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Commander
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{"ops":[{"insert":"PREAMBLE"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nControl the board with the wide suite of interaction and removal, play politics until you can win with a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" combo!\n\nEnsure you have protection before you cast your "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":". Watch what your opponents are doing and find a window to deploy him with a "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":" to bounce him, or with enough for a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Counterspell"}},{"insert":" .\n\nWhen he comes down, try to cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" . You can bounce Mairsil on the 2nd main phase of your last opponent to cage another card on their end step. (Or in response to removal). Don't wait for your opponent's end step - the Aetherling ability only returns on the "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"next"},{"insert":" end step, and you want your commander to not be summoning sick on your turn.\n\nCOMBOS"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe simplest combo is to have a caged "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" , \nTap to make an opponent's life total 4 on the last opponent's end step."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Then activate "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" 's unblockable to KO them."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Blink "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" to reset his toughness to 4."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n------------------------------\n\nA little more work has you caging "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hateflayer"}},{"insert":" .\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" turns your opponent's life to 4"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hateflayer"}},{"insert":" for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"2"},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"R"},{"insert":" mana untaps your commander and kills them."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Blink "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" to reset his toughness to 4."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If you have a haste enabler, you can kill each opponent on their "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"upkeep"},{"insert":"!\n\n------------------------------\n\nThe other combo is to cage either:\n3+ mana producing artifact ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gilded Lotus"}},{"insert":" ) and an Untap effect (e.g. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pili-Pala"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Morphling"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" ) "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vivi Ornitier"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"In addition, you will need:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Quicksilver Elemental"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" in hand, or caged."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The combo works as such:\nYou tap your commander's Gilded Lotus ability for mana ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"UUU"},{"insert":"), untap with Pili-Pala ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"UU"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"OR\nActivate Vivi's ability to make ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"UUUU"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Then,\nUse Quicksilver Elemental to reset Mairsil's abilities for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":", enabling your commander to use his \"Once a turn\" abilities "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"again"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Repeat."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Each iteration of this will add extra "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"to your mana pool, letting you make infinite mana.\nYou can then make a massive Walking ballista that pings your opponents down, or if caged, make your commander massively big and ping your opponents down.\n\nCAGE MATCH"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true},"insert":"*SALT ALERT*"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most obnoxious thing you can do is cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nevinyrral's Disk"}},{"insert":" . Then, for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"1 "},{"insert":"mana, at instant speed, you can blow up the board . If you've caged an "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" , also pay a "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"blinking out your commander to keep him safe! If you have a haste enabler, you can do it multiple times in a commander turn cycle. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"OOF!"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true},"insert":"*SALT ALERT*"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nGood cards to cage"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"insert":" lets you fill your graveyard up with the exact cards you need at the moment to cage.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcanis the Omnipotent"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jace's Archivist"}},{"insert":" ensures you have a steady flow of cards incoming.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dralnu, Lich Lord"}},{"insert":" lets your commander tap to give a spell in your graveyard "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Flashback"}},{"insert":" - letting you double dip on all your spells.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Shauku, Endbringer"}},{"insert":" turns your commander into targeted removal, which basically says \"Tap: Exile a creature, and put a +1/+1 counter on Mairsil, the Pretender\".\n\nBackup cages"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf for some reason you can't get to "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" , or if it was disrupted and exiled, these three provide some backup.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pack Rat"}},{"insert":" basically adds the ability to your commander \"Discard a card that you want to cage: Make a copy of commander that dies to the legend rule, but can cage the card you discarded\""},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cavern Harpy"}},{"insert":" can be played from hand to bounce your commander back to your hand. You can also cage it to give your commander \"Pay 1 life: Bounce commander to hand\""},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Clever Impersonator"}},{"insert":" comes in, copies your commander and dies to the legend rule, letting you cage something. However, his flexibility is insane. I've used him to copy "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rhystic Study"}},{"insert":" , and in one case, copied an opponent's "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sting, the Glinting Dagger"}},{"insert":" to use as an untapper! The flexibility is great."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nUntappers"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Eater of the Dead"}},{"insert":" is a "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"cute"},{"insert":" card that provides graveyard hate while untapping your commander for "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"free"},{"insert":". This is probably the only deck where he's actually good."