<p style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eshki Dragonclaw" href="#" target="_blank">Eshki Dragonclaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">| </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Art by </span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.mynameistran.com/">Tran Nguyen</a></span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hello and welcome back to an in-universe Commander deck tech! With <em>Final Fantasy's</em> release now in our rear view, and <em>Edge of Eternities</em>' release coming up quite quickly, I wanted to take a brief moment to look at a card from a recent set that I think could use some extra love. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I'm a huge fan of <em>Tarkir: Dragonstorm</em>, and the Temur in particular, so I'm super excited to take another look at <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eshki Dragonclaw" href="#" target="_blank">Eshki Dragonclaw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eshki Dragonclaw"></div></div></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Does </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eshki</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Do?</span></h2>
<p>Eshki's got a few keywords on her that make her an ideal leader for a Voltron deck. First, she's got defensive ability with vigilance, some evasion with trample, and even built-in protection with ward <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>.</p>
<p>And, at the beginning of combat on our turn, if we've cast both a creature spell and a noncreature spell, she rewards us with +1/+1 counters and card draw. That's a lot for just <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, meaning we can get our gameplan online pretty early.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This commander is a fun design, and encourages us to fill our deck with similar amounts of creatures and noncreatures. An interesting push-and-pull, for sure. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is reminiscent of several different commanders, notably the recently released <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hraesvelgr of the First Brood" href="#" target="_blank">Hraesvelgr of the First Brood</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both Eshki and Hraesvelgr have similar keywords, and provide some combat-relevant buff to a creature when we cast a noncreature spell. I'm also reminded of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Krile Baldesion" href="#" target="_blank">Krile Baldesion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, whose abilities ask us to have high counts of creatures and noncreatures too.<br />
</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hraesvelgr of the First Brood"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Krile Baldesion"></div></div>
<p>So, Eshki asks us to cast noncreature spells (and fill out our 99 with a strong supporting cast of creatures). But, there's a few categories of noncreature spells that we've got to choose from.</p>
<p>While <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>-centric decks may lean well into Spellslinger synergies with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archmage of Runes" href="#" target="_blank">Archmage of Runes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, I want to take a slightly more unique approach.</p>
<p>We'll be making use of Auras to make a hybrid Enchantress-Voltron list centered around beating face with our commander! So, let's get right into it!</p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Cards for Eshki</span></h2>
<p>There's a full 28 enchantments in this deck, so let's talk about a few of the best ones. My personal favorite is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hadana&#039;s Climb" href="#" target="_blank">Hadana&#039;s Climb</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which will usually flip into a super powerful land the same turn we cast it.</p>
<p>Its back side can either be a nice multicolor land OR a way to end games quickly, and that flexibility is super valuable here.</p>
<p>I also really like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spider Umbra" href="#" target="_blank">Spider Umbra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in this list. It does everything we want out of an Aura: it's as cheap as an Aura can be, it buffs our commander's blocking abilities, and even protects our commander from the removal our opponents will surely throw at it.</p>
<p>Rounding out the best Auras in this deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strong Back" href="#" target="_blank">Strong Back</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is a cheaper version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Auramancer&#039;s Guise" href="#" target="_blank">Auramancer&#039;s Guise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (which is also here) and reduces the casting cost of pretty much every other Aura we'll cast for the remainder of the game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hadana&#039;s Climb"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Spider Umbra"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Strong Back"></div></div>
<p>There's a few more auras that work particularly well in this deck, so let's touch on those briefly. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shimmering Wings" href="#" target="_blank">Shimmering Wings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a relatively innocuous card, but it can trigger our commander and other cards that care about us casting enchantment spells over and over again.</p>
<p>Because Eshki provides so much value when we can cast both a creature and a noncreature spell, it's great to always have a noncreature spell available with this Aura.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Whip Silk" href="#" target="_blank">Whip Silk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crown of Flames" href="#" target="_blank">Crown of Flames</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> do pretty much the same thing, but I didn't want to clog the deck's 99 with too many Auras without consequential on-board effects.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bramble Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Bramble Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has the same effect on a creature, plus a super useful adventure, so it's found a spot in the deck too. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hydra&#039;s Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Hydra&#039;s Growth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works wonders with our commander too.</p>
<p>Because Eshki naturally gains +1/+1 counters, this card will typically provide huge power and toughness buffs after just a few turns on the board.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shimmering Wings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bramble Familiar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hydra&#039;s Growth"></div></div>
<p>Now, let's talk about the creatures that support our gameplan. First, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eutropia the Twice-Favored" href="#" target="_blank">Eutropia the Twice-Favored</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides extra evasion and +1/+1 counters to our commander, making her even more lethal.</p>
