Fire Lord Azula - Destroy Your Enemies on a Budget

Building a High Power Fire Lord Azula Deck

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Lord Zuko" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Lord Zuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yuxingart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jo Cordisco</a></em></p>
<p>Last week, I teased that I was going to cover one of the three Fire Lords: Azula, Zuko, and Ozai. Seeing the image and the title, you would already figure out who I'm covering: Zuko. I knew I wanted to cover him one day, but I needed to see the rest of the <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Avatar: The Last Airbender</a> </em>(<em>ATLA</em> going forward) set before I could tackle him.</p>
<p>We now know every card in the set, and its supplements. Armed with that knowledge, let's jump right into this deck tech.</p>
<h2>Zuko Turns Over a New Leaf</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Lord Zuko"></div></div>
<p>If I had told you that Toph was my favorite character in the show, that holds true still. In fact, it's a tie between Toph and Zuko (Iroh is second, if you were curious). A large part of why is his backstory. In the beginning, Zuko was bound and determined to capture the Avatar to regain his honor.</p>
<p>Tragically, this began with him speaking out of turn (which he did apologize for, in fairness). His father, Ozai, went full overkill by burning his eye and banishing him, only allowing him to return if he captured Aang. But, after the first season, he began to turn, and Iroh had been guiding him through it. His redemption arc culminated with him joining Team Avatar, fighting a psychotic Azula in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Last Agni Kai" href="#" target="_blank">The Last Agni Kai</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and becoming Fire Lord, ending the war.</p>
<p>Curiously enough, Zuko's firebending ability doesn't matter too much. It's his more flavorful exile-related ability that's the focus (but we are also running a ton of instants and activated abilities for good measure). Zuko also puts a +1/+1 counter on himself, making his firebending ability that much stronger.</p>
<h2>That's a Whole Lotta Firebending</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Big Score|fic|290"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation Archers"></div></div>
<p>With Zuko generating red mana with firebending, we'll need to find ways to use it before end of combat, when it fizzles out. The most obvious use is to cast stuff at instant speed, like combat tricks. Anything with lots of generic mana in its casting cost can be reduced because of the firebending trigger, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Big Score|fic|290" href="#" target="_blank">Big Score</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Instant speed X-spells are also really good with it, so we'll be sure to pack as many of those as we can.</p>
<p>One of the main reasons I decided to wait until now to do Zuko is because we needed payoffs for firebending. That's where cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Archers" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Archers</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come in. With that, we have a mana sink that we could pour into, so that red mana doesn't go to waste. What makes things worse is that the number of payoffs we got is small, but that number goes further down once we eliminate the not-so-useful payoffs.</p>
<p>That said, there is another side to Zuko that needs to be said.</p>
<h2>Disbanding the Army</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Secure the Wastes|sld|1748"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Canoptek Scarab Swarm"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sun Warriors"></div></div>
<p>That other side? Tokens! Zuko buffs each creature (including himself) each time something is cast or played from exile. In addition, with how exile decks work, they tend to snowball, and get out of hand quickly. Meaning, the creatures we buff will become lethal threats rapidly. Cards that act like "armies in a can" like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Adeline, Resplendent Cathar|fca|1" href="#" target="_blank">Adeline, Resplendent Cathar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> become very important, especially once we get things going. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Canoptek Scarab Swarm" href="#" target="_blank">Canoptek Scarab Swarm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is that, and graveyard hate as well, letting us keep those reanimation decks honest.</p>
<p>Also, cards that make tokens and work with Zuko's firebending ability became all-stars. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Secure the Wastes|sld|1748" href="#" target="_blank">Secure the Wastes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sun Warriors" href="#" target="_blank">Sun Warriors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can unload a bunch of tokens very quickly. The latter is also noteworthy for fueling its own ability, since the amount of red mana we get from firebending is equal to the number of creatures we control.</p>
<p>It goes without saying that we'll need to protect our board. Opponents will see what's going on from miles away, and will act to try and stop us. This is where cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Restoration Magic" href="#" target="_blank">Restoration Magic</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Boros Charm|sld|1771" href="#" target="_blank">Boros Charm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> come in.</p>
<h2>Path From Exile</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Passionate Archaeologist|sld|2220"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Appa, Steadfast Guardian"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Keeper of Secrets"></div></div>
<p>I covered an exile deck <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/gwen-stacy-ghost-spider-commander-deck-tech-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">not too long ago</a>, and a lot of what I said there still stands. The only real difference this time is that we're going wide. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Appa, Steadfast Guardian" href="#" target="_blank">Appa, Steadfast Guardian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will save our nonland permanents (and unfortunately resetting the counters we've been accumulating), but he allows us to recast cards from exile.</p>
<p>Sequence things right, and we're going to have a big army all over again, much to our opponents' collective dismay.</p>
<p>Conversely, we can use cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Keeper of Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Keeper of Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Passionate Archaeologist|sld|2220" href="#" target="_blank">Passionate Archaeologist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to chip away at our opponents' life totals to soften them up for a death blow. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spider-Verse" href="#" target="_blank">Spider-Verse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will copy any card we cast from exile, giving us more value.</p>