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Morphling"}},{"insert":" lets you untap for a "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":", and also gives him shroud until end of turn for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":". The flying for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U "},{"insert":"might also be relevant sometimes!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" is the weaker of the 'lings, where he gives you untap for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"R"},{"insert":", and a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Bolt Bend"}},{"insert":" that targets your commander for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"R"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pili-Pala"}},{"insert":" when caged essentially turns your commander untap into a filter land, which turns "},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"2"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"to 1 mana of any colour. As this is a mana ability, it doesn't take the stack and can't be responded to!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thousand-Year Elixir"}},{"insert":" should always be played, and it has \""},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"1"},{"insert":", tap: Untap Mairsil the Pretender.\""},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nSpecial mention"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Viashino Heretic"}},{"insert":" has a special mention as a utility card that can be played on turn 3 naked. Its ability to blow up artifacts is a great political tool, and if dealt with, can be caged. An interesting thing is that if you try to blow up an indestructible artifact (like a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blightsteel Colossus"}},{"insert":" ), its controller still gets hit for the mana value damage! If you have Viashino Heretic caged and an untapper or a haste enabler and enough mana, you could do this on "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"every"},{"insert":" player's turn. Nice!\n\nOther cards"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHaste Enablers"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHave "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Anger"}},{"insert":" in your graveyard , and a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mountain"}},{"insert":" in play."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon"}},{"insert":" , and you can haste your commander for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#000000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"B"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Play "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thousand-Year Elixir"}},{"insert":" ."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nGood Cards"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Orcish Bowmasters"}},{"insert":" being flashed in, in response to a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jace's Archivist"}},{"insert":" activation is absolutely VILE.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Faerie Mastermind"}},{"insert":" is a meta call. We don't have many 2 drops, people like to draw cards and this is our weaker "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Trouble in Pairs"}},{"insert":" .\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kolaghan's Command"}},{"insert":" is always a 2 for 1. I usually fire it off on turn 3, taking down a mana dork and a mana rock, slowing down our opponents. If I have this in my hand, and I fail to protect my commander, I let him go to the graveyard, and use its first mode to get him back. (It also rebuys Clever Impersonator). Of course, if this is countered, you'll need to find / tutor up graveyard hate.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tolaria West"}},{"insert":" exists to be transmuted into whatever utility land you need:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcane Lighthouse"}},{"insert":" if you're having trouble with shroud or hexproof."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Bojuka Bog"}},{"insert":" for graveyard hate."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Strip Mine"}},{"insert":" for land hate."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWeak cards"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nI think these cards are on the weaker side:\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Solemn Simulacrum"}},{"insert":" has been outclassed. Commander has gotten fast! I'm thinking of putting "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blood Pet"}},{"insert":" in its place.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Decree of Pain"}},{"insert":" exists as an uncounterable 5 mana give the board -2/-2 and draw a card. Definitely on the weaker side, I'm considering replacing it with either "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blasphemous Act"}},{"insert":" , or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Asmodeus the Archfiend"}},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#000000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"BBB"},{"insert":": Draw 7 cards!)\n\nTUTOR PILES"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gamble"}},{"insert":" or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Entomb"}},{"insert":" \nEarly? "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Developing? "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":" Mid game? "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Anger"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Late game? Whatever you need for the combo win."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Buried Alive"}},{"insert":" \n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Anger"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gifts Ungiven"}},{"insert":" \n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Don't have many cards in hand?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcanis the Omnipotent"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jace's Archivist"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Morphling"}},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"depending on your land situation"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Want to combo kill?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hateflayer"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"OR"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vivi Ornitier"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nCONCLUSION"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThis is a fun deck to play where each game starts off differently.\nYou are actively politicking and controlling the board, and getting yourself ready to just pop off and explode!\n\nYou should be able to set up and win around turn 7-8 with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Counterspell"}},{"insert":" backup. If you go balls to the walls completely shields down, you can expect a turn 5-6 combo win.\n\nNOTES"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf you cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" early, and an opponent attacks someone else and is able to deal at least 4 damage, you can turn their life to 4 and get a KO.