<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Lord Ozai" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Lord Ozai</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CRyuichi+Sakuma%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryuichi Sakuma</a></em></p>
<h2>Dawn of the Final Week</h2>
<p>Hello, and welcome back to this mini-series! Here, I would've said let's open another seven packs. However, there's a problem with that. This article would come out on the 26th, and everyone would be out on holidays for that week, let alone before. So, to make things easier on us (also, perhaps to the misery of the editors), we're opening the other half of the box here. Yup, we're going through 12 packs!</p>
<p>Also, as this is the last pack-opening part of the mini-series, I will reveal my true intentions. However, if you're a sleuth, and have been paying attention, you might've figured it out by now.</p>
<p>Shall we begin?</p>
<h3>Day Thirteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ozai|jtla|24"></div></div>
<p>Well, well, well. We begin with a banger: The Phoenix King himself! Except, this is Ozai when we first saw him, shadowed out like some menacing figure in the shadows. While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ozai, the Phoenix King" href="#" target="_blank">Ozai, the Phoenix King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a strong card, do not sleep on this iteration. Paying that steep six-mana cost is easier than you think, especially when you sacrifice a big enough creature. Or lots of firebending? Both?</p>
<p>In addition, we have some decent removal here, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Precision" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Precision</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heartless Act|tla|103" href="#" target="_blank">Heartless Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that'll be sure to rip out your heartstrings. I never mentioned the card earlier, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Callous Inspector" href="#" target="_blank">Callous Inspector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't a bad card to sacrifice, mostly because you get to crack the Clue out of it.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, half of the deck has been misprinted (the backs are very smeared with ink), but I won't take action for it. Misprints can be valuable to have.</p>
<h3>Day Fourteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firebending|jtla|29"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of the Fire Nation (all hail), we get our first pack centered on firebending itself. With two rares, no less! The first of these is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Firebender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which does a nice <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Isshin, Two Heavens as One" href="#" target="_blank">Isshin, Two Heavens as One</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> impression once fully charged. The token that you get from the enchantment can help you get there, too.</p>
<p>Secondly, I must make a confession. When I first read <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckless Blaze" href="#" target="_blank">Reckless Blaze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, I thought it targeted one creature, never realizing it was a wipe until I looked at the card again. This is especially good against those pesky token decks, which tends to flood the board fast. Even better, you get a red mana for each of your creatures killed this way, meaning more spells for you to cast!</p>
<h3>Day Fifteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Iroh|jtla|30"></div></div>
<p>Yeesh, what's with all the red decks? Is the Fire Nation coming out in force or something? This time, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iroh, Dragon of the West" href="#" target="_blank">Iroh, Dragon of the West</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who's actually really good with earthbending. That scenario is like a make-your-own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Radha, Heir to Keld" href="#" target="_blank">Radha, Heir to Keld</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but in multiples. He'll also help bolster the smaller creatures with his mentor ability. However, he only triggers at the beginning of combat, not when you attack, which is a mistake I tend to make.</p>
<p>We also get two solid reprints in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bolt Bend|tle|163" href="#" target="_blank">Bolt Bend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Confluence|tle|165" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Confluence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The former is nice if you don't want to shell out your lunch money on a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deflecting Swat" href="#" target="_blank">Deflecting Swat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In addition, Confluence is actually a neat spell to have. Wipe boards, soften opponents, blow up troublesome artifacts, or maybe some combination! That cycle is a favorite of mine for good reason.</p>
<p>Now, can we pull some blue, pretty please?</p>
<h3>Day Sixteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hei Bai|jtla|6"></div></div>
<p>Welp, and so begins the duplicates...except this is actually another variant. I won't spend too much time on duplicates, but we did pull the other version as our very first pack. To begin, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curious Farm Animals" href="#" target="_blank">Curious Farm Animals</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is essentially targeted removal stapled to a dinner plate full of food. We blow up something, and gain some life. Simple.</p>
