<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>


Beyond the Multiverse- The Tree of Life

From the Brim to the Trim - Pounding Bearish Opponents with Flaming Budgets

Top 10 Legendary Equipment

Scrappy Survivors Fallout Precon Upgrade Guide

Scrappy Survivors Fallout Precon Review

From the Brim to the Trim - Flooding Budgets and Wrenching Opponents Alike!

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest" href="#" target="_blank">Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.deviantart.com/davidgaillet">David Gaillet</a>)</h6>
<h1>Epic Preparations</h1>
<p>Hello, EDHREC fans! I’m Bernardo Melibeu, and this is <em>Epic Experiment</em>, a series where we throw all common sense aside and experiment with some unusual strategies, changing how we normally build our deck. Is it going to work? Who knows?! We’re making science here. When you’re an Izzet mage, blowing things up is half the fun.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest" href="#" target="_blank">Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest"></div></div>
<p><strong>Observation</strong></p>
<p>Shu Yun is a powerful Voltron commander, being cheap and providing one of the fastest commander damage threats out there. The biggest thing Shu Yun has going for himself is his ability to passively grow without the need for outside assistance. This allows its controller to be able to play a "normal" game and still have access to that powerful threat, and it opens up a lot of space for noncreature-spell-based strategies, which we can fully integrate with a Voltron threat without any real effort. Extra turns, artifacts matter or 'eggs' cards, and even mill effects can all be merged together to create a whole new angle, if we're building it right.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Ingredients</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as an archetype, is a bit funny. At a deckbuilding level it can be quite diverse, giving us plenty of options for both targets and general strategies to theorycraft. Gameplay-wise, however, it can get a bit repetitive, leading to many games feeling 'samey'.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bruna, Light of Alabaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Polymorph"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dragon Breath"></div></div>
<p>This doesn't have to be a bad thing, though; knowing our exact target(s) off of a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may be the same in each game, but the things our deck does <em>around </em>that target can be all types of spicy. For instance, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruna, Light of Alabaster" href="#" target="_blank">Bruna, Light of Alabaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an interesting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> target! Her ability is quite impressive, especially with access to more colors, and it also plays well with one of red's best tools: looting/rummaging. Since Bruna cheats from both graveyard and hand, it's very convenient to just bin excess Auras and turn them into new cards, which can be more Auras!</p>
<p>Both red and blue offer plenty of efficient choices for Polymorph effects, which is good, because we need a few of them to be consistent enough for the deckbuilding costs (namely, that we won't be playing any creatures in the 99 aside from Bruna).</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Transmogrify"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Divergent Transformations"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reality Scramble"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Transmogrify" href="#" target="_blank">Transmogrify</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are the baseline for this type of effect and they work pretty similarly, aside from a few corner cases. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Divergent Transformations" href="#" target="_blank">Divergent Transformations</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't as reliable as the former two, since it requires two targets, but the fact that it's an instant and that it's cheaper than other alternatives makes it worthy. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reality Scramble" href="#" target="_blank">Reality Scramble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has built-in recursion and can be used in the late game to fish for more Auras. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lukka, Coppercoat Outcast" href="#" target="_blank">Lukka, Coppercoat Outcast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a bit on the expensive side, but as I said before, we need the numbers. Plus, it does have the benefit of potentially getting a second activation (although that's kind of a long shot).</p>
<p>With the setup discussed, let's talk about the payoffs: our Auras! This is where the deck gets smart. While it's not very usual to see an Aura-based Shu Yun deck, they are still a very effective way of buffing and triggering <em>Prowess</em> for our commander. It's also worth noting that we can attach our Auras to Shun Yun without any fear, because once we <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, they'll all go right to Bruna, even from the graveyard. Thus, we can threaten our opponents with commander damage, while sumltaneously setting up for a big Bruna haymaker.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="All That Glitters"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cartouche of Knowledge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Octopus Umbra"></div></div>
