<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thranduil, the Elvenking" href="#" target="_blank">Thranduil, the Elvenking</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/magali_villeneuve/?hl=en">Magali Villeneuve</a></em></p>
<p>One of my favorite commanders is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mairsil, the Pretender" href="#" target="_blank">Mairsil, the Pretender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a Grixis Wizard who lets us combine multiple activated abilities onto one card. Mairsil is super cool, and lets us do some really unique things, but he's actually pretty balanced. Since we can only activate each unique ability once per turn, it's pretty tough to combo with him.</p>
<p>This new commander, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thranduil, the Elvenking" href="#" target="_blank">Thranduil, the Elvenking</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, has no such restrictions and can combo with anything, as long as it's an Elf. And you know how Elves are. Let's see what ridiculous things we can do with this legend.</p>
<h2>The Jankiest Way To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking</h2>
<p>Fun Fact: I thought for sure Elves were the creature type with the most activated abilities, but turns out it's Humans! To be fair, this is really just because there are way more Humans than Elves, or any other creature type. I suppose it's natural that humans are going to create a lot of Human cards. But why do I mention this? Because there exists a way to make Thranduil care about Humans rather than Elves, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Artificial Evolution" href="#" target="_blank">Artificial Evolution</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It's a one-of-a-kind card, which we'll have to tutor for, but once we get it, we can edit Thranduil's text to be any creature type we want!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Artificial Evolution"></div></div>
<p>The funny thing about this though, is that Elves are already the best creature type to use. They have a ton of activated abilities that synergize well with each other, and a ton of infinite combos as well. While we have way more options with Humans, the synergy just isn't there. We're not somehow improving the deck with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Artificial Evolution" href="#" target="_blank">Artificial Evolution</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, we're objectively making it worse. Buuut... It is really funny. This is absolutely the jankiest way to play with Thranduil, and I would be so very amused if someone pulled up with the Crab version of the deck.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Horseshoe Crab"></div></div>
<h2>The Most Evil Way To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking</h2>
<p>It's definitely <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iron-Shield Elf" href="#" target="_blank">Iron-Shield Elf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Underrealm Lich" href="#" target="_blank">Underrealm Lich</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Every single Thranduil deck is going to run these cards and it's going to be so unbelievably annoying. Thranduil is just going to be horrendously difficult to remove. Is it evil to run these cards? Not really, but they're so frustrating, and they're gonna be in every single deck because <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iron-Shield Elf" href="#" target="_blank">Iron-Shield Elf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is like 20 cents. Have you ever had the experience of playing against <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Muldrotha, the Gravetide" href="#" target="_blank">Muldrotha, the Gravetide</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spore Frog" href="#" target="_blank">Spore Frog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? You'll try to hit the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spore Frog" href="#" target="_blank">Spore Frog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> with removal, they'll just sacrifice it and have it right back next turn. You can kind of play around it, but there's next to no way to permanently kill the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spore Frog" href="#" target="_blank">Spore Frog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>It's just infuriating, and I know Thranduil + <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iron-Shield Elf" href="#" target="_blank">Iron-Shield Elf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is gonna be the same thing. It's so good, there's no excuse not to play it, but it's gonna make the deck so, so annoying. I'm already getting frustrated thinking about it.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Iron-Shield Elf"></div></div>
<h2>The Best Combo With Thranduil, the Elvenking</h2>
<p>Sooo, there are a lot of options here. Comboing is kind of this deck's whole thing and most of them just win the game, so it's hard to define a clear winner. But while there isn't a clear best combo, there is a best card to combo with.</p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Devoted Druid"></div></div>.</p>
<p>I mean, duh, obviously it's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Devoted Druid" href="#" target="_blank">Devoted Druid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. That card goes infinite with everything, and this is no exception. To go infinite, we need <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Devoted Druid" href="#" target="_blank">Devoted Druid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the graveyard along with any creature that can tap to give itself +2/+2 or more. Then we can add a -1/-1 counter, untap Thranduil, and activate him again. He'll grow huge, and then we can use Devoted Druid's abilities to make infinite mana. It's not an instant win, but any mana sink in the graveyard will change that.</p>
