<h6 style="text-align: right;">Header image courtesy of Wizards of the Coast</h6>
<p>The Spotlight Series is headed to Japan for the first time.</p>
<p>Wizards of the Coast announced the company’s ongoing Spotlight Series will be hosting <em>Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY </em>in Chiba, Japan this summer.</p>
<p>According to Wizards, the Magic Spotlight: FINAL FANTASY event "will feature the excitement of competitive Magic and the impact of the <em>FINAL FANTASY</em> series with a high-stakes main event and an assortment of engaging side events offering something for every type of fan." In collaboration with Japanese retailer <a href="https://mtg.bigmagic.net/top.html">BIG MAGIC</a>, Magic Spotlight: FINAL FANTASY is a three-day event running from June 27–29 in Chiba, with a two-day open field tournament where competitors will face off in Standard Constructed format for a share of a $50,000 USD prize pool. The top eight players from the event will receive invitations to the Pro Tour Edge of Eternities tournament at MagicCon: Atlanta (Sept. 26-28).</p>
<p>Each participant in Magic Spotlight: FINAL FANTASY's main event will receive a non-foil Japanese-language borderless promo card featuring a card from the upcoming Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY release. Additionally, the Top 128 competitors in the event will receive traditional foil copies of that promo card. In addition to the main event, Magic Spotlight: FINAL FANTASY will host multiple side events with a variety of formats on display.</p>
<p>This event is free to enter, however there is a maximum capacity in the venue, so fans should check for specific information about access to the venue closer to the event. Entry into the $50,000 prize pool main event will require the purchase of a ticket when registration opens, and limited seating is available. Full details will be available on the website for Magic Spotlight: FINAL FANTASY. The site goes live on Wednesday, April 16, with registration opening the next day, April 17 at Noon JST.</p>
<p>Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY launches June 13, with the set representing a rich universe with iconic elements that fans have come to love over the franchise's history. Fans will see characters from every mainline FINAL FANTASY game, each depicted through the lens of <em>Magic: The Gathering</em>. The set is available for preorder now at local game stores, online retailers like Amazon, and elsewhere <em>Magic</em> products are sold.</p>
<p>This upcoming set features the largest collection of FINAL FANTASY artwork ever in a single game, drawing from across the franchise. <em>Magic</em> artists have brought moments from FINAL FANTASY to life in their own unique style while classic FINAL FANTASY art pieces make appearances on these epic cards. Fans will see their favorite stories, characters and moments from FINAL FANTASY depicted across <em>Magic</em> cards, with these icons of the series captured on over 100 legendary creature cards across the entire release.</p>
<p><strong>What is the Spotlight Series?</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="https://magic.gg/spotlight">Magic Spotlight Series</a> is a collection of open invite events that lets anyone play high-level <em>Magic </em>to win significant prizes. The next Spotlight Series event is slated for <a href="https://scgcon.starcitygames.com/event/scg-con-indianapolis-2025/">May 30-June 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana</a>, centered around a "Secret Lair" theme, and will be organized by Star City Games. The main event will be Modern Constructed, with all participants receiving a Secret Lair Showdown Garruk Wildspeaker promo:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Garruk Wildspeaker|SLP|42"></div></div>
<p>In addition to prize money and a Pro Tour invite, the winner of Indianapolis's Spotlight Series: Secret Lair will also consult on a future Secret Lair.</p>
<p>The main feature of each Magic Spotlight Series event is $50,000 in prize money. With the money going to the main event's top finishers, it's a great incentive to grab a deck and dive into competitive <em>Magic</em>. Additionally, the Top 8 players of each main event will receive invites to the Pro Tour.</p>
<p>For more information on Spotlight events and other places to experience Magic: The Gathering—FINAL FANTASY, keep an eye on <a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/news">DailyMTG</a>.</p>


