<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fire Lord Ozai" href="#" target="_blank">Fire Lord Ozai</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CRyuichi+Sakuma%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ryuichi Sakuma</a></em></p>
<h2>Dawn of the Final Week</h2>
<p>Hello, and welcome back to this mini-series! Here, I would've said let's open another seven packs. However, there's a problem with that. This article would come out on the 26th, and everyone would be out on holidays for that week, let alone before. So, to make things easier on us (also, perhaps to the misery of the editors), we're opening the other half of the box here. Yup, we're going through 12 packs!</p>
<p>Also, as this is the last pack-opening part of the mini-series, I will reveal my true intentions. However, if you're a sleuth, and have been paying attention, you might've figured it out by now.</p>
<p>Shall we begin?</p>
<h3>Day Thirteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ozai|jtla|24"></div></div>
<p>Well, well, well. We begin with a banger: The Phoenix King himself! Except, this is Ozai when we first saw him, shadowed out like some menacing figure in the shadows. While <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ozai, the Phoenix King" href="#" target="_blank">Ozai, the Phoenix King</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a strong card, do not sleep on this iteration. Paying that steep six-mana cost is easier than you think, especially when you sacrifice a big enough creature. Or lots of firebending? Both?</p>
<p>In addition, we have some decent removal here, like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deadly Precision" href="#" target="_blank">Deadly Precision</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Heartless Act|tla|103" href="#" target="_blank">Heartless Act</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that'll be sure to rip out your heartstrings. I never mentioned the card earlier, but <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Callous Inspector" href="#" target="_blank">Callous Inspector</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't a bad card to sacrifice, mostly because you get to crack the Clue out of it.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, half of the deck has been misprinted (the backs are very smeared with ink), but I won't take action for it. Misprints can be valuable to have.</p>
<h3>Day Fourteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Firebending|jtla|29"></div></div>
<p>Speaking of the Fire Nation (all hail), we get our first pack centered on firebending itself. With two rares, no less! The first of these is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Firebender Ascension" href="#" target="_blank">Firebender Ascension</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which does a nice <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Isshin, Two Heavens as One" href="#" target="_blank">Isshin, Two Heavens as One</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> impression once fully charged. The token that you get from the enchantment can help you get there, too.</p>
<p>Secondly, I must make a confession. When I first read <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reckless Blaze" href="#" target="_blank">Reckless Blaze</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, I thought it targeted one creature, never realizing it was a wipe until I looked at the card again. This is especially good against those pesky token decks, which tends to flood the board fast. Even better, you get a red mana for each of your creatures killed this way, meaning more spells for you to cast!</p>
<h3>Day Fifteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Iroh|jtla|30"></div></div>
<p>Yeesh, what's with all the red decks? Is the Fire Nation coming out in force or something? This time, we have <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Iroh, Dragon of the West" href="#" target="_blank">Iroh, Dragon of the West</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who's actually really good with earthbending. That scenario is like a make-your-own <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Radha, Heir to Keld" href="#" target="_blank">Radha, Heir to Keld</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but in multiples. He'll also help bolster the smaller creatures with his mentor ability. However, he only triggers at the beginning of combat, not when you attack, which is a mistake I tend to make.</p>
<p>We also get two solid reprints in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Bolt Bend|tle|163" href="#" target="_blank">Bolt Bend</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Fiery Confluence|tle|165" href="#" target="_blank">Fiery Confluence</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. The former is nice if you don't want to shell out your lunch money on a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Deflecting Swat" href="#" target="_blank">Deflecting Swat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. In addition, Confluence is actually a neat spell to have. Wipe boards, soften opponents, blow up troublesome artifacts, or maybe some combination! That cycle is a favorite of mine for good reason.</p>