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<h2>The Most Competitive Way To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking</h2>
<p>I think this is the first time I've talked about a cEDH-level card in this series. To be clear, the cEDH bros are still debating whether Thranduil is actually good enough for the format, and you can find an awesome evaluation <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/thranduil-the-elvenking-a-cedh-one-card-combo">here</a>, but it's clear that Thranduil is quite powerful. Any commander that can hit the board and instantly win the game is pretty nuts. If we want to build a domineering deck with Thranduil it's quite simple, and not even that expensive! We really just need the combo pieces, some mill, a few graveyard tutors, and we're set. We even have the color blue to back us up with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s. It's one of the easiest Bracket 4 decks to build I've ever seen. I definitely foresee Thranduil becoming a frustratingly strong presence at the table.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Marwyn, the Nurturer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Devoted Druid"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Counterspell"></div></div>
<h2>The Worst Way To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking</h2>
<p>For whatever reason, every single time there's a Typal commander, someone decides to build it with only Changelings. Yes, even for decks that have a strong creature type. For commanders like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reaper King" href="#" target="_blank">Reaper King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it makes a ton of sense, because Changelings are just straight-up better than Scarecrows, but I assure you, Changelings are not better than Elves, especially when those Changelings need activated abilities! And yet, I just know that someone is gonna do it. I don't know if it's a bit, or a challenge, but there will be a Changeling-only Thranduil deck out there, and it's gonna be absolutely terrible.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mothdust Changeling"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skeletal Changeling"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Amoeboid Changeling"></div></div>
<p>That being said, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mothdust Changeling" href="#" target="_blank">Mothdust Changeling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the better ways to give Thranduil flying. But that's not an excuse!</p>
<h2>The Worst Way To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking, Part 2</h2>
<p>While I was looking for a bad way to build Thranduil, I noticed something. The most unique abilities, and the ones that synergized the least with other Elves, were the abilities on legendary creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Selvala, Heart of the Wilds" href="#" target="_blank">Selvala, Heart of the Wilds</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is usually an amazing card, but it's kind of terrible here because Thranduil doesn't play cards with high power. It's the same deal with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Marwyn, the Nurturer" href="#" target="_blank">Marwyn, the Nurturer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and then there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ayara, First of Locthwain" href="#" target="_blank">Ayara, First of Locthwain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who wants us to sacrifice black creatures. And those are the top three legendary Elves with activated abilities! Why does Thranduil even ask us to play legendary Elves? Surprisingly, I've come to the conclusion that the version of this deck that focuses on legends is quite bad. Yes, they draw cards with our commander, but the majority of them don't synergize nearly as well as nonlegendary Elves. I bet that build is fun, but it's definitely a downgrade.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Selvala, Heart of the Wilds"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Marwyn, the Nurturer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ayara, First of Locthwain"></div></div>
<p>Welp, that's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thranduil, the Elvenking" href="#" target="_blank">Thranduil, the Elvenking</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. There aren't too many ways to build this fella, but I think we got a good peek into the possibilities. A cEDH contender who can also support Crab typal. That's quite the résumé! Let me know if y'all decide to build the Crab deck, or any other creature type, and stay so far away if you're running <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iron-Shield Elf" href="#" target="_blank">Iron-Shield Elf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>!</p>


Five Ways To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lathril, Blade of the Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Lathril, Blade of the Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.carolinegariba.com/">Caroline Gariba</a></em></p>
<h2>Time to Take Those Elves off Your Shelves</h2>
<p>Yup. This week, we're looking into Elves as part of our <em>Commander Makeover</em> series. With a creature type so prevalent, I'm absolutely sure we can find cards within the past two years to give new life on perhaps the best <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/elves">Elf</a> commander in existence (if not the most popular).</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lathril, Blade of the Elves"></div></div>
<p>The premise surrounding our commander is simple, but I'm sure she's definitely feeling a tad behind in the power creep arms race. So, let's spice her up with new cards, shall we?</p>