<p>We also get our first wipe in white with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Destined Confrontation" href="#" target="_blank">Destined Confrontation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is akin to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slaughter the Strong" href="#" target="_blank">Slaughter the Strong</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Outside of those, nothing much else. Next!</p>
<h3>Day Seventeen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rebelling"></div></div>
<p>...and we're back with red yet again. Le sigh. That said, we do get a good rare in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smellerbee, Rebel Fighter" href="#" target="_blank">Smellerbee, Rebel Fighter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who wheels our hand equal to the number of attacking creatures. Neat card draw if we're planning to go wide. This deck actually makes me wonder about the secondary theme to red in this set as a whole. We obviously have firebending, but what would be a good fit for the other? Aggro? Stompy, like green? What do you think?</p>
<h3>Day Eighteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azula|jtla|19"></div></div>
<p>Ok, time for a creepypasta story. Weeks ago, I had an intrusive thought that didn't go away. The thought essentially declared that I pulled both Toph and Azula. Considering I pulled the former last week, and now I pull Azula... creepy stuff.</p>
<p>Anyway, I find <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azula, Ruthless Firebender" href="#" target="_blank">Azula, Ruthless Firebender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> the trickiest to accrue experience counters for within an <em>ATLA</em>-only premise, since it relies on you to run certain cards to hit as many opponents as you can. We do get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Deal|tle|161" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Deal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so that helps. At the very least, we can discard cards ourselves to get a counter per turn, but that isn't saying much.</p>
<p>I'll admit I also underestimated <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lo and Li, Twin Tutors" href="#" target="_blank">Lo and Li, Twin Tutors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the same context. I'd say there's a fair chance we'll be running enough Lesson cards to make them work. Also, they can tutor for Azula herself. Flavor!</p>
<h3>Day Nineteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Learning|jtla|44"></div></div>
<p>Darn. I was hoping for the version that had <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guru Pathik" href="#" target="_blank">Guru Pathik</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but here we are. That said, we do get to see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Master&#039;s Guidance" href="#" target="_blank">Master&#039;s Guidance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> again, and I already shared my impressions of the card last week. Having a second one might be useful...but I digress. We also get a nice recursion card in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="True Ancestry" href="#" target="_blank">True Ancestry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is nice, being a Lesson card and all. Beyond these, nothing much else to it.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kyoshi|jtla|43"></div></div>
<p>Oooh boy, the other green mythic pack. Weird how I got the mythic packs for both green and black. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Kyoshi, Earthbender" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Kyoshi, Earthbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerhouse...if we can reach that enormously steep mana cost. Beware that she will draw removal the moment her pseudo-hexproof shield is down, so be ready to protect her. Turning our lands into 8/8 monstrosities is nothing to scoff at, especially when she untaps that land, and said monstrosities have haste.</p>
<p>The rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tectonic Split" href="#" target="_blank">Tectonic Split</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> carries a hefty price, but we could sacrifice our weaker earthbended lands to it, so they'd come back onto our board tapped. Neat way to bypass it.</p>
<p>Another nifty card I was hoping to pull is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Allies at Last" href="#" target="_blank">Allies at Last</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, because it doesn't have you fight your opponent's creature, but deal damage to it instead.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-One</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warriors|jtla|9"></div></div>
<p>This, to me, is one of the weaker rare themes to pull. Yes, we get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Suki, Kyoshi Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Suki, Kyoshi Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but Warriors aren't a prominent enough type to make a mark unless you venture outside of the set. That said, Suki's better off in the 99 of Warrior decks. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valorous Stance|tle|154" href="#" target="_blank">Valorous Stance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is nice, and will be put to good use.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-Two</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Earthbending|jtla|42"></div></div>