<p><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>, <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>, <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>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mantle of the Ancients" href="#" target="_blank">Mantle of the Ancients</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <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> are super-powerful Auras that are also very cheap to play, which works great with Shu Yun. <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>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Corrupted Conscience" href="#" target="_blank">Corrupted Conscience</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Octopus Umbra" href="#" target="_blank">Octopus Umbra</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eldrazi Conscription" href="#" target="_blank">Eldrazi Conscription</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are our haymaker Aura suite. We also have a few Auras that draw cards when they enter the battlefield, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Angelic Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Angelic Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cartouche of Knowledge" href="#" target="_blank">Cartouche of Knowledge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rousing Read" href="#" target="_blank">Rousing Read</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rune of Speed" href="#" target="_blank">Rune of Speed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These cards are a good way to dig while keeping up the tempo, and when we get Bruna online, they grant us even more card advantage.</p>
<p>Haste enablers are extremely important for our strategy, because we can only attach stuff to Bruna when she attacks. One would think the necessary step here is to add in Auras that grant haste, but they're actually not very helpful, especially since we need mana to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Bruna into play in the first place.</p>
<p>Instead, these Auras are better-suited to make our commander more threatening: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dragon Breath" href="#" target="_blank">Dragon Breath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be discarded while we're setting up, and it comes out for free; the boot duo of <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 <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> are always relevant here, and it's especially nice that Bruna doesn't care about shroud; and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mass Hysteria" href="#" target="_blank">Mass Hysteria</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Need for Speed" href="#" target="_blank">Need for Speed</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both cheap enough that they're not a heavy burden on our curve. Cheap haste enablers are the difference between getting value from our commander, and not getting any value at all.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Shu Yun Polymorph" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Shu Yun, The Silent Tempest
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*Bruna, Light of Alabaster
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*Cartouche of Zeal
*Escape Velocity
*Ethereal Armor
*Hyena Umbra
*Mass Hysteria
*Need for Speed
*All That Glitters
*Angelic Gift
*Cartouche of Knowledge
*Daybreak Coronet
*Dragon Breath
*Felidar Umbra
*Frenzied Rage
*Madcap Skills
*Rune of Speed
*Spirit Mantle
*Battle Mastery
*Rousing Read
*Shielded by Faith
*Timely Ward
*Angelic Destiny
*Auramancer&#039;s Guise
*On Serra&#039;s Wings
*Sage&#039;s Reverie
*Corrupted Conscience
*Mantle of the Ancients
*Octopus Umbra
*Sigil of the Empty Throne
*Spectra Ward
*Eldrazi Conscription
[/Enchantment]
[Artifact]
*Sol Ring
*Arcane Signet
*Fellwar Stone
*Lightning Greaves
*Swiftfoot Boots
*Talisman of Conviction
*Talisman of Creativity
*Talisman of Progress
*Cloud Key
[/Artifact]
[Instant]
*Mystical Tutor
*Swan Song
*Cathartic Pyre
*Cyclonic Rift
*Faithful Mending
*Izzet Charm
*Chaos Warp
*Frantic Search
*Divergent Transformations
[/Instant]
[Planeswalker]
*Lukka, Coppercoat Outcast
[/Planeswalker]
[Sorcery]
*Careful Study
*Faithless Looting
*Cathartic Reunion
*Rip Apart
*Thrilling Discovery
*Breath of Life
*Late to Dinner
*Polymorph
*Reality Scramble
*Retether
*Transmogrify
*Vanquish the Horde
*Blasphemous Act
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Arid Mesa
*Bloodstained Mire
*Cascade Bluffs
*Cave of the Frost Dragon
*City of Brass
*Command Tower
*Den of the Bugbear
*Flooded Strand
*Ghost Quarter
*Hall of Storm Giants
*Hallowed Fountain
*Mana Confluence
*Marsh Flats
*Misty Rainforest
*Mystic Monastery
*Polluted Delta
*Prismatic Vista
*Raugrin Triome
*Sacred Foundry
*Scalding Tarn
*Sea of Clouds
*Shivan Reef
*Spectator Seating
*Steam Vents
*Tectonic Edge
*Training Center
*Windswept Heath
*Wooded Foothills
*3 Island
*3 Mountain
*2 Plains
