Deck Tech: The Muckslinger Gang

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beorn the Fierce" href="#" target="_blank">Beorn the Fierce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CNia+Kovalevski%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art">Nia Kovalevski</a></em></p>
<p>Over the years, Bears have become a much-beloved creature type for many <em>Magic</em> players, me included. Their history in the game reaches all the way back to <em>Alpha</em> with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grizzly Bears|LEA|199" href="#" target="_blank">Grizzly Bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and has been a mainstay in newer sets ever since. Now, with our return to Middle-earth, we're getting another major influx of decks centered around these cuddly killers, thanks to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beorn the Fierce" href="#" target="_blank">Beorn the Fierce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>So, join me, <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, as I cover a full budget 99 centered around this new legend that you can pick up for about $45 (using <a href="https://partner.tcgplayer.com/c/4913290/1830156/21018?partnerpropertyid=5237567&amp;subId1=edhrec%2Ccardprice&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tcgplayer.com%2Fproduct%2F707283%2Fmagic-the-hobbit-beorn-the-fierce">TCGplayer</a> pricing). That's not including the price of this commander, since this Bear has become incredibly sought after, so hopefully you recently pulled it in a booster! With all of that out of the way, let's jump right into it by meeting the shapeshifting leader of this deck.</p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beorn the Fierce" href="#" target="_blank">Beorn the Fierce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Bring to the Table?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Beorn the Fierce"></div></div>
<p>The commander of this deck is an absolute powerhouse, offering up card advantage and a few ways to apply pressure when you move to combat. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beorn the Fierce" href="#" target="_blank">Beorn the Fierce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> buffs up your Bears, hands out trample counters, and draws you two cards a turn for simply filling up your board with Bears. All of those things combine to make for a very resilient deck that's ready to close games with some major punching power.</p>
<p>As I built this 99, I was constantly impressed by mono-green's ability to create a formidable board, and support typal strategies. The amount of ramp, card advantage and of <em>course</em> Bears I was able to cram into this one was a lot of fun. With the latter in mind, let's take a look at a few of the format's usual go-to options for leading a Bear typal list, and how they work within the 99 this time around.</p>
<h2>Key Bears</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ayula, Queen Among Bears"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wilson, Refined Grizzly"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ayula, Queen Among Bears" href="#" target="_blank">Ayula, Queen Among Bears</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Of course, we had to include the Queen in this list. Not only does Ayula buff up your creatures, but it also offers up some removal for simply deploying your Bears.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma" href="#" target="_blank">Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Even though this creature type is known for being 2/2's, there are still plenty of high-powered threats in this list that would love to be cast for cheaper. Plus, the +1/+1 and trample this legend offers is just another way to help you close out a game.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wilson, Refined Grizzly" href="#" target="_blank">Wilson, Refined Grizzly</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: If you like keywords, then this legend is for you! Since there are so many ways to build up the power of your creatures in this deck, Wilson will be swinging in for a lot of damage from as early as turn two.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Synergistic Ramp</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Earth King"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Studious First-Year"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mutable Explorer"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Earth King" href="#" target="_blank">The Earth King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While this Noble might not be a Bear, he does bring his best friend Bosco to the party when he enters. Plus, the land ramp it offers up is insane, since there's a good chance you could pull a big chunk of the basics out of your deck turn after turn.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Studious First-Year" href="#" target="_blank">Studious First-Year</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a <em>newer</em> fan-favorite member of this creature type. This is one of the best turn-one plays for this list, since it not only gives you the option to cast <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rampant Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Rampant Growth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but it also sits on the field, which adds to your Bear count right away.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mutable Explorer" href="#" target="_blank">Mutable Explorer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Sure, this might not look like a Bear, but it gets to join the team thanks to having changeling. On top of that, it hits play and makes you a land token, which can be animated into being a creature itself in a pinch.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firdoch Core"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rhonas&#039;s Monument"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Progenitor&#039;s Icon"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firdoch Core" href="#" target="_blank">Firdoch Core</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's another tricky inclusion in the list, because when <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beorn the Fierce" href="#" target="_blank">Beorn the Fierce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is checking for Bears on your board, it doesn't specify that they have to be <em>creatures</em>. Which means that this mana rock can assist with getting you to that magic number of <em>three</em> by the time you cast your commander.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rhonas&#039;s Monument" href="#" target="_blank">Rhonas&#039;s Monument</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This artifact offers up both a cost reduction, as well as a targeted buff and trample when you deploy more Bears, which's a great payoff for simply doing what this deck is asking you to do.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Progenitor&#039;s Icon" href="#" target="_blank">Progenitor&#039;s Icon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Since there's a good amount of ramp in this deck, including a mana rock like this can help keep the deck more unpredictable. Now, if you pass the turn with this untapped, it can either help you cast another spell, or allow you to flash in a Bear out of nowhere.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Card Advantage</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Realmwalker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gathering Stone"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evercoat Ursine"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Realmwalker" href="#" target="_blank">Realmwalker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Long-time readers of mine will know that I love cards that let you look at the top of your library, and this is one of the best to ever do it. Having this in play puts you in a spot where your hand size is basically increased by one, and on top of that, it adds to your Bear count!</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gathering Stone" href="#" target="_blank">Gathering Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Recently, I've been brewing a lot of typal decks, and this artifact has made it into most of them. It offers up top-deck manipulation, card advantage and a mana reduction all in one textbox.