<p>After opening the Toph theme, and now this one, there's one thing that's really starting to get on my nerves. There was talk of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthbending Student" href="#" target="_blank">Earthbending Student</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> being found in <em>Jumpstart </em>packs, and that the lists we got were incorrect. However, I've yet to see it. If I pull the other variant of this theme, and don't find it, then this would confirm that the card can indeed only be found in Collector Boosters.</p>
<p>Speaking of the Toph theme, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Solid Ground" href="#" target="_blank">Solid Ground</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tale of Katara and Toph" href="#" target="_blank">Tale of Katara and Toph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> make a reappearance, which is nice to see.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-Three</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://cards.scryfall.io/large/front/d/7/d75fe114-2d1f-4bff-8e5f-20375a600e16.jpg?1762683609" alt="Soaring (Avatar: The Last Airbender Jumpstart Front Cards #15)" width="260" height="362" /></p>
<p>It's about time we got another blue theme. We have a couple of standouts here. The first is the reprint of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frantic Search|tle|159" href="#" target="_blank">Frantic Search</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is a nice card to have. The other is the rare for this pack, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yue, the Moon Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Yue, the Moon Spirit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Being able to cast any noncreature spell for that waterbending cost is a strong ability, especially for something expensive and worth casting for free (somewhat).</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-Four</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gliding|jtla|5"></div></div>
<p>We arrive on our Christmas Eve pack, and we go out with a wimper. Like the Warriors theme before it, there isn't too much to glean from this pack. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inspired Insurgent" href="#" target="_blank">Inspired Insurgent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one thing, and our rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tale of Momo" href="#" target="_blank">Tale of Momo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't bad. But we're not getting much else out of this pack, save for that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glider Staff" href="#" target="_blank">Glider Staff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3>The Final Review</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chaos Wrap"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evil Presents"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gifts Given"></div></div>
<p>Blue! You were the chosen one! You were supposed to have more representation, not less!</p>
<p>Anyway, besides the obvious drought of blue themes (ba dum tiss), we do get several more mythic rare themes, like Kyoshi and Azula. Despite its major misprinting, the Ozai deck is the standout for this article. I've warmed up to this iteration since I saw it in action a couple of times. Like I said, six mana is easy to achieve, especially when you take his triggered ability into account.</p>
<p>I won't say much else at this point, because it's time to reveal my hand.</p>
<h3>The Endgame Revealed</h3>
<p>As you read through this article, and the previous two, I'm sure you picked up some heavy hints along the way. You might've even figured it out before you reached this point. Why was I so focused on the hybrid legends? The focus on Commander more then Limited? Well, I have two words for you:</p>
<p>Commander Jumpstart.</p>
<p>You read that right. We'll be breaking apart our pulls, adding stuff from outside <em>ATLA Jumpstart</em>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commence the Endgame" href="#" target="_blank">Commence the Endgame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Return next time, where we assemble half-decks, designed with Commander in mind. As a bonus, every card in them will be from <em>ATLA</em>, so that'll give you something to look forward to.</p>
<p>In the meantime, stay safe, and Happy Holidays!</p>


Building an Advent Calendar Commander Deck With Avatar Jumpstart - Part Three

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, Earthbending Master" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, Earthbending Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=artist%3Aphima" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phima</a> </em></p>
<h2>Dawn of the Second Week</h2>
<p>Welcome back to this special mini-series! We're going through a box of <em>ATLA</em> <em>Jumpstart</em> packs as our advent calendar of the year. <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/advent-calendar-commander-deck-with-avatar-jumpstart-part-one" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Last week, I explained the rules in detail</a>, while going through the first five packs of our box (plus a few bonus games, and my initial impressions).</p>
<p>This week, we up our booster count to seven. After those, we'll be halfway through our calendar!</p>
<p>I can't wait to dig in, so let's commence!</p>
<h3>Day Six</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Relentless|jtla|26"></div></div>
