Fire and Ice: Which Cards Are Hot and Cold for Oloro, Ageless Ascetic?

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Noctis, Heir Apparent" href="#" target="_blank">Noctis, Heir Apparent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.winonanelson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Winona Nelson</a></em></p>
<p>Today's commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Noctis, Heir Apparent" href="#" target="_blank">Noctis, Heir Apparent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, was brought to my attention by someone who had commented on a previous article. It stuck with me long enough, so I figure I'd write it up.</p>
<p>However, the big news is that this is going to be the final article for the<em> Beyond the</em> <em>Multiverse </em>series. As I'll explain at the end, this is just the last article in the series. I won't waste much more time on this right now, and would rather save it for the end. In addition, because of this, there'll be two lists. A regular <em>Universes Beyond</em>-only list, and, to satisfy the comment, a <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/fin" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Final Fantasy</em></a>-only build. We'll still have our usual in-universe section, too.</p>
<p>So, without further ado, let's go on this epic car journey together.</p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Noctis, Heir Apparent" href="#" target="_blank">Noctis, Heir Apparent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Noctis, Heir Apparent"></div></div>
<p>Noctis hails from <em>Final Fantasy XV</em>, and is the heir to a lineage, the kings of Lucis. He travels with his companions Prompto, Ignis, and Gladiolus to marry Lunafreya to forge a political alliance. However, things go sideways when daemons start attacking, forcing them to save the world first.</p>
<p>Noctis, Heir Apparent has quite the unique set of abilities. The game plan isn't quite as straightforward as your typical <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/boros" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boros</a> (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) Equipment slugfest. Yes, Noctis wants us to get some Equipment out, but we also need to hold up mana for his second ability. This not only forces us to conserve our mana, and perhaps ramp harder than usual, but we have to be quite selective with what cards to put in.</p>
<h3>A Special Kind of Armory</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sword of Truth and Justice|sld|1867"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Excalibur, Sword of Eden"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Buster Sword"></div></div>
<p>The case in point is <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equipment</a>. Our lineup must work with Noctis's activated ability in some capacity. So, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Swiftfoot Boots" href="#" target="_blank">Swiftfoot Boots</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will not work here. Instead, the Equipment we add needs to fit into at least one of the following categories:</p>
<p>1. Gives Noctis a decent stat boost. It's a deck designed to win via commander damage, albeit a weird one.</p>
<p>2. The Equipment does something when the equipped creature connects. This is especially useful, since Noctis can't be blocked if we use the activated ability.</p>
<p>To that end, the Swords of X and Y cycle, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of Truth and Justice" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of Truth and Justice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (shown above) are excellent choices. Another good choice is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buster Sword" href="#" target="_blank">Buster Sword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which lets us cast stuff from our hand when Noctis connects. Even better if he were to get double strike somehow.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Excalibur, Sword of Eden" href="#" target="_blank">Excalibur, Sword of Eden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is outright terrifying with Noctis. Suddenly, someone could be facing 14 points of unblockable commander damage (or lethal if Noctis has double strike or other buffs).</p>
<p>However, it's worth noting that Noctis only attaches one Equipment at a time, and he warps in at a time <em>after</em> combat begins, so effects that occur at the beginning of combat won't work with him. To that end, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forge Anew" href="#" target="_blank">Forge Anew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sigarda&#039;s Aid|sld|1727" href="#" target="_blank">Sigarda&#039;s Aid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are two of the best cards in the deck.</p>
<h2>The Traditional Noctis, Heir Apparent Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond-Noctis" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Noctis, Heir Apparent
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Adric, Mathematical Genius
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Bronze Guardian
*1 Cloud, Midgar Mercenary
*1 Codsworth, Handy Helper
*1 Danitha Capashen, Paragon
*1 Gandalf the White
*1 Helitrooper
*1 Loran of the Third Path
*1 Lyse Hext
*1 Mangara, the Diplomat
*1 Noctis, Prince of Lucis
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Weapons Vendor
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Ace&#039;s Baseball Bat
*1 Aettir and Priwen
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Buster Sword
*1 Chromatic Lantern
*1 Colossus Hammer
*1 Excalibur, Sword of Eden
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Machinist&#039;s Arsenal
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mystic Forge
