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The Best Commons and Uncommons from Secrets of Strixhaven

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/ajmanzanedo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Antonio José Manzanedo</a></em></p>
<p>We're finally returning to the fan favorite plane of Arcavios with <em><a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/sos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Secrets of Strixhaven</a>. </em>This school of mages is made up of five colleges that were formed by <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/ranking-every-elder-dragon-on-a-tier-list" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Elder Dragons</a>, one of which is none other than our commander for today, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. This legend loves to trade creatures for copying instants and sorceries, which immediately sent me in the direction of a token-based strategy.</p>
<p>So, with all that in mind, join me <a href="https://linktr.ee/pillowfortmtg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks</a>, as I cover a budget 99 that you can pick up for about $40 (using <a href="https://www.tcgplayer.com/product/686608/magic-secrets-of-strixhaven-silverquill-the-disputant?irclickid=SfrVsYSKHxycUQrwtpRxjWrOUku1onXyESECzQ0&amp;sharedid=&amp;irpid=4913290&amp;irgwc=1&amp;afsrc=1&amp;utm_source=impact&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_campaign=Space%20Cow%20Media">TCGPlayer pricing</a>, and not including the commander, since we're still in prerelease prices.)</p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Bring to the Table?</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Silverquill, the Disputant"></div></div>
<p>I'm incredibly excited to be able to talk about <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, because the first version of this character, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shadrix Silverquill" href="#" target="_blank">Shadrix Silverquill</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is my all-time favorite commander. This time around, this legend leans more towards an <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/aristocrats" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aristocrat</a>/<a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/spellslinger" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spellslinger</a> strategy.</p>
<p>Since that's the case, I utilized a lot instants and sorceries that add tokens to the board, as well as plenty of payoffs for having a wide army at your disposal.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<p>Let's kick things off with just a few of the X spells that make up this list, since they work perfectly for building up your ranks, while also being great to copy in exchange for sacrificing a token.</p>
<h3>X Spell Token Makers</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="United Front"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blot Out the Sky"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Horn of Valhalla"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="United Front" href="#" target="_blank">United Front</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's one of the more expensive cards in the deck, that does a few very useful things for this strategy. Not only does it make you a whole lot of tokens, but it also pumps up your entire board. Plus, copying it will give you double the tokens and two +1/+1 counters on everything.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blot Out the Sky" href="#" target="_blank">Blot Out the Sky</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This spell can be backbreaking for the other decks at the table, while leaving you relatively untouched. Building up a board of flyers is very beneficial for getting into the late game, since their evasion can push damage through your opponents' defenses.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Horn of Valhalla" href="#" target="_blank">Horn of Valhalla</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I almost skipped past this card while building the deck, until I realized that it could simply end games. It floods your board with tokens, and then be equipped to Silverquill, turning it into a way to take out players with commander damage.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Token Generation with Modality</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aerith Rescue Mission"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Will of the Mardu"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Season of the Burrow"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aerith Rescue Mission" href="#" target="_blank">Aerith Rescue Mission</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This common is a great example of a spell that makes tokens, while having another use. If you already have plenty of attackers, copying this card in order to tap six creatures could just close out a game.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Will of the Mardu" href="#" target="_blank">Will of the Mardu</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a card that could does some crazy things in the list. The removal it offers is great, but the fact this this could double your tokens, and then double them again at instant speed, is what makes this card so strong.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Season of the Burrow" href="#" target="_blank">Season of the Burrow</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Removal, recursion, and token creation is all combined together on this card. Plus, if you copy it, you can choose a wide range of its effects in order to get multiple uses for the five mana you spent on it.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Consistent Token Makers</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skrelv&#039;s Hive"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Baron Bertram Graywater"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Monastery Mentor"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skrelv&#039;s Hive" href="#" target="_blank">Skrelv&#039;s Hive</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: While instants and sorceries are great for this deck, since you can possibly copy them, having some permanents like this enchantment allows you to have a solid stream of tokens on your board at all times.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Baron Bertram Graywater" href="#" target="_blank">Baron Bertram Graywater</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This legend brings a whole lot to this list. Not only does it offer up more tokens as the game goes on, it also allows you to trade some in for card advantage.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monastery Mentor" href="#" target="_blank">Monastery Mentor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a classic token maker that also adds some prowess to the mix. Those Monks are perfect for a deck that's looking to sling some spells, since they make for some even stronger attackers as the game goes on.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Ways to Buff Your Board</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="For the Emperor!"