<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Indomitable" href="#" target="_blank">The Indomitable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://samuelperinart.com/">Samuel Perin</a></h6>
<p>During MagicCon Vegas, we got the news that <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/vehicles">legendary Vehicles</a> can be your commander starting with <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/eoe">Edge of Eternities</a></em>, which caused myself and countless other players to rush to their binders and online search engines.</p>
<p>The announcement that <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/top-10-vehicle-commanders">your favorite rides from the multiverse</a> can be in your command zone sparked quite a lot of creativity in the community.</p>
<p>One of the most played legendary Vehicles in the format already is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Indomitable" href="#" target="_blank">The Indomitable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a four-mana mono-blue (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) Pirate ship that’s a wicked card draw engine.</p>
<p>It’s also a great attacker when crewed that offers you a way to return it to the battlefield from your graveyard. Sure, you could throw every evasive creature you can find into this deck and call it a day, but I wanted to take this list in a bit more of a nautical direction.</p>
<h2>The Commander - The Indomitable</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Indomitable"></div></div>
<p>Pirate decks typically land in the Grixis Shard (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>), boasting over <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/pirates">twenty-thousand decks here on EDHREC</a>; however, as of writing, only sixty of those are mono-blue.</p>
<p>Well, that’s all about to change when players set sail with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Indomitable" href="#" target="_blank">The Indomitable</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in their command zone. Since this ship draws you a card whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to a player, I packed this $40 deck list full of the sneakiest scurvy dogs on the seven seas.</p>
<p>Now, I know what you’re thinking: aren’t we losing too many good Pirate-matters cards without adding red or black? This is a valid concern, but do not fret, because the raw power of blue is here ensure you don't miss those other crewmates.</p>
<p>As you will see through this list, filling the board with evasive Pirates that draw you a card whenever they push damage forward is a strong enough gameplan for you to keep up with the rest of the table.</p>
<p>That’s enough preamble for one day, so join me Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks, aboard the newest addition to your fleet of decks.</p>
<h3>The Fiercest Members of The Crew</h3>
<p>When I first set out on the journey of building this deck, I’ll admit that I had a little trepidation with this concept (don’t tell anyone or I’ll walk the plank).</p>
<p>However, the more I looked into the Pirates in blue, the more I was blown away by their power, especially on a budget! If you’re still not sold on the idea, let me highlight some of the heavy hitters on the list.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Storm Fleet Negotiator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azure Fleet Admiral"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator" href="#" target="_blank">Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: when paired with The Indomitable, these two are unstoppable. Drawing cards and making Treasures along the way just means that your post combat step can get out of hand fast.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm Fleet Negotiator" href="#" target="_blank">Storm Fleet Negotiator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This Pirate not only draws everyone a card when it hits a player, but it also adds some more permanents to the board in the form of those <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Map" href="#" target="_blank">Map</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> tokens.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azure Fleet Admiral" href="#" target="_blank">Azure Fleet Admiral</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Adding the Monarchy to the game can always be a bit risky, but when you have a deck like this that’s filled with flyers and a trampling commander, you should be able to get the crown back if you ever lose it.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kitesail Larcenist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warkite Marauder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Amphin Mutineer"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kitesail Larcenist" href="#" target="_blank">Kitesail Larcenist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This creature will be on the top of everyone’s hitlist when it hits the board, since it turns people’s staples into Treasures.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warkite Marauder" href="#" target="_blank">Warkite Marauder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: A great two-drop that can nullify your opponent’s nastiest creature when it attacks, all while drawing you cards in the process.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amphin Mutineer" href="#" target="_blank">Amphin Mutineer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Even though this isn’t the most evasive Pirate on the list, it’s still a great way to add exile removal to the deck, while being the perfect crewer for your commander.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spectral Sailor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spyglass Siren"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Siren Stormtamer"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spectral Sailor" href="#" target="_blank">Spectral Sailor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Having cheap Pirates as early as turn one might not look too impressive, but when each of them represent card draw in the late game, you look at them a little differently.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spyglass Siren" href="#" target="_blank">Spyglass Siren</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Creating a Map token on ETB is incredible value, since this deck works best when it’s just doing the basics, like hitting land drops, and building up the board with evasive Pirates.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Siren Stormtamer" href="#" target="_blank">Siren Stormtamer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: So many of these cards we’ve seen so far today are headaches for your opponents, but that’s why having a counterspell on a stick like this creature will help protect your gameplan.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloud Pirates"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Talas Explorer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rishadan Brigand"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud Pirates" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud Pirates</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Don’t overlook some classic Pirates, because they can still help this deck pack a punch! (Yes, both this card and the next entry on the list have been updated to have "Pirate" in their creature types)</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talas Explorer" href="#" target="_blank">Talas Explorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Now this card may read better than it actually plays: since the Oracle text lets you only see one player’s hand, this is still an evasive Pirate that gives you a lot of information when it hits the board.