<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan" href="#" target="_blank">Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Illustrated by </em><a href="https://www.artstation.com/akreon"><em>Anna Podedworna</em></a></p>
<p>If you've played the game <em>Fallout 4</em>, specifically the <em>Nuka-World</em> DLC, you might be familiar with a long series of "fetch quests" to find a specific "cipher" that unlocks the secrets of Nuka Cola's founder. If you've never played this game, or this DLC, this is all gibberish to you. No matter your connection to <em>Fallout 4</em> or its aforementioned quests, today we are brewing around a character that no one expected to appear in <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan" href="#" target="_blank">Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan"></div></div>
<p>Sierra is a strange choice to design a legendary creature around, as she only appears during that short questline in the <em>Fallout 4</em> DLC, and she's not particularly memorable. Sure, it's interesting to see a "normal person" in the wasteland, but she doesn't bring a lot to the story. My opinions on Sierra's character aside, her card design is very intriguing.</p>
<p>According to EDHREC, there are only 56 decks in mono-white that are focused on the proliferate theme, and this commander gives the perfect opportunity to explore this relatively uncharted territory. Sierra also leans a little bit into the artifact and token spaces, but we're focusing specifically on proliferating to get the most out of her "sneaky damage" trigger.</p>
<h2>Category #1: Evasive Attackers</h2>
<p>Sierra's trigger lets us pump a creature equal to amount of quest counters on her, and that means we need as many evasive creatures as possible. Here are some of my favorites:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shrike Force" href="#" target="_blank">Shrike Force</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has flying, double strike, <em>and</em> vigilance, so when we pump it, it's going to hit <em>hard</em>.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shrike Force"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Soltari Foot Soldier" href="#" target="_blank">Soltari Foot Soldier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a one-mana creature that has shadow, and, last I checked, not many people run cards with shadow these days, so it's practically unblockable.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soltari Foot Soldier"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Healer&#039;s Hawk" href="#" target="_blank">Healer&#039;s Hawk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a one-mana flying creature that can gain us a ton of life the longer Sierra stays onboard.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Healer&#039;s Hawk"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gingerbrute" href="#" target="_blank">Gingerbrute</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give itself "unblockable by non-haste creatures", and that makes it a great target to pump.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gingerbrute"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Calligrapher" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Calligrapher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> benefits our opponents for attacking each other <em>and</em> grants free additional flyers when we attack. Win-win!</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Calligrapher"></div></div>
<h2>Category #2: Proliferate Engines</h2>
<p>Our deck is focused around proliferating as many quest counters as we can, so we have several "enhancers" to help us do that.</p>
<p>Our first enhancer is a newcomer from <em>Edge of Eternities Commander</em>: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Patrolling Peacemaker" href="#" target="_blank">Patrolling Peacemaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is arguably the best card in the deck, as our opponents will be committing crimes more often than you think. It's not unlikely that this card could proliferate upwards of four times in a turn cycle.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Patrolling Peacemaker"></div></div>
<p>Our second enhancer comes from a Universe Beyond: <em>Battle for Baldur's Gate.</em> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lae&#039;zel, Vlaakith&#039;s Champion" href="#" target="_blank">Lae&#039;zel, Vlaakith&#039;s Champion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> essentially <em>doubles</em> each time we proliferate, and that can get out of hand pretty quickly.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lae&#039;zel, Vlaakith&#039;s Champion"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Metastatic Evangel" href="#" target="_blank">Metastatic Evangel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is our third enhancer. This card is crazy: a creature enters under our control, we proliferate. It needs to be nontoken, but that doesn't tone it down too much.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Metastatic Evangel"></div></div>
<p>Our last two enhancers are cards that do similar things: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Filigree Vector" href="#" target="_blank">Filigree Vector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Throne of Geth" href="#" target="_blank">Throne of Geth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Filigree Vector" href="#" target="_blank">Filigree Vector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> puts counters on anything as it enters, and, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Throne of Geth" href="#" target="_blank">Throne of Geth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, lets us sacrifice an artifact to proliferate. This is a great card with our commander because when we deal combat damage to someone, we create a Food token <em>and</em> get a quest counter that we can later proliferate.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Filigree Vector"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Throne of Geth"></div></div>
