cast these creatures an infinite number of times. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Etherium Sculptor" href="#" target="_blank">Etherium Sculptor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and other cost-reducers can help guarantee the combo goes off smoothly. To join the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointer Priest" href="#" target="_blank">Anointer Priest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we'll add the "Soul Sisters" like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soul Warden" href="#" target="_blank">Soul Warden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soul&#039;s Attendant" href="#" target="_blank">Soul&#039;s Attendant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to our deck, generating infinite life as a result of this loop. That, however, is just a buffer for us to search for our real win condition: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Altar of the Brood" href="#" target="_blank">Altar of the Brood</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which will mill our enemies to death as our creatures flit in and out of play!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anointer Priest"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Myr Retriever"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Altar of the Brood"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Rules Text:</h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-36253 aligncenter" src="https://articles.edhrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/temRules.jpg" alt="" width="584" height="295" /></p>
<p>This card may not look like it has flavor text, but the mechanic of <em>Embalm</em> says a lot on its own. From this reminder text, we know that Temmet dies and is revived with Amonkhet's magic. The <em>Embalm</em> ability makes him a really interesting commander too. When Temmet dies, we can choose to put him into the graveyard instead of the command zone, circumventing a bit of commander tax. When <em>Embalm</em> is activated, the card is then exiled, giving us an opportunity to put him back into the command zone. From there, he'll only cost two more mana to recast, even though it'll be the third time we have had his likeness on the field! First cast costs two mana, then <em>Embalm</em> for five, cast again for four, and <em>Embalm</em> for five once more... this cycle of casting keeps him on the board for a longer period of time at a cheaper cost to us. On top of that, if Temmet becomes a token, his beginning-of-combat trigger can target himself. (The <em>Embalmed</em> token does not deal commander damage, however.)</p>
<hr />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">The Deck</h1>
<p>This deck is a strange combination of aggro and combo. In the early game, we'll create small tokens and use Temmet to get them through. In the mid game, we'll transition to more of a control deck. In the final stages of the game, we'll hopefully go off with Teshar. It's a weird spot to fill, so the best advice I can give is to spread the love. Attack everyone for little bits of damage; focus down Planeswalkers with your unblockable tokens, and gain some favor with the rest of the table until you have a chance to get to your combo. You will be playing pretty active rather than the usual reactivity of a deck in these colors.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="King Tut" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Artificer&#039;s Assistant
*1 Soul Warden
*1 Soul&#039;s Attendant
*1 Anointer Priest
*1 Etherium Sculptor
*1 Myr Retriever
*1 Myrsmith
*1 Riddlesmith
*1 Argivian Archaeologist
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Junk Diver
*1 Scrap Trawler
*1 Treasure Hunter
*1 Workshop Assistant
*1 Heliod, God of the Sun
*1 Teshar, Ancestor&#039;s Apostle
*1 Treasure Keeper
*1 Vedalken Archmage
*1 Vizier of Many Faces
*1 God-Eternal Oketra
*1 Stonehewer Giant
*1 Sun Titan
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Tormod&#039;s Crypt
*1 Altar of the Brood
*1 Flayer Husk
*1 Pyramid of the Pantheon
*1 Skullclamp
*1 Ancestral Blade
*1 Azorius Signet
*1 Cogworker&#039;s Puzzleknot
*1 Embalmer&#039;s Tools
*1 Nim Deathmantle
*1 Pit Trap
*1 Shrine of Loyal Legions
*1 Sunset Pyramid
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Desecrated Tomb
*1 Gate to the Afterlife
*1 Oketra&#039;s Monument
*1 Krark-Clan Ironworks
*1 Batterskull
*1 Scytheclaw
*1 God-Pharaoh&#039;s Gift
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Curse of the Swine
*1 Wrath of God
*1 Phyrexian Rebirth
*1 Treasure Cruise
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Enlightened Tutor
*1 Pongify
*1 Rapid Hybridization
*1 Swan Song
*1 Lazotep Plating
*1 Mindbreak Trap
*1 Arrow Volley Trap
*1 Whiplash Trap
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Cartouche of Solidarity
*1 Legion&#039;s Landing
*1 Luminarch Ascension
*1 Smothering Tithe
*1 Thopter Spy Network
*1 Treasure Trove
*1 Mind Control
[/Enchantments]
[Planeswalker]
*1 Jace, Cunning Castaway
[/Planeswalker]
[Lands]
*1 Ancient Den
*1 Academy Ruins
*1 Ancient Tomb
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Cradle of the Accursed
*1 Darksteel Citadel
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*1 Irrigated Farmland
*11 Island
*1 Moorland Haunt
*11 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Seat of the Synod
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

<hr />
<h1>Epilogue</h1>
<p>I hope you enjoyed this micro history lesson of an article. I certainly know more about ancient Egypt than I did before writing it. This deck will flood the battlefield with artifacts and generate a ton of value. Once the engine is established, the deck will be hard to stop, and the Traps will create some fantastic "Gotcha!" moments that will generate stories that you and your friends will remember for years.</p>
<p>That’s it for this week! As always, let me know which legendary characters you’d like to see get the story spotlight in the future!</p>


azorius