<p style="text-align: right;"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix, the Proof</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.lucasgraciano.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lucas Graciano</a></span></i></p>
<p>We're headed back to school! Ordinarily, that would be a drag. But, when school's got Dragons, spells, and even a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spectacular Skywhale" href="#" target="_blank">Spectacular Skywhale</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it's much more appealing.</p>
<p>As part of our return to Strixhaven's campus, we've got a <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sos#cardlists" target="_blank" rel="noopener">brand new cycle of Elder Dragons</a>. All five of these big creatures grant our instants and sorceries some powerful keywords, providing us with a payoff after spending a ton of mana to get them onto the field.</p>
<p>In our case, we're focusing on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix, the Proof</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the Simic (<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-g" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) commander from the cycle. This version is much more powerful than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tanazir Quandrix" href="#" target="_blank">Tanazir Quandrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from our last trip to the magical school, so I'm super excited to see what she can do at the helm of a Commander deck!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quandrix, the Proof"></div></div>
<h2>What Does Quandrix, the Proof Do?</h2>
<p>For <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-4" 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>, we get a flying, trampling 6/6 with cascade. That lets us immediately derive some value from our commander, even if the spell gets countered on the stack. Once she's on the battlefield, Quandrix provides cascade to each instant and sorcery spell that we cast from our hand.</p>
<p>I'm reminded of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty" href="#" target="_blank">Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. That's another Simic commander that gives our stuff cascade, but Imoti forces us to cast huge spells to get any benefit from her abilities. Quandrix triggers on <em>any</em> instant or sorcery we cast from our hand, letting us cascade more often!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Imoti, Celebrant of Bounty"></div></div>
<p>Our 99 is built to maximize the value that Quandrix provides. We'll focus on ramping up to our commander in the early game, manipulating the top of our library to ensure that we always cascade into the right spells, and making use of some splashy cards to close the game out in style.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix, the Proof</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<h3>Top-Deck Manipulation</h3>
<p>To make sure that we get the spells we need <em>when</em> we need them, we've got a few ways to manipulate the top of our deck. It's disappointing to cascade into a simple ramp spell like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Lore" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Lore</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> when we've already got enough lands, or into a counterspell when there's nothing else on the stack. Cards from this group help us avoid that painful possibility.</p>
<p>One of my favorites is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Palantír of Orthanc" href="#" target="_blank">Palantír of Orthanc</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can take a big chunk out of opposing life totals if we mill over something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Apex Altisaur" href="#" target="_blank">Apex Altisaur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The Palantír is a consistent way to keep the top of our deck clean, draw a few cards, and it can hit the battlefield way before our commander does.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Palantír of Orthanc"></div></div>
<p>Then, there's a collection of other cards that let us change the top card of our library. From <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brainstorm" href="#" target="_blank">Brainstorm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Portent" href="#" target="_blank">Portent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brainsurge" href="#" target="_blank">Brainsurge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, there's lots of ways to put exactly the card we want in prime position for cascading.</p>
<p>We've even got a few lands, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crystal Grotto" href="#" target="_blank">Crystal Grotto</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rivendell" href="#" target="_blank">Rivendell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, to provide extra card selection in a pinch. Some top-deck tutors like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Personal Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Personal Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mystical Tutor" href="#" target="_blank">Mystical Tutor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> round out this cadre, while also taking up one of our <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changer slots</a>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brainstorm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crystal Grotto"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Personal Tutor"></div></div>
<h3>Discounted Spells for Bigger Cascades</h3>
<p>We're happy to cast any spell from our hand to trigger Quandrix's cascade ability, but there's some spells that have high mana values and can be cast for less. The <a href="https://tagger.scryfall.com/tags/card/cheaper-than-mv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"cheaper-than-mv" tag on Scryfall</a> was super helpful in building out this section of the 99. Free spells like <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> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Misdirection" href="#" target="_blank">Misdirection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are great examples, letting us cascade for five while being cast for (basically) free.</p>
<p>This is where two of our Game Changers slot in!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Force of Will"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Misdirection"></div></div>
