<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashaya&#039;s Enduring Bond" href="#" target="_blank">Ashaya&#039;s Enduring Bond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/anto-finnstark/albums/1742197">Anato Finnstark</a></em></p>
<h2>The Planting of Seeds</h2>
<p>Hello, and welcome! This week we have a special deck tech centered on a brand new commander that was very recently revealed in an upcoming release. That set, <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/mbc">Mystery Booster: Commander Edition</a></em>, has a number of sweet new options for all of us to try out.</p>
<p>A number of these cards got my attention for more personal reasons (Remember that five-color deck from the <em>Duels of the Planeswalkers</em> games? I managed to somewhat recreate it, thanks to this set!).</p>
<p>That said, there was one that got my attention. One that's sure to cause no small number of eye rolls because of rules shenanigans. Without further ado:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashaya&#039;s Enduring Bond"></div></div>
<p>A sorcery? In the command zone? What heresy is this? Why, you guessed that right. We have a sorcery as our Commander today. What a time to be alive! Anyway, the effect is very simple:</p>
<p>We discover equal to the amount of mana spent to cast the card, but we need a legendary creature or planeswalker in order to cast it.</p>
<p>As the game goes on, this'll mean that we get to discover three, then five, etc. So, in order to make this work, we need to keep casting this card over and over. But first, we cover the main obstacle.</p>
<h3>Legends Abound</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azusa, Lost but Seeking"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Selvala, Heart of the Wilds"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hugs, Grisly Guardian"></div></div>
<p>We'll need a lot of ramp to keep consistently casting our, umm, commander. That said, we also need at least one legendary creature or planeswalker to be able to cast it.</p>
<p>Fortunately, there's a number of legendary options in our colors that have both. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azusa, Lost but Seeking" href="#" target="_blank">Azusa, Lost but Seeking</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will let us play two additional lands on each of our turns. On the other hand, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Selvala, Heart of the Wilds" href="#" target="_blank">Selvala, Heart of the Wilds</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will ramp us to great heights, assuming we have a big creature out.</p>
<p>We also have access to other effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mina and Denn, Wildborn" href="#" target="_blank">Mina and Denn, Wildborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which not only let us play an additional land each turn, but they can give one of our creatures trample for the turn.</p>
<p>There's also a number of bigger creatures that can help us get there. If you want to lean hard into the creature count, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nikya of the Old Ways" href="#" target="_blank">Nikya of the Old Ways</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will double our mana, making stuff easier to cast.</p>
<p>If we can buff her, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Photon, Mighty Marvel" href="#" target="_blank">Photon, Mighty Marvel</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will give us quite a boost. Another option is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hugs, Grisly Guardian" href="#" target="_blank">Hugs, Grisly Guardian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. He'll let us play extra lands, but also exile stuff that we can cast until our next turn ends. Speaking of Exile...</p>
<h3>A Sojourn Through Exile</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Savvy Trader"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Passionate Archaeologist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nalfeshnee"></div></div>
<p>Since discover lets us cast stuff via exile, we can take advantage of that in a burgeoning number of ways. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nalfeshnee" href="#" target="_blank">Nalfeshnee</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spider-Verse" href="#" target="_blank">Spider-Verse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will allow us to copy anything we cast from exile.</p>
<p>In addition, we can lower our opponent's life totals with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Passionate Archaeologist" href="#" target="_blank">Passionate Archaeologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nico Minoru, Runaway" href="#" target="_blank">Nico Minoru, Runaway</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In addition, the last level of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bard Class" href="#" target="_blank">Bard Class</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will let us cast stuff from exile on top of ramping us and buffing our creatures through its other two stages.</p>
<p>However, I do want to stress that this is just one way to build this deck. A deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashaya&#039;s Enduring Bond" href="#" target="_blank">Ashaya&#039;s Enduring Bond</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can lean into an exile-matters deck, but it also needs a good chunk of legendary creatures and planeswalkers to be able to cast it.</p>
<h3>Forms of Fellowship</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jeska, Thrice Reborn"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hajar, Loyal Bodyguard"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Knuckles the Echidna"></div></div>
<p>A lot of legendary creatures and planeswalkers have plenty of utility, so it is best to mix and match to our tastes. For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hajar, Loyal Bodyguard" href="#" target="_blank">Hajar, Loyal Bodyguard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will protect our board in the event of a wipe. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jeska, Thrice Reborn" href="#" target="_blank">Jeska, Thrice Reborn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will do some incredible damage with her tripling ability.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Knuckles the Echidna" href="#" target="_blank">Knuckles the Echidna</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will ramp us, and do some damage. That alternate win condition will often be irrelevant here, as we won't likely be amassing enough artifacts to pull it off.</p>