<p>Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wild Wasteland" href="#" target="_blank">Wild Wasteland</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will skip our draw step, but it will give us to cards to cast from exile each turn.</p>
<h2>Fire Lord Zuko Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond-Fire Lord Zuko" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Fire Lord Zuko
[/Commander]
[Instants]
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Bedevil
*1 Big Score
*1 Bituminous Blast
*1 Boros Charm
*1 Clever Concealment
*1 Crush Contraband
*1 Despark
*1 Entrapment Maneuver
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Lightning Bolt
*1 Opera Love Song
*1 Overkill
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Redirect Lightning
*1 Release to Memory
*1 Restoration Magic
*1 Secure the Wastes
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 The Last Agni Kai
*1 Unexpected Windfall
*1 Utter End
[/Instants]
[Creatures]
*1 Adeline, Resplendent Cathar
*1 Appa, Steadfast Guardian
*1 Auron, Venerated Guardian
*1 Canoptek Scarab Swarm
*1 Fire Nation Archers
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor
*1 Keeper of Secrets
*1 Kefka, Dancing Mad
*1 Loyal Apprentice
*1 Murderous Rider // Swift End
*1 Professional Face-Breaker
*1 Strago and Relm
*1 Summon: Esper Valigarmanda
*1 Sun Warriors
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Cleansing Nova
*1 Feed the Swarm
*1 Into the Time Vortex
*1 Lidless Gaze
*1 Light Up the Stage
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Ruinous Ultimatum
*1 Throes of Chaos
*1 Toxic Deluge
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Black Market Connections
*1 Descent into Avernus
*1 Passionate Archaeologist
*1 Spider-Verse
*1 The Flux
*1 The Ruinous Powers
*1 Wild Wasteland
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Fire Nation Turret
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Conviction
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
*1 Talisman of Indulgence
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Command Tower
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Foreboding Ruins
*1 Furycalm Snarl
*1 Graven Cairns
*7 Mountain
*1 Nomad Outpost
*1 Opal Palace
*7 Plains
*1 Rugged Prairie
*1 Shadowblood Ridge
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Sunscorched Divide
*7 Swamp
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Ending the War</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Descent into Avernus|sld|2176"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation Turret"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ruinous Ultimatum|fic|329"></div></div>
<p>I wish I had more mass token producers, but we'll take what we can get. This, you might say, is why we'll want to cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ruinous Ultimatum|fic|329" href="#" target="_blank">Ruinous Ultimatum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> at the right time. It gives us a window with which to deal devastating damage with our beefy tokens, potentially closing out the game. In any case, there's plenty of cards in the deck that are best cast at the right time, like the protection spells.</p>
<p>However, given that Ruinous Ultimatum has a hefty casting cost, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Descent into Avernus|sld|2176" href="#" target="_blank">Descent into Avernus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can give us a lot of ramp, but it also damages each player. So, while it whittles down our opponents' life totals, it also brings us down as well, so proceed with caution.</p>
<p>Lastly, there's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Turret" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Turret</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card will take a while to build up, but anyone who's experienced the power of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will tell us that it's justified. Fifty red mana is a lofty goal to reach, but getting there likely means that it reads "destroy target player." Unless, of course, we're up against those pesky <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/lifegain" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lifegain</a> decks. Then we get even more work cut out for us.</p>
<p>The firebending abilities will help us charge up the turret, but our opponents will try and stop us from reaching 50.</p>
<h2>Multiversal Prosperity</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashling, Flame Dancer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grand Crescendo"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Norin the Wary"></div></div>
<p>Going into the in-universe card pool doesn't open up too much, but it certainly gives us some better toys. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashling, Flame Dancer" href="#" target="_blank">Ashling, Flame Dancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> ensures we get to keep what red mana we get from Zuko's firebending ability, allowing us to bypass the combat limitation. Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tannuk, Steadfast Second" href="#" target="_blank">Tannuk, Steadfast Second</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gives our other creatures haste, and lets us cast them from exile, assuming we warped them in first.</p>
<p>Checking out the expanded card pool also opens us up to a lot more exile options, making us potentially lean harder into it. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cunning Rhetoric" href="#" target="_blank">Cunning Rhetoric</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a really good pillowfort card, letting us use our opponents' spells to make our board stronger if they attack us. On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kami of Celebration" href="#" target="_blank">Kami of Celebration</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> exiles from the top of our library, and buffs our creatures, working in tandem with Zuko.</p>
<p>Lastly, while we don't get to do much to take advantage of the +1/+1 counters we'll be accruing, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dusk Legion Zealot" href="#" target="_blank">Dusk Legion Zealot</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will provide us with a steady stream of card draw, so that we don't run out of gas.</p>
<h2>Peace at Last...</h2>
<p>...or is it? Last year, I did an advent calendar, using packs to count down the days. I intend on doing it again. This time, I'll be covering them here (there's a Commander-related scheme in all of this. Also, it's possible that I'll do this with a 100% in-universe lens), and I'll be covering details on this later on, so I don't stray from the Commander focus.</p>


Fire Lord Zuko Commander Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/mangamie">Fahmi Fauzi</a></em></p>
<p>Even if you're not a fan of the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar</em></a> series, our commander for the day should still be pretty familiar to you. Aang is the main protagonist of the show, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> captures when he masters the bending of all four elements.</p>