<p>Plus, Eutropia can distribute counters to other creatures we control if our commander happens to be out of commission. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei" href="#" target="_blank">Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great haste outlet and mana sink, letting us get some quick attacks in with our commander and make 5/5 flying creatures if we've got extra mana.</p>
<p>Speaking of mana production, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fanatic of Rhonas" href="#" target="_blank">Fanatic of Rhonas</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ilysian Caryatid" href="#" target="_blank">Ilysian Caryatid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> both provide extra mana with our commander on the battlefield. They slot very nicely into our early game curve, and can accelerate us towards the mid/late game with ease.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eutropia the Twice-Favored"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fanatic of Rhonas"></div></div>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Does This Deck Win?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck, as all good Voltron decks do, tries to hit our opponents hard and fast. By buffing our commander with auras like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossification" href="#" target="_blank">Colossification</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and creatrures like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nylea&#039;s Colossus" href="#" target="_blank">Nylea&#039;s Colossus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we'll try to knock out our opponents in just a few combat steps.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Eshki's card draw and self-buffing capabilities only accelerate that plan, and we'll usually end the game after a few big swings with a suited-up commander.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Colossification"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nylea&#039;s Colossus"></div></div>
<p>But, Eshki's power makes her a prime target for our opponents' removal. We'll sometimes need other creatures to put our Auras onto, so cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea" href="#" target="_blank">Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler" href="#" target="_blank">Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wildsear, Scouring Maw" href="#" target="_blank">Wildsear, Scouring Maw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can turn from role players to star players if need be.</p>
<p>Each of these cards can serve as a nice target for our Auras in the event of our commander's absence, and having them as an alternative makes it easier to recover from unfavorable positions in-game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wildsear, Scouring Maw"></div></div>
<h2><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eshki Dragonclaw </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commander Deck List</span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Eshki - Finally! A Temur deck that doesn&#039;t suck!" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Eshki Dragonclaw
[/Commander]
[Instants]
*1 Aetherize
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Fumble
*1 Sink into Stupor // Soporific Springs
*1 Strix Serenade
*1 Swan Song
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Bridgeworks Battle // Tanglespan Bridgeworks
*1 Ezuri&#039;s Predation
*1 Shatterskull Smashing // Shatterskull, the Hammer Pass
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Alpha Authority
*1 Amphibian Downpour
*1 Ancestral Mask
*1 Aqueous Form
*1 Auramancer&#039;s Guise
*1 Bear Umbra
*1 Canopy Cover
*1 Colossification
*1 Combat Research
*1 Enchantress&#039;s Presence
*1 Fly
*1 Frog Tongue
*1 Hadana&#039;s Climb // Winged Temple of Orazca
*1 Hydra&#039;s Growth
*1 Kenrith&#039;s Transformation
*1 Lignify
*1 Octopus Umbra
*1 One with Nature
*1 Predatory Hunger
*1 Season of Growth
*1 Shielding Plax
*1 Shimmering Wings
*1 Snake Umbra
*1 Song of the Dryads
*1 Spider Umbra
*1 Sticky Fingers
*1 Strong Back
*1 Wild Growth
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Argothian Enchantress
*1 Birds of Paradise
*1 Bloom Tender
*1 Bothersome Quasit
*1 Bramble Familiar // Fetch Quest
*1 Callaphe, Beloved of the Sea
*1 Composer of Spring
*1 Destiny Spinner
*1 Disciple of Freyalise // Garden of Freyalise
*1 Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler
*1 Eidolon of Blossoms
*1 Entity Tracker
*1 Eutropia the Twice-Favored
*1 Fanatic of Rhonas
*1 Flux Channeler
*1 Generous Visitor
*1 Goro-Goro, Disciple of Ryusei
*1 Herald of the Pantheon
*1 Hydroelectric Specimen // Hydroelectric Laboratory
*1 Ilysian Caryatid
*1 Ivy, Gleeful Spellthief
*1 Kodama of the West Tree
*1 Livaan, Cultist of Tiamat
*1 Nessian Wanderer
*1 Nylea&#039;s Colossus
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Pinnacle Monk // Mystic Peak
*1 Sanctum Weaver
*1 Setessan Champion
*1 Tanglespan Lookout
*1 Third Path Iconoclast
*1 Verduran Enchantress
*1 Wildsear, Scouring Maw
[/Creatures]
[Lands]
*1 Barkchannel Pathway // Tidechannel Pathway
*1 Boseiju, Who Endures
*1 Cascade Bluffs
*1 Command Tower
*1 Cragcrown Pathway // Timbercrown Pathway
*1 Dreamroot Cascade
*1 Fiery Islet
*1 Fire-Lit Thicket
*1 Flooded Grove
*3 Forest
*1 Grove of the Burnwillows
*3 Island
*1 Karplusan Forest
*2 Mountain
*1 Otawara, Soaring City
*1 Riverglide Pathway // Lavaglide Pathway
*1 Rockfall Vale
*1 Shivan Reef
*1 Sokenzan, Crucible of Defiance
*1 Spire Garden
*1 Stormcarved Coast
*1 Training Center
*1 Waterlogged Grove
*1 Yavimaya Coast
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Conclusion and Alternative Build Paths</span></h2>
<p>That's all for this week, folks! Before you go, I wanted to talk a little bit about how I'd choose to build a Spellslinger version of this deck.</p>
<p>Our very own <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/start-me-up-tarkir-dragonstorm">Bennie Smith wrote up a cool Adventure-centric Eshki list</a>, but I'd choose to go a little bit more all-in on the Voltron strategy again. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temur Battle Rage" href="#" target="_blank">Temur Battle Rage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invigorating Surge" href="#" target="_blank">Invigorating Surge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and even <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gift of the Viper" href="#" target="_blank">Gift of the Viper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> would find a place for sure.</p>
<p>This deck would be focused on buffing our commander using combat tricks, taking out players with temporary bursts of power to our commander that they wouldn't see coming.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Temur Battle Rage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invigorating Surge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gift of the Viper"></div></div>
<p>But now I want to hear from you! Would you rather play an Enchantress or spellsinger version of this deck? Let me know in the comments below, and I'll see you next week for an <em>Edge of Eternities </em>deck tech!</p>