<h2>Category #3: Protection</h2>
<p>Sierra is very much a "glass cannon", in that if she gets removed, we have to start from 0. With this in mind, I included some cards that can make it hurt a little less when she is inevitably removed.</p>
<p>The first two cards in this category are similar: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ozolith" href="#" target="_blank">The Ozolith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Resourceful Defense" href="#" target="_blank">Resourceful Defense</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ozolith" href="#" target="_blank">The Ozolith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets us store Sierra's quest counters on it when she dies, so we don't need to start completely over. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Resourceful Defense" href="#" target="_blank">Resourceful Defense</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a little different in that we move those counters to something else but can then move them back at a later time for five mana.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Ozolith"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Resourceful Defense"></div></div>
<p>The next card in this category is card that is often overlooked: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Together Forever" href="#" target="_blank">Together Forever</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It enters and gives out two +1/+1 counters which isn't much, but it fuels its second ability: allowing us to return a creature with <em>any counters</em> on it to our hand when it dies. Sierra will have quest counters no matter what, so this gives us the opportunity to avoid commander tax if we have one open mana.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Together Forever"></div></div>
<p>The last card is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Damning Verdict" href="#" target="_blank">Damning Verdict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is "protection" because Sierra will always have counters, and we have plenty of ways to give counters to our other creatures. If we have counters on everything, this is a one-sided board wipe.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Damning Verdict"></div></div>
<h2>Category #4: The "Secret Spice"</h2>
<p>This deck's "secret spice" will allow us to knock out opponents out of nowhere. Allow me to explain:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetheric Amplifier" href="#" target="_blank">Aetheric Amplifier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a newer card that can act as a mana rock on early turns, then double Sierra's quest counters in the late game to deliver a knock-out punch.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetheric Amplifier"></div></div>
<ul>
<li>Arcbound Ravager and Krark-Clan Ironworks are ways to sacrifice our food tokens en masse, often generating a lethal attacker after blockers are declared. Just land one of these cards, go to combat, wait for declare blockers, and before damage pump the unblocked creature as much as you need to deliver a lethal blow.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcbound Ravager"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krark-Clan Ironworks"></div></div>
<h2>Closing Thoughts</h2>
<p>I hope you enjoyed exploring an underplayed <em>Fallout</em> commander with me! While her character in the game is pretty lackluster, her commander can be pretty interesting if built around properly. Check out my decklist below!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Proliferating in Mono-White with Sierra, Nuka’s Biggest Fan" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Academy Manufactor
*1 Aerial Extortionist
*1 Apothecary White
*1 Arcbound Ravager
*1 Astrid Peth
*1 Bennie Bracks, Zoologist
*1 Celestine, the Living Saint
*1 Combat Calligrapher
*1 ED-E, Lonesome Eyebot
*1 Esper Sentinel
*1 Filigree Vector
*1 Gingerbrute
*1 Grateful Apparition
*1 Healer&#039;s Hawk
*1 Keeper of the Accord
*1 Lae&#039;zel, Vlaakith&#039;s Champion
*1 Mangara, the Diplomat
*1 Metastatic Evangel
*1 Mother of Runes
*1 Nils, Discipline Enforcer
*1 Norn&#039;s Choirmaster
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Patrolling Peacemaker
*1 Rosie Cotton of South Lane
*1 Scholar of New Horizons
*1 Shrike Force
*1 Soltari Foot Soldier
*1 Stridehangar Automaton
*1 Yes Man, Personal Securitron
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Aetheric Amplifier
*1 Aetherworks Marvel
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Argent Dais
*1 Astral Cornucopia
*1 Bagel and Schmear
*1 Caduceus, Staff of Hermes
*1 Candy Trail
*1 Coalition Relic
*1 Eriette&#039;s Tempting Apple
*1 Everflowing Chalice
*1 Krark-Clan Ironworks
*1 Lembas
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mask of Memory
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Nuka-Cola Vending Machine
*1 Recon Craft Theta
*1 Robe of Stars
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Staff of Compleation
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 The Ozolith
*1 Throne of Geth
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Hoofprints of the Stag
*1 Land Tax
*1 Norn&#039;s Decree
*1 Resourceful Defense
*1 Together Forever
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Damning Verdict
*1 Secret Rendezvous
*1 Steelshaper&#039;s Gift
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Akroma&#039;s Will
*1 Flawless Maneuver
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Razorgrass Ambush // Razorgrass Field
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Crystal Vein
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Diamond City
*1 Fountainport
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*19 Plains
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 Remote Farm
*1 Roadside Reliquary
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Secluded Steppe
*1 Strip Mine
*1 War Room
[/Lands]"></span></div>


