Baral, Chief of Compliance1U
Legendary Creature - Human Wizard (rare)
Instants and sorcery spells you cast cost 1 less to cast.
Whenever a spell or ability you control counters a spell, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.
"The echo of silence is music to my ears."
1/3
This is very good. Even without the counter loot ability, all of your instant and sorcery spells requiring 1 less to cast. This could be fun to pilot in EDH as a general. Negate for U, Dissipate for UU, See Beyond for U, Fabricate for 1U, etc. He is also a Wizard so he has synergy with cards like Patron Wizard and Azami, Lady of Scrolls.
I'd be curious about running this as a general, what are some of the best sorcery and instant blue spells that cost 1U to cast?
Yahenni, Baral, and Sram are all AWESOME. There's never been more than one legend per set that I've cared for, now here's 3 in one go. It's like Christmas came very early or extremely late! Either way, I'm pleased.
Gonna start with Yahenni because I know the jackals I play with are going to dogpile Baral. Sram, I'll let you know when I have a spare $15 for a Land Tax. In the mean time, stay handsome, darling.
I'm torn on Baral. that loot ability is not CA, if we don't thoughtfully pace ourselves our hands will evaporate even faster than normal, and without a decently sized hand Baral does nothing The obvious design direction here is some variant of draw-go, but we already know that's not really viable to build a deck around because the tools to play that deck (1 cmc counters, cheap/free Draw spells/cantrips, cheap bounce, etc.) already exists in abundance here, and we know that these kind of decks can keep control 1v1, but can't keep tempo and CA in multiplayer without ridiculous (Edric levels) of card advantage. Since so many of those spells are already dirt cheap, the value of what is essentially a sapphire medallion in the command zone is a bit lessened. Worse still, I wonder if I'm not being lured into playing greedier spells and effects that I might not be able to pay for if Baral isn't on the field, which can then backfire on me if I'm unable to keep him there.
Baral, Chief of Compliance is going to be attractive to a very annoying group of deck builders. I usually don't fall into that category BUT i have always wanted to build a deck that maxes out on Runeboggle and friends. This would be the ideal commander for that kind of deck.
One thing i really like is they are doing interesting CHEAP commanders like Yahenni, Undying Partisan and Sram, Senior Edificer. It is easy and usually thematic that legends are these big splashy (therefore high mana cost) creatures. But lately i have really enjoyed trying decks with cheaper commanders that don't have as much of an impact, but hit the game early and can come back often. The new partners are pretty good at this and im glad to see more coming out.
The Revolt mechanic seems really good in a format like this where you can pretty easily get the effect. Not sure how many of the cards are really playable but at least Renegade Rallier can regrow a fetch.
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EDH playing competitive Magic cast away
Current Decks GTitania midrange RGThromok tokens/goodstuff | UB Grimgrin zombie tribal GW Sigarda enchantress | R Godo voltron U Braids aggro | WR Kalemne punisher RU Mizzix storm | BUG Mimeoplasm competitive reanimator | UG Ezuri infect
I do see Baral, Chief of Compliance piloting a draw+go 1v1 strategy, but being mono-blue without clique/wydwen in the command zone means the win-condition has to be searched up.
I think he will see play as an inclusion in the 99 for Azami. Maybe in the multi-color storm lists that want to run goblin electromancer and other reduction effects, where the individual medallions won't work due to the deck running too many colors, since being an early 1/3 does ward off some early aggro.
Past this I think he would be a fun commander to build around casually. The fear of throwing in overcosted "fun" blue spells. Flavorfully Insidious Will seems necessary, but other counter-loving effects like Guile, and expensive counters like mystic confluence, rewind and last word all seem more appealing.
I think Baral is great for "No you can't do that" commander decks. Not too overpowered, but you are definitely set up as the guy who allows or doesn't allow things in your group, which thematically really fits Baral.
My new favorite commander. It won't be good but I always wanted to make just a pure counter deck. Nothing but counters and lands. No win condition. No goal. Someone plays a card, I flip a coin, and if it's heads I counter.
My new favorite commander. It won't be good but I always wanted to make just a pure counter deck. Nothing but counters and lands. No win condition. No goal. Someone plays a card, I flip a coin, and if it's heads I counter.
Baral's getting slam-dunked into my Jori En deck. That one runs 21 counterspells, so plenty of looting, and plenty of discounts for my other spells as well.
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My Commander decks:
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras.
Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power.
Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza.
Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall.
Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana.
Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die.
Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
Man do I hate cards like rishkar's expertise. I wish wizards wouldn't print so many cards that support the mindless "ramp draw bomb" type of decks, at least not at this level of efficiency. Those type of decks are boring to play and boring to play against, and rarely lead to fun games imo.
