Dakkon BlackbladeDakkon Blackblade | Art by Richard Kane Ferguson

Greetings and salutations, fellow brewers. This is Beyond Universes Within, where I try to build a commander deck based on a popular franchise, while eschewing any card from Universes Beyond as much as possible.

Since the core idea is to make a playable and thematic Bracket 1 deck, expect wacky choices and sometimes useless but very flavourful cards.

After swimming in the sands of Arrakis, it's time for a change of scenery. Welcome to The Lands Between.

Before going any further, a word of advice. I'm not kidding, if you haven't played the game, read this.

This build and the affixed explanation will most definitely contain major spoilers regarding the layout, lore, and bosses of this game. If you haven't yet put your hands on this masterpiece, I urge you to stop reading, close the browser, go spend a couple hundred hours on it, and come back. Elden Ring is an incredible journey into a decaying world, one that will test your will, your skill and leave you wanting for more. Yes, it's that good.

Since you're still here, I'm assuming that you're at least somewhat familiar with what the game is about, but just in case, here's a very small recap. You play one of the Tarnished, an individual who lost the grace of the Erdtree and was banished from the Lands Between by Queen Marika. Following the breaking of the Elden Ring, you're beckoned to return, and fight your way against mighty foes to claim your place as Elden Lord.

When I started toying with this brew, my first concern was to find a suitable commander, one that would embody the essence of what you feel when playing the game. Enter Dakkon BlackbladeDakkon Blackblade.

There is much to love with this bad boy.

First, Richard Kane Ferguson's art feels right at home with Elden Ring vibes, and with Souls games in general.

Second, it's a creature that scales with the number of lands you have in play. There's a strong tie to the game, where you level up and get stronger the more you explore.

Third, this is a magnet for equipment. In the game, you collect weapons to no end, eventually carrying about half a megaton of steel on your back.

Now that the commander is set, I want to split the explanation of the choices I made into three major steps:

• The major locations.
• The game's major characters' representation.
• Some lore tokens.

A Grand Tour of the Lands Between

Let's begin our quite literal journey with an overview of the world. Behold!

The map of what quite intentionally looks like curled fingers is vast, and rich with impressive locations.

Our first stop begins at the tyrant Godrick's dwelling. I chose to represent Stormveil Castle with Castle LocthwainCastle Locthwain, far in the distance, with a hint of ominous mist swirling around.

While travelling, you may find churches dedicated to the cult of the Goddess Marika. Forsaken SanctuaryForsaken Sanctuary exudes similar vibes. Vault of the ArchangelVault of the Archangel on the other hand looks a lot like the boss rooms of the dungeons scattered across the land.

Those foolhardy enough could also push east, towards the sick and deadly region that is Caelid. This desolated wasteland has been laid bare due to the corruption of the Scarlet Rot. Blighted FenBlighted Fen should represent this well enough.

After defeating the many-limbed one, you tread through a swamp, onwards to the magic academy of Raya Lucaria. I felt like Castle VantressCastle Vantress, soaring up in the sky, was a perfect match.

Defeating her caretaker, Rennala, will then lead you to the majestic and quite abandoned capital, Leyndell. This one I represented with two lands: Castle ArdenvaleCastle Ardenvale for its grand walls and the light it shines, and Vault of ChampionsVault of Champions for the refined interiors.

Further away, there's a mountainous path that leads to the infamous Volcano Manor. I had to be sneaky for this one, as all the lands that got somewhat close produced red mana. So in the end, I chose a totally useless card: Mountain StrongholdMountain Stronghold. Not only does the name strongly hint at what that castle is in the game, the art is also spot on, depicting a fort on top of a hill. If you don't want to play a useless card, you can always resort to Myriad LandscapeMyriad Landscape, since it actually has a volcano on it!

Pushing past Leyndell, you reach the Mountaintops of the Giants. These snow-covered peaks are home to some nasty dwellers. To represent these mighty heights, I felt like playing a bunch of snow lands, both basic and dual would give a rough idea of the conditions therein.

These barren lands hide a couple of secrets. You can reach Mohgwin Palace through a rather hidden portal in these snowy fields. To represent this huge and dripping structure, I resorted to including Wall of BloodWall of Blood.

Tweaking the Grand Lift of Rold will lead you to the Haligtree, Miquella's failed attempt to copy the Erdtree. While the tree is rather thriving, the corruption therein and the terrible opponent at its heart led me to choose Tree of PerditionTree of Perdition to represent it.

Back to the snow. After defeating the Fire Giant and setting the Erdtree ablaze (told you there would be spoilers), you reach the Crumbling Farum Azula, a city lifted in the sky torn apart by an ever spinning tornado. For this, I chose not a land, but a sorcery. Painful TruthsPainful Truths covers both the idea of a structure in the sky with the art, but also the revelation the player receives at the end of the area, following an epic confrontation with a mighty beast.