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rishadan Brigand" href="#" target="_blank">Rishadan Brigand</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This classic Pirate enters the battlefield and disrupts your opponents' gameplans, unless they pay three mana. Who says blue can’t have edicts?</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oaken Siren"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Merchant Raiders"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deadeye Quartermaster"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oaken Siren" href="#" target="_blank">Oaken Siren</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This is a creature that surprised me in this deck, since it can help cast your commander, while also being a vigilant attacker once you’re ready for it draw you cards.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Merchant Raiders" href="#" target="_blank">Merchant Raiders</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: You will be drawing a lot while piloting this deck, which just means that each new Pirate you draw will hit the board and tap down your opponents' threats until they can deal with these Raiders.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadeye Quartermaster" href="#" target="_blank">Deadeye Quartermaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While this deck isn’t filled with too many Vehicles, the option to go find one of the ships I added to the list and get it into your hand is great utility to have around.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skysovereign, Consul Flagship"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cargo Ship"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Lunar Whale"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skysovereign, Consul Flagship" href="#" target="_blank">Skysovereign, Consul Flagship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: A great target to tutor for, this recent addition to the list of new commanders is awesome in this deck. Evasion and removal is a really nasty combo.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cargo Ship" href="#" target="_blank">Cargo Ship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This ship adds some ramp to the deck, while also being a nice attacker in the air. Swinging over your opponents and then tapping for mana post-combat is a real one-two punch.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Lunar Whale" href="#" target="_blank">The Lunar Whale</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I underestimated this Vehicle when I first read it, but it has over-performed every time I had it out during playtesting, allowing you to cycle through the top of your deck after combat can make for an explosive turn.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Full Decklist</h2>
<p>If the cards we’ve covered so far today have gotten you excited, then you’re going to love the rest of the deck! This list is incredibly fun to pilot, and feels like it could fly under the radar until the time is right for you to absolutely decimate the table with your card draw engine. So, after you look things over, be sure to go to <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/14086525/the_indomitable_budget_deck_edhrec_article">the deck's Archidekt page</a> and playtest it yourself!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="The Indomitable Budget Deck - EDHREC Article" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 The Indomitable
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Amphin Mutineer
*1 Azure Fleet Admiral
*1 Brineborn Cutthroat
*1 Burdened Aerialist
*1 Cloud Pirates
*1 Corsair Captain
*1 Corsairs of Umbar
*1 Crafty Cutpurse
*1 Daring Saboteur
*1 Deadeye Quartermaster
*1 Departed Deckhand
*1 Dreamcaller Siren
*1 Kitesail Corsair
*1 Kitesail Larcenist
*1 Kitesail Skirmisher
*1 Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel
*1 Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator
*1 Merchant Raiders
*1 Mothdust Changeling
*1 Oaken Siren
*1 Rishadan Brigand
*1 Scrounging Skyray
*1 Siren Lookout
*1 Siren Stormtamer
*1 Skyship Plunderer
*1 Slippery Scoundrel
*1 Spectral Sailor
*1 Spyglass Siren
*1 Staunch Crewmate
*1 Storm Fleet Aerialist
*1 Storm Fleet Negotiator
*1 Talas Explorer
*1 Timestream Navigator
*1 Warkite Marauder
*1 Zephyr Singer
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bident of Thassa
*1 Cargo Ship
*1 Skysovereign, Consul Flagship
*1 Sol Ring
*1 The Lunar Whale
*1 Thought Vessel
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Beyeen Veil // Beyeen Coast
*1 Consider
*1 Evacuation
*1 High Tide
*1 Into the Flood Maw
*1 Lookout&#039;s Dispersal
*1 Negate
*1 Opt
*1 Reverse the Polarity
*1 Siren&#039;s Ruse
*1 Snap
*1 You Come to a River
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Ominous Seas
*1 Reconnaissance Mission
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Consuming Tide
*1 Distortion Strike
*1 Ingenious Mastery
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Access Tunnel
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Crystal Grotto
*1 Demolition Field
*1 Halimar Depths
*1 Hidden Grotto
*29 Island
*1 Lonely Sandbar
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>A Few More Highlights</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="High Tide"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reverse the Polarity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ominous Seas"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Tide" href="#" target="_blank">High Tide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: The strength of attacking with your board, drawing a bunch of cards, and then casting High Tide in your second main phase to dump your hand is just exactly what you want to be doing with this deck.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reverse the Polarity" href="#" target="_blank">Reverse the Polarity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: The utility of this card is what sets it apart for me. It’s a great counterspell when you need it, but could help you just close things out if your opponents have built up their defenses in a major way throughout the game.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ominous Seas" href="#" target="_blank">Ominous Seas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: As we've mentioned so many times today, this deck <em>a lot </em>draws cards... So, it only seems fitting that if you do that enough times, you get the chance to say “release the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kraken" href="#" target="_blank">Kraken</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>…”</li>
</ul>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>Now that you’ve seen the level of nautical nonsense this deck can offer, I want to hear from you: what cards would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments below.</p>
<p>You can even feel free to add non-budget cards down there, in case someone is willing to drop a few more doubloons than I was. Thank you for spending this time with me today, and I hope you have fun sending your playgroup to Davy Jones' Locker without breaking the bank.</p>