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Zealous Persecution"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kinbinding"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="For the Emperor!" href="#" target="_blank">For the Emperor!</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Sure, these types of pump spells aren't as strong as a card like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Craterhoof Behemoth" href="#" target="_blank">Craterhoof Behemoth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but they can still win games. If you copy this spell, your wide board is now getting +4/+4, as well as vigilance and lifelink. That's a massive life total swing right there.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zealous Persecution" href="#" target="_blank">Zealous Persecution</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's a card that doesn't see much play in Commander but will be brutal in the deck. Copying it will give your opponents' boards -2/-2, and yours +2/+2. If you're facing another token deck, there's a good chance their board will be decimated after this.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kinbinding" href="#" target="_blank">Kinbinding</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: If you're looking for a big pump, turn after turn, then this enchantment is for you. Not only does it buff your entire board as you make more tokens, but it also gives you a Kithkin at the start of your combat, filling out your ranks.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Card Advantage</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stargaze"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tempt with Bunnies"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eviscerator&#039;s Insight"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Stargaze" href="#" target="_blank">Stargaze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: As I mentioned before, X spells are great to copy, since you get their effect twice. In the case of this spell, if X equals four, you'll dig a total of sixteen cards deep, picking out the best eight to go into your hand (resolving them one after the other, of course.)</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tempt with Bunnies" href="#" target="_blank">Tempt with Bunnies</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> While this card may give out some tokens to your opponents, it can also fill out your board, while refilling your hand. I've always wanted to see what people do when they get tempted by bunnies, <em>twice</em>.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eviscerator&#039;s Insight" href="#" target="_blank">Eviscerator&#039;s Insight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> When you copy a spell like this one, you don't have to pay its alternative costs for the copy. Which means you could cast this, sacrifice a creature, then use your commander's casualty ability to copy it again, making two Treasures and drawing four cards for only two mana.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Draining the Table</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mirkwood Bats"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Venerated Stormsinger"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mirkwood Bats" href="#" target="_blank">Mirkwood Bats</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Here's a creature that has led to countless game-ending turns, and will do the same for this deck. Now whenever you make a huge number of tokens, and anytime you sacrifice one of them, you'll be lowering everyone else's life totals.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim" href="#" target="_blank">Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This legend will drain the table when your creatures die, while also gaining you a whole lot of life over the course of the game. Making for a great turn two play in any of your games.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Venerated Stormsinger" href="#" target="_blank">Venerated Stormsinger</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Token creation and draining the table is what this uncommon brings to the deck. If you ever get caught on an empty board, this Cleric will help build you back up to your original power, offering up sacrifice fodder and padding your life total.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Silverquill, the Disputant Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Silverquill, the Disputant - by Tyler &#039;Savesya&#039; Bucks" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Silverquill, the Disputant
[/Commander]
[Instants]
*1 Bovine Intervention
*1 Charge of the Mites
*1 Corrupted Conviction
*1 Deadly Dispute
*1 Eviscerator&#039;s Insight
*1 Family Reunion
*1 Fanatical Offering
*1 Make a Stand
*1 Moogles&#039; Valor
*1 Oblation
*1 On the Job
*1 Profit // Loss
*1 Raise the Alarm
*1 Rally the Monastery
*1 Secure the Wastes
*1 Start // Finish
*1 Stroke of Midnight
*1 Tenacity
*1 The Last Ronin&#039;s Technique
*1 Village Rites
*1 Will of the Mardu
*1 You&#039;re Confronted by Robbers
*1 Your Temple Is Under Attack
*1 Zealous Display
*1 Zealous Persecution
[/Instants]
[Sorceries]
*1 Aerith Rescue Mission
*1 Blot Out the Sky
*1 Debt to the Deathless
*1 Diresight
*1 Finale of Glory
*1 For the Emperor!
*1 Hop to It
*1 Lingering Souls
*1 Makindi Stampede // Makindi Mesas
*1 Martial Coup
*1 Night&#039;s Whisper
*1 Read the Bones
*1 Risky Shortcut
*1 Season of the Burrow
*1 Shadow Summoning
*1 Sram&#039;s Expertise
*1 Stargaze
*1 Syphon Mind
*1 Tempt with Bunnies
*1 United Front
*1 White Sun&#039;s Twilight
[/Sorceries]
[Creatures]
*1 Baron Bertram Graywater
*1 Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim
*1 Hildibrand Manderville // Gentleman&#039;s Rise
*1 Mirkwood Bats
*1 Monastery Mentor
*1 Rumor Gatherer
*1 Suki, Courageous Rescuer
*1 Venerated Stormsinger
*1 Vengeful Bloodwitch
[/Creatures]
[Enchantments]
*1 Dreadhorde Invasion
*1 Inspiring Leader
*1 Kinbinding
*1 Paladin Class
*1 Skrelv&#039;s Hive
[/Enchantments]
[Artifacts]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Horn of Valhalla // Ysgard&#039;s Call
*1 Sol Ring
[/Artifacts]
[Lands]
*1 Castle Ardenvale
*1 Caves of Koilos
*1 Command Tower
*1 Conduit Pylons
*1 Dalkovan Encampment
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Mirrex
*1 Realm of Koh
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Temple of Silence
*17 Plains
*6 Swamp
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>My Final Thoughts on Silverquill, the Disputant</h2>
<p>Well, there you have it, my list for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Silverquill, the Disputant" href="#" target="_blank">Silverquill, the Disputant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. As I said before, this is one of my favorite characters in all of <em>Magic</em>, so it truly was an honor to get to build a deck for this new form of his. I hope you enjoyed this list, because I had a blast making it.</p>
<p>If you're looking for more budget content from me, you can find it 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 The Pillow Fort, where you can check out a deck tech for my personal <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCyttTx5VA0&amp;t=1499s" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shadrix Silverquill list</a>.</p>