Spotlight Series: Final Fantasy Announced for Chiba, Japan in June

<h6 style="text-align: right;">The art for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | art copyright Wizards of the Coast</h6>
<p>A few days ago, seven prolific members of the <em>Magic</em> community announced that they had received invitations to reveal cards from a <a href="https://secretlair.wizards.com/us"><em>Secret Lair</em></a> Commander Deck. With absolutely no idea what those cards could be, they finally revealed them on Wednesday, April 9th. What were those cards, and what could they reveal about the deck? At the time of writing the deck isn't fully revealed yet. So, let's look into what these streamers received within the "Everyone's Invited" <em>Secret Lair</em> Commander deck!</p>
<h2>TaaliaVess's Reveal</h2>
<p>According to sources on social media, streamer <strong><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/taaliavess">TaaliaVess</a></strong> received a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Morophon, the Boundless" href="#" target="_blank">Morophon, the Boundless</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Morophon seems to be the commander of this deck. It also implies that the deck is a Kindred-matters deck.</p>
<div id="attachment_148301" style="width: 501px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Morophon-the-Boundless.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148301" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148301" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Morophon-the-Boundless.jpg" alt="An image of TaaliaVess's reveal of Morophon, the Boundless from the &quot;Everyone's Invited&quot; Secret Lair Commander deck. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast" width="491" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Morophon-the-Boundless.jpg 640w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Morophon-the-Boundless-263x300.jpg 263w" sizes="(max-width: 491px) 100vw, 491px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148301" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/taaliavess">TaaliaVess</a>'s reveal of Morophon, the Boundless from the "Everyone's Invited" <em>Secret Lair</em> Commander deck. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and TaaliaVess</p></div>
<h2>ZBexx's Reveal</h2>
<p>Meanwhile, <strong><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/zbexx">ZBexx</a></strong> received another card from "Everyone's Invited". This time, it was a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sol Ring" href="#" target="_blank">Sol Ring</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This doesn't tell us a ton about the contents of the deck, since most preconstructed decks contain a Sol Ring anyway. However, the card is stunning and its art is featured on the advertisement on the <em>Secret Lair</em> website.</p>
<div id="attachment_148302" style="width: 365px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sol-Ring.png"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148302" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148302" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sol-Ring.png" alt="An image of ZBexx's reveal of Sol Ring from the &quot;Everyone's Invited&quot; Secret Lair Commander deck. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Zbexx" width="355" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sol-Ring.png 436w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Sol-Ring-191x300.png 191w" sizes="(max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148302" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/zbexx">ZBexx</a>'s reveal of Sol Ring from the "Everyone's Invited" <em>Secret Lair</em> Commander deck. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Zbexx</p></div>
<h2>Voxy's Reveal</h2>
<p>Next, we look at <strong><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/voxy">Voxy</a></strong>'s stream, where she revealed a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avenger of Zendikar" href="#" target="_blank">Avenger of Zendikar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Because Plants are such a niche creature type, this implies that "Everyone's Invited" probably features a <em>very</em> broad Kindred-matters theme. At this point, things are getting interesting for sure.</p>
<div id="attachment_148303" style="width: 365px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Avenger-of-Zendikar.png"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148303" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148303" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Avenger-of-Zendikar.png" alt="An image of Voxy's reveal of Avenger of Zendikar. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Voxy" width="355" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Avenger-of-Zendikar.png 371w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Avenger-of-Zendikar-191x300.png 191w" sizes="(max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148303" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/voxy">Voxy</a>'s reveal of Avenger of Zendikar. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Voxy</p></div>
<h2>Amazonian's Reveal</h2>
<p>We next turn our attention to <strong><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/amazonian">Amazonian</a></strong>'s stream, where she revealed a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taurean Mauler" href="#" target="_blank">Taurean Mauler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. A creature with changeling like Morophon, Taurean Mauler may mean that multiple cards will also cover many of the creature types buffed by the deck's cards.</p>
<div id="attachment_148304" style="width: 430px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148304" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148304" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler.jpg" alt="An image of Amazonian's reveal of Taurean Mauler. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Amazonian" width="420" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler.jpg 1501w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler-225x300.jpg 225w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler-769x1024.jpg 769w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler-768x1023.jpg 768w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Taurean-Mauler-1153x1536.jpg 1153w" sizes="(max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148304" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/amazonian">Amazonian</a>'s reveal of Taurean Mauler. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Amazonian</p></div>
<h2>ManaCurves' Reveal</h2>
<p>Streamer <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/manacurves"><strong>ManaCurves</strong></a> also revealed a card from "Everyone's Invited"! The card they revealed was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bitterblossom" href="#" target="_blank">Bitterblossom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a kindred card for Faerie decks. This shows us that kindred spells will show up in the deck, though the extent is currently unknown. However, if this is indeed a kindred-kindred deck, one could imagine there may be a fair few of them therein.</p>
<div id="attachment_148305" style="width: 396px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bitterblossom-00.png"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148305" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148305" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bitterblossom-00.png" alt="An image of ManaCurves' reveal of Bitterblossom. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and ManaCurves" width="386" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bitterblossom-00.png 467w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Bitterblossom-00-207x300.png 207w" sizes="(max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148305" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/manacurves">ManaCurves</a>' reveal of Bitterblossom. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and ManaCurves</p></div>
<h2>CovertGoBlue's Reveal</h2>
<p>After this, we must look to <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/covertgoblue"><strong>CovertGoBlue</strong></a>, who, according to sources, revealed a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Raise the Palisade" href="#" target="_blank">Raise the Palisade</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This card, previously unreprinted since its initial printing in <em>Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-Earth</em>, is also a kindred-matters card. It goes especially well with creatures with changeling. This tells us that the deck will most likely have payoffs for running them.</p>
<div id="attachment_148306" style="width: 434px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Raise-the-Palisade.jpg"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148306" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148306" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Raise-the-Palisade.jpg" alt="An image of CovertGoBlue's reveal of Raise the Palisade. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and CovertGoBlue" width="424" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Raise-the-Palisade.jpg 819w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Raise-the-Palisade-228x300.jpg 228w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Raise-the-Palisade-777x1024.jpg 777w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Raise-the-Palisade-768x1013.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148306" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://www.twitch.tv/covertgoblue">CovertGoBlue</a>'s reveal of Raise the Palisade. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and CovertGoBlue</p></div>
<h2>Anna Margaret's Reveal</h2>
<p>Finally, we have <strong><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/itsannamargaret.com/post/3lmffkbpnnk2c">Anna Margaret</a></strong>'s reveal on BlueSky. She revealed a copy of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tendershoot Dryad" href="#" target="_blank">Tendershoot Dryad</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card that historically pumps Saprolings. Luckily, changeling creatures are <em>also</em> Saprolings! This is one of many presumed payoffs in "Everyone's Invited".</p>
<div id="attachment_148307" style="width: 365px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tendershoot-Dryad.png"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-148307" decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-148307" src="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tendershoot-Dryad.png" alt="An image of Anna Margaret's reveal of Tendershoot Dryad from the &quot;Everyone's Invited&quot; Secret Lair Commander deck. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Anna Margaret" width="355" height="559" srcset="https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tendershoot-Dryad.png 427w, https://edhrecstatic.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Tendershoot-Dryad-191x300.png 191w" sizes="(max-width: 355px) 100vw, 355px" /></a><p id="caption-attachment-148307" class="wp-caption-text">An image of <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/itsannamargaret.com/post/3lmffkbpnnk2c">Anna Margaret</a>'s reveal of Tendershoot Dryad from the "Everyone's Invited" Secret Lair Commander deck. Image credit: Wizards of the Coast and Anna Margaret</p></div>
<h2>What Have We Learned About This <em>Secret Lair</em>?</h2>
<p>"Everyone's Invited" appears to be a deck that cares not just about one creature type, but many. The deck features multiple cards that provide many creature types as well as many payoffs for <em>having</em> multiple creature types. Because Commander decks from <em>Secret Lair</em> tend to have alternate art for their intended commanders, Morophon appears to lead the deck.</p>
<p>When will we find out more? We don't have a launch date yet, but the answer is "probably soon"! Keep your eyes peeled for more information as it becomes available.</p>