\n\n------------------------------\n\nThere is a combo with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Endling"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blood Pet"}},{"insert":" (or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blood Vassal"}},{"insert":" - "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"though Blood Pet is a great turn 1 play"},{"insert":") and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" \nUse Endling's Undying for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#000000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"B"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sacrifice Mairsil to Blood Pet's ability to float a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff","background":"#000000"},"insert":"B"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mairsil comes back from the undying trigger. ("},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Cage another card if you want"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fire off your Ballista, removing the +1/+1 counter. "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Repeat"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"I don't have Blood pet yet, but I'd remove "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" for Endling, and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Solemn Simulacrum"}},{"insert":" for Blood Pet.\n\n------------------------------\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Minion of Leshrac"}},{"insert":" basically gives your commander \"Tap: Destroy target land\" -- which is great; but instead of durdling, wouldn't you rather be trying to set up your combo victory?\n\n------------------------------\n\nYou can always run "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Demonic Consultation"}},{"insert":" + "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thassa's Oracle"}},{"insert":" but that's \n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"boooooring"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is a bracket 4 deck."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"There are other bracket 5 commanders that do this better."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Don't you want to win with your commander instead?\n\nThere is a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mirror-Mad Phantasm"}},{"insert":" caged + "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thassa's Oracle"}},{"insert":" combo as well, which needs you to have 4 mana to win (plus extra for protection). If you want to do this, you need to go DEEP into rituals and fast mana.\n\nWhen you activate Mirror-Mad Phantasm's ability while its caged, you shuffle Mairsil in, and then you mill your whole library looking for a \""},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mirror-Mad Phantasm"},{"insert":"\" (which has been caged). ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffcc"},"insert":"UU"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You get a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Narcomoeba"}},{"insert":" from milling."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You unearth a milled "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fatestitcher"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Combat Courier"}},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffcc"},"insert":"UU"},{"insert":"). "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You then flashback "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dread Return"}},{"insert":" targeting Thassa's Oracle and win."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n------------------------------\n\nLORE"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe Dark"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" trapped "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ith, High Arcanist"}},{"insert":" in "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Barl's Cage"}},{"insert":" that drained his power and turned him mad, and usurped his position in the Conclave of Mages.\nUnfortunately, Ith summoned a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rag Man"}},{"insert":" to warn "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jodah, Archmage Eternal"}},{"insert":" about his treachery. \nMairsil was then attacked by a Church of Tal army led by Delphine ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Inquisition"}},{"insert":" ). Mairsil drained her magical defenses with the "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Wand of Ith"}},{"insert":" and killed her.\nJodah used the cover of the assault to free Ith, who was almost completely mad by that point. Ith destroyed Mairsil before Jodah cured his mind. \n\nIce Age"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nMairsil had imbued his life into a small ruby ring, and his essence survived into the Ice Age.\nThe ring was found by "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lim-Dûl the Necromancer"}},{"insert":" , who became a powerful necromancer thanks to the power of the ring.\nWhile under Leshrac's command ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Leshrac's Rite"}},{"insert":") , Lim-Dul's undead hordes ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lim-Dûl's Cohort"}},{"insert":" ) terrorized everyone until being defeated by an alliance between Kjeldor and Balduvia.\nJodah was magically still alive, the spirit of Mairsil attempted to take control of Lim-Dul so that he could use the necromancer's powers against his archenemy.\nLeshrac, seeking extra power himself, cut off the necromancer's hand with the ring.\n\nThe ring's next wearer was "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jaya Ballard, Task Mage"}},{"insert":" — Jodah's trusted confidant.\nMairsil spent the next decade poisoning her mind, eventually convincing her to betray her master and slit his throat.\nJodah fought back and Jaya's planeswalker spark ignited when he used "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reflecting Mirror"}},{"insert":" on her.\nJaya's ascension, and the energies it released, eradicated all traces of Mairsil's soul within her.\n\nMagic Origins"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe ring found its way to an ancestor of "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Liliana Vess"}},{"insert":" who buried it under the family estate. Lim-Dul's soul lived on in the ring and it corrupted Liliana disguised as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"The Raven Man"}},{"insert":". \nHer planeswalker spark ignited when the Raven Man tricked her into using a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tainted Remedy"}},{"insert":" on her brother. ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Liliana, Heretical Healer // Liliana, Defiant Necromancer"}},{"insert":" )\n\nDominaria United"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nBy the time the events of Dominaria United came around, Liliana had become a master necromancer, and she figured out the origins of the Raven Man. Her will subsumed to the remnants of his, and of all the necromancers who wore the ring prior, going back all the way to "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":", erasing his final vestige.\n\n[ "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/homecoming-2022-08-12"},"insert":"Read Homecoming on Wizards' Site"},{"insert":" ]\n\nAlso see: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fellwar Stone"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Inferno"}},{"insert":" (change edition to The Dark), "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Stone Calendar"}},{"insert":" .\n"}]}
Mairsil, the Pretender
When Mairsil enters, you may exile an artifact or creature card from your hand or graveyard and put a cage counter on it.