<p>Other options include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ojer Kaslem, Deepest Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Ojer Kaslem, Deepest Growth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can ramp us and put a creature into play if she deals damage. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Loot, Exuberant Explorer" href="#" target="_blank">Loot, Exuberant Explorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives us a second land drop and, with enough mana, can out a creature into play as well.</p>
<p>In addition, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Etali, Primal Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Etali, Primal Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Etali, Primal Conqueror" href="#" target="_blank">Etali, Primal Conqueror</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, if you're so inclined) and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Plargg and Nassari" href="#" target="_blank">Plargg and Nassari</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can cast stuff from exile each turn. If you're tapping into the exile theme (or as a subtheme), both cards would be good includes to consider.</p>
<p>That said, my list for this week doesn't play into the exile theme so much. In fact, I was building this deck, and came up with this list purely by accident.</p>
<h3>The Deck List</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Oh Ashaya, Ashaya!" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Ashaya&#039;s Enduring Bond
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Absorbing Man and Titania
*1 Alena, Kessig Trapper
*1 Anzrag, the Quake-Mole
*1 Avatar Kyoshi, Earthbender
*1 Avatar Roku, Firebender
*1 Azusa, Lost but Seeking
*1 Braulios of Pheres Band
*1 Bristly Bill, Spine Sower
*1 Captain Lannery Storm
*1 Dragonhawk, Fate&#039;s Tempest
*1 Etali, Primal Storm
*1 Gilanra, Caller of Wirewood
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 God-Eternal Rhonas
*1 Hajar, Loyal Bodyguard
*1 Halana and Alena, Partners
*1 Halana, Kessig Ranger
*1 Hugs, Grisly Guardian
*1 Ilharg, the Raze-Boar
*1 Jamie McCrimmon
*1 Jolene, the Plunder Queen
*1 Kamahl, Heart of Krosa
*1 Karlach, Fury of Avernus
*1 Klauth, Unrivaled Ancient
*1 Klothys, God of Destiny
*1 Knuckles the Echidna
*1 Kodama of the East Tree
*1 Leatherhead, Iron Gator
*1 Legolas Greenleaf
*1 Loot, Exuberant Explorer
*1 Mina and Denn, Wildborn
*1 Moraug, Fury of Akoum
*1 Muerra, Trash Tactician
*1 Neyith of the Dire Hunt
*1 Nikya of the Old Ways
*1 Ojer Kaslem, Deepest Growth // Temple of Cultivation
*1 Old Gnawbone
*1 Photon, Mighty Marvel
*1 Plargg and Nassari
*1 Radha, Heart of Keld
*1 Raph &amp; Mikey, Troublemakers
*1 Rhino, Barreling Brute
*1 Roxanne, Starfall Savant
*1 Ruby, Daring Tracker
*1 Ruric Thar, the Unbowed
*1 Selvala, Heart of the Wilds
*1 Spider-Man, Miles Morales
*1 Surrak and Goreclaw
*1 Surrak, the Hunt Caller
*1 Surtr, Fiery Jötun
*1 Sutina, Speaker of the Tajuru
*1 The Earth King
*1 Thor, Asgard&#039;s Avenger
*1 Wolverine, Fierce Fighter
*1 Xenagos, God of Revels
*1 Zilortha, Strength Incarnate
*1 Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus
[/Creatures]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Chandra, Awakened Inferno
*1 Freyalise, Llanowar&#039;s Fury
*1 Garruk, Curse Breaker
*1 Jeska, Thrice Reborn
*1 Minsc &amp; Boo, Timeless Heroes
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Command Tower
*1 Commercial District
*12 Forest
*1 Game Trail
*1 Karplusan Forest
*12 Mountain
*1 Plaza of Heroes
*1 Rockfall Vale
*1 Sheltered Thicket
*1 Spire Garden
*1 Stomping Ground
*1 Thornspire Verge
*1 Training Compound
*1 Wooded Foothills
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h3>Closing Out</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Xenagos, God of Revels"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Absorbing Man and Titania"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anzrag, the Quake-Mole"></div></div>
<p>Quite the accident, huh? The 99 of this list has nothing but lands, creatures, and planeswalkers. This, in turn, ensures that our commander is easy accessible, limited only by the amount of mana we have.</p>
<p>And that's the other bit of good news: We've got a ton of ramp in the list, so we can cast our commander much of the time, most of the time.</p>
<p>If you want to end games, it's simple. This is a <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/gruul">Gruul</a> deck, after all. We just simply need to smash, smash, and do even more smashing. Firstly, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Xenagos, God of Revels" href="#" target="_blank">Xenagos, God of Revels</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Absorbing Man and Titania" href="#" target="_blank">Absorbing Man and Titania</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> amplify the damage output, putting our opponents on a clock.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anzrag, the Quake-Mole" href="#" target="_blank">Anzrag, the Quake-Mole</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Karlach, Fury of Avernus" href="#" target="_blank">Karlach, Fury of Avernus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, both of which give us extra combat steps while dealing chunks of damage.</p>
<p>We can't win by commander damage, so we pummel our opponents into a pulp instead.</p>
<h3>Everlasting Bonds</h3>
<p>And there we have it. A unique deck for a unique commander (not so sure about the former). And now, I turn to you, the readers. What commanders from <em>Mystery Booster: Commander Edition</em>, are you looking to build, be they online or for real?</p>
<p>Which ones make your eyes roll? Let me know in the comments. Next week, we return to normal with a remastered precon I've been itching to publish for some time now.</p>