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Silverquill, the Disputant - Spellslinger &#038; Token Aristocrats

<p style="text-align: right;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Postmortem Professor" href="#" target="_blank">Postmortem Professor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CNino+Vecia%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nino Vecia</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The preview season for <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em> officially ends tomorrow when Wizards of the Coast releases the full Card Image Gallery. In the meantime, however, we still have time to showcase the final two academic houses of Strixhaven University, Silverquill and Witherbloom! We covered the other three houses previously; we showcased <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/secrets-of-strixhaven-preview-recap-prismari-and-lorehold" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prismari and Lorehold</a> this past Friday, while we covered <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/secrets-of-strixhaven-preview-recap-quandrix-mystical-archive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quandrix (with the Mystical Archive)</a> on Tuesday. So, without much further ado, let's dive into these last two colleges!</p>
<h2>April 8th: Silverquill (Outlets and Content Creators)</h2>
<p>The content creators and media outlets credited with bringing the Silverquill previews to the public are the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>@denfaminicogame</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aleksibriclot/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aleksi Briclot</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BasedDeckDept" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Based Deck Department</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lua.stardust/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lua Stardust</a></li>
<li><a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/story" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Magic Story</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagicTheGathering.it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Magic: The Gathering</i> Italian Facebook</a></li>
<li><i>Magic: The Gathering</i> Social Media</li>
<li>Rhea</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/taaliavess/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Taalia Vess</a></li>
<li>TCGplayer</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zabracus/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zabracus</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Feel free to click the content creators' links and check out their work!</p>
<h2>Silverquill Reveals for <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em></h2>
<p>With a sharp wit and a silvery tongue, the Silverquill are fierce masters of the magic of words, both written and orated. Prolific debaters, philosophers, and writers, this academic house embodies a vital approach to the color pie's white-black identity.</p>
<p>Remember, if there is no English name listed for a card render in our database, we won't show it off here. However, feel free to check out the content creators and outlets listed above to find out more about Silverquill's schtick in <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em>! On to the previews!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Moment of Reckoning"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Decorum Dissertation"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Killian&#039;s Confidence"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eager Glyphmage"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stirring Hopesinger"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scheming Silvertongue"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Informed Inkwright"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nita, Forum Conciliator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fix What&#039;s Broken"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inkshape Demonstrator"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Quill-Blade Laureate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Emeritus of Truce"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Snooping Page"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rapier Wit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ennis, Debate Moderator"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Harsh Annotation"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eternal Student"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Stirring Honormancer"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scolding Administrator"></div></div>
<h2>April 9th: Witherbloom (Outlets and Content Creators)</h2>
<p>The content creators and media outlets credited with bringing the Witherbloom previews to the public are the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>@hareruya_Media</li>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MagicTheGathering.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Magic: The Gathering</i> French Facebook</a></li>
<li>@MTGArenaJP</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dannyschwartzart/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Danny Schwartz</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.dexerto.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dexerto</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/eventhorizon.mtg/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Event Horizon MTG</a></li>
<li>Leonard Williams</li>
<li><a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/story" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Magic Story</i></a></li>
<li><a href="https://magic.wizards.com/en/products/companion-app" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i>Magic: The Gathering Companion</i></a></li>
<li><i>Magic: The Gathering</i> Social Media</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/maldhound/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MaldHound</a></li>
<li>Uncle Mosquito</li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/zmaincharacter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zmaincharacter</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Feel free to click the content creators' links and check out their work!</p>
<h2>Witherbloom Reveals for <em>MTGSOS</em></h2>
<p>The last (but certainly not the least) of Strixhaven University's five colleges, Witherbloom's students are a motley, and occasionally mottled, contingent of fledgling black-green aligned biologists. Previously denoted in an official capacity as "swamp punks," it feels as though Witherbloom has largely shaken that connotation in many ways. Nevertheless, the cards from this college are focused on lifegain and, to a much lesser extent (when compared with Quandrix), spreading +1/+1 counters. Let's take a look!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tragedy Feaster"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Cauldron of Essence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vastlands Scavenger"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blech, Loafing Pest"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dissection Practice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vicious Rivalry"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Efflorescence"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Dina&#039;s Guidance"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Postmortem Professor"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Foolish Fate"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Poisoner&#039;s Apprentice"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Germination Practicum"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pox Plague"></div></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>All in all, the cards in <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em> look absolutely amazing from mechanical and aesthetic standpoints alike. It'll likely be a ton of fun to play with these cards when they come out!</p>
<p>And now, as always, let us open the floor to you, dear readers. Are you excited for the Silverbloom cards from this set? How about Witherbloom? Additionally, what is your favorite Strixhaven University college? Which one did you choose for Prerelease on the 17th, if you have reserved a slot at your local game store? Sound off in the comments below!</p>