*1 Panharmonicon
*1 Shadowspear
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of Feast and Famine
*1 Sword of Hearth and Home
*1 Sword of Light and Shadow
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 Sword of War and Peace
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Ultima Weapon
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Battlefield Improvisation
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Crush Contraband
*1 Crypt Incursion
*1 Despark
*1 Dispatch
*1 Galadriel&#039;s Dismissal
*1 Overkill
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Void Rend
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Avatar&#039;s Wrath
*1 Cleansing Nova
*1 Open the Armory
*1 Painful Truths
*1 Read the Bones
*1 Steelshaper&#039;s Gift
*1 Toxic Deluge
*1 Traverse Eternity
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Black Market Connections
*1 Forge Anew
*1 Sigarda&#039;s Aid
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Arcane Sanctum
*1 Ash Barrens
*1 Choked Estuary
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Command Tower
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Inventors&#039; Fair
*6 Island
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Opal Palace
*1 Path of Ancestry
*6 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Reflecting Pool
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Spire of Industry
*6 Swamp
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Pedal To the Metal</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lyse Hext"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gandalf the White"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary"></div></div>
<p>Not too much to write home about, as it's typical Boros tactics with an <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/esper" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Esper</a>-themed trench coat. Moreover, we have contingencies in the event that Noctis gets too expensive to cast.</p>
<p>For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lyse Hext" href="#" target="_blank">Lyse Hext</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will get double strike so as long as we cast two spells on our turns. So, it'd be better to wait to cast those spells until you've got a clear shot for her to get through. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloud, Midgar Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Cloud, Midgar Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets us tutor for an Equipment, then double the damage triggers while he's equipped and doing damage.</p>
<p>We also have another version of our commander in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Noctis, Prince of Lucis" href="#" target="_blank">Noctis, Prince of Lucis</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who can recur destroyed artifacts for a last hurrah.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gandalf the White" href="#" target="_blank">Gandalf the White</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ensures that we can flash creatures in on our opponents' turns, so they can attack when it's our turn. Not only that, but we can also cast the Equipment, so we can focus on equipping later.</p>
<p>However, the commenter I mentioned at the beginning said they wanted a deck using only <em>Final Fantasy </em>cards. What would such a list look like?</p>
<h2>Bonus Round - Noctis, Heir Apparent Final Fantasy Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="FF-Only Noctis" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Noctis, Heir Apparent
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Adelbert Steiner
*1 Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Beatrix, Loyal General
*1 Bronze Guardian
*1 Cid, Freeflier Pilot
*1 Cloud, Midgar Mercenary
*1 Edgar, King of Figaro
*1 Gaius van Baelsar
*1 Gogo, Master of Mimicry
*1 Golbez, Crystal Collector
*1 Helitrooper
*1 Lyse Hext
*1 Morbid Opportunist
*1 Noctis, Prince of Lucis
*1 PuPu UFO
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Aettir and Priwen
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Buster Sword
*1 Champion&#039;s Helm
*1 Colossus Hammer
*1 Conqueror&#039;s Flail
*1 Dancer&#039;s Chakrams
*1 Fishing Gear
*1 Gilded Lotus
*1 Hero&#039;s Blade
*1 Inspiring Statuary
*1 Machinist&#039;s Arsenal
*1 Mask of Memory
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Ninja&#039;s Blades
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Sword of Truth and Justice
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Thought Vessel
*1 Ultima Weapon
*1 Umezawa&#039;s Jitte
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 Wrecking Ball Arm
[/Artifacts]
[Instants]
*1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Dispatch
*1 Magic Damper
*1 Overkill
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Pull from Tomorrow
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Slash of Light
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Ultimate Magic: Holy
*1 Void Rend
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Cleansing Nova
*1 Day of Judgment
*1 Fated Clash
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Toxic Deluge
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Forge Anew
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Arcane Sanctum
*1 Ash Barrens
*1 Command Tower
*1 Darkwater Catacombs
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Idyllic Beachfront
*1 Ishgard, the Holy See // Faith &amp; Grief
*5 Island
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Path of Ancestry
*5 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Skycloud Expanse
*1 Sunken Hollow
*1 Sunken Ruins
*1 Sunlit Marsh
*5 Swamp
*1 Underground River
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Other Ideas</h3>