<p>Now, can we pull some blue, pretty please?</p>
<h3>Day Sixteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Hei Bai|jtla|6"></div></div>
<p>Welp, and so begins the duplicates...except this is actually another variant. I won't spend too much time on duplicates, but we did pull the other version as our very first pack. To begin, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Curious Farm Animals" href="#" target="_blank">Curious Farm Animals</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is essentially targeted removal stapled to a dinner plate full of food. We blow up something, and gain some life. Simple.</p>
<p>We also get our first wipe in white with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Destined Confrontation" href="#" target="_blank">Destined Confrontation</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is akin to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Slaughter the Strong" href="#" target="_blank">Slaughter the Strong</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Outside of those, nothing much else. Next!</p>
<h3>Day Seventeen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Rebelling"></div></div>
<p>...and we're back with red yet again. Le sigh. That said, we do get a good rare in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Smellerbee, Rebel Fighter" href="#" target="_blank">Smellerbee, Rebel Fighter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, who wheels our hand equal to the number of attacking creatures. Neat card draw if we're planning to go wide. This deck actually makes me wonder about the secondary theme to red in this set as a whole. We obviously have firebending, but what would be a good fit for the other? Aggro? Stompy, like green? What do you think?</p>
<h3>Day Eighteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Azula|jtla|19"></div></div>
<p>Ok, time for a creepypasta story. Weeks ago, I had an intrusive thought that didn't go away. The thought essentially declared that I pulled both Toph and Azula. Considering I pulled the former last week, and now I pull Azula... creepy stuff.</p>
<p>Anyway, I find <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Azula, Ruthless Firebender" href="#" target="_blank">Azula, Ruthless Firebender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> the trickiest to accrue experience counters for within an <em>ATLA</em>-only premise, since it relies on you to run certain cards to hit as many opponents as you can. We do get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dark Deal|tle|161" href="#" target="_blank">Dark Deal</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, so that helps. At the very least, we can discard cards ourselves to get a counter per turn, but that isn't saying much.</p>
<p>I'll admit I also underestimated <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lo and Li, Twin Tutors" href="#" target="_blank">Lo and Li, Twin Tutors</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in the same context. I'd say there's a fair chance we'll be running enough Lesson cards to make them work. Also, they can tutor for Azula herself. Flavor!</p>
<h3>Day Nineteen</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Learning|jtla|44"></div></div>
<p>Darn. I was hoping for the version that had <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Guru Pathik" href="#" target="_blank">Guru Pathik</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but here we are. That said, we do get to see <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Master&#039;s Guidance" href="#" target="_blank">Master&#039;s Guidance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> again, and I already shared my impressions of the card last week. Having a second one might be useful...but I digress. We also get a nice recursion card in <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="True Ancestry" href="#" target="_blank">True Ancestry</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is nice, being a Lesson card and all. Beyond these, nothing much else to it.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Kyoshi|jtla|43"></div></div>
<p>Oooh boy, the other green mythic pack. Weird how I got the mythic packs for both green and black. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Avatar Kyoshi, Earthbender" href="#" target="_blank">Avatar Kyoshi, Earthbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a powerhouse...if we can reach that enormously steep mana cost. Beware that she will draw removal the moment her pseudo-hexproof shield is down, so be ready to protect her. Turning our lands into 8/8 monstrosities is nothing to scoff at, especially when she untaps that land, and said monstrosities have haste.</p>
<p>The rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tectonic Split" href="#" target="_blank">Tectonic Split</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> carries a hefty price, but we could sacrifice our weaker earthbended lands to it, so they'd come back onto our board tapped. Neat way to bypass it.</p>