Amusingly, my favorite card of the set is also green, but infinitely more interesting: greenbelt rampager. May not be the most exciting in commander though.
Baral's decent, probably best of the new legends so far. counters still aren't a great plan in commander, but the discount is nice and if you're playing a few counters, it's a nice bonus. mono-color is a tough sell, but at least it's blue.
Sram might actually be ok as a voltron. He's definitely getting thrown into the Depala deck I've been waiting to build until AER is released.
rishkar's great in limited, bad in commander. If I wanted to play a mana dork I'd play a mana dork. Maybe has a place in the 99 in elfball, I neither know nor care.
yahenni is a good sac outlet in the 99 but probably not great commander material. MBC already has so many great options.
Baral's decent, probably best of the new legends so far. counters still aren't a great plan in commander, but the discount is nice and if you're playing a few counters, it's a nice bonus. mono-color is a tough sell, but at least it's blue.
You know, this is a common misconception. The mindset I often see is "You can't counter everything." Which is absolutely true, but you can counter those keyspells. Then you run into the common argument of "You're losing out on card advantage." Again partially true, but you're in Blue. It shouldn't be an issue. Baral can even help you dig towards your card advantage engines or your Stroke of Genius effects. That's the kind of attribute that's rather strong. Counterspell.dec will never be the strongest in the format, but a deck with a heavy stock of counterspells can definitely work wonders - provided you back it up with enough drawpower and some board clearance options. Both of which Baral helps you find.
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My Commander decks:
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras.
Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power.
Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza.
Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall.
Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana.
Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die.
Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
Baral's decent, probably best of the new legends so far. counters still aren't a great plan in commander, but the discount is nice and if you're playing a few counters, it's a nice bonus. mono-color is a tough sell, but at least it's blue.
You know, this is a common misconception. The mindset I often see is "You can't counter everything." Which is absolutely true, but you can counter those keyspells. Then you run into the common argument of "You're losing out on card advantage." Again partially true, but you're in Blue. It shouldn't be an issue. Baral can even help you dig towards your card advantage engines or your Stroke of Genius effects. That's the kind of attribute that's rather strong. Counterspell.dec will never be the strongest in the format, but a deck with a heavy stock of counterspells can definitely work wonders - provided you back it up with enough drawpower and some board clearance options. Both of which Baral helps you find.
I didn't mean to make it sounds like I don't think counterspells are good in EDH. I almost always run at least a handful (5-15) if I'm in blue. Being able to counter certain key spells is absolutely crucial - hence "a few counters". I don't think the classic "counter everything" plan is reasonable in a multiplayer format, though. Removal is, generally-speaking, preferable since you have more opportunity to see where the card is going to be directed before using up your card and your mana. Being able to wait until you're absolutely certain it's YOUR problem is very valuable playing control in a multiplayer format, and counters don't generally let you do that. But then, sometimes the problem card is jokulhaups and only a counterspell will do.
Anyway, no, counters aren't bad, I love counters. I just think counters as a primary plan - the "50 counterspells, baral, and a few draw engines" deck - is doomed to failure.
This is very good. Even without the counter loot ability, all of your instant and sorcery spells requiring 1 less to cast. This could be fun to pilot in EDH as a general. Negate for U, Dissipate for UU, See Beyond for U, Fabricate for 1U, etc. He is also a Wizard so he has synergy with cards like Patron Wizard and Azami, Lady of Scrolls.
I'd be curious about running this as a general, what are some of the best sorcery and instant blue spells that cost 1U to cast?
UBRKess, Dissident MageUBR - Controlling Dissidents
GRhonas the IndomitableG - Indomitable Four Drops
WUBOloro, Ageless AsceticWUB - Loot & Renanimate
Gonna start with Yahenni because I know the jackals I play with are going to dogpile Baral. Sram, I'll let you know when I have a spare $15 for a Land Tax. In the mean time, stay handsome, darling.
Current Decks
GTitania midrange
RGThromok tokens/goodstuff | UB Grimgrin zombie tribal
GW Sigarda enchantress | R Godo voltron
U Braids aggro | WR Kalemne punisher
RU Mizzix storm | BUG Mimeoplasm competitive reanimator | UG Ezuri infect
Oh Rider, my heart will go on...
One thing i really like is they are doing interesting CHEAP commanders like Yahenni, Undying Partisan and Sram, Senior Edificer. It is easy and usually thematic that legends are these big splashy (therefore high mana cost) creatures. But lately i have really enjoyed trying decks with cheaper commanders that don't have as much of an impact, but hit the game early and can come back often. The new partners are pretty good at this and im glad to see more coming out.
