{"ops":[{"insert":"Can Magic’s mechanics really tell a story? This deck is my attempt to do so. \n\nOverview"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck fully encapsulates Zuko's character arc and embodies the same motifs and themes represented in Avatar: The Last Airbender. More of an artistic piece than a hyper-competitive deck, the true ATLA fan will appreciate the flavor and mechanics of this deck as they retell Zuko's story through Zuko's eyes.\n\nThe Commander"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fire Lord Zuko"}},{"insert":" is the obvious choice of Commander for this deck. His first ability allows you to generate X mana when he attacks where X is his power. As the game progresses, he will be able to generate more mana which represents his growth and development from being the exiled prince to the esteemed Fire Lord. Speaking of exile, his second ability allows you to place +1/+1 counters on all creatures you control when you cast a spell from exile. This represents the inner strength and exile Zuko found during his own exile that would allow him to evenutally defeat his opponents.\n\nHow to Play This Deck"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Your first priority is to get "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fire Lord Zuko"}},{"insert":" on the field as he is our narrator throughout the game. He will become stronger as the game progesses. This deck includes many characters from the show who were influential to Zuko at different points. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Iroh, Dragon of the West"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Iroh, Firebending Instructor"}},{"insert":" represent Uncle Iroh's guidance and wisdom that allowed Zuko to become stronger. Fire Nation cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Firebending Student"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Firebending Lesson"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fire Sages"}},{"insert":" represent Zuko's origins and loyalties that he will reconsider. \n\nThere are so many Zuko cards in the ATLA set, and these cards are included to represent the different stages of Zuko's journey: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko's Exile"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko, Seeking Honor"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko, Avatar Hunter"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko's Offense"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko's Conviction"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko, Conflicted"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zuko, Firebending Master"}},{"insert":". Use these cards to represent Zuko's shifting desires and inner turmoil as he seeks to regain his honor.\n\nGetting the Most Value"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"You could absolutely play this deck as an aggressive turn-and-burn mono red style deck. But like Zuko, you will come to realize that having allies will help infinitely improve your chances. In this deck, Aang comes alongside Zuko to make him, and the your other creatures, powerhouses using Fire Lord Zuko's second ability. Using the suite of airbending cards, you are able to exile your own creatures and permanents and recast them for 2 mana. This counts as casting a card from exile thus triggering Fire Lord Zuko's ability. You can make this super thematic by exiling all your other Zuko cards as Fire Lord Zuko recounts and narrates his life.\n\nAirbending Cards: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aang, Airbending Master"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Aang, the Last Airbender"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Airbender Ascension"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Airbender's Reversal"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Airbending Lesson"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Appa, Steadfast Guardian"}},{"insert":"\n\nZuko's exile is the perfect parallel to Aang's desertion before he was trapped in the ice. Despite having differing motives and goals, these two understand each other fundamentally. That is why this deck partners these two together and, for Fire Lord Zuko, he needs Aang in order to reach his full potential.\n\nThe Win Condition"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck wins by exiling cards, casting them, growing your creatures and swinging wide. With all the extra mana being produced by firebending, you can use this deck's suite of combat tricks to deal with blockers and create openings for big combat damage. \n\nImportant Instants: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lightning Bolt"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lightning Strike"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cast Down"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cut Down"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Swords to Plowshares"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mortify"}},{"insert":" and more!\n\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is not meant to compete at a high level (BR2). Rather, this deck is an artistic expression of the challenges Zuko has overcome and presents these lesson and ideal through the medium of EDH Magic. This is a beautiful story of redemption that connects with players at some level. I have done things in my life that have betrayed my values, beliefs, and loyalties... have you? Zuko was able to overcome, and we can too.\n\nThank you, and I hope you enjoy retelling The Story Of Fire Lord Zuko!"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"}]}