Proliferating in Mono White with Sierra, Nuka's Biggest Fan

<p style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/dusint">Tomas Duchek</a></span></i></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was recently Hobbit Day, in reference to the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, of Tolkien fame. As we enter the harvest season of Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, it seemed fitting to celebrate the creature type that resulted from the Tolkien crossover, all about making and eating Food!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For those who are unaware of Jewish holidays, it was recently also Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year. Like many Jewish holidays, it centers around Foods, especially apples and honey, the former of which is just beginning to enter its harvesting season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But Food, in <em>Magic</em>, is largely built around life gain, and those strategies tend to durdle a lot, so how do we make these gatherings fun while being respectful of everyone's time? And are we talking about the game or the family gathering?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In either, the key is to find common ground within the family. Quite a lot of our creatures are legendary and share surnames along with complementary abilities. The patriarch of the family is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the centerpiece of today's commander deck.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Farmer Cotton"></div></div>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Do?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Farmer Cotton makes Food and makes Halflings. For a deck that wants both Food and Halflings, that's pretty perfect. In fact, he makes as many Food and Halflings as we can put mana into him, getting better and better as the game goes on.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">X spells are really, really powerful, so it's unusual to find a commander with X in its cost. X and asterisks represent limitless values, so they immediately catch my attention as curve-toppers and combo exhaust. In a deck filled with legendary Halflings, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> stands out as one that does everything we need whenever we need it.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So what are the tokens he makes? Farmer Cotton makes 1/1 Halflings and Food tokens. The Halflings are tiny creatures, while the Foods can tap and sacrifice themselves, along with a two-mana investment, to gain three life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The key to complementing Farmer Cotton is to find ways to get the Food tokens to work with the small creatures to create a threatening board presence while gaining enough life to win close races.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While making a bunch of 1/1s and Food tokens is cool, neither of those things win the game by themselves. The Halfling tokens get outclassed easily, and the Food tokens provide a life buffer to win races, but we're not winning many races with 1/1s. So how do we turn these pieces into a gameplan?</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archangel of Thune"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nykthos Paragon"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Life gain payoffs are a solid way of making the life gained from the Food tokens into win cons, but we're likely not getting to 50 for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. What we can do is use effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archangel of Thune" href="#" target="_blank">Archangel of Thune</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nykthos Paragon" href="#" target="_blank">Nykthos Paragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to put layers of counters on our Halflings and 1/1s, making it so that our two main pieces work together!</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaheira, Friend of the Forest"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Cabbage Merchant"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since our commander is a mana sink, we want ways to make lots of mana to pour into his cost. In addition to some green staples, we can run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jaheira, Friend of the Forest" href="#" target="_blank">Jaheira, Friend of the Forest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Cabbage Merchant" href="#" target="_blank">The Cabbage Merchant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to make our tokens make mana. These cards enable the deck to be flexible with its mana and to use the relatively weak stats of our commander to let us chump block with him and re-cast him for a larger value.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Heliod&#039;s Intervention"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nature&#039;s Claim"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Swords to Plowshares"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every once in a while, a problem permanent comes along that has to be dealt with. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunspine Lynx" href="#" target="_blank">Sunspine Lynx</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and related effects jump out as particularly dangerous, as gaining life is integral to our gameplan. If a card can gain life, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heliod&#039;s Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heliod&#039;s Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Claim" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Claim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swords to Plowshares" href="#" target="_blank">Swords to Plowshares</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we can use it to grant us extra triggers, as well.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Shire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gingerbread Cabin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inventors&#039; Fair"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our nonbasic lands mostly relate to Halflings and Food tokens. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Shire" href="#" target="_blank">The Shire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gingerbread Cabin" href="#" target="_blank">Gingerbread Cabin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> work with Hobbits and Food, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inventors&#039; Fair" href="#" target="_blank">Inventors&#039; Fair</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gains life and can find a powerful piece in a pinch.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Does This <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commander Deck Win?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our primary aim is to flood the field with Halflings and Food, then use the life gained to put layers of counters on those small creatures to present a large board and flex the high life total to attack with impunity.</span></p>
<h2><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commander Decklist</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Farmer Cotton Commander Deck Tech" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="&nbsp;
[Commander]
*1 Farmer Cotton
[/Commander]
&nbsp;
[Creatures]
*1 Academy Manufactor
*1 Ajani&#039;s Pridemate
*1 Archangel of Thune
*1 Archivist of Oghma
*1 Banquet Guests
*1 Brandywine Farmer
*1 Delighted Halfling
*1 Eastfarthing Farmer
*1 Elanor Gardner
*1 Elenda&#039;s Hierophant
*1 Erinis, Gloom Stalker
*1 Essence Channeler
*1 Exemplar of Light
*1 Feasting Hobbit
*1 Frodo Baggins
*1 Frodo, Determined Hero
*1 Gilded Goose
*1 Heliod, Sun-Crowned
*1 Jaheira, Friend of the Forest
*1 Masked Vandal
*1 Meriadoc Brandybuck
*1 Merry, Warden of Isengard
*1 Metallic Mimic
*1 Nimble Hobbit
*1 Nykthos Paragon
*1 Peregrin Took
*1 Prosperous Innkeeper
*1 Realmwalker
*1 Roaming Throne
*1 Rosie Cotton of South Lane
*1 Sam, Loyal Attendant
*1 Samwise Gamgee
*1 Samwise the Stouthearted
*1 Saradoc, Master of Buckland
*1 Shire Shirriff
*1 The Cabbage Merchant
*1 The Gaffer
*1 Tireless Provisioner
*1 Took Reaper
[/Creatures]
&nbsp;
[Enchantments]
*1 Cleric Class
*1 Light of Promise
*1 Night of the Sweets&#039; Revenge
*1 Of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
[/Enchantments]
&nbsp;
[Artifacts]
*1 Field-Tested Frying Pan
*1 Krark-Clan Ironworks
[/Artifacts]
&nbsp;
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Ajani, Strength of the Pride
[/Planeswalkers]
&nbsp;
[Sorceries]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Harvest Season
*1 Kodama&#039;s Reach
[/Sorceries]
&nbsp;
[Instants]
*1 Beast Within
*1 Disenchant
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Heliod&#039;s Intervention
*1 Krosan Grip
*1 Naturalize
*1 Nature&#039;s Claim
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
&nbsp;
[Lands]
*1 Arch of Orazca
*1 Boseiju, Who Endures
*1 Cavern of Souls
*1 Command Tower
*15 Forest
*1 Gingerbread Cabin
*1 Inventors&#039; Fair
*1 Minas Tirith
*1 Path of Ancestry
*15 Plains
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 The Shire
[/Lands]
&nbsp;"></span></div></span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conclusion</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Halflings are a neat creature type to see get support in the <em>The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth</em> set, combining life gain, artifact, and token synergies to make a unique mix of cards and effects. These effects do run the danger of durdling, however, which is why it's important to have a plan for getting the different phases to work together.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But how would you build Halflings? And what do you think the teased <em>The Hobbit</em> set will offer?</span></p>