Mairsil has all activated abilities of all cards you own in exile with cage counters on them. You may activate each of those abilities only once each turn.
Mairsil has all activated abilities of all cards you own in exile with cage counters on them. You may activate each of those abilities only once each turn.
Legendary Creature - Human Wizard

Commander
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Aetherling
: Exile this creature. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.
: This creature can't be blocked this turn.
: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn.
: This creature gets -1/+1 until end of turn.
: This creature can't be blocked this turn.
: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn.
: This creature gets -1/+1 until end of turn.
Creature - Shapeshifter

CAGE ME FIRST
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Cages backup
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Quicksilver Elemental
: This creature gains all activated abilities of target creature until end of turn. (If any of the abilities use that creature's name, use this creature's name instead.)
You may spend blue mana as though it were mana of any color to pay the activation costs of this creature's abilities.
You may spend blue mana as though it were mana of any color to pay the activation costs of this creature's abilities.
Creature - Elemental

Vivi Ornitier
: Add X mana in any combination of and/or , where X is Vivi Ornitier's power. Activate only during your turn and only once each turn.
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Vivi Ornitier and it deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Vivi Ornitier and it deals 1 damage to each opponent.
Legendary Creature - Wizard

Combo wins
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Delay
Counter target spell. If the spell is countered this way, exile it with three time counters on it instead of putting it into its owner's graveyard. If it doesn't have suspend, it gains suspend. (At the beginning of its owner's upkeep, they remove a time counter. When the last is removed, they may play it without paying its mana cost. If it's a creature, it has haste.)
Instant

Counterspells
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Endling
: This creature gains menace until end of turn.
: This creature gains deathtouch until end of turn.
: This creature gains undying until end of turn. (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)
: This creature gets +1/-1 or -1/+1 until end of turn.
: This creature gains deathtouch until end of turn.
: This creature gains undying until end of turn. (When this creature dies, if it had no +1/+1 counters on it, return it to the battlefield under its owner's control with a +1/+1 counter on it.)
: This creature gets +1/-1 or -1/+1 until end of turn.
Creature - Shapeshifter Zombie

Creatures
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Fill the GY
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Dralnu, Lich Lord
If damage would be dealt to Dralnu, sacrifice that many permanents instead.
: Target instant or sorcery card in your graveyard gains flashback until end of turn. The flashback cost is equal to its mana cost. (You may cast that card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
: Target instant or sorcery card in your graveyard gains flashback until end of turn. The flashback cost is equal to its mana cost. (You may cast that card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
Legendary Creature - Wizard Zombie

Great cards to cage
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Haste Enablers
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Land
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Ramp
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Removal
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Tutor
(Ctrl to add secondary)
Morphling
: Untap this creature.
: This creature gains flying until end of turn.
: This creature gains shroud until end of turn. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.)
: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn.
: This creature gets -1/+1 until end of turn.
: This creature gains flying until end of turn.
: This creature gains shroud until end of turn. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities.)
: This creature gets +1/-1 until end of turn.
: This creature gets -1/+1 until end of turn.
Creature - Shapeshifter

Untap
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Path of Ancestry
This land enters tapped.
: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. When that mana is spent to cast a creature spell that shares a creature type with your commander, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)
: Add one mana of any color in your commander's color identity. When that mana is spent to cast a creature spell that shares a creature type with your commander, scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom.)