Secrets of Strixhaven Preview Recap: Silverquill and Witherbloom

Goading and Enchanting With Killian, Decisive Mentor

<p><em>Silverquill Influence</em> is a new Commander preconstructed deck releasing with the set <em>Secrets of Strixhaven</em>. What's in the deck, who are the commanders, and is it a good buy?</p>
<p>Let's find out.</p>


https://cloudflare.edhrec.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SOSSilverquillheader.png

<p>The <i>Silverquill Influence</i> Commander deck contains the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>1 Ready-to-play 100-card Commander deck</li>
<li>1 Traditional foil face commander with borderless art</li>
<li>1 Traditional foil featured commander with borderless art</li>
<li>98 Non-foil cards, including 10 new-to-Magic cards</li>
<li>10 Double-sided tokens</li>
<li>1 Reference card</li>
<li>1 Deck box</li>
</ul>


<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Killian, Decisive Mentor" href="#" target="_blank">Killian, Decisive Mentor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Killian, Decisive Mentor"></div></div>
<p><a href="https://mtg.wiki/page/Killian_Lu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Killian</a> is back, and the character's come a long way from <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Killian, Ink Duelist" href="#" target="_blank">appearing as an uncommon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the first go-round at Strixhaven.</p>
<p>Killian, Decisive Mentor's gone all-in in the Aura game. For each enchantment you drop, Killian provides a free goad trigger. This strategy can be offensive or defensive, as the creature you target for the goad effect becomes tapped to clear the way for an attack, or ensures the scariest creature on the board won't be coming your way during its combat step.</p>
<p>And remember: Killian doesn't have to target the creature receiving the Aura. You can slap a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shielded by Faith" href="#" target="_blank">Shielded by Faith</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> onto Killian itself, and still tap/goad an opponent's creature.</p>
<p>But that's only half the text on new Killian. Whenever one or more creatures enchanted by one of your Auras attacks - be they your creatures or your opponents' - you draw a card.</p>
<p>Will Killian supplant <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eriette of the Charmed Apple" href="#" target="_blank">Eriette of the Charmed Apple</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> (a card in the 99 of this deck) as the <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/auras/orzhov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">premier Aura-centric black/white commander</a>? It's got a shot.</p>


<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Scriv, the Obligator" href="#" target="_blank">Scriv, the Obligator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Scriv, the Obligator"></div></div>
<p>Joining Killian is Scriv, the Obligator, a 2/3 Inkling Bird with flying and deathtouch for four mana. Scriv's also centered around Auras, supplying you with a steady stream of them.</p>
<p>Whenever Scriv enters or attacks, you create one such Aura, in this case a white one called "Contract" that attaches itself to an opponent's creature. A creature enchanted by Contract receives +2/+0 until end of turn if it's attacking anyone but you - and if it <em>does </em>attack you, its controller loses two life.</p>
<p>On its own, a Contract isn't too disincentivizing to opponents should they really want to attack you, but remember you're getting at least one per turn in a perfect world, and there's nothing on Scriv that says one particular creature can't get loaded up with all the Contracts.</p>
<p>Scriv's less powerful than Killian as the leader of a deck, but arguably more interesting as the leader of a deck built specifically for the inky Bird.</p>