The Indomitable: Mono-Blue Pirates on a Budget

<p>When I was a child watching my brothers play <em>Final Fantasy IX</em>, I was obsessed with the character of Zidane. Not only did I have long blonde hair, I also had a tail… Okay, one of those things was a lie (which one? You decide!). So when I first saw his card, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zidane, Tantalus Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Zidane, Tantalus Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, I loved how it captured his generous yet rambunctious nature.</p>
<p>Today we'll be looking at a fun direction to take this commander in: borrowing cards from other players, as well as gifting them some pieces that benefit you at the same time. My name is Tyler ‘Savesya’ Bucks, and with all that in mind, let’s take a look at fourteen cards for under $14 that will get you started on a brand new <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Final Fantasy</a></em> deck!</p>
<h2>Zidane, Tantalus Thief</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zidane, Tantalus Thief"></div></div>
<p>The first thought that came to mind when I saw <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zidane, Tantalus Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Zidane, Tantalus Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was his synergy with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Threaten" href="#" target="_blank">Threaten</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects. Sure, I could fill this list with every version of that type of card, but that would be a little one-note. If you have a lot of those cards, throw them in this deck!</p>
<p>This list will showcase some interesting ways to steal your opponents' cards, whether it's one at a time or multiple all at once. We'll also look at a few spells that will “gift” cards to other players, so that you can get a Treasure in return. Finally, at the end of the list, I'll showcase two cards that represent a few tricky directions you can take this commander.</p>
<h3>Kari Zev's Expertise</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kari Zev&#039;s Expertise"></div></div>
<p>Kicking things off with one of my favorite versions of a Threaten effect, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kari Zev&#039;s Expertise" href="#" target="_blank">Kari Zev&#039;s Expertise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Three mana is the going rate for stealing a creature for a turn, but adding the ability to cast a spell with mana value two or less for free is what sets this apart. Sure, you might only hit something like a Signet or cheap removal off of this, but that’s better than nothing when you consider you'll also get a Treasure once you return the creature you borrowed.</p>
<h3>Claim the Firstborn</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Claim the Firstborn"></div></div>
<p>Like I said at that start of this article, I won’t fill this list with too many Threaten effects, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Claim the Firstborn" href="#" target="_blank">Claim the Firstborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is too good not to include. One mana to take a creature with mana value three or less is incredibly powerful, especially in this deck, since you’ll get that mana back when you make that Treasure. You don’t always need to get the biggest thing from your opponents; as long as you’re stealing cards, Zidane will be happy!</p>
<h3>Captivating Crew</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Captivating Crew"></div></div>
<p>Say you have a lot of Treasure tokens sitting around, and nothing to dump them all into. That’s where a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Captivating Crew" href="#" target="_blank">Captivating Crew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can truly shine. Four mana to steal one creature for a turn isn’t the greatest rate, but if you have the resources to swipe several creatures at a time, it could turn the game in your favor. Plus, at the end of your turn, you’ll make a Treasure for each creature you give back.</p>
<h3>Frenzied Fugue</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Frenzied Fugue"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of four-mana theft spells, next up we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frenzied Fugue" href="#" target="_blank">Frenzied Fugue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. When this enters, and at the beginning of your upkeep, you’re going to steal the enchanted permanent until end of turn. Since this is a repeatable way to take something and then give it back on each of your turns, it’ll be a nice little Treasure making engine. Also, don’t overlook the fact that you can steal any permanent with this card like lands or even planeswalkers.</p>
<h3>Call for Aid</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Call for Aid"></div></div>
<p>These next two cards will show off the power of stealing your opponents' things en masse. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Call for Aid" href="#" target="_blank">Call for Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets you gain control of all the creatures target opponent controls, which is a major shift in your favor even though you can’t attack them that turn. Plus, once you give all those creatures back, you’ll be making a huge number of Treasure tokens, which can set you up for your endgame from there.</p>
<h3>Insurrection</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Insurrection"></div></div>
<p>Taking all the creatures from one player is great, but taking all the creatures on the battlefield is even better! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Insurrection" href="#" target="_blank">Insurrection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the most expensive card on this list, and for good reason. Back in the early days of Commander, this card used to be a favorite win-con for many red decks. When paired with Zidane, this spell will make you a whole lot of Treasures when you give those creatures back to anyone who survived the onslaught. (Also see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mob Rule" href="#" target="_blank">Mob Rule</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for another budget option.)</p>
<h3>Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos"></div></div>
<p>Moving on to the cards I’m titling “Gifts,” we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos" href="#" target="_blank">Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is a creature you can give away to each opponent on their turn, which has to attack, can’t attack you, and grows with counters. With this creature and your commander alone, you’ll be making three Treasures and forcing your opponents to whittle each others' life totals down in the process.</p>
<h3>Yes Man, Personal Securitron</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Yes Man, Personal Securitron"></div></div>