<p>Drawing a card whenever you bend water, earth, fire, or air is a huge payoff. Plus, if you're able to bend all four in one turn, you're now ready to send Aang into the Avatar state, which takes this deck to a whole new level.</p>
<h2>This Commander Can Save the World</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards side-by-side"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avatar Aang"></div></div>
<p>This version of Aang loves to see others utilize their bending, so the main goal with the deck is to flood your board with creatures in the early game. Then, once you've built up your team with allies and enemies from the show, you can cast your commander and start pulling in the value while you bend the elements.</p>
<p>When it comes to this list, the main goal is to highlight some of the cards from the set that progresses your strategy forward, while <em>hopefully </em>not breaking your bank.</p>
<p>Plus, I added great budget cards to the 99 from outside the set that'll fit nicely with the mechanics already in the deck, including a solid five-color landbase. So, with all that in mind, let's get started by taking a look at how each element fits into this list!</p>
<h2>Waterbending - Power in Gathering</h2>
<p><em>(While paying a waterbend cost, you can tap your artifacts and creatures to help. Each one pays for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-1" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Waterbending Lesson"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Waterbender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's an instance of waterbending that works great in two ways for this deck. Of course, you can try to make your creatures as big as possible, however if you activate that ability one creature/land/artifact at a time, you'll draw a card for each one you tap because of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s ability. Now that's a lot of card advantage!</li>
<li><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>: Including some standard card draw in this deck is important, just in case Aang isn't on the battlefield. However, if he is on the board, you could draw an additional card after you waterbend with this spell.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Waterbender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Waterbender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This deck is relatively aggressive, which means that you'll be sending creatures into combat pretty often. With that in mind, you should be getting enough experience counters on this enchantment to start drawing even more cards, while having the option to add evasion to your board.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Earthbending - Awaken Your Manabase</h2>
<p><em>(Target land you control becomes a 0/0 creature with haste that's still a land. Put a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the number next to that ability. When it dies or is exiled, return it to the battlefield tapped.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Haru, Hidden Talent"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dai Li Agents"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Earthbender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Haru, Hidden Talent" href="#" target="_blank">Haru, Hidden Talent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since this creature is only two mana, it'll start your earthbending engine right away. Plus, once Aang is on the board, all it takes to draw some cards is by just deploying more and more Allies.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dai Li Agents" href="#" target="_blank">Dai Li Agents</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Earthbending multiple times when these Agents enter helps with building your land army. On top of that, it adds a way to close out the game if they attack and you have enough creatures with counters on your board.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthbender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Earthbender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This enchantment does it all; not only does it help you earthbend, but it also fetches a basic land onto your board. Then when you build up those four quest counters, you'll buff up a creature and help it trample over your opponent's defenses.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Firebending - Ignite Your Combat</h2>
<p><em>(Whenever a creature with firebending attacks, add <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> equal to the number next to that ability. This mana lasts until end of combat.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zuko, Exiled Prince"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Nation Attacks"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firebender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Sure, this may be the version of Zuko who's hunting down Aang, however, they still work great together in this deck. Firebending 3 is already a powerful effect, especially when you can spend all that mana to gain access to the top card of your library in a pinch.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Nation Attacks" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Nation Attacks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since Aang draws you cards each time you firebend, getting as many bodies on the board as possible that have that ability ensures you'll be refilling your hand during combat. This spell also has flashback, which means you can recast it later when you're looking for a place to spend all your red firebending mana.</li>
<li><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>: This enchantment is an absolute powerhouse in this deck. It brings you a token when it enters, which'll help unlock that second ability pretty quickly. Each time a firebending creature goes into combat, you'll get closer to doubling all your attack triggers.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Airbending - Bounce the Board</h2>
<p><em>(Exile a target. While it's exiled, its owner may cast it for <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-2" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> rather than its mana cost.)</em></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Appa, Loyal Sky Bison"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Airbending Lesson"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Airbender Ascension"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Appa, Loyal Sky Bison" href="#" target="_blank">Appa, Loyal Sky Bison</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Of course, Aang needs to have Appa close by at all times, which luckily adds some airbending to the deck. Giving a creature flying during combat is helpful, and exiling one of your permanents in order to recast it later will now draw you a card in the process.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Airbending Lesson" href="#" target="_blank">Airbending Lesson</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a great way to weaponize airbending, by temporarily getting rid of someone else's threat in order to progress your own game plan. Since it's an instant, you could cast it during combat in order to utilize some of the mana you make with firebending.