<p>Another nifty card I was hoping to pull is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Allies at Last" href="#" target="_blank">Allies at Last</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, because it doesn't have you fight your opponent's creature, but deal damage to it instead.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-One</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warriors|jtla|9"></div></div>
<p>This, to me, is one of the weaker rare themes to pull. Yes, we get <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Suki, Kyoshi Captain" href="#" target="_blank">Suki, Kyoshi Captain</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, but Warriors aren't a prominent enough type to make a mark unless you venture outside of the set. That said, Suki's better off in the 99 of Warrior decks. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Valorous Stance|tle|154" href="#" target="_blank">Valorous Stance</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is nice, and will be put to good use.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-Two</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Earthbending|jtla|42"></div></div>
<p>After opening the Toph theme, and now this one, there's one thing that's really starting to get on my nerves. There was talk of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Earthbending Student" href="#" target="_blank">Earthbending Student</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> being found in <em>Jumpstart </em>packs, and that the lists we got were incorrect. However, I've yet to see it. If I pull the other variant of this theme, and don't find it, then this would confirm that the card can indeed only be found in Collector Boosters.</p>
<p>Speaking of the Toph theme, both <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Solid Ground" href="#" target="_blank">Solid Ground</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tale of Katara and Toph" href="#" target="_blank">Tale of Katara and Toph</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> make a reappearance, which is nice to see.</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-Three</h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter" src="https://cards.scryfall.io/large/front/d/7/d75fe114-2d1f-4bff-8e5f-20375a600e16.jpg?1762683609" alt="Soaring (Avatar: The Last Airbender Jumpstart Front Cards #15)" width="260" height="362" /></p>
<p>It's about time we got another blue theme. We have a couple of standouts here. The first is the reprint of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Frantic Search|tle|159" href="#" target="_blank">Frantic Search</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, which is a nice card to have. The other is the rare for this pack, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Yue, the Moon Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Yue, the Moon Spirit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Being able to cast any noncreature spell for that waterbending cost is a strong ability, especially for something expensive and worth casting for free (somewhat).</p>
<h3>Day Twenty-Four</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gliding|jtla|5"></div></div>
<p>We arrive on our Christmas Eve pack, and we go out with a wimper. Like the Warriors theme before it, there isn't too much to glean from this pack. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Inspired Insurgent" href="#" target="_blank">Inspired Insurgent</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is one thing, and our rare, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tale of Momo" href="#" target="_blank">Tale of Momo</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't bad. But we're not getting much else out of this pack, save for that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Glider Staff" href="#" target="_blank">Glider Staff</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h3>The Final Review</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Chaos Wrap"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Evil Presents"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Gifts Given"></div></div>
<p>Blue! You were the chosen one! You were supposed to have more representation, not less!</p>
<p>Anyway, besides the obvious drought of blue themes (ba dum tiss), we do get several more mythic rare themes, like Kyoshi and Azula. Despite its major misprinting, the Ozai deck is the standout for this article. I've warmed up to this iteration since I saw it in action a couple of times. Like I said, six mana is easy to achieve, especially when you take his triggered ability into account.</p>
<p>I won't say much else at this point, because it's time to reveal my hand.</p>
<h3>The Endgame Revealed</h3>
<p>As you read through this article, and the previous two, I'm sure you picked up some heavy hints along the way. You might've even figured it out before you reached this point. Why was I so focused on the hybrid legends? The focus on Commander more then Limited? Well, I have two words for you:</p>
<p>Commander Jumpstart.</p>