Ashaya's Enduring Bond Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof|sos|286" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix, the Proof</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/nastasja" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anastasia Ovchinnikova</a></em></p>
<p>As soon as I saw the new Elder Dragons in <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sos" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em></a>, part of my brain started itching. Each of them gives our instants and sorceries an added effect, which led me to think about how to make them work without including anything other than these two card types.</p>
<p>So today we're talking about <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>, and building a Commander deck with <em>only</em> instants, sorceries, and lands.</p>
<h2>What Does Quandrix, the Proof Do?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quandrix, the Proof"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was the one that got my attention first. Cascade is an extremely powerful ability and having a deck full of cascading cards seems like the recipe for a good time. In fact, we can pack the deck with over 60 spells and all of them will come with an added bonus - which sounds pretty good to me.</p>
<p>So, let's see what we're working with.</p>
<h2>The Best Spells for Quandrix, the Proof</h2>
<p>When approaching this deck, I focused on the mana value of the cards I was including. This is because whenever we cast a spell, we're also casting a spell with a lower mana value. So, it's very useful to know at any point what we might get out of the cards we cast.</p>
<h3>Mana Values Zero and One</h3>
<p>Starting with mana value zero, there aren't actually many options. I decided to include just one card: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inevitable Betrayal" href="#" target="_blank">Inevitable Betrayal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is a very good card, especially at tables with a lower power level, where game-finishing creatures are more common. Getting an extra stealing effect whenever we cast a cheap one-mana spell sounds very good.</p>
<p>Additionally, if we were to suspend it and play it as intended, it isn't that bad either.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inevitable Betrayal"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Into the Flood Maw"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Serum Visions"></div></div>
<p>Our spells that cost one mana mainly cover two roles: cheap interaction and card draw. We get access to cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Into the Flood Maw" href="#" target="_blank">Into the Flood Maw</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Claim" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Claim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pongify" href="#" target="_blank">Pongify</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, all of which can deal with our opponents' boards in some way.</p>
<p>We also make good use of cheap cantrips that are usually only playable in 60-card formats. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Preordain" href="#" target="_blank">Preordain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ponder" href="#" target="_blank">Ponder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Serum Visions" href="#" target="_blank">Serum Visions</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> all allow us to manipulate the top of our library, which can be very good when we're trying to cascade as much as possible.</p>
<h3>Mana Values Two and Three</h3>
<p>Here is where the bulk of the list is. Considering how commander-centric this deck is, we want to include as many ramp spells as possible so that we're always able to recast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> if/when it gets removed.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rampant Growth"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Double Major"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Filter Out"></div></div>
<p>For this reason, we're running the usual suspects, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rampant Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Rampant Growth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Three Visits" href="#" target="_blank">Three Visits</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <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>, but more niche cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harrow" href="#" target="_blank">Harrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cycle of Renewal" href="#" target="_blank">Cycle of Renewal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While these cards aren't obscure by any means, they aren't your first go-tos when building the ramp package for your deck either.</p>
<p>Ideally, we get to cast them <em>after</em> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has hit the battlefield, so that we're getting something more as compensation for our sacrificed land.</p>
<p>Within this mana value range, we can also find some extremely synergistic cards. First off, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Double Major" href="#" target="_blank">Double Major</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, the cheapest way we have to get an additional copy of our commander. And remember: the more cascades, the better.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Road of Return" href="#" target="_blank">Road of Return</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works as a reset button for our commander: if the commander tax ever gets too high, we can simply put it in our hand to circumvent it one time.</p>
<p>We can get good value out of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pieces of the Puzzle" href="#" target="_blank">Pieces of the Puzzle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Considering how many hits there are in our deck, we'll almost always get a good selection of cards to choose from.</p>
<p>Finally, we also deepen our interaction pool. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Filter Out" href="#" target="_blank">Filter Out</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a home run of a card in this deck; in fact, we aren't running any nonland, noncreature permanents, so it'll always be a one-sided bounce effect. "What about creatures?" you may ask. Well, look no further than <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Run Away Together" href="#" target="_blank">Run Away Together</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can also be a protection spell under very specific circumstances.</p>