<p>We can cascade for five by spending 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-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="This Town Ain&#039;t Big Enough" href="#" target="_blank">This Town Ain&#039;t Big Enough</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, cascade for five with either <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dig Through Time" href="#" target="_blank">Dig Through Time</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Treasure Cruise" href="#" target="_blank">Treasure Cruise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or even cascade for seven while grabbing an opponent's spell with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commandeer" href="#" target="_blank">Commandeer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Any one of these cards can really turn the game around for us, providing us their own effect and grabbing another card from our library for free.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="This Town Ain&#039;t Big Enough"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dig Through Time"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commandeer"></div></div>
<h3>Synergy Pieces</h3>
<p>Finally, we get to the synergy pieces. One of the best cards in this deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Whirlwing Stormbrood" href="#" target="_blank">Whirlwing Stormbrood</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which lets us cast our commander <em>and</em> all 25 of the sorceries that we've got in our deck at instant speed. This Dragon lets us hold up mana for interaction while also being able to ramp or draw cards if that interaction isn't necessary! It's even got its own spell built in, if we need a cascade trigger in a pinch.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Whirlwing Stormbrood"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archmage of Runes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quandrix Apprentice"></div></div>
<p><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> also provides us with some valuable card advantage and cost reduction, letting us keep throwing out spells from our hand at a rapid pace. We shouldn't have a problem reaching its <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" 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-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> casting cost, either.</p>
<p>Last but certainly not least, there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix Apprentice" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix Apprentice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This Human Wizard is one of my favorite creatures in all of Commander. It can hit the board early and keep our hand full of lands throughout the game. It's important that we continue gaining access to more mana after we cast our commander, so we can cast multiple three- and four-mana spells each turn. This two-drop creature ensures that we're able to do so.</p>
<p>It's only in 0.51% of eligible decks on EDHREC's database, and I'd love to see that number go up!</p>
<h2>How Does This <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix, the Proof</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Commander Deck Win?</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While most of our 99 is focused on generating value with our commander's cascade triggers, we do have a few specific win conditions. </span></p>
<p>First up, there's <span class="edhrecp__link side-by-side"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Legend of Kuruk" href="#" target="_blank">The Legend of Kuruk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This Saga starts off by providing us with a bit of top-deck maniuplation and card advantage, but turns into a Spirit token factory that also lets us take an extra turn at an opportune moment. The tokens created by Avatar Kuruk may only be 1/1s, but they're extremely evasive and can serve as a neat game-ending clock.</p>
<p>The extra turn that this transformed creature provides can also provide us with the window we need to win the game, provided that we didn't spend all of our mana to activate the ability in the first place.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Legend of Kuruk"></div></div>
<p>Then there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deekah, Fractal Theorist" href="#" target="_blank">Deekah, Fractal Theorist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. She lets us create huge creature tokens, and can make those tokens unblockable for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" 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>. The Fractals that she creates have a power and toughness that's dependent on the mana value of the spell we cast, not the amount of mana we spent to cast it. That means that the spells that we cascade into will make us some big tokens too!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Deekah, Fractal Theorist"></div></div>
<p>Finally, failing all of that, there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craterhoof Behemoth" href="#" target="_blank">Craterhoof Behemoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clone Legion" href="#" target="_blank">Clone Legion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We don't run a ton of creatures in our 99 - just 20 - so these big spells should provide us with the power and toughness we'll need to crash through for victory in combat. Clone Legion has the added benefit of cascading into another spell, letting us pull off some truly crazy turns.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Craterhoof Behemoth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clone Legion"></div></div>
<h2>Quandrix, the Proof Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Proof of Life" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Quandrix, the Proof
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Apex Altisaur
*1 Archmage of Runes
*1 Bloomvine Regent // Claim Territory
*1 Cavalier of Gales
*1 Craterhoof Behemoth
*1 Deekah, Fractal Theorist
*1 Delighted Halfling
*1 Elvish Mystic
*1 Fanatic of Rhonas
*1 Fyndhorn Elves
*1 Haughty Djinn
*1 Hullbreaker Horror
*1 Jadzi, Oracle of Arcavios // Journey to the Oracle
*1 Llanowar Elves
*1 Nyxbloom Ancient
*1 Quandrix Apprentice
*1 Studious First-Year // Rampant Growth
*1 Thing in the Ice // Awoken Horror
*1 Whirlwing Stormbrood // Dynamic Soar
*1 Wistfulness
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Bala Ged Recovery // Bala Ged Sanctuary
*1 Bridgeworks Battle // Tanglespan Bridgeworks
*1 Clone Legion
*1 Ezuri&#039;s Predation
*1 Farseek
*1 Last March of the Ents
*1 Majestic Genesis
*1 Nature&#039;s Lore
*1 Nissa&#039;s Pilgrimage
*1 Personal Tutor
*1 Ponder
*1 Portent
*1 Portent of Calamity