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Evercoat Ursine" href="#" target="_blank">Evercoat Ursine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Attaching the ability to deploy two cards for free onto a giant 6/5 trampler is just what this deck likes to see. Plus, once you have your commander out, the buff it hands out makes it all the more likely that this Ursine can break through your opponents' defenses.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Garruk&#039;s Uprising"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hunter&#039;s Insight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Return of the Wildspeaker"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Garruk&#039;s Uprising" href="#" target="_blank">Garruk&#039;s Uprising</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's an absolute classic for any green beat-down deck. Even though your commander can pass around trample, having it as a blanket effect is useful for extra redundancy. Plus, the card draw it offers is powerful, since it can help you get a replacement card every time you deploy a new Bear.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hunter&#039;s Insight" href="#" target="_blank">Hunter&#039;s Insight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: As you can see, there's a lot of ways to help big creatures punch through in this deck, which's where this spell shines. I've used this card to great effect over the years, especially when you can go wide with larger creatures, since all it takes is one beater getting through to help refill your hand.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Return of the Wildspeaker" href="#" target="_blank">Return of the Wildspeaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Drawing a new grip with this card at instant speed always feels great, but if you already have a hand full of options, buffing up your board during a pivotal attack can just help you close out a game.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Removal &amp; Protection</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chomping Changeling"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ram Through"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kenrith&#039;s Transformation"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chomping Changeling" href="#" target="_blank">Chomping Changeling</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: When it comes to building a typal deck in green, I'm constantly reaching for this silly little guy to throw into the 99. It hits play, deals with a problematic artifact or enchantment, and does its best impression of a Bear to add to your army.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ram Through" href="#" target="_blank">Ram Through</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I remember when this card first came out, and how it broke some former concepts of the color pie; and I've always loved it for that. As you build up your team, this can remove an enemy's key creature, while also dealing a bunch of damage to someone's face.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kenrith&#039;s Transformation" href="#" target="_blank">Kenrith&#039;s Transformation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Nullifying someone's commander with this spell is always great, since you can shut down someone's entire game plan. Plus, because it turns it into a 3/3, any of your creatures with power four or greater can still trample over during combat.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Origin of Metalbending"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Snakeskin Veil"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wrap in Vigor"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Origin of Metalbending" href="#" target="_blank">Origin of Metalbending</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a card that sits in both the removal and protection category. It preforms well when you're ahead, behind, and everything in-between; this is truly one of my favorite bulk cards to build with from last year.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Snakeskin Veil" href="#" target="_blank">Snakeskin Veil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Holding up only a single mana in order to save a key creature like your commander is not too big of an ask, especially when you get to grow Beorn with a counter, and assist it with punching through with even more damage the next time it swings.</li>
<li><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>: Regenerating your entire team is a classic way to save yourself from a board wipe, but it can also just simply save one of your creatures if someone tries to destroy it with targeted removal.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Finishers</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="End-Raze Forerunners"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Overrun"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Overwhelming Stampede"></div></div>
<p>While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="End-Raze Forerunners" href="#" target="_blank">End-Raze Forerunners</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might not be a Bear itself, once you move to combat, you can just throw a trample counter on it, in order to become a Bear; which also gives it that +2/+2 buff from your commander. Finally, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Overrun" href="#" target="_blank">Overrun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <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>, two classic game ending pump spells that'll put in a lot of work for this deck, and help lead you toward some wins.</p>
<h2>The Full Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Beorn the Fierce - by Tyler Savesya Bucks" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Beorn the Fierce
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Adaptive Automaton
*1 Ashcoat Bear
*1 Ayula, Queen Among Bears
*1 Bear Cub
*1 Bloodline Pretender
*1 Chameleon Colossus
*1 Changeling Wayfinder
*1 Chomping Changeling
*1 Copper Host Crusher
*1 End-Raze Forerunners
*1 Evercoat Ursine
*1 Friendly Teddy
*1 Goreclaw, Terror of Qal Sisma
*1 Grizzly Bears
*1 Little Bear
*1 Masked Vandal
*1 Mother Bear
*1 Mutable Explorer
*1 Owlbear
*1 Owlbear Cub
*1 Realmwalker
*1 Studious First-Year // Rampant Growth
*1 The Earth King
*1 Universal Automaton
*1 Ursine Monstrosity
*1 Vastlands Scavenger // Bind to Life
*1 Vivien&#039;s Grizzly
*1 Werebear
*1 Wilson, Refined Grizzly
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Cycle of Renewal
*1 Harrow
*1 Hunter&#039;s Insight
*1 Inscription of Abundance
*1 Khalni Ambush // Khalni Territory
*1 Origin of Metalbending
*1 Ram Through
*1 Return of the Wildspeaker
*1 Snakeskin Veil
*1 Wrap in Vigor
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Call Damage Control
*1 Cultivate
*1 Explore
*1 Harmonize
*1 Nissa&#039;s Pilgrimage
*1 Overrun
*1 Overwhelming Stampede
*1 Rampant Growth
*1 Regrowth
*1 Revive
*1 Shamanic Revelation
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Firdoch Core
*1 Gathering Stone
*1 Icon of Ancestry
*1 Lifecrafter&#039;s Bestiary
*1 Oblivion Stone
*1 Progenitor&#039;s Icon
*1 Rhonas&#039;s Monument
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Colossal Majesty
*1 Garruk&#039;s Uprising
*1 Kenrith&#039;s Transformation
*1 Sylvan Anthem
*1 Utopia Sprawl
*1 Wild Growth
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Baxter Building
*1 Bonders&#039; Enclave
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Hidden Grotto
*1 Nesting Grounds
*1 Path of Ancestry
*30 Forest
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>My Final Thoughts on Beorn</h2>
<p>Well, there you have it, my take on a budget 99 built around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Beorn the Fierce" href="#" target="_blank">Beorn the Fierce</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that you can pick up for about $45. I really do love this deck, so if you've been looking for a monocolored beat down list to add to your arsenal, this could be right for you!</p>
<p>That's it for me today, but you can find more of my budget content right <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here on EDHREC</a>, as well as on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzUtnBZogc1TSttr8eLUK_w/?utm_source=edhrec" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Pillow Fort</a>, where I do everything I can to make <em>Magic</em> more accessible for everyone.</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/EDHREC-DECK-TECH-1.png

