Under the Radar - Sauron, the Lidless Eye

2024’s EDHighlights - Alexios, Deimos of Kosmos

Commander Fusion: Bayek + Molimo = ?

Technically Playable - The Dalek Emperor

The Over/Under - A Review of Doctor Who Commanders

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viewpoint Synchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Viewpoint Synchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| art by <a href="https://www.cavotta.com/">Matt Cavotta</a>)</h6>
<h3><a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-white/">White</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-blue/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Blue</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-black/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Black</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-red/">Red</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-green/">Green</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-artifacts-lands/">Artifacts &amp; Lands</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-allied-shards/">Allied Colors and Shards</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-enemy-and-wedges/">Enemy Colors and Wedges</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-reprints/">Reprints</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-cedh-set-review/">cEDH</a></h3>
<h1>Shoot the Flying Demon!</h1>
<p>Hello, everyone! It’s your friendly neighborhood <a href="https://twitter.com/thejesguy">Jesguy</a> here, and welcome to the <em>Assassin's Creed</em> green Set Review!</p>
<p>Now I won't lie to you all, I don't know much, if anything about <em>Assassin's Creed</em>. But what I have learned is that everyone in this set looks edgy and cool, and I really respect that. With that said, I won't know any of the flavor hits of this set, so I'll be judging cards solely on playability.</p>
<p>With that out of the way, let's jump into the goodies that green has to offer!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Rare</h2>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aveline de Grandpré" href="#" target="_blank">Aveline de Grandpré</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aveline de Grandpré"></div></div>
<p>Look, I know <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aveline de Grandpré" href="#" target="_blank">Aveline de Grandpré</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a Golgari card, but <em>please</em> throw me a bone. I only have four other cards to talk about, and they are at uncommon. Kind reader, just let me have this one. Throw me a bone.</p>
<p>That said, despite a bone being thrown, I am relatively unimpressed with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aveline de Grandpré" href="#" target="_blank">Aveline de Grandpré</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Caring about deathtouchers is really neat, but the reward being +1/+1 counters? I'm a bit dubious on that. If my creatures can already tussle in combat with whoever they come up against, why do they need to get bigger? What is that actually accomplishing?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Overrun"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fynn, the Fangbearer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gonti, Canny Acquisitor"></div></div>
<p>The <em>Disguise</em> aspect of of it is also cool...But unless you are playing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aveline de Grandpré" href="#" target="_blank">Aveline de Grandpré</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> <em>in</em> the 99 of a deck with <em>other</em> <em>Disguise</em> cards, everyone is going to know that it is always Aveline.</p>
<p>If you want to combine a bunch of high-powered deathtouchers with things like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overrun" href="#" target="_blank">Overrun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Triumph of the Hordes" href="#" target="_blank">Triumph of the Hordes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. be my guest. I don't think it is particularly interesting, but it will be strong. Overall though, if I wanted a better payoff for a <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/deathtouch">Deathtouch</a> deck, I would simply use <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fynn, the Fangbearer" href="#" target="_blank">Fynn, the Fangbearer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or a commander that rewards you for dealing combat damage to a player, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gonti, Canny Acquisitor" href="#" target="_blank">Gonti, Canny Acquisitor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Uncommons</h2>
<hr />
<h3><strong><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunter&#039;s Bow" href="#" target="_blank">Hunter&#039;s Bow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></strong></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hunter&#039;s Bow"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunter&#039;s Bow" href="#" target="_blank">Hunter&#039;s Bow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a nice bite spell for two mana.</p>
<p>Being able to remove a creature is nice, and having reach and ward 2 stick around afterwards it pretty valuable. It's also a permanent card, for what its worth, meaning green has an easier time recurring it as well! Modified-based decks like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chishiro, the Shattered Blade" href="#" target="_blank">Chishiro, the Shattered Blade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kosei, Penitent Warlord" href="#" target="_blank">Kosei, Penitent Warlord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dogmeat, Ever Loyal" href="#" target="_blank">Dogmeat, Ever Loyal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could make good use of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunter&#039;s Bow" href="#" target="_blank">Hunter&#039;s Bow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, adding a bit of removal to their suite of equipment!</p>