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Airbender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Airbender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This enchantment does a whole lot for only two mana. It airbends something when it enters, while also getting to the point where you could blink a creature at the end of each of your turns.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Cards From Outside the <em>Avatar</em> Set</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Harrow"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Faeburrow Elder"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Harrow" href="#" target="_blank">Harrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This is already a staple in the format, so its inclusion here shouldn't be too surprising, but it also pairs with earthbending in a very interesting way. If you sacrifice a land that's already been earthbended, it'll come back to the battlefield tapped, which means you won't be down a land once this spell resolves.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Faeburrow Elder" href="#" target="_blank">Faeburrow Elder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's one of the best mana dorks in the format, which is luckily still in a comfortable budget range. It's perfect in this list, since <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is four colors, allowing this Treefolk to eventually tap for four mana at a time.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Commune with Lava"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shamanic Revelation"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commune with Lava" href="#" target="_blank">Commune with Lava</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since this deck is filled with so many creatures with firebending, having an instant spell like this can be a great outlet for all that red mana. Gaining access to a huge chunk of cards during your combat step could truly take the table by surprise.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shamanic Revelation" href="#" target="_blank">Shamanic Revelation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: One of the deck's main goals is to get as many creatures as possible onto the board, and start bending away. So, having a spell that draws you a card for each member on your team will definitely help you out in the late game.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Become the Avalanche"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Overwhelming Stampede"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Become the Avalanche" href="#" target="_blank">Become the Avalanche</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Not only does this sorcery have a perfect name to fit thematically,it can also close out games. On top of that, this list is filled with several large creatures that'll trigger that draw effect, adding even more upside to the mix.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overwhelming Stampede" href="#" target="_blank">Overwhelming Stampede</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Sure, this is a great callback to when Aang leads a horde of animals through Ba Sing Se, but it's also just a powerful finisher for your strategy.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Temple of Plenty"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sheltered Thicket"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Temple of Plenty" href="#" target="_blank">Temple of Plenty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: When it comes to earthbending your lands, you might end up losing a few of them during combat. If that's the case, having some of these scry lands in the deck can help get you even more value when they re-enter the battlefield after leaving it.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sheltered Thicket" href="#" target="_blank">Sheltered Thicket</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Yes, having mana fixing is important in a five-color deck like this. However, including some of these cycling lands works well with your firebending creatures. If you don't have anything to use that red mana on during combat, you can always throw these away to draw a new card.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Avatar Aang Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Avatar Aang, Master of Elements - EDHREC Article" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Avatar Aang // Aang, Master of Elements
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Appa, Loyal Sky Bison
*1 Azula, On the Hunt
*1 Badgermole
*1 Beifong&#039;s Bounty Hunters
*1 Boiling Rock Rioter
*1 Bumi, Eclectic Earthbender
*1 Dai Li Agents
*1 Earthbending Student
*1 Earthen Ally
*1 Faeburrow Elder
*1 Fire Sages
*1 Firebending Student
*1 Giant Koi
*1 Haru, Hidden Talent
*1 Katara, Bending Prodigy
*1 Katara, Water Tribe&#039;s Hope
*1 Loyal Fire Sage
*1 North Pole Patrol
*1 Rebellious Captives
*1 Rough Rhino Cavalry
*1 Sun Warriors
*1 Toph, the Blind Bandit
*1 Uncle Iroh
*1 Vindictive Warden
*1 Water Tribe Rallier
*1 Zuko, Exiled Prince
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Avatar&#039;s Wrath
*1 Become the Avalanche
*1 Cracked Earth Technique
*1 Crashing Wave
*1 Cultivate
*1 Earth Rumble
*1 Overwhelming Stampede
*1 Shamanic Revelation
*1 Shared Roots
*1 Waterbending Lesson
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Aang&#039;s Iceberg
*1 Airbender Ascension
*1 Bitter Work
*1 Earthbender Ascension
*1 Firebender Ascension
*1 Solid Ground
*1 Waterbender Ascension
*1 Watery Grasp
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Airbender&#039;s Reversal
*1 Airbending Lesson
*1 Commune with Lava
*1 Cycle of Renewal
*1 Energybending
*1 Enter the Avatar State
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Fire Nation Attacks
*1 Harrow
*1 How to Start a Riot
*1 Origin of Metalbending
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Roiling Regrowth
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Bender&#039;s Waterskin
*1 Fellwar Stone
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Adarkar Wastes
*1 Battlefield Forge
*1 Brushland
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*7 Forest
*1 Frontier Bivouac
*1 Game Trail
*1 Island
*1 Karplusan Forest
*1 Llanowar Wastes
*1 Mossfire Valley
*1 Mountain
*1 Overgrown Farmland
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Plains
*1 Promising Vein
*1 Rockfall Vale
*1 Scattered Groves
*1 Seaside Citadel
*1 Sheltered Thicket
*1 Sunpetal Grove
*1 Swamp
*1 Temple of Abandon
*1 Temple of Enlightenment
*1 Temple of Epiphany
*1 Temple of Malady
*1 Temple of Mystery
*1 Temple of Plenty
*1 Temple of Silence
*1 Temple of Triumph
*1 Yavimaya Coast
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>There you have it, a full deck built around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. When we first saw this card <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/magiccon-las-vegas-preview-panel-edge-of-eternities-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all those months ago</a>, it was a complete mystery just how powerful it was going to be, since we didn't know what the bending mechanics were going to look like. Now that we've seen the whole set, we now know just how powerful this legend turned out to be.</p>