Building Halfling Kindred with Farmer Cotton

Edge of Eternities - Ragost, Deft Gastronaut Deck Tech

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


Bracketeering - Baylen, the Haymaker

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treebeard, Gracious Host" href="#" target="_blank">Treebeard, Gracious Host</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.campbellwhitedesign.com/">Campbell White</a></h6>
<h1>Planting the Seeds</h1>
<p>Hi, and welcome to <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>, where we take all of those <em>Universes Beyond</em> cards, and make a deck out of the selection there.</p>
<p>However, I do wish to take a moment to address something that came up after the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/beyond-the-multiverse-rise-of-the-cyberheads">previous article</a> was published.</p>
<p>Apparently, the folks at Wizards of the Coast decided to do away with the triangle stamps in favor of the regular oval that we're so used to seeing with in-universe cards. Personally, I don't agree with this decision, but I digress.</p>
<p>Without further ado, let's jump into our featured commander for this week.</p>
<h1>The Ancient Tree</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Treebeard, Gracious Host"></div></div>
<p>...Wait a minute. Why not <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sam, Loyal Attendant" href="#" target="_blank">Sam, Loyal Attendant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? There's two reasons for this: Firstly, it's much more likely that you'd be using him as a commander alongside <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frodo, Adventurous Hobbit" href="#" target="_blank">Frodo, Adventurous Hobbit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, giving you an extra color.</p>
<p>In addition, Treebeard is a win condition himself, having access to two coveted keywords for Voltron in trample and ward. That said, who is Treebeard anyway?</p>
<p>Treebeard was an Ent from <em>The</em> <em>Lord of the Rings</em> franchise, and is one of, if not the oldest being in the world of Middle-earth. He took in Merry and Pippin temporarily as they escaped from their Orcish captors. Through them, Treebeard eventually learned of Saruman's treachery, and his felling of trees. Consequently, he amassed the Ents to raze Isengard to the ground, ensuring that Saruman would remain locked in Orthanc.</p>
<h1>A Gracious Feast</h1>
<p>Looking at Treebeard's card, he has the aforementioned keywords. Moreover, he enters with two Food tokens. Additionally, this will be useful for his ability, which puts +1/+1 Counters on a Treefolk or Halfling whenever you gain life. I'm going to give you exactly one guess where we're putting those counters.</p>
<p>Treebeard himself, of course! His deck is a Voltron deck masquerading as a Lifegain deck. Thankfully, there was a precon from the same release that gives us a lot of the key tools we need. Moreover, this version of Treebeard came from that exact deck.</p>
<p>Therefore, it might come as no surprise to some that this deck might amount to a rehash of that precon, slashing a color or doing some other fixes to make sure it's different.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this is a reality when dealing with commanders from precons. Consequently, it's why I avoid choosing the face cards of a given precon, because what I end up making would be essentially an upgraded version of the deck.</p>
<p>That being said, let us look at the card and see what Treebeard has to offer (though, I did have to cover it a little bit to justify running him over Sam).</p>
<h1>Growing the Plant</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Essence Warden"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pristine Talisman"></div></div>
<p>While you can run the usual <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 company, I recommend leaning towards the lifegain side of things, so you can grow Treebeard to monstrous proportions. <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>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Essence Warden" href="#" target="_blank">Essence Warden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prosperous Innkeeper" href="#" target="_blank">Prosperous Innkeeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impassioned Orator" href="#" target="_blank">Impassioned Orator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> all make sure that we gain lots of life, especially the former two. As a result, Treebeard gets a counter, making him massive depending on your opponents.</p>
<p>In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tireless Provisioner" href="#" target="_blank">Tireless Provisioner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can either ramp us or give us Food tokens, depending on what we need.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Astrid Peth" href="#" target="_blank">Astrid Peth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (11,114 decks) makes a Food token whenever she enters or attacks, and has the chance to get slightly bigger whenever you sacrifice one.</p>