<p>And then, my own evergreen pet card: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Obscuring Haze" href="#" target="_blank">Obscuring Haze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While I include this card in every green deck I build, here it is as good as it can ever get. It's a free spell that cascades for its mana value (three) and that covers our greatest weakness (board presence).</p>
<h3>Mana Values Four and Five</h3>
<p>We're approaching the end of our mana curve, so we're starting to find the heavy hitters of the deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Press the Enemy"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evacuation"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quantum Misalignment"></div></div>
<p>First, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Press the Enemy" href="#" target="_blank">Press the Enemy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, one of the highlights of the list. At first, this seems like a very expensive counterspell with limited upsides, but the more you look at it, the better it gets.</p>
<p>First, it allows us to cast a spell for free, which is always nice. But the real magic happens if we cast it while our commander's on the battlefield. In fact, looking at the wording on Press the Enemy, we're casting the spell for free <em>from our hand</em>. This is extremely relevant because <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> grants cascade to spells we cast from hand. This means we'll get the cascade trigger for Press the Enemy <em>and</em> for the free spell we cast afterwards.</p>
<p>Then, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evacuation" href="#" target="_blank">Evacuation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another piece at our disposal to fight clogged boards. Considering we're always playing catch-up with other players to avoid their creatures stomping us, a board-resetting spell is always welcome.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quantum Misalignment" href="#" target="_blank">Quantum Misalignment</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> reiterates a key concept of the deck, which is copying our commander. If everything goes as it should, this card alone grants us two additional <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quandrix, the Proof" href="#" target="_blank">Quandrix</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s on the board.</p>
<p>That's <em>three</em> cascade triggers for each spell we cast. Things will get out of hand quickly.</p>
<h3>Mana Values Six and Higher</h3>
<p>The actual top end of our curve is reserved for our game finishers.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Clone Legion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wisdom of Ages"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mnemonic Deluge"></div></div>
<p>Once we've reached the late game, we want to follow one of two paths.</p>
<p>First, the game-finishing path. In this scenario, we cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elminster&#039;s Simulacrum" href="#" target="_blank">Elminster&#039;s Simulacrum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blatant Thievery" href="#" target="_blank">Blatant Thievery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, or <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> to build a board out of nowhere. The added value we get from these expensive spells should be enough for us to overwhelm our opponents.</p>
<p>Alternatively, we press a reset button. This can either mean casting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flood of Tears" href="#" target="_blank">Flood of Tears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, setting everyone back and betting on the fact we'll be the fastest at rebuilding, or casting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wisdom of Ages" href="#" target="_blank">Wisdom of Ages</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gets us back a whole game's worth of instants and sorceries, netting us so much card advantage we'll be able to stitch together a win from there.</p>
<p>There's also a secret, third option, which is a special alternative for the <em>very</em> late game: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mnemonic Deluge" href="#" target="_blank">Mnemonic Deluge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card is at its best when combined with one of the creature-cloning spells: getting three times the creatures and cascading for nine at the same time can only be backbreaking for our opponents.</p>
<h2>Quandrix, the Proof Commander Deck List</h2>
<p>To better see the decklist, I'll divide it into mana value categories.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Spells-Only Quandrix" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Quandrix, the Proof
[/Commander]
[MV 0]
*1 Inevitable Betrayal
[/MV 0]
[MV 1]
*1 Dispel
*1 Gitaxian Probe
*1 Into the Flood Maw
*1 March of Swirling Mist
*1 Nature&#039;s Claim
*1 Opt
*1 Ponder
*1 Pongify
*1 Preordain
*1 Rapid Hybridization
*1 Reclaim
*1 Serum Visions
*1 Suspend
[/MV 1]
[MV 2]
*1 Blue Sun&#039;s Twilight
*1 Delay
*1 Double Major
*1 Farseek
*1 Flow State
*1 Glimpse the Core
*1 Growth Spiral
*1 Nature&#039;s Lore
*1 Planar Genesis
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Reality Shift
*1 Road of Return
*1 Run Away Together
*1 Shared Roots
*1 Snapback
*1 Three Visits
*1 Twincast
*1 Unsubstantiate
[/MV 2]
[MV 3]
*1 Beast Within
*1 Cultivate
*1 Cycle of Renewal
*1 Early Harvest
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Filter Out
*1 Harrow
*1 Kodama&#039;s Reach
*1 Obscuring Haze
*1 Pieces of the Puzzle
*1 Roiling Regrowth
*1 Solve the Equation
*1 Theoretical Duplication
[/MV 3]
[MV 4]
*1 Eureka Moment
*1 Insidious Will
*1 Irenicus&#039;s Vile Duplication
*1 Planar Engineering
*1 Press the Enemy
*1 Skyshroud Claim
[/MV 4]
[MV 5]
*1 Bribery
*1 Ember Island Production
*1 Embrace the Paradox
*1 Evacuation
*1 Quantum Misalignment
[/MV 5]
[MV 6]
*1 Elminster&#039;s Simulacrum
*1 Flood of Tears
[/MV 6]
[MV 7]
*1 Blatant Thievery
*1 Wisdom of Ages
[/MV 7]
[MV 9]
*1 Clone Legion
*1 Mnemonic Deluge
[/MV 9]
[Land]
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Command Tower
*1 Dreamroot Cascade
*1 Flooded Grove
*10 Forest
*1 Hinterland Harbor
*13 Island
*1 Mystic Sanctuary
*1 Overflowing Basin
*1 Rejuvenating Springs
*1 Simic Growth Chamber
*1 Temple of Mystery
*1 Temple of the False God
*1 Thornwood Falls
*1 Vineglimmer Snarl
*1 Yavimaya Coast
[/Land]"></span></div>