Making a Voltron Deck with Eshki Dragonclaw

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amy Rose" href="#" target="_blank">Amy Rose</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Ary by <a href="https://evanstanleyportfolio.com/">Evan Stanley</a></h6>
<h1>We're All Excited About the New Sonic the Hedgehog Secret Lair, But...</h1>
<p>How playable are these new cards? Do they stand out? One that I'm particularly interested in is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amy Rose" href="#" target="_blank">Amy Rose</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Is she going to stack up to the Boros Voltron decks of the past few years?</p>
<h2>The Stats</h2>
<p>Before we can assess anything, we have to check out Amy's stats. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Amy Rose" href="#" target="_blank">Amy Rose</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" 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><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> Hedgehog Warrior. She's a 3/3 with haste and reads "Whenever Amy Rose attacks, attach up to one target Equipment to her. Then up to one other attacking creature gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is Amy Rose's power."</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Amy Rose"></div></div>
<p>Initially, I read her and wondered why they focused heavily on Equipments. Most Voltron commanders usually have the option to dabble with Auras and Equipments, and for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain" href="#" target="_blank">Arna Kennerüd, Skycaptain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, +1/+1 counters. Voltron strategies are usually glass cannons.</p>
<p>Typically, Voltron encourages an all-in mentality about damage. What I like here is that it encourages multiple creatures on the board, trying trigger her attacks more than once, to make a more divisible attack. I don't know if stacks up, though. We'll see...</p>
<h2>The Equipment</h2>
<p>I think Amy wants us to <strong>cheat</strong>. We want low-cost Equipment with outrageous equip costs that we can circumvent with her ability. We <em>definitely</em> want a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Play the Hammer on turn one and try to swing with Amy Rose on turn four for 13 damage, and maybe 13 on a small creature body like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esper Sentinel" href="#" target="_blank">Esper Sentinel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Seems good, high damage is always the goal!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Colossus Hammer"></div></div>
<p>Equipment like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blackblade Reforged" href="#" target="_blank">Blackblade Reforged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrecking Ball Arm" href="#" target="_blank">Wrecking Ball Arm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are perfect because they put out a ton of damage for low casting cost, which becomes a free equip on Amy. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nettlecyst" href="#" target="_blank">Nettlecyst</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will compound with value as you push out more low cost artifacts for more damage.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Excalibur, Sword of Eden" href="#" target="_blank">Excalibur, Sword of Eden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be possible as well, later on, with the reduction of all the small Equipment, but maybe not. It's worth thinking about because it grants vigilance which Amy will need to adequately defend herself with.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blackblade Reforged"></div></div>
<h2>High-Value Creatures for a Low Cost</h2>
<p>It's going to be pivotal to get a lot of low-cost, value-engine creatures. We want creatures that'll survive after your opponents try to remove Amy. Resilience is the key that's often lost in Voltron strategies. The commander isn't everything.</p>
<p>I'm thinking card draw and interaction are going to be a big problem. They usually are a problem in Boros, Voltron, and combat-heavy decks. For card draw, we'll need to run something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sram, Senior Edificer" href="#" target="_blank">Sram, Senior Edificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Cast a low-cost Equipment and refill your hand with another card.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sram, Senior Edificer"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another option for card draw. Every Equipment entering will trigger a draw. Additionally, it's low cost and could be a target for buffing from Amy. Be careful though, because Amy only provides power. Opportune blocks could kill your value engine.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Danitha Capashen, Paragon" href="#" target="_blank">Danitha Capashen, Paragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is keyword soup which is perfect for Voltron. She also discounts the cost for Equipment, saving some mana for protection spells.</p>
<p>She's also low cost, so you can anticipate getting her out earlier than Amy and then choosing her as a target for buffing. First strike makes her power more relevant because she likely can be buffed and survive the lack of toughness added by Amy.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Danitha Capashen, Paragon"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist" href="#" target="_blank">Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another good target because he can attach multiple Equipment onto Amy or himself. It allows for a two-pronged attack.</p>
<p>Ardenn could buff himself with some Equipment, then Amy could take the last biggest artifact, forcing out two great attacks. He's low cost, too, so he's right on curve for a turn-four Amy with haste.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stoneforge Mystic" href="#" target="_blank">Stoneforge Mystic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is so important for searching for the value Equipment you might need early game for the strongest lead. This gets the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossus Hammer" href="#" target="_blank">Colossus Hammer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> next turn. It's also low cost like all the creatures mentioned before which are great for early game damage output.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ardenn, Intrepid Archaeologist"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Esper Sentinel" href="#" target="_blank">Esper Sentinel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is pretty great here too because of the passive card draw. It's a low cost, turn-one play that provides a decent amount of card advantage. That can get in for damage if coupled with Amy effectively.</p>
<h2>Protection</h2>
<p>One the biggest struggles here is going to be removal. Your opponents will probably wait until you attempt to enter combat to nuke Amy. I think the best way to survive this would be running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. They synergize with the deck's Equipment theme and can easily protect.</p>