<p>Not too much to write home about this one. In this pack, we got <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zhao, Ruthless Admiral" href="#" target="_blank">Zhao, Ruthless Admiral</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who serves as a second hybrid black/red legend in the same vein as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Seeking Honor" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Seeking Honor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. That said, the entire hybrid legend cycle put Zhao in the main set (remember, I've been giving big hints about this. More on that in a future article).</p>
<p>Our rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Occupation" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Occupation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is a pretty decent card, provided we can keep casting spells on our opponents' turns. Unfortunately, there's a part of me that confuses this with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Obsessive Pursuit" href="#" target="_blank">Obsessive Pursuit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for some reason.</p>
<h3>Day Seven</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Toph|jtla|45"></div></div>
<p>Winner winner, chicken dinner.</p>
<p>Our first green pack of the mini-series is an absolute banger. Headlining this pack is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, Earthbending Master" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, Earthbending Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who's sure to be a powerhouse in earthbending decks. With enough land-based ramp, we could rack up those experience counters very fast. What's more, Toph doesn't need to attack to get her earthbending trigger. So, she could sit tight if she wants to.</p>
<p>But, this is Toph we're talking about. Watch she doesn't sassbend our backsides into an active volcano.</p>
<p>Other cards include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Solid Ground" href="#" target="_blank">Solid Ground</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is essentially yet another <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hardened Scales" href="#" target="_blank">Hardened Scales</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, only except we earthbend when it enters. Note that the land will be affected by the card's effect as well, so it may as well read "earthbend 4." This is great in tandem with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tale of Katara and Toph" href="#" target="_blank">Tale of Katara and Toph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, an already good card on its own.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kyoshi Warrior Exemplars" href="#" target="_blank">Kyoshi Warrior Exemplars</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a card I'm interested in. I look forward to see how well it performs.</p>
<h3>Day Eight</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bumi|jtla|38"></div></div>
<p>Another green deck? This color must be coming in with a metal chair to even the odds! The rare in this pack, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crystalline Armor" href="#" target="_blank">Crystalline Armor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> looks like a really cool card, and I definitely want to try it out. Moreover, the headliner card, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bumi, King of Three Trials" href="#" target="_blank">Bumi, King of Three Trials</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is bound to do work on entry. We could be looking at a lot of Lesson cards in our graveyard, so reaching three won't be too difficult.</p>
<p>Weirdly, this deck also has a Food subtheme, which I think can work? I'd be curious to find out.</p>
<h3>Day Nine</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation|jtla|28"></div></div>
<p>This is certainly an interesting pack, where the focus is more thematic than mechanical, but it's got its fair share of neat cards to cover. Firstly, we have a new addition to the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guttersnipe" href="#" target="_blank">Guttersnipe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> family in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Longshot, Rebel Bowman" href="#" target="_blank">Longshot, Rebel Bowman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (Guttersnipe.dec, anyone? We now have a commander for it). In addition, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ty Lee, Artful Acrobat" href="#" target="_blank">Ty Lee, Artful Acrobat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mai, Jaded Edge" href="#" target="_blank">Mai, Jaded Edge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> have interesting abilities, and they might rub off on me in the future.</p>
<p>This time we have two rares instead of one. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebending Student" href="#" target="_blank">Firebending Student</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a neat card that gets stronger the more noncreature spells we cast. That, in turn, also empowers her firebending ability.</p>
<p>What would be a good payoff for all those spells? Why, the other rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Storm of Memories" href="#" target="_blank">Storm of Memories</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will do! As long as we have a graveyard full of potential targets, this could go wild.</p>
<h3>Day Ten</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alliance|jtla|3"></div></div>
<p>About time we pull <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Suki, Kyoshi Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Suki, Kyoshi Warrior</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! I said last week that she would be the better choice to lead a green/white deck, and now we have her. In addition, this variant gave me both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jet, Freedom Fighter" href="#" target="_blank">Jet, Freedom Fighter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sokka, Lateral Strategist" href="#" target="_blank">Sokka, Lateral Strategist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, bringing my hybrid legend count to eight. I'm only missing Dimir and Simic at this point.</p>