Secret Lair Commander Deck: "Everyone's Invited" Revealed

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jodah, the Unifier|sld|1932" href="#" target="_blank">Jodah, the Unifier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://mtg.wtf/artist/caleb_meurer">Caleb Meurer</a></h6>
<h1>Arriving at Bikini Bottom</h1>
<p>Hello, and welcome back to <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>, where we go over cards from beyond Magic's IP in-depth. I had another deck planned for this week, until we got our hands on spoilers for all three <em>Secret Lairs</em> tied to Spongebob Squarepants.</p>
<p>The shift was too abrupt for my liking, but I figure I'd knock this on the head before I miss an opportunity to discuss it. Since we got some time until <em>Final Fantasy </em>drops (I know about the stuff we got up to this point, but I'm saving everything for release), why not cover something that's coming out in a few weeks while we wait?</p>
<h1>Underwater Rainbows?</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jodah, the Unifier|sld|1932"></div></div>
<p>Spongebob (reskinned as <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Jodah, the Unifier)" href="#" target="_blank">Jodah, the Unifier)</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is the main character, who's also the namesake of the show. Firstly, he's a good-natured and hard-working sea-sponge humanoid (more on that latter bit in a moment).</p>
<p>Secondly, he dwells in Bikini Bottom, an underwater city, with his pet snail, Gary. He's a fry cook at Krusty Krabs by profession, and also a student in boating school.</p>
<p>As an aside, I did note that Spongebob himself is humanoid, because his card has the Human creature-type. This isn't completely accurate, but I digress.</p>
<p>This will be true for a lot of the creature-based <em>Secret Lair Drop</em>, so it's best to carry on. Such is part of the nature of reskinned cards.</p>
<p>We've seen billions of decks featuring Jodah since his release in <em>Dominaria United</em>, back in 2022. However, we're Universes Beyond connoisseurs, so that significantly cuts our card pool. Moreover, we're also working with an additional challenge: We're going to be using all three Secret Lairs to assemble the deck.</p>
<p>Fortunately, the basic lands Lair come with two each this time instead of just one each. Just note that, after the first time I mention the character reskins, that I'll be using the names from the show.</p>
<p>As an aside, I'm going by the skin name rather than the card it's representing. Consequently, after the first time I mention each reskin, expect me to use Spongebob's name rather than Jodah's (for example; except in corner cases).</p>
<p>If you'd rather me use the actual card names instead in future articles, please let me know in the comments. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's move into the deck's 99, beginning with the creatures.</p>
<h1>The Residents of Bikini Bottom</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Toxrill, the Corrosive|sld|1929"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Barktooth Warbeard|sld|1931"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Toski, Bearer of Secrets|sld|1930"></div></div>
<p>The first Secret Lair we're covering nets us seven creatures already, including Spongebob. Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toski, Bearer of Secrets" href="#" target="_blank">Toski, Bearer of Secrets</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (reskinned as Sandy Cheeks, Martial Astronaut; 180,312 decks) gives us card, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toxrill, the Corrosive" href="#" target="_blank">Toxrill, the Corrosive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (comically reskinned as Gary, the Snail; 38, 102 decks) is a wipe that builds up over time.</p>
<p>Patrick Star, a reskin of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Barktooth Warbeard" href="#" target="_blank">Barktooth Warbeard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (267 decks), is obviously not the first card to run in the 99, but this will decidedly be a flavor choice. The flavor text on a vanilla legend, in a way, drives home his character, which is a win.</p>
<p>With Charix, the only dual lands we have that have basic land types are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sunken Hollow" href="#" target="_blank">Sunken Hollow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prairie Stream" href="#" target="_blank">Prairie Stream</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. However, even with new lands akin to them, they won't do much to utilize Charix's activated ability.</p>
<p>As a result, it'll depend on other cards in the deck to get it big enough to attack.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skrelv, Defector Mite|sld|1926"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar|sld|1928"></div></div>
<p>This is the price we pay for using every card in a given Secret Lair(s). Sorry! On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skrelv, Defector Mite" href="#" target="_blank">Skrelv, Defector Mite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (reskinned as Plankton, Tiny Tyrant; 86,111 decks) can give a creature evasion.</p>
<p>Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar" href="#" target="_blank">Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (reskinned as Squidward, Sarcastic Snob; 57,909 decks) gives us card draw, and I can imagine some corner cases where that first ability is useful.</p>
<p>But these seven can't do it alone. In a tonal whiplash of the year, we're using <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Abaddon the Despoiler" href="#" target="_blank">Abaddon the Despoiler</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (6,313 decks), who will allow our spells to cascade if an opponent lost enough life during the current turn.</p>
<p>With Spongebob out, what's better than one Cascade? Two. On the other side of the coin, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arwen, Weaver of Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Arwen, Weaver of Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (53,883 decks), who'll ensure our other creatures enter monstrously huge with Spongebob's <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coat of Arms" href="#" target="_blank">Coat of Arms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>-like buff.</p>
<p>In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Sixth Doctor" href="#" target="_blank">The Sixth Doctor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (11,587 decks) doubles up on all the creatures we're running. Just note that the copy tokens will not be legendary, thus won't be affected by Spongebob.</p>
<h1>Five Memes in All the World</h1>
<p>The second Secret Lair (and the last of the nonbasic land Lairs) centers on noncreature spells. In a similar vein to the first one, the <a href="https://commandersherald.com/spongebob-squarepants-secret-lair-collection-incoming/">internet memes are out in force with this drop</a>.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Counterspell|sld|1933"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Daze|sld|1934"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inevitable Betrayal|sld|1935"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Night&#039;s Whisper|sld|1936"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Force of Despair|sld|1937"></div></div>
<p>Consequently, each card here is depicting well-known scenes of the series that were immortalized as memes. Above all, the best two cards in this drop are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Counterspell" href="#" target="_blank">Counterspell</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Night&#039;s Whisper" href="#" target="_blank">Night&#039;s Whisper</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, mostly because they're riding on their flexibility.</p>
<p>However, the others have more conditional or situational uses. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Force of Despair" href="#" target="_blank">Force of Despair</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can be used on some careless opponent dropping a bunch of creatures in a single turn.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the exile cost might be a bit harsh for this deck, seeing as were in all five colors. So, if you need the card, have a second black card handy.</p>
<p>Secondly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Daze" href="#" target="_blank">Daze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> falls under the category of countermagic you shouldn't be running in Commander because opponents can easily pay the one.</p>
<p>Be wary of that if you use the card. Finally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inevitable Betrayal" href="#" target="_blank">Inevitable Betrayal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is something you can suspend, or cascade off Abaddon if you get lucky.</p>