In Progress
GBIshkanah, Grafwidow ~ BWGRTymna the Weaver & Tana, the Bloodsower ~ UGRashmi, Eternities Crafter ~ RGAtarka, World Render
Current Decks
GTitania midrange
RGThromok tokens/goodstuff | UB Grimgrin zombie tribal
GW Sigarda enchantress | R Godo voltron
U Braids aggro | WR Kalemne punisher
RU Mizzix storm | BUG Mimeoplasm competitive reanimator | UG Ezuri infect
I think he will see play as an inclusion in the 99 for Azami. Maybe in the multi-color storm lists that want to run goblin electromancer and other reduction effects, where the individual medallions won't work due to the deck running too many colors, since being an early 1/3 does ward off some early aggro.
Past this I think he would be a fun commander to build around casually. The fear of throwing in overcosted "fun" blue spells. Flavorfully Insidious Will seems necessary, but other counter-loving effects like Guile, and expensive counters like mystic confluence, rewind and last word all seem more appealing.
Keep in mind that his loot isn't limited to just counterspell effects. Invoke Prejudice (which also seems incredibly on-flavor for Baral!), Decree of Silence, Ice Cave, Lunar Force, tidal control, In the Eye of Chaos, Bazaar of Wonders, Cephalid Shrine, and Douse all still trigger his loot.
Granted if you wanted a looter in blue, Jace, Vryn's Prodigy seems a bit better.
Seems like a more "fun & fair" mono-blue control deck. Just need to figure out a win-con, assuming I'm not missing some infinite counter-lock.
Links to my most current deck lists;
Primary EDH; Rakka Mar Token Perfection, Crosis Mnemonic Betrayal, Cromat Villainous, Judith Gravestorm, Rakdos Empty Storm, Exava Artifacts, Bant Trash, & Fumiko Voltron!
EDH kept at home; Ruzzian Isset & Rakdos LoR!
EDH (nostalgic/pimp/retired) in storage;
Latulla Burns, Akroma Smash, Jeska Voltron, Rakdos Storm, Bladewing Darghans, Lyzolda Worldgorger, Xantcha Steals your Heart, Jori Storm, Wydwen Permission, Gwendlyn Paradox, Jeleva Warps, & Sigarda Brick!
Legacy Showanimator and High Tide!
Club Flamingo Wins: 1!
You're a monster
(U/B)(U/B)(U/B) JUMP IN THE LINE, ROCK YOUR BODY IN TIME
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W) RISING FROM THE NEON GLOOM, SHINING LIKE A CRAZY MOON
(U/R)(R/G)(G/U) STEALIN' WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUYIN'
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras.
Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power.
Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza.
Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall.
Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana.
Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die.
Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
Two Score, Minus Two or: A Stargate Tail
(Image by totallynotabrony)
Amusingly, my favorite card of the set is also green, but infinitely more interesting: greenbelt rampager. May not be the most exciting in commander though.
Baral's decent, probably best of the new legends so far. counters still aren't a great plan in commander, but the discount is nice and if you're playing a few counters, it's a nice bonus. mono-color is a tough sell, but at least it's blue.
Sram might actually be ok as a voltron. He's definitely getting thrown into the Depala deck I've been waiting to build until AER is released.
rishkar's great in limited, bad in commander. If I wanted to play a mana dork I'd play a mana dork. Maybe has a place in the 99 in elfball, I neither know nor care.
yahenni is a good sac outlet in the 99 but probably not great commander material. MBC already has so many great options.
glint-sleeve siphoner is probably my second favorite card in the set thus far.
What I really want now is an energy commander. Fingers crossed, though things are looking increasingly grim.
EDH Primers
Phelddagrif - Zirilan
EDH
Thrasios+Bruse - Pang - Sasaya - Wydwen - Feather - Rona - Toshiro - Sylvia+Khorvath - Geth - QMarchesa - Firesong - Athreos - Arixmethes - Isperia - Etali - Silas+Sidar - Saskia - Virtus+Gorm - Kynaios - Naban - Aryel - Mizzix - Kazuul - Tymna+Kraum - Sidar+Tymna - Ayli - Gwendlyn - Phelddagrif 4 - Liliana - Kaervek - Phelddagrif 3 - Mairsil - Scarab - Child - Phenax - Shirei - Thada - Depala - Circu - Kytheon - GrenzoHR - Phelddagrif - Reyhan+Kraum - Toshiro - Varolz - Nin - Ojutai - Tasigur - Zedruu - Uril - Edric - Wort - Zurgo - Nahiri - Grenzo - Kozilek - Yisan - Ink-Treader - Yisan - Brago - Sidisi - Toshiro - Alexi - Sygg - Brimaz - Sek'Kuar - Marchesa - Vish Kal - Iroas - Phelddagrif - Ephara - Derevi - Glissa - Wanderer - Saffi - Melek - Xiahou Dun - Lazav - Lin Sivvi - Zirilan - Glissa
PDH - Drake - Graverobber - Izzet GM - Tallowisp - Symbiote Brawl - Feather - Ugin - Jace - Scarab - Angrath - Vraska - Kumena Oathbreaker - Wrenn&6
You know, this is a common misconception. The mindset I often see is "You can't counter everything." Which is absolutely true, but you can counter those keyspells. Then you run into the common argument of "You're losing out on card advantage." Again partially true, but you're in Blue. It shouldn't be an issue. Baral can even help you dig towards your card advantage engines or your Stroke of Genius effects. That's the kind of attribute that's rather strong. Counterspell.dec will never be the strongest in the format, but a deck with a heavy stock of counterspells can definitely work wonders - provided you back it up with enough drawpower and some board clearance options. Both of which Baral helps you find.