<p>Overall I think <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunter&#039;s Bow" href="#" target="_blank">Hunter&#039;s Bow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a fine piece of removal is you don't need something at instant speed, and has a handful of synergies in plenty of different decks.</p>
<hr />
<h3><strong><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Palazzo Archers" href="#" target="_blank">Palazzo Archers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> </strong></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Palazzo Archers"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Palazzo Archers" href="#" target="_blank">Palazzo Archers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is unimpressive to me.</p>
<p>You need creatures to attack you in order for it to do anything, and on top of that, it's only dealing two damage to each creature with flying that does so. That ain't gunna stop a Dragon or Angel, I'll tell you that. Sure you can try to use equipment and pump spells to help it out, but it seems like a lot of work to me.</p>
<p>If I need a card to deal with fliers, I'd rather just use something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Whiptongue Hydra" href="#" target="_blank">Whiptongue Hydra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<hr />
<h3><strong><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Aesir Escape Valhalla" href="#" target="_blank">The Aesir Escape Valhalla</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> </strong></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Aesir Escape Valhalla"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Aesir Escape Valhalla" href="#" target="_blank">The Aesir Escape Valhalla</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a very slow <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eternal Witness" href="#" target="_blank">Eternal Witness</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>The trade off for being such a slow card though, it that it helps you stay in the game longer thanks to the life gain and creature pump. Due to its looping nature, it seems great in <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/enchantments">Enchantress</a> and <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/sagas">Saga</a> decks that can take advantage of its self recursion.</p>
<p>While I don't think this is the best version of this effect we've seen by far, I do think it can be pretty fun!</p>
<hr />
<h3><strong><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viewpoint Synchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Viewpoint Synchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> </strong></h3>
<p><strong><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Viewpoint Synchronization"></div></div></strong></p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viewpoint Synchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Viewpoint Synchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a bit of an odd one.</p>
<p>Personally, for expensive commanders, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Ur-Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">The Ur-Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gishath, Sun&#039;s Avatar" href="#" target="_blank">Gishath, Sun&#039;s Avatar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or anything else 7+ mana, I <em>really </em>like playing expensive ramp spells. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nissa&#039;s Renewal" href="#" target="_blank">Nissa&#039;s Renewal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Verdant Mastery" href="#" target="_blank">Verdant Mastery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boundless Realms" href="#" target="_blank">Boundless Realms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are my go-tos in lists like these since they ensure I'll be able to cast my commander on curve, and (hopefully) more than just once. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viewpoint Synchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Viewpoint Synchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> joins these expensive ramp spells at a respectable five mana, doing a nice mix of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cultivate" href="#" target="_blank">Cultivate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nissa&#039;s Renewal" href="#" target="_blank">Nissa&#039;s Renewal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a combination which I like a bunch.</p>
<p>For pricier commanders, having another option for this style of ramp is quite welcome. The <em>Freerunning</em> cost to me is either just a bonus, or completely negligible. Outside of dedicated Assassin decks, the only time you will be able to take advantage of this reduced casting cost is when your commander is <em>already</em> on the field. In those situations, a ramp package for a commander like that probably doesn't need to include a piece of acceleration at five mana. You won't need another version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cultivate" href="#" target="_blank">Cultivate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kodama&#039;s Reach" href="#" target="_blank">Kodama&#039;s Reach</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in my opinion.</p>