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{"ops":[{"insert":"PREAMBLE"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nControl the board with the wide suite of interaction and removal, play politics until you can win with a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" combo!\n\nEnsure you have protection before you cast your "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":". Watch what your opponents are doing and find a window to deploy him with a "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":" to bounce him, or with enough for a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Counterspell"}},{"insert":" .\n\nWhen he comes down, try to cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" . You can bounce Mairsil on the 2nd main phase of your last opponent to cage another card on their end step. (Or in response to removal). Don't wait for your opponent's end step - the Aetherling ability only returns on the "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"next"},{"insert":" end step, and you want your commander to not be summoning sick on your turn.\n\nCOMBOS"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe simplest combo is to have a caged "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" , \nTap to make an opponent's life total 4 on the last opponent's end step."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Then activate "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" 's unblockable to KO them."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Blink "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" to reset his toughness to 4."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n------------------------------\n\nA little more work has you caging "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hateflayer"}},{"insert":" .\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" turns your opponent's life to 4"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hateflayer"}},{"insert":" for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"2"},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"R"},{"insert":" mana untaps your commander and kills them."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Blink "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" to reset his toughness to 4."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"If you have a haste enabler, you can kill each opponent on their "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"upkeep"},{"insert":"!\n\n------------------------------\n\nThe other combo is to cage either:\n3+ mana producing artifact ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gilded Lotus"}},{"insert":" ) and an Untap effect (e.g. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pili-Pala"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Morphling"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" ) "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vivi Ornitier"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"In addition, you will need:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Quicksilver Elemental"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" in hand, or caged."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The combo works as such:\nYou tap your commander's Gilded Lotus ability for mana ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"UUU"},{"insert":"), untap with Pili-Pala ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"UU"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"OR\nActivate Vivi's ability to make ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"UUUU"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Then,\nUse Quicksilver Elemental to reset Mairsil's abilities for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":", enabling your commander to use his \"Once a turn\" abilities "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"again"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Repeat."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Each iteration of this will add extra "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"to your mana pool, letting you make infinite mana.\nYou can then make a massive Walking ballista that pings your opponents down, or if caged, make your commander massively big and ping your opponents down.\n\nCAGE MATCH"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true},"insert":"*SALT ALERT*"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The most obnoxious thing you can do is cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nevinyrral's Disk"}},{"insert":" . Then, for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"1 "},{"insert":"mana, at instant speed, you can blow up the board . If you've caged an "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" , also pay a "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"blinking out your commander to keep him safe! If you have a haste enabler, you can do it multiple times in a commander turn cycle. "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"OOF!"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"underline":true},"insert":"*SALT ALERT*"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nGood cards to cage"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"insert":" lets you fill your graveyard up with the exact cards you need at the moment to cage.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcanis the Omnipotent"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jace's Archivist"}},{"insert":" ensures you have a steady flow of cards incoming.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dralnu, Lich Lord"}},{"insert":" lets your commander tap to give a spell in your graveyard "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Flashback"}},{"insert":" - letting you double dip on all your spells.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Shauku, Endbringer"}},{"insert":" turns your commander into targeted removal, which basically says \"Tap: Exile a creature, and put a +1/+1 counter on Mairsil, the Pretender\".\n\nBackup cages"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf for some reason you can't get to "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" , or if it was disrupted and exiled, these three provide some backup.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pack Rat"}},{"insert":" basically adds the ability to your commander \"Discard a card that you want to cage: Make a copy of commander that dies to the legend rule, but can cage the card you discarded\""},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cavern Harpy"}},{"insert":" can be played from hand to bounce your commander back to your hand. You can also cage it to give your commander \"Pay 1 life: Bounce commander to hand\""},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Clever Impersonator"}},{"insert":" comes in, copies your commander and dies to the legend rule, letting you cage something. However, his flexibility is insane. I've used him to copy "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rhystic Study"}},{"insert":" , and in one case, copied an opponent's "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sting, the Glinting Dagger"}},{"insert":" to use as an untapper! The flexibility is great."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nUntappers"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Eater of the Dead"}},{"insert":" is a "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"cute"},{"insert":" card that provides graveyard hate while untapping your commander for "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"free"},{"insert":". This is probably the only deck where he's actually good."