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Rishkar&#039;s Expertise
*1 Sea Gate Restoration // Sea Gate, Reborn
*1 Season of Gathering
*1 See the Truth
*1 Three Visits
*1 Treasure Cruise
*1 Wisdom of Ages
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
*1 Auroral Procession
*1 Blessed Respite
*1 Brainstorm
*1 Brainsurge
*1 Commandeer
*1 Counterspell
*1 Dig Through Time
*1 Fierce Guardianship
*1 Force of Will
*1 Frantic Search
*1 Harrow
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Misdirection
*1 Mystic Confluence
*1 Mystical Tutor
*1 Obscuring Haze
*1 Reclaim
*1 Sink into Stupor // Soporific Springs
*1 This Town Ain&#039;t Big Enough
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Buster Sword
*1 Palantír of Orthanc
*1 Sensei&#039;s Divining Top
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Sylvan Library
*1 The Legend of Kuruk // Avatar Kuruk
[/Enchantments]
[Battles]
*1 Invasion of Segovia // Caetus, Sea Tyrant of Segovia
[/Battles]
[Lands]
*1 Command Tower
*1 Crystal Grotto
*1 Dreamroot Cascade
*1 Flooded Grove
*8 Forest
*1 Hedge Maze
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Hinterland Harbor
*7 Island
*1 Kishla Village
*1 Mystic Sanctuary
*1 Rejuvenating Springs
*1 Rivendell
*1 Rumble Arena
*1 Temple of Mystery
*1 Waterlogged Grove
*1 Willowrush Verge
*1 Yavimaya Coast
*1 Zhalfirin Void
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each of the five new <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ranking-every-elder-dragon-on-a-tier-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elder Dragons</a> is super interesting. They allow us to do something really strong with our instants and sorceries, while still feeling tied to their college's identity. I am happy to see <em>Wizards</em> bring storm back in a relatively controlled way, and I'm also thrilled to see the return of casualty. I think that casualty, in particular, has been in need of some love. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's great to see this <em>New Capenna</em> mechanic tied to <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em>'s most iconic creatures.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silverquill, the Disputant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prismari, the Inspiration"></div></div>
<p>Regardless of my affinity (no pun intended) for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" 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> decks, I'm particularly intrigued by <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This flying beater reduces the cost of our spells under specific conditions while helping us meet those conditions, providing a unique sort of value engine.</p>
<p>Which of these five Dragons is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below, and I'll be back next week with more <em>Strixhaven</em> commentary!</p>


Building a Spellslinger Deck with Quandrix, the Proof

Goading and Enchanting With Killian, Decisive Mentor

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/jsraphael" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joshua Raphael</a></em></p>
<p>The <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Miracle" target="_blank" rel="noopener">miracle</a> mechanic has a storied history in the game of <em>Magic</em>, which could be the reason why the commander of the deck we're building today, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is so interested in them. Casting spells for a cheaper cost if they were the first card you drew that turn has led to some truly epic in-game moments ever since their introduction in <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/avr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avacyn Restored</a></em>.</p>
<p>Now, as we go back to <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sos" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Strixhaven</em></a>, we'll see the long-awaited return of this mechanic, which causes players to draw their first card each turn in a very weird way.</p>
<p>So, join me <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a> as I cover a budget 99 that you can pick up for about $45 (based on <a href="https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/675584/magic-secrets-of-strixhaven-lorehold-the-historian?irclickid=SfrVsYSKHxycUQrwtpRxjWrOUkuwCOyzESECz40&amp;sharedid=&amp;irpid=4913290&amp;irgwc=1&amp;afsrc=1&amp;utm_source=impact&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Space%20Cow%20Media" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TCGPlayer</a> pricing, and excluding <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> since its presale price is so high).</p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lorehold, the Historian"></div></div>
<p>Flying in from the plane of <a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Arcavios" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arcavios</a> we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, one of the Elder Dragon founders of the Strixhaven college. This commander gives your instant and sorcery spells miracle, which will require you to set aside the first card you draw each turn. Which is important to keep in mind, since Lorehold lets you discard a card in order to draw a card on each opponent's upkeep.</p>
<p>This will make for some wild plays, where you'll get to disregard timing restrictions, and change the game at the start of someone else's turn.</p>
<h2>Budget Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>As I built around this commander, I realized just how important it was to find the right balance for the deck. You want to be able to have a high level of instants and sorceries in this list, in order to not draw any "duds," which are basically lands, artifacts, enchantments, and creatures. One of the things that helped with this goal is our first section, which is full of lands that're also spells.</p>
