I was thinking last night about how Form of the Dragon was one of my favorite cards as a bright eyed beginner and was trying to think of ways to make it work in EDH.
My first idea was to pillowfort a bit with Sphere of Safety then drop Form with some fliers around to protect me. The fliers would beat face and form would put in some damage perhaps with Dictate of the Twin Gods boosts. Possible commanders for this would be Gisela, Blade of Goldnight or Anya, Merciless Angel to double up on damage from Form and, ideally, an indestructible body respectively.
So my questions to you are: 1) Would you stick to Boros with stronger commander options vs going Jeskai for better protection? 2) What other useful tech is worth including in this kind of deck?
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
EDH BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern: RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
I'll suggest jeskai for color combination. While boros with gisela, blade of goldnight would make your effective life total 10, that's still a low number. I think it needs additional pillowfort.
Honestly, though, if we sat down to play a game of EDH and you pulled out a mono R deck and said "Form of the Dragon is my Commander, is that OK?" I'd say "That's awesome!" Different people and play-groups are going to have varying opinions on that one, but it's nowhere near overpowered and there's the "I'm the Commander" flavor justification.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
You would never guess, at the terrifying sight of the man, that Hunding was as charming a companion as one could wish for.
In any case, Solitary Confinement is a good way to not die, assuming you can feed it.
Zedruu the Greathearted would be the classic choice for a Form of the Dragon deck, because then you can use it offensively as needed: "Here, your life total is now five. Before my turn, I'll cast Brand."
Zedruu seems a great commander for all the reasons Incanur listed. Additionally, while the lifegain is wasted after you go Dragon Mode, Zedruu lurves Paradox Haze fiercely.
Another option is Naya Enchantress. You lose Paradox Haze and the various anti-flying blue enchantments, but green has its own anti-flying tech (like Storm Front, Silklash Spider, Squall Line, and Raking Canopy) plus you have all the great enchantress tools. Gahiji, Honored One is kinda sorta pillowfort in these colors.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Sufferer of EDHD
Commander - Currently Playing: RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G) RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B) WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
You probably want protection for Form so you don't run into the spot removal, swing for lethal play after it sets your life to 5. Greater Auramancy and Fountain Watch work in WUR colors, honorable mention to Spellskite if you have it. If you end up in Naya, you can also run Sterling Grove and Privileged Position.
Thraben Doomsayer is arguably playable if you're reliably staying at 5 life. None of the other fateful hour stuff looked all that impressive. Maybe Faith's Shield to save yourself/Form in a pinch?
I hadn't thought of Zedru. I think she would be the best option for all of the listed reasons and seems more interesting than the other options. The idea of gifting form of the dragon to an opponent then Lava Axe or Brand to win is far too funny. Given that im using Zedru, how much do you think it would be worth abusing his ability? I would like to stick to lots of pillowfort and Form (if nothing else for flair), but appreciate the appeal of Steel Golem and other Zedru staples. So which are the key includes or top X Zedru gifts?
Gravity Sphere and Mystic Decree seem like auto includes as does Greater Auramancy. Although @Incanur (or anyone who understands it), could you explain how the Chimera/ Second Chance combo works? I think sac the Second Chance for the extra turn but then bounce whilst on the stack..? If that is the case surely you wouldnt get the extra turn or am I being a rules derp?
TL:DR version. 1) Zerdu is great, what are the best donations? 2) Explanation of Inacur's combo would be appreciated.
Anyway thanks for the response all. Any others would be helpful.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
EDH BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern: RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
Although @Incanur (or anyone who understands it), could you explain how the Chimera/ Second Chance combo works? I think sac the Second Chance for the extra turn but then bounce whilst on the stack..? If that is the case surely you wouldnt get the extra turn or am I being a rules derp?
Yeah, it's one of those weird old cards. Once Second Chance triggers, its ability happens regardless of whether its on the battlefield and you're able to sacrifice it. You just need to be at 5 or less life for the ability to trigger and when it resolves. So you stack Second Chance's trigger and then stack Riptide Chimera's trigger. Riptide Chimera's trigger resolves and you return Second Chance. Then Second Chance's trigger resolves: you can't sac it because it's not around, but you complete as much as you can and take another turn. Then you cast Second Chance again and loop. It's a fringe/developing/bad Legacy combo.