<p>You read that right. We'll be breaking apart our pulls, adding stuff from outside <em>ATLA Jumpstart</em>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Commence the Endgame" href="#" target="_blank">Commence the Endgame</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Return next time, where we assemble half-decks, designed with Commander in mind. As a bonus, every card in them will be from <em>ATLA</em>, so that'll give you something to look forward to.</p>
<p>In the meantime, stay safe, and Happy Holidays!</p>


Building an Advent Calendar Commander Deck With Avatar Jumpstart - Part Three

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, the First Metalbender" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, the First Metalbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://www.artstation.com/eilenecherie" rel="noopener">Eilene Cherie</a></em></p>
<p>Hardheaded, innovative, and a little rough around the edges... No, I'm not talking about landfall and artifact players, I'm describing everyone's favorite blind bandit, Toph Beifong. Not only was she the earthbending teacher of Avatar Aang, but she was also the inventor of metalbending. That ability is perfectly captured on her card <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, the First Metalbender" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, the First Metalbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, showcasing how she can turn any piece of scrap into a weapon.</p>
<p>So, join me Tyler 'Savesya' Bucks, as we look at a full deck tech for this commander that you can pick up for about $50.</p>
<h2>Toph, the First Metalbender</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Toph, the First Metalbender"></div></div>
<p>Both artifact and land centric decks are incredibly popular, so it shouldn't be a surprise that <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, the First Metalbender" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, the First Metalbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is already one of the most played commanders from the <a href="https://edhrec.com/sets/tla" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar</em></a> set. This is the kind of legend that I love seeing enter the format, since it helps lesser played cards join the modern day meta and truly shine in this list.</p>
<p>The goal with this deck is to build up a board with artifacts, and then add in a few ways to animate them in order to push you towards a win.</p>
<h3>Fourteen Cards Under $14</h3>
<p>My first foray into building around this commander started on my YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@ThePillowFort" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Pillow Fort</a>, where I highlighted a list of budget cards that you could pick up for under $14 to get started on a deck.</p>
<p>However, this time around, I have a full 99 to go along with Toph. So, let's dive right in by looking at a few familiar spells, as well as a couple singles that might have flown under your radar.</p>
<p>First up, we're looking at some cards that'll help you get more lands on the board, or give you a little bit of help with turning them into creatures.</p>
<h3>Lands-Matter</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Tannuk, Memorial Ensign"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Lumbering Worldwagon"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="The Regalia"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Tannuk, Memorial Ensign" href="#" target="_blank">Tannuk, Memorial Ensign</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: First up, we have a very popular commander from earlier this year. He gets even better when paired with Toph, since Tannuk will now trigger whenever lands and nontoken artifacts come into play.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lumbering Worldwagon" href="#" target="_blank">Lumbering Worldwagon</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: I'm a big fan of this card, since it's repeatable ramp and its power scales with the game. Plus, since Toph turns your artifacts into lands, this Vehicle gets even stronger in this list.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="The Regalia" href="#" target="_blank">The Regalia</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This type of ramp is very useful in a three-color deck like this. Since this card gets you a land off the top of your library, it has the opportunity to hit non-basics, adding a bit more variety to your mana base.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Embodiment of Fury"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Embodiment of Insight"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sylvan Awakening"></div></div>
<p>Toph doesn't have to be the only way to animate your artifacts in this deck. Cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embodiment of Fury" href="#" target="_blank">Embodiment of Fury</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Embodiment of Insight" href="#" target="_blank">Embodiment of Insight</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> will turn your artifacts/lands into 3/3 creatures, while also giving them some great keywords. On top of that, a spell like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sylvan Awakening" href="#" target="_blank">Sylvan Awakening</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can straight up animate every land on your board, which could just make for a huge alpha-strike!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Divergent Growth"></div></div>