<p>Here we have a more thematic deck that doesn't lose much, if any, of its potency.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gogo, Master of Mimicry"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Machinist&#039;s Arsenal"></div></div>
<p>Firstly, a card I've been warming up to recently is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca" href="#" target="_blank">Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. True, she doesn't do anything on entry, but she is a good equip target since you want to be attacking with her anyway. In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gogo, Master of Mimicry" href="#" target="_blank">Gogo, Master of Mimicry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can copy Noctis's first ability, allowing you to stack multiple Equipment on him. Given, of course, you can afford to.</p>
<p>While we don't have as many big boosts like Excalibur's or as many Swords of X and Y to use, there's still some choice options. First, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ultima Weapon" href="#" target="_blank">Ultima Weapon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives Noctis a whopping +7/+7 boost while destroying a creature. Secondly, with all of the artifacts in the deck, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Machinist&#039;s Arsenal" href="#" target="_blank">Machinist&#039;s Arsenal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could potentially grant a bigger buff than Excalibur, but that's assuming we don't get checked.</p>
<p>On an entirely different note, going in-universe is pretty much getting more choices with Equipment, and more support tied to said card type. That's basically it.</p>
<h2>Turning Over a New Leaf</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Farewell|who|207"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Farewell|fic|242"></div></div>
<p>With that, this brings us to the end of this series. It's been a fun journey with this series, both with its highs and lows. However, like I said, this is not the end of my time on EDHREC. Oh no, far from it.</p>
<p>I have a couple more series planned, with an article for each coming out every other week. Tune in the week after next, where I turn the page, and begin the next chapter. However, I do have a deck tech for a card from an upcoming set, and I want to acknowledge that this is the last article in this series. So, I'm breaking a cardinal rule for that list.</p>


Sneaking Into Combat With Noctis, Heir Apparent in Commander

The Destined Warrior Commander Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima" href="#" target="_blank">Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.dominikmayer.art/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dominik Mayer</a></em></p>
<p>With the announcement of the PlayStation collaboration, <em>Wizards of the Coast</em> is bringing a few recognizable faces to <em>Magic.</em> Among the multiple franchises being introduced, we're getting a <em>Ghost of Tsushima</em> Secret Lair with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima" href="#" target="_blank">Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> as our headliner.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima"></div></div>
<p>Today, we'll be looking into how to build Jin Sakai in Commander and bring this Samurai to the battlefield.</p>
<h2>What Does Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima Do?</h2>
<p>For four mana, we have an Esper (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-w" 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-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) commander that will draw a card on combat damage. He also has the ability to grant other creatures double strike or be unblockable if they're the only creature attacking a player. It's a nice modal trigger that gives us the flexibility to either hit hard or ensure we can strike with our creatures.</p>
<p>It would be easy to attach Equipment and Auras to Jin Sakai and build towards a <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/voltron" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voltron strategy</a>. There are many ways to give our commander evasion too, so we can focus on the double strike ability, or vice versa if we have double strike already.</p>
<p>The card draw on Jin Sakai helps to top off our hand, especially if we're successful in connecting with double strike, so this would be an effective Voltron commander.</p>
<p>However, we have can give these abilities to up to three creatures (the number of opponents), so that gives us another way to build Jin Sakai. We could build with <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/saboteurs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">saboteur</a> triggers and benefit from our commander either doubling those triggers or giving creatures evasion.</p>
<p>I went with a build that focused on creatures we want to get through for damage.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for Jin Sakai</h2>
<h3>Creatures That Want Double Strike</h3>
<p>Let's take a look at some evasive creatures that will benefit from double strike.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shadowmage Infiltrator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bladegriff Prototype"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shadowmage Infiltrator" href="#" target="_blank">Shadowmage Infiltrator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an evasive creature that draws a card on combat damage. At three mana, Shadowmage Infiltrator curves out nicely with our commander. And by giving it double strike, we can start drawing two cards off of it by turn four.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel" href="#" target="_blank">Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> puts a chorus counter on himself each time he deals combat damage. Once there are four counters on him, we can cast the card we discard for free. Needing to deal combat damage four times with Malcolm will take a while, but if we can give him double strike, it'll only take two combat steps to get to four counters.</p>