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Morphling"}},{"insert":" lets you untap for a "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":", and also gives him shroud until end of turn for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U"},{"insert":". The flying for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"U "},{"insert":"might also be relevant sometimes!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" is the weaker of the 'lings, where he gives you untap for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"R"},{"insert":", and a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Bolt Bend"}},{"insert":" that targets your commander for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"R"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pili-Pala"}},{"insert":" when caged essentially turns your commander untap into a filter land, which turns "},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"2"},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"to 1 mana of any colour. As this is a mana ability, it doesn't take the stack and can't be responded to!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thousand-Year Elixir"}},{"insert":" should always be played, and it has \""},{"attributes":{"background":"#888888","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"1"},{"insert":", tap: Untap Mairsil the Pretender.\""},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nSpecial mention"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Viashino Heretic"}},{"insert":" has a special mention as a utility card that can be played on turn 3 naked. Its ability to blow up artifacts is a great political tool, and if dealt with, can be caged. An interesting thing is that if you try to blow up an indestructible artifact (like a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blightsteel Colossus"}},{"insert":" ), its controller still gets hit for the mana value damage! If you have Viashino Heretic caged and an untapper or a haste enabler and enough mana, you could do this on "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"every"},{"insert":" player's turn. Nice!\n\nOther cards"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHaste Enablers"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nHave "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Anger"}},{"insert":" in your graveyard , and a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mountain"}},{"insert":" in play."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Skithiryx, the Blight Dragon"}},{"insert":" , and you can haste your commander for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#000000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"B"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Play "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thousand-Year Elixir"}},{"insert":" ."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nGood Cards"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Orcish Bowmasters"}},{"insert":" being flashed in, in response to a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jace's Archivist"}},{"insert":" activation is absolutely VILE.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Faerie Mastermind"}},{"insert":" is a meta call. We don't have many 2 drops, people like to draw cards and this is our weaker "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Trouble in Pairs"}},{"insert":" .\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kolaghan's Command"}},{"insert":" is always a 2 for 1. I usually fire it off on turn 3, taking down a mana dork and a mana rock, slowing down our opponents. If I have this in my hand, and I fail to protect my commander, I let him go to the graveyard, and use its first mode to get him back. (It also rebuys Clever Impersonator). Of course, if this is countered, you'll need to find / tutor up graveyard hate.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tolaria West"}},{"insert":" exists to be transmuted into whatever utility land you need:\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcane Lighthouse"}},{"insert":" if you're having trouble with shroud or hexproof."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Bojuka Bog"}},{"insert":" for graveyard hate."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Strip Mine"}},{"insert":" for land hate."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nWeak cards"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nI think these cards are on the weaker side:\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Solemn Simulacrum"}},{"insert":" has been outclassed. Commander has gotten fast! I'm thinking of putting "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blood Pet"}},{"insert":" in its place.\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Decree of Pain"}},{"insert":" exists as an uncounterable 5 mana give the board -2/-2 and draw a card. Definitely on the weaker side, I'm considering replacing it with either "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blasphemous Act"}},{"insert":" , or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Asmodeus the Archfiend"}},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#000000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"BBB"},{"insert":": Draw 7 cards!)\n\nTUTOR PILES"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gamble"}},{"insert":" or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Entomb"}},{"insert":" \nEarly? "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Developing? "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":" Mid game? "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Anger"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Late game? Whatever you need for the combo win."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Buried Alive"}},{"insert":" \n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Anger"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gifts Ungiven"}},{"insert":" \n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aetherling"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Oriq Loremage"}},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Don't have many cards in hand?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Arcanis the Omnipotent"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jace's Archivist"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Morphling"}},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"depending on your land situation"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Want to combo kill?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hateflayer"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"OR"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Vivi Ornitier"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nCONCLUSION"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThis is a fun deck to play where each game starts off differently.\nYou are actively politicking and controlling the board, and getting yourself ready to just pop off and explode!\n\nYou should be able to set up and win around turn 7-8 with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Counterspell"}},{"insert":" backup. If you go balls to the walls completely shields down, you can expect a turn 5-6 combo win.\n\nNOTES"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nIf you cage "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tree of Perdition"}},{"insert":" early, and an opponent attacks someone else and is able to deal at least 4 damage, you can turn their life to 4 and get a KO.