Beorn the Fierce | Mono-Green Bears on a Budget

Zhao, Ruthless Admiral Commander Deck Tech

Brew For Your Buck - Baldur's Gate Budget Hot Swap

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Orcus, Prince of Undeath" href="#" target="_blank">Orcus, Prince of Undeath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/andrewkmar">Andrew Mar</a>)</h6>
<h1>Epic Preparations</h1>
<p>Hello, EDHREC fans! I’m Bernardo Melibeu, and this is <em>Epic Experiment</em>, a series where we throw all common sense aside and experiment with some unusual strategies, changing how we normally build our deck. Is it going to work? Who knows?! We’re making science here. When you’re an Izzet mage, blowing things up is half the fun.</p>
<p>Today let's take a look into <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Orcus, Prince of Undeath" href="#" target="_blank">Orcus, Prince of Undeath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a somewhat underpowered commander. Don't get me wrong, it does have its moments, but this commander has a few obstacles in its design that tend to make it hard for it to shine.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Orcus, Prince of Undeath"></div></div>
<h3>Observations:</h3>
<ul>
<li>As a commander, Orcus suffers pretty badly from diminishing returns. Unlike the more streamlined X-cost commanders, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gyrus, Waker of Corpses" href="#" target="_blank">Gyrus, Waker of Corpses</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which counts <em>all</em> the mana spent to cast it, Orcus only counts the X for its ETB (enters-the-battlefield) ability. This makes Orcus a 4+ mana investment at minimum, and every subsequent cast become less effective, which isn't a good place to be when you're an ETB-based commander.</li>
<li>Orcus' ETB has two different modes and both can be useful in their own right:
<ul>
<li>The first mode is a board wipe for every creature except our commander. With the right support, this can be a huge tempo swing in our favor, clearing the board for a possible Voltron threat. However, given that our commander already costs four mana, we're talking about an investment of at least six to seven mana to clear away some blockers, and again, that's just on Orcus's <em>first </em>cast.</li>
<li>The second mode has the highest potential, a reliable mass reanimation effect in a color combination that has the tools to capitalize on that explosiveness. The biggest challenge is this mode's wording: it limits the number of targets and the available targets that we can choose from. This double restriction makes it hard to go bonkers with it.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Ingredients</h2>
<p>So, let's switch up the formula and see what we can make work with Orcus!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lightning Skelemental"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s are effective beaters that have the downside of being sacrificed at end of turn. They're very cheap to cast, and thus are great targets for Orcus' second ETB trigger. This'll be tricky for Orcus, since we'll have only a couple of opportunities to use our commander to bring back these kinds of creatures, but that means we're playing an exciting feast-or-famine strategy. What we lack in consistency we gain in sheer explosive potential, having the ability to dish double digit damage our of absolutely nowhere when our commander comes down and resurrects a pile of cheap, powerful, hasty threats.</p>
<p>Most of our beaters are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> variations, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arc Runner" href="#" target="_blank">Arc Runner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Spark Elemental" href="#" target="_blank">Spark Elemental</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but we have some interesting targets that are more noteworthy to discuss. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mogis, God of Slaughter" href="#" target="_blank">Mogis, God of Slaughter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an excellent resilient beater that scales decently in multiplayer. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger" href="#" target="_blank">Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> might not synergize at all with our commander (at least not the <em>Escape</em> part), but it's still a cheap threat, and we do tend to build a somewhat decent graveyard. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge" href="#" target="_blank">Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> works both as an effective beater and a Treasure creator (more on that later). Its attack restriction isn't all that backbreaking since we're packing a few mana rocks and Treasure tokens, and we're more than happy to leave it on the battlefield giving us value.