<p>Boots and Greaves are consistent and telegraphed. However, I find protection is better when it comes out of nowhere. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s un-equip ability allows you to tutor for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Protection" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Protection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boros Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Boros Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flawless Maneuver" href="#" target="_blank">Flawless Maneuver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also an Equipment.</p>
<p>Another really sneaky protection spell is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> because you can convoke to pay for it and phase out your board from destruction or exile effects like a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farewell" href="#" target="_blank">Farewell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal" href="#" target="_blank">Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is similar. It also works offensively to phase out your opponent's board for free swings.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunforger"></div></div>
<p>The standard <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawn&#039;s Truce" href="#" target="_blank">Dawn&#039;s Truce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Loran&#039;s Escape" href="#" target="_blank">Loran&#039;s Escape</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surge of Salvation" href="#" target="_blank">Surge of Salvation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are good here too because they're low cost protection spells you can cast out of nowhere. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mithril Coat" href="#" target="_blank">Mithril Coat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a similar.</p>
<p>Most removal will come in the form of destruction rather than exile so <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mithril Coat" href="#" target="_blank">Mithril Coat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be an Equipment you can use like an instant-speed protection spell.</p>
<p>Lastly, I think just forcing people not to be able to interact on your turn might be best. Something like a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grand Abolisher" href="#" target="_blank">Grand Abolisher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Voice of Victory" href="#" target="_blank">Voice of Victory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are great ways to ensure your combat shenanigans go unhindered.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dawn&#039;s Truce"></div></div>
<h2>Increased Damage</h2>
<p>This deck strikes me as the kind that will like to win as fast as possible. We'll likely not be able to fight against slow, consistent engines. We'll have to burst in with damage and eliminate players before they can find the removal or interaction to stop us. How will we manage that?</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar" href="#" target="_blank">Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a good way. If we can stack Amy with a ton of damage we can deal that to other players if she connects. In the early game this can be very relevant.</p>
<p>Additional ways to make Amy hit harder, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Duelist&#039;s Heritage" href="#" target="_blank">Duelist&#039;s Heritage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, might get us there early as well. Alongside Kediss, this could be a huge lead early.</p>
<p>Anything that gives double strike will likely need to be included, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Legion Leadership // Legion Stronghold" href="#" target="_blank">Legion Leadership // Legion Stronghold</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Halvar, God of Battle // Sword of the Realms" href="#" target="_blank">Halvar, God of Battle // Sword of the Realms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar"></div></div>
<p>Later on in the game, things like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="City on Fire" href="#" target="_blank">City on Fire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <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> might be viable to triple the damage Amy and friends can deal; it could be game-ending. Speaking of game-ending, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Full Throttle" href="#" target="_blank">Full Throttle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could be a very viable win con.</p>
<p>Three combats, three Amy triggers, three damage steps. Anything that gives multiple combats could work. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Full Throttle" href="#" target="_blank">Full Throttle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is very pricey, mana-wise, but it could end the game for someone. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akroma&#039;s Will" href="#" target="_blank">Akroma&#039;s Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another win con. It's just a crazy card. No notes.</p>
<h2>Ramp and Draw</h2>
<p>Some of the biggest struggles Boros has is land ramp. We have to push artifact ramp and hit our land drops every turn. We'll need tons of mana eventually.</p>
<p>I'd run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thran Dynamo" href="#" target="_blank">Thran Dynamo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talisman of Conviction" href="#" target="_blank">Talisman of Conviction</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <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>. We need to increase the number of artifacts we have on board while increasing our mana.</p>
<p>Another potential hot take: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inspiring Statuary" href="#" target="_blank">Inspiring Statuary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Big spells, like <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> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Full Throttle" href="#" target="_blank">Full Throttle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, could be paid for with the artifacts in play. It wouldn't help cast any of our Equipment, but it's a good way to ramp. A <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Land Tax" href="#" target="_blank">Land Tax</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wouldn't hurt either to hit your land drops.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Full Throttle"></div></div>
<p>Obviously, if we can run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of the Animist" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of the Animist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for additional ramp on lands on damage, we should. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Armored Skyhunter" href="#" target="_blank">Armored Skyhunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also provides saved mana on Equipment and is kind of card advantage. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mask of Memory" href="#" target="_blank">Mask of Memory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also draws cards.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>I've always had chip on my shoulder when I think about Voltron decks. It's usually an all-in strategy, low creature, high protection deck. I worry that it loses to too many other archetypes.</p>