<h2>Closing Thoughts on Quandrix, the Proof</h2>
<p>I had a lot of fun brewing this deck. For me, Commander is synonymous with "gimmick," as I always try to build around a specific niche or to maximize a certain aspect of the deck. <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> certainly is a very powerful card that can shine as a commander, but I wanted to see if it was possible to create something unusual around it. I think I succeeded in doing so.</p>
<p>The glaring weakness of this deck is its end game: It's difficult to piece together a winning board state in this color combination <em>and</em> using only instants and sorceries. The solution I included in the list, cloning, is one way to go about it, but I'm sure there are other options I haven't considered.</p>
<p>I have yet to try the deck out, but considering how much fun I had building it, I'm sure it'll be a blast to play. If you pick it up, I suggest you personalize your list as much as possible. You can consider my list as a blueprint, a starting point from which your imagination can branch. This idea is perfectly suited for a toolbox approach, since you have so much space to include all the tech cards you want, depending on your play style and your playgroup.</p>
<p>If you try the deck out, let me know how it fares in the comments!</p>


Going Full Instants and Sorceries With Quandrix, the Proof

https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Strixhaven-Best-Instants-and-Sorceries-textless.png

The Best Instants and Sorceries in Secrets of Strixhaven

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beyond the Quiet|eoe|303" href="#" target="_blank">Beyond the Quiet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.serenamalyon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Serena Malyon</a></em></p>
<p>Space. The final frontier. These are the voyages of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dawnsire, Sunstar Dreadnought" href="#" target="_blank">Dawnsire, Sunstar Dreadnought</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which as a legendary Spacecraft is now legal as your commander.</p>
<p>I'm not sure where I was going with all that, especially given that I'm here to talk about instants and sorceries in <em>Edge of Eternities</em>. So let's do that!</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archenemy&#039;s Charm" href="#" target="_blank">Archenemy&#039;s Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archenemy&#039;s Charm"></div></div>
<p>Three mana to exile a creature or planeswalker is fairly reasonable overall, especially at instant speed. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unmake" href="#" target="_blank">Unmake</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is still in almost 3,700 decks after all. Once you factor in that's just one of three possible modes though, things get really interesting.</p>
<p>Returning up to two creatures or planeswalkers to hand isn't a bad option, but the choice to put two +1/+1 counters on a creature you control and give it lifelink has a lot of synergy with multiple decks.</p>
<p>Now, triple black pips is a bit of a hard ask in some decks; I'm not sure I'd be comfortable with it even in a two-color list. In mono-black though it's really easy to hit, though I'll note it's by no means an auto-include. Still, it's a card I'm probably going to strongly consider in any all black lists moving forward, and that says a lot, given all the competition.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cerebral Download" href="#" target="_blank">Cerebral Download</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cerebral Download"></div></div>
<p>Five mana to draw three isn't a great rate, even at instant speed. Where things get really interesting with Cerebral Download is in a deck with a heavy artifact theme, given the "Surveil X, where X is the number of artifacts you control."</p>
<p>Artifact token decks, particularly Treasure decks, but also ones built around Food, Clues, and all of the above, qualify, as do Equipment builds, and just plain old-fashioned artifact creature and artifact shenanigan lists. In those archetype decks and in others, this isn't a mere draw three, but instead a draw the best three of a dozen, fifteen, maybe twenty cards - and that's amazing.</p>
<p>Things get even better when you can then put the rest of the cards into your graveyard, which is functionally a second hand for plenty of decks. This isn't a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stock Up" href="#" target="_blank">Stock Up</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> situation where it's a great draw option in every deck, but in the decks where it works it's amazing.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Consult the Star Charts" href="#" target="_blank">Consult the Star Charts</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Consult the Star Charts"></div></div>
<p>Once you get past turn two or three, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Consult the Star Charts" href="#" target="_blank">Consult the Star Charts</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is very comparable to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impulse" href="#" target="_blank">Impulse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card that's in almost 50,000 decks. A few turns further than that and you start looking at kicking it then the ceiling gets way higher.</p>
<p>Assuming you're hitting your land drops each turn, an unkicked Consult lets you dig deeply, and if you're ramping you dig even further faster, with the option to pay an added <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> to keep an additional card. It's an instant as well, which is just another notch in this card's space helmet.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Devastating Onslaught" href="#" target="_blank">Devastating Onslaught</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Devastating Onslaught"></div></div>
<p>Making a temp token copy of an artifact or creature you control for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> is a respectable rate, and Devastating Onslaught isn't just locked to making one token. The more mana you have, the more you can spend, and the more tokens you can generate as it lets you spend <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-x" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-x" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> to make as many tokens as you have mana.</p>
<p>That's a very powerful effect in a general sense, but in a deck filled with creatures with enters triggers, it's a crazy amount of value. Brews heavy on ETB creatures should probably at least be considering adding this card, but it also has a home in ones that care about tokens, haste (like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ognis, the Dragon&#039;s Lash" href="#" target="_blank">Ognis, the Dragon&#039;s Lash</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>), or sacrificing things.</p>
<p>It just does a lot in a lot of different decks.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emergency Eject" href="#" target="_blank">Emergency Eject</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emergency Eject"></div></div>