[/Land]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>Looting effects are very effective at renewing our hand; we can keep non-Auras in our hand and comfortably bin the Auras, knowing that Bruna can get them back later. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cathartic Pyre" href="#" target="_blank">Cathartic Pyre</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Izzet Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Izzet Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are effective flexible card draw that, in a pinch, can also be used for control. The ability to <em>Flashback </em>both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faithless Looting" href="#" target="_blank">Faithless Looting</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faithful Mending" href="#" target="_blank">Faithful Mending</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is really valuable for a deck that tends to have a bit of downtime when things don't go our way.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Late to Dinner"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Retether"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mantle of the Ancients"></div></div>
<p>The final pieces of this list are our recursion tools, which are a key part for our deck to be more reliable. Although we won't be able to slot as many as we'd like, they're still an important component of our strategy. Reanimation spells are a much-needed backup for when we lose Bruna, and indeed, getting Bruna back tends to be more reliable way than using Shu Yun. Barring that, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Retether" href="#" target="_blank">Retether</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mantle of the Ancients" href="#" target="_blank">Mantle of the Ancients</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allow for another plan B.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>Our opening hands are a bit flexible because we have two main gameplans. We can prioritize different cards depending on how we want to play things out. For example, dig-heavy hands are a bit of a gamble; sometimes the tempo we lose from exclusively digging in the first few turns can make our whole strategy a bit too slow. Meanwhile, Aura-heavy hands are great for early aggression with our commander and can very easily pivot into the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> plan. There are also the Polymorph rush hands, where we try to get Bruna into play ASAP.</p>
<p>In the early game, we're mostly using the first couple of turns to set up, either by playing cards like <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>, playing mana rocks, or simply by digging through our library with lots of looting effects. Playing our commander makes us a bit vulnerable to removal, so sometimes it's better to wait a turn to get more mana before committing Shu Yun to the board.</p>
<p>The mid-game is where we're the most threatening. While we have our commander out, we're simply a double threat, and this kind of pressure can get deep into our opponents' fears. When we finally pull the trigger with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effect, one of the main things to consider is whether or not it's risky to do so without having haste enablers. Without them, it's a bit of a coin flip, especially against removal-heavy decks. Getting an attack off with Bruna is crucial for our success because it's when we start getting the snowball rolling with both power and protection.</p>
<p>The late-game can be unkind to us. Bruna could get removed, and our commander could get too expensive to cast. If we reach that point, it's best to duck for a bit and try to sculpt a hand of powerful and cheap Auras/interaction, while accruing the mana to cast our commander and buff/protect him.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Results</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Velomachus Lorehold"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elspeth, Sun&#039;s Champion"></div></div>
<p>A Polymorph deck has tons of potential future paths if you'd like to change up this deck's formula! For example, you can change the deck's entire <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> target. Fishing for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Velomachus Lorehold" href="#" target="_blank">Velomachus Lorehold</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and/or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Narset, Enlightened Master" href="#" target="_blank">Narset, Enlightened Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> would completely change our archetype, turning into a more extra turns/combat step shell. These cards are still very good with our commander, but they are a bit expensive, and some people might not appreciate playing against it.</p>
<p>Changing commanders might be a fun thing to try, too. With <em>Partner </em>commanders, you could separate the secondary win condition from the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorph" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> fodder. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh" href="#" target="_blank">Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great card to reshape, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker" href="#" target="_blank">Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can act pretty similarly to Shu Yun! The list is pretty tight as it is, but I'd also be down to try adding planeswalkers to the mix, since they can give us a proper independent game plan with actual late-game power. With this strategy, the world it your oyster.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Epic Experiment</em>! What do you think of this list? Do you have any questions about the deck? Which cards did you like? Which did you not? Was this <em>Epic Experiment</em> a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


voltron