I currently have a very fun Karador, Ghost Chieftain deck, but find myself entirely infatuated with Meren of Clan Nel Toth as a commander. Most lists I've seen running around have the two functioning in strikingly similar fashion, and I have absolutely no inclination to just build "Karador without white."
So, the question then must be: how?
My first instinct is to pay close attention to that, "Otherwise, put it into your hand," clause. While at first glance this is all around good, giving you instant value out of her even if you tap out or don't have enough experience counters, it also has the more stealth benefit of letting you return fat "when cast from hand" effect creatures back into that oh-so-essential zone.
I've always wanted to play Hypnox, and here might be the only real place for that to logically work (as if paying 11 mana for an effect that may not stick ever works... but semantics. To say nothing of Iname...).
How else can I thoroughly differentiate between these two commanders (while still playing Meren optimally)?
You also have the big eldrazi with the on cast triggers. The issue is tho that due to inevitable wraths that cause you to gain experience eventually you Will have to start bringing these creatures straight into play. But I do like the idea, you Will have to manage your counters wisely.
You can use evoke creatures and things like Groundbreaker and Putrefax to get a few counters early.
And honestly she strikes me more as Sheoldred plus green than whiteless Karador.
Private Mod Note
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Card advantage is not the same thing as card draw. Something for 2B cannot be strictly worse than something for BBB or 3BB. If you're taking out Swords to Plowshares for Plummet, you're a fool. Stop doing these things!
I have the exact same dilemma. I love the design of Meren, and loved the card even more after reading the short lore backstory they gave her on WotC's website. But I cannot figure out how to give her a unique deck identity. The only idea I could come up with was to lean toward the sacrifice aspect, and maybe tokens. Include some Grave Pact cards and Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest for giggles.
So, the question then must be: how?
My first instinct is to pay close attention to that, "Otherwise, put it into your hand," clause. While at first glance this is all around good, giving you instant value out of her even if you tap out or don't have enough experience counters, it also has the more stealth benefit of letting you return fat "when cast from hand" effect creatures back into that oh-so-essential zone.
Some notable options:
Reiver Demon
Dread Cacodemon
Deathbringer Regent
Myojin of Life's Web
Myojin of Night's Reach
Iname as One
Hypnox
I've always wanted to play Hypnox, and here might be the only real place for that to logically work (as if paying 11 mana for an effect that may not stick ever works... but semantics. To say nothing of Iname...).
How else can I thoroughly differentiate between these two commanders (while still playing Meren optimally)?
And honestly she strikes me more as Sheoldred plus green than whiteless Karador.
On phasing:
The Mimeoplasm || Karador, Ghost Chieftain
Prossh, Skyraider of Kher || Vial Smasher/Tymna Group Slug
Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief || Talrand, Sky Summoner
Yidris - Unblockable Saboteurs || Kiki-Jiki, ETB breaker
Kess, Dissident Mage