<p>If you want a solid piece of ramp for you expensive commanders, or decks that are 4+ colors, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viewpoint Synchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Viewpoint Synchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is that. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it at all.</p>
<hr />
<h1>Where did all the Green Cards go...?</h1>
<p>And there we have it...The shortest set review of all time!</p>
<p>While I know this set is not meant for drafting, I was not expecting such a large color imbalance. Whether that is a feature of a bug it to be determined I suppose.</p>
<p>Despite the lack of green cards though, there are some good cards. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aveline de Grandpré" href="#" target="_blank">Aveline de Grandpré</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can helm a deathtouch deck, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunter&#039;s Bow" href="#" target="_blank">Hunter&#039;s Bow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is grean for Equipment lists, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viewpoint Synchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Viewpoint Synchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another nice, big ramp spell. Overall, despite the lack of quantity, at least there is a good variety of effects.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts though? Any green cards from this set that you enjoy? What are your thoughts on the the massive color imbalances in this <em>Universes Beyond</em> product? Let me know your thoughts down below!</p>
<p>Until next time, stay sharp and stick to the shadows!</p>
<p>You can reach me on Twitter (<a href="https://twitter.com/thejesguy">@thejesguy</a>), where you can always hit me up for <i>Magic- </i>or Jeskai-related shenanigans 24/7. Do you have any comments, questions, or concerns? Please don’t hesitate to leave them below or get in touch! Stay safe, wear your mask, wash your hands, and keep fighting the good fight. I support you. No justice, no peace.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Assassin's Creed Set Review - Green

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evie Frye" href="#" target="_blank">Evie Frye</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/liesetiawan">Lie Setiawan</a>)</h6>
<h3><a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-white/">White</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-blue/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Blue</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-black/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Black</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-red/">Red</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-green/">Green</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-artifacts-lands/">Artifacts &amp; Lands</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-allied-shards/">Allied Colors and Shards</a> | <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/assassins-creed-set-review-enemy-and-wedges/">Enemy Colors and Wedges</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-set-review-reprints/">Reprints</a> | <a href="https://commandersherald.com/assassins-creed-cedh-set-review/">cEDH</a></h3>
<h2>Synchronizing...</h2>
<p>Hello and welcome back to the latest set review here on EDHREC and Commander’s Herald, I’m Joshua, also known as PrinceofBielTan on the internet. Today, I’ll be guiding you back in time as we explore the best blue cards in the <em>Assassin’s Creed</em> set.</p>
<p><em>Universes Beyond: Assassin’s Creed</em> is the latest in the series of collaboration products between <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> and other IPs. We’ve covered everything from the grim dark universe of Warhammer 40,000 to the post-apocalyptic wasteland of the Fallout setting. This latest journey takes us back into the historical fantasy setting of <em>Assassin’s Creed</em>, where protagonist characters relive the memories of their ancestors in an eternal conflict for the fate of the world itself.</p>
<p>That’s great for them and all, but does this translate into fun cards for our games of Commander? Let’s find out as we do a deep eagle dive into this exciting new expansion!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Mythics</h2>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Leonardo da Vinci" href="#" target="_blank">Leonardo da Vinci</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leonardo da Vinci"></div></div>
<p>This is where <em>Assassin’s Creed</em> gets a little weird, where you’ll start to see historical figures from the real world. Exciting right? I’m sure if you don’t think so, you’ll let us know about it in the comments below. But for now, let’s examine our only mythic rare in our colour.</p>
<p>Da Vinci is a legendary artificer, notably a relevant creature type for blue, who cares about creating Thopter copies of artifact cards in our deck. In addition, we have a built-in win condition where we can give our Thopters base power and toughness equal to the number of cards in our hand.</p>
<p>Blue is the colour of card draw, and you’ll find an incredible amount of artifact synergy in blue so I feel like the renowned inventor is going to be comfortable either at the head of a Commander deck himself or in the 99 of a commander like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza, Lord High Artificer" href="#" target="_blank">Urza, Lord High Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Ensuring that we fill our Da Vinci deck with enough artifacts will enable him to create flying creature versions of all of our favourite artifacts from <em>Magic</em>’s history. This is likely going to lead to some insane combos as we animate and copy things that were never supposed to be copied.</p>