<h3>Spells in the Land Slot</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emeria&#039;s Call"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Song-Mad Treachery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sundering Eruption"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emeria&#039;s Call" href="#" target="_blank">Emeria&#039;s Call</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a great example of why modal double-faced cards (MDFCs) are so great in the list. Not only can this be an untapped land when you need it, but it can also be a game altering spell when you're able to cast it for that miracle cost off the top.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Song-Mad Treachery" href="#" target="_blank">Song-Mad Treachery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While resolving a theft effect like this on another player's turn might not seem like the best move, it can still be useful to take someone's commander away at the start of their turn, tripping up their game plan.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sundering Eruption" href="#" target="_blank">Sundering Eruption</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Blowing up someone's powerful land and making a big portion of the board unable to block is a great combo to hit at the start of an opponent's turn. Plus, since your commander has flying, you can still block once this spell has resolved.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sejiri Shelter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Legion Leadership"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sejiri Shelter" href="#" target="_blank">Sejiri Shelter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While this might not be the greatest spell to cast for miracle cost, it still can help protect your commander, since it'll likely be a lightning rod for removal.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Legion Leadership" href="#" target="_blank">Legion Leadership</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Targeting Lorehold with this spell can be useful for lowering someone's life total, but it also helps when you employ some politics. Since you can double the power of another player's creature in order to send it towards a shared enemy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Top-Deck Manipulation</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hidden Retreat"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brainstone"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hidden Retreat" href="#" target="_blank">Hidden Retreat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a very tricky card to include in this deck. It gives you the ability to throw the expensive cards that're stuck in your hand right on top of your library, which sets it up to be the first card you draw that turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brainstone" href="#" target="_blank">Brainstone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Drawing three cards and then putting two back on top allows you to place a couple of great spells you'll want to cast for their miracle costs in a row.</li>
<li><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>: There's a large number of noncreature spells in this list which'll ensure you're constantly surveilling with this creature as the game goes on, setting up your future draws.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Loran&#039;s Escape"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Crystal Ball"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Conduit Pylons"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><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>: There are several protection spells in this list that help you keep your commander on the board, and this is a great example of what they can provide, since it can save your game plan while allowing you to scry.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crystal Ball" href="#" target="_blank">Crystal Ball</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While three mana might be expensive to get this down, spending only one mana to scry 2 will ensure that you have better chances to draw an expensive card to cheat out with your commander.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Conduit Pylons" href="#" target="_blank">Conduit Pylons</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a representative of the <em>eight</em> lands in this deck that enter and allow you to manipulate the top of your library. In this case, you get an untapped land that lets you surveil 1 when it hits the board, while also filtering your mana.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Big Splashy Spells</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Storm Herd"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brass&#039;s Bounty"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hit the Mother Lode"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm Herd" href="#" target="_blank">Storm Herd</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: When it comes to casting huge spells, this sorcery is one of the first cards that came to mind. If you're looking for a way to win the game, your Pegasus army is here to help.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brass&#039;s Bounty" href="#" target="_blank">Brass&#039;s Bounty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a card that gets better and better as the game goes on. Making Treasures based off of the number of lands you control for as little as two mana could put you in a place where you can cast some of the big spells that have gotten stuck in your hand.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hit the Mother Lode" href="#" target="_blank">Hit the Mother Lode</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's another way to cast some of these big spells in the deck. Plus, even if you hit a cheaper spell with this, you'll make tapped Treasures equal to the difference.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Waltz of Rage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invoke Calamity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Into the Time Vortex"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waltz of Rage" href="#" target="_blank">Waltz of Rage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a great one-sided board wipe that leaves your commander behind, while also offering some card advantage if you have creatures on the board.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invoke Calamity" href="#" target="_blank">Invoke Calamity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Casting this spell at the start of someone's turn could change the game out of nowhere. Whether you sweep the board, remove some permanents, or even just draw some more cards, this can turn the game around for you.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Into the Time Vortex" href="#" target="_blank">Into the Time Vortex</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While this doesn't have any effect on its own, it does allow you cascade for five, and then lets you cast it again for free on your next turn, making for a great one-two punch.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Mana Advantage</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bender&#039;s Waterskin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Laser Screwdriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Storm-Kiln Artist"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bender&#039;s Waterskin" href="#" target="_blank">Bender&#039;s Waterskin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This mana rock is perfect for the deck's strategy, since you can untap it on other people's turns in order to use it towards your miracle costs.