Achievement Unlocked - Winning in the Most Epic Way

Too-Specific Top 10 - Borderline

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Signet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://danscottart.format.com/#11">Dan Scott</a>)</h6>
<h1>The Best Insignia...</h1>
<p>When you've built over a dozen different Commander decks, you begin to fall into a groove. The familiar has served you well in the past, so you stick with it in the future. This tendency towards the familiar is why the Signets remain a giant in the Commander format. These no-nonsense dual-colored mana rocks have been around for over 15 years and will be around for 15 more.</p>
<p>But another common symptom of having played Commander for so long is that the familiar can become boring. How many times have you cast a Signet on Turn 2? How many times do you wish for something <em>different? </em>In today's <em>Staple Remover</em>, I'm hoping to fulfill that wish by saving you from a few hours of Scryfall hunting.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Izzet Signet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcane Signet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Orzhov Signet"></div></div>
<p>Few cards fulfill their role as elegantly as the Signets. At two mana, each of them ramps us by one mana by producing two colors of mana (with the exception of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Signet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>), creating a perfect curve that allows you to cast a four-mana spell on turn three. However, although they've set the standard, they aren't alone on the podium and your deck may prefer some other contenders to run in place of or alongside the Signets.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Outside the Box</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Talisman of Indulgence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Star Compass"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pillar of Origins"></div></div>
<p>Here, we can see the less 'creative' replacements for the Signets. These retain the exclusive purpose of the Signets, but go about it in a slightly different way. The Talismans, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talisman of Indulgence" href="#" target="_blank">Talisman of Indulgence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are the most notable of these. They create both colorless mana and colored mana (at the cost of 1 life for the latter). This extra cost can be a benefit, though. Certain decks, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Willowdusk, Essence Seer" href="#" target="_blank">Willowdusk, Essence Seer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Greven, Predator Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Greven, Predator Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, can make use of the life loss.</p>
<p>Oddly enough, though, there are still some alternatives that are lesser-known in this category. These alternatives pull their weight when a low budget might exclude some other picks, although sometimes having fewer printings can harm them from a budget perspective. The Diamonds (such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marble Diamond" href="#" target="_blank">Marble Diamond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>), <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Star Compass" href="#" target="_blank">Star Compass</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pillar of Origins" href="#" target="_blank">Pillar of Origins</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are some good examples.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Grey Matter</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mind Stone"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Liquimetal Torque"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Millikin"></div></div>
<p>The main benefit of the Signets is that they are reasonably good at providing the color of mana you need, when you need it. However, many decks, including mono-colored decks and dual-colored decks, manage just fine without that benefit. In those decks, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mind Stone" href="#" target="_blank">Mind Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guardian Idol" href="#" target="_blank">Guardian Idol</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all-stars when you need them, and on the more expensive side, we also have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thought Vessel" href="#" target="_blank">Thought Vessel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a brand-new card that has similar (although more narrow) benefits compared to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mind Stone" href="#" target="_blank">Mind Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The few decks that do care about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liquimetal Torque" href="#" target="_blank">Liquimetal Torque</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s second ability can make fantastic use of it for combos, powering up removal pieces such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abrade" href="#" target="_blank">Abrade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, artifact synergy, and even saving you extra mana in decks helmed by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Memnarch" href="#" target="_blank">Memnarch</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Our final two-drop mana rocks stretch the definition of "rock" - they are artifacts, but they're also creatures, meaning they suffer from the same pitfalls as existing mana dorks, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. They compensate for this with some fantastic utility, though, such as filling the graveyard with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Millikin" href="#" target="_blank">Millikin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in graveyard-based decks, dealing extra <em>Infect</em> damage with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plague Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Plague Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or getting extra lands with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Walking Atlas" href="#" target="_blank">Walking Atlas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Bits and Baubles</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Springleaf Drum"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thran Turbine"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thought Vessel"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Springleaf Drum" href="#" target="_blank">Springleaf Drum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a lot going for it: it's one less mana than the Signets, it's better at color fixing, and it even has some sweet art. It does have an extra cost of an extra creature to tap, though, which can be difficult for some decks in the early game. Token decks and decks with low-cost commanders, though, take no issue with this requirement. Some decks, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kalamax, the Stormsire" href="#" target="_blank">Kalamax, the Stormsire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emmara, Soul of the Accord" href="#" target="_blank">Emmara, Soul of the Accord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, even prefer it!</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thran Turbine" href="#" target="_blank">Thran Turbine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> takes that a step further by being mana positive, but it also has a steeper requirement. Anybody familiar with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Food Chain" href="#" target="_blank">Food Chain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> knows that restrictions on what you can spend your mana on is a huge pain, but that doesn't make either of these cards weak; if your commander has an activated ability that costs generic mana, or you have a good amount of permanents in your deck that do, then this card is invaluable. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhys the Redeemed" href="#" target="_blank">Rhys the Redeemed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> loves to see it.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thought Vessel" href="#" target="_blank">Thought Vessel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is unique in that the advantage that it gives isn't nearly as much of a proactive one, but it is an advantage nonetheless. Often, it can simply take a load off of your mind so you can avoid having to drag out the game during the cleanup step. Other times, it can ensure that you have all the answers you could possibly need when you need them. Of course, if you don't draw enough cards for it to matter, or if you <em>prefer</em> to discard cards, then it's useless, but for those of us who love to have a hand full of cards, it's a solid (and now much more affordable) choice!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Watching the Dials Tick Up</h2>