<p>That said, looking at <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/lathril-blade-of-the-elves">Lathril's EDHREC page</a>, we have <em>a lot</em> of ground to cover, so I'll go through each option as much and quickly as I can.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cauldron of Essence" href="#" target="_blank">Cauldron of Essence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cauldron of Essence"></div></div>
<p>The drain won't be all that prevalent, but what will be is that activated ability. Too bad it's a once per turn deal (unless we have ways to untap it), but we can trade a token for something more worthwhile.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Emeritus of Abundance" href="#" target="_blank">Emeritus of Abundance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emeritus of Abundance"></div></div>
<p>Auto-preparing on entry is nice, letting us have a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Regrowth" href="#" target="_blank">Regrowth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on a pointy-eared body. What might not be is having eight or more lands to re-prepare it. I'm sure it won't be hard to get there, but a lot of ramp in Elf decks tends to be creatures, and land counts are typically lower than normal. But I'm sure this can work.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Topiary Lecturer" href="#" target="_blank">Topiary Lecturer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Topiary Lecturer"></div></div>
<p>The latest in a lineage that includes <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gyre Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Gyre Sage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Incubation Druid" href="#" target="_blank">Incubation Druid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, our mileage will vary with this one. If our curve's too low to the ground, we won't get much mana out of this creature. That is, unless we put counters on the Lecturer via other means. Probably won't make the cut in my list if I built the deck.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Perfect Morcant" href="#" target="_blank">High Perfect Morcant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="High Perfect Morcant"></div></div>
<p>She's a nasty piece of work that'll stomp all over our opponents' creatures with her feet...I mean blight ability. Elves typically swarm the board easily, so -1/-1 counters will be flying everywhere. That's nothing to say to how easy it'll be to proliferate multiple times in one turn with Morcant's ability.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Morcant&#039;s Loyalist" href="#" target="_blank">Morcant&#039;s Loyalist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Morcant&#039;s Loyalist"></div></div>
<p>An Elf with an anthem effect that can bring a fallen Elf back to our hand (not this one, obviously) isn't a bad rate. Combine with the above <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cauldron of Essence" href="#" target="_blank">Cauldron of Essence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and we got a recursion/drain engine going.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Champions of the Perfect" href="#" target="_blank">Champions of the Perfect</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Champions of the Perfect"></div></div>
<p>Very much like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beast Whisperer" href="#" target="_blank">Beast Whisperer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> before it, this will draw a ton of cards in no time. The obvious target for the behold/champion ability is to exile a token, so you lose nothing of value. Then we're left with a 6/6 draw engine house that's four mana. A strong rate for sure.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Selfless Safewright" href="#" target="_blank">Selfless Safewright</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Selfless Safewright"></div></div>
<p>On a very developed board state, this is a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroic Intervention" href="#" target="_blank">Heroic Intervention</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for free. Also one that can easily be recurred to protect our Elves again and again. That said, this will not protect noncreatures unless they have the creature type of our choice (it's obviously Brushwagg). If we're not running this, Heroic, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wrap in Vigor" href="#" target="_blank">Wrap in Vigor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, what on earth are we doing?</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eclipsed Elf" href="#" target="_blank">Eclipsed Elf</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eclipsed Elf"></div></div>
<p>Very easy to cast, nets us a card to use (or ensure we make our land drops) on entry. It isn't much, but it's enough to make some kind of impact in the long run.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Formidable Speaker" href="#" target="_blank">Formidable Speaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Formidable Speaker"></div></div>
<p>While the <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fauna Shaman" href="#" target="_blank">Fauna Shaman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-esque ability always comes in handy, what's even more impressive is the other ability. Want even more mana off of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Archdruid" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Archdruid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? Knock yourself out. Have at least 21 Elves, then tap <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lathril, Blade of the Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Lathril, Blade of the Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> twice? We may have killed an opponent or three. This creature's got some nifty uses for sure.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Virulent Emissary" href="#" target="_blank">Virulent Emissary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Virulent Emissary"></div></div>
