<p style="text-align: right;"><em>Image credit: Amy Vorpahl</em></p>
<p>Amy Vorpahl is an actress and writer who's worked with various comedy troupes, notably including <a href="https://www.dropout.tv/">Dropout</a>. She's also an avid player of <em>Dungeons &amp; Dragons</em> and <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>. Her work as a Dungeon Master is hard to rival, and her games are nothing short of legendary. We got the opportunity to interview Amy for Community Corner. Therein, we got her take on the general state of <em>Magic</em>, its crossovers with <em>D&amp;D</em>, and her experience in the professional field as a <em>Magic</em> player. Here's what she had to say!</p>
<h2>Interview With Amy Vorpahl</h2>
<p><strong><em>What was your earliest experience playing Magic? What decks did you and your first opponent use?</em></strong></p>
<p>I first played <em>MTG</em> about 15 years ago using duel decks with a friend. We'd make dinner and bust out those same decks each time and trade off who played which deck. It was really fun, and I was intrigued, but I don't think either of us knew that that was just the tip of the iceberg. During lockdown, though, I started playing Commander with my pod, and we'd all tweak our decks to specifically target each other's decks. It was so fun to add one card that would be game-breaking if you were able to draw it. I had a partner Commander deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reyhan, Last of the Abzan" href="#" target="_blank">Reyhan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrasios, Triton Hero" href="#" target="_blank">Thrasios</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and I got it to a really powerful spot. The funny thing was, if I played anyone outside of the pod, my deck didn't do so well--I realized I had built everything so specifically that it couldn't survive in the wild!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reyhan, Last of the Abzan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Thrasios, Triton Hero"></div></div>
<p><strong><em>You’ve been involved with a few different Commander-centric shows, including Game Knights. What is one surprising factoid you know from your involvement there that most people wouldn’t expect?</em></strong></p>
<p>I've been fortunate enough to play on Game Knights for their <em>[Adventures in the] Forgotten Realms</em> episode and Live at Gen Con for their Bloomburrow Bash! I don't know if this will surprise anyone, but the number of people involved blew me away. And every single person, from the gaffers to the post-production editors to the directors and players, was an expert and a fan of <em>MTG</em>. There were a couple of times I wanted to make a move, and, because I'm much less of an expert, three people would huddle together to discuss the mechanics and the best way I should phrase what I'm doing to make the most cinematic play. Command Zone is made up of theatre kids, so they're always looking to put on a good show. It all felt similar to wrestling. The live show, especially. We had a whole day of rehearsals that included choreography and the best way to wave a flag!</p>
<p><strong><em>You’ve worked with a plethora of people who play Magic within your professional acting field. Have you gotten to play much with them, and who among them stood out most formidably in-game?</em></strong></p>
<p>You don't want to be at a table with Becca Scott or Alex Ward. I mean, you definitely do, but not if you also want to win. The knowledge those two have about the entire meta of the game is wild. And they will take you down with a big old smile on their face like it was nothing.</p>
<p><strong><em>Among Dropout’s fan base, you are well-known for breaking into boisterous laughter during Breaking News. What, in your opinion, was your funniest Magic-based experience?</em></strong></p>
<p>When I played an <em>Edge of Eternities</em> draft on Try Guys with Bosco and Irene, I was partnered with Irene. First of all, both of those drag queens are hilarious, and second, we got into this rhythm where I was just protecting her lobster at all costs. I was barely playing my own creatures because I was just trying to keep her lobster alive. Saying it back right now, it doesn't sound that funny, but that's what you get with <em>MTG</em>. You're playing a game, and then you get all connected to creatures and characters and story, and suddenly a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ragost, Deft Gastronaut" href="#" target="_blank">lobster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> matters more than anything, and you'd give up your firstborn to protect it.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ragost, Deft Gastronaut"></div></div>
<p><strong><em>Speaking as a game designer, what is something you’d want in Magic that could improve the game to make it even more fun?</em></strong></p>
<p>Gosh, there are so many amazing new mechanics coming out all the time. But as a TTRPG enthusiast, I wonder if there could be a narrative legacy version, where not only wins and losses matter, but what happens in the game matters, too, over the course of multiple games with multiple decks. Don't ask me more than that--that's as far as I got.</p>
<p><strong><em>How well do you feel Magic’s D&amp;D crossover sets have done to get either side’s fanbases to engage with the other?</em></strong></p>
<p>I think in the past few years, the crossover sets have done a great job to get each other playing both games. Many of my creator friends who used to always make D&amp;D content are now playing Magic and creating more content for <em>MTG</em>! I think when you look at it, both games offer unique mechanics that make it equally social and satisfyingly crunchy. We all just want to have fun, and if you're like me, you know exactly who you are when you're playing games.</p>
<p><strong><em>Finally, what lessons have you learned from Magic: The Gathering that you’ve applied to your robust professional life?</em></strong></p>