If you control Form of the Dragon, Second Chance, and Riptide Chimera, then at the beginning of your upkeep all three will have triggered abilities. Put Second Chance's ability on the stack first (so it will resolve last) and then Riptide Chimera's ability on top of it (where you put Form of the Dragon's ability doesn't matter). When Riptide Chimera's ability resolves, return Second Chance to your hand. Then Second Chance's ability resolves and you take an extra turn. Durin your main phase, recast Second Chance. This loop will kill everyone who you can target and deal damage to with Form of the Dragon, assuming your opponents can't disrupt it with creature removal, enchantment removal, or counterspells.
Brilliant thank you for clearing that up for me. That is pretty good and gives a good reason to include Sun Titan as it's a significant nonbo with Greater Auramancy.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
EDH BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern: RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
Edit: Weebo, two posts down, is right. There's no nonbo after all. Hanna, Ship's Navigator and Skull of Orm are still probably good in an enchantment-centric deck, though.
I wouldn't worry too much about including key gift targets of Zedruu - with the loss of rule 4, the most devastating gift trick of Celestial Dawn no longer works anyhow. Illusions of Grandeur may be worth it, but in general just include some group hug and defensive cards that work no matter who controls them (your Howling Mines, Font of Mythoss, Detention Spheres, Grasp of Fates, Nevermores, Humilitys, etc.) and you should be able to reliably draw a few cards off Zedruu. The problem with guys like Steel Golem or Sapphire Leech is that your opponent WILL attack with it and get it killed or sac it for their own profit, while Pyromancer's Swath is just really risky.
Brilliant thank you for clearing that up for me. That is pretty good and gives a good reason to include Sun Titan as it's a significant nonbo with Greater Auramancy.
Chimera doesn't target. There's no nonbo.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
[Pr]Jaya | Estrid | A rotating cast of decks built out of my box.
One approach to building Zedruu is to take advantage of cards like Vedalken Plotter that exchange control of one of your permanents with one of an opponent's. That way Zedruu triggers with a lower mana investment and you're not just giving people things as your primary strategy.
One approach to building Zedruu is to take advantage of cards like Vedalken Plotter that exchange control of one of your permanents with one of an opponent's. That why Zedruu triggers with a lower mana investment and you're not just giving people things as your primary strategy.
Brilliant thank you for clearing that up for me. That is pretty good and gives a good reason to include Sun Titan as it's a significant nonbo with Greater Auramancy.
This sounds like an excellent deck. I'll be playing around with the idea and I'll report back if I find anything interesting.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
UUU Talrand, Sky Summoner // (W/U)(W/U)(W/U) Grand Arbiter Augustin IV // RRR Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker // (R/G)(R/G)(R/G) Wort, the Raidmother // URG Riku of Two Reflections // RWU Ruhan of the Fomori
Quote from Mark Rosewater »
In response to your Lightning Blast, I'll eat this burrito.
Quote from slipknot72102 »
This is why I started playing magic in the first place. It wasn't PT aspirations just making noobs cry by doing things that are perfectly fair.
There certainly was. I think I've got the deck fleshed out and now its time for testing. Dovescape I think is a pretty risky play because im weak to fliers regardless of size if there is enough of them. Needless to say I doubt that the deck will win most of the time but will hopefully be so much fun that it wont matter.
A big thank you to everyone who contributed thus far.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
EDH BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern: RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
So after a little bit of gold fishing the following has become apparent:
Starfield of Nyx is more of a danger play than expected as I often have more than 5 enchantments leading to easy board wipe (disaster). Dictate of the Twin Gods and either of Niv Mizzet, the Firemind is a pretty easy way to rack up damage especially when you go donation happy. Repercussion and Dictate with Form of the Dragon out is 10 to a creature and 20 to the creatures controller meaning kills are easier than expected. I thought the deck would rely more on counters to stay alive but with relatively little enchantment removal in my meta it isnt as much of an issue particularly when the fort truly comes online.