<p>Wide strategies and combo seems to find a way to win against it. Without a way to give your creature vigilance, it's hard to protect yourself when you attack. It's a glass canon, shields-down strategy. I was hoping that Amy would be different.</p>
<p>In some ways she is. Spreading out the damage at least solves the problem of going all-in on one player at a time. She also free equips and can attack the turn she comes in, but it encourages attacking and zero blocking.</p>
<p>I worry about the crack back. Dealing high amounts of damage to one player simply rallies players against you when you often can't protect yourself against multiple different attacks. But maybe I'm playing Voltron wrong.</p>
<p>I like that in this deck it encourages you to have a board state with other creatures. It still is shields down but at least it gives your choices. I'm not sure it's much different from most Boros Voltron decks.</p>
<p>I would even suggest that it might detract from the central strategy that makes Voltron viable? I'm not sure. I'm conflicted as usual. Let me hear your thoughts. Is this viable? I'm @strixhavendropout on BlueSky.</p>


How is Amy Different From Every Other Boros Voltron Deck?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://martanael.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marta Nael</a></em></p>
<p>It's usually not a good idea to give resources to an opponent, especially many different resources to many different players. Usually, any advantage that an opponent has puts us in the position to lose the game, but but but! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm actually a huge advocate for <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/group-hug" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Group Hug</a> decks. Not that chaos nonsense, but real Group Hug. I talk about the distinctions in <a href="https://www.coolstuffinc.com/a/cashinds-seo-02042025-how-to-play-group-hug-in-commander" target="_blank" rel="noopener">this article</a>.</p>
<p>To boil it down a little, I discuss that Group Hug is only valid if it has a win condition. I walk through some of the ways to do that in that article, but the concept is to out-value, or use resources against, the opponents. But Group Hug isn't actually the focus on my article, the card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> actually is.</p>
<h2>What Does Ms. Bumbleflower Do?</h2>
<p>She's a <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> cost 1/5 creature with vigilance. And whenever you cast a spell, target opponent draws a card, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature, and that creature gains flying until end of turn. When this ability resolves the second time in a turn, you draw two cards.</p>
<p>In the traditional sense, Ms. Bumbleflower has some language on her that seems like Group Hug: she provides card draw to another player whenever you cast a spell.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ms. Bumbleflower"></div></div>
<p>This could be a huge advantage to whatever player gets the advantage. It also does a good job of accelerating the Bumbleflower player as they gain two cards on the second cast, bringing them ahead of each individual they target with the card draw. Additionally, it provides some way to give evasion to their creatures and buff them as blockers. You can even buff other players creatures after casting a cantrip to eke out a bit more damage. It's a good shields-up strategy in the colors of control and combo.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Seedborn Muse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Approach of the Second Sun"></div></div>
<p>I imagine in a Group Hug strategy for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> the goal is to get to draw spells and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Approach of the Second Sun" href="#" target="_blank">Approach of the Second Sun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Folio of Fancies" href="#" target="_blank">Folio of Fancies</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> combo, milling players each turn. Both are slow and steady strategies typical for Bant Control and Draw.</p>
<p>There's a possibility for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tidal Barracuda" href="#" target="_blank">Tidal Barracuda</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to give your spells flash, which, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seedborn Muse" href="#" target="_blank">Seedborn Muse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, can put you massively ahead, giving cards along the way. You could give the card draw to the player whose end step it is to give yourself more time, and not pile value into one player.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Folio of Fancies"></div></div>
<p>If you're starting to wonder when I'll talk about how strong it is to give flying to Bumbleflower and go in for combat damage, you're slightly missing the essence of Group Hug. In Group Hug you have to hide your power level as long as possible, because giving resources puts a target on your back with players who would like to benefit alone, like mid-range players who might be in danger against an Aggro deck with the gasoline of creature and card advantage.</p>
<p>But <em>this</em> is the essence of my article; why aren't we all putting counters on Bumbleflower?</p>
<h2>Ms. Bumbleflower at Her Best</h2>
<p>SURPRISE! This is actually a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Voltron Deck Tech. Hear me out.</p>
<p>Usually the most common Voltron Commanders are in Boros, but Bumbleflower can do it! She is a 1/5 with vigilance. This is insidious because it makes a great blocker and attacker. Cast one spell on your turn and she gets flying, the evasion needed for a strong Voltron commander. She also has a way to buff herself, which is another great addition for a Voltron commander.</p>
<p>Cast a spell, put a +1/+1 on her and give her flying at the cost of giving one other player a card. Cast a second, and fill your hand with two more cards you can cast, while putting on another counter. In one turn she can go from a 1/5 vigilant creature to a 3/7 flying, vigilant creature.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thunderbolt"></div></div>
<p>Her big toughness makes her survive most <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thunderbolt" href="#" target="_blank">Thunderbolt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects, and with enough time to build her up, she can even survive a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasphemous Act" href="#" target="_blank">Blasphemous Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. She has evasion, protection, built-in card draw, and a way to be a good blocker and attacker.</p>
<h2>Other Voltron Commanders</h2>
<p>What are we usually looking for in a Voltron commander? In a general sense, what players are looking for in a Voltron commander is:</p>
<ul>
<li>Evasion</li>
<li>A way to buff or a good body to buff</li>
<li>Free/discounted cost to buff</li>
<li>Good attacker and/or blocker</li>
<li>Protection</li>
</ul>