<p>Our rare from this pack, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="South Pole Voyager" href="#" target="_blank">South Pole Voyager</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> reminds me a lot of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rumor Gatherer" href="#" target="_blank">Rumor Gatherer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and is certain to put in some great work in a dedicated Allies deck.</p>
<p>One card that I've been feeling decidedly mild on is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Duke, Rebel Sentry" href="#" target="_blank">The Duke, Rebel Sentry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. He's good at protecting our key pieces, but the trick is to give him some counters so he can do that. Outside of <em>ATLA</em>, it's a cakewalk. Otherwise, I'm hard-pressed to find ways of adding counters.</p>
<h3>Day Eleven</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Earth Rumble|jtla|41"></div></div>
<p>The Boulder is pleased with this pack!</p>
<p>Speaking of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Boulder, Ready to Rumble" href="#" target="_blank">The Boulder, Ready to Rumble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, his card plays nicely in what green in this set is trying to do: either earthbend, or do Gruul things with beefy creatures. Absolutely bovine! Also, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earth Rumble" href="#" target="_blank">Earth Rumble</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not a bad removal spell, if we can control a creature big enough and have it survive.</p>
<p>The rare in this pack, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Master&#039;s Guidance" href="#" target="_blank">Master&#039;s Guidance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is reminiscent of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Colossal Majesty" href="#" target="_blank">Colossal Majesty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The exceptions being that this happens on end step on top of being an enabler. Power creep is real, yo. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, the Blind Bandit" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, the Blind Bandit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will get big for each counter we have on lands. So, keep earthbending, Twinkle Toes!</p>
<h3>Day Twelve</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Librarian|jtla|14"></div></div>
<p>Just when I was beginning to panic about blue not getting enough themes, it comes raring back with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wan Shi Tong, All-Knowing" href="#" target="_blank">Wan Shi Tong, All-Knowing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in tow. He represents a deckbuilding challenge, namely to tuck cards into libraries, then swarm the board. Fortunately, there's a few cards that help enable him, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Accumulate Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Accumulate Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and the conveniently reprinted <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brainstorm|tle|155" href="#" target="_blank">Brainstorm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>The contents are like a blueprint to build our own Wan Shi Tong deck (and I mean this one, not the other one from the main set). If we were looking to build that, this is where I'd begin.</p>
<p>With seven packs down, this'll mean a longer than usual review section. Buckle up.</p>
<h3>A Second Review</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Seasonal Sequels"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of reviews, what a week this was! We hit our first two mythic rare variants with Toph and Librarian. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, Earthbending Master" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, Earthbending Master</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> herself is going for quite a hefty price tag on the secondary market, and is sure to make waves in decks where lands are a critical part of the game plan.</p>
<p>Green, this time, has made quite a comeback. That said, this came at the cost of blue beginning to look woefully underrepresented. The Librarian theme is nice, but we could do with more blue here to balance things out. Having eight out of ten of the hybrid legends is nice as well, but I wonder if we'll pull the other two colors.</p>
<p>Looking over the deck lists, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guru Pathik" href="#" target="_blank">Guru Pathik</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the rarest, appearing in only two themes (a variant of Learning, and Shrines).</p>
<h3>Two Down, One to Go</h3>
<p>This week marks the halfway point through not just our box, but of our mini-series as well. With one more week of pack opening, will blue stage a comeback, or will my hopes be in vain (coming from a non-blue player, that's saying something)?</p>
<p>What other big pulls will we find? Will we even get to finish the hybrid legend cycle once and for all? We'll have our answers next week, so stay tuned.</p>


Building an Advent Calendar Commander Deck With Avatar Jumpstart - Part Two