<p>Let's face it: Our opponents will know what's up the moment we reveal our commander. They'll be racing to kick us out of the pod. Emissary allows us to stay in the game longer, especially with all the tokens we'll be making.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Trystan&#039;s Command" href="#" target="_blank">Trystan&#039;s Command</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Trystan&#039;s Command"></div></div>
<p>This is definitely a curve topper if I ever saw one. We can make a token of a crucial Elf, recur a couple of fallen creatures to cast again, remove some troublesome card, or be a finisher that untaps our board. We could tap our mana dorks for all that mana, then cast the Command to untap them, making our creatures into much stronger attackers.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bloodline Bidding" href="#" target="_blank">Bloodline Bidding</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bloodline Bidding"></div></div>
<p>A strict upgrade to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Patriarch&#039;s Bidding" href="#" target="_blank">Patriarch&#039;s Bidding</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, especially here. The ability to cast this card basically for free is a massive boon for go-wide decks, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lathril, Blade of the Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Lathril, Blade of the Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is no exception. On top of that, the card only brings back our stuff, so we'll be left with a full board while opponents get nothing.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chronicle of Victory" href="#" target="_blank">Chronicle of Victory</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chronicle of Victory"></div></div>
<p>I've covered the card at least several times in the past, but here is one of the decks where it'll truly shine. Suddenly, those Elves don't look like they'll snap like twigs, and each creature we cast gets us a card. All for a hefty six mana. Six mana well spent.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Morcant&#039;s Eyes" href="#" target="_blank">Morcant&#039;s Eyes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Morcant&#039;s Eyes"></div></div>
<p>Getting to control our draw each turn is nice, and that activated ability ensures that we'll have a big board state in the late game. This will be one way to recreate an army after a well-timed board wipe.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evendo, Waking Haven" href="#" target="_blank">Evendo, Waking Haven</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evendo, Waking Haven"></div></div>
<p>Getting this Planet fully stationed is easy, especially with anthem effects on board. For that, we get our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gaea&#039;s Cradle" href="#" target="_blank">Gaea&#039;s Cradle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> at home, which is still good. Even better that this takes up a land slot, so we can add another creature instead.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dionus, Elvish Archdruid" href="#" target="_blank">Dionus, Elvish Archdruid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dionus, Elvish Archdruid"></div></div>
<p>Holy mother of Urza is this card busted here. Suddenly, all those mana dorks produce more mana, and get stronger. Had this been happening on everyone's turn, the deck would've been broken in half. Heck, Dionus would've usurped Lathril as the top Elf deck. Expect opponents to kill it on sight, so be prepared.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eladamri, Korvecdal" href="#" target="_blank">Eladamri, Korvecdal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eladamri, Korvecdal"></div></div>
<p>Chances are, we're running more creatures than any other card type, so casting those off the top of our deck is serious business. In a pinch, we can also use Eladamri's activated ability to get a creature out if we need it, but note that it can only be activated during our turns.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tyvar, the Pummeler" href="#" target="_blank">Tyvar, the Pummeler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tyvar, the Pummeler"></div></div>
<p>A finisher that can also easily protect himself is a solid card. Considering how much mana we'll be producing, it'll be quite common to activate Tyvar's ability multiple times. He's no <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ezuri, Renegade Leader" href="#" target="_blank">Ezuri, Renegade Leader</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but he's also the runner up for that slot. So, why not both?</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Revitalizing Repast" href="#" target="_blank">Revitalizing Repast</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Revitalizing Repast"></div></div>
<p>For a measly one mana, we can protect our commander or a key creature (like the aforementioned <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dionus, Elvish Archdruid" href="#" target="_blank">Dionus, Elvish Archdruid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>), and give it a small buff. In a pinch, we can play this card as a land instead. It's not like we're short of other options to protect our board.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasphemous Edict" href="#" target="_blank">Blasphemous Edict</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blasphemous Edict"></div></div>
<p>Unlike the past time(s) I've covered this card, it's actually easy to hit that thirteen-creature criterion with this deck. However, be careful when you cast this, because it'll set us back, too. Sacrificing thirteen creatures is no small matter. If we can afford to do so, great. If not, best wait until it's worth casting it.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nature&#039;s Rhythm" href="#" target="_blank">Nature&#039;s Rhythm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nature&#039;s Rhythm"></div></div>