<p><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Divergent Growth" href="#" target="_blank">Divergent Growth</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, is a great budget alternative to <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Dryad of the Ilysian Grove" href="#" target="_blank">Dryad of the Ilysian Grove</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that I highlighted in my original fourteen. Having a way to allow all your artifacts to tap for mana at instant speed, while only temporary, will still be powerful for catching your opponents off guard.</p>
<p>Now that I've made a full deck around Toph, I added the Dryad as well as a <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Chromatic Lantern" href="#" target="_blank">Chromatic Lantern</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> in order to give the list a permanent way to turn your artifacts into mana sources.</p>
<h3>Artifacts You Want to Sacrifice</h3>
<p>Since Toph has the ability to earthbend your artifacts, that means that they'll return to the battlefield if they die or get exiled. This powers up a few cards out there that already like being sacrificed, so let's take a look at them!</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Survey Mechan"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="All-Fates Scroll"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Survey Mechan" href="#" target="_blank">Survey Mechan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: This Robot's activated ability might seem expensive. However, since the cost gets lowered for each differently named land you control, and all your nontoken artifacts are lands, this effect could be free.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="All-Fates Scroll" href="#" target="_blank">All-Fates Scroll</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Not only does this mana rock help ramp you into powering out your game plan, but it also could draw you a whole new hand when you activate its second ability.</li>
</ul>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Solemn Simulacrum"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Elsewhere Flask"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Solemn Simulacrum" href="#" target="_blank">Solemn Simulacrum</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Fetching a basic land when this creature enters and drawing you a card when it leaves makes this Commander staple a must-have for the deck. Earthbending it will ensure that you get that effect over and over again as the game goes on.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Elsewhere Flask" href="#" target="_blank">Elsewhere Flask</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Not only does this artifact draw you a card when it enters, but it also assists you with eliminating one of the downsides of your commander, by giving your artifacts a temporary way to tap for mana.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Artifacts Support</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Meria, Scholar of Antiquity"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Alibou, Ancient Witness"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Salvation Engine"></div></div>
<ul>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Meria, Scholar of Antiquity" href="#" target="_blank">Meria, Scholar of Antiquity</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Here's another card that helps remove the issue of your artifacts not tapping for mana. Plus, this legend adds a little more card advantage to the deck with that second ability, which allows you to exile and play the top of your library.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Alibou, Ancient Witness" href="#" target="_blank">Alibou, Ancient Witness</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Something that might get overlooked with this card is the fact that it'll deal damage and scry equal to the number of tapped artifacts you control when an artifact creature attacks. So, if you tap down your board, and swing with a single artifact attacker, you'll be getting a whole lot of value in one combat.</li>
<li><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Salvation Engine" href="#" target="_blank">Salvation Engine</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>: Giving out a power buff to your artifacts if they get earthbended is great, since they become 0/0s, but this Vehicle's value doesn't end there. It also helps add some much-needed recursion to the deck, in case one of your pivotal artifacts gets removed.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Toph, the First Metalbender Budget Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Toph, the First Metalbender - Pillow Fort-Teen/Full EDHREC Deck Tech" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Toph, the First Metalbender
[/Commander]
[Artifacts]
*1 All-Fates Scroll
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Basilica Skullbomb