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Egon, God of Death" href="#" target="_blank">Egon, God of Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a funny card because it actively goes against what our commander is trying to do - load the graveyard. However, all we need is a cheap body that Orcus can revive and haste up! <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combat Celebrant" href="#" target="_blank">Combat Celebrant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>'s potential to finish off defenseless players gives this card a tool boxy feature that is great for a recursion-based commander to have.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dictate of the Twin Gods"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Flameshadow Conjuring"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing"></div></div>
<p>Red gives us access to some very effective support that allows our creatures to shine. While they're a bit on the expensive side and can be tough to find the right timing window to deploy them, they are the real deal. <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> is a damage doubler that can be flashed in on the end step right before our turn, giving us even <em>more</em> explosive potential and some much-needed unpredictability. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Berserkers&#039; Onslaught" href="#" target="_blank">Berserkers&#039; Onslaught</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is similar to any damage doubler effect, but we shouldn't take for granted its combat trick potential, which can be make blocking even harder for our opponents.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flameshadow Conjuring" href="#" target="_blank">Flameshadow Conjuring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an effective way to get additional value from our creatures. Not only do we get extra damage, we also get more value out of any potential Aristocrat payoffs we use, such as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pitiless Plunderer" href="#" target="_blank">Pitiless Plunderer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>! The Flameshadow says to exile the token, but remember, many of the creatures we're copying, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Skelemental" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Skelemental</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, will have their own end-step sacrifice trigger to make sure we <em>do </em>get the death triggers. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing" href="#" target="_blank">Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a great control tool for any deck that has the means to actually proc its damage triggers, and with a bunch of cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rotting Regisaur" href="#" target="_blank">Rotting Regisaur</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cosmic Larva" href="#" target="_blank">Cosmic Larva</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, it turns out we can make that happen for very little mana!</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Orcuss Lightning Ball" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Orcus, Prince of Undeath
[/Commander]
[Artifact]
*Sol Ring
*Arcane Signet
*Fellwar Stone
*Mind Stone
*Rakdos Signet
*Talisman of Indulgence
*Skyclave Relic
*Hedron Archive
[/Artifact]
[Creature]
*Spark Elemental
*Dockside Extortionist
*Hellspark Elemental
*Kalain, Reclusive Painter
*Kroxa, Titan of Death&#039;s Hunger
*Wily Goblin
*Arc Runner
*Ball Lightning
*Combat Celebrant
*Cosmic Larva
*Egon, God of Death
*Gadrak, the Crown-Scourge
*Hell&#039;s Thunder
*Lightning Skelemental
*Phyrexian Soulgorger
*Rotting Regisaur
*Seasoned Pyromancer
*Anger
*Blistering Firecat
*Bloodsworn Steward
*Erebos, Bleak-Hearted
*Fanatic of Mogis
*Impetuous Devils
*Mogis, God of Slaughter
*Pitiless Plunderer
*Purphoros, God of the Forge
*Skizzik
*Treasonous Ogre
*Goldspan Dragon
*Phyrexian Delver
*Thunderblust
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*Phyrexian Reclamation
*Flameshadow Conjuring
*Sarkhan&#039;s Unsealing
*Berserkers&#039; Onslaught
*Dictate of the Twin Gods
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Village Rites
*Deadly Dispute
*Terminate
*Thrill of Possibility
*Chaos Warp
*Hurl Through Hell
*Unexpected Windfall
[/Instant]
[Sorcery]
*Faithless Looting
*Strike it Rich
*Vandalblast
*Feed the Swarm
*Tormenting Voice
*Seize the Spoils
*Toxic Deluge
*Victimize
*Damnation
*Pirate&#039;s Pillage
*Blasphemous Act
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Blightstep Pathway
*Blood Crypt
*Bloodstained Mire
*Canyon Slough
*Command Beacon
*Command Tower
*Dragonskull Summit
*Foreboding Ruins
*Graven Cairns
*Luxury Suite
*Polluted Delta
*Sulfurous Springs
*Temple of Malice
*Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
*Wooded Foothills
*15 Mountain
*7 Swamp
[/Land]"></span></div>