It doesn't make you truly unkillable because FotD wont resent poison like it does your life total although it certainly does make it harder. Thanks
True, but it works because unlife doesn't kick in until your life is zero, meaning without double strike you can't be killed through combat unless they burn you for 5 first.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I was thinking last night about how Form of the Dragon was one of my favorite cards as a bright eyed beginner and was trying to think of ways to make it work in EDH.
My first idea was to pillowfort a bit with Sphere of Safety then drop Form with some fliers around to protect me. The fliers would beat face and form would put in some damage perhaps with Dictate of the Twin Gods boosts. Possible commanders for this would be Gisela, Blade of Goldnight or Anya, Merciless Angel to double up on damage from Form and, ideally, an indestructible body respectively.
After this came the idea of Paradox Haze. Two upkeep steps means double damage and would also give me access to Archetype of Imagination as a further pillowfort layer with counters to prevent the "Lava Axe you" scenario. The downside is fewer strong commander options, I've tried Numot, the Devastator before and it quickly became frowned upon but aside from that Narset, Enlightened Master or Ruhan of the Fomori are the leading options.
So my questions to you are: 1) Would you stick to Boros with stronger commander options vs going Jeskai for better protection? 2) What other useful tech is worth including in this kind of deck?
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
I played an all-enchantments Narset deck that used form of the dragon, starfield of nyx, and second chance+copy enchantment or paradox haze to burn everyone to death over infinite turns. The deck was pillowfort and lockdown with an enduring ideal win condition.
Kemba | Linvala | Talrand | Geth | Krenko | Zada | Patron of the Orochi | Medomai | Athreos | Gisela | Trostani | Nin | Silumgar | Kaervek | Jarad | Xenagos | Sydri | Narset | Roon | Zurgo | Ghave | Marath | Uril | Tasigur | Animar | Riku | Riku | Sek'Kuar | Cromat
Honestly, though, if we sat down to play a game of EDH and you pulled out a mono R deck and said "Form of the Dragon is my Commander, is that OK?" I'd say "That's awesome!" Different people and play-groups are going to have varying opinions on that one, but it's nowhere near overpowered and there's the "I'm the Commander" flavor justification.
In any case, Solitary Confinement is a good way to not die, assuming you can feed it.
Zedruu the Greathearted would be the classic choice for a Form of the Dragon deck, because then you can use it offensively as needed: "Here, your life total is now five. Before my turn, I'll cast Brand."
Mystic Decree is another way to cut off attacks.
Another option is Naya Enchantress. You lose Paradox Haze and the various anti-flying blue enchantments, but green has its own anti-flying tech (like Storm Front, Silklash Spider, Squall Line, and Raking Canopy) plus you have all the great enchantress tools. Gahiji, Honored One is kinda sorta pillowfort in these colors.
RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR
WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG
GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG
GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G)
RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW
UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B)
WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
You probably want protection for Form so you don't run into the spot removal, swing for lethal play after it sets your life to 5. Greater Auramancy and Fountain Watch work in WUR colors, honorable mention to Spellskite if you have it. If you end up in Naya, you can also run Sterling Grove and Privileged Position.
Thraben Doomsayer is arguably playable if you're reliably staying at 5 life. None of the other fateful hour stuff looked all that impressive. Maybe Faith's Shield to save yourself/Form in a pinch?
Gravity Sphere and Mystic Decree seem like auto includes as does Greater Auramancy. Although @Incanur (or anyone who understands it), could you explain how the Chimera/ Second Chance combo works? I think sac the Second Chance for the extra turn but then bounce whilst on the stack..? If that is the case surely you wouldnt get the extra turn or am I being a rules derp?
TL:DR version. 1) Zerdu is great, what are the best donations? 2) Explanation of Inacur's combo would be appreciated.
Anyway thanks for the response all. Any others would be helpful.
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
Yeah, it's one of those weird old cards. Once Second Chance triggers, its ability happens regardless of whether its on the battlefield and you're able to sacrifice it. You just need to be at 5 or less life for the ability to trigger and when it resolves. So you stack Second Chance's trigger and then stack Riptide Chimera's trigger. Riptide Chimera's trigger resolves and you return Second Chance. Then Second Chance's trigger resolves: you can't sac it because it's not around, but you complete as much as you can and take another turn. Then you cast Second Chance again and loop. It's a fringe/developing/bad Legacy combo.