*1 Chromatic Lantern
*1 Cursed Mirror
*1 Dusk Rose Reliquary
*1 Elsewhere Flask
*1 Heaped Harvest
*1 Larval Scoutlander
*1 Liquimetal Torque
*1 Lumbering Worldwagon
*1 Maze Skullbomb
*1 Melded Moxite
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Salvation Engine
*1 Sol Ring
*1 The Regalia
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Creatures]
*1 Alibou, Ancient Witness
*1 Burnished Hart
*1 Dryad of the Ilysian Grove
*1 Dune Chanter
*1 Embodiment of Fury
*1 Embodiment of Insight
*1 Evendo Brushrazer
*1 Foundry Inspector
*1 Haywire Mite
*1 Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar
*1 Meria, Scholar of Antiquity
*1 Obuun, Mul Daya Ancestor
*1 Ornithopter
*1 Ornithopter of Paradise
*1 Ragost, Deft Gastronaut
*1 Rampaging Baloths
*1 Sabotender
*1 Slagdrill Scrapper
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Survey Mechan
*1 Tannuk, Memorial Ensign
*1 Tireless Provisioner
*1 Tireless Tracker
[/Creatures]
[Sorceries]
*1 Harmonize
*1 Hew the Entwood
*1 Ondu Inversion // Ondu Skyruins
*1 Planar Outburst
*1 Seismic Sense
*1 Shared Roots
*1 Sylvan Awakening
*1 True Ancestry
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Beast Within
*1 Cycle of Renewal
*1 Demand Answers
*1 Divergent Growth
*1 Emergency Eject
*1 Energybending
*1 Harrow
*1 Inspiring Call
*1 Kazuul&#039;s Fury // Kazuul&#039;s Cliffs
*1 Origin of Metalbending
*1 Return of the Wildspeaker
*1 Roiling Regrowth
[/Instants]
[Enchantments]
*1 Hardened Scales
*1 Solid Ground
[/Enchantments]
[Lands]
*1 Battlefield Forge
*1 Brushland
*1 Canopy Vista
*1 Cinder Glade
*1 Command Tower
*1 Exotic Orchard
*1 Fortified Village
*1 Game Trail
*1 Restless Bivouac
*1 Restless Prairie
*1 Restless Ridgeline
*1 Rootbound Crag
*1 Rumble Arena
*1 Rustvale Bridge
*1 Sheltering Landscape
*1 Slagwoods Bridge
*1 Sunpetal Grove
*1 Thornglint Bridge
*14 Forest
*2 Mountain
*2 Plains
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>In Closing</h2>
<p>Well, there you have it, a full deck built around <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Toph, the First Metalbender" href="#" target="_blank">Toph, the First Metalbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> that you can pick up for about $40. If you've been interested in building a Landfall or artifact deck, then this might be the exact twist on those architypes you've been looking for.</p>
<p>I love commanders like this that come into the format and make niche cards great, which is exactly what this one does.</p>
<p>Hopefully this list helped you along your journey of building this deck, and if you're interested in building any of the other commanders from this set, you can see more of my budget articles on them <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/author/tyler-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">right here</a>!</p>


Toph, the First Metalbender Budget Deck Tech

<p style="text-align: right;"><em><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monk Gyatso" href="#" target="_blank">Monk Gyatso</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by <a href="https://scryfall.com/search?q=a%3A%E2%80%9CMasateru+Ikeda%E2%80%9D&amp;unique=art" rel="noopener">Masateru Ikeda</a></em></p>
<p>Remember last year when Wizards printed the now infamous <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nadu, Winged Wisdom" href="#" target="_blank">Nadu, Winged Wisdom</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>? You know, the card that's banned in pretty much every format. Well, what if I told you that they reprinted Nadu, but in white?</p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Monk Gyatso"></div></div>
<p>Sure, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monk Gyatso" href="#" target="_blank">Monk Gyatso</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> isn't actually Nadu, it uses the same combo pieces and can win out of nowhere. And in this Monk Gyatso Commander deck tech, I'll showcase the power that is White Nadu. While I usually do budget decks, I decided to go all out here, so budget isn't a consideration.</p>
<h2>What Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monk Gyatso" href="#" target="_blank">Monk Gyatso</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Do?</h2>
<p>The airbending master, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monk Gyatso" href="#" target="_blank">Monk Gyatso</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, allows you to airbend your creatures whenever they become the target of a spell or ability. This only works with other creatures, so he can't airbend him self. And unlike <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Norin the Wary" href="#" target="_blank">Norin the Wary</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or Nadu, this is a <em>may</em> ability.</p>
<p>This prevents your opponents from targeting your creatures with cheap spells or abilities to disrupt the game plan. However, it provides enough protection that it'll be hard to remove combo pieces if Monk Gyatso is protected.</p>
<p>And much like his Simic counterpart, Gyatso is a powerful combo commander. There are several creatures and Equipment that have abilities we can activate for zero mana to trigger his ability as often as we'd like.</p>