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Koh, the Face Stealer" href="#" target="_blank">Koh, the Face Stealer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/edufrancisco" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eduardo Francisco</a></em></p>
<h2>Best Time of the Year</h2>
<p>Welcome to a special mini-series I'm doing exclusively for this month! What better way to send off the year (a dismal one, but I digress) than something fun and festive, in time for the Holidays?</p>
<p>But first, I have a bunch of stuff to explain.</p>
<h3>The Rules</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Topdeck the Halls"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Last-Minute Chopping"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Season&#039;s Beatings"></div></div>
<p>To begin, this is how it'll work. I acquired two boxes of <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em> <em>Jumpstart</em>. One's for my actual advent calendar, so its contents will remain a mystery. But the other? It's for this mini-series, thus I have two advent calendars! However, I recognize that this is EDHREC, and not JumpstartRec, so there will be some rules.</p>
<p>My ultimate, Commander-themed intentions will come to light in the final article. But, in the meantime, here's the plan:</p>
<p>1. Each section is a "day," where I cover what I pull. However, due to scheduling, this week will feature five packs. Next week covers seven, while the final week covers the other half of the box.</p>
<p>2. I discuss the packs and its contents with a Commander-focused lens, so as not to lose sight of the goal.</p>
<p>3. Don't be surprised if I do a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bonus Round" href="#" target="_blank">Bonus Round</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, where we review our pulls, and give our overall first impressions with the themes we get. It would be a good opportunity to see where we can take these, Commander-wise.</p>
<p>With the groundwork put into place, let's begin!</p>
<h3>Dawn of the First Week</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hei Bai|jtla|6"></div></div>
<p>Our first pack kicks us off with sacrificing shenanigans, which isn't something I'm fond of. We get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hei Bai, Spirit of Balance" href="#" target="_blank">Hei Bai, Spirit of Balance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is significant because it's the only <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/orzhov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orzhov</a> commander in the set.</p>
<p>In addition, the real highlight of this pack is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Suki, Courageous Rescuer" href="#" target="_blank">Suki, Courageous Rescuer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. which is really good all around. We do get some nice utility with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sandbenders&#039; Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Sandbenders&#039; Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we're likely to pick the removal mode most of the time. We also get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aang, A Lot to Learn" href="#" target="_blank">Aang, A Lot to Learn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but he really isn't the commander we're gunning for in those colors. The other Suki, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Suki, Kyoshi Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Suki, Kyoshi Warrior</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is miles better.</p>
<h3>The Next Day...</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Adept|jtla|11"></div></div>
<p>Our first blue pack of the calendar nets us a good card in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dramatic Reversal|tle|158" href="#" target="_blank">Dramatic Reversal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> alongside our likely <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/izzet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Izzet</a> commander in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Professor Zei, Anthropologist" href="#" target="_blank">Professor Zei, Anthropologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Unlike Hei Bai, there is another option among those colors in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sokka, Bold Boomeranger" href="#" target="_blank">Sokka, Bold Boomeranger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but I like Zei more because of the utility he provides. Yes, Sokka lets us dig deeper, but that's all he's really good for. Zei's tap ability is repeatable, and can be sacrificed to recur a spell for a second round.</p>
<p>Our rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nightmares and Daydreams" href="#" target="_blank">Nightmares and Daydreams</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, isn't bad, but we'll need the card draw much sooner than that. Which is why <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waterbending Lesson" href="#" target="_blank">Waterbending Lesson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a card that has my attention. And yes, there are some great cards at common. You're likely playing those yourself (or Pauper/PDH, if that's more your jam).</p>
<h3>Day Three</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nightmares|jtla|23"></div></div>
<p>Ok, I'll say this: I've opened many Jumpstart packs, and this face card is by far the scariest. Pairing <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Joo Dee, One of Many" href="#" target="_blank">Joo Dee, One of Many</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with the word Nightmares isn't going to make me sleep at night. Neither will the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Koh, the Face Stealer" href="#" target="_blank">Koh, the Face Stealer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that's within.</p>