<p>If you manage to keep him around, you'll be able to cast two free spells a turn.</p>
<p>While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bladegriff Prototype" href="#" target="_blank">Bladegriff Prototype</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets the opponent choose the permanent to destroy, it can still be used to remove what you want from the board. Almost every time I've swung with it, I've been able to convince my opponent to remove the problem permanent.</p>
<p>Oftentimes, there's a clear problem permanent on the board, so there's rarely a need to convince your opponent to remove what you want. What you will need to convince them of is whether taking six damage is worth removing two permanents. And that answer changes if their life total is quite low already.</p>
<p>The nice thing about these creatures having evasion already is that we aren't hindered if we don't have Jin Sakai out. They still provide the value we need to keep our game plan going.</p>
<h3>Creatures That Want Evasion</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fallen Shinobi"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Unstoppable Slasher"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archpriest of Shadows"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fallen Shinobi" href="#" target="_blank">Fallen Shinobi</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a ninjitsu ability for four that allows us to sneak it in for combat damage and potentially cast powerful spells off of the top of an opponent's library. But once it's on the field, no one will let a 5/4 with such a strong ability get through. That's where Jin Saski comes in.</p>
<p>Giving Fallen Shinobi evasion means we can easily get more value from it so long as nobody removes it. And if we can give it evasion from another ability, then we can start hitting opponents for ten damage while also casting up to four spells a turn for free.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unstoppable Slasher" href="#" target="_blank">Unstoppable Slasher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> cuts our opponents' life totals in half each time it deals combat damage. Giving this unblockable is already great, but connecting with double strike will be devastating to whoever is on the receiving end of his saw.</p>
<p>Being in a creature-focused deck means we need ways to recover the creatures we lose, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archpriest of Shadows" href="#" target="_blank">Archpriest of Shadows</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an excellent way to build up our board quickly. It can give another creature this ability when it enters, which could be on an evasive creature that then is granted double strike.</p>
<p>Along with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Squall, SeeD Mercenary" href="#" target="_blank">Squall, SeeD Mercenary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which grants double strike and reanimates permanents, our deck will be incredibly resilient.</p>
<h3>Engines</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grim Hireling"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mask of Riddles"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shoreline Looter"></div></div>
<p>Building a deck around evasive creatures means we need some that benefit us for dealing combat damage. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grim Hireling" href="#" target="_blank">Grim Hireling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can generate a ton of Treasures in a single turn, making it basically free if we can connect with at least two players. Or just one player if we connect with double strike.</p>
<p>If we're set up right and connect three opponents with double striking creatures, that's 12 Treasures in a single combat step. That's so many Treasures that its second ability becomes much easier to use.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mask of Riddles" href="#" target="_blank">Mask of Riddles</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be one of our best utility Equipment in our deck. And I'm saying this knowing that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Key to the Vault" href="#" target="_blank">The Key to the Vault</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is also in this deck. Equipping Mask of Riddles to our commander and giving him fear means we can start drawing four cards a turn. We'll have more cards in hand than we know what to do with.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shoreline Looter" href="#" target="_blank">Shoreline Looter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> helps us sculpt our hand in the early games, but once we hit <em>threshold</em> of seven or more cards in our graveyard, it'll start drawing us two cards a turn. With the potential to draw so many cards a turn, hitting <em>threshold</em> will be easy.</p>
<h3>Backup Plan</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sakashima of a Thousand Faces"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kamiz, Obscura Oculus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wonder"></div></div>
<p>But why limit it to just one Jin Sakai? After all, I want to give my creatures double strike <em>and</em> unblockable. So, if we clone Jin Sakai with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sakashima of a Thousand Faces" href="#" target="_blank">Sakashima of a Thousand Faces</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spark Double" href="#" target="_blank">Spark Double</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we won't have to give <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fallen Shinobi" href="#" target="_blank">Fallen Shinobi</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silent-Blade Oni" href="#" target="_blank">Silent-Blade Oni</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> unblockable.</p>
