benthic_druid 5 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Hello brewers,\n\nHappy New Year! Before we get to the first deckbuilding contest prompt of 2025, a brief introduction. My name is Ben, and I'll be helping Jeremy run the competition this year. I've been writing articles for "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://edhrec.com/articles/author/ben-doolittle"},"insert":"EDHREC"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://commandersherald.com/author/ben-doolittle/"},"insert":"Commander's Herald"},{"insert":" since 2019, with a focus on legendary creatures that come with a drawback. So it seems only fitting that this month's prompt should also highlight these tricky commanders. With great restriction (sometimes) comes great power. Details below.\n\nWhat’s the contest all about?"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Working within the parameters of the prompt provided below, construct a decklist with your own creative spin. Three chosen finalists will be awarded store credit to cardsphere.com. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"For January's deckbuilding contest, brew a Commander-legal list helmed by a commander with a drawback that turns that drawback into a strength. The goal is not to mitigate your commander's drawback, but to work with it as much as possible. Lists will be evaluated on how effectively they turn the commander's drawback into an advantage. "},{"insert":"\n\nKeep in mind that this prompt isn't limited to \"bad\" commanders. In fact, it's much easier to build an interesting deck when the commander has a powerful effect, but requires you to work a little to achieve it. For example, what would a deck need to do to win the game with Inferno of Star Mounts' activated ability? Or could you build Lord of Tresserhorn like a Nekusar deck? Your chosen commander should have a powerful payoff with your deck's strategy.\n\nThis is also the perfect opportunity to combine themes and bend the color pie in unique ways. Can mono-white draw enough cards to make Kiyomaro, First to Stand a real threat? Or can you combine spell slinging with aristocrats in Dralnu, Lich Lord? What is a downside in one color can sometimes be an advantage in another, and with 30 years of cards to choose from chances are there's some way to take advantage of any effect. \n\nFinally, be sure your commander doesn't impose a restriction and then immediately solve it. Taigam, Sidisi's Hand may skip your draw step, but also draws a card and fills your graveyard in your upkeep. Compare that to Asmodeus the Archfiend, who stops you from drawing cards at all until you pay the price. The same applies to Companions most of the time. They're so powerful, and easy enough to build around, that they end up being all upside for little to no cost. If you include a companion in your submission, think carefully about how impactful it's restriction actually is for your deck.\n\nHere’s how to participate:"},{"attributes":{"header":3},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Brew an EDH/Commander legal deck on Archidekt that satisfies the prompt.\n\nAny unreleased cards spoiled during the contest’s duration are allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Silver-bordered and acorn cards, while cool, are not allowed. "},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Digital-only cards (such as those designed for the Alchemy format on Arena) are not allowed."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"Strictly one deck submitted per user."},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nReply to this newspost, or the Discord submission post with a link to your deck before "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"9:00 pm EST"},{"insert":" (UTC -5, currently) on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 8, 2025"},{"insert":" (do not submit the same deck in multiple places). Only one submission per user! \n\nFrom the eligible submissions, we'll select three finalists with lists that we believe best embody the spirit of the prompt. Deck descriptions are not required but certainly may provide valuable context!\n\nOn "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 15, 2025"},{"insert":", we’ll announce three finalists via Discord and a brief article on EDHREC highlighting each deck. Each finalist will be awarded credit on cardsphere.com. The value of the credit is in US dollars and depends on the finalist's placement in deck upvotes at the end of the week-long polling period:\n\n1st Place Prize - $250"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"2nd Place Prize - $150"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"3rd Place Prize - $100"},{"attributes":{"list":"bullet"},"insert":"\n"},{"insert":"\nFinalists will be contacted via email or Discord (depending on where they submitted) regarding their winnings within roughly 24 hours following the conclusion of voting on "},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Wednesday, January 22, 2025"},{"insert":". Please note, you must have a Cardsphere account in order to receive your winnings. It's quick and free-- "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.cardsphere.com/"},"insert":"register here"},{"insert":" if you don't have an account already!\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/contestRules"},"insert":"Official contest rules"},{"insert":".\n\nThank you!\n\nIf you have any questions, feel free to ask here, or join our "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://discord.gg/sctEc9Ru36"},"insert":"public Discord server"},{"insert":". We look forward to seeing what you all come up with! \n\nThe Archidekt Team\n"}]}