<p>Here's the deck list for <em>Silverquill Influence</em>:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Silverquill" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Killian, Decisive Mentor
[/Commander]
[Creature]
*1 Ajani&#039;s Chosen
*1 Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace
*1 Armored Skyhunter
*1 Breena, the Demagogue
*1 Combat Calligrapher
*1 Defacing Duskmage // Vandal&#039;s Edit
*1 Doomwake Giant
*1 Eidolon of Countless Battles
*1 Eiganjo Dynastorian // Replenish
*1 Eriette of the Charmed Apple
*1 Firemane Commando
*1 Hateful Eidolon
*1 Herald of Amity
*1 Keen Duelist
*1 Killian, Ink Duelist
*1 Kor Spiritdancer
*1 Mangara, the Diplomat
*1 Nils, Discipline Enforcer
*1 Pearl-Ear, Imperial Advisor
*1 Scriv, the Obligator
*1 Shadrix Silverquill
*1 Sram, Senior Edificer
*1 Starfield Mystic
*1 Tomik, Wielder of Law
*1 Transcendent Envoy
[/Creature]
[Enchantment]
*1 Angelic Destiny
*1 Animate Dead
*1 Chains of Custody
*1 Changing Loyalty
*1 Coercive Impetus
*1 Darksteel Mutation
*1 Eldrazi Conscription
*1 Fallen Ideal
*1 Flickering Ward
*1 Forum Filibuster
*1 Ghostly Prison
*1 Ghoulish Impetus
*1 Gift of Immortality
*1 Intermediate Chirography
*1 Land Tax
*1 Martial Impetus
*1 Parasitic Impetus
*1 Raffine&#039;s Guidance
*1 Redemption Arc
*1 Sage&#039;s Reverie
*1 Screams from Within
*1 Sentinel&#039;s Eyes
*1 Sheltered by Ghosts
*1 Shielded by Faith
*1 Songbirds&#039; Blessing
*1 Spirit Mantle
[/Enchantment]
[Sorcery]
*1 Promise of Loyalty
*1 Secret Rendezvous
*1 Winds of Rath
[/Sorcery]
[Instant]
*1 Anguished Unmaking
*1 Fracture
*1 Inkshield
*1 Vanishing Verse
[/Instant]
[Artifact]
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Talisman of Hierarchy
[/Artifact]
[Lands]
*1 Arcane Lighthouse
*1 Bojuka Bog
*1 Caves of Koilos
*1 Command Tower
*1 Desolate Mire
*1 Eclipsed Steppe
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fabled Passage
*1 Fetid Heath
*1 Forum of Amity
*1 Isolated Chapel
*1 Path of Ancestry
*8 Plains
*1 Shineshadow Snarl
*1 Silverquill Campus
*1 Study Hall
*1 Sunlit Marsh
*8 Swamp
*1 Temple of Silence
*1 Terramorphic Expanse
*1 Turbulent Moor
*1 Umbral Expanse
*1 War Room
[/Lands]"></span></div>