<p>Plus, we have so many other creatures worth cloning that they'll never be a dead card in hand.</p>
<p>Jin Sakai does feel like a power-crept version of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kamiz, Obscura Oculus" href="#" target="_blank">Kamiz, Obscura Oculus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Kamiz can only choose two creatures, one unable to be blocked and another to have double strike. And then you have a restriction on what gets double strike based on whether it had a lesser power than the other creature.</p>
<p>However, Kamiz is still a worthy inclusion in the 99 as a backup to Jin Sakai, if we don't have our commander on the battlefield.</p>
<p>With all the card draw, we'll eventually need to discard cards, so what if we include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wonder" href="#" target="_blank">Wonder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? It ensures all of our creatures have evasion and gives us the ability to block flyers. It's difficult to remove Wonder, save for some occasional graveyard hate.</p>
<h3>Win-Cons</h3>
<p>How do we plan to close out games? Our deck is packed with multiple ways to give our bigger creatures, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silent-Blade Oni" href="#" target="_blank">Silent-Blade Oni</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Starwinder" href="#" target="_blank">Starwinder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, both double strike and unblockable, so these often can be good closers in their own right.</p>
<p>But which cards do we know will close out games if not dealt with?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Genji Glove"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skyhunter Strike Force"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Paladin Class"></div></div>
<p>How do we make double strike better? By getting a second combat step, of course! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Genji Glove" href="#" target="_blank">Genji Glove</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> not only gives the equipped creature double strike, but it will grant us an additional combat step. Since we're already given double strike, we can make the equipped creature unblockable through Jin Sakai, and now our opponents are facing down double striking, unblockable creatures twice.</p>
<p>Genji Glove is an expensive Equipment, but it is well worth it.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skyhunter Strike Force" href="#" target="_blank">Skyhunter Strike Force</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives melee to our creatures if we control our commander. Swinging at opponents with multiple creatures won't trigger Jin Sakai's ability, but that being said, Skyhunter Strike Force will pump up our creatures that we do attack with by three power. And it already has evasion, so it's an easy ten damage in the air.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Drana, Liberator of Malakir" href="#" target="_blank">Drana, Liberator of Malakir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also pumps up our attacking creatures with +1/+1 counters whenever she deals combat damage. Giving her double strike will quickly get out of hand.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paladin Class" href="#" target="_blank">Paladin Class</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has multiple abilities that are all relevant to what this deck wants to do. The first level makes it difficult for opponents to interact on our turn. Level 2 is a solid buff to our team. But the real kicker here is Level 3, which all but turns our commander into a knock-out machine.</p>
<p>The key note here is that the third level gives the target creature +1/+1 for each other attacking creature. While we need to be aware of how many creatures attack an opponent, if we just swing all other creatures at the other two players and swing Jin Sakai at the player we're trying to take out, we'll still benefit from his ability to make him unblockable.</p>
<p>Jin Sakai looks like it can enable quite a few strategies, such as ninjitsu. I look forward to seeing how players build this deck. Let me know what you think of Jin Sakai down below!</p>
<h2>Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Jin Sakai Double Tap Stance" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Aerial Extortionist
*1 Archpriest of Shadows
*1 Ashling, the Extinguisher
*1 Azure Beastbinder
*1 Bladegriff Prototype
*1 Drana, Liberator of Malakir
*1 Enduring Curiosity
*1 Fallen Shinobi
*1 Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor
*1 Grim Hireling
*1 Gríma, Saruman&#039;s Footman
*1 Hoard Robber
*1 Kamiz, Obscura Oculus
*1 Malcolm, Alluring Scoundrel
*1 Mistblade Shinobi
*1 Mother of Runes
*1 Orochi Soul-Reaver
*1 Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
*1 Shadowmage Infiltrator
*1 Shoreline Looter
*1 Silent Hallcreeper
*1 Silent-Blade Oni
*1 Skyhunter Strike Force
*1 Soltari Visionary
*1 Spark Double
*1 Squall, SeeD Mercenary
*1 Starwinder
*1 Sun Titan
*1 Tinybones, the Pickpocket
*1 Unstoppable Slasher
*1 Wonder
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 An Offer You Can&#039;t Refuse
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Despark
*1 Emergency Eject
*1 Malakir Rebirth // Malakir Mire
*1 March of Swirling Mist
*1 Path to Exile
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Genji Glove
*1 Goldvein Pick
*1 Mask of Memory
*1 Mask of Riddles
*1 Mithril Coat