<p>Above all, I mentioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sam, Loyal Attendant" href="#" target="_blank">Sam, Loyal Attendant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (16,966 decks; in the 99) at the beginning of the article, but he does wonders in the 99 here: Making us Food tokens and reducing their activation cost by one.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pristine Talisman" href="#" target="_blank">Pristine Talisman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ramps us and gains us life, so our commander grows, even only for a little bit.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gilded Goose" href="#" target="_blank">Gilded Goose</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (100,919 decks) and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Butterbur, Bree Innkeeper" href="#" target="_blank">Butterbur, Bree Innkeeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (6,245 decks; again in the 99) give a steady supply of Food tokens for us to use.</p>
<p>However, gaining one to three life? Amateur numbers.</p>
<h1>The Deluge of Life</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bighorner Rancher"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inscription of Abundance"></div></div>
<p>Furthermore, there are a few ways to gain boatloads of life. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bighorner Rancher" href="#" target="_blank">Bighorner Rancher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (10,428 decks) either gives us a lot of mana after Treebeard gains a few counters, or can be sacrificed to gain at least five life, meaning five +1/+1 counters for Treebeard.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lily Bowen, Raging Grandma" href="#" target="_blank">Lily Bowen, Raging Grandma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (8,631 decks) gets bigger until she hits at least 17 power, then you gain enough life to make Treebeard almost lethal in one swing.</p>
<p>However, I do need to note that you can't use Treebeard's ability to give Lily the +1/+1 Counters, since she's neither a Halfling or a Treefolk.</p>
<p>Lastly is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inscription of Abundance" href="#" target="_blank">Inscription of Abundance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (48,638 decks), which has a lot of uses. First, the two counters aren't going to matter much, but it'll help Treebeard gain a small boost.</p>
<p>Secondly, since Treebeard will be huge, the last mode ensures he'll take out almost anything, and live to tell about it. Most importantly is that second mode, which nets you life equal to the greatest power among creatures you have, be it Treebeard, or some other large creature you have. Consequently, that's a lot of +1/+1 Counters to put onto Treebeard.</p>
<h1>Reap What You Sow</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Gaffer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Assemble the Entmoot"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan"></div></div>
<p>While our in-universe counterparts enjoy a much wider selection, it's not like we have nothing. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Gaffer" href="#" target="_blank">The Gaffer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (48,109 decks) draws us a card whenever we gain three or more life each turn.</p>
<p>Easily done with a Food token, but time it right. Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Well of Lost Dreams" href="#" target="_blank">Well of Lost Dreams</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (92,118 decks) draws us lots of cards when we gain life, but you do have to pay mana, so spend wisely.</p>
<p>Additionally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gwaihir, Greatest of the Eagles" href="#" target="_blank">Gwaihir, Greatest of the Eagles</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (17,693 decks) nets us a decently sized creature token when we hit that magic three number.</p>
<p>Moreover, he and the tokens he makes can give Treebeard flying when he and one of the eagles attack. Flample, anyone? <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Assemble the Entmoot" href="#" target="_blank">Assemble the Entmoot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (14,208 decks) can give us an army of Treefolk if we gain a critical mass of life, and give your creatures reach. However, since they come in tapped, this leaves you open to a board wipe, so be sure to protect them until your next turn.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan" href="#" target="_blank">Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (4,775 decks) could build up to be the ultimate pump spell for Treebeard. With his Trample, he ensures that Sierra gets a quest counter (and a Food token).</p>
<p>Then, she triggers each time you sacrifice said token to build Treebeard up. Keep her around long enough, and she can not only make lots of Food, but can make Treebeard threaten lethal commander damage quickly.</p>
<h1>The Tree that Gives Us Life</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond-The Tree of Life" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Treebeard, Gracious Host
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Astrid Peth
*1 Banquet Guests
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Bighorner Rancher
*1 Butterbur, Bree Innkeeper
*1 Delighted Halfling
*1 Displaced Dinosaurs
*1 Essence Warden
*1 Farmer Cotton
*1 Gilded Goose
*1 Gwaihir, Greatest of the Eagles
*1 Impassioned Orator
*1 Lily Bowen, Raging Grandma
*1 Peregrin Took
*1 Prosperous Innkeeper
*1 Sam, Loyal Attendant
*1 Sierra, Nuka&#039;s Biggest Fan
*1 Soul&#039;s Attendant
*1 The Gaffer
*1 Tireless Provisioner
*1 Triumph of Saint Katherine
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Austere Command
*1 Council&#039;s Judgment
*1 Cultivate
*1 Fumigate
*1 Harmonize
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Regrowth
*1 Single Combat
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Basilisk Collar