<p>Aang will truly be a great home for all your favorite cards from the set, so if you open him in one of your packs, it might just be a sign that you should put this list together. Especially since it'll only run you about $20 to buy the cards from outside of the set to assist you with getting the deck in fighting shape!</p>
<p>If you've already ripped through some <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar</em></a> boosters in the past week, then you should check out my latest edition of <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/best-commons-uncommons-from-avatar-the-last-airbender" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Bulk Up</em></a>. This set is jam packed with great commons and uncommons that'll slot right into your favorite decks; so do yourself a favor and don't let those collect dust if you can help it!</p>


Avatar Aang, Master of Elements Deck Tech - All the Bending, All at Once

Top 10 "You Don't Lose Mana At the End of Phases" Cards

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></em> |<em> Art by <a href="https://www.joeslucher.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joe Slucher </a></em></p>
<p>Hello everyone, my name is Jonathan, and today's article is completely centered around firebending, a new ability from the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em></a> set. We'll look at the best cards to use with your firebending mana.</p>
<h2>What Is Firebending?</h2>
<p>But, what does firebending do? A creature with firebending produces red mana when it attacks that lasts until the end of combat.</p>
<p>The amount of mana produced varies from creature to creature. For example, a creature with firebending 1 will add <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>, while a creature with firebending 2 will add <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>.</p>
<p>This creates a situation similar to <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>'s, where we're able to gain additional mana on each of our turns, but we do so at a weird time during said turns. In fact, this mana has to be used on something that can be done at instant speed <em>and</em> that during our combat phase.</p>
<p>While there are truly a ton of cards to be cast or abilities to be activated at that time, I tried to think of some of the best ones to pair with firebending mana, especially older cards that might benefit the most from some modern power-up.</p>
<p>The other criteria behind my choices was that the cards should, in the most part, be proactive, considering we're getting this mana when attacking.</p>
<p>Additionally, all of the five colors have access to firebending. Although the early spoilers seem to indicate it's mostly a Grixis-oriented (<span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-u" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-b" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>) ability, we've seen green and white cards as well, like <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> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Lord Zuko" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Lord Zuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Additionally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Aang" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Aang</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a five-color legend with firebending; so, indeed we're not lacking commanders synergizing with it! At the same time, I prioritized red-colored effects, considering all of the mana we're making out of our attacks will be of that color.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Uncle Iroh"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fire Lord Zuko"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avatar Aang"></div></div>
<p>One last thing before diving into the card: It's true that there are cards that can, in theory, produce a lot of mana through firebending, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sun Warriors" href="#" target="_blank">Sun Warriors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sozin&#039;s Comet" href="#" target="_blank">Sozin&#039;s Comet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> on a stacked board, but the actual highest value we've seen on a card at the time of writing (October 28<sup>th</sup>) is firebending 4 on <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>.</p>
<p>This means that I'm not really considering having access to a huge amount of mana when choosing which cards to include on the list, but only around <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> or <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> on average.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sun Warriors"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sozin&#039;s Comet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ozai, the Phoenix King"></div></div>
<p>So, with all of this premise out of the way, here are some of the best cards to cast and/or abilities to use with firebending mana!</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Aggressive Cards To Use With Firebending Mana</h2>
<p>The first category of cards I thought about when reading what firebending does was "very aggressive effects that can turn a whole combat step into your favor." Yes, I'm not really good at giving names, but you get the spirit.</p>
<p>For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Savage Beating" href="#" target="_blank">Savage Beating</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> was one of the first ones I added to my notes, because it checks all of the boxes. It can only be cast during our combat step, it requires red mana, and it gives us access to an extremely aggressive effect.</p>
<p>In addition to all of this, being pretty expensive to begin with means it can be tricky to get the most out of it with entwine; firebending solves this problem as well, making sure we get that small mana boost we need to go all out. Also, the additional combat step means we're going to have even more possibilities to spend additional red mana during our turn!</p>
<p>Another example is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Once the scourge of Standard, this Equipment wants to be cast at instant speed during the combat step so that we can dish out unexpected damage. Now then, how about making it even less predictable casting it off of a firebending trigger?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Savage Beating"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Embercleave"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sunforger"></div></div>
<p>This one also lines up pretty well with the low-ish amount of mana this ability can produce, considering we're probably going to play it in a go-wide strategy anyway. Hence, it's more than probable that we'll be able to give +1/+1, trample and double strike to one of our creatures even with all of our lands tapped.</p>