<p>Emergency Eject is white's third variant on green's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beast Within" href="#" target="_blank">Beast Within</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> after <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Gift" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Gift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stroke of Midnight" href="#" target="_blank">Stroke of Midnight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It's probably the worst of the three effects, but worst in this context is still very good; I'll almost always be happy to pay three mana to destroy a non-land permanent at instant speed.</p>
<p>Whereas the previous versions of this card made creature tokens, Emergency Eject makes a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lander" href="#" target="_blank">Lander</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> token, which is an artifact that lets you spend two mana to tap and sacrifice it to search your library for a basic land that to you into play tapped. The fact that they don't get a chump blocker is nice, but I'm not sure ramping your opponent is better, even if they have to spend two mana to do it.</p>
<p>It's still a very good card, but the question winds up being whether it's good enough to either displace one of the previous variants, or whether or not you want three of these in your deck. Basically, Emergency Eject's biggest bar to entry in decks will be competition from the other iterations.</p>
<p>When Generous Gift was released there was rarely a question about whether or not it was an upgrade over the alternatives. That's just no longer the case with Emergency Eject.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Planetary Annihilation" href="#" target="_blank">Planetary Annihilation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Planetary Annihilation"></div></div>
<p>And the award for "Card mostly likely to make Reddit users post asking if a card that destroys a bunch of lands counts as mass land destruction" goes to . . . Planetary Annihilation.</p>
<p>Yes, destroying a bunch of lands counts as mass land destruction. Yes, you knew that before making a post that wasn't asking for clarification so much as it was asking for permission. Yes it's still a solid card.</p>
<p>It's not a way to keep green land ramp decks in check, because that's not what mass land destruction does, but in the right shell in the right bracket it's a very useful control tool given the stapled-on board wipe.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scour for Scrap" href="#" target="_blank">Scour for Scrap</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scour for Scrap"></div></div>
<p>What's better than an instant speed tutor that lets you search up an artifact card to hand 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>? One that can also return an artifact card from your graveyard to your hand at the same time.</p>
<p>Despite being a modular card, Scour for Scrap contains the magical words "Choose one or both." Sure, both those modes are maybe a bit over-costed, but the fact that you don't need to choose between the two as Scour lets you pick both at the same time more than offsets that cost</p>
<p>Once you evaluate the combined options the card's strength becomes so much more obvious. So tutor up that artifact and recur another while you do it. That's well worth four mana.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Singularity Rupture" href="#" target="_blank">Singularity Rupture</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Singularity Rupture"></div></div>
<p>I suppose you can technically use Singularity Rupture in a mill deck, and I'm sure it'll see play in that kind of list, but I'm going to bet a whole lot of graveyard players wind up targeting themselves with the "mill half your library" trigger. I've probably seen more <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Traumatize" href="#" target="_blank">Traumatize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> casts over the years targeting the caster for this reason, and I would bet we see the same here.</p>
<p>That said, if you're in a deck built around mill as a win condition, you're going to need to run board wipes anyway. So why not make your board wipe a card that can also be used to mill your opponents?</p>
<p>Either way, whether you're using it to remove an opponent's library or to enable your own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Living Death" href="#" target="_blank">Living Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-esque plan, it's going to see significant play.</p>
<h2><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Space-Time Anomaly" href="#" target="_blank">Space-Time Anomaly</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Space-Time Anomaly"></div></div>
<p>We've gotten a recent micro-trend of cards that mill based on life gain, starting with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hope Estheim" href="#" target="_blank">Hope Estheim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. As with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Singularity Rupture" href="#" target="_blank">Singularity Rupture</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> however I would guess that outside Hope lists we primarily see Space-Time Anomaly be used to self-mill in some kind of reanimation package more than we see it used as a way to mill an opponent out.</p>
<h2>A Long Time Ago, In a Galaxy . . .</h2>
<p>That wraps up our coverage of the notable instant and sorcery cards in the <em>Edge of Eternities</em> set. This is a set much more based on notable permanents than one-off spells, but even in a set like this there are impactful keepers.</p>
<p>Thanks for reading, and remember, EDHREC your deck before you wreck your deck!</p>
<h3>More <em>Edge of Eternities </em>Set Reviews:</h3>
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="GFcF8b76ub"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-best-enchantments-from-edge-of-eternities/">The Best Enchantments From Edge of Eternities</a></p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="JgtLLwSJlw"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/edge-of-eternities-a-cedh-set-review/">Edge of Eternities: A cEDH Set Review</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Edge of Eternities: A cEDH Set Review&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/edge-of-eternities-a-cedh-set-review/embed/#?secret=A3NuOIdUOI#?secret=JgtLLwSJlw" data-secret="JgtLLwSJlw" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="huIdqvQrzq"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-best-lands-and-artifacts-in-edge-of-eternities/">The Best Lands and Artifacts in Edge of Eternities</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;The Best Lands and Artifacts in Edge of Eternities&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-best-lands-and-artifacts-in-edge-of-eternities/embed/#?secret=fpyUY7trBZ#?secret=huIdqvQrzq" data-secret="huIdqvQrzq" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="ttTIQQgP29"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-best-nonlegendary-creatures-from-edge-of-eternities/">The Best Nonlegendary Creatures From Edge of Eternities</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;The Best Nonlegendary Creatures From Edge of Eternities&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/the-best-nonlegendary-creatures-from-edge-of-eternities/embed/#?secret=gf1n9wtPhy#?secret=ttTIQQgP29" data-secret="ttTIQQgP29" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