<p>However, I respect the simplicity of providing a board full of evasive flying Thopters that we can deal massive damage to our opponents with, simply by doing what our deck is likely already doing... Drawing cards! This commander is wide open and will allow for some very creative brews, but it’s a commander that’s accessible enough to appeal to new players too. Bravissimo!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h2>Rares</h2>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass" href="#" target="_blank">Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crystal Skull, Isu Spyglass"></div></div>
<p>Our first rare is a four mana value legendary mana rock which taps for a single blue mana. Four mana rocks that tap for only one are already a bit of a tough sell so let’s see what this card offers as a trade off.</p>
<p>The ability to look at the top card of our library at any time is a common one in blue, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reality Chip" href="#" target="_blank">The Reality Chip</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> have enabled blue players to assemble combos through card advantage so it’s not bad to see this effect again. This card however is a little more narrow, allowing us to cast spells so long as they’re historic and play lands so long as they’re historic.</p>
<p>Honestly, I’ve got to say I’d go for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reality Chip" href="#" target="_blank">The Reality Chip</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in scenarios where I’m looking for this kind of effect. I’m not sure tapping for mana is enough for me here. You can certainly get value out of this card if you make sure to run a high amount of historic permanents but this card gets stopped by a basic island, whereas <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reality Chip" href="#" target="_blank">The Reality Chip</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> does not. It also has two blue pips in its casting cost, which makes it a little harder to cast in multicolor decks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Desynchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Desynchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Desynchronization"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Desynchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Desynchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> refers to a fun feature in the games that occurs when you do something that goes against history so it’s great to see it in card form, and speaking of... What a card!</p>
<p>We’ve got a four-mana instant speed board wipe, which is crazy. Four mana is about as good a rate as you can get for a board wipe in most decks, and this is going to remove each nonland permanent that isn’t historic. This means everyone who has a commander in play is going to at least have one permanent, but this will deal with most creatures.</p>
<p>I think this card is a great board wipe for Commander, as it can reset the board without removing everyone’s mana rocks, meaning you’re going to deal with creatures while not making everyone have to replay out all of their artifacts which can lead to some fairly uneventful turns. This one keeps tempo nicely, not only in game, but it doesn’t add too much in terms of game length too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evie Frye" href="#" target="_blank">Evie Frye</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evie Frye"></div></div>
<p>Well, we finally have one of those so-called Assassins, let's see what the fuss is all about then. In all fairness, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evie Frye" href="#" target="_blank">Evie Frye</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one half of a partner pair, and you’ll need to stay tuned to our set review to find out about her partner.</p>
<p>When Evie fights solo, she’s able to allow us to draw and discard a card and grant one of our creatures a bit of evasion so long as we discard a creature. This is a nice ability that not only helps us connect through complicated commander board states, it allows us to dump creatures in the graveyard for reanimation shenanigans! This card comes down nice and early and can help us set up for later turns, it’s also got that Assassin creature type which is going to synergise so well with the other cards in this set. Throw this card in a dimir reanimator shell and call it a day!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h2>Uncommons &amp; Commons</h2>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Assassin Gauntlet" href="#" target="_blank">Assassin Gauntlet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Assassin Gauntlet"></div></div>
<p>This bit of unconventional Equipment is a real gem of an uncommon, I’d love it a little more if it had flash but even without it’s a lovely card. Tapping all creatures target opponent controls is really going to help you get those combat damage triggers; as a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Felix Five-Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Felix Five-Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> player, this card is great to see. Not only that, it’s a slight combat buff and you’re able to get a bit of card selection!</p>