Edited 1/1/2025, 4:28:23 PM
35
Robi-Wan_Kenobi 22 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"Simple and to the point. \n\nhttps://www.archidekt.com/decks/10734701/heartless_hidetsugu\n"}]}
1
reAlex 23 hrs{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true,"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10754741/diaochan_you_may_not_kill_yourself_you_have_to_kill_yourself_d"},"insert":"Diaochan_you_may_not_kill_yourself_you_have_to_kill_yourself"},{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"!"},{"insert":"\n\nDiaochan, Artful Beauty is a human advisor with an activated ability: \"tap: Destroy target creature of your choice, then destroy target creature of an opponent's choice. Activate only during your turn, before attackers are declared.\" The way she is intended to play is to politic that she is not the threat and even though she killed your creature, you shouldn't be spiteful and kill Diaochan in return... Obviously the average EDH player is very spiteful and would kill Diaochan. But what if we put 10 pieces of shroud and protection from red equipments in the deck? Diaochan cannot be spite killed anymore and your opponent HAS to kill another creature on the table. Don't look at Diaochan's table, she only got protection from red creatures and a bunch of planeswalkers. So embrace your inner archenemy and go play Diaochan, Artful Beauty! (Dingus Staff has finally found a new home! :D )\n"}]}
Edited 1/5/2025, 10:04:20 PM
1
Dämonenplayer 24 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"The commander is zaxara the exemplary.the deck has only 17 creatures but almost every card triggers theX apility .An importent thing of the deck are two one card combos with zaxara .I made it on a 500$ buget ( Im not speaking english primarly so please ignore my writing skill.)\n"}]}
1
Dämonenplayer 19 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10752862/bigbiggerthebiggesthydra\n"}]}
1
reAlex 23 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"hi, you should add a link to your deck so we can all go like your zaxara deck.\n"}]}
1
Luke0721 25 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10745126/contest_deck_the_instigator\n\nIt goes fast\n"}]}
1
reAlex 23 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"I always like to see a Fumiko player in the pod, speeds up the game a lot!\n"}]}
1
PirateKronk 36 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"Meet Norin. Norin, The Wary. Norin is what some might call a "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8188391/worry_wort"},"insert":"Worry Wort"},{"insert":".\n\nNorin is scared of everything. An opponent Ponders, Norin runs away in fear. One opponent attacks another opponent, Norin is straight up out of there. Norin spends way more time off the battlefield, then on it. He is never going to be around to block, and he is certainly never going to attack. He isn't going to be there when going get tough. Not exactly characteristics associated with a General.\n\nHowever, while Norin may not be reliable in a fight, you can always count on him to come back each and every turn to see how everything's panned out. As it turns out, Norin's fear is usually justified. His sudden disappearance is all to often followed by the arrival of something fearsome. Norin's sense of impending doom may send him running from Mana Geyers and the occasional Impact Tremor, but it also allows him to outlive his opponents when real terrors like Terror of the Peaks, Purphoros, God of the Forge, and Solophim, Mayhem Dominus show up. Norin's trepidation lets him avoid Blasphemous Acts, Farewells, and Doom Blades of all kinds. Funny thing is despite all of his efforts to avoid danger; calamity, destruction, and death always seem to happen right as Norin decides its safe and he returns to the battlefield. He runs away to stay safe, but never seems to stay away long enough to miss the destruction of others.\n\nNorin's flight reflexes are strong, and despite his anxiety he's "},{"attributes":{"background":"var(--light-background)","color":"var(--color)"},"insert":"actually made some really good friends that truly embrace how flighty he is. Rose Room Treasurer and Irreverent Gremlin are always happy to see Norin and help him through his issues while Loyal Apprentice, and Siege-Gang Lieutenant like to bring new people and things around Norin to show him that he doesn't always have to run away."},{"insert":"\n\nNorin doesn't tend to stick around long, but he has seen some interesting places in his travels. Norin has briefly seen War Rooms, the Mines of Moria, Kher Keep and, even Valakut, the Molten Pinancle, but he prefers the peacefulness of a simple mountain far away from anything resembling Burning Earth, or anything else that could ever possibly hurt him. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8188391/worry_wort"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/8188391/worry_wort"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
1