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Sword of the Animist
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 The Key to the Vault
*1 Winged Boots
[/Artifacts]
[Sorceries]
*1 Austere Command
*1 Fell the Mighty
*1 Promise of Loyalty
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Duelist&#039;s Heritage
*1 Glasswing Grace // Age-Graced Chapel
*1 Paladin Class
*1 Reconnaissance Mission
*1 Steel of the Godhead
*1 Teferi&#039;s Veil
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Access Tunnel
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Caves of Koilos
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fabled Passage
*1 Glacial Fortress
*1 Godless Shrine
*1 Hallowed Fountain
*5 Island
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Morphic Pool
*1 Otawara, Soaring City
*1 Path of Ancestry
*5 Plains
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Sea of Clouds
*1 Shizo, Death&#039;s Storehouse
*1 Sunken Hollow
*5 Swamp
*1 Underground River
*1 Vault of Champions
*1 Vault of the Archangel
*1 Watery Grave
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Read More:</h3>
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="3SnVaZ3QEF"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/kratos-and-atreus-commander-deck-tech/">Kratos and Atreus Commander Deck Tech</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Kratos and Atreus Commander Deck Tech&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/kratos-and-atreus-commander-deck-tech/embed/#?secret=CIhv6jpjZ0#?secret=3SnVaZ3QEF" data-secret="3SnVaZ3QEF" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
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<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Joel, Resolute Survivor Deck Tech&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/joel-resolute-survivor-deck-tech/embed/#?secret=ZjhI85G0Wj#?secret=F8SyHbRJ0X" data-secret="F8SyHbRJ0X" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


Jin Sakai, Ghost of Tsushima Commander Deck Tech

The Top 10 Most Played Esper Cards in Commander

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Art by <a href="https://www.mtgpics.com/illus?art=2208" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yasunari Hirasaka</a></em></p>
<p>Hello, and welcome back! In this week's <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>, I'm killing two birds with one stone. Firstly, I'm tackling a deck centered on a mechanic that I'm currently enamored with. Secondly, every card in today's deck will be from the <em>Final Fantasy</em> release, highlighting my personal ambitions for the set. And I'm doing it with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn"></div></div>
<p>Between the precons, the notoriously anxiety-inducing <em>Secret Lair Drops</em>, the bonus sheet, and the main set itself (Starter Kit included), building a Bracket 2 deck was easy. However, there's no small number of <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>, making Bracket 3 decks very possible. Those, and even mono-color decks are very possible here.</p>
<p>A set as large as this one is something I've been waiting for a long time, and the stars aligned!</p>
<p>But you didn't click the link to hear me gush about the set. You're here because of the deck list, so let's not waste anymore time (or words for that matter).</p>
<h2>Entering the Crystal Tower</h2>
<p>G'raha Tia was a major character in the critically acclaimed <em>Final Fantasy XIV</em>, guiding the hero character in various main quests. Specifically, he's a descendant of an ancient race, and the newest member of the Scions.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> wants two things: noncreature spells and Hero tokens. There's going to be quite a few subthemes with G'raha, since we also need some lifegain to buoy our life total to take advantage of his ability.</p>
<p>There's two ways to approach our commander. The first puts much greater emphasis on his ability, filling the deck with noncreature spells, and the Hero tokens will come out stronger.</p>
<p>The other takes the focus off G'raha and utilizes <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ranking-the-job-select-equipment-cards-from-final-fantasy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the various job select cards</a> from throughout the <em>Final Fantasy</em> release. The former paints a bigger target on our commander, as we'll be more dependent on him to stick around.</p>
<p>However, if you picked up the hint from the introduction, we're going the latter route, putting the job select cards to perfect use.</p>
<h2>Choose Your Character</h2>
<p>Before I begin, I want to say that I originally wanted to make this five color to add the red and green job select cards. That said, their numbers were few, and there's no five-color commander that fits the bill perfectly. Hopefully, we'll get one some day, but I digress.</p>
<p>Looking at the card pool for job select, there's only so many. Not only does cutting two of the colors sting a bit, but we only have one release to go on. So, we're running as many as we can here.</p>
<p>Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dancer&#039;s Chakrams" href="#" target="_blank">Dancer&#039;s Chakrams</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allows our Hero to put up a performance, getting +2/+2 and lifelink, but also giving our commander the same deal. With all of the artifacts we'll be having in the deck, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Machinist&#039;s Arsenal" href="#" target="_blank">Machinist&#039;s Arsenal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> makes our Hero token into a sizeable threat.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dancer&#039;s Chakrams"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Machinist&#039;s Arsenal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reaper&#039;s Scythe"></div></div>