The Best Instants and Sorceries in Edge of Eternities

Wombo Combo - Best Sorcery Combos in EDH

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Willbreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Willbreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/izzymedrano">Dan Scott</a>)</h6>
<h1>"Stay on Target..."</h1>
<p>Welcome back to another <em>Forgotten Harvest,</em> where we dig deep into the bulk boxes of <em>Magic</em> to forage for hyper-underplayed cards that see play in 300 decks or less on EDHREC. Today, for the first time in this series, we're going to be tackling a Simic deck.</p>
<p>Given the stigma, for lack of a better word, that can come with playing Simic, I feel compelled to set expectations before I unveil this week's strategy. This series focuses on cards that see the least amount of play. These won't be the most powerful cards, and may not make for the most powerful deck. In the right strategy, though, a card which sees barely any play may become usable. If you do want to try out the cards we cover in this article, be aware of the perceptions players have when playing against a color combination like Simic, which is often expected to make crazy things happen with, for instance, +1/+1 counters.</p>
<p>This time, I'm scraping a strategy together based completely on the act of targeting. It's going to feel a lot like a Simic Spellslinger deck, heavily relying on instants and sorceries to target creatures on all sides of the battlefield. We're going to have to make sure that the deck stays creature-focused while also providing enough spells to still make it feel like a Spellslinger deck.</p>
<hr />
<h2>"Stay on Target..."</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="One Dozen Eyes"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Triton Fortune Hunter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wild Defiance"></div></div>
<p>A token strategy will be key to our success. We'll depend on cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverfur Partisan" href="#" target="_blank">Silverfur Partisan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Docent of Perfection" href="#" target="_blank">Docent of Perfection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talrand, Sky Summoner" href="#" target="_blank">Talrand, Sky Summoner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to play simultaneously into the token and Spellslinger archetypes. However, there's always room for more traditional token production, too. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="One Dozen Eyes" href="#" target="_blank">One Dozen Eyes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of my favorites, and the swarm it provides is just what we're looking for. This collection of menacing eyes only sees play in 211 decks.</p>
<p>In addition to token strategies, we're also looking for other cards that care about being the target of a spell. The <em>Heroic</em> creatures from <em>Theros</em> block fit the bill quite well, and a number of them are hyper-underplayed. In that vein, we're running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Triton Fortune Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Triton Fortune Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wavecrash Triton" href="#" target="_blank">Wavecrash Triton</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who see play in 80 and 35 decks, respectively; the associated card draw and spot removal, in the form of tapping down opposing creatures, will both be quite helpful.</p>
<p>Now that we have a mess of creatures, how can we capitalize on them becoming targeted by our spells? <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gargos, Vicious Watcher" href="#" target="_blank">Gargos, Vicious Watcher</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can help us out with that, fighting opposing creatures when one of our creatures becomes a target, and so can <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Defiance" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Defiance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which only appears in 247 decks. Truly the heart of the deck, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Defiance" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Defiance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> buffs our targets by an extra +3/+3, which can be huge when paired with an <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Open into Wonder" href="#" target="_blank">Open into Wonder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and a field full of critters.</p>
<hr />
<h2>"Stay on Target..."</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sway of Illusion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sea Kings&#039; Blessing"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sylvan Paradise"></div></div>
<p>We've covered the targets, so let's talk about the spells that'll be doing the targeting. After some research, I've been able to find only three spells that can target an infinite number of creatures for a set cost: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sway of Illusion" href="#" target="_blank">Sway of Illusion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sea Kings&#039; Blessing" href="#" target="_blank">Sea Kings&#039; Blessing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sylvan Paradise" href="#" target="_blank">Sylvan Paradise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. All three qualify as hyper-underplayed, appearing in only 160, 34, and 11 decklists, respectively. You can tell this is <em>Forgotten Harvest</em> when I'm bringing up obscure cards from <em>Legends!</em></p>
<p>While it's clear to see that none of the cards are terribly powerful (changing colors is sooooo <em>Invasion</em> block), when they're paired with the cards we've already discussed, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Defiance" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Defiance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, they quickly become <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overrun" href="#" target="_blank">Overrun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s. Even better, when we cast a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sea Kings&#039; Blessing" href="#" target="_blank">Sea Kings&#039; Blessing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dismiss into Dream" href="#" target="_blank">Dismiss into Dream</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Willbreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Willbreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in play, it will completely decimate the opposing battlefields. I opted not to run <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Concordant Crossroads" href="#" target="_blank">Concordant Crossroads</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in this deck, but if you find great success with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Willbreaker" href="#" target="_blank">Willbreaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, you should consider adding it.</p>
<p>Some final notes on these three instants: I added in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Isochron Scepter" href="#" target="_blank">Isochron Scepter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> specifically to abuse these three cards. Scepter is particularly useful here because it <em>casts</em> a copy of the exiled instant. This is very relevant for the <em>Heroic</em> creatures, as they require a <em>cast</em> spell to target them, and won't trigger off a <em>copy </em>of a spell.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Battlefield Thaumaturge"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Crowd Goes Wild"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Polymorphous Rush"></div></div>
<p>If you thought those color-change instants were the only trick I included in this deck, think again! This deck definitely makes the most of a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Battlefield Thaumaturge" href="#" target="_blank">Battlefield Thaumaturge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, lowering the cost of our pump spells down to almost nothing, and it's only in 168 decks, to boot! When paired with cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Crowd Goes Wild" href="#" target="_blank">The Crowd Goes Wild</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (221 decks) or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrive" href="#" target="_blank">Thrive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (253 decks), you can perma-pump the entire team for only one green mana.</p>