<p>Otherwise, we'll need to boost the power of the deck. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Flowering of the White Tree" href="#" target="_blank">Flowering of the White Tree</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> protects and buffs our board. In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Day of Destiny" href="#" target="_blank">Day of Destiny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (16,782 decks) isn't quite as much of a finisher as Spongebob, or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heroes&#039; Podium" href="#" target="_blank">Heroes&#039; Podium</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but it does its job well.</p>
<p>On the other hand, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Desynchronization" href="#" target="_blank">Desynchronization</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (34,488 decks) is a one-sided <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyclonic Rift" href="#" target="_blank">Cyclonic Rift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that will set us up for a game-winning swing.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Traverse Eternity" href="#" target="_blank">Traverse Eternity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (9,744 decks) will draw us a good grip of cards, depending on the most expensive Historic card we have out. There's at least one other finisher in the deck, but we'll get to that. First, the decklist:</p>
<h1>Entering the Krusty Krab</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Going Universes Beyond-Under the Sea" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Jodah, the Unifier
[/Commander]
[Instants]
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Assassin&#039;s Trophy
*1 Beast Within
*1 Boros Charm
*1 Counterspell
*1 Crush Contraband
*1 Daze
*1 Desynchronization
*1 Entish Restoration
*1 Fact or Fiction
*1 Flawless Maneuver
*1 Force of Despair
*1 Heroic Intervention
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Swords to Plowshares
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Abstergo Entertainment
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Command Beacon
*1 Command Tower
*1 Deserted Beach
*1 Dreamroot Cascade
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fiery Islet
*2 Forest
*1 Haunted Ridge
*2 Island
*2 Mountain
*1 Nurturing Peatland
*1 Overgrown Farmland
*1 Path of Ancestry
*2 Plains
*1 Prairie Stream
*1 Rockfall Vale
*1 Secluded Courtyard
*1 Shipwreck Marsh
*1 Silent Clearing
*1 Smoldering Marsh
*1 Stormcarved Coast
*1 Sunbaked Canyon
*1 Sundown Pass
*1 Sunken Hollow
*2 Swamp
*1 Temple of Malady
*1 Temple of Silence
*1 Waterlogged Grove
[/Lands]
[Creatures]
*1 Abaddon the Despoiler
*1 Alistair, the Brigadier
*1 Arwen, Weaver of Hope
*1 Barktooth Warbeard
*1 Basim Ibn Ishaq
*1 Bayek of Siwa
*1 Charix, the Raging Isle
*1 Child of Alara
*1 Delighted Halfling
*1 Faramir, Steward of Gondor
*1 Galadriel, Light of Valinor
*1 Gandalf the White
*1 Gimli of the Glittering Caves
*1 Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar
*1 Havi, the All-Father
*1 Jamie McCrimmon
*1 Lotho, Corrupt Shirriff
*1 Queen Marchesa
*1 Samwise Gamgee
*1 Shay Cormac
*1 Sisay, Weatherlight Captain
*1 Skrelv, Defector Mite
*1 Surtr, Fiery Jötun
*1 The Mimeoplasm
*1 The Sixth Doctor
*1 Toski, Bearer of Secrets
*1 Toxrill, the Corrosive
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Cultivate
*1 Farseek
*1 Hull Breach
*1 Inevitable Betrayal
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Overwhelming Stampede
*1 Traverse Eternity
*1 What Must Be Done
[/Sorceries]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Brotherhood Regalia
*1 Chromatic Lantern
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mithril Coat
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Swiftfoot Boots
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Day of Destiny
*1 Flowering of the White Tree
*1 Guardian Project
*1 Shadow in the Warp
[/Enchantments]"></span></div>
<h1>One Krabby Patty, Coming Right Up</h1>
<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Food|sld|1938" href="#" target="_blank">Food</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>
<p>The list gives us a good idea of what we can expect. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alistair, the Brigadier" href="#" target="_blank">Alistair, the Brigadier</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (4,966 decks) will end games, provided that we pay that crucial eight mana. However, the soldier tokens will make for nice chump fodder.</p>
<p>Certainly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Surtr, Fiery Jötun" href="#" target="_blank">Surtr, Fiery Jötun</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (5,384 decks), an old favorite of mine from a previous article, returns to take out pesky blockers and planeswalkers (Wait, planeswalkers? What are they? We don't need them here, with very few exceptions). Moreover, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sisay, Weatherlight Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Sisay, Weatherlight Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (reskinned as Buttercup, Provincial Princess; 22,209 decks) will have us tutor out what creatures we need.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Havi, the All-Father" href="#" target="_blank">Havi, the All-Father</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (7,259 decks) will bring back fallen residents...I mean legendary creatures from your graveyard if he or another one bit the dust.</p>
<p>On the other hand, noncreature spells like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shadow in the Warp" href="#" target="_blank">Shadow in the Warp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (40,292 decks) helps us make our creatures easier to cast, but also punish opponents who rely on their fancy noncreature spells.</p>
<p>Also, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="What Must Be Done" href="#" target="_blank">What Must Be Done</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (6,986 decks) is nice utility: Either it wipes the board, you can use it to bring back a Historic permanent (bonus points if it's a creature, because it'll return with two +1/+1 counters as well).</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brotherhood Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">Brotherhood Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <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> (74,160 and 236,081 decks respectively) serve as great protection pieces for Spongebob, so he can dish out more value, and further bolster your board.</p>
<p>As far as other finishers go, Spongebob counts as one, be it commander damage or otherwise. However, we shouldn't always rely on him to reach the goalpost.</p>
<p>Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bayek of Siwa" href="#" target="_blank">Bayek of Siwa</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (18,020 decks) gives all of our legendary creatures double strike, which actually can work even better with some of the other cards in the deck.</p>
<p>Also, were you thinking that I glossed over the food token that was included in one of the Drops? Fear not, because <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Samwise Gamgee" href="#" target="_blank">Samwise Gamgee</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (45,076 decks) will bring Krabby Pattys in spades. He also gives the deck some recursion if needed.</p>
<h1>Preparing to Surface</h1>
<p>In conclusion, I hope this list provides a home for the Secret Lairsyou acquired. I dipped into flavor for this deck rather than power. As a result, this deck isn't more optimal than its regular Jodah counterparts.</p>
<p>It's not a bad thing anyway, since Jodah's commanding no less than 18,362 decks, probably playing a lot of the same cards throughout.</p>
<p>The angles of using all cards from the Secret Lairs and going Universes Beyond-only should help make this list stand out from most.</p>
<p>Additionally, I was going to use one of the sections here to discuss the increasing price point on Universes Beyond. Moreover, I'm sure this will be something for the <em>Final Fantasy</em> release, so I might return to it then.</p>
<p>What I will say is that, to get the Drops you need for this list, it'll run you about 90 USD for the nonfoils, if you were to order from the website. If that's too much money, but you wish to play with the list (or a variation thereof), proxy it. No need for your wallet to gatekeep you.</p>
<p>Return next time when I sneak in a little surprise for you. Until next time, enjoy your vacation to Bikini Bottom.</p>
<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Island|sld|1940" href="#" target="_blank">Island</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>


Who's That Under the Sea? Spongebob SquarePants!