Lebronaldinho 43 hrs{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7377778/marvo"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7377778/marvo"},{"insert":"\n\nMarvo, Deep Operative - Sea Creature Invasion. Marvo is a fun commander that lets you clash with an opponent that is defending marvo (compare top cards and the higher mana value wins; pretty much War but in magic). If you win you draw a card and then play a spell for 8 CMC or less for free! This deck allows you to copy Marvo without making the copy legendary, so even more spells for free! Not only that, but there is a handful of other cards that allow you to clash without needing to attack. It also has multiple draw engines as well to ensure your hand is packed with the best available cards to play. One card in particular is One With The Multiverse which lets you view the top card of your library and you can play a card for free from the top of your deck or hand! This deck is loaded with high CMC sea creatures that will not only ensure you win the clash, but will be swinging at your opponents for heavy damage. Tiskaidephile is also packed in here to exploit a 13 card hand at your upkeep for an early win. This deck is very fun not only for the player but opponents as well as it employs a short mini game into a game of commander that also gives an opponent a free scry (without triggering scrys if they play into that.). Marvo is one of my favorite commanders to play and the clash mechanic is a highly underrated. \n"}]}
1
Domtron 2 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Hello Everyone, I am new here, only three decks in. I just saw this and was inspired by it. Coincidentally your poster boy for the comp is the commander i chose! Hows that.\n\nHere's my deck link,\n\nI call it.\n\n"},{"attributes":{"background":"#e60000","bold":true},"insert":"Sacrifice 2 Gain, Draw = Pain"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10723399/sacrifice_2_gain_draw_pain"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10723399/sacrifice_2_gain_draw_pain"},{"insert":"\n\nMy idea was to have enough, token creation so that the sacrificing of my own creatures could be sustained, also i have tried to make it so that we either profit or punish others from our creatures going to the bin. finally i have tried to punish our opponents draws with damage. \n\nThis is a janky weird commander, i love it, soon to be appearing in paper!\n\nLove to hear your feedback.\n\nThis was a blast, Thank you. \n"}]}
Edited 1/5/2025, 9:37:48 AM
1
SprySnorlax 2 days{"ops":[{"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10723781/dralnu_and_his_bank_of_bodies\n\nThis list is my take on using "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dralnu, Lich Lord"}},{"insert":" as a means of a sac outlet for an aristocrats strategy. Using cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Murmuring Mystic"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Trail of Evidence"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Talrand, Sky Summoner"}},{"insert":" as a means to make tokens while casting spells. Then using "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Eloise, Nephalia Sleuth"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pitiless Plunderer"}},{"insert":" to refill my board as I sacrifice the creature tokens to Dralnu's triggered ability. To win the game I use the typical Aristocrats payoffs like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Zulaport Cutthroat"}},{"insert":" to drain the table out. The final bit of spice that I run is "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tormod, the Desecrator"}},{"insert":" to make tokens while using Dralnu's tap ability, and then running "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pariah's Shield"}},{"insert":" as a way to have repeatable ways to sac my board if I choose not to throw my token army out to block.\n\nI chose not to include any ways that would donate Dralnu or anything that would negate his triggered ability to really push a way to abuse his down side. \n"}]}
1
AAA2 2 days{"ops":[{"attributes":{"bold":true},"insert":"Atogatog"},{"insert":" - "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10727932/january_2025_deck_building_contest"},"insert":"January 2025 Deck Building Contest • (Commander / EDH deck) • Archidekt"},{"insert":"\nAtogs have to be in the running for the worst creature type in Magic. Not only are there only 12 of them, but most are barely usable due to their high-cost activated abilities with limited upside. Now imagine a five-color commander that requires sacrificing these low-power creatures for a pump effect—enter Atogatog.\n\nThis deck leans into Atogatog’s sacrifice ability to pump its power and attack opponents for commander damage. With the tiny Atog pool, cards like Arcane Adaptation, Conspiracy, and Maskwood Nexus expand the tribe by transforming all creatures into Atogs. Many Atogs in the deck thrive on artifact sacrifice, so it’s packed with artifact token generators like Academy Manufactor and Genesis Chamber to maintain resources and fuel explosive plays. Powerful threats like Blightsteel Colossus, Kozilek, Butcher of Truth, and Worldspine Wurm can dominate the battlefield, with tutors like Demonic Tutor and Diabolic Intent to fetch key pieces, and reanimation effects like Reanimate and Patriarch’s Bidding to cheat these high-cost creatures into play. It’s a chaotic and surprisingly synergistic five-color powerhouse that turns one of Magic’s worst tribes into a powerhouse deck! \n"}]}