<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wily Goblin"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Goldspan Dragon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pirate&#039;s Pillage"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Goldspan Dragon" href="#" target="_blank">Goldspan Dragon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a good beater that doubles the value of our Treasure tokens while also providing extra mana. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kalain, Reclusive Painter" href="#" target="_blank">Kalain, Reclusive Painter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a cheap creature that provides a Treasure token and a nice payoff for using them. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Dispute" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Dispute</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unexpected Windfall" href="#" target="_blank">Unexpected Windfall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pirate&#039;s Pillage" href="#" target="_blank">Pirate&#039;s Pillage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Seize the Spoils" href="#" target="_blank">Seize the Spoils</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are great mid-game plays that act both as a way to filter our hand and as a possible setup for a future turn.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>In terms of opening hands, we don't want to keep anything too slow. Our goal is to start applying pressure to opponents with our <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ball Lightning" href="#" target="_blank">Ball Lightning</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> creatures on turn three. This will set the pace for our early game, keeping up a string of one-turn threats, and restocking our hand with draw spells.</p>
<p>In the mid game, we can start to look for opportunities to set up our commander's grand entrance. Extra Treasure tokens here and there will help tremendously with this. There are a few mana milestones that we want to keep track of throughout the game (the 7 mana milestone and 10 mana milestone are crucial ones, to help bring back a decent number of creatures), but it's also useful to know when to adapt that plan according to the game state.</p>
<p>In the late game, after we've deployed Orcus and he's caused some havoc, we can lose a bit of our oomph. We're never completely out of it, though; with so many hasty threats, and so many ways to make them more effective, such as doubling their damage or gleaning rewards from their sacrifices, our opponents always have to stay on guard for any other stockpile of hasty creatures we rush out later on. Given enough time and mana, replaying our commander will always be a big late-game blowout.</p>
<hr />
<h1>Epic Results</h1>
<p>There are many ways to continue expanding and evolving the strategy from this point and I think that they tend to go towards three paths: beaters, payoffs, and subtheme.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Immolating Souleater"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ogre Battledriver"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Manabarbs"></div></div>
<p>There are many cost-effective beaters out there to try, and one in particular that got me very intrigued was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Immolating Souleater" href="#" target="_blank">Immolating Souleater</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The life trade might seem bad, but when considering that we're a very aggressive deck, it's easy to see how losing life for additional damage could really pay off for such a swift strategy.</p>
<p>Evolving the payoffs part of the deck will likely depend on personal flair; one player might prefer the sheer power of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Emancipation" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Emancipation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, while another might like the low cost of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Impact Tremors" href="#" target="_blank">Impact Tremors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Finally, a great subtheme for this deck to potentially explore further would be some Group Slug cards, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manabarbs" href="#" target="_blank">Manabarbs</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which either slow our opponents down or make them lose a bunch of life. This, of course, accelerates our plans perfectly.</p>
<p>That’s it for this <em>Epic Experiment</em>! What do you think of this list? Do you have any questions about the deck? Which cards did you like? Which did you not? Was this <em>Epic Experiment</em> a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


power matters

Deck Tech: The Muckslinger Gang

Beorn the Fierce | Mono-Green Bears on a Budget

Zhao, Ruthless Admiral Commander Deck Tech

Brew For Your Buck - Baldur's Gate Budget Hot Swap

Epic Experiment - Orcus's Lightning Ball

Collected Company - Obosh

Underdog's Corner - Arixmethes, Slumbering Isle