*1 Behemoth Sledge
*1 Bilbo&#039;s Ring
*1 Brotherhood Regalia
*1 Caduceus, Staff of Hermes
*1 Elixir of Immortality
*1 Endless Atlas
*1 Haystack
*1 Mithril Coat
*1 Pristine Talisman
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Talisman of Unity
*1 The Great Henge
*1 Trading Post
*1 Well of Lost Dreams
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Brushland
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*10 Forest
*1 Fortified Village
*1 Graypelt Refuge
*1 Horizon Canopy
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Opal Palace
*1 Overgrown Farmland
*10 Plains
*1 Scattered Groves
*1 Sungrass Prairie
*1 Sunpetal Grove
*1 Temple of Plenty
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 The Shire
[/Lands]
[Instants]
*1 Beast Within
*1 Crush Contraband
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Inscription of Abundance
*1 Legolas&#039;s Quick Reflexes
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Return to Dust
*1 Stew the Coneys
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Unbreakable Formation
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Assemble the Entmoot
*1 Banish to Another Universe
*1 Guardian Project
*1 Hardened Scales
[/Enchantments]"></span></div>
<h1>Under the Tree</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Caduceus, Staff of Hermes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Displaced Dinosaurs"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Farmer Cotton"></div></div>
<p>Firstly, this list does use some Equipment, but they're mostly to protect Treebeard while he branches out to your opponent's life totals. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mithril Coat" href="#" target="_blank">Mithril Coat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> stand among the best of these, coming in at instant speed and auto-attaching itself to our commander.</p>
<p>Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Caduceus, Staff of Hermes" href="#" target="_blank">Caduceus, Staff of Hermes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (33,894 decks) gives Treebeard Lifelink, and buffs him when you have 30 or more life. Better still, the Equipment shields him from damage and grants indestructibility.</p>
<p>However, Treebeard will eat a lot of removal, and there's always the chance that he'll get too expensive to cast. Therefore, we can't let the deck roll belly up and die.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Displaced Dinosaurs" href="#" target="_blank">Displaced Dinosaurs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (21,317 decks) is an alternate path to win if Treebeard gets too expensive to cast. With it in play, you get to turn your Food tokens into 7/7 Dinosaur-shaped nuggets that you can eat (not the cardboard please!) to gain some life.</p>
<p>Consequently, this would trigger your lifegain-related cards. Even having one of these around ensures you can cheaply cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Great Henge" href="#" target="_blank">The Great Henge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so you can gain more life, ramp, and draw cards.</p>
<p>In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farmer Cotton" href="#" target="_blank">Farmer Cotton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (37,255 decks; in the 99) gives us Halflings and Food tokens depending on how much mana we use to cast him.</p>
<p>Speaking of Halflings, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Banquet Guests" href="#" target="_blank">Banquet Guests</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (24,012 decks), with all of the Food tokens you'll be making, will get big enough to be a finisher on its own. If you have mana open, you'd be able to protect him using his ability.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Peregrin Took" href="#" target="_blank">Peregrin Took</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (105,186 decks) acts akin to a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hardened Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Hardened Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (also in the decklist), making us an additional Food token each time we make tokens.</p>
<p>However, the activated ability is not ideal since you want to be gaining life. On the other hand, it's still a way to draw more cards, and would help if you end up making more Food tokens than you can handle.</p>
<h1>Of Shade and Respite</h1>
<p>In conclusion, this deck was a different take from the average Voltron list, putting Lifegain as a sub-theme that's critical to how the deck works. Treebeard himself, as of writing, comes in at 1,859 decks.</p>
<p>It's not shabby, but, it could be better. The Abzan precon from the <em>Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle Earth</em>, <em>Food and Fellowship</em>, release gives you a good starting point, if you wish to pursue a list of your own.</p>
<p>Tune in next week as we look to the...wait, we know every card from the <em>Spongebob Secret Lairs</em>? Sweet, I'll do that instead! This will be an interesting deckbuilding challenge for sure, using every card in all three <em>Secret Lair</em>s.</p>
<p>The only thing I'll give away about it is that I'll be using two of each basic land, so we'll be using two of that particular lair.</p>
<p>Until next time, may you join the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Last March of the Ents" href="#" target="_blank">Last March of the Ents</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and raze your opponent's' life totals to the ground.</p>