1
Player_Too 2 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Hazoret the Fervent - "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10728181/this_is_madness"},"insert":"This is Madness!"},{"insert":"\n\nHey everyone. \n\nSending in a list for Hazoret the Fervent. We want to take advantage of his drawback of needing to be heckbent to attack. Since Hazoret wants us to discard, and can assist with its activated ability, we use madness and hellbent effects to turn the drawback into a strength. We'll also use a few fortell cards to help get our hand cut down to size, too. Ultimately we want to win with boosted red damage from City on Fire and/or Torbran paired with attacking red creatures and burn effects. We can also make for some interesting storm-like turns with Birgo, Run-Away Steamkin, Neheb, etc. to get lots of mana for Hazoret's ability or even top it off with Impending Flux (cast from fortold exile of course) to board wipe and deal lots of damage. \n\nThe deck can be built on a budget at just under $120 as well so it's definitely cost friendly.\n\nHave fun!\n\n\n"}]}
1
bBork 3 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house. Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... except maybe a jellyfish.\n\nThis is the story of "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10718106/how_the_gluntch_stole_christmas"},"insert":"How The Gluntch Stole Christmas"},{"insert":". Helmed by "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gluntch, the Bestower"}},{"insert":" normally a group hug commander, this deck aims to reduce the benefits our opponents get from our grinchy Gluntch.\n\nFirstly Gluntch allows someone to put two +1/1 counters on a creature they control. To counteract this we run cards that either care about the number of counters a creature has or the power of a creature. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Nils, Discipline Enforcer"}},{"insert":" acts as a pillow fort piece taxing our opponents from attacking us depending on the number of +1/+1 counters on the attacking creature. Cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dusk // Dawn"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Expel the Interlopers"}},{"insert":", and more can be one-sided board wipes. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Meekstone"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Crackdown"}},{"insert":" prevent creatures with power greater than 3 from untapping.\n\nSecond Gluntch allows a second player to draw a card. The hate for this section is a little lacking as many of the hand-size punishers are in red. However, we still have "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sword of War and Peace"}},{"insert":" which burns our opponents for the number of cards in hand, as well as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Smothering Tithe"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Scrawling Crawler"}},{"insert":" which punishes individual draws. Since there is less hate for this effect we are more likely to pick ourselves to draw a card, which helps us find more ways to hate out the other effects of Gluntch.\n\nAnd lastly, Glunch allows a third player to create two treasure tokens. Luckily Selesnya is extremely good at shutting down artifacts with cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Stony Silence"}},{"insert":". "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Collector Ouphe"}},{"insert":", and more completely preventing usage of artifacts. This causes our opponents to stockpile artifacts that will benefit our "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Curious Herd"}},{"insert":" to make a big board of beaters. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Titania's Song"}},{"insert":" is also a fantastic hate piece that acts as a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Humility"}},{"insert":" for artifacts. Finally, we can also benefit from people using the treasures we give them with cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tarrian's Soulcleaver"}},{"insert":" to pump Gluntch, or "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Fangren Marauder"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Powerleech"}},{"insert":" to gain life.\n\nTo smooth out the deck we have some synergistic pieces that interact well with our commander, "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Scholar of New Horizons"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gyre Sage"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Incubation Druid"}},{"insert":" are all ramp pieces that benefit from the counters Gluntch bestows. As well as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Evolution Witness"}},{"insert":" which is fantastic recursion with counters. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Esper Sentinel"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar"}},{"insert":" are good card draw options for pumping our creatures as well. "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Excise the Imperfect"}},{"insert":" is a good catch-all removal spell since most artifact abilities should be shut down from our hate pieces. We can also use "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pariah"}},{"insert":" on an opponent's big creature to act either as removal or protection for ourselves, we can also attach it to Phyrexian Vindicator to become basically immortal.\n\nI hope you enjoy this different flavor of Selesnya Stax and maybe can punish your naughty friends with some coal.\n"}]}