<p>Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Paladin&#039;s Arms" href="#" target="_blank">Paladin&#039;s Arms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> may be costly to equip, but it also provides some protection with ward <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thief&#039;s Knife" href="#" target="_blank">Thief&#039;s Knife</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> nets us a card each time the equipped Hero connects.</p>
<p>Speaking of connecting, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ninja&#039;s Blades" href="#" target="_blank">Ninja&#039;s Blades</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't just net us a card, but also makes us discard and make our opponent lose life equal to the mana value.</p>
<p>Thirdly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reaper&#039;s Scythe" href="#" target="_blank">Reaper&#039;s Scythe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can make our equipped Hero token grow quickly, especially if multiple players lost life during our turn.</p>
<p>Finally, even the commons have some uses. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Black Mage&#039;s Rod" href="#" target="_blank">Black Mage&#039;s Rod</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> pings opponents when we cast a noncreature spell - useful if Reaper's Scythe is out as well. On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Knight&#039;s Greatsword" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Knight&#039;s Greatsword</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> turns our equipped Hero into a sizeable but fragile threat.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sage&#039;s Nouliths" href="#" target="_blank">Sage&#039;s Nouliths</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has us untap a creature when the equipped Hero attacks, giving us a potential blocker later.</p>
<p>That said, we need to buff those Heroes further. I wonder how we can do that. But, of course! The Cids!</p>
<h2>Are You Cid-ding Me?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cid, Timeless Artificer"></div></div>
<p>I'm not sorry for pulling that pun, by the way. No regrets, because I'm evil.</p>
<p>We're running a total of 15 <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cid, Timeless Artificer" href="#" target="_blank">Cid, Timeless Artificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s here. We don't need too many of those, as they'll only end up clogging our hand. Crucially, the idea is to keep a few back, and cycle the rest. The reason is that the Cids will have targets painted on their backs the second they drop. Removal spells will be flung, boards will be wiped, and your graveyard can get exiled, setting back your hard work.</p>
<p>If you have access to instant-speed recursion or cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Clever Concealment|fic|236" href="#" target="_blank">Clever Concealment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, use those to protect both G'raha and what Cids are in play. They only draw one card, but they can cycle through your deck.</p>
<p>However, for reasons I stated above, it's best to not cycle or play every Cid you see. Those Hero tokens will be weak on their own, and will need some help to become threats.</p>
<h2>G'raha Tia, Scion Reborn Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Beyond the Multiverse-G&#039;raha Tia" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 G&#039;raha Tia, Scion Reborn
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Astrologian&#039;s Planisphere
*1 Black Mage&#039;s Rod
*1 Dancer&#039;s Chakrams
*1 Dark Knight&#039;s Greatsword
*1 Dragoon&#039;s Lance
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Machinist&#039;s Arsenal
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Monk&#039;s Fist
*1 Ninja&#039;s Blades
*1 Paladin&#039;s Arms
*1 Reaper&#039;s Scythe
*1 Sage&#039;s Nouliths
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Progress
*1 Thief&#039;s Knife
*1 Tome of Legends
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
*1 White Mage&#039;s Staff
*1 World Map
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Ashe, Princess of Dalmasca
*1 Bastion Protector
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Cid, Timeless Artificer
*1 Puresteel Paladin
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Weapons Vendor
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Austere Command
*1 Combat Tutorial
*1 Damn
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 The Crystal&#039;s Chosen
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Battle Menu
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Into the Story
*1 Overkill
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Void Rend
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Champions from Beyond
*1 Forge Anew
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Adventurer&#039;s Inn
*1 Arcane Sanctum
*1 Capital City
*1 Choked Estuary
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Command Tower
*1 Contaminated Aquifer
*1 Darkwater Catacombs
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Idyllic Beachfront
*1 Insomnia, Crown City
*1 Ishgard, the Holy See // Faith &amp; Grief
*4 Island
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Jidoor, Aristocratic Capital // Overture
*1 Midgar, City of Mako // Reactor Raid
*4 Plains
*1 Port Town
*1 Sharlayan, Nation of Scholars
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Skycloud Expanse
*1 Starting Town
*1 Sunlit Marsh
*4 Swamp
*1 The Gold Saucer
*1 Treno, Dark City
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Saving the World</h2>
