{"ops":[{"insert":"No Artifacts Needed :"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Golem Tribal — No Golems, No Artifacts"},{"attributes":{"header":1},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Commanders:"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/akiri-line-slinger"},"insert":"Akiri, Line-Slinger"},{"insert":" & "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ich-tekik-salvage-splicer"},"insert":"Ich-Tekik, Salvage Splicer"},{"insert":"\nThe Concept"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The original idea was simple: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"build a Golem tribal deck that benefits from sacrificing artifacts, without including a single Golem card or Artifact card in the deck."},{"insert":"\nYes, it's intentionally contradictory.\nI wanted to see how far I could push this gimmick without simply filling the deck with the usual artifacts and artifact creatures.\nThe solution? Splicers, blink effects, plenty of enchantments, and a healthy dose of generosity toward my opponents.\nThe goal is to make this unusual strategy work "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"within Commander Bracket 2"},{"insert":", prioritizing fun interactions and synergy over raw power and optimization.\nAfter all, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"why sacrifice my own artifacts when I can convince my opponents to sacrifice theirs?"},{"insert":"\n\nGeneral Strategy"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck revolves around three complementary mechanics.\n1. Building a Golem Army"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Since we're not allowed to play Golem cards, we'll have to make our own.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Splicers"},{"insert":" are the backbone of this strategy. These creatures generate artifact Golem tokens, mostly 3/3s, and some of them grant additional abilities to our Golems.\nCards like "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/blade-splicer"},"insert":"Blade Splicer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/master-splicer"},"insert":"Master Splicer"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/maul-splicer"},"insert":"Maul Splicer"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/vital-splicer"},"insert":"Vital Splicer"},{"insert":" provide both bodies and useful abilities.\nThe goal is to repeatedly trigger their enter-the-battlefield abilities and gradually build an army of Golems.\nRepeatable Blink — The Main Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck prioritizes "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"repeatable blink effects"},{"insert":" over one-shot spells.\nThe idea is to establish a permanent source of blinking that can continuously retrigger our Splicers without spending additional cards.\nOur main engines are:\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/teleportation-circle","bold":true},"insert":"Teleportation Circle"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" A reliable way to blink one of our Splicers every end step. Simple, efficient, and exactly what the deck wants."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/airbender-ascension","bold":true},"insert":"Airbender Ascension"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Once it reaches four quest counters, it becomes another repeatable end-step blink engine. Our constant creature production helps it reach that threshold."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/nahiris-resolve","bold":true},"insert":"Nahiri's Resolve"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Potentially the most explosive option, allowing us to exile any number of our nontoken creatures at the end of our turn and bring them back during our next upkeep. It also provides haste and an additional power boost."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Unlike our instant-speed blink spells, these enchantments provide long-term value and allow the deck to keep producing Golems turn after turn.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/nahiris-resolve"},"insert":"Nahiri's Resolve"},{"insert":" is particularly powerful with multiple Splicers, since it can retrigger all of them at once every turn cycle.\nOne-Shot Blink — Utility and Protection"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The deck also includes several blink spells, but they serve a slightly different purpose.\nRather than being our primary engine, they provide flexibility, additional ETB triggers, and protection against removal.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ephemerate","bold":true},"insert":"Ephemerate"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" An efficient blink spell that can retrigger a Splicer twice thanks to rebound."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/personify","bold":true},"insert":"Personify"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Blinks a creature while also creating a 1/1 Shapeshifter token with changeling. Since that token is every creature type, it also counts as a Golem!"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/eerie-interlude","bold":true},"insert":"Eerie Interlude"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Protects multiple creatures from removal while setting up another wave of ETB triggers."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/laezels-acrobatics","bold":true},"insert":"Lae'zel's Acrobatics"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" A mass-blink effect that can generate substantial value while protecting our creatures."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/semesters-end","bold":true},"insert":"Semester's End"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Protects our creatures and brings them back with additional +1/+1 counters."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/parting-gust","bold":true},"insert":"Parting Gust"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" A flexible spell that can either blink one of our nontoken creatures or permanently exile an opposing threat if we promise the gift."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"These spells are especially useful when an opponent tries to remove our key Splicers or when we need an additional burst of Golem production.