<p>But we still have to cast the creatures again; isn't that a problem? Well, yes. But actually no. The two mana to cast a card in exile can be reduced with effects to be free, which is a key part of the combos in the deck.</p>
<h2>Key Cards for <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monk Gyatso" href="#" target="_blank">Monk Gyatso</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span></h2>
<h3>Cost Reducion</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Semblance Anvil"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pearl Medallion"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Oketra&#039;s Monument"></div></div>
<p>As I mentioned before, a key part of the combo is reducing costs. This is trivial in monocolored decks thanks to the cards like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pearl Medallion" href="#" target="_blank">Pearl Medallion</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Oketra&#039;s Monument" href="#" target="_blank">Oketra&#039;s Monument</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. These pieces aren't only combo enablers but can save you dozens of mana over the course of a game. The best cost reducer is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Semblance Anvil" href="#" target="_blank">Semblance Anvil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> because it can reduce multiple card types by two at once.</p>
<p>There is an argument to add <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Urza&#039;s Incubator" href="#" target="_blank">Urza&#039;s Incubator</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> since most of the creatures for the combo are Ally or Human.</p>
<h3>The Creature Targeting</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Nomads en-Kor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shaman en-Kor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Warrior en-Kor"></div></div>
<p>The next key pieces are the targeters. These are the cards that can target creatures for zero mana repeatedly. Taking a page from the Nadu playbook, I first added <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Nomads en-Kor" href="#" target="_blank">Nomads en-Kor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. It's one mana and does exactly what we need. I also included <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shaman en-Kor" href="#" target="_blank">Shaman en-Kor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Warrior en-Kor" href="#" target="_blank">Warrior en-Kor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> for redundancy. They share the same ability that lets you target creatures for zero mana and are cheap.</p>
<p>It's a perfect option if you're looking to build this deck on any budget. But only three ways to target aren't enough, especially in Commander.</p>
<h3>The Equipment Package</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Shuko"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Grafted Wargear"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pre-War Formalwear"></div></div>
<p>Thankfully, several pieces of Equipment can be equipped for zero. The most common option found in Nadu decks was <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shuko" href="#" target="_blank">Shuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Lightning Greaves" href="#" target="_blank">Lightning Greaves</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. But I went a little deeper and added <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Grafted Wargear" href="#" target="_blank">Grafted Wargear</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Umbral Mantle" href="#" target="_blank">Umbral Mantle</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> to my list. The downside of Wargear isn't a problem since you airbend the creature before it becomes equipped.</p>
<p>My favorite piece of Equipment is <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pre-War Formalwear" href="#" target="_blank">Pre-War Formalwear</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Now, I might be too high on this card thanks to Vintage Cube, but it reanimates the targeting creatures, and it's a great airbend target with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aang, the Last Airbender" href="#" target="_blank">Aang, the Last Airbender</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</p>
<h2>How Does <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Monk Gyatso" href="#" target="_blank">Monk Gyatso</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> Win?</h2>
<h3>The Combo</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Helpful Hunter"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anticausal Vestige"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Solemn Simulacrum"></div></div>
<p>Unlike a lot of the Nadu combos, Monk Gyasto's combo is straightforward. All you need is Monk Gyasto, ideally <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Semblance Anvil" href="#" target="_blank">Semblance Anvil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and a zero-mana way to target creatures. You'll also need some creatures that are worth airbending.</p>