<p>One thing that makes me very happy is that this new keyword could revitalize, or at least help modernize, one of my personal favorites: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunforger" href="#" target="_blank">Sunforger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. While it'll never be possible to activate it with a firebending trigger (unless we have some sort of mana-filtering ability on the board as well), having our equipped creature being able to pay for half of this cost simply by attacking (which is exactly what we'd want to be doing anyways) sound very cool.</p>
<p>However, it's unlikely our opponents will let us get away with multiple triggers, especially if we're getting something out of all of them. For this reason, cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Celestial Armor" href="#" target="_blank">Celestial Armor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can really help, giving us a way to protect our mana-producing creature if it ever gets picked on.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silver Shroud Costume" href="#" target="_blank">Silver Shroud Costume</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is even better because it can be cast with generic mana, allowing us to use our red mana even more efficiently. At the same time, the effect is a bit worse: once the initial protection has ended, granting unblockable to a creature isn't all that valuable.</p>
<p>The best out of the bunch, in any case, is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mithril Coat" href="#" target="_blank">Mithril Coat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It can be cast with generic mana, the effect lasts as long as the Equipment is attached, and it grants good-enough protection. Hexproof and/or shroud would have been appreciated as well, but this remains a pretty good deal to take.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Celestial Armor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silver Shroud Costume"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mithril Coat"></div></div>
<p>But what if the maths for the blockers doesn't align as we'd like? Well, fear not, for there are options to consider!</p>
<p>First off, we could solve the problem going even more aggro with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dictate of the Twin Gods" href="#" target="_blank">Dictate of the Twin Gods</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, hoping it's enough to overwhelm our opponents' defenses.</p>
<p>Then, if we need to adjust some toughness numbers, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pyrohemia" href="#" target="_blank">Pyrohemia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could really help us. We can use all of our mana or just a fraction to deal just enough damage to all of the creatures (and players, for good measure) to make sure our attackers get the most out of their aggression.</p>
<p>Lastly, if we're out of solutions, effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hardened Tactician" href="#" target="_blank">Hardened Tactician</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s can be our life-saver. Of course, we would need to choose the correct options depending on our overall strategy, but having access to a sacrifice outlet could help us salvage those combat steps that don't really go as we intended.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dictate of the Twin Gods"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pyrohemia"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hardened Tactician"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2>Setup Cards To Use With Firebending Mana</h2>
<p>Not all of our cards have to be strictly aggressive; we can also use firebending mana to propel our future game actions.</p>
<p>For example, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Olivia Voldaren" href="#" target="_blank">Olivia Voldaren</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could take advantage of some extra spare mana, so that it can set up a board state where multiple opposing creatures are Vampires. In this way, we could later use its second ability (perhaps using even more firebending mana) to gain control of whatever we'd like.</p>
<p>Another card I'd love to include in a deck centered around firebending is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Sound of Drums" href="#" target="_blank">The Sound of Drums</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This is a fresh take on the classic goad effect, which actually would fit perfectly with this theme. First of all, having fewer blockers in the way means we'd be able to take safer attacks, thus not forcing us to risk our firebending creatures.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Olivia Voldaren"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Sound of Drums"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tectonic Reformation"></div></div>
<p>Additionally, this one can be easily recurred from the graveyard, and that's where the additional mana comes in clutch: We can enchant an opposing creature, watch it as it's forced to attack and perhaps it dies doing so, and lastly we can bring it back thanks to firebending to start this chain over again.</p>
<p>One last utility inclusion could be <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tectonic Reformation" href="#" target="_blank">Tectonic Reformation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This one solves one of aggro decks' worst problems: flooding. And it does so, once again, doing what aggro decks do best: attacking. The ability to combine two aspects that affect the same deck so much could really make these kinds of cards shine.</p>
<p>One final area in which firebending could be relevant is overall efficiency. In particular, we could really make the most out of cards that give everything we cast flash, because this means that none of our additional mana ever goes to waste. For this reason, even a former staple such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vedalken Orrery" href="#" target="_blank">Vedalken Orrery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could easily return to being relevant.</p>
<p>On the same line, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elsha of the Infinite" href="#" target="_blank">Elsha of the Infinite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is even better, because it actively produces card advantage. Although it limits the number of cards we can cast with flash, having access to the top of our library at any given moment almost assures we're going to have something to do with our additional mana.</p>
<p>Last but not least, effects like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Insight Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Insight Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> also shine, because they grant a generic (i.e., always good) card advantage that we can always rely on if we ever have spare mana. This makes sure we never run out of gas as we proceed to bash everyone in the face for the game.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vedalken Orrery"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elsha of the Infinite"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Insight Engine"></div></div>
<hr />
<p>What do you think of these suggestions? Do you like them? Have you considered something else to play in your firebending decks? Let me know in the comments below!</p>