<p>Wanting to win is a good thing. I like playing with people who want to win. But also, watching a game play out between a bunch of people who want to win is really cool, and the outcome is less important than the hours it took to get there. Also, a story is everywhere, and all it takes is caring about something. As a DM, I'm constantly reminded that it's our human nature to attach meaning to things, so even in a <em>MTG</em> game, narrative appears, and boy, does that make everything more fun!</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>A huge thank-you to Amy Vorpahl for allowing us to conduct this wonderful and enlightening interview with her! I certainly got a lot of insight into the inner workings of that awesome sanctum of televised Commander play, among other things.</p>
<p>And now, I'd like to open the floor to you, dear readers! What is your current favorite Commander gameplay series on YouTube or Twitch? Furthermore, who else would you like us to interview in the future? Sound off in the comments below!</p>
<p>Read More:</p>
<p>https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-interview-with-dianaoftherose</p>
<p>https://edhrec.com/articles/community-corner-creator-spotlight-mtg-rookies-and-garage-the-gathering</p>
<p>https://edhrec.com/articles/magic-players-honor-tsc-global-awareness-day</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/CCAmyVorpahlheader.png

Community Corner Interview With Amy Vorpahl of Dropout

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Decree of Annihilation" href="#" target="_blank">Decree of Annihilation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?action=advanced&amp;artist=[%22John%20Avon%22]">John Avon</a>)</h6>
<h1>Ask and You Shall Receive... Terror</h1>
<p>Hey everyone! Kya here once again! Welcome back to <em>Combining Hobbies</em>, the series where we take your favorite non-<em>Magic</em> games and use their unique elements to create amazing EDH decks!</p>
<p>So this month's article is going to be an interesting one. In a constant quest to challenge myself as a player and writer, I recently asked <a href="https://twitter.com/kya_vess">Twitter</a> the best way to train in the Hyperbolic Time Chamber:</p>
<p><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/67256740_586023578472091_6469326568710733824_n.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-46180" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/67256740_586023578472091_6469326568710733824_n.jpg" alt="" width="504" height="318" /></a></p>
<p>It took less then a minute for one of my good friends over on Twitter to come up with an interesting idea! Many others also came up with some amazing subjects, but this one stuck out immediately.</p>
<p>Despite it not being everyone's cup of tea, I personally love land destruction! It's one of the most game-changing moves one can make with a single spell. For those who've read my articles before, you'll know that I've even <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/spreading-the-love-getting-your-significant-other-to-play/">recommended</a> using the theme for newer players to get them interested in the game for the first time. You may have even seen me use Mass Land Destruction (MLD) in quite a few <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/bringing-magic-to-life-suspending-annihilation/">articles</a> to finish the game quickly with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jhoira of the Ghitu" href="#" target="_blank">Jhoira of the Ghitu</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>
<p>So why is it that my friend's question is so difficult to write about?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Armageddon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jokulhaups"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Decree of Annihilation"></div></div>
<p>Because as he suggested, it's not for everyone. Mass Land Destruction is very much frowned upon in many pods, as some of you might know and agree with. Why? The very simple answer is that it's the ultimate form of Stax without the possibility of recovering quickly. That's my personal opinion, at least. It's treated much differently than destroying artifacts or creatures because those can more quickly be rebuilt. However, without the basic building blocks known as lands, life on your playmat will not regrow in any reasonable amount of time. This is the fundamental difference between MLD and other forms of Stax or destruction. Your typical player does not enjoy sitting there not playing their deck for any reason, and it's very important for them and yourself to understand who you are sitting across from.</p>
<p>So despite this, why does Kya play Mass Land Destruction?</p>
<hr />
<h2>When You Upset Your Dungeon Master</h2>
<p>Some players - like yours truly - enjoy pods where gigantic plays and silly interactions are celebrated far more than winning. EDH, at the end of the day, is an excuse for friends to gather together and enjoy their company. How they do this is completely defined by that group. Personally I find memorable plays from <em>anyone</em> to be the bee's knees and more memorable than which player won which game. I don't even care if it's me doing the insane play - if it's crazy enough, I'll help others complete their miracles on the field in any way I can!</p>
<p>If I could make any comparison, playing some themes such as <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/turning-data-into-decks-rocking-with-rakdos/">Group Hug</a>, <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/turning-data-into-decks-part-2-creating-chaos/">Chaos</a> or MLD is a lot like being the Dungeon Master at the table. My joy comes from creating an environment for others to adventure in. Sometimes I'll be nice to my adventurers and play my Group Hug deck, creating a smooth adventure without many obstacles. Or maybe I'll be a silly DM where even I don't know what will happen next with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warp World" href="#" target="_blank">Warp World</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! Or sometimes... sometimes... I'll be a very cruel Dungeon Master, with the intent of making their adventure one of the most difficult experiences that a poor level 1 rogue could partake in after wandering into that tavern.</p>
<p>Today is one of those days! Grab your dice and prepare for a cruel and an uncaring world where you'll be lucky to survive a random rabbit that crosses your path!</p>
<hr />