<p>Up next is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yes Man, Personal Securitron" href="#" target="_blank">Yes Man, Personal Securitron</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This deck can benefit from a little bit of politics, since you'll be handing out some value pieces during the game. Yes Man is a prime example of this, where you can make a deal with another player to give it back and forth to each other throughout the game. Drawing two cards and making a Treasure token is a nice combo. Plus, you could make a large amount of Soldier tokens when this creature leaves the battlefield.</p>
<h3>Coveted Jewel</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coveted Jewel"></div></div>
<p>Possibly the wackiest card on this list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coveted Jewel" href="#" target="_blank">Coveted Jewel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. For six mana you'll draw three cards and get a rock that taps for three mana; sounds like a good rate to me! However, if someone attacks you and you don't block all the attackers, they gain control of the Jewel. Luckily, your commander will make you a Treasure when that happens. Plus, since this deck’s main goal is to take creatures and attack with them, there’s a good chance you'd be able to swing right over and take the Jewel back on your next turn.</p>
<h3>Humble Defector</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Humble Defector"></div></div>
<p>I recently built a deck around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Jolly Balloon Man" href="#" target="_blank">The Jolly Balloon Man</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and got extremely excited to find a new home for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Humble Defector" href="#" target="_blank">Humble Defector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Drawing two cards just for tapping this creature is a great rate. However, you have to give it away once you do that. This is where incorporating some politics into your games will be the most beneficial, since you could just trade the Defector back and forth with the same player. Drawing two and creating a Treasure on each of your turns is the type of value that can help you close out games.</p>
<h3>Hithlain Rope</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hithlain Rope"></div></div>
<p>Our next card on the list offers some more possible card draw as well as land ramp, just for the small price of handing it over to the player to your right. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hithlain Rope" href="#" target="_blank">Hithlain Rope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives players two different options they can activate, which could help incentivize them to pass this card around the table, depending on what they need in that moment. The main drawback is that you have to pass it to your right, which means it'll take a little longer to get back to you. However, in this deck, giving it away once might be enough value for one game.</p>
<h3>Discerning Financier</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Discerning Financier"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Discerning Financier" href="#" target="_blank">Discerning Financier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> raised my eyebrows when I first saw it in one of my <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/woe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wilds of Eldraine</a></em> boosters. Making you a Treasure if your opponents have more lands than you is nice to have around. The main star in this card’s text box comes from the fact that you can pass an opponent a Treasure to draw a card for three mana. If you have your commander out when you do that, you’ll be at parity with your Treasures, since you’ll make a new one just for handing it out. This is great for making deals with other players, since you're not going down in resources.</p>
<h3>Kazuul's Fury</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kazuul&#039;s Fury"></div></div>
<p>Our final two cards will highlight some of the ways you can take this deck, while still fitting in any build for this commander. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kazuul&#039;s Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Kazuul&#039;s Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fling" href="#" target="_blank">Fling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> style effect that’s attached to a land on the backside, making it feel free to run. Sure, giving the cards you steal back to your opponents makes you lose those Treasures, but sometimes you want to just get a threat off the board entirely. This spell, and other cards like it, are definitely a direction to go if you’re looking to make this a meaner build.</p>
<h3>Cloudshift</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloudshift"></div></div>
<p>Finally, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudshift" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudshift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can save one of your important creatures when you need it; but there’s something more sinister lurking behind this card. With the wording it has, when you exile a creature you've stolen, it comes back to play under your control, not its owner. Recent blink cards aren’t usually worded this way, so finding a few cards that let you steal something for the rest of the game could be extra tricky for your opponents to deal with.</p>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>So, there you have it, fourteen cards for under $14 to get you started on your very own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zidane, Tantalus Thief" href="#" target="_blank">Zidane, Tantalus Thief</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck. Let me know in the comments what cards you would include in the rest of the 99, and bonus points for telling me your favorite Threaten effect. You can check out the full list, as well as some cards that didn't make the cut, <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/13127458/zidane_cheerful_thief_pillow_fortteen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on my Archidekt!</a></p>
<h3>A Fancy Fifteenth - Slicer, Hired Muscle</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Slicer, Hired Muscle"></div></div>
<p>If you liked the playstyle of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos" href="#" target="_blank">Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, then you might also enjoy his more expensive cousin <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slicer, Hired Muscle" href="#" target="_blank">Slicer, Hired Muscle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While it’s not the most essential inclusion for this deck, if you have some more funds set aside while you're building, then give this <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/bot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Transformer</a> a chance!</p>