<p>All of the above make this card an above-average combat trick, but what I like is how you can flicker this card. You’ll get to keep changing the creature it’s equipped to, and keep tapping down creatures. If you can flicker this at instant speed, you can use it as a fog to evade an opponent’s combat step. This utility pushes the gauntlet into playable for me, and I’ll certainly look to try this in my decks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ballad of the Black Flag" href="#" target="_blank">Ballad of the Black Flag</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ballad of the Black Flag"></div></div>
<p>The historic theme is strong in this set, and this saga allows you a great deal of card selection so long as your deck is built to take advantage of all the historic cards we have access to in Commander.</p>
<p>For the first three turns this card is in play, it’s going to essentially draw you a card while filling your graveyard and these are both things we love doing in commander. For the final turn, however, discounting your historic spells by two is not only a way to fill your board full of legendary creatures but it’s a way to set up for a big combo turn. There are lots of ways to draw your deck in Commander through cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Reality Chip" href="#" target="_blank">The Reality Chip</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sensei&#039;s Divining Top" href="#" target="_blank">Sensei&#039;s Divining Top</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that only rely on cost reduction. Here you’ve got that exact effect on a card that also just drew you three cards! Modern commander is crazy!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Become Anonymous" href="#" target="_blank">Become Anonymous</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Become Anonymous"></div></div>
<p>Okay now here we have a very interesting card. This card allows us to misdirect our opponent, potentially save a creature of ours from removal and potentially increase our board state by sneaking powerful creatures into play that may otherwise eat a Counterspell.</p>
<p>You’re going to want a little top deck manipulation to always come out on top with a card like this, but honestly, it’s going to put a lot of bodies on the board for its mana cost. You could even use this card if you need surprise blockers in an opponent’s combat step. It’s not the most efficient card in the world, but it’s certainly fun and could lead to some entertaining table interactions which ultimately is what Commander is all about.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Escape Detection" href="#" target="_blank">Escape Detection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Escape Detection"></div></div>
<p>Our final card of the review, (Right? This set is tiny!) features one of its new mechanics, freerunning. Here we have a simple blue spell that bounces a creature back to hand and also draws the controller a card. The catch here is if an Assassin or commander dealt combat damage to a player this turn then the spell gains an alternate cost.</p>
<p>Rather than paying mana to activate this spell, we can return a blue creature we control to our hand. This could be a nice way to get a second enter-the-battlefield ability or it works perfectly with the ninjutsu ability too. While Ninjas aren’t Assassins (Not until the next game releases anyway), an evasive commander could make this worth including in a Ninjas deck. Not that we needed any more reasons to fear <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow" href="#" target="_blank">Yuriko, the Tiger&#039;s Shadow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<hr />
<p>Alright, that was our brief look at the most impactful spells for Blue from <em>Universes Beyond Assassins Creed</em>. As a set that doesn’t have an affiliated commander product (for a change), comes with its own new kind of booster and has a slim card list, I’m quite surprised to see some fairly interesting cards. I think the Assassin’s Gauntlet is legitimately one of my favourite new blue pieces of Equipment since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptic Coat" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptic Coat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and it’s always interesting to see how different franchises are able to add unique card designs to <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>.</p>
<p>For now, though, we want to hear from you. What do you think of <em>Assassin’s Creed</em>? Are you a fan? Have you heard about it for the first time? Let us know what you think of the set and the cards in the comments below! How are you planning to utilize them in your decks?</p>
<p>Remember to stay tuned for the rest of our set reviews as the days leading up to release through the navigation at the top of the article. I’ve been Joshua, and it’s time to Become Anonymous!</p>


Assassin's Creed Set Review - Blue

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/pascalquidault">Pascal Quidault</a></h6>
<h1>Weird Science!</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Assaultron Dominator"></div></div>
<p>Welcome back lone wanderers, couriers, chosen ones and sole survivors to the last article in our Fallout Lore series. I’m Joshua, also known as PrinceofBieltan on the internet and I’ll be your guide to the final deck in the <em>Universes Beyond:</em> <em>Fallout</em> release… Science!</p>
<p>If this is your first time seeing an article like this, I have good news, there are three more for you to enjoy based on the precon decks! You can read those as you like:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-lore-of-fallout-hail-caesar/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Hail, Caesar</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-lore-of-universes-beyond-fallout-scrappy-survivors/">Scrappy Survivors</a></li>