<p>We can grab our most expensive Elves with this card. Or go low to the ground, but a crucial part to the elven machine. We can do this twice, too, if we tap a buffed token. Of course, we can always be boring and grab some finisher to close out the game (looking at you, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craterhoof Behemoth" href="#" target="_blank">Craterhoof Behemoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>).</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Banner of Kinship" href="#" target="_blank">Banner of Kinship</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Banner of Kinship"></div></div>
<p>With a well-developed board, this will get a lot of counters, and our creatures will get humongous. Perhaps we can win out of nowhere, or we can proliferate it with something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Perfect Morcant" href="#" target="_blank">High Perfect Morcant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Either way, it's certainly a card to watch out for.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Three Tree City" href="#" target="_blank">Three Tree City</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Three Tree City"></div></div>
<p>As if Elves didn't need another way to make an absurd amount of mana. We'll want to have three Elves at the time of activation to get a net positive, and that's simple to do. In fact, we're likely to make double or even triple that number on average.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brotherhood Regalia"></div></div>
<p>This card being among the recommendations will have a few players blinking, until they remember that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lathril, Blade of the Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Lathril, Blade of the Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has a damage trigger. That trigger dumps a number of Elves equal to the damage that Lathril will deal. So, if her menace ability isn't working, this card will do.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Patchwork Banner" href="#" target="_blank">Patchwork Banner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Patchwork Banner"></div></div>
<p>The mana ability will be overshadowed by all the other ones we'll have, but that anthem can make a difference, especially with a full board. If we're building our commander on a budget, this could be one card to consider.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Disciple of Freyalise" href="#" target="_blank">Disciple of Freyalise</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Disciple of Freyalise"></div></div>
<p>Like with an earlier card, we can play this as a land in a pinch, but it'll cost us three life to have it enter untapped. Otherwise, we're likely sacrificing a pumped up token to draw more cards and gain some life.</p>
<h3>Back on the Shelf</h3>
<p>Phew. That about covers all of those cards. Did you snag the new Secret Lair with Lathril and plan to build this sort of deck? Anyway, drop by next week when we revisit precons, but with a special twist.</p>


New Cards to Add to Lathril Commander Decks

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Perfect Morcant" href="#" target="_blank">High Perfect Morcant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=efa2163c860c6b92189028ff3772b24856fc6ac05aec6aecca4b8b2ebdb6a114JmltdHM9MTc2NzU3MTIwMA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=4&amp;fclid=113f3236-d4da-6096-1c8c-3f3cd572614b&amp;psq=Victor+Adame+Minguez&amp;u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly92aWN0b3JhZGFtZWFydC5jb20v" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Victor Adame Minguez</a></em></p>
<p><a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/elves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elf decks</a> have been around since the earliest days of <em>Magic: The Gathering, </em>making players shudder in fear at the mere sight of a turn-one <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Llanowar Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Llanowar Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The same is true today, where Elf-Ball lists still have the ability to overwhelm the table with their raw woodland power.</p>
<p>Now, with <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ecl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lorwyn Eclipsed</a></em> on the horizon, it's time to welcome a new commander to lead your Elven forces. So, join me <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks,</a> as we cover a budget 99 built around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Perfect Morcant" href="#" target="_blank">High Perfect Morcant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that you can pick up for about $45.</p>
<h2>What Does High Perfect Morcant Do?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="High Perfect Morcant"></div></div>
<p>I love seeing new commanders bring different twists to classic archetypes, which is exactly what <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Perfect Morcant" href="#" target="_blank">High Perfect Morcant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> brings to Elf decks. The typical plan for that strategy has been to flood the board with as many Elves as possible, but this time around we're adding -1/-1 counters to the mix. Building out a big army, while shrinking the stats of our opponents' creatures is a brutal combo, and is sure to make people fear each creature we play.</p>
<p>So, let's take a look at some of the ways we can take advantage of this commander's abilities in order to add as much blight to the board as possible.</p>