<p>Nightmare fuel aside, our first "rare" theme is actually pretty decent. Obviously, Koh is the big splashy mythic, but we also get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko&#039;s Conviction" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko&#039;s Conviction</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, letting us reanimate something. Also noteworthy is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azula, On the Hunt" href="#" target="_blank">Azula, On the Hunt</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We attack with her, making a clue token, then we can use the mana gained from her firebending ability to sacrifice the token to draw a card. Neat!</p>
<p>Other cards include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Desperate Plea" href="#" target="_blank">Desperate Plea</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is removal and reanimation if we sacrificed a creature. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Precision" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Precision</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is decent removal in the right deck. We also see the return of everyone's favorite snuggly panda, Hei Bai, and he fits right at home here.</p>
<p>Also, seeing as we've been pulling colors in WUBRG order, it'll be hilarious is we pull red next.</p>
<h3>Day Four</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Powerful|jtla|32"></div></div>
<p>...Called it!</p>
<p>That said, there's nothing too fascinating with our pulls this time around. We do get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Uncle Iroh" href="#" target="_blank">Uncle Iroh</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who faces stiff competition from other legends in his colors. However, that hybrid legend cycle may be useful for future applications. Say tuned on that.</p>
<p>Our sole rare is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fang, Roku&#039;s Companion" href="#" target="_blank">Fang, Roku&#039;s Companion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't too shabby by any means. The fact that he brings himself back (as a Spirit) is nice as it gives him more staying power. We do get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cathartic Reunion|tle|164" href="#" target="_blank">Cathartic Reunion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is good. It also depicts a heart-tugging scene, which leads me to something as I write this article.</p>
<p>I watched the series long ago, and I appreciate how the cards fit the flavor of the show. Even the reprints.</p>
<h3>Day Five</h3>
<p>Come on! Gimmie me GREEN!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reinforced|jtla|25"></div></div>
<p>...Darn. Anyway, this pack gives us two potential commanders in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Seeking Honor" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Seeking Honor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Long Feng, Grand Secretariat" href="#" target="_blank">Long Feng, Grand Secretariat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, putting me at half of the hybrid legend cycle already.</p>
<p>This theme's all about +1/+1 counters, and none scream that theme more than our rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Salvagers" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Salvagers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I don't know about you, but the card's nuts. Putting counters on creatures and Vehicles is simple enough, but those creatures connecting means we get to steal from our opponents' yards. Then we can put counters on those creatures, and keep those hits coming.</p>
<p>Other cards of note include <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Feed the Swarm|tle|257" href="#" target="_blank">Feed the Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which can help deal with pesky enchantments, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Buzzard-Wasp Colony" href="#" target="_blank">Buzzard-Wasp Colony</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which gets us to draw card to replace it, but only if we sacrificed an artifact or a creature. It'll also get bigger if our creatures died, assuming they have counters.</p>
<h3>Our First Review</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Some Disassembly Required"></div></div>
<p>We started out being rather heavy on black, but we do get a nice spread of colors, except green. Koh was our highlight pull, it being the first rare theme we pulled. That said, the rest were no slouches either, and they could very well help set the foundation for what I'm aiming to do.</p>
<p>With the Reinforced theme, I remember when black got some +1/+1 counter support back in <em>Zendikar Rising</em>, and it's nice to see it return here. I'd be interested to see where things go from here. Maybe we'll have more colors to balance out black, but you never know.</p>
<h3>Final Remarks...For Now</h3>
<p>I admit that I had quite a bit of fun writing this article. Just the ASMR-esque sounds of opening packs, going over pulls, and seeing their applications in Commander. Not all cards were made for the format, but I'm sure budget players will find a way to make them work.</p>
<p>Come back next time, where the first full week of December has passed, and we have even more packs to open!</p>


avatar jumpstart

Building an Advent Calendar Commander Deck With Avatar Jumpstart - Part Three

Building an Advent Calendar Commander Deck With Avatar Jumpstart - Part Two

Building an Advent Calendar Commander Deck With Avatar Jumpstart - Part One