<p><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/67256740_586023578472091_6469326568710733824_n-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46189" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/67256740_586023578472091_6469326568710733824_n-1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="280" /></a></p>
<h2>Magic Missile Zo-Zu</h2>
<p>As mentioned, we're not going to be a friendly DM today. Our goal is to create an unstable and dangerous road to victory for those brave enough to venture forth. If they're not careful, any move they make will result in a full party wipe! So who will be our mascot behind the DM's screen?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zo-Zu the Punisher"></div></div>
<p>That's right! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zo-Zu the Punisher" href="#" target="_blank">Zo-Zu the Punisher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will let everyone in the party know that this campaign isn't for the inexperienced. Every step into a new land will be welcomed with pain. What's best about Zo-Zu is that players will have to actively balance their need to ramp with their need to keep their life above 0! Know what makes this even more difficult? Blowing up lands!</p>
<p>Making players lose life while replenishing the losses you've caused will definitely make everyone a bit more cautious. Hopefully our brave souls will learn the value of teamwork and work together to bring you down before the cold grip of doom embraces them! Of course, as any Dungeon Master will tell you, it takes quite a bit of preparation and planning before hosting friends into your world. I'll leave out a lengthy screed on the simple land destruction cards we already know I'm adding to this deck. Let's see what <em>else</em> we have in store for them, instead, that'll mix nicely with all this land hate!</p>
<hr />
<h2>A Story of Endless Possibilities</h2>
<p>Excited to get started? Well, calm down and wait just a moment! We're playing mono-red here, and we have to make sure we have enough tricks up our sleeves to keep everyone entertained. I know it's not the fun part, but let's slot our deck with plenty of draw options:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tormenting Voice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reforge the Soul"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mind&#039;s Eye"></div></div>
<p>Whew, I don't know about the rest of you but I always feel more comfortable building a new deck when I know I'll always have a hand. I know it's not an explosive start to being the world's most frightening DM, but fear not! I promise you cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wheel of Fate" href="#" target="_blank">Wheel of Fate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will be sure to surprise an adventurer who thinks they started with great stats.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Your Bestiary of Horrors</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mine Layer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Akki Blizzard-Herder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dwarven Miner"></div></div>
<p>Now that we've got scenarios in our hand, it's time to fill our world with tiny terrors! Goblins and Dwarfs are plentiful in Dungeons &amp; Dragons, so they'll make a special appearance in our deck. Even better, many of them do<i> not</i> like the concept of players having the edge up on them. By removing player's lands, we'll keep them from leveling up too quickly. Of course, they can always play another land, but if they do, they're going to take more damage from our commander!</p>
<hr />
<h2><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/73248931_551510652345677_3613300082830475264_n.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46190" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/73248931_551510652345677_3613300082830475264_n.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="279" /></a></h2>
<h2>Dragons and Titans</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hellkite Tyrant"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bearer of the Heavens"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Etali, Primal Storm"></div></div>
<p>Every good fantasy world has its big baddies. We'll keep ours limited, to keep these encounters special, but sometimes your table needs an opportunity of growth. Plus, excuse you: how <em>dare</em> you try and get around my land destruction with mana rocks!? There's always that one person trying to derail the DM. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hellkite Tyrant" href="#" target="_blank">Hellkite Tyrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will put an end to that immediately, though, so no worries!</p>
<p>I know what you're thinking: how on Earth are we going to get so much mana if we're going to be blowing up lands left and right? Don't worry, we have some more critters who'll be happy to help!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Staying One Step Ahead</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Neheb, the Eternal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Braid of Fire"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sneak Attack"></div></div>
<p>Despite not being green, red manages to have a lot of sneaky ways to get mana and big creatures out without using lands. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Neheb, Dreadhorde Champion" href="#" target="_blank">Neheb, Dreadhorde Champion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a second <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Neheb, the Eternal" href="#" target="_blank">Neheb, the Eternal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that'll also help out! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sneak Attack" href="#" target="_blank">Sneak Attack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> seems scary enough, but imagine <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bearer of the Heavens" href="#" target="_blank">Bearer of the Heavens</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> coming into play just to die immediately. Oh, boy! It's not our fault if Wisdom wasn't one of their more focused stats. Maybe they'll learn for next time!</p>