<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Defacing Duskmage" href="#" target="_blank">Defacing Duskmage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Defacing Duskmage"></div></div>
<p>Our first new card in the 99 of <em>Silverquill Influence </em>is Defacing Duskmage, a 2/2 Dog Warlock for two mana that gives us a segue to discuss the prepared mechanic.</p>
<p>Creatures with the prepared mechanic bring their own spell with them, some of which are new, and some of which are returning from <em>Magic's </em>past (we'll get to the latter in a bit). Defacing Duskmage's spell is Vandal's Edit, a white-splashing, instant-speed <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Risky Shortcut" href="#" target="_blank">Risky Shortcut</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>But how do you cast Vandal's Edit? Thematically, you don't; the creature does, if it's prepared. Each creature with prepared has different methods of becoming so. In Defacing Duskmage's case, whenever an opponent draws a second card on any turn, it becomes prepared, unlocking your ability to cast Vandal's Edit.</p>
<p>Once you cast a prepared creature's spell, that creature becomes unprepared and needs to be re-prepared in order to cast its spell again.</p>
<p>So, in essence, whenever any opponent draws two cards, you can also draw two cards, and drain the table for two (including yourself).</p>
<p>Prepared creatures are going to be extremely powerful in Commander, and this Dog is no different.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Herald of Amity" href="#" target="_blank">Herald of Amity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Herald of Amity"></div></div>
<p>Defacing Duskmage, while very good, didn't have anything to do with Auras, a central theme of <em>Silverquill Influence. </em>Herald of Amity corrects that.</p>
<p>A 2/2 flying Griffin for four mana, Herald of Amity first allows you to cast a free Aura out of the top eight cards of your library. That's just for entering the battlefield, which, we should note, is much better than being triggered on cast in a color that has cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Cloudshift" href="#" target="_blank">Cloudshift</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Second, whenever Herald of Amity attacks, it gets a turn-long buff of +X/+X, where X is the number of Auras you control. So, for four mana you get a good chance at a free Aura off the top, and are left with an evasive attacker that could be hitting pretty hard, depending on the board state.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Forum Filibuster" href="#" target="_blank">Forum Filibuster</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Forum Filibuster"></div></div>
<p>The main problem with Auras, as a strategy, is that they're inherently card disadvantage. If you put a helpful Aura on your creature, then any opponent can spend one card to get rid of two of your cards.</p>
<p>Forum Filibuster, an enchantment for five mana, helps alleviate that issue by providing you both with a steady stream of creatures <em>and </em>a way to reuse fallen Auras. While it's obviously pretty good in this Aura precon, look for Forum Filibuster to really make hay in both white/green <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/enchantress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Enchantress decks</a> as well as white/red <a href="https://edhrec.com/tags/equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equipment decks</a>, since it brings those back, too.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Coercive Impetus" href="#" target="_blank">Coercive Impetus</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Coercive Impetus"></div></div>
<p>We're getting more entries into the <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&amp;order=name&amp;q=impetus+type%3Aaura+%28game%3Apaper%29+prefer%3Abest" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Impetus subtheme of Auras</a>. Coercive is the eighth such Aura (half of which are in this deck), with each providing a small buff to a creature's stats in addition to goading it. They're tailor-made to be played on opponents' creatures, though can usually be placed on your own in a pinch.</p>
<p>Coercive provides you with the same card draw whether it's on your creature or an opponent's, as long as that creature is attacking, and for three mana you could do worse.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Changing Loyalty" href="#" target="_blank">Changing Loyalty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Changing Loyalty"></div></div>
<p>Changing Loyalty has the potential to be game-changing, if your timing's right.</p>
<p>It's technically an Aura so it'll trigger any abilities that care about Auras, but in practice it'll feel more like an instant. We've seen plenty in a similar vein, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Debt of Loyalty" href="#" target="_blank">Debt of Loyalty</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, a card of which Changing Loyalty is likely a reference.</p>
<p>The thing about Debt of Loyalty is it's an extremely effective card, and Changing Loyalty is miles better. Even at its base cost of two mana, you're still swiping the best creature on the board post-board wipe, and for every additional two generic mana you sink into it, you're just that much farther ahead.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Intermediate Chirography" href="#" target="_blank">Intermediate Chirography</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Intermediate Chirography"></div></div>
<p>Each of the precons from this set includes one Class, an enchantment subtype previously seen in <em>Bloomburrow</em> and <em>Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate</em>. Essentially, you level up to gain increasingly powerful abilities, as if you're "learning" from the class depicted on the card.</p>
<p>You can look at it in stages: for Intermediate Chirography, you get a 2/1 black Inkling token for two mana, then for two more mana, the ability giving you a +1/+1 counter to put on a creature when you lose life for the first time each turn.</p>
<p>For seven total mana, you get the previous two rewards, plus the real prize: at the beginning of any end step, if a modified creature you controlled died that turn, you make another Inkling token.</p>
<p>Seven mana's a lot, but Level 3 of this card will likely find itself as the centerpiece to Aristocrats decks that want to make sure they always have creatures on hand.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eiganjo Dynastorian" href="#" target="_blank">Eiganjo Dynastorian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eiganjo Dynastorian"></div></div>
<p>While Defacing Duskmage brought its own custom spell to prepare for, Eiganjo Dynastorian joins the fray with an old classic. If you have any experience with Enchantress decks, you've likely seen <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Replenish" href="#" target="_blank">Replenish</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> before.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Replenish"></div></div>
<p>It's outrageously powerful for its cost, which (plus its Reserved List status) is why Replenish is firmly in the three-digit price range. So why buy a Replenish when you can just borrow this Fox Advisor's copy? And truth be told, Eiganjo Dynastorian is one of the easier creatures to prepare, asking you simply to attack with two or more creatures. It's not unrealistic to expect to cast Replenish every turn if needed.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Turbulent Moor" href="#" target="_blank">Turbulent Moor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Turbulent Moor"></div></div>
<p>Lastly, we've got a couple new lands to see, starting with Turbulent Moor. Each of the five <em>Secrets of Strixhaven </em>decks have their own color-relevant "Turbulent" land, with Silverquill receiving the black/white Moor.</p>
<p>It's got basic land types, which is always nice to see on a new land, and the condition for entering untapped - if opponents have eight or more lands collectively - isn't hard to achieve. With no ramp, that'll happen on turn three if you didn't go first or second in the game, or turn four if you did.</p>
<p>As far as dual lands go, they aren't immediate must-haves, but they're still pretty good. And interestingly, they get better as the quality of opponents' decks increases.</p>
<h3><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eclipsed Steppe" href="#" target="_blank">Eclipsed Steppe</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eclipsed Steppe"></div></div>
<p>The next new two-color land is much more familiar in style to <em>Magic </em>players.</p>
<p>Eclipsed Steppe is a new member of the <a href="https://edhrec.com/lands/five-color#battlelands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Battle Lands</a>, like <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>, named so because the cycle debuted in <em>Battle for Zendikar </em>more than a decade ago. We're finally seeing the closing of that loop.</p>
<p>There isn't much to say about Eclipsed Steppe that most people don't already know - Battle Lands are a mainstay as a more budget-friendly option for your mana base. They reward playing plenty of basics, and they're fetchable. There are much worse dual-color land cycles out there.</p>