A Sun Titan able to attack or blink achieves the same result in conjunction with Second Chance and life 5 or less, as does Starfield of Nyx plus Paradox Haze or a Silent Sentinel able to attack.
| Omnath | Zada | Alesha | Scion |
| Mazirek | Animar |
Modern
UR Storm RU
UBRG Dredge GRBU
Standard
UR Thermo-Thing RU
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
Edit: Weebo, two posts down, is right. There's no nonbo after all. Hanna, Ship's Navigator and Skull of Orm are still probably good in an enchantment-centric deck, though.
Also, don't forget Venser, the Sojourner as an extra way to "steal back" donated permanents AND a way to repeatably flicker Sun Titan or Warden of the Eye for the Second Chance loop.
RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR
WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG
GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG
GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G)
RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW
UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B)
WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
You can also go all-in with Sky Swallower and Brand.
Yeah, Puca's Mischief and Perplexing Chimera are some unsung allstars for Zedruu. Gilded Drake is also obviously insane, if you can afford it.
RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR
WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG
GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG
GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G)
RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW
UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B)
WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
Reading derp. Thanks for correcting me.
Vedalken Plotter and Puca's Mischief seem strong with Zedruu and will be included.
This deck looks so fun already.
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
http://tappedout.net/mtg-decks/zedruu-fotd-edh/
Suggestions are obviously welcome as I feel like I'm running out of ideas without my beloved green.
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
More cards specifically good with Zedruu and/or Paradox Haze: Outpost Siege, Venser, the Sojourner, Venser's Journal, Act of Authority, Council's Judgment, Nevermore, Akroan Horse, Assemble the Legion, Mind Unbound, Mirror-sigil Sergeant, Detention Sphere, Grid Monitor, Illusions of Grandeur, Sphere of the Suns
Group hug: Font of Mythos, Kami of the Crescent Moon, Mana Flare, Jace Beleren, Walking Archive, Anvil of Bogardan, Prosperity, Minds Aglow
Enchantment Matters: Wild Research, Enlightened Tutor, Academy Rector, Skybind, Mesa Enchantress, Enduring Ideal, Copy Enchantment, Clever Impersonator
Other win-cons: Insurrection, Niv-mizzet, the Firemind, Psychosis Crawler
Random goodstuff: Austere Command, Cryptic Command, Mystic Confluence, Swords to Plowshares, Soul Snare, Consecrated Sphinx, Wall of Omens, Wall of Denial, Glen Elendra Archmage, Bribery, Diluvian Primordial, Restoration Angel, Kiki-jiki, Mirror Breaker, Zealous Conscripts, Trinket Mage + Support, Dead Eye Navigator, Eldrazi Displacer, Sol Ring, Palinchron
There's got to be 33 cards that catch your eye there!
RCRDaretti: Superfriends Forever RCR
WGBDoran: Ent-mootWBG
GGGMultani: Group Bear HugGGG
GB(B/G)The Gitrog Monster: Dredgefall DurdleGB(B/G)
RGWGahiji, the Honored Group Hug MonsterRGW
UB(U/B)Yuriko, Ninja Trinket AggroUB(U/B)
WUBRGAtogatog: Assembling a OHKOWUBRG
A big thank you to everyone who contributed thus far.
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
It doesn't make you truly unkillable because FotD wont resent poison like it does your life total although it certainly does make it harder. Thanks
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
Starfield of Nyx is more of a danger play than expected as I often have more than 5 enchantments leading to easy board wipe (disaster). Dictate of the Twin Gods and either of Niv Mizzet, the Firemind is a pretty easy way to rack up damage especially when you go donation happy. Repercussion and Dictate with Form of the Dragon out is 10 to a creature and 20 to the creatures controller meaning kills are easier than expected. I thought the deck would rely more on counters to stay alive but with relatively little enchantment removal in my meta it isnt as much of an issue particularly when the fort truly comes online.
BRGKresh the BloodbraidedBRG, A box of lands and ideas.
Modern:
RG Titanshift. A deck made of cards too stupid for EDH.
Retired: Lots. More than I feel you should suffer through or I should type out.
True, but it works because unlife doesn't kick in until your life is zero, meaning without double strike you can't be killed through combat unless they burn you for 5 first.