<li><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-lore-of-fallout-mutant-menace/?utm_source=edhrec&amp;utm_medium=article_preview">Mutant Menace</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Many <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> players like to upgrade their decks with cards from Universes Beyond sets while remaining at loss for what the card actually is, or the meaning it evokes. This series aims to illuminate you on what the world of <em>Fallout</em> is like, so let’s not waste energy and dive in.</p>
<p>Technology is one of the key cornerstones of the <em>Fallout</em> setting, set in a timeline divergent from our own and characterized by atomic futurism. There’s signature technology like the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pip-Boy 3000" href="#" target="_blank">Pip-Boy 3000</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mister Gutsy" href="#" target="_blank">Mister Gutsy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> robot and the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nuka-Nuke Launcher" href="#" target="_blank">Nuka-Nuke Launcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from the previous decks we’ve looked at. With Science! We’ll be exploring some of the finest minds of the setting, taking a look at what humanity actually did with all that atomic power they invented.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pip-Boy 3000"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mister Gutsy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nuka-Nuke Launcher"></div></div>
<p>It’s worth noting here that with the Science! Preconstructed Commander deck we have our first dedicated energy deck for commanders. This is exciting enough, it’s a mechanic that we haven’t seen for around eight years since the days of <em>Kaladesh</em> and <em>Aether Revolt</em>. You’ll find a lot of these cards do fun things with energy and this is a wonderful way for the mechanic to be reintroduced to Commander before it’s return in the upcoming <em>Modern Horizons 3</em>.</p>
<h2>More like RADison Li</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dr. Madison Li"></div></div>
<p>Let’s kick things off with our face commander. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dr. Madison Li" href="#" target="_blank">Dr. Madison Li</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the legendary creature who helms this deck, she’s a little more subtle than the backup commander we’ll get to it later. Madison appears first in the game <em>Fallout 3</em>, as someone integral to the growth of the player character. She’s a brilliant multidisciplinary scientist, with the noble endeavor of making the Capital Wasteland, the game’s setting safer for all those who live within it. She aims to do this through Project Purity, a scientific undertaking spanning decades with the eventual aim of providing renewable clean water to the citizens of the wasteland.</p>
<p>Madison’s intellect and dedication are integral to the success of the survivors and factions like the Brotherhood of Steel, who she aligns herself with for a time. Her time working with the Brotherhood of Steel is spent on something big. Reviving and repairing an old piece of pre-war technology that could be the turning point in the Brotherhood of Steel’s battle for the freedom of the Capital Wasteland. With that, let’s move on to our backup commander and the fruit of Madison’s labor.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Struggle for Project Purity"></div></div>
<h2>For Democracy!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Liberty Prime, Recharged"></div></div>
<p>If I had a nickel for every time Wizards of the Coast had put out a Commander deck with an awesome robot backup commander then I’d have two nickels (though, it’s strange that it’s happened twice). Joining the ranks of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shorikai, Genesis Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Shorikai, Genesis Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as backup commanders who are very likely to see more play than the face commander on rule of cool, we introduce <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a creation of the United States army constructed in the days before the Great War that created the <em>Fallout</em> setting. Discovered in the years following the nuclear fallout below the Pentagon by the Brotherhood of Steel, this awesome weapon of destruction became the patriotic labor of the Brotherhood for many years; its power systems damaged in the years following the Great War. The ultimate collaboration between the Brotherhood of Steel and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dr. Madison Li" href="#" target="_blank">Dr. Madison Li</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> resulted in Liberty Prime’s power issues remedied and the unit once again able to deploy in battle against the Brotherhood’s sworn enemies, the Enclave.</p>
<p>Once we know the story of how <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> came to be, the card makes much more sense. While this robot towers above many buildings in game it requires colossal amounts of energy to power. You’ll spend a lot of time amassing the energy required to power up this behemoth before you take full advantage of it during your games. Once you do manage to start up <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, your enemies will crumble before the forces of democracy. Which is non negotiable by the way.</p>
<h2>Respect Your Elders</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elder Owyn Lyons"></div></div>