Zidane, Tantalus Thief | Stealing Your Friends' Cards on a Budget

Brew for Your Buck - Mary Read and Anne Bonny Budget Combo

From the Brim to the Trim - Painting a Budget Treasures Deck with Cheap Brushes

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Orcus, Prince of Undeath" href="#" target="_blank">Orcus, Prince of Undeath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/andrewkmar">Andrew Mar</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>Today let's take a look into <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Orcus, Prince of Undeath" href="#" target="_blank">Orcus, Prince of Undeath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a somewhat underpowered commander. Don't get me wrong, it does have its moments, but this commander has a few obstacles in its design that tend to make it hard for it to shine.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Orcus, Prince of Undeath"></div></div>
<h3>Observations:</h3>
<ul>
<li>As a commander, Orcus suffers pretty badly from diminishing returns. Unlike the more streamlined X-cost commanders, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gyrus, Waker of Corpses" href="#" target="_blank">Gyrus, Waker of Corpses</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which counts <em>all</em> the mana spent to cast it, Orcus only counts the X for its ETB (enters-the-battlefield) ability. This makes Orcus a 4+ mana investment at minimum, and every subsequent cast become less effective, which isn't a good place to be when you're an ETB-based commander.</li>
<li>Orcus' ETB has two different modes and both can be useful in their own right:
<ul>
<li>The first mode is a board wipe for every creature except our commander. With the right support, this can be a huge tempo swing in our favor, clearing the board for a possible Voltron threat. However, given that our commander already costs four mana, we're talking about an investment of at least six to seven mana to clear away some blockers, and again, that's just on Orcus's <em>first </em>cast.</li>
<li>The second mode has the highest potential, a reliable mass reanimation effect in a color combination that has the tools to capitalize on that explosiveness. The biggest challenge is this mode's wording: it limits the number of targets and the available targets that we can choose from. This double restriction makes it hard to go bonkers with it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Ingredients</h2>
<p>So, let's switch up the formula and see what we can make work with Orcus!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lightning Skelemental"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s are effective beaters that have the downside of being sacrificed at end of turn. They're very cheap to cast, and thus are great targets for Orcus' second ETB trigger. This'll be tricky for Orcus, since we'll have only a couple of opportunities to use our commander to bring back these kinds of creatures, but that means we're playing an exciting feast-or-famine strategy. What we lack in consistency we gain in sheer explosive potential, having the ability to dish double digit damage our of absolutely nowhere when our commander comes down and resurrects a pile of cheap, powerful, hasty threats.</p>
<p>Most of our beaters are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> variations, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arc Runner" href="#" target="_blank">Arc Runner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spark Elemental" href="#" target="_blank">Spark Elemental</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we have some interesting targets that are more noteworthy to discuss. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mogis, God of Slaughter" href="#" target="_blank">Mogis, God of Slaughter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an excellent resilient beater that scales decently in multiplayer. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger" href="#" target="_blank">Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might not synergize at all with our commander (at least not the <em>Escape</em> part), but it's still a cheap threat, and we do tend to build a somewhat decent graveyard. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge" href="#" target="_blank">Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works both as an effective beater and a Treasure creator (more on that later). Its attack restriction isn't all that backbreaking since we're packing a few mana rocks and Treasure tokens, and we're more than happy to leave it on the battlefield giving us value.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Egon, God of Death" href="#" target="_blank">Egon, God of Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a funny card because it actively goes against what our commander is trying to do - load the graveyard. However, all we need is a cheap body that Orcus can revive and haste up! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Celebrant" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Celebrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s potential to finish off defenseless players gives this card a tool boxy feature that is great for a recursion-based commander to have.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dictate of the Twin Gods"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flameshadow Conjuring"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing"></div></div>