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The repeatable blink effects build our army. The one-shot spells keep it alive and provide occasional bursts of value."},{"insert":"\nMultiplying Our Golems"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Once our Splicers start producing tokens, we can accelerate the process with:\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/anointed-procession"},"insert":"Anointed Procession"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/parallel-lives"},"insert":"Parallel Lives"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/mondrak-glory-dominus"},"insert":"Mondrak, Glory Dominus"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/renewed-solidarity"},"insert":"Renewed Solidarity"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The last one is particularly interesting: by choosing Golem, it strengthens our army and creates copies of our newly generated Golem tokens at the beginning of our end step.\n2. Giving Artifacts to Our Opponents"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This is probably the most entertaining part of the deck.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ich-tekik-salvage-splicer"},"insert":"Ich-Tekik, Salvage Splicer"},{"insert":" puts a +1/+1 counter on himself and each Golem we control whenever an artifact is put into a graveyard from the battlefield.\nAnd most importantly, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"the artifact doesn't have to belong to us."},{"insert":"\nIn other words, every Treasure sacrificed by an opponent makes our entire Golem army stronger.\nThe deck therefore includes several cards designed to give artifacts away:\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/descent-into-avernus","bold":true},"insert":"Descent into Avernus"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Gives everyone Treasures while gradually increasing the pressure on the table."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/generous-plunderer","bold":true},"insert":"Generous Plunderer"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Encourages our opponents to generate additional Treasures."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/jolene-the-plunder-queen","bold":true},"insert":"Jolene, the Plunder Queen"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Rewards players for attacking our opponents by generating more Treasures."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/pain-distributor","bold":true},"insert":"Pain Distributor"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Hands out Treasures and punishes opponents whenever their artifacts hit the graveyard."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/kibo-uktabi-prince","bold":true},"insert":"Kibo, Uktabi Prince"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":":"},{"insert":" Distributes Banana tokens that players can sacrifice for mana."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The idea is to give our opponents resources they'll naturally want to use.\nThey get to accelerate their game plan, but every artifact they sacrifice makes our Golems bigger.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"And if they refuse to sacrifice their artifacts, we have a few ways to destroy them ourselves."},{"insert":"\n3. An Enchantment-Based Engine"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Since Artifact cards are completely off-limits, the deck relies primarily on enchantments to power its engine.\nThey serve several purposes:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Ramp:"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/wild-growth"},"insert":"Wild Growth"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/utopia-sprawl"},"insert":"Utopia Sprawl"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/miraris-wake"},"insert":"Mirari's Wake"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/monologue-tax"},"insert":"Monologue Tax"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Card draw:"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/enchantresss-presence"},"insert":"Enchantress's Presence"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/guardian-project"},"insert":"Guardian Project"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/trouble-in-pairs"},"insert":"Trouble in Pairs"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Token generation:"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/anointed-procession"},"insert":"Anointed Procession"},{"insert":", "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/parallel-lives"},"insert":"Parallel Lives"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/springleaf-parade"},"insert":"Springleaf Parade"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Damage:"},{"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/impact-tremors"},"insert":"Impact Tremors"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/warleaders-call"},"insert":"Warleader's Call"},{"insert":"."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This enchantment-based foundation allows the deck to keep functioning even when its commanders aren't on the battlefield.\nOur blink effects also work nicely with utility creatures, especially those that fetch lands or destroy opposing permanents.\n\nThe Commanders"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ich-tekik-salvage-splicer"},"insert":"Ich-Tekik, Salvage Splicer"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The real engine of the deck.\nHe creates a Golem himself when he enters the battlefield and turns every artifact sent to the graveyard into +1/+1 counters for our Golem army.\nWith several Golems on the battlefield, sacrificing a single Treasure can represent a considerable increase in our total board power.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/hardened-scales"},"insert":"Hardened Scales"},{"insert":" makes this interaction even more effective.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/akiri-line-slinger"},"insert":"Akiri, Line-Slinger"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Akiri serves as a secondary threat.\nEven though the deck doesn't contain any Artifact cards, the Golems created by our Splicers are still artifact creatures.\nEvery Golem and every Treasure we control therefore increases Akiri's power, making her a decent backup win condition.