<p>The <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">top Voltron commanders according to EDHREC</a> are: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rafiq of the Many" href="#" target="_blank">Rafiq of the Many</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Light-Paws, Emperor&#039;s Voice" href="#" target="_blank">Light-Paws, Emperor&#039;s Voice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>; and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist" href="#" target="_blank">Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. What makes these commanders so popular?</p>
<h3>Rafiq</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rafiq of the Many"></div></div>
<p>Rafiq has exalted (a creature attacking alone gets +1/+1) and gives double strike to any creature attacking alone. It goes from a humble 3/3 to a 4/4 with double strike when it attacks alone. That's potentially eight commander damage, which is usually the goal with a Voltron commander. This kind of deck focuses on many exalted effects combined to buff the hell out of itself or any other creature coming in alone.</p>
<p>Rafiq is in the same colors as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so most of the cards you run in it could translate over easily. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silent Arbiter" href="#" target="_blank">Silent Arbiter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rancor" href="#" target="_blank">Rancor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> create a really spicy combination for this commander, which Bumbleflower could also effectively utilize. Being the only attacker and only blocker is perfect, especially when she's buffed.</p>
<h3>Light-Paws</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Light-Paws, Emperor&#039;s Voice"></div></div>
<p>Light-Paws is a well stated 2/2 for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Its ability allows for easy and cheap buffs. Casting a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sage&#039;s Reverie" href="#" target="_blank">Sage&#039;s Reverie</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets you a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Mastery" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Mastery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="All That Glitters" href="#" target="_blank">All That Glitters</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets you into an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ethereal Armor" href="#" target="_blank">Ethereal Armor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. For six mana Light-Paws is a 14/14 with double strike.</p>
<p>That's lethal commander damage. What it does well is stack up a creature cheaply and quickly with damage. All of these cards are possible in Bumbleflower. The Auras that buff are possible with a commander that gives itself card draw and evasion and buffs, on top of basic stats.</p>
<h3>Slicer</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Slicer, Hired Muscle // Slicer, High-Speed Antagonist"></div></div>
<p>Slicer is well stated as a 3/2 converted for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" 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> with haste and first strike. Equipping him with stuff like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beamtown Beatstick" href="#" target="_blank">Beamtown Beatstick</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives it a way of connecting with evasion. With <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mask of Memory" href="#" target="_blank">Mask of Memory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> you can fill your hand with ways to buff it on contact. Your commander gets additional opportunities to deal combat damage by being passed around.</p>
<p>Sadly, many of Slicer's cards are locked to red, outside of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s wheelhouse, but it runs a ton of Equipment that Bumbleflower can use. She doesn't get additional combats by being passed around, but she might not even need it.</p>
<h2>Fatal Flaws Of Typical Voltron Commanders</h2>
<p>One of the fatal flaws of Voltron is being locked out of blue and green good stuff - stuff like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rancor" href="#" target="_blank">Rancor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Stuff that adds counters are typically green, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hardened Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Hardened Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and counter magic is typically blue, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Denial" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Denial</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Not being able to interact with spells that remove your commander, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghostly Flicker" href="#" target="_blank">Ghostly Flicker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> them, or simply <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in response, is huge. Board wipes like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vandalblast" href="#" target="_blank">Vandalblast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Farewell" href="#" target="_blank">Farewell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrath of God" href="#" target="_blank">Wrath of God</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> go unchecked.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcane Denial"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vandalblast"></div></div>
<p>Most typical Voltron commanders struggle to put up blockers. Usually after a swing, the player is shields down and vulnerable. Running other creatures take away spells that are able to buff your commander. Rafiq doesn't run into this problem, and neither does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Casting an instant can give a creature the ability to fly and buff them as well, making blockers really strong.</p>
<h2>Card Draw Flaw</h2>
<p>I've talked in great detail on how Bumbleflower excels as a Voltron commander, but the big fatal flaw of this deck is giving out card draw. It doesn't seem like a lot, but big stormy turns with Bumbleflower that puts cards in opponents' hands might be your downfall. I can't talk my way out of this one. It is the fatal flaw that tricks most players into seeing this deck only as a Group Hug deck. Card draw on every cast is just so beneficial to other players that it's hard to work around.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Narset, Parter of Veils"></div></div>
<p>But <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narset, Parter of Veils" href="#" target="_blank">Narset, Parter of Veils</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets around that additional card draw. If you don't see that card, you can also draw more yourself, to have interaction up. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Teferi&#039;s Ageless Insight" href="#" target="_blank">Teferi&#039;s Ageless Insight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could put four cards in hand on your second spell, making sure you have value in hand to mitigate loss. It's out-valuing others in the way Group Hug typically does.</p>