\n\n------------------------------\n\nThere is a combo with "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Endling"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blood Pet"}},{"insert":" (or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Blood Vassal"}},{"insert":" - "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"though Blood Pet is a great turn 1 play"},{"insert":") and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Walking Ballista"}},{"insert":" \nUse Endling's Undying for "},{"attributes":{"background":"#000000","color":"#ffffff"},"insert":"B"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Sacrifice Mairsil to Blood Pet's ability to float a "},{"attributes":{"color":"#ffffff","background":"#000000"},"insert":"B"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Mairsil comes back from the undying trigger. ("},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Cage another card if you want"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Fire off your Ballista, removing the +1/+1 counter. "},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Repeat"},{"attributes":{"list":"ordered"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"I don't have Blood pet yet, but I'd remove "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torchling"}},{"insert":" for Endling, and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Solemn Simulacrum"}},{"insert":" for Blood Pet.\n\n------------------------------\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Minion of Leshrac"}},{"insert":" basically gives your commander \"Tap: Destroy target land\" -- which is great; but instead of durdling, wouldn't you rather be trying to set up your combo victory?\n\n------------------------------\n\nYou can always run "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Demonic Consultation"}},{"insert":" + "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thassa's Oracle"}},{"insert":" but that's \n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"boooooring"},{"insert":". "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is a bracket 4 deck."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"There are other bracket 5 commanders that do this better."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Don't you want to win with your commander instead?\n\nThere is a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mirror-Mad Phantasm"}},{"insert":" caged + "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Thassa's Oracle"}},{"insert":" combo as well, which needs you to have 4 mana to win (plus extra for protection). If you want to do this, you need to go DEEP into rituals and fast mana.\n\nWhen you activate Mirror-Mad Phantasm's ability while its caged, you shuffle Mairsil in, and then you mill your whole library looking for a \""},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mirror-Mad Phantasm"},{"insert":"\" (which has been caged). ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffcc"},"insert":"UU"},{"insert":")"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You get a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Narcomoeba"}},{"insert":" from milling."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You unearth a milled "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fatestitcher"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Combat Courier"}},{"insert":" ("},{"attributes":{"background":"#0066cc","color":"#ffffcc"},"insert":"UU"},{"insert":"). "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You then flashback "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dread Return"}},{"insert":" targeting Thassa's Oracle and win."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n------------------------------\n\nLORE"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe Dark"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":" trapped "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ith, High Arcanist"}},{"insert":" in "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Barl's Cage"}},{"insert":" that drained his power and turned him mad, and usurped his position in the Conclave of Mages.\nUnfortunately, Ith summoned a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rag Man"}},{"insert":" to warn "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jodah, Archmage Eternal"}},{"insert":" about his treachery. \nMairsil was then attacked by a Church of Tal army led by Delphine ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Inquisition"}},{"insert":" ). Mairsil drained her magical defenses with the "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Wand of Ith"}},{"insert":" and killed her.\nJodah used the cover of the assault to free Ith, who was almost completely mad by that point. Ith destroyed Mairsil before Jodah cured his mind. \n\nIce Age"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nMairsil had imbued his life into a small ruby ring, and his essence survived into the Ice Age.\nThe ring was found by "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lim-Dûl the Necromancer"}},{"insert":" , who became a powerful necromancer thanks to the power of the ring.\nWhile under Leshrac's command ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Leshrac's Rite"}},{"insert":") , Lim-Dul's undead hordes ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lim-Dûl's Cohort"}},{"insert":" ) terrorized everyone until being defeated by an alliance between Kjeldor and Balduvia.\nJodah was magically still alive, the spirit of Mairsil attempted to take control of Lim-Dul so that he could use the necromancer's powers against his archenemy.\nLeshrac, seeking extra power himself, cut off the necromancer's hand with the ring.\n\nThe ring's next wearer was "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Jaya Ballard, Task Mage"}},{"insert":" — Jodah's trusted confidant.\nMairsil spent the next decade poisoning her mind, eventually convincing her to betray her master and slit his throat.\nJodah fought back and Jaya's planeswalker spark ignited when he used "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Reflecting Mirror"}},{"insert":" on her.\nJaya's ascension, and the energies it released, eradicated all traces of Mairsil's soul within her.\n\nMagic Origins"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nThe ring found its way to an ancestor of "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Liliana Vess"}},{"insert":" who buried it under the family estate. Lim-Dul's soul lived on in the ring and it corrupted Liliana disguised as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"The Raven Man"}},{"insert":". \nHer planeswalker spark ignited when the Raven Man tricked her into using a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tainted Remedy"}},{"insert":" on her brother. ("},{"insert":{"card-link":"Liliana, Heretical Healer // Liliana, Defiant Necromancer"}},{"insert":" )\n\nDominaria United"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nBy the time the events of Dominaria United came around, Liliana had become a master necromancer, and she figured out the origins of the Raven Man. Her will subsumed to the remnants of his, and of all the necromancers who wore the ring prior, going back all the way to "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mairsil, the Pretender"}},{"insert":", erasing his final vestige.\n\n[ "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/magic-story/homecoming-2022-08-12"},"insert":"Read Homecoming on Wizards' Site"},{"insert":" ]\n\nAlso see: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fellwar Stone"}},{"insert":" , "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Inferno"}},{"insert":" (change edition to The Dark), "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Stone Calendar"}},{"insert":" .\n"}]}



































































