\nHowever, "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"if our main game plan is working, Akiri's most important job is actually to be sacrificed to "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/flare-of-fortitude","bold":true},"insert":"Flare of Fortitude"},{"insert":", protecting our Golem army from a potential board wipe.\nSometimes, being a commander means making sacrifices. Literally.\n\nWin Conditions"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The main plan is relatively straightforward: "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"create a lot of Golems, make them enormous, and attack."},{"insert":"\nThe various abilities granted by our Splicers, combined with anthem effects, can turn ordinary 3/3 tokens into serious threats.\nHowever, the deck also includes several sources of indirect damage:\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Creature and Artifact ETB Damage"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/impact-tremors","bold":true},"insert":"Impact Tremors"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/warleaders-call","bold":true},"insert":"Warleader's Call"},{"insert":" deal damage to each opponent whenever our creatures enter the battlefield."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/reckless-fireweaver","bold":true},"insert":"Reckless Fireweaver"},{"insert":" turns our artifact production into damage."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/weftstalker-ardent","bold":true},"insert":"Weftstalker Ardent"},{"insert":" combines both effects, dealing damage whenever another creature or artifact we control enters the battlefield."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Punishing Our Opponents"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/pain-distributor","bold":true},"insert":"Pain Distributor"},{"insert":" punishes opponents whenever their artifacts hit the graveyard, making those gifted Treasures even more dangerous to sacrifice."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/descent-into-avernus","bold":true},"insert":"Descent into Avernus"},{"insert":" gradually puts the entire table under pressure while feeding our artifact-sacrifice strategy."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"With token doublers and repeatable blink engines, even a single Splicer can generate a surprising amount of damage without ever needing to attack.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Sometimes our Golems don't even need to swing to finish the job."},{"insert":"\n\nMVP Cards & Synergies"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ich-tekik-salvage-splicer"},"insert":"Ich-Tekik"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/descent-into-avernus"},"insert":"Descent into Avernus"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Everyone receives Treasures, but whenever our opponents sacrifice them, our Golems grow stronger.\nThe longer the game goes, the more dangerous those free resources become.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ich-tekik-salvage-splicer"},"insert":"Ich-Tekik"},{"insert":" + "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/kibo-uktabi-prince"},"insert":"Kibo, Uktabi Prince"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Kibo distributes Bananas to everyone. Whenever those Bananas are sacrificed, Ich-Tekik triggers.\nAnd if our opponents decide to keep their Bananas, Kibo can also force them to sacrifice artifacts through combat.\nSplicers + Repeatable Blink"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Our repeatable blink engines allow us to generate Golems without spending additional cards every turn.\nWith multiple Splicers and a token doubler in play, our army can quickly become overwhelming.\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/party-dude"},"insert":"Party Dude"},{"insert":" + Gift Artifacts"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"At level 2, Party Dude lets us draw cards whenever an artifact controlled by an opponent is put into a graveyard from the battlefield.\nThis effectively turns our opponents' artifact sacrifices into both +1/+1 counters for our Golems and card advantage for us.\n\nWeak Points & Things to Watch For"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Commander Dependency"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Without "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/cards/ich-tekik-salvage-splicer"},"insert":"Ich-Tekik"},{"insert":", artifacts sacrificed by our opponents no longer strengthen our Golems.\nThe deck can still generate tokens, but it loses a significant part of its potential.\nSlow Setup"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"The strategy requires several pieces to work together: Golem generators, ways to produce artifacts, and ideally cards that reward us when those artifacts are sacrificed.\nAs a result, the deck can take a while to get going.\nBoard Wipes"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Building a large Golem army takes resources.\nBoard wipes can undo several turns of development, although the deck does include protection and blink effects to help mitigate this weakness.\nHelping Our Opponents"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Giving our opponents free Treasures is not without risk.\nWe're providing them with additional mana, sometimes exactly when they need it most.\nThe goal is to extract more value from their sacrifices than they gain from the free resources.\nBut sometimes, we'll simply end up funding the player who eliminates us.\n"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFinal Thoughts"},{"attributes":{"header":2},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"This deck is, above all, a deckbuilding experiment.\nI wanted to build a Golem tribal deck without Golem cards, centered around artifacts without playing Artifact cards, and powered primarily by enchantments.\nThe result is a strange mixture of "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Golem Tribal, Blink, Enchantress, and Group Hug"},{"insert":", where the gifts we give our opponents directly contribute to making our own army stronger.\nIs this the most efficient way to play Ich-Tekik? Probably not.\nBut building the most optimized deck was never really the point.\n"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"The challenge was to make this ridiculous idea actually work while sticking to the original restrictions."},{"insert":"\n"}]}