Beyond the Multiverse- The Tree of Life

2024’s EDHighlights - Ygra, Eater of All

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jenny Flint" href="#" target="_blank">Jenny Flint</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vetyyr/?hl=en">Syd Mills</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>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>Our theme for today's edition is: lifegain. This theme is very common in Selesnya and Orzhov colors (green and white; black and white, respectively), but today we're going to try something new.</p>
<p>According to EDHREC, the least played color combination for the "lifegain" theme is Temur (Green, Red, and Blue), so that's where we'll start. Looking at our options, I ultimately settled on an underrated Doctor Who partner pair: Jenny Flint and Madame Vastra.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jenny Flint"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Madame Vastra"></div></div>
<p>At first glance, this doesn't look like a "lifegain" commander, but Madame Vastra's ability to create Food tokens shouldn't be understated, and Jenny Flint's ability to pump up her partner is just a sweet bonus.</p>
<p>Madame Vastra's Food generation will be our primary source of lifegain from the command zone, but we have plenty of spicy includes for the 99 to ensure our life total remains high while crushing our opponents.</p>
<h2>Category #1: Ways to Gain Life</h2>
<p>Having access to green allows us to play well-known cards like Essence Warden, Courser of Kruphix, and Elder Gargaroth, but we also have the ability to include cards that are seldom seen in commander in 2024.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Essence Warden"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Courser of Kruphix"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elder Gargaroth"></div></div>
<p>Cards like: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Horizon Chimera" href="#" target="_blank">Horizon Chimera</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> benefits us from drawing cards; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lifeblood Hydra" href="#" target="_blank">Lifeblood Hydra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives us a huge beater that can turn into lifegain and card advantage later on; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Candy Trail" href="#" target="_blank">Candy Trail</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows us to set up our draws in the early turns while providing a way to draw a card later; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scavenged Brawler" href="#" target="_blank">Scavenged Brawler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great attacking threat that can distribute its abilities from the graveyard; and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sproutback Trudge" href="#" target="_blank">Sproutback Trudge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a huge threat that we can cast over and over again.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Horizon Chimera"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lifeblood Hydra"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Candy Trail"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scavenged Brawler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sproutback Trudge"></div></div>
<h2>Category #2: Benefitting From Lifegain</h2>
<p>The most obvious lifegain payoff comes in the form of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and while that is included in this deck, there are a few other cards that are much more interesting. For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trudge Garden" href="#" target="_blank">Trudge Garden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can turn our lifegain into 4/4 trampling beasts; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Assemble the Entmoot" href="#" target="_blank">Assemble the Entmoot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can create 3 huge treefolk; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fortifying Draught" href="#" target="_blank">Fortifying Draught</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could potentially knock out an opponent out of nowhere; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azor&#039;s Gateway" href="#" target="_blank">Azor&#039;s Gateway</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can generate TONS of mana; and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marina Vendrell&#039;s Grimoire" href="#" target="_blank">Marina Vendrell&#039;s Grimoire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> acts as a "We Have Lich's Mastery At Home", drawing us cards for the amount of life we gain.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetherflux Reservoir"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Trudge Garden"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Assemble the Entmoot"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fortifying Draught"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azor&#039;s Gateway"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Marina Vendrell&#039;s Grimoire"></div></div>
<h2>Category #3: Finishers</h2>
<p>While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great finisher in this deck, my personal favorite way to close out a game is with Blossoming Bogbeast.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blossoming Bogbeast"></div></div>
<p>This deck also includes a spicy lifegain-centric combo: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sporeweb Weaver" href="#" target="_blank">Sporeweb Weaver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> plus <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blazing Sunsteel" href="#" target="_blank">Blazing Sunsteel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Outside of being a combo piece, Sporeweb Weaver is an amazing blocker that creates a saproling when its dealt damage, but with Blazing Sunsteel you can choose to deal damage to <em>any target.</em></p>