<h3>More <em>Avatar</em>:</h3>
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="GWsd6dXOVa"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/firebending-with-zuko-exiled-prince-commander-deck-tech/">Firebending With Zuko, Exiled Prince - Commander Deck Tech</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Firebending With Zuko, Exiled Prince - Commander Deck Tech&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/firebending-with-zuko-exiled-prince-commander-deck-tech/embed/#?secret=AfmOpOj7kx#?secret=GWsd6dXOVa" data-secret="GWsd6dXOVa" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
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<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Toph, the First Metalbender Commander Deck Tech&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/toph-the-metalbender-commander-deck-tech/embed/#?secret=fFoiLZv58v#?secret=O5PLb8Zm3P" data-secret="O5PLb8Zm3P" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


The Best Cards to Use With Firebending Mana

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince|TLA|163" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a:%22Nijihayashi%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nijihayashi</a></em></p>
<p>Friendly greetings and welcome to a Bracket 2 deck tech for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> from <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em></a>. In the words of Uncle Iroh, "It's time for you to look inward and start asking yourself the big questions. Who are you? And what do you want?"</p>
<p>I'm John Sherwood, and I want to build a combat trick deck. The new firebending mechanic is perfect for casting instants and paying activation costs in the best phase of the turn.</p>
<h2>Firing Back From Exile</h2>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zuko, Exiled Prince" href="#" target="_blank">Zuko, Exiled Prince</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is perfect for Core (Bracket 2). For starters, at four power for four mana, Zuko is playing "fair and balanced" <em>Magic</em>.</p>
<p>Zuko's two abilities support each other, making him a self-contained engine for players who like to turn their commanders sidewise. His abilities enable each other, which frees up space in the deck for more payoffs.</p>
<p>In return for declaring Zuko as an attacker, he produces <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span><span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-r" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span>. Firebending 3 is enough to cast 75% of red instant spells. If there's no spells available to cast, then that mana can be used for activated abilities, including Zuko's own ability to pay <span class="mana-container-container"><span class="mana-container"><i class="ms ms-cost ms-3" style="margin-left: inherit !important;"></i></span></span> for an impulse draw.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zuko, Exiled Prince|TLA|163"></div></div>
<p>Zuko, Exiled Prince is an easy flavor win for the design team. <em>Magic</em>'s take on firebending embraces the proactive nature of the Fire Nation. Meanwhile, Zuko's activated ability showcases his tenacity and improvisation. The play from exile effect may be overplaying the bit, but I'm here for it.</p>
<p>Very few characters could be more red than Zuko before his redemption arc. Hot-tempered, impulsive, and aggressive, the Zuko of <em>Book One: Water</em> is portrayed perfectly on this card. As much as possible, I included flavor-forward cards in the list.</p>
<h2>Firebending Basics</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coming In Hot"></div></div>
<p>Primarily, quantity and time are the two firebending constraints the deck has to work around. Netting three mana for attacking is nice, but it's easy come, easy go. That mana must be used during combat.</p>
<p>These factors prescribe the most important card choices for a firebending focus. Zuko needs spells and abilities without sorcery timing restrictions.</p>
<p>Additionally, many opponents will have blockers by the time Zuko is ready to attack. The 99 must include cards that help Zuko bypass or remove those pesky blocking creatures. The best options either buff Zuko directly, or aid Zuko indirectly by removing blockers.</p>
<p>In two words: combat tricks.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fateful End"></div></div>
<p>Again, there are over 400 red instants for three mana or less. Thirty-one made the final cut for the list, and most of these are either pump effects, evasion, or removal. Another four cards provide an instant combat trick via Adventures.</p>
<p>Sixteen of the instant spells are mana value two, another ten are mana value one, and can therefore be paired in different ways to multi-spell with Zuko's trigger. Also, nine of the chosen instants come with the added benefit of scrying, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kindled Heroism" href="#" target="_blank">Kindled Heroism</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kindled Heroism"></div></div>
<p>With so many existing fire references in red, it's easy to find flavorful cards for a Zuko deck. However, not all flavor picks are created equal. My favorite combat trick in the deck is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fists of Flame|CMM|223" href="#" target="_blank">Fists of Flame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. From top to bottom, this card could simply be reskinned for Zuko. The card name calls out some of Zuko's signature moves, and the art might as well be a firebender.</p>
<p>Even the flavor text is nearly perfect:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fists of Flame|CMM|223"></div></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>"Fire has always been my most faithful companion." —Jared Carthalion</em></p>
<h2>A Swordsman and a Bender</h2>
<p>For additional fast casting, there's six permanents with flash. Five of these are Equipment that attach when they enter. To be fair, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Quick-Draw Dagger" href="#" target="_blank">Quick-Draw Dagger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't winning any games, but it's my homage to Zuko's pearl Earth Kingdom dagger. Hopefully the <em>Avatar</em> set gives us Zuko's dagger on a card, but this one is fine as a substitute.</p>
<p>The heater in this category is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embercleave" href="#" target="_blank">Embercleave</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. With Embercleave's cost reduction and just two other attackers, Zuko produces enough mana to cast the sword and threaten an opponent with ten commander damage.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Embercleave"></div></div>