<p>Taking the Cids out of the equation, our decklist today is very low to the ground in its mana curve. Even so, we can only trigger our commander once each turn, so be sure to cast some instant-speed stuff on our opponents' turns as well.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Tutorial"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Champions from Beyond"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forge Anew|sld|7002"></div></div>
<p>That said, some hawk-eyed readers will notice some odd card choices in this list. I also went a more flavorful route, and added the "game" cards (like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Tutorial" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Tutorial</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>) in there. I thought it'd be a fun take on a deck. They, too, have their uses.</p>
<p>While Combat Tutorial draws us cards, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battle Menu" href="#" target="_blank">Battle Menu</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is very flexible, but you're mostly using the options to destroy a creature or, when needed, the lifegain option. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="World Map" href="#" target="_blank">World Map</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't ramp us, but it does search for any land if we pay more into it.</p>
<p>Another notable card in the list is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Champions from Beyond" href="#" target="_blank">Champions from Beyond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gives us an army of Hero tokens on top of the benefits the card provides. Just be sure to protect that board, because even getting back up to four might take some turns.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forge Anew|sld|7002" href="#" target="_blank">Forge Anew</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can bypass the first equip cost each turn, and can return an Equipment card from the graveyard onto the battlefield. Speaking of bypassing equip costs, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Weapons Vendor" href="#" target="_blank">Weapons Vendor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Puresteel Paladin|fic|250" href="#" target="_blank">Puresteel Paladin</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> help reattach Equipment that have been fallen off because the equipped Heroes have been removed.</p>
<h2>The Search for More Heroes</h2>
<p>Going beyond <em>Universes Beyond</em> (and <em>Final Fantasy</em> in this case), we can be sure to find more artifact and/or Equipment support for the deck. We even gain a color in red if we take the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silas Renn, Seeker Adept" href="#" target="_blank">Silas Renn, Seeker Adept</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> &amp; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder" href="#" target="_blank">Bruse Tarl, Boorish Herder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> pairing. That said, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akiri, Line-Slinger" href="#" target="_blank">Akiri, Line-Slinger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also works instead of Bruse.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Steelshaper&#039;s Gift"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mondrak, Glory Dominus"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silas Renn, Seeker Adept"></div></div>
<p>Outside of that, a lot of the key Equipment cards are reprinted in <em>Universes Beyond</em>, so what I'll do for this section is to cover cards outside of <em>Final Fantasy</em>, both in-universe and beyond it.</p>
<p>Firstly, tutor cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steelshaper&#039;s Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Steelshaper&#039;s Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can find our job select cards that much faster. Meanwhile, token doublers like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mondrak, Glory Dominus" href="#" target="_blank">Mondrak, Glory Dominus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> multiplies the number of Hero tokens that arrive.</p>
<p>If you want to expand your Equipment options beyond the job select cards, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sword of the Animist" href="#" target="_blank">Sword of the Animist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hammer of Nazahn" href="#" target="_blank">Hammer of Nazahn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allow for more Equipment options because, flavorfully, heroes tend to find Equipment. This can be a legendary blade, or something outright superior to what they're already wielding.</p>
<p>In addendum, anthem effects that bolster the Hero tokens are another way to go, making them stronger without having to rely so heavily on Equipment, and being slowed down by the equip costs.</p>
<h2>Saving the Day</h2>
<p>To wrap things up, the job select mechanic is something I adored when it was revealed. Even better, though, is improving on the whole process of creating your Hero. Who said the names have to be "Hero"? Name your Hero tokens!</p>
<p>Maybe you want to take the immersive (some would call vain) route and put yourself on the battlefield. Maybe it's your friends, or characters that you wrote for a novel. Feel that personal attachment, and it's almost as though you're literally playing a <em>Final Fantasy</em> game for real. That's part of the fun for me with this deck. Do you name your Hero tokens?</p>
<p>Before checking out for the week, I do intend on covering box-mander (Commander decks from a booster box, in a nutshell) next week, and I have no less than two lists for you in store. However, whether I cover one or all in detail is something I haven't decided yet. Tune in next week to see what I've assembled from said boxes.</p>


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