<p>Red gives us access to some very effective support that allows our creatures to shine. While they're a bit on the expensive side and can be tough to find the right timing window to deploy them, they are the real deal. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dictate of the Twin Gods" href="#" target="_blank">Dictate of the Twin Gods</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a damage doubler that can be flashed in on the end step right before our turn, giving us even <em>more</em> explosive potential and some much-needed unpredictability. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Berserkers&#039; Onslaught" href="#" target="_blank">Berserkers&#039; Onslaught</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is similar to any damage doubler effect, but we shouldn't take for granted its combat trick potential, which can be make blocking even harder for our opponents.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flameshadow Conjuring" href="#" target="_blank">Flameshadow Conjuring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an effective way to get additional value from our creatures. Not only do we get extra damage, we also get more value out of any potential Aristocrat payoffs we use, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pitiless Plunderer" href="#" target="_blank">Pitiless Plunderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! The Flameshadow says to exile the token, but remember, many of the creatures we're copying, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Skelemental" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Skelemental</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, will have their own end-step sacrifice trigger to make sure we <em>do </em>get the death triggers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing" href="#" target="_blank">Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great control tool for any deck that has the means to actually proc its damage triggers, and with a bunch of cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rotting Regisaur" href="#" target="_blank">Rotting Regisaur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cosmic Larva" href="#" target="_blank">Cosmic Larva</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it turns out we can make that happen for very little mana!</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Orcuss Lightning Ball" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Orcus, Prince of Undeath
[/Commander]
[Artifact]
*Sol Ring
*Arcane Signet
*Fellwar Stone
*Mind Stone
*Rakdos Signet
*Talisman of Indulgence
*Skyclave Relic
*Hedron Archive
[/Artifact]
[Creature]
*Spark Elemental
*Dockside Extortionist
*Hellspark Elemental
*Kalain, Reclusive Painter
*Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger
*Wily Goblin
*Arc Runner
*Ball Lightning
*Combat Celebrant
*Cosmic Larva
*Egon, God of Death
*Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge
*Hell&#039;s Thunder
*Lightning Skelemental
*Phyrexian Soulgorger
*Rotting Regisaur
*Seasoned Pyromancer
*Anger
*Blistering Firecat
*Bloodsworn Steward
*Erebos, Bleak-Hearted
*Fanatic of Mogis
*Impetuous Devils
*Mogis, God of Slaughter
*Pitiless Plunderer
*Purphoros, God of the Forge
*Skizzik
*Treasonous Ogre
*Goldspan Dragon
*Phyrexian Delver
*Thunderblust
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*Phyrexian Reclamation
*Flameshadow Conjuring
*Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing
*Berserkers&#039; Onslaught
*Dictate of the Twin Gods
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Village Rites
*Deadly Dispute
*Terminate
*Thrill of Possibility
*Chaos Warp
*Hurl Through Hell
*Unexpected Windfall
[/Instant]
[Sorcery]
*Faithless Looting
*Strike it Rich
*Vandalblast
*Feed the Swarm
*Tormenting Voice
*Seize the Spoils
*Toxic Deluge
*Victimize
*Damnation
*Pirate&#039;s Pillage
*Blasphemous Act
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Blightstep Pathway
*Blood Crypt
*Bloodstained Mire
*Canyon Slough
*Command Beacon
*Command Tower
*Dragonskull Summit
*Foreboding Ruins
*Graven Cairns
*Luxury Suite
*Polluted Delta
*Sulfurous Springs
*Temple of Malice
*Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
*Wooded Foothills
*15 Mountain
*7 Swamp
[/Land]"></span></div>

