In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, the anticipation for Secrets of Strixhaven is palpable, and the time to strategize is now. I, A.L. Walser, an avid drafter and Vorthos enthusiast, present to you five commanders to build before the release of SOS, each with a unique twist and a deep connection to their respective schools. Prepare to dive into the intricacies of these builds, where every card choice is a puzzle piece in a grand strategy.
Witherbloom: Savra, Queen of the Golgari
Savra, Queen of the Golgari, is a commander that embraces the essence of token sacrifice. Her ability to harness the power of Pests, both multicolored and regular, makes her a formidable force on the battlefield. Witherbloom's strategy revolves around feeding these tokens into sacrifice outlets, such as Warren Soultrader and the enigmatic Plumb the Forbidden. The triple edict power of Plumb is truly game-changing, and the inclusion of Blood Artist ensures a steady flow of life gain, making Savra a force to be reckoned with.
Lorehold: Quintorius, Loremaster
Lorehold, a realm of history and knowledge, finds its commander in Quintorius, Loremaster. This choice is not merely a nod to the school's theme but a strategic decision. Quintorius' ability to make cards leave the graveyard is a powerful tool, especially with the inclusion of Quintorius, History Chaser and On Wings of Gold. The previewed cards from Lorehold hint at a potential pivot towards discard-matters, and Quintorius fits perfectly into this emerging strategy, adapting to whatever new cards the set may bring.
Quandrix: Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix + Eligeth, Crossroads Augur
Quandrix, a realm of infinite possibilities, is represented by the duo of Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix and Eligeth, Crossroads Augur. This pairing is a strategic choice, as Kydele's ramping abilities are enhanced by Eligeth's conversion of scrying into card draw. The result is a powerful engine that turns cantrips into rituals, setting the stage for X-spells to win the game. With Mathemagics and Walking Ballista, this build is a force to be reckoned with, ready to adapt to the surprises SOS may bring.
Silverquill: Eriette of the Charmed Apple
Silverquill, a realm of enchantment and charm, finds its commander in Eriette of the Charmed Apple. This build embraces the power of auras, encouraging players to slap them on opposing creatures. While Eriette herself doesn't cast auras, cards like Eye of Nidhogg and Martial Impetus goad the creatures they enchant, and the inclusion of Ethereal Armor offers political maneuvers in exchange for attacking opposing players. This deck is a strategic dance, where every card choice is a calculated move.
Prismari: Magnus the Red
Prismari, a realm of elemental might, is represented by Magnus the Red. This commander is a celebration of big, flashy, explosive instants and sorceries, often resulting in Elemental tokens. Cards like Magma Opus and Elemental Masterpiece are the marque examples of this strategy, and Magnus the Red is the perfect commander to enable them. With the help of Third Path Iconoclast, Young Pyromancer, and Saheeli, Sublime Artificer, Magnus turns cheap spells into tokens, sponsoring artistic masterpieces like Crackle with Power. The anticipation for SOS promises an even better climax for this build.
In the grand tapestry of Magic: The Gathering, these five commanders are but threads woven into the fabric of strategy and anticipation. As we await the release of Secrets of Strixhaven, let us embrace the thrill of building decks, where every card choice is a puzzle piece in a grand strategy. The game is ever-evolving, and so are the strategies, making each playthrough a unique adventure. So, gather your friends, shuffle your decks, and let the magic unfold!