<p>Owyn Lyons sits at the head of the East Coast Chapter of the Brotherhood of Steel during the time of <em>Fallout 3</em>. Lyons was tasked with scouring the Capital Wasteland for advanced technology left behind by the United States army that could have survived the nuclear fallout. There’s no surprise that his card is focused around the acquisition of technology allowing you to return artifacts from your graveyard to your hand whenever he enters the battlefield or dies.</p>
<p>Lyons’ discovery of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and cooperation with Madison Li make him a key piece in the Fallout story and the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Struggle for Project Purity" href="#" target="_blank">Struggle for Project Purity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>I Am Iron Man</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="T-45 Power Armor"></div></div>
<p>The Brotherhood of Steel are one of the main factions appearing at least partially in every <em>Fallout</em> game. They are an order of knights who follow a strict heraldry and teachings of a codex (If I had a nickel for every <em>Universes Beyond</em> IP faction who… alright, you get my drift).</p>
<p>One of the most iconic pieces of <em>Fallout’s</em> design is Power Armor, with the T-45 model being perhaps the most famous. Unlike <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Liberty Prime, Recharged" href="#" target="_blank">Liberty Prime, Recharged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Armory Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Armory Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> who are depicted wearing Power Armor aren’t robots. But like Liberty Prime these hulking suits require constant supplies of energy to power, as well as specialized training to move in. They turn the wearer into a nigh invincible human tank, capable of battling even the strongest super mutant. Power Armor is as much a part of <em>Fallout’s</em> branding as Vault Boy, and you’ll be able to get your hands on this epic Equipment within the Science! deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Armory Paladin"></div></div>
<p>Considering the energy it will take to power it, it’s quite unlikely this will be a card you’ll be splashing into all your decks. It’s a cool card that’s filled with history though, and historic technology is exactly what the Brotherhood of Steel are about.</p>
<h2>Slick Valentine</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nick Valentine, Private Eye"></div></div>
<p>Detective Nick Valentine would fit right in on the plane of Ravnica it seems, now that everyone in <em>Murders at Karlov Manor</em> has become a detective (He’s even got the hat). Where you’re more likely to see Nick Valentine is in the game<em> Fallout 4</em> where he operates out of his own detective agency in the heart of the Commonwealth, Diamond City.</p>
<p>Nick is one of the companions that can accompany the player character in the game, and he can be quite an integral one in some sections. He’s a Synth as well as a detective, and the autonomy and life of Synths is very central to the story of<em> Fallout 4</em>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Synth Infiltrator"></div></div>
<p>With his slick talking and old-school noir vibes, Nick became a favorite amongst players and we think he’ll do the same in commander. His slick spy moves can only be blocked by other artifact creatures, perfect for getting by unnoticed if you’re attacking the right player.</p>
<p>Each other artifact creature dying leaves behind a Clue, allowing you to piece together pieces of the puzzle and gain knowledge through card advantage. Much like the mysteries Nick can solve in the video game, though we’re going to keep the plot of <em>Fallout 4</em> a mystery ourselves should this article series have enticed you to check out the video games (Which, we’d absolutely recommend by the way).</p>
<h2>This is Galaxy News Radio, Signing Out.</h2>
<p>It’s been a huge undertaking, talking about the <em>Fallout</em> Commander decks we've covered plenty of legendary characters and iconic Equipment, but that's still not all. There’s still plenty more that makes the <em>Fallout</em> set awesome. There’ll be some more content on our site where you’ll get to learn all the more about perks, vaults and bobbleheads but this is where our coverage of some of the key players and themes of the <em>Fallout</em> setting comes to a close.</p>
<p>We’d like to learn from you too though, did you learn a thing or two reading this series? Did it help you understand and become more keen to look at <em>Universes Beyond</em> products? As the face of <em>Magic: The Gathering</em> changes it looks like we should have more and more <em>Universes Beyond</em> as time goes on. The flavor of <em>Magic</em> will forever be in flux it seems.</p>
<p>Aside from exposure to new universes you might enjoy, there are a lot more benefits to be had. With <em>Universes Beyond: The Lord of the Rings</em> selling record numbers for Hasbro, we can assume that a lot of new players picked up <em>Magic</em> for the first time and that translates to a lot of new faces down at the local game store.</p>
<p>If you’d like to share your thoughts on <em>Universes Beyond</em>, please do so in the comments below. If this was the first article you read, do go back and take a look at some of the others. If you want to discuss ghouls, super mutants or Nuka Cola you can do so with me on <a href="https://twitter.com/PrinceofBielTan">Twitter</a> here and on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe0BZvcpmLomA-z0FLjqM8A">Youtube</a> here.</p>
<p>I’ll see you in the next universe, where we’ll likely be trading in our Nuka-Nuke Launchers for Hidden Blades. We’ll never stop playing cards and having fun though. Take care.</p>


universes beyond