<p style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashad, the Lone Cyberman" href="#" target="_blank">Ashad, the Lone Cyberman</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>| Art by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ericwilkersonart/">Eric Wilkerson</a></p>
<h1>Rise of the Lone Cyberman</h1>
<p>Welcome back to <em>Beyond the Multiverse</em>, the series where we ditch our in-universe cards (or printings, in some cases) for those sweet triangle-stamped cards.</p>
<p>Today, we jump from tomb-raiding, like we did in <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/building-a-lara-croft-deck-with-only-universes-beyond-cards">the first article</a> to...the future? Kind of? We're delving through the <em>Doctor Who</em> set this time around, and the set has a lot to offer.</p>
<p>The set introduced a mechanic called Doctor's Companion, which gave us a myriad of new options for multiple color combinations, including a certain Secret Lair that had mechanically unique cards inside. However, we're not focusing on them.</p>
<p>Instead, we're looking at a Grixis option. One of the precons from that release, <em>Masters of Evil</em>, introduced a whopping six commander options for the deck.</p>
<p>For instance, you can use <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Davros, Dalek Creator" href="#" target="_blank">Davros, Dalek Creator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to exterminate your opponents. Additionally, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Missy" href="#" target="_blank">Missy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is sure to helm a unique deck.</p>
<p>Not today. Instead, we're looking at a more obscure option. One that, I feel, has been overlooked. Without further ado, let's see who I picked.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashad, the Lone Cyberman"></div></div>
<p>Ashad is a villain from a more recent incarnation of the Doctor Who franchise: Thirteenth. Partially converted into a Cyberman while retaining the ability to feel, Ashad tried to restore the Cybermen to their former glory.</p>
<p>In addition, he needed to find the Cyberium, a database archiving Cyberman history. In doing this, he sought to wipe out all organic life in the universe, and even allied with The Master to do this.</p>
<p>He was defeated, then revived once more to attack the UNIT headquarters, where he met his end as victory came so close. But, what about his card?</p>
<h1>The Flesh is Weak</h1>
<p>I'm sure you remember one of the New Capenna Commander precons when looking at his card. Ashad is identical to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anhelo, the Painter" href="#" target="_blank">Anhelo, the Painter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in that they want you to take advantage of the Casualty mechanic to gain value.</p>
<p>While Anhelo copied instants and sorceries, Ashad wants you to copy artifacts. Going through the UB card pool, there's a lot of artifacts worth copying with his ability.</p>
<p>However, it's also worth noting that you must sacrifice artifact creatures for the Casualty ability. When you do this, Ashad gets a +1/+1 counter, making him sizeable. But, that is not the path we're taking.</p>
<h1>Restoring the Cyber-Empire</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cybership"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Death in Heaven"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Canoptek Spyder"></div></div>
<p>Ashad wants the 99 to be filled to the brim with artifacts, especially nonlegendary ones. For this, the deck has a minor tokens subtheme, so you can sacrifice them to Ashad's ability, making him a bit bigger in the process.</p>
<p>Don't expect to win with commander damage, because this deck is all about value. To flavor the deck, the best targets for Ashad are Cybermen, but there aren't many cards that can get them out. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cybership" href="#" target="_blank">Cybership</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (12,587 decks) makes them when it connects.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Death in Heaven" href="#" target="_blank">Death in Heaven</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (9,944 decks) acts as both Cybermen maker and graveyard hate, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Cyber-Controller" href="#" target="_blank">The Cyber-Controller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an anthem that also happens to make Cybermen...and that's basically it.</p>
<p>Despite feuding with the Cybermen during the Tenth Doctor's Era, the Daleks make for good fodder, too. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Genesis of the Daleks" href="#" target="_blank">Genesis of the Daleks</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (10,705 decks) has the first few chapters make tokens, but be sure to leave some behind to take advantage of that last chapter.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Dalek Emperor" href="#" target="_blank">The Dalek Emperor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> forces our opponents into a corner: Lose a creature or make a Dalek token that we can sac to Ashad later on. Ooo, evil!</p>
<p>Additionally, we can enlist some Necrons, to help us. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Royal Warden" href="#" target="_blank">Royal Warden</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (9,280 decks) makes tokens upon entry, and has Unearth, so we can do it again.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Technomancer" href="#" target="_blank">Technomancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (10,177 decks) brings back nontoken artifacts you had to sacrifice so you can do it again.</p>
<p>Do it twice for a one-sided <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Rise of the Dark Realms" href="#" target="_blank">Rise of the Dark Realms</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Canoptek Spyder" href="#" target="_blank">Canoptek Spyder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (31,047 decks) draws lots of cards, yes, but what about a second Canoptek Spyder?</p>
<p>In a similar vein, <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> (28,366 decks) has the potential to give you lots of little critters. However, you'll need to buff them if you wish to sacrifice them to Ashad's ability.</p>
<h1>Setting the Scheme into Motion</h1>
<p>Most importantly, since Ashad is essentially an artifact commander, we'll need some artifact synergies. While the scope and depth of artifact synergies are not as incredible as our in-universe selection, there's still some good stuff here.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="One with the Machine" href="#" target="_blank">One with the Machine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Thirst for Knowledge" href="#" target="_blank">Thirst for Knowledge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will draw us cards, keeping our hands filled. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anrakyr the Traveller" href="#" target="_blank">Anrakyr the Traveller</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets us cast a card for free at the cost of life. Copying <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cryptothrall" href="#" target="_blank">Cryptothrall</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (31,205 decks) with Ashad's ability gives all of our artifact creatures hexproof.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Their Name Is Death" href="#" target="_blank">Their Name Is Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (28,023 decks) acts as a one-sided boardwipe for us, potentially allowing us to set up an alpha strike.</p>
<p>Also, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mystic Forge" href="#" target="_blank">Mystic Forge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets us cast artifacts from the top of our library if we wanted to. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skorpekh Lord" href="#" target="_blank">Skorpekh Lord</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (13,546 decks) is an anthem and grants evasion to artifact creatures, which reminds me of something.</p>
<h1>Rallying the Cybermen</h1>
<p>Anthems not only push the weaker creatures to that critical two power, but also help us dish out more damage.</p>
<p>The aforementioned Cyber Controller does it, even making the Cybermen it creates stronger. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Andúril, Narsil Reforged" href="#" target="_blank">Andúril, Narsil Reforged</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (34,686 decks) works, too, perhaps one of the best to include here.</p>