<p>With <em>Silverquill Influence, </em>it's all about Aura farming.</p>
<p>The deck contains a whopping 22 Auras, with some designed to help out your creatures and others meant to harm opponents'.</p>
<p>First, let's look at the ones you'll want to put onto your own creatures:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Angelic Destiny" href="#" target="_blank">Angelic Destiny</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eldrazi Conscription" href="#" target="_blank">Eldrazi Conscription</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Gift of Immortality" href="#" target="_blank">Gift of Immortality</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Angelic Destiny"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eldrazi Conscription"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gift of Immortality"></div></div>
<p>And there are plenty more where those came from. With the entire deck tuned to Auras, every one you play will get you the benefit of the card itself, but hopefully trigger a number of abilities as well - Killian's own included.</p>
<p>As for Auras you want to use to ruin your opponents' day, here are some highlights:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Darksteel Mutation" href="#" target="_blank">Darksteel Mutation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Screams from Within" href="#" target="_blank">Screams from Within</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Redemption Arc" href="#" target="_blank">Redemption Arc</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Darksteel Mutation"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Screams from Within"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Redemption Arc"></div></div>
<p>There's something satisfying about playing Auras, despite their inherent issues with card advantage and tempo, and it's surprising that the classic <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pacifism" href="#" target="_blank">Pacifism</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> has been omitted.</p>
<p>So there are 20+ Auras in the deck; how convenient, then, when nearly all of the 25 creatures in the 99 also <em>love </em>Auras? Let's look at them in two groups: creatures that want to see Auras enter, and creatures that want to be enchanted.</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ajani&#039;s Chosen" href="#" target="_blank">Ajani&#039;s Chosen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace" href="#" target="_blank">Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doomwake Giant" href="#" target="_blank">Doomwake Giant</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eriette of the Charmed Apple" href="#" target="_blank">Eriette of the Charmed Apple</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pearl-Ear, Imperial Advisor" href="#" target="_blank">Pearl-Ear, Imperial Advisor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sram, Senior Edificer" href="#" target="_blank">Sram, Senior Edificer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ajani&#039;s Chosen"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Doomwake Giant"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eriette of the Charmed Apple"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pearl-Ear, Imperial Advisor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sram, Senior Edificer"></div></div>
<p>This cadre of creatures want to be around to witness all the Auras coming and going, giving you back the card advantage that Auras by themselves lack. Sure, this deck, like most precons, is weak to board wipes, but that's the name of the game for Auras - they generally need creatures to be alive.</p>
<p>And speaking of creatures that want to wear an Aura or two, here are a few:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Eidolon of Countless Battles" href="#" target="_blank">Eidolon of Countless Battles</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Hateful Eidolon" href="#" target="_blank">Hateful Eidolon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Kor Spiritdancer" href="#" target="_blank">Kor Spiritdancer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Eidolon of Countless Battles"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hateful Eidolon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kor Spiritdancer"></div></div>
<p>So we've covered the Auras, and the creatures that love them. Surrounding that package, we've got a number of removal spells and interaction that allow us to continue flipping through our Aura catalog:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anguished Unmaking" href="#" target="_blank">Anguished Unmaking</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fracture" href="#" target="_blank">Fracture</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vanishing Verse" href="#" target="_blank">Vanishing Verse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Winds of Rath" href="#" target="_blank">Winds of Rath</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anguished Unmaking"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fracture"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Vanishing Verse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Winds of Rath"></div></div>
<p>Yes, there aren't that many ways to control the board outside of Auras - however, there are a few Auras in that category we didn't even mention, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chains of Custody" href="#" target="_blank">Chains of Custody</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sheltered by Ghosts" href="#" target="_blank">Sheltered by Ghosts</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<p>Winds of Rath is the obvious all-star here, wiping away anything with the disgrace of being Aura-less. In a deck that wants to win through incremental advantages, Winds of Rath is a cheat code.</p>