<p>Target your creature, let's say <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Helpful Hunter" href="#" target="_blank">Helpful Hunter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Shuko" href="#" target="_blank">Shuko</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. You'll then airbend the Cat with Gyasto's ability. Then you'll recast Helpful Hunter from exile for free and draw a card. Now you repeat this for infinite card draw, storm, and enters triggers.</p>
<h3>The Payoffs</h3>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Aetherflux Reservoir"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Altar of the Brood"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Appa, Steadfast Guardian"></div></div>
<p>There are two primary combo finishes and one backup. The two primary finishes are <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Aetherflux Reservoir" href="#" target="_blank">Aetherflux Reservoir</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Altar of the Brood" href="#" target="_blank">Altar of the Brood</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Unlike the normal blink combos, airbending has you cast the spell, so you'll gain infinite life to blast the table. And Altar of the Brood adds a mill win condition thanks to all the creatures entering the battlefield.</p>
<p>The backup win condition requires <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Appa, Steadfast Guardian" href="#" target="_blank">Appa, Steadfast Guardian</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Vedalken Orrery" href="#" target="_blank">Vedalken Orrery</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. Appa's second ability creates 1/1 tokens when you cast spells from exile. So this, along with Vedalken Orrery, allows you to combo right before your turn and swing with infinite 1/1s.</p>
<h2>Monk Gyatso Commander Deck List</h2>
<div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Mono White Nadu?!" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards="[Commander]
*1 Monk Gyatso
[/Commander]
[Creatures]
*1 Aang, Airbending Master
*1 Aang, the Last Airbender
*1 Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer
*1 Anticausal Vestige
*1 Appa, Steadfast Guardian
*1 Charming Prince
*1 Claim Jumper
*1 Cloud, Midgar Mercenary
*1 Deep Gnome Terramancer
*1 Delivery Moogle
*1 Elesh Norn, Mother of Machines
*1 Enduring Innocence
*1 Fiend Hunter
*1 Flickerwisp
*1 Giver of Runes
*1 Helpful Hunter
*1 Inspiring Overseer
*1 Knight of the White Orchid
*1 Loran of the Third Path
*1 Mother of Runes
*1 Nomads en-Kor
*1 Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd
*1 Ranger of Eos
*1 Ranger-Captain of Eos
*1 Recruiter of the Guard
*1 Shaman en-Kor
*1 Solemn Simulacrum
*1 Spirited Companion
*1 Stoneforge Mystic
*1 Wall of Omens
*1 Warrior en-Kor
*1 White Orchid Phantom
*1 Witch Enchanter // Witch-Blessed Meadow
[/Creatures]
[Artifacts]
*1 Aetherflux Reservoir
*1 Altar of the Brood
*1 Arcane Signet
*1 Archaeomancer&#039;s Map
*1 Fellwar Stone
*1 Grafted Wargear
*1 Lavaspur Boots
*1 Lightning Greaves
*1 Mind Stone
*1 Oketra&#039;s Monument
*1 Pearl Medallion
*1 Pre-War Formalwear
*1 Semblance Anvil
*1 Shuko
*1 Sol Ring
*1 Thought Vessel
*1 Umbral Mantle
*1 Vedalken Orrery
*1 Wayfarer&#039;s Bauble
[/Artifacts]
[Enchantments]
*1 Airbender Ascension
[/Enchantments]
[Sorceries]
*1 Avatar&#039;s Wrath
*1 Farewell
*1 Sunfall
[/Sorceries]
[Instants]
*1 Cloudshift
*1 Enlightened Tutor
*1 Ephemerate
*1 Generous Gift
*1 Path to Exile
*1 Silence
*1 Swords to Plowshares
*1 Teferi&#039;s Protection
[/Instants]
[Lands]
*1 Ancient Tomb
*1 Arid Mesa
*1 Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire
*1 Emeria, the Sky Ruin
*1 Fabled Passage
*1 Flagstones of Trokair
*1 Flooded Strand
*1 Marsh Flats
*1 Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx
*21 Plains
*1 Prismatic Vista
*1 Reliquary Tower
*1 Talon Gates of Madara
*1 Urza&#039;s Saga
*1 Windswept Heath
[/Lands]"></span></div>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Despite my aversion to combo, I've enjoyed piloting Monk Gyatso. It's a powerful deck that isn't reliant on combos to win and can play a fair midrange game. It's definitely one of my strongest decks and can easily punch up into <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/edhrec-guide-to-commander-brackets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bracket 4</a>.</p>
<p>Even if you aren't a combo player, I'd highly suggest giving this deck a try. The combo is straightforward, which helps make tutoring much easier. And while I loaded up on tutors and some fast mana, these pieces aren't necessary. You can easily cut most of the expensive cards and still have an incredibly powerful midrange deck.</p>
<p>I'd love to hear your thoughts on the deck in the comments. What's your favorite combo commander? Do you think Monk Gyatso is underrated? And make sure to check out more <a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/avatar-the-last-airbender-commander-deck-techs" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Avatar</em> deck techs. </a></p>


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