<p>Oh, and that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Braid of Fire" href="#" target="_blank">Braid of Fire</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might look odd to you, but what are you going to do with all that mana and no instants to enjoy it? Remember, we have a lot of creatures with tap effects that cost mana. Looks like we can save the lands for other purposes. Now that's using your noodle.</p>
<hr />
<h2>When They Roll a One</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ankh of Mishra"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Manabarbs"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blood Moon"></div></div>
<p>Sometimes an adventurer just gets unlucky. The RNG gods are cruel mistresses to even the best of us. However. a mishap in their roll is a gift to you! Any of these lucky draws will assist in our commander casting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebolt" href="#" target="_blank">Firebolt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> left and right! If they're not careful, they'll be down to 10 life very quickly! It's not all punishments, though. We can help this wandering party stay together by ensuring that one doesn't run too far ahead of the others with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blood Moon" href="#" target="_blank">Blood Moon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> effects!</p>
<hr />
<p><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/67256740_586023578472091_6469326568710733824_n-2.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-46191" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/67256740_586023578472091_6469326568710733824_n-2.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="263" /></a></p>
<h2>Cthulhu and the End Times!</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kozilek, Butcher of Truth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Comet Storm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Decree of Annihilation"></div></div>
<p>You know, there's only so much as a Dungeon Master that you can do to help out the party. Sometimes the party refuses to work together, and things get out of control. In these cases, the emperor's mercy is the only option left for a caring DM such as yourself. It's here where we add our true Mass Land Destruction spells to start them back at square one. Maybe going back to their starting point will help them learn what to do differently. If not? Well, Cthulhu will be more then happy to assist with a nasty <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sneak Attack" href="#" target="_blank">Sneak Attack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! Or maybe we use the already-useful <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reiterate" href="#" target="_blank">Reiterate</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seething Song" href="#" target="_blank">Seething Song</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> together with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Comet Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Comet Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for a devastating finale they'll be sure to remember! Getting three combo pieces without any tutors will be tough, but if you're stalling them like you should be, it'll happen eventually!</p>
<p>Now let's put it all together!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Dungeon Master" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Zo-Zu the Punisher
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Neheb, the Eternal
*1 Orcish Settlers
*1 Avalanche Riders
*1 Magus of the Wheel
*1 Neheb, Dreadhorde Champion
*1 Akki Blizzard-Herder
*1 Magus of the Moon
*1 Treasure Nabber
*1 Mine Layer
*1 Dwarven Driller
*1 Dwarven Miner
*1 Dwarven Blastminer
*1 Keldon Firebombers
*1 Etali, Primal Storm
*1 Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
*1 Ulamog, the infinite gyre
*1 Hellkite Tyrant
*1 Bearer of the Heavens
*1 Torbran, Thane of Red Fell
*1 Heartless Hidetsugu
*1 Stoneshaker Shaman
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Boil
*1 Comet Storm
*1 Reiterate
*1 Seething Song
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Tormenting Voice
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Devastation
*1 Jokulhaups
*1 Seismic Spike
*1 Faithless Looting
*1 Decree of Annihilation
*1 Obliterate
*1 Tectonic Break
*1 Wheel of Fortune
*1 Wheel of Fate
*1 Wake of Destruction
*1 Bend or Break
*1 Wildfire
*1 Epicenter
*1 Reforge the Soul
*1 Tremble
*1 Vandalblast
*1 Thoughts of Ruin
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Meekstone
*1 Storm Cauldron
*1 Mind&#039;s Eye
*1 Thran Dynamo
*1 Worn Powerstone
*1 Sol Ring
*1 fire Diamond
*1 Ruby Medallion
*1 Crucible of Worlds
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Price of Glory
*1 Furnace of Rath
*1 Braid of Fire
*1 Manabarbs
*1 Sulfuric Vortex
*1 Impending Disaster
*1 Blood Moon
*1 Sneak Attack
*1 Blood Sun
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Myriad Landscape
*1 Valakut, the Molten Pinnacle
*1 Strip Mine
*1 Wasteland
*1 Darksteel Citadel
*31 Mountain
[/Lands]"></span></div>

<hr />
<h2>Closing Thoughts</h2>
<p>What does everyone think of my playstyle? Would you be willing to be the table's Planechase and try and navigate your victims - I mean, friends - through a unique adventure? Before you completely dismiss MLD or Group Hug, I'll simply state that it's a very distinct variation from your average game, and that there's a lot you can learn from it if you haven't tried it! It'll hopefully create some laughs for your friends to joke about for a while, if nothing else. Just a friendly reminder: get the consent of your table first before trying to be purposely disruptive!</p>
<p>Now, for my fellow maniacs: let's find out if we're alone out there or not, shall we? What do you think about land destruction? Let me know in the comments! Also, a quick poll to see how many disciples of destruction are out there:</p>
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<p>Until next time,</p>
<p>Kya</p>


dungeon master

Community Corner Interview With Amy Vorpahl of Dropout

Combining Hobbies - Dungeon Masters, Jokulhaups and You