<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wily Goblin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goldspan Dragon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pirate&#039;s Pillage"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldspan Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Goldspan Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a good beater that doubles the value of our Treasure tokens while also providing extra mana. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kalain, Reclusive Painter" href="#" target="_blank">Kalain, Reclusive Painter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a cheap creature that provides a Treasure token and a nice payoff for using them. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Dispute" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Dispute</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unexpected Windfall" href="#" target="_blank">Unexpected Windfall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pirate&#039;s Pillage" href="#" target="_blank">Pirate&#039;s Pillage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seize the Spoils" href="#" target="_blank">Seize the Spoils</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are great mid-game plays that act both as a way to filter our hand and as a possible setup for a future turn.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>In terms of opening hands, we don't want to keep anything too slow. Our goal is to start applying pressure to opponents with our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> creatures on turn three. This will set the pace for our early game, keeping up a string of one-turn threats, and restocking our hand with draw spells.</p>
<p>In the mid game, we can start to look for opportunities to set up our commander's grand entrance. Extra Treasure tokens here and there will help tremendously with this. There are a few mana milestones that we want to keep track of throughout the game (the 7 mana milestone and 10 mana milestone are crucial ones, to help bring back a decent number of creatures), but it's also useful to know when to adapt that plan according to the game state.</p>
<p>In the late game, after we've deployed Orcus and he's caused some havoc, we can lose a bit of our oomph. We're never completely out of it, though; with so many hasty threats, and so many ways to make them more effective, such as doubling their damage or gleaning rewards from their sacrifices, our opponents always have to stay on guard for any other stockpile of hasty creatures we rush out later on. Given enough time and mana, replaying our commander will always be a big late-game blowout.</p>
<hr />
<h1>Epic Results</h1>
<p>There are many ways to continue expanding and evolving the strategy from this point and I think that they tend to go towards three paths: beaters, payoffs, and subtheme.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Immolating Souleater"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ogre Battledriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Manabarbs"></div></div>
<p>There are many cost-effective beaters out there to try, and one in particular that got me very intrigued was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Immolating Souleater" href="#" target="_blank">Immolating Souleater</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The life trade might seem bad, but when considering that we're a very aggressive deck, it's easy to see how losing life for additional damage could really pay off for such a swift strategy.</p>
<p>Evolving the payoffs part of the deck will likely depend on personal flair; one player might prefer the sheer power of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Emancipation" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Emancipation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, while another might like the low cost of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impact Tremors" href="#" target="_blank">Impact Tremors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Finally, a great subtheme for this deck to potentially explore further would be some Group Slug cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manabarbs" href="#" target="_blank">Manabarbs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which either slow our opponents down or make them lose a bunch of life. This, of course, accelerates our plans perfectly.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Epic Experiment</em>! What do you think of this list? Do you have any questions about the deck? Which cards did you like? Which did you not? Was this <em>Epic Experiment</em> a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


treasures

The Indomitable: Mono-Blue Pirates on a Budget

Zidane, Tantalus Thief | Stealing Your Friends' Cards on a Budget

Brew for Your Buck - Mary Read and Anne Bonny Budget Combo

From the Brim to the Trim - Painting a Budget Treasures Deck with Cheap Brushes

Epic Experiment - Orcus's Lightning Ball

Too-Specific Top 10 - Tokens of Appreciation