<p>Thanks to our friends at <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/find-my-combos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commander Spellbook and their Find My Combo</a> tool, we can see that <em>Silverquill Influence </em>has no combos in the deck as-is.</p>
<p>However, it wouldn't take much to add a few.</p>
<p>If we wanted to add <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Secret Arcade // Dusty Parlor" href="#" target="_blank">Secret Arcade // Dusty Parlor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to the deck, it would join <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace" href="#" target="_blank">Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to create a two-card, infinite token-making combo. However, once it gets going, it can't stop on its own, so you better have a plan.</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Secret Arcade // Dusty Parlor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Archon of Sun&#039;s Grace"></div></div>
<div id="3560-6023" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
<script id="3560-6023" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/embed.js?v=1&uses=%5B%22Secret%20Arcade%20%2F%2F%20Dusty%20Parlor%22%2C%22Archon%20of%20Sun's%20Grace%22%5D&requires=%5B%5D&produces=%5B%22Infinite%20ETB%22%2C%22Infinite%20creature%20tokens%22%2C%22Draw%20the%20game%22%5D&id=3560-6023&color=W&extraRequirementCount=0"></script></div>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe><br />
We could also dig through our collections for a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viscera Seer" href="#" target="_blank">Viscera Seer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Viscera Seer is no stranger to being involved in combos, and in this deck, it combines with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Screams from Within" href="#" target="_blank">Screams from Within</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ajani&#039;s Chosen" href="#" target="_blank">Ajani&#039;s Chosen</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>:</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Viscera Seer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Screams from Within"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ajani&#039;s Chosen"></div></div>
<div id="1286-2292-5058" style="width: 100%; position: relative; overflow: visible; display: flex; justify-content: center;"><img decoding="async" id="csbLoad" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/images/gear.svg" alt="csb logo" width="300" /><br />
<script id="1286-2292-5058" src="https://commanderspellbook.com/embed.js?v=1&uses=%5B%22Screams%20from%20Within%22%2C%22Ajani's%20Chosen%22%2C%22Viscera%20Seer%22%5D&requires=%5B%5D&produces=%5B%22Infinite%20death%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20ETB%22%2C%22Infinite%20LTB%22%2C%22Infinite%20sacrifice%20triggers%22%2C%22Infinite%20scry%201%22%5D&id=1286-2292-5058&color=WB&extraRequirementCount=2"></script></div>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" src="." width="0" height="0"></iframe><br />
With the three of those cards together, you get a number of infinite conditions, including infinite scry, infinite enters-the-battlefield triggers for both creatures and Auras, and infinite death triggers. Not too bad.</p>


<p><em>Silverquill Influence </em>boasts 37 lands in the 99, with eight Plains and eight Swamps. The rest of them are primarily dual-color lands of various stripe, though there are a few utility lands to be aware of:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Lighthouse" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Lighthouse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bojuka Bog" href="#" target="_blank">Bojuka Bog</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="War Room" href="#" target="_blank">War Room</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcane Lighthouse"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Bojuka Bog"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="War Room"></div></div>
<p>Arcane Lighthouse in particular is an interesting inclusion, as it allows for opponents' creatures with hexproof to be targetable with your Auras.</p>
<p>As for mana rocks, we've got the bare minimum set that you've come to expect from a precon deck these days:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Signet" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Signet</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fellwar Stone" href="#" target="_blank">Fellwar Stone</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><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></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Talisman of Hierarchy" href="#" target="_blank">Talisman of Hierarchy</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcane Signet"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Fellwar Stone"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sol Ring"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Talisman of Hierarchy"></div></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>The MSRP of <em>Silverquill Influence, </em>as with all <em>Secrets of Strixhaven </em>preconstructed decks, is $49.99.</p>
<p>But what's the real value of the 100 cards contained within?</p>
<p>As is true with all precons upon release, prices of individual cards are subject to change, especially for the 10 new cards. As of April 1, the day of the deck's reveal, it's estimated that to purchase all cards inside as singles would cost roughly $318. If we subtract the 10 new cards, the prices of which are inflated due to preorders, we're left with $198.</p>
<p>That's a pretty good deal just for the reprints, of which there are some very solid ones. The five highest-value reprints are:</p>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Land Tax" href="#" target="_blank">Land Tax</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inkshield" href="#" target="_blank">Inkshield</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Songbirds&#039; Blessing" href="#" target="_blank">Songbirds&#039; Blessing</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Breena, the Demagogue" href="#" target="_blank">Breena, the Demagogue</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Arcane Lighthouse" href="#" target="_blank">Arcane Lighthouse</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Land Tax"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Inkshield"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Songbirds&#039; Blessing"></div></div>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Breena, the Demagogue"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Arcane Lighthouse"></div></div>
<p>Land tax alone is nearly $30 for the cheapest version, from <em>Battlebond. </em></p>


<p><em>Silverquill Influence </em>is a far cry from the "pile of stuff" decks that we saw when Wizards of the Coast first started printing Commander decks.</p>
<p>Every card feels deliberate and intentional in its inclusion, and the result is a highly tuned, synergistic deck that can hang at most <a href="https://edhrec.com/guides/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bracket 3</a> tables. Its reprints are excellent, its 10 new cards are interesting, and, perhaps most importantly, it'll be a fun experience to pilot.</p>
<p>For all that, it's safe to rate the deck an A-.</p>


<p>If you're looking for the best cards to upgrade your <em>Silverquill Influence</em><em> </em>precon, <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/silverquill-influence-precon-upgrade-guide">check out our Upgrade Guide here</a>.</p>


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Silverquill Influence - Secrets of Strixhaven Precon Guide

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