<p>Next come the activated abilities. Zuko is a firebender; he can literally exhale fire. So here's four fire breathing enchantments:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Crown of Flames" href="#" target="_blank">Crown of Flames</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Draconic Destiny" href="#" target="_blank">Draconic Destiny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Mantle" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Mantle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ghitu Firebreathing" href="#" target="_blank">Ghitu Firebreathing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<p>As long as one of these is in play, there's an easy outlet to turn Zuko's mana into damage. Truthfully, there are more enchantments like these in the available card pool. However, these made the cut because they protect the investment. Red's recursion doesn't cover enchantments. Each of the chosen enchantments has a mechanism to get it back in hand.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ghitu Firebreathing"></div></div>
<p>My favorite mana sink in this deck is much more subtle than firebreathing. This enchantment can turn combat on its head. It's one part politics, one part tax, and one part evasion. It's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="War Cadence" href="#" target="_blank">War Cadence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="War Cadence"></div></div>
<p>Politically, this card is a tool to manipulate your opponents into attacking each other. As a tax, it pressures vulnerable players to choose between holding up mana to block, or playing out their own hands. Finally, against any opponent that can't pay the tax, War Cadence guarantees creatures hit players.</p>
<p>Often, mono-red decks struggle to use War Cadence effectively. The card is very mana intensive, which is why it'll always perform in a Zuko deck. Zuko provides the mana to use War Cadence offensively, saving mana from other source for other uses.</p>
<h2><em>"Break His Root" </em>- Iroh</h2>
<p>Let's talk about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fog" href="#" target="_blank">Fog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. I love playing Fog effects in other colors. Fogs are underplayed in Commander, unless I'm the aggro player. When I play red aggro, I enjoy anti-Fog. The words "damage can't be prevented" are music to a red mage's ears.</p>
<p>Not only is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Call In a Professional" href="#" target="_blank">Call In a Professional</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> an anti-Fog, it puts in extra work by disallowing lifegain and burning a target. This card is a multitool, with the potential to be a finisher.</p>
<p>This is also one of my flavor picks. The name of the card reminds me of a couple mercenary moments in <em>Avatar</em>'s first season. One, when Zuko hires the bounty hunter June to track the Katara's scent with her shirshu mount. The other when Admiral Zhao hires pirates to blow up Zuko's ship.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Call In a Professional"></div></div>
<p>There are two facts every combat deck must come to terms with in Commander. First is the higher, combined life totals of the opponents. Three opponents with a combined 120 life is a lot for a creature with four base power. Second is the parity of combat steps. This deck will win by breaking that parity to overcome the disproportionate distribution of life points.</p>
<p>One way to do this is extra combats. There are six extra combat creatures in the deck - not enough for a dedicated extra combat theme, but enough to make regular appearances.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combat Celebrant"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Balduvian Rage" href="#" target="_blank">Balduvian Rage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another solid finisher. With Zuko's mana alone, it's just +2/0. That's fine in the early game. In the late game, with more resources available, this card can eliminate a player.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Balduvian Rage"></div></div>
<p>In general, this deck is going to win one attack step at a time. It'll be vulnerable to many of the free value engines that run rampant through the format, but that's ok. The theme still matters in Bracket 2.</p>
<p>While it isn't a true Voltron strategy, I feel this deck is too focused on eliminating players to honestly belong in Bracket 1.</p>
<h2>Zuko, Exiled Prince Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Zuko" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Zuko, Exiled Prince
[/Commander]
[Enchantments]
*1 Crown of Flames
*1 Draconic Destiny
*1 Fiery Mantle
*1 Ghitu Firebreathing
*1 Rising of the Day
*1 Tempered in Solitude
*1 Virtue of Courage // Embereth Blaze
*1 War Cadence
[/Enchantments]
[Instants]
*1 Abrade
*1 Balduvian Rage
*1 Blazing Crescendo
*1 Brute Strength
*1 Bulk Up
*1 Calibrated Blast
*1 Call In a Professional
*1 Coming In Hot
*1 Daring Escape
*1 Dreadmaw&#039;s Ire
*1 Fateful End
*1 Fists of Flame
*1 Furious Bellow
*1 Ghostfire
*1 Ghostfire Slice
*1 Heightened Reflexes
*1 Incinerate
*1 Inordinate Rage
*1 Kindled Heroism
*1 Magma Jet
*1 Punishing Fire
*1 Run Amok
*1 Rush of Adrenaline
*1 Samut&#039;s Sprint
*1 Siege Smash
*1 Slaying Fire
*1 Soul&#039;s Fire
*1 Titan&#039;s Strength
*1 Whirling Strike
*1 Wild Slash
*1 You Come to the Gnoll Camp
[/Instants]
[Artifacts]
*1 Coral Sword
*1 Dueling Rapier
*1 Embercleave
*1 Glittering Stockpile
*1 Horizon Stone
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mirran Banesplitter
*1 Quick-Draw Dagger
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Two-Handed Axe // Sweeping Cleave
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Bloodthirster
*1 Bonecrusher Giant // Stomp
*1 Combat Celebrant
*1 Fire Sages
*1 Karlach, Fury of Avernus
*1 Merchant of the Vale // Haggle
*1 Moraug, Fury of Akoum
*1 Port Razer
*1 Scourge of the Throne
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 Cosmotronic Wave
*1 Hazardous Blast
*1 Vandalblast
[/Sorceries]
[Lands]
*1 Arena of Glory
*1 Blast Zone
*1 Bonders&#039; Enclave
*1 Castle Embereth
*1 Forgotten Cave
*1 Lindblum, Industrial Regency // Mage Siege
*27 Mountain
*1 Rogue&#039;s Passage
*1 Shivan Gorge
*1 Talon Gates of Madara
*1 Terrain Generator
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2><em>"I rise with the sun." </em>- Zuko</h2>
<p>The sun is rising on a set I've been waiting for since the dawn of the Universes Beyond era. At the time of this writing, the <em>Avatar</em> preview stream is tomorrow, and I'm riding a wave of hype. I'm really looking forward to seeing new cards that could improve this list.</p>
<p>Since firebending is a main set mechanic, Zuko is sure to get more support from <em>Magic</em> than he got from most of the Fire Nation. More than anything, this deck needs a mono-red version of Uncle Iroh.</p>
<p>From a gameplay standpoint, this deck will slot neatly into the <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/commander-philosophy-the-brackets-have-updated-do-these-changes-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently updated guidelines</a> for Bracket 2. There's no <a href="https://edhrec.com/top/game-changers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game Changers</a>, and the incremental game plan will certainly take at least eight turns to execute.</p>
<p>What are you most excited for with <em>Avatar's </em>imminent set release? What obvious picks did I miss for this deck? Is there another direction you would take firebending? Tell me in the comments below.</p>
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