<p>However, it's an attack trigger, so be sure to equip it to an expendable creature. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Steel Overseer" href="#" target="_blank">Steel Overseer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is slower (unless it has haste somehow), but it can even make itself stronger.</p>
<p>The rest that are printed into the card pool (as of writing) lean towards kindred effects, thus we won't be able to maximize their potential here.</p>
<p>However, the deck I'm showcasing today has a secret weapon lying in wait.</p>
<h1>The Cyberium</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Project Beyond-Rise of the Cyberheads" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Ashad, the Lone Cyberman
[/Commander]
[Lands]
*1 Academy Ruins
*1 Ash Barrens
*1 Buried Ruin
*1 Choked Estuary
*1 Command Tower
*1 Crumbling Necropolis
*1 Dragonskull Summit
*1 Drowned Catacomb
*1 Evolving Wilds
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fiery Islet
*1 Foreboding Ruins
*1 Frostboil Snarl
*1 Haunted Ridge
*1 Inventors&#039; Fair
*4 Island
*4 Mountain
*1 Path of Ancestry
*1 Shipwreck Marsh
*1 Smoldering Marsh
*1 Spire of Industry
*1 Stormcarved Coast
*1 Sulfur Falls
*1 Sunken Hollow
*4 Swamp
*1 Temple of Deceit
*1 Temple of Epiphany
*1 Temple of Malice
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
[/Lands]
[Artifacts]
*1 Agility Bobblehead
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Charisma Bobblehead
*1 Chromatic Lantern
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Cybership
*1 Endurance Bobblehead
*1 Hedron Archive
*1 Intelligence Bobblehead
*1 Knight Paladin
*1 Luck Bobblehead
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Mystic Forge
*1 Perception Bobblehead
*1 Relic of Sauron
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Strength Bobblehead
*1 Talisman of Creativity
*1 Talisman of Dominance
*1 Talisman of Indulgence
*1 Trading Post
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Anrakyr the Traveller
*1 Auton Soldier
*1 Canoptek Scarab Swarm
*1 Canoptek Spyder
*1 Chaos Defiler
*1 Cryptothrall
*1 Cyberman Patrol
*1 Cybermat
*1 Cybermen Squadron
*1 Dalek Drone
*1 Dalek Squadron
*1 Evin, Waterdeep Opportunist
*1 Helbrute
*1 Iron Man, Titan of Innovation
*1 Knight Rampager
*1 Lokhust Heavy Destroyer
*1 Morbid Opportunist
*1 Pitiless Plunderer
*1 Royal Warden
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Synth Infiltrator
*1 Technomancer
*1 The Cyber-Controller
*1 The Dalek Emperor
[/Creatures]
[Instants]
*1 Arcane Denial
*1 Bottle-Cap Blast
*1 Chaos Warp
*1 Cyber Conversion
*1 Deadly Dispute
*1 Galvanic Blast
*1 Go for the Throat
*1 Thirst for Knowledge
*1 Unexpected Windfall
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Beacon of Unrest
*1 Blasphemous Act
*1 One with the Machine
*1 Their Name Is Death
[/Sorceries]
[Enchantments]
*1 Death in Heaven
*1 Genesis of the Daleks
[/Enchantments]"></span></div>
<h1>Of Cybermen and...Bobbleheads?</h1>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Luck Bobblehead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Agility Bobblehead"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Charisma Bobblehead"></div></div>
<p>You read that heading correctly. We're using Bobbleheads, but why? First, they produce mana, even though they cost three to cast. Second is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Luck Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Luck Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which wants you to roll dice equal to the number of Bobbleheads you have.</p>
<p>I heard often that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza, Prince of Kroog" href="#" target="_blank">Urza, Prince of Kroog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one of the main go-to commanders for Bobbleheads, but hear me out a minute.</p>
<p>With Ashad, you can use the Casualty trigger to copy the Bobbleheads as you cast them, so you end up with two on the field instead of one.</p>
<p>You have a small chance at having 14 of them out, thus increasing your odds of winning greatly. In addition, each Bobblehead comes with a second ability based on the number of Bobbleheads you have out. Luck can potentially win games, but what about the others?</p>
<h1>Bobbling Along</h1>
<p>Firstly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Strength Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Strength Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> puts +1/+1 counters on a creature you control. Could be useful to weasel out a win through commander damage. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Agility Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Agility Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> grants haste and some potent evasion, enabling a massive swing with enough Bobbleheads out.</p>
<p>In addition, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Intelligence Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Intelligence Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> draws us cards while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Perception Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Perception Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> lets us dig into our library and cast something cheap.</p>
<p>However, the last two are fairly weak, but do serve some purpose here.</p>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Charisma Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Charisma Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can potentially become an army in a can, but note that it creates 1/1 tokens that are not artifacts. So, unless you can find a way to make them stronger, they're essentially chump blockers.</p>
<p>Lastly, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Endurance Bobblehead" href="#" target="_blank">Endurance Bobblehead</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> grants a small buff (ironic, because it can enable the tokens from Charisma to, ah, convert them with Ashad's ability), and also grants indestructible for the turn.</p>
<p>But, it can only be activated at sorcery speed (like three other Bobbleheads), so its use is more narrow than I would like. A shame, really.</p>
<p>On another note, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mechanized Production" href="#" target="_blank">Mechanized Production</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (unfortunately not in this list) is perfect for the Bobbleheads: You get more of one Bobblehead, especially Luck, and you're even more likely to achieve a win condition, be it through Luck or the enchantment itself.</p>
<h1>Even More Casualties</h1>
<p>The lack of tutors in the list is a personal choice, but adding them would be a good idea if you're looking to focus on the alternate win condition more.</p>
<p>However, you can always smack your opponents down via combat damage if the stars don't align. Using Ashad's Casualty ability helps with this.</p>
<p>Doubling up on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cybermen Squadron" href="#" target="_blank">Cybermen Squadron</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (36,421 decks) gives your artifact creatures double Myriad, so you get more triggers and attackers.</p>
<p>Just remember that they go away at end of combat, so you can't sacrifice them to Ashad unless you're flashing out something.</p>
<p>Two <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cyberman Patrol" href="#" target="_blank">Cyberman Patrol</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>s (29,527 decks) means that you get two instances of Afflict Three, so either they block and lose six, or you get through. That's a no-win situation for your opponents.</p>
<h1>Achieving Singularity</h1>
<p>In sum, there's more than just Urza who can utilize the Bobbleheads, and that an UB artifact deck is feasible. However, Ashad will not be the last of the many, many <em>Doctor Who Commander</em> options will be touching on.</p>
<p>He also will not be the last Grixis legend we'll explore either. I, for one, would like to build <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Valeyard" href="#" target="_blank">The Valeyard</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but the current voting/choice numbers are not enough...yet.</p>
<p>Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong. But, I'm going to try and spread out the <em>Doctor Who</em> love so there's not too many at once.<em> The Lord of the Rings</em>, for example, will be the same.</p>
<p>Tune in next time, were we jump from science fiction to something much different. Until next time, may the triangles bless your games.</p>