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras.
Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power.
Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza.
Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall.
Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana.
Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die.
Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
Anyway, no, counters aren't bad, I love counters. I just think counters as a primary plan - the "50 counterspells, baral, and a few draw engines" deck - is doomed to failure.
EDH Primers
Phelddagrif - Zirilan
EDH
Thrasios+Bruse - Pang - Sasaya - Wydwen - Feather - Rona - Toshiro - Sylvia+Khorvath - Geth - QMarchesa - Firesong - Athreos - Arixmethes - Isperia - Etali - Silas+Sidar - Saskia - Virtus+Gorm - Kynaios - Naban - Aryel - Mizzix - Kazuul - Tymna+Kraum - Sidar+Tymna - Ayli - Gwendlyn - Phelddagrif 4 - Liliana - Kaervek - Phelddagrif 3 - Mairsil - Scarab - Child - Phenax - Shirei - Thada - Depala - Circu - Kytheon - GrenzoHR - Phelddagrif - Reyhan+Kraum - Toshiro - Varolz - Nin - Ojutai - Tasigur - Zedruu - Uril - Edric - Wort - Zurgo - Nahiri - Grenzo - Kozilek - Yisan - Ink-Treader - Yisan - Brago - Sidisi - Toshiro - Alexi - Sygg - Brimaz - Sek'Kuar - Marchesa - Vish Kal - Iroas - Phelddagrif - Ephara - Derevi - Glissa - Wanderer - Saffi - Melek - Xiahou Dun - Lazav - Lin Sivvi - Zirilan - Glissa
PDH - Drake - Graverobber - Izzet GM - Tallowisp - Symbiote Brawl - Feather - Ugin - Jace - Scarab - Angrath - Vraska - Kumena Oathbreaker - Wrenn&6
But this is how magic is meant to be played.
I remember playing against a buddy's deck that was basically a few morphlings and 30+ counterspells back in high school. Good times. Sorta.
EDH Primers
Phelddagrif - Zirilan
EDH
Thrasios+Bruse - Pang - Sasaya - Wydwen - Feather - Rona - Toshiro - Sylvia+Khorvath - Geth - QMarchesa - Firesong - Athreos - Arixmethes - Isperia - Etali - Silas+Sidar - Saskia - Virtus+Gorm - Kynaios - Naban - Aryel - Mizzix - Kazuul - Tymna+Kraum - Sidar+Tymna - Ayli - Gwendlyn - Phelddagrif 4 - Liliana - Kaervek - Phelddagrif 3 - Mairsil - Scarab - Child - Phenax - Shirei - Thada - Depala - Circu - Kytheon - GrenzoHR - Phelddagrif - Reyhan+Kraum - Toshiro - Varolz - Nin - Ojutai - Tasigur - Zedruu - Uril - Edric - Wort - Zurgo - Nahiri - Grenzo - Kozilek - Yisan - Ink-Treader - Yisan - Brago - Sidisi - Toshiro - Alexi - Sygg - Brimaz - Sek'Kuar - Marchesa - Vish Kal - Iroas - Phelddagrif - Ephara - Derevi - Glissa - Wanderer - Saffi - Melek - Xiahou Dun - Lazav - Lin Sivvi - Zirilan - Glissa
PDH - Drake - Graverobber - Izzet GM - Tallowisp - Symbiote Brawl - Feather - Ugin - Jace - Scarab - Angrath - Vraska - Kumena Oathbreaker - Wrenn&6
Oh yes, yes he will. Can't wait to run Baral in my Azami, Lady of Scrolls list. He also makes things like Time Warp, Bribery, and Dig Through Time cheaper along with all of the permission in the deck. I'm so happy
U Azami, Lady of Scrolls - Knowledge is Power U [Primer]
R Heartless Hidetsugu - The Art of Ending Games R
GB Ishkanah, Grafwidow - The Cluster HungersBG
amazingly epic sig courtesy of DarkNightCavalier at Heroes of the Planes.
Rainbow Efreet