1
Volbe(Common Patron)
3 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Silent or Silenced? ft. Phlage: "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7788736/silent_or_silenced"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/7788736/silent_or_silenced"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Phlage, Titan of Fire's Fury"}},{"insert":" is a card known for its power in modern, but is relatively fair in commander. Yes, big body with a "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lightning Helix"}},{"insert":" attached to it isn't anything to scoff at, but having to exile six cards from your graveyard to get it to stick out on the field the first time can be a be a little difficult at times.\n\nSo what if we took a different route and just avoided the grave altogether? That's where "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Torpor Orb"}},{"insert":" and similar effects come in. Cards like these might make Phlage a little less impactful immediately, but we really care about is "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Hushbringer"}},{"insert":"ing that first ability so we no longer need to sacrifice it right away. Now we've got a huge body that can swing and shoot down creatures as early as turn 3 or 4!\n\nBut why stop there? There are plenty of other creatures that are way above curve, but happen to have a huge downside on ETB that stops them from seeing play. Cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Eater of Days"}},{"insert":", "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Dust Elemental"}},{"insert":", and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Boldwyr Heavyweights"}},{"insert":" all are massive creatures that we can cheat out the same way as our commander. We have plenty of protection like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Devoted Caretaker"}},{"insert":" to make sure our hushbringer effects stick around to see the creatures through their ETB abilities and also many effects that benefit off high power like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Sarkhan's Unsealing"}},{"insert":" so we aren't only relying on big vanilla beaters for the win.\n\nSo if you ever wanted to play a Timmy deck with a little extra risk, this is the one for you!\n"}]}
1
Falconnor4 3 days{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10708023/deckbuilding_contest_january_2025"},"insert":"Gallowbraid, The Depressed:"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gallowbraid"}},{"insert":" was one of the first printed legend cards, as is common with some of the first-printed high-power creatures, he comes with a heavy cost of a cumulative upkeep life cost.\n\nIn this deck, we use Gallowbraid's upkeep as a life outlet. Allowing us to combo into cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Magus of the Mirror"}},{"insert":" and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mirror Universe"}},{"insert":" place this cost onto our opponents, or sacking everyone using cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Repay in Kind"}},{"insert":". In order to survive these feats we need some preservation cards, notably: "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Pact Weapon"}},{"insert":" & "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"insert":"\nand to add some control rods to this reactor we need cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ashiok, Wicked Manipulator"}},{"insert":" for if our life loss gets too out of hand.\n\nOnce we've used our fair share of Gallowbraid, we can initiate table politics using "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Gauntlets of Chaos"}},{"insert":" as we will not target players with high life totals with our ability.\n\nSince this deck relies on a few specific cards, we are running 11 tutors and some heavy card draw that both can double as life outlet, using cards such as "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Ad Nauseam"}},{"insert":".\nWe run a pretty standard black swamp mana base, leveraging cards like "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Cabal Stronghold"}},{"insert":". \nAlso, pretty standard mono-black interaction, primarily focusing on creature destruction.\nCombo-wise Some notable mentions are some infinite combos built around Ashiok and "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Lich"}},{"insert":" to keep the game spicy.\n\nThats about it!\n"}]}
1
duck123 2 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Why did you choose gallowbraid instead of morinfen?\nI built the same deck for this competition just around morinfen, "},{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10720055"},"insert":"Cumulative fun"},{"insert":"\n"}]}
1