<p>Free counterspells, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fierce Guardianship" href="#" target="_blank">Fierce Guardianship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Force of Will" href="#" target="_blank">Force of Will</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are huge in this deck. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="View From Above" href="#" target="_blank">View From Above</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an excellent way to keep a spell up to give Bumbleflower flying when needed. Cantrips like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Opt" href="#" target="_blank">Opt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and value spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snap" href="#" target="_blank">Snap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rewind" href="#" target="_blank">Rewind</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can refund themselves. It gives tons of mana value while giving card draw.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="View From Above"></div></div>
<p>Stacking all the powerful things in Voltron that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ms. Bumbleflower" href="#" target="_blank">Ms. Bumbleflower</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can do, it can be a very powerful deck, even with its one card draw issue. All I can say is that, just because you give out cards because you have to, doesn't mean your deck has to be Group Hug. Most players are playing Bumbleflower as a Voltron commander covertly behind a bunch of Group Hug effects. It's time to just fully embrace the Voltron.</p>
<p>Either way, tell me what you think. I'm <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/strixhavendropout.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@Strixhavendropout on Bluesky</a>.</p>


Ms. Bumbleflower Is Better as a Voltron Deck

<p style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kotis, the Fangkeeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kotis, the Fangkeeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://evynfong.square.site/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Evyn Fong</a></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tdm" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Tarkir: Dragonstorm</em></a> brought so many amazing new cards into the game. A commander that's stood out above the rest is none other than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kotis, the Fangkeeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kotis, the Fangkeeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Already totaling over five thousand decks on <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/kotis-the-fangkeeper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EDHREC</a>, the community has been infatuated with this character since preview season. Whether it's for his abilities, or because he's a heartthrob, that's for you to decide.</p>
<p>There's plenty of directions to take Kotis, but today I'll be putting a spotlight on the Enchantress architype. To do that, I, Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks, will showcase fourteen cards for under $14 you can pick up right now to help get you started on a brand-new deck.</p>
<h2>The Commander - Kotis, the Fangkeeper</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kotis, the Fangkeeper"></div></div>
<p>One of the most beloved cards in the commander format is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Villainous Wealth" href="#" target="_blank">Villainous Wealth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so it should come as no surprise that a creature that can give you that effect turn after turn would become very popular to build around. With this list I'll be highlighting a few things that every <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kotis, the Fangkeeper" href="#" target="_blank">Kotis, the Fangkeeper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> deck needs: evasion, buffing, and additional value that'll build up along the way.</p>
<p>So, let's take a look at some amazing budget Auras that you can utilize to steal the best cards from your friends' decks!</p>
<h3>Favor of the Overbeing</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Favor of the Overbeing"></div></div>
<p>A prime example of both buffing and evasion is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Favor of the Overbeing" href="#" target="_blank">Favor of the Overbeing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Giving Kotis plus +2/+2, flying, and vigilance for only two mana is an amazing rate. This card alone can allow you to exile four cards from whoever you hit, all while being able to leave your commander up as a blocker because of that vigilance.</p>
<h3>Canopy Cover</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Canopy Cover"></div></div>
<p>Another great two-mana spell for this deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Canopy Cover" href="#" target="_blank">Canopy Cover</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which basically gives your creature flying and hexproof. Your commander will be a lightning rod for removal, and even though that indestructible is a great safety net, you always have to prepare for exile removal, and this Aura ensures no one can touch a hair on Kotis's undead head!</p>
<h3>Fae Flight</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fae Flight"></div></div>
<p>On a similar axis as our last entry is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fae Flight" href="#" target="_blank">Fae Flight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Adding plus one to Kotis’s power and giving him flying is exactly what this deck is looking for. On top of that, this Aura acts almost like a counterspell if your opponents are ready to try to get the Fangkeeper off your board.</p>
<h3>Demonic Embrace</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Demonic Embrace"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Embrace" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Embrace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> adds some more flying to the list, as well as a nice power boost, all while having the ability to be cast from your graveyard if it winds up there. That gives it extra utility, since there's a good chance that, against your best efforts, Kotis will end up being removed at some point. And <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Demonic Embrace" href="#" target="_blank">Demonic Embrace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will be there when he returns.</p>
<h3>Rancor</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rancor"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of coming back from the grave, the next card on our list, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rancor" href="#" target="_blank">Rancor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, offers that effect for free. It only costs one mana and gives your commander a power buff as well as trample, which isn’t necessarily evasion, but can still help push damage through. The best part of this spell is that it will almost always come back, meaning that you can rely on it to be there as long as the game goes on.</p>