For the sunken dwellings of Nokron and Nokstella, I used Sunken HollowSunken Hollow and Academy RuinsAcademy Ruins.

I could not leave the Round Table aside. This is the place where all the Tarnished meet, supposedly without tearing each other apart. Forge of HeroesForge of Heroes felt like it fit right in.

Finally, to represent the massive Erdtree that stands at the middle of the world, I chose Realmbreaker, the Invasion TreeRealmbreaker, the Invasion Tree. The Erdtree is more than simple wood and foliage. It's the embodiment of the divine will that rules this forsaken world, which took shape after Queen Marika ascended godhood. Realmbreaker is issued from a somewhat similar lore (both are reminiscent of Yggdrasil in the Scandinavian mythology), and as such seems a good fit.

Meet the Locals!

Elden Ring is known for two things: its impressive open world, and its massive and this-is-impossible-I-want-to-bash-my-head-against-the-wall bosses. Well, maybe not all of them, but you get the idea.

I would not want to make a deck without starring all the major characters, and there are some surprisingly decent representations out in the Magic world. Once more, let's proceed in order of appearance.

Let's begin with those actually willing to give you a hand.

The very first character you meet is Melina, a spectral woman who offers her services if you agree to accompany her to the Mountaintops. This is a mysterious and quite literally ethereal character. I decided to play Anafenza, Kin-Tree SpiritAnafenza, Kin-Tree Spirit to represent her. That connection to the tree in her name is gravy on top.

Soon after, you'll encounter Merchant Kalé, who will give you the first tips and tricks to enhance your gear. Sram, Senior EdificerSram, Senior Edificer reminds me of him, as each equipment you play will advance your game plan.

Alexander is a weird one. It's not a person, it's... a jar. Mind you, a massive, very affable and courteous jar, but a jar nonetheless. To represent this gallant ally, I chose Cauldron of SoulsCauldron of Souls, as Alexander seems to survive almost any ordeal.

Then there's Gideon Ofnir, self-proclaimed leader of the Tarnished of the round-table. His trademark mask reminded me a lot of Tymaret, Chosen from DeathTymaret, Chosen from Death.

And let's not forget Blaidd, the warrior in the service of Ranni the Witch, coming in the form of Lupine PrototypeLupine Prototype.

Ranni is absolutely central to your quest. I decided to grant her no less than four slots, to highlight the various points at which you meet her.

First, her embodiment. It's been rather difficult to find a match, but I think that Meloku the Clouded MirrorMeloku the Clouded Mirror, works rather well. It's a moonfolk, it flies, and it's both mysterious and elusive.

Second, locations. Moonring IslandMoonring Island's name is 100% on theme, and Gargoyle CastleGargoyle Castle reminds me a lot of Ranni's Rise, her solitary tower from where she consorts with her vassals.

Finally, Wedding RingWedding Ring should be a rather obvious reference to one of the game's endings.

Antagonists for Days

On to the "bad guys". I used quotation marks there because several of them have complicated stories that do not make them evil per se, but rather locked in their struggles. Others, however...

Take the first major boss you encounter for instance. No, not Margit the Fell, we'll come back to him later. I'm thinking of Godrick, the Grafted. This mad king is made of several bodies and limbs, all melded in one huge abomination. I can't help but notice a strong similarity with Grimgrin, Corpse-BornGrimgrin, Corpse-Born. Another decent option could have been Sutured GhoulSutured Ghoul.

Your fight against Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, takes place in a library. As such, I believe that Azami, Lady of ScrollsAzami, Lady of Scrolls, should make for a good enough representation.

Those of you who treaded the treacherous swamps in Caelid know that you'll end up fighting against the titanic General Radahn, who commands gravity itself. I had to get something massive to make a show of force. Darksteel ColossusDarksteel Colossus and Triplicate TitanTriplicate Titan came to mind first, but I eventually landed on Ancient Stone IdolAncient Stone Idol. It's powerful, it's massive, and it leaves a legacy behind.

As you progress through Leyndell, you'll eventually be confronted by Morgott, the Omen King, which you previously defeated as Margit the Fell. This poor wretch is a formidable adversary, able to tear to shreds anyone brash enough to underestimate him. I felt like Varragoth, Bloodsky SireVarragoth, Bloodsky Sire makes a good impression both in the art, and the fact that it has deathtouch. I'm sure you've all met your demise repeatedly before eventually besting Margit for the first time.

The true sovereign of Leyndell and first Elden Lord is however Godfrey, also known as Hoarah Loux. While the latter proved rather difficult to embody, I believe that the majesty of Sun TitanSun Titan makes up for the lack of its second form.

If you ventured to the very depths of the Volcano Manor, you may have encountered Praetor Rykard, or rather its twisted form. And I'm willing to bet the moment you read his name, you heard "TOGETHAAAA" in your head. Koma, Cosmos SerpentKoma, Cosmos Serpent would have been ideal, but lacking this option, I fell back to Persistent ConstrictorPersistent Constrictor. It's a massive snake that comes back once felled. Not ideal, but close enough.

Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, is a formidable opponent that awaits you in the depths of Nokstella. To match this alien oddity that came with a meteorite, I thought an Eldrazi would do the trick, specifically Sire of StagnationSire of Stagnation. While the ability is rather useful in game, I chose the card primarily for the art.

Dragons are part of the natural landscape in Elden Ring, and I had to include the two most iconic ones, lore-wise. I chose Skithiryx, the Blight DragonSkithiryx, the Blight Dragon to personify Dragonlord Placidusax, seeing as he was powerless to stop the corruption in Farum Azula. As for Lichdragon Fortissax, Ebondeath, DracolichEbondeath, Dracolich was a perfect fit, both in name and art.

At the end of Farum Azula, you'll be confronted with Maliketh, the Black Blade. Dakkon would have made a good fit, but alas, he's already our Tarnished. Korlash, Heir to BlackbladeKorlash, Heir to Blackblade however, is a fantastic replacement. His massive sword and his huge armor are reminiscent of Maliketh's, and while this isn't a huge tiger of sorts (I debated using Rakshasa DebaserRakshasa Debaser), it also shows how he went from a fearsome but manageable Bestial Cleric to the absolute nightmare his second form is.

Now, if I say "Tres! Duo! Unus! NIHIL!", some of you will repress a whimper. Yes, Mohg, Lord of Blood was an incredible boss, requiring either a lightning quick takedown, or ways to sustain the monstrous damage he would inevitably deal. While not perfect, I believe that Ob Nixilis, the FallenOb Nixilis, the Fallen somewhat reflects that sudden rise in power. Oh, and Sign in BloodSign in Blood, because, you know, blood.

The penultimate boss in the game is none other than Radagon of the Golden Order, Rennala's husband and Ranni's father. Those of you who felt the brunt of his hammer know he's no joking matter. Halvar, God of BattleHalvar, God of Battle fits like a glove. He's a God, he provides armaments, and he's no slouch. And in a pinch, the other side of the card, Sword of the Realms is reminiscent of the Dark Moon Greatsword.

We're getting close to the end of our journey, but there are a couple more iconic characters yet to cover.

First, Kindly Miquella. "Pure and radiant, he wields love to shrive clean the hearts of men". He created the Haligtree to shelter those without grace. Abuelo, Ancestral EchoAbuelo, Ancestral Echo, fits at least the spirit. Since Miquella is cursed to be perpetually young, the art and name don't quite fit the bill, but that's the best I could find.

Which leaves the one and only Malenia, Blade of Miquella, the most fearsome foe in the entire game. She's traumatized more than one player, both with her ability to cut down a Tarnished in a few strokes, and her life regeneration. But she's also afflicted by the Scarlet Rot, a cursed disease that eats her from within. Liesa, Forgotten ArchangelLiesa, Forgotten Archangel shows both sides of the coin. She's good at heart, but eaten inside, she's been outcast, yet you come back to fight her again and again. And the lifelink is a great added bonus.

To illustrate the Scarlet Rot, I also added Tainted StrikeTainted Strike to the deck. Those who got engulfed by her Scarlet Aeonia know what I'm speaking of.

Bits and Pieces

While I have covered most of the iconic pieces in the deck, there are a few remaining outlets that I'd like to develop a bit.

First, Akroma's MemorialAkroma's Memorial is here to represent the Cult of Marika and the Golden Order. An embodiment of her grace, albeit not quite covering her darker side. Eldrazi MonumentEldrazi Monument could have fit the bill as well, thematically speaking.

Second, Blackblade ReforgedBlackblade Reforged. This is, for all intents and purposes, the Destined Death, a key concept in the end game, that justifies Maliketh's fight.

Third, I've had the utmost difficulty to find a match for the Two Fingers, envoys of the Greater Will. I thought of ThumbscrewsThumbscrews as a joke, but the truth is, there's no real card that matches what they represent. So instead, I went with Phyrexian ScripturesPhyrexian Scriptures, representing both their will to help some of the chosen ones, and their absolute contempt for the rest of the world. I'm curious to have your opinion on this choice.

And finally, Living DeathLiving Death is a perfect summary in my opinion of what the game offers. YOU DIED. You come back to try again. YOU DIED. And you begin anew. YOU DIED... You get the idea.

All of this leads to...

And for those who'd like a reminder of what card represents what, I've also compiled this list here.

Conclusion

What a journey this was. In case there was any doubt left, I adore this game, and the Souls in general. Devising this list was an exhilarating and exhausting task all in one.

I really hope you enjoyed this journey through the Lands Between.

I'd love to hear your opinion on this selection, as well as any ideas you have for suitable replacements and/or additions.

See you next month with something completely different!