ForsakenWynd 3 days{"ops":[{"attributes":{"link":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10713464/no_commander_no_problem"},"insert":"https://archidekt.com/decks/10713464/no_commander_no_problem"},{"insert":"\n\n"},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":{"card-link":"Etrata, the Silencer"}},{"insert":" is a peak \"Assassin\" card, especially for a commander. However, despite being unblockable and having built-in removal (she exiles a creature when she attacks), she has one significant weakness for a commander: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true,"bold":true},"insert":"After attacking, she removes herself from the battlefield"},{"insert":". This incurs an ever-increasing commander tax and prevents her from easily dealing 21 lethal commander damage to any one player, especially since she only has 3 power when unmodified. There are three ways to combat this inherent weakness built into this deck: Increasing the number of hit counters deployed to opponents, powerful commander buffs, and methods for copying Etrata, all of which is supported by potentially surprising levels of ramp for a Dimir deck.\n\nThe first of these strategies employs two other creatures: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mari, the Killing Quill"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Ravenloft Explorer"},{"insert":". Both of these creatures make it so that any creatures opponents control that would die are instead exiled with hit counters on them. Assuming that any other player loses two other creatures this way, a player would only need to successfully deploy and attack with Etrata one time to eliminate that player. This means that a player can potentially eliminate all their opponents with three uses of Etrata, rather than just one opponent. Additionally, "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Rames, Assassin Lord"},{"insert":" has been included as an alternative win-con that may allow a player to win after attacking with Etrata just once.\n\nWhile this strategy is powerful, it is also never a good idea to rely entirely on two creatures that are subject to countering or removal as your only path to victory. As such, this deck also incorporates numerous artifacts intended to allow Etrata to strike harder or repeatedly. These include "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Excalibur, Brass Knuckles, Sword of the Animist, and Blackblade Reforged"},{"insert":". Each of these are meant to significantly increase Etrata's lethality per strike.\n\nTo further combat Etrata's weakness, the deck includes a few ways to copy Etrata, thus circumventing her self-removal once more. "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Helm of the Host"},{"insert":" and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Mirror Box + Mirage Mirror/Glasspool Mimic/Phantasmal Image"},{"insert":" are the primary avenues for making an additional copy of Etrata who can land an extra hit and deploy another hit counter.\n\nAs if this were not enough, numerous powerful and distracting cards such as "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Shard of the Nightbringer"},{"insert":", variations on "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Jin-Gitaxias, Talion the Kindly Lord, Liliana Vess"},{"insert":", and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Painful Quandry"},{"insert":" have been included to ensure that the player remains competitive during the game while also providing alternative targets for focused removal from opponents. Additional win-cons in the form of "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Triskadekaphile "},{"insert":"and "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Laboratory Maniac "},{"insert":"+"},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":" Enter the Infinite"},{"insert":" have been included to further distract opponents. It should be noted that while these are not the focus of the deck, both of these win-cons remain viable pathways to victory if circumstances present themselves.\n\nAs a last fun twist for this deck, it has a highly functional alternative Commander built-in: "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Basim Ibn Ishaq"},{"insert":". While he does not eliminate players in quite the same way as Etrata, the large selection of artifacts and legendary cards in this deck provide powerful support for his abilities.\n"}]}
Edited 1/3/2025, 6:06:51 AM
1
mitona 3 days{"ops":[{"insert":"Bounty counters are an amazing group hug mechanic and provide a nice subgame of headhunting creatures to gain life and draw cards. But what if this can be more hurtful than helpful. \n\n"},{"attributes":{"link":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10713173/mathas_is_life"},"insert":"https://www.archidekt.com/decks/10713173/mathas_is_life"},{"insert":"\n"},{"insert":{"card-link":"Mathas, Fiend Seeker"}},{"insert":" helms this "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Tainted Remedy"}},{"insert":" / "},{"insert":{"card-link":"Rain of Gore"}},{"insert":" style deck, giving your opponents life and proliferating Bounty counters until one creature's death can potentially one shot the table.\n\nWhat else proliferates well? \nThat's right this is also a poison counter deck because some games you won't find your drain pieces and your opponents gain too much life or the extra card draw gives your opponents too many answers. You'll need an extra way to secure the win and that is threatening to proliferate the few poison counters you can create.\n"}]}
1
CastleGoCrash 37 hrs{"ops":[{"insert":"I love the idea and the card choices! Unfortunately, I don't think it works the way you think it does, proliferating bounty counters doesn't also add new instances of “When this creature dies, each opponent draws a card and gains 2 life.”\n"}]}
0