<p>Adding in a third card, perhaps you could use a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Polymorphous Rush" href="#" target="_blank">Polymorphous Rush</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, found in 255 decks, and some blue mana to make a few extra copies of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverfur Partisan" href="#" target="_blank">Silverfur Partisan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> before casting <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thrive" href="#" target="_blank">Thrive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With all those Wolf target triggers stacking, your army is going to be gigantic! (Again, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Concordant Crossroads" href="#" target="_blank">Concordant Crossroads</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or even <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Akroma&#039;s Memorial" href="#" target="_blank">Akroma&#039;s Memorial</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might be worth an add if you're having trouble keeping the tokens around until you can take them to the red zone.)</p>
<hr />
<h2>"Stay on Target..."</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Band Together"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phantasmal Form"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rethink"></div></div>
<p>This is all well and good, but we still haven't addressed two key pieces of a Commander deck: removal spells, and an actual commander!</p>
<p>For creature removal, I've tried to keep on-theme, and that means looking at <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Band Together" href="#" target="_blank">Band Together</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combo Attack" href="#" target="_blank">Combo Attack</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Both of these cards allow us to target two of our creatures while eliminating an opposing one. Combined with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Defiance" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Defiance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it should be easy to build up enough power to take out the biggest beefcake on the other side of the field. These cards are currently in 242 and 55 decks, respectively.</p>
<p>While not typically considered removal, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phantasmal Form" href="#" target="_blank">Phantasmal Form</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an excellent way to instantaneously shrink a huge attacker, making it easily blockable. As many of you have read in previous articles, I'm a big fan of these kinds of shenanigans, especially given the political role they can play. Add that a cantrip is baked into the instant, as well as its flexibility in potentially letting you target two of your own creatures for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Defiance" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Defiance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> triggers, and this card seems like a great fit.</p>
<p>This deck gave me the chance to slot in one of my favorite soft counterspells, hailing from all the way back in <em>Prophecy.</em> <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rethink" href="#" target="_blank">Rethink</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is currently in 154 decks, and while it's not the best option when countering an opponent's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Path to Exile" href="#" target="_blank">Path to Exile</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it's perfect for countering mass creature removal, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasphemous Act" href="#" target="_blank">Blasphemous Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Rebirth" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Rebirth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I've found it to be an effective counter that no one sees coming.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Edric, Spymaster of Trest"></div></div>
<p>Normally, I'd lead with the commander in one of these articles, but if you've looked at the field of Simic commander candidates, you'd see that there are no options that directly play into what this deck is trying to do. Simic just doesn't sling spells that much, and usually waits until Temur adds red to the mix to focus on instants and sorceries.</p>
<p>However, this deck is still missing a key element, and it's a big one: card draw. So much of this deck is going to rely on getting the key cards in hand together at the right moment. Given this, and the heavy token theme, I think <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Edric, Spymaster of Trest" href="#" target="_blank">Edric, Spymaster of Trest</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the best pick. Yes, there's something to be said for using <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tatyova, Benthic Druid" href="#" target="_blank">Tatyova, Benthic Druid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, as she's capable of more reliable draw, but her high CMC is concerning to me, so I opted for Edric in my build.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at the list!</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Target Run" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards=""></span></div></p>
<p>[Commander]<br />
*1 Edric, Spymaster of Trest<br />
[/Commander]</p>
<p>[Creatures]<br />
*1 Birds of Paradise<br />
*1 Llanowar Elves<br />
*1 Battlefield Thaumaturge<br />
*1 Maraleaf Pixie<br />
*1 Eternal Witness<br />
*1 Gyre Engineer<br />
*1 Silverfur Partisan<br />
*1 Spellseeker<br />
*1 Triton Fortune Hunter<br />
*1 Wavecrash Triton<br />
*1 Archaeomancer<br />
*1 Master of the Wild Hunt<br />
*1 Murmuring Mystic<br />
*1 Niblis of Frost<br />
*1 Talrand, Sky Summoner<br />
*1 Docent of Perfection<br />
*1 Willbreaker<br />
*1 Gargos, Vicious Watcher<br />
[/Creatures]</p>
<p>[Instants]<br />
*1 Giant Growth<br />
*1 Sea Kings' Blessing<br />
*1 Sylvan Paradise<br />
*1 Warriors' Lesson<br />
*1 Cyclonic Rift<br />
*1 Muddle the Mixture<br />
*1 Sway of Illusion<br />
*1 Symbiosis<br />
*1 Band Together<br />
*1 Beast Within<br />
*1 Combo Attack<br />
*1 Krosan Grip<br />
*1 Phantasmal Form<br />
*1 Polymorphous Rush<br />
*1 Rethink<br />
*1 Synchronized Strike<br />
*1 Unwind<br />
*1 Mystic Genesis<br />
[/Instants]</p>
<p>[Sorceries]<br />
*1 The Crowd Goes Wild<br />
*1 Thrive<br />
*1 Ghostform<br />
*1 Nature's Lore<br />
*1 Open into Wonder<br />
*1 Rampant Growth<br />
*1 Call to Mind<br />
*1 Calming Verse<br />
*1 Pull from the Deep<br />
*1 Blessings of Nature<br />
*1 One Dozen Eyes<br />
*1 Rise from the Tides<br />
*1 Ezuri's Predation<br />
[/Sorceries]</p>
<p>[Artifacts]<br />
*1 Sol Ring<br />
*1 Brain in a Jar<br />
*1 Isochron Scepter<br />
*1 Runechanter's Pike<br />
*1 Simic Signet<br />
*1 Commander's Sphere<br />
*1 Crystal Shard<br />
*1 Erratic Portal<br />
*1 Primal Amulet<br />
[/Artifacts]</p>
<p>[Enchantments]<br />
*1 Season of Growth<br />
*1 Wild Defiance<br />
*1 Metallurgic Summonings<br />
*1 The Mirari Conjecture<br />
*1 Dismiss into Dream<br />
[/Enchantments]</p>
<p>[Lands]<br />
*1 Alchemist's Refuge<br />
*1 Arcane Lighthouse<br />
*1 Botanical Sanctum<br />
*1 Breeding Pool<br />
*1 Command Tower<br />
*1 Detection Tower<br />
*1 Flooded Grove<br />
*12 Forest<br />
*1 Hinterland Harbor<br />
*13 Island<br />
*1 Misty Rainforest<br />
*1 Novijen, Heart of Progress<br />
*1 Yavimaya Coast<br />
[/Lands]</p>
<p>[/Deck]</p>

<hr />
<h2>"You're All Clear Kid, Now Let's Blow This Thing and Go Home!"</h2>
<p><a href="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/tenor.gif"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-40816 aligncenter" src="https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/tenor.gif" alt="" width="498" height="249" /></a></p>
<p>Thanks so much for staying on target during this action-packed <em>Forgotten Harvest</em>! To show my appreciation, I've provided a place for your questions, comments, and snide remarks in the comments below. I'd love to talk more about not-so-obvious Simic strategies, soft-counterspells you think should be played more often, and how I could better turn this deck into Wolf tribal (I tried so hard to make it happen, folks!).</p>
<p>If you have an idea for a future <em>Forgotten Harvest</em>, be it a hyper-underplayed card, a strategy in need of some love, or a commander that doesn't have a home in an archetype yet, let me know. I've done several articles from reader suggestions, and I'm always looking for more. Also, be sure to tune in next time when I tell the tale of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer" href="#" target="_blank">Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seven Dwarves" href="#" target="_blank">Seven Dwarves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>


sorcery

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Going Full Instants and Sorceries With Quandrix, the Proof

The Best Instants and Sorceries in Secrets of Strixhaven

The Best Instants and Sorceries in Edge of Eternities

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Forgotten Harvest - On a Target Run