Beyond the Multiverse-Rise of the Cyberheads

Technically Playable - Daryl, Hunter of Walkers

<h6 style="text-align: right;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ryu, World Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Ryu, World Warrior</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.jasonrainville.com/">Jason Rainville</a>)</h6>
<h1>Epic Preparations</h1>
<p>Hello, EDHREC fans! I’m Bernardo, 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>Let's take a look at <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ryu, World Warrior" href="#" target="_blank">Ryu, World Warrior</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ryu, World Warrior"></div></div>
<p>Ryu has a bit of an identity crisis. On the one hand, he's a cheap creature that rewards us for attacking by buffing himself up. On the other hand, the untap ability payoff is better used in a slower, non-aggro strategy, where paying five mana for a damage-based ping won't get in the way of our mana curve.</p>
<p>Ryu's activated ability has three costs attached that must be addressed: the heavy mana cost, the tap cost, and the support cost.</p>
<p>The first cost is the most obvious: paying five mana for some damage is a bad deal when our three opponents each have a starting life total of 40. Something like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zirda, the Dawnwaker" href="#" target="_blank">Zirda, the Dawnwaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> could help mitigate this, but it's still a big setup. The second cost is not so obvious: to use his untap effect, we have to tap him in the first place. Attacking to tap him is the obvious choice, but it lacks the flexible timing of a tap ability and relies on us finding neutral attack on the board to make sure Ryu doesn't perish just because we want to use his ability. The last cost is more of a deckbuilding one: growing Ryu naturally through <em>Training</em> triggers is a losing battle in out format, so we need to either increase his power with outside sources, or give his damage an extra bit of pizazz, such as by giving him deathtouch. This isn't as much of a problem as the other two costs, but it limits our deck choices and likely skews our gameplay.</p>
<p>After we address all these issues, we'll get a fun commander to build around. It's fun to blast creatures with Ryu, and untap abilities are so easy to abuse that we can probably find a few neat interactions to play around. After all, Ryu seems like he might be a pretty good pilot, popping in to <em>Crew </em>Vehicle cards. But maybe we can go even deeper than that!</p>
<hr />
<h2>Epic Ingredients</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Invoke Justice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gisela, Blade of Goldnight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaxis, the Troublemaker"></div></div>
<p>What if we use Ryu's discard as a way to fill our graveyard with creatures for reanimation spells? By using our commander's ability to control the board, we have a reliable discard outlet that gives us the time needed to stabilize.</p>
<p>The lack of black means that we are going to lose some of the better reanimation spells in the format, but that's fine! White has a decent enough repertoire of reanimation spells, and they seem to be printing more of them all the time. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Breath of Life" href="#" target="_blank">Breath of Life</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Defy Death" href="#" target="_blank">Defy Death</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Late to Dinner" href="#" target="_blank">Late to Dinner</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Resurrection" href="#" target="_blank">Resurrection</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are vanilla-lite reanimation spells that get the job done. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Invoke Justice" href="#" target="_blank">Invoke Justice</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> doesn't just revive, it also distributes +1/+1 counters, so it plays very well with our commander. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Profound Journey" href="#" target="_blank">Profound Journey</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a bit expensive, but the sheer impact of getting two creatures from one spell shouldn't be underestimated.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Avacyn, Angel of Hope"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Reya Dawnbringer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Combustible Gearhulk"></div></div>
<p>Between red and white, we have plenty of big threats to reanimate. An early <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zetalpa, Primal Dawn" href="#" target="_blank">Zetalpa, Primal Dawn</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> gets out of hand pretty fast, and it's also a pretty safe threat against most non-exile-based removals. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avacyn, Angel of Hope" href="#" target="_blank">Avacyn, Angel of Hope</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> provides enough board protection to give time for our other threats to take over the game, while <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Utvara Hellkite" href="#" target="_blank">Utvara Hellkite</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is good at snowballing games where our opponents fail to find an answer for it. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gisela, Blade of Goldnight" href="#" target="_blank">Gisela, Blade of Goldnight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a fast clock that also benefits our commander's activated ability.</p>
<p>Aside from those baddies, we also have a more utility-based creature suite that's meant to bridge the gap between threats and nonthreats. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Combustible Gearhulk" href="#" target="_blank">Combustible Gearhulk</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can put an unlucky opponent in check by either giving us three new cards or risk getting burned, and we also appreciate having cards thrown into our graveyard. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Luminate Primordial" href="#" target="_blank">Luminate Primordial</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Meteor Golem" href="#" target="_blank">Meteor Golem</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are strong removal options too, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Serra&#039;s Emissary" href="#" target="_blank">Serra&#039;s Emissary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is just pure awesomeness.</p>
<hr />
<h2>The Mixture</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Ryunimator" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*Ryu, World Warrior
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*Fissure Wizard
*Raffine&#039;s Informant
*Seasoned Pyromancer
*Zirda, the Dawnwaker
*Jaxis, the Troublemaker
*Solemn Simulacrum
*Karmic Guide
*Combustible Gearhulk
*Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
*Gisela, Blade of Goldnight
*Luminate Primordial
*Meteor Golem
*Sandstone Oracle
*Serra&#039;s Emissary
*Avacyn, Angel of Hope
*Utvara Hellkite
*Zetalpa, Primal Dawn
*Reya Dawnbringer
[/Creature]
[Artifact]
*Everflowing Chalice
*Basilisk Collar
*Gorgon&#039;s Head
*Sol Ring
*Arcane Signet
*Mind Stone
*Smuggler&#039;s Copter
*Talisman of Conviction
*Unlicensed Hearse
*Cultivator&#039;s Caravan
*Worn Powerstone
*Hedron Archive
[/Artifact]
[Enchantment]
*Epiphany Storm
*Prophetic Ravings
*Taste for Mayhem
*Dual Casting
*Madcap Skills
*Fable of the Mirror-Breaker
*Sneak Attack
*Burning Anger
[/Enchantment]
[Instant]
*Path to Exile
*Swords to Plowshares
*Cathartic Pyre
*Faithless Salvaging
*Thrill of Possibility
*Chaos Warp
*Wear // Tear
*Big Score
*Unexpected Windfall
[/Instant]
[Sorcery]
*Faithless Looting
*Cathartic Reunion
*Thrilling Discovery
*Tormenting Voice
*Seize the Spoils
*Breath of Life
*Late to Dinner
*Pirate&#039;s Pillage
*Resurrection
*Defy Death
*Invoke Justice
*Farewell
*Profound Journey
*Vanquish the Horde
*Blasphemous Act
[/Sorcery]
[Land]
*Axgard Armory
*Battlefield Forge
*Clifftop Retreat
*Command Tower
*Exotic Orchard
*Ghost Quarter
*Needleverge Pathway
*Prismatic Vista
*Rugged Prairie
*Sacred Foundry
*Spectator Seating
*Sunbaked Canyon
*Sundown Pass
*Tectonic Edge
*Temple of Triumph
*11 Mountains
*11 Plains
[/Land]"></span></div>