<p>This means we can target the Sporeweb Weaver, and if it's equipped with the Blazing Sunsteel, we rinse and repeat the process. Deal a damage to the Sporeweb Weaver, gain a life and create a saproling, deal another damage to the Sporeweb Weaver, etc.</p>
<p>The important thing to note with this combo: <em>it is not infinite unless Sporeweb Weaver has indestructible! </em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sporeweb Weaver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blazing Sunsteel"></div></div>
<h2>Category #4: Our First Secret Spice = A Secret Commander?</h2>
<p>As always, we have some "secret spice" for this deck, but today's "secret spice" acts a "secret commander" of sorts. Allow me to introduce you to Soulgorger Orgg.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soulgorger Orgg"></div></div>
<p>This card seems strange, right? Losing all but 1 life seems extremely risky, but that's what makes it fun! This card allows us to repeatedly gain a ridiculous amount of life, all while providing a sneaky way to win.</p>
<p>We can get the Orgg's "leave the battlefield "trigger in two ways:</p>
<ol>
<li>Bouncing it to our hand with Temur Sabertooth.</li>
<li>Sacrificing it with cards like Greater Good or Momentous Fall, and then recurring it with cards like Resurrection Orb or Mimic Vat.</li>
</ol>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Temur Sabertooth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Greater Good"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Momentous Fall"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Resurrection Orb"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mimic Vat"></div></div>
<p>While this might sound cool, we aren't <em>only</em> looking at the Orgg's ability to gain us life. When we're at 1 life, we can pull off some really sneaky things. Things like: swapping life totals with Soul Conduit or doubling our card draw and lifegain with Phial of Galadriel.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Soul Conduit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phial of Galadriel"></div></div>
<h2>Category #5: Our Second Secret Spice = Coin Flips?</h2>
<p>Our second "secret spice" for this deck exists in the form of a game: a Game of Chaos. This card is a little ridiculous, especially considering that if you lose a flip your "game" is over, but if you can win a few flips in a row, this could be the most efficient lifegain spell in the entire deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Game of Chaos"></div></div>
<p>Even though this is isn't super reliable, it will definitely create some memories at the table.</p>
<p>This brings us to the end of our second edition of <em>Bottom of the Barrel</em>! I hope you enjoyed exploring a lesser-played color-combination in the world of lifegain, and hope you’ll take my ideas to brew your own craziness in the world of Temur lifegain!</p>
<p>Check out my decklist below!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Bottom of the Barrel #2 - Jenny Flint and Madame Vastra" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Jenny Flint
*1 Madame Vastra
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Accomplished Alchemist
*1 Blossoming Bogbeast
*1 Courser of Kruphix
*1 Disciple of Freyalise // Garden of Freyalise
*1 Elder Gargaroth
*1 Essence Warden
*1 Forgotten Ancient
*1 Horizon Chimera
*1 Hydroelectric Specimen // Hydroelectric Laboratory
*1 Hydroid Krasis
*1 Lifeblood Hydra
*1 Prize Pig
*1 Prosperous Innkeeper
*1 Sakura-Tribe Elder
*1 Scavenged Brawler
*1 Soulgorger Orgg
*1 Sporeweb Weaver
*1 Sproutback Trudge
*1 Tatyova, Benthic Druid
*1 Temur Sabertooth
*1 Uro, Titan of Nature&#039;s Wrath
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Blunt the Assault
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Fortifying Draught
*1 Momentous Fall
*1 Nature&#039;s Claim
*1 Pulse of Murasa
*1 Sheltering Word
*1 Worldly Tutor
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Aetherflux Reservoir
*1 Ancient Cornucopia
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Azor&#039;s Gateway // Sanctum of the Sun
*1 Basilisk Collar
*1 Blazing Sunsteel
*1 Candy Trail
*1 Cosmos Elixir
*1 Elixir of Immortality
*1 Loxodon Warhammer
*1 Marina Vendrell&#039;s Grimoire
*1 Mimic Vat
*1 Phial of Galadriel
*1 Resurrection Orb
*1 Shadowspear
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Soul Conduit
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Bala Ged Recovery // Bala Ged Sanctuary
*1 Cultivate
*1 Fabricate
*1 Farseek
*1 Game of Chaos
*1 Healing Technique
*1 Nature&#039;s Lore
*1 Pest Infestation
*1 Primal Command
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Scale the Heights
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Assemble the Entmoot
*1 Azusa&#039;s Many Journeys // Likeness of the Seeker
*1 Garruk&#039;s Uprising
*1 Greater Good
*1 Trudge Garden
*1 Well Rested
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Alchemist&#039;s Refuge
*1 Brokers Hideout
*1 Cabaretti Courtyard
*1 Command Tower
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Emergence Zone
*10 Forest
*1 Frontier Bivouac
*1 High Market
*4 Island
*1 Kessig Wolf Run
*1 Littjara Mirrorlake
*1 Miren, the Moaning Well
*4 Mountain
*1 Rugged Highlands
*1 Spire Garden
*1 Swiftwater Cliffs
*1 Thornwood Falls
*1 Training Center
*1 Witch&#039;s Clinic
[/Lands]"></span></div>




food

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Bracketeering - Baylen, the Haymaker

Beyond the Multiverse- The Tree of Life

2024’s EDHighlights - Ygra, Eater of All

Bottom of the Barrel - Jenny Flint and Madame Vastra

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