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Laser Screwdriver" href="#" target="_blank">Laser Screwdriver</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a bit of a Swiss Army Knife in the list. It offers up several useful abilities, especially that surveil option, assisting your top deck manipulation.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm-Kiln Artist" href="#" target="_blank">Storm-Kiln Artist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since this deck is looking to cast big instants and sorceries, this Dwarf is here to help your engine roll along, building up Treasure tokens over time.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grinning Ignus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cartographer&#039;s Hawk"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grinning Ignus" href="#" target="_blank">Grinning Ignus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This creature does some great work in the deck for a few reasons. You can get it down in the early game, and then bounce it back to your hand to help with casting your commander. Once it's there, you can discard it to draw a card on an opponent's turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cartographer&#039;s Hawk" href="#" target="_blank">Cartographer&#039;s Hawk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Typically, the fact that you need to return this Bird to your hand when it hits someone else is a drawback. However, as I mentioned before, putting this back into your hand gives you the chance to rummage it away in order to make a miracle to happen.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Lorehold, the Historian Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Lorehold, the Historian - Budget Build by Tyler &#039;Savesya&#039; Bucks" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Lorehold, the Historian
[/Commander]
[Sorceries]
*1 Brass&#039;s Bounty
*1 Emeria&#039;s Call // Emeria, Shattered Skyclave
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Fiery Confluence
*1 From the Ashes
*1 Gift of Estates
*1 Hit the Mother Lode
*1 Inspired Tinkering
*1 Into the Fire
*1 Into the Time Vortex
*1 Kayla&#039;s Command
*1 Mob Verdict
*1 Pirate&#039;s Pillage
*1 Promise of Loyalty
*1 Scouring Sands
*1 Season of the Bold
*1 Seize the Spoils
*1 Snort
*1 Song-Mad Treachery // Song-Mad Ruins
*1 Storm Herd
*1 Sundering Eruption // Volcanic Fissure
*1 Thrilling Discovery
*1 Throes of Chaos
*1 Waltz of Rage
*1 Will of the Jeskai
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Big Score
*1 Blacksmith&#039;s Skill
*1 Boon of Safety
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Expose to Daylight
*1 Fiery Temper
*1 Giantfall
*1 Gods Willing
*1 Intimidation Bolt
*1 Invoke Calamity
*1 Legion Leadership // Legion Stronghold
*1 Loran&#039;s Escape
*1 Rally the Monastery
*1 Raphael&#039;s Technique
*1 Redeem the Lost
*1 Reprieve
*1 Riddle of Lightning
*1 Sejiri Shelter // Sejiri Glacier
*1 Sheltering Light
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Unexplained Absence
*1 Your Temple Is Under Attack
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Cartographer&#039;s Hawk
*1 Dragon&#039;s Rage Channeler
*1 Grinning Ignus
*1 Squee, Goblin Nabob
*1 Storm-Kiln Artist
*1 Summon: G.F. Cerberus
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bender&#039;s Waterskin
*1 Brainstone
*1 Crystal Ball
*1 Laser Screwdriver
*1 Mana Geode
*1 Ore-Rich Stalactite // Cosmium Catalyst
*1 Seer&#039;s Lantern
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Conviction
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Hidden Retreat
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Battlefield Forge
*1 Clifftop Retreat
*1 Command Tower
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Crystal Grotto
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Furycalm Snarl
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Lorehold Campus
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Rugged Prairie
*1 Rumble Arena
*1 Sunscorched Divide
*1 Temple of Triumph
*1 Zhalfirin Void
*11 Mountain
*7 Plains
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Three More Interesting Cards Before I Go</h2>
<p>I'm not done talking about the cards in this deck just yet, because there's some interesting inclusions that fill up this list that might not make total sense at first glance.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Squee, Goblin Nabob"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gift of Estates"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="From the Ashes"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Squee, Goblin Nabob" href="#" target="_blank">Squee, Goblin Nabob</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives you a free card to throw away in order to set up for a miracle on another player's turn, which adds up to a lot of advantage over time when it returns to your hand. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gift of Estates" href="#" target="_blank">Gift of Estates</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also gives you some discard fodder, while also thinning out your deck, making it less likely you'll draw a land when you don't want it.</p>
<p>Finally, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="From the Ashes" href="#" target="_blank">From the Ashes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which brings some <em>light</em> land destruction to the list (allowing people to search up replacements) but more importantly, it pulls lands out of your deck, and brings them in untapped!</p>
<h2>My Final Thoughts on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>So, there you have it, a budget 99 build around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lorehold, the Historian" href="#" target="_blank">Lorehold, the Historian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that you can pick up for $45. This deck will lead to some truly wild games, as you get to see your opponents quake in fear after each card you draw.</p>
<p>If you're looking for more budget content from me, you can find it right <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here on EDHREC</a> as well as on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUtnBZogc1TSttr8eLUK_w/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pillow Fort</a>, where I do everything I can to make <em>Magic</em> more accessible for everyone.</p>


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