<h3>Blight Synergies</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evolution Sage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tromell, Seymour&#039;s Butler"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pollenbright Druid"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evolution Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Evolution Sage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Even though our commander has a way to proliferate stapled to her, adding even more of that effect to every land drop is brutal in this deck. Also, since it's an Elf, it'll cause our opponents to blight, and can be tapped in order to help proliferate all over again.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tromell, Seymour&#039;s Butler" href="#" target="_blank">Tromell, Seymour&#039;s Butler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Not only does this legend add +1/+1 counters to our board when creatures enter, it also gives us a way to proliferate multiple times with just one activation if we're able to chain a few spells together in a turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pollenbright Druid" href="#" target="_blank">Pollenbright Druid</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While this little Elf might not seem too impactful, a two-drop creature that enters, triggers Morcant's blight, and then proliferates more counters is exactly the kind of thing we need in order to make this deck tick.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Copperhorn Scout"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vitalize"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Smell Fear"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Copperhorn Scout" href="#" target="_blank">Copperhorn Scout</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="High Perfect Morcant" href="#" target="_blank">High Perfect Morcant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives us the option of tapping three Elves to proliferate, having a way to <em>untap</em> y\our creatures can put us in a situation where we're able to possibly decimate our opponents' boards in one turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vitalize" href="#" target="_blank">Vitalize</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: One mana to untap our army of Elves is already strong, since we can attack all-out, and then be right back on the defensive at instant speed. Plus, this also sets us up to re-tap our creatures in order to add more -1/-1 counters to the board.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smell Fear" href="#" target="_blank">Smell Fear</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This list is filled with cards that play double duty, like this sorcery that adds removal and more proliferation to the deck for only two mana.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Elf All-Stars</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tyvar Kell"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elvish Warmaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lathril, Blade of the Elves"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tyvar Kell" href="#" target="_blank">Tyvar Kell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This planeswalker is a powerhouse in the deck. Giving all our Elves a way to tap for mana, while also adding counters to our board and untapping creatures, is just what this 99 needs. Plus, since there's so much proliferation going on, it's not unreasonable to think that we could get to Tyvar's ultimate -6 ability pretty fast.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Warmaster" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Warmaster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a card that'll put in a lot of work as the game goes on. Getting this down on turn two will ensure that the first Elf we cast each turn will bring a friend, which adds even more blight with our commander. On top of that, it also gives our team a mass pump and deathtouch in the late game.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lathril, Blade of the Elves" href="#" target="_blank">Lathril, Blade of the Elves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: The current queen of the Elves on <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/lathril-blade-of-the-elves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EDHREC</a> is now here in the 99 of this deck. We'll have to wait and see who comes out as the top commander for this creature type, but as for now, Lathril's here to assist with building our board, while also lowering life totals.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skemfar Shadowsage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elvish Harbinger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dwynen, Gilt-Leaf Daen"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skemfar Shadowsage" href="#" target="_blank">Skemfar Shadowsage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since this deck is already controlling the board with -1/-1 counters, there's a good chance that we'll be dealing a good amount of combat damage to our opponents as the game goes on. Which means that this creature could enter the battlefield and wipe a few players out of the game with that life drain effect.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Harbinger" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Harbinger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This list is filled with a lot of strong Elves that get better during different phases of a match, so having a creature like this that sets us up to draw the best card in the deck could be what wins us a game when all hope is lost.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dwynen, Gilt-Leaf Daen" href="#" target="_blank">Dwynen, Gilt-Leaf Daen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Elf decks tend to become public enemy #1 at a table, which may lead to players ganging up on us. Dwynen's life gain effect could be the thing that keeps our head above water long enough to take out our opponents.