<p><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/efrem-palacios-plaguemry.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67474 size-full" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/efrem-palacios-plaguemry.jpg" alt="" width="812" height="600" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/efrem-palacios-plaguemry.jpg 812w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/efrem-palacios-plaguemry-300x222.jpg 300w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/efrem-palacios-plaguemry-768x567.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 812px) 100vw, 812px" /></a></p>
<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plague Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Plague Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/artwork/2vPBv">Efrem Palacios</a>)</h6>
<p>One of my favorite synergies, both with mana rocks and artifacts in general, is with counters. Among my favorite decks is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient" href="#" target="_blank">Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which I like to build around these synergies and utilize them to their full potential with cards such as <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> - and you might be able to do the same with other commanders such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vorel of the Hull Clade" href="#" target="_blank">Vorel of the Hull Clade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Everflowing Chalice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cryptic Trilobite"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Plague Myr"></div></div>
<p>Of course, we have to mention the classic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Everflowing Chalice" href="#" target="_blank">Everflowing Chalice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It, like the Signets, ramps you by half as much mana as you pay into it, but it also scales based on how much mana you put into it. Of course, the scales could be artificially weighted in your favor, should you be able to increase the number of charge counters on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Everflowing Chalice" href="#" target="_blank">Everflowing Chalice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Because of this unique ability, it manages to remain relevant even in the late game.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptic Trilobite" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptic Trilobite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is much closer to the "aesthetic and mechanical rebel" side of the Signet alignment chart, but I think it brings enough to the table to warrant a mention regardless. In decks that want to activate abilities quickly and repeatedly, it gives you a pretty sizeable boost on its own. Like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Everflowing Chalice" href="#" target="_blank">Everflowing Chalice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, that boost can be utilized to great effect. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghave, Guru of Spores" href="#" target="_blank">Ghave, Guru of Spores</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in particular loves this card, as he (unsurprisingly) manages to combo with it, as does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marath, Will of the Wild" href="#" target="_blank">Marath, Will of the Wild</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and several other strong commanders. You can find many of the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptic Trilobite" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptic Trilobite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> combos <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=Cryptic%20Trilobite">here</a>.</p>
<p>Finally, we have the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plague Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Plague Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This little monster fits into a surprisingly large number of decks: +1/+1 counter decks (which tend to like mana dorks quite a bit) can use it as a finisher, while <em>Proliferate</em> decks like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Atraxa, Praetor&#039;s Voice" href="#" target="_blank">Atraxa, Praetor&#039;s Voice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can use it to wreak havoc wherever it goes. Not only that, but there are a lot of surprisingly good Myr for a variety of different scenarios: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coretapper" href="#" target="_blank">Coretapper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for charge counter manipulation, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shimmer Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Shimmer Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for reactive Artifacts decks, the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Copper Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Copper Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> cycle for mana, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Palladium Myr" href="#" target="_blank">Palladium Myr</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for even <em>more</em> mana. Altogether, they can be powered up by a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Myr Matrix" href="#" target="_blank">Myr Matrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (or they can just look cute on your battlefield)!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Kurkesh, Onakke Visionary" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Aetherworks Marvel
*1 Basalt Monolith
*1 Blinkmoth Urn
*1 Brittle Effigy
*1 Chaos Wand
*1 Clock of Omens
*1 Contagion Clasp
*1 Contagion Engine
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Darksteel Forge
*1 Darksteel Reactor
*1 Empowered Autogenerator
*1 Endless Atlas
*1 Everflowing Chalice
*1 Gemstone Array
*1 Gonti&#039;s Aether Heart
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Liquimetal Coating
*1 Liquimetal Torque
*1 Lux Cannon
*1 Manifold Key
*1 Mimic Vat
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mirage Mirror
*1 Mirrorworks
*1 Mycosynth Lattice
*1 Mystic Forge
*1 Oracle&#039;s Vault
*1 Planar Bridge
*1 Pyramid of the Pantheon
*1 Sensei&#039;s Divining Top
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Strionic Resonator
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Throne of Geth
*1 Unwinding Clock
*1 Vedalken Orrery
*1 Voltaic Key
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 Worn Powerstone
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Bosh, Iron Golem
*1 Cogwork Assembler
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Goblin Engineer
*1 Goblin Welder
*1 Hangarback Walker
*1 Jhoira&#039;s Familiar
*1 Kuldotha Forgemaster
*1 Plague Myr
*1 Shimmer Myr
*1 Slobad, Goblin Tinkerer
*1 Cryptic Trilobite
*1 Voltaic Servant
[/Creatures]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Daretti, Scrap Savant
*1 Ugin, the Ineffable
[/Planeswalkers]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Comet Storm
*1 Lightning Bolt
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Vandalblast
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Aether Hub
*1 Ancient Tomb
*1 Darksteel Citadel
*1 Great Furnace
*1 Inventors&#039; Fair
*1 Karn&#039;s Bastion
*32 Mountain
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>What are your favorite mana rocks? How many do you run in a deck? How do they synergize in unique ways? As always, I'd love to hear about it in the comments, and thanks for reading!</p>


izzet signet

Achievement Unlocked - Winning in the Most Epic Way

Too-Specific Top 10 - Borderline

Staple Remover – Signets

Ranking Every Mana Rock with EDHREC – Part 10: Of Mana and Moxen