<hr />
<p>Since we're not planning on triggering Ryu's <em>Training</em> all that much, having ways to maximize our activated ability is crucial if we want to destroy some creatures. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Basilisk Collar" href="#" target="_blank">Basilisk Collar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gorgon&#039;s Head" href="#" target="_blank">Gorgon&#039;s Head</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> give our commander deathtouch, which allows us to both snipe any creature on board and draw a card from it. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Madcap Skills" href="#" target="_blank">Madcap Skills</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Taste for Mayhem" href="#" target="_blank">Taste for Mayhem</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are two cheap attack boosts that are <em>just</em> efficient enough to be worth consideration.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cultivator&#039;s Caravan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Prophetic Ravings"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dual Casting"></div></div>
<p>We're also packing a few alternative ways to tap our commander. Having a few good Vehicles can be handy for two reasons: they tend to have a high stat line, and they provide some board-wipe-safe utility before we need them. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cultivator&#039;s Caravan" href="#" target="_blank">Cultivator&#039;s Caravan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Manalith" href="#" target="_blank">Manalith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that can be a threat in a clutch, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Unlicensed Hearse" href="#" target="_blank">Unlicensed Hearse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is powerful graveyard hate in a format where graveyard interactions are plenty, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smuggler&#039;s Copter" href="#" target="_blank">Smuggler&#039;s Copter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another consistent source of looting.</p>
<p>Aside from these Vehicles, we have a few Auras that also give our commander a tap ability: <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Epiphany Storm" href="#" target="_blank">Epiphany Storm</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Prophetic Ravings" href="#" target="_blank">Prophetic Ravings</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> allow us to cheaply dig for more cards and shape our graveyard; <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Burning Anger" href="#" target="_blank">Burning Anger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is another copy of Ryu's activated ability, which gives us a lot of flexibility in both sniping smaller creatures or take down bigger ones more easily; and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dual Casting" href="#" target="_blank">Dual Casting</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is amazing in a deck that has powerful spells like our reanimation but also plays well with our many "Rummaging" effects, like Thrill of Possibility.</p>
<hr />
<h2>Methodology</h2>
<p>Our opening hands are flexible because we have a lot of digging power with our many cheap looting/rummaging effects, so even hands that might not have anything special going can turn on very quickly with some patience and a bit of luck. In general, we want to have at least one looting effect and a mana rock in our opening hand to get things going, but it helps a lot if we also have a huge creature to put in the graveyard, or if we start the game holding one of the reanimation spells to get it back.</p>
<p>Our early game is just about setup. We can cast Ryu early, but he doesn't do anything but look pretty for a little while. We aim for action in the mid-game, where we can finally start discarding and reanimating our huge threats while sniping our opponents' most pernicious creatures. By the late game, we won't need the reanimation spells to cheat mana costs anymore, since we can just hard cast our big baddies. Don't get me wrong, though - they don't become dead cards at all! If someone removes our creatures, we'll just bring them right back. And along the way, maybe we'll be able to have some snazzy fun with cheating those creatures into play in other ways... or perhaps even copying them!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sneak Attack"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fable of the Mirror-Breaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Jaxis, the Troublemaker"></div></div>
<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 experiment a success? Please let me know in the comments below!</p>


secret lair

Spotlight Series: Final Fantasy Announced for Chiba, Japan in June

Secret Lair Commander Deck: "Everyone's Invited" Revealed

Who's That Under the Sea? Spongebob SquarePants!

Beyond the Multiverse-Rise of the Cyberheads

Technically Playable - Daryl, Hunter of Walkers

Epic Experiment - Ryu

Commander Sealed 2022