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Card Advantage</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Leaf-Crowned Visionary"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skemfar Avenger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Generous Patron"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Leaf-Crowned Visionary" href="#" target="_blank">Leaf-Crowned Visionary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: In order to keep our game plan moving forward, we'll need to ensure our hand is filled with Elves that are ready to hit the board. Spending only one mana to draw a card whenever we cast an Elf spell is the kind of fuel that'll keep our engine rolling.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skemfar Avenger" href="#" target="_blank">Skemfar Avenger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I like cards that put opponents in a tricky spot, which is just what this Avenger does. It'll make them think twice about removing our creatures, since we'll get to draw a card to replace what we lost when one of our Elves dies.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Generous Patron" href="#" target="_blank">Generous Patron</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This creature is a great inclusion for this deck, however there is one thing to keep in mind with it. When our commander blights, our <em>opponents</em> put the counters on their creatures, not us, which won't draw us a card in this case. However, when we proliferate, we're the one putting the counters on those creatures, which could refill our hand pretty quickly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ramp</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Priest of Titania"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elvish Guidance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wirewood Channeler"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Priest of Titania" href="#" target="_blank">Priest of Titania</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This is an ideal creature to play on turn two, since it'll scale as the game goes on. Now every time we cast an Elf, we're also adding even more mana when the Priest taps.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elvish Guidance" href="#" target="_blank">Elvish Guidance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's an older card that turns one of our lands into a supercharged Elf engine. Having this effect on an enchantment is great in case our board gets dealt with, because you'll still have this effect lying in wait for when our army is assembled again.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wirewood Channeler" href="#" target="_blank">Wirewood Channeler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Even though this deck is green heavy, we still need to produce black mana, which is why this creature can be so useful here. Pairing this with all the other cards that create a large amount of green mana could set us up to dump our entire hand onto the table.</li>
</ul>
<h2>High Perfect Morcant Budget Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="High Perfect Morcant - Budget Deck Tech" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 High Perfect Morcant
[/Commander]
[Enchantments]
*1 Elvish Guidance
*1 Harald Unites the Elves
*1 Prowess of the Fair
[/Enchantments]
[Creatures]
*1 Abomination of Llanowar
*1 Arbor Elf
*1 Beast Whisperer
*1 Copperhorn Scout
*1 Dwynen&#039;s Elite
*1 Dwynen, Gilt-Leaf Daen
*1 Elderfang Ritualist
*1 Elvish Archdruid
*1 Elvish Dreadlord
*1 Elvish Harbinger
*1 Elvish Mystic
*1 Elvish Visionary
*1 Elvish Warmaster
*1 Evolution Sage
*1 Farhaven Elf
*1 Gala Greeters
*1 Generous Patron
*1 Glistener Elf
*1 Golgari Findbroker
*1 Harald, King of Skemfar
*1 Immaculate Magistrate
*1 Imperious Perfect
*1 Lathril, Blade of the Elves
*1 Leaf-Crowned Visionary
*1 Llanowar Elves
*1 Lys Alana Huntmaster
*1 Miara, Thorn of the Glade
*1 Poison-Tip Archer
*1 Pollenbright Druid
*1 Priest of Titania
*1 Realmwalker
*1 Reclamation Sage
*1 Ruthless Winnower
*1 Shaman of the Pack
*1 Skemfar Avenger
*1 Skemfar Shadowsage
*1 Tromell, Seymour&#039;s Butler
*1 Viridian Corrupter
*1 Wirewood Channeler
*1 Wood Elves
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Crippling Fear
*1 Harmonize
*1 Overwhelming Stampede
*1 Pact of the Serpent
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Shamanic Revelation
*1 Smell Fear
*1 Stargaze
*1 Thirsting Roots
*1 Unnatural Restoration
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Eyeblight&#039;s Ending
*1 Golgari Charm
*1 Origin of Metalbending
*1 Return of the Wildspeaker
*1 Revitalizing Repast // Old-Growth Grove
*1 Snakeskin Veil
*1 Tear Asunder
*1 Vitalize
*1 Windswift Slice
[/Instants]
[Planeswalkers]
*1 Tyvar Kell
[/Planeswalkers]
[Lands]
*1 Command Tower
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Festering Thicket
*1 Gilt-Leaf Palace
*1 Grim Backwoods
*1 Llanowar Wastes
*1 Necroblossom Snarl
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Secluded Courtyard
*1 Skemfar Elderhall
*1 Temple of Malady
*1 Twilight Mire
*1 Unclaimed Territory
*1 Viridescent Bog
*1 Woodland Cemetery
*19 Forest
*1 Swamp
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>So, there you have it, a full budget Elf deck for High Perfect Morcant that we can pick up for about $45. Stay tuned for all the new cards coming in <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/ecl">Lorwyn Eclipsed</a>,</em> since I'm sure there's going to be some truly wild Elves coming our way that we haven't seen yet.</p>
<p>Also, be on the lookout for my upcoming <em>Bulk Up</em> article, where I'll cover the best commons and uncommons from the set!</p>


elf typal

Five Ways To Use Thranduil, the Elvenking

New Cards to Add to Lathril Commander Decks

High Perfect Morcant - Elf-Ball on a Budget