<h3>Aether Tunnel</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aether Tunnel"></div></div>
<p>Say you don’t even want to worry about blockers. Well, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aether Tunnel" href="#" target="_blank">Aether Tunnel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are here to assist you with that! For two mana you can give Kotis unblockable, as well as +1/+0, which will ensure you’ll be hitting someone for three damage each time you attack. On top of that, this pairs well with anything else that buffs your commander’s power, since it clears the way entirely.</p>
<h3>Security Bypass</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Security Bypass"></div></div>
<p>Decks built around Kotis tend to have one main game plan: attack with Kotis. To help with that, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Security Bypass" href="#" target="_blank">Security Bypass</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> giving more of that premium evasion to your commander if it attacks alone. It also lets the creature it’s attached to connive whenever it deals damage to someone, which will help with sculpting your hand while also growing its power.</p>
<h3>Fly</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fly"></div></div>
<p>Another card that adds more value to your attacks is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fly" href="#" target="_blank">Fly</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Not only does it give flying to your creature (shocking, I know) but whenever you hit a player, you venture into the dungeon. The go-to option out of the three dungeons is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lost Mine of Phandelver" href="#" target="_blank">Lost Mine of Phandelver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and I suggest you follow that trend in this deck as well. All the options it offers are generically good, and you can even put some counters on Kotis along the way.</p>
<h3>Sleeper's Robe</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sleeper&#039;s Robe"></div></div>
<p>Next up we have an oldie but a goodie! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sleeper&#039;s Robe" href="#" target="_blank">Sleeper&#039;s Robe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives your commander <a href="https://mtg.fandom.com/wiki/Fear" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fear</a>, even if it doesn’t say that keyword, and draws you a card when it connects. Even though you'll be stealing other people’s spells in this deck, you still want to make sure you have cards in your hand. Your goal should be to throw a new Aura on Kotis as often as you can, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sleeper&#039;s Robe" href="#" target="_blank">Sleeper&#039;s Robe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> helps with that.</p>
<h3>Combat Research</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Research"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Research" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Research</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is similar to our last card on the list, drawing you a card whenever Kotis hits a player. However, this time around you also get +1/+1, and ward <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, for just a single mana. As I said earlier, your commander will draw a lot of hate from the table, so adding an additional roadblock on top of the indestructible it already has can deter people from sending removal your way.</p>
<h3>Well Rested</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Well Rested"></div></div>
<p>Kotis is surely going to be tired after all of that attacking, so he deserves to be <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Well Rested" href="#" target="_blank">Well Rested</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> when the turn gets back to you. Drawing a card and putting counters on your commander will help your game plan move forward for sure. However, the fact that you’re gaining a little bit of life as the game goes on shouldn’t be understated. The table most likely will be attacking you when your defenses are down, so you just need a little bit of extra padding to get you through the rest of the battle.</p>
<h3>Strong Back</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Strong Back"></div></div>
<p>Time to pump up your commander’s power even more, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strong Back" href="#" target="_blank">Strong Back</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Making all your Auras cost three less to cast helps you load up Kotis even more than before, but that final ability is the real star of the show. Giving +2/+2 for each Aura attached to your commander means you could be stealing a huge chunk of spells from your opponents each time you connect. This card can truly change things in your favor when it hits the board.</p>
<h3>Giant Inheritance</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Giant Inheritance"></div></div>
<p>Keeping up with the plan of powering up Kotis, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Giant Inheritance" href="#" target="_blank">Giant Inheritance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rancor" href="#" target="_blank">Rancor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>’s big brother. Once you throw that <a href="https://scryfall.com/card/twoe/15/monster-sorcerer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monster Role</a> on your creature, it’ll end up with +6/+6 and trample! If that draws the ire of the table, like I think it will, you’ll be able to get this Aura back if it ever ends up in your graveyard from the battlefield. That just makes it a constant game ending threat.</p>
<h3>Entity Tracker</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Entity Tracker"></div></div>
<p>Closing things out with a generically good card draw engine, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Entity Tracker" href="#" target="_blank">Entity Tracker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. If you go the Aura route, you’ll be drawing each time you load Kotis up for battle. However, the Tracker triggers off of any enchantments hitting your board, which means if you hit an opponent for a ton of damage, you could be casting several enchantments for free and refilling your hand! That flash shouldn't be overlooked either, since you can cast this right before all the spells you steal resolve, to be extra sneaky.</p>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>I hope this list was helpful for you and your journey building around Kotis! As you can tell, these Auras fit perfectly in most builds for this commander. So even if you don't go the full Enchantress direction, you could still grab these singles to power up your own deck.</p>
<p>If you want to see the full list, including the cards that didn't make the main fourteen, <a href="https://archidekt.com/decks/12534594/kotis_the_fangkeeper_enchantress_pillow_fortteen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">you can check those out on my Archidekt</a>.</p>


Building Kotis, the Fangkeeper Enchantress on a Budget

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


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