This is a bigger update that I have been waiting for and am very excited about.
From this point forward I am willing to consider custom cards as a potential solution to fill in gaps that I can't fill with official magic cards. The one card that spurred this decision is actually The Prismatic Piper (It was the fill in Commander for those that couldn't find another mono-colored Commander) I wanted something that would both be balanced and not an automatic pick for everyone.
Enter Echo of the gods.
I reduced the cost by 1, I have always felt that for a Wild card commander that 5 was too much, as by the time I have the mana to tap for five there is always something else in my hand that is better to cast.
The typing is pretty self explanatory, I wanted the card to be able to trigger "Constellation" in addition to the lore role that it plays. Additionally, since the "Echos" would be an extension of all of the Gods, each one although not individualistic, still would play incredibly important roles on the plane of Theros, hence the Legendary typing. (Yeah that one is a bit of a stretch)
I kept both abilities from The Prismatic Piper as it is still the purpose of the card
I added Tap Scry 1 so the card can generate its own value, while simultaneously not being too much. Realistically in the cube the earliest in certain circumstances you could even capitalize on the ability is turn 4. It fits the overall theme of Scrying in the Theros set and fits with the theme of the "Echo" passing on knowledge to its listeners.
I can definitely say that if it left the battlefield and I had to pay commander tax for it, I would probably never play it again the rest of the game. I also wanted to play into the idea of the "Echos" being eternal since they are a spirit and showing up when needed to "pass on" their knowledge. The ability feels just clunky enough to not be overpowered, while simultaneously continuing to provide value and not just being a dead card once removed. (I understand that there are combos that could work with that, but I am not concerned with that in the cube.)
The flavor text then really ties all the lore considerations together. I wouldn't be bummed if I had to choose this because I wasn't able to draft another commander in the color I need. Overall, I am quite happy with this card.
Now let's talk the new card replacements, from the new Foundations set.
- I've mention before why I don't like Heroic, and this felt like a good replacement. It adds another enchantment and more constellation.
- I realized that in an effort to add more interaction, I may have added slightly too much counter magic. I wanted to keep the interaction while removing the counterspell.
- A little more direct interaction that also supports the card draw archetype
- Sphinx's Tutelage got the Constellation treatment so it has to be added, additionally it supports card draw as well.
- Same with Heroic, I don't like the escape mechanic. Besides I think this is a better trade off anyway.
- I like Braulios a lot and I think that it fits as a better commander. Arasta, felt like there wasn't much support for her style.
One of the other main points of change with these cards was adjustments based on mana cost, just further rebalancing of costs.
Overall, I think that this is a new exciting direction for the cube as this opens up new avenues for customization that would allow for improvements that I otherwise would not be able to make. For now, Echos of the Gods will be the only custom card, but I do anticipate that changing at some point in the near future.
As always, thanks for visiting this passion project of mine, till next time!
Mainboard Changelist+1, -1
Now that I have not been trying to add a ton of new cards to the cube, I have had the opportunity to be a little more scrutinous with card choices. The art on Forge of Heroes leaves some questions that I really don't think I can defend, like is the design similar enough to Ancient Greek architecture, the armor off to the sides looks awfully mid-evil, etc. The replacement Lotus Field removes the question of if it is thematically compatible.
Which brings me to my next point, moving forward I will be making comments and linking my research on the questions that some of the cards present in the Notes section of each of those respective cards. Check out the Notes I made on Lotus Field, its actually pretty interesting information.
Anyway, I am excited for the new Magic foundations set that is coming out. In the early previews it already contains a new Theros card, so we may actually be getting more cards that can be added. Till next time!
Mainboard Changelist+2, -2
After the previous update I quickly realized that there were two cards I added that bothered me. First Spartan Veteran and second Sokrates, Athenian Teacher. They both have "Spartan" and "Athenian" in the name of the cards.
Even though I have used Ancient Greece as inspiration in terms of knowledge ie. was there irrigation in Ancient Greece? Since the answer is yes, then Irrigated Farmland is a compatible card due to the fact that the plane was modeled directly after Ancient Greece. However, using the logic that I have with all cards previously, continuity breaks with the knowledge that instead of Sparta its Akros and instead of Athens its Meletis. While the cities are direct analogs to the real thing, if I am to maintain the level of continuity that I am looking for then I cannot in good faith allow either of those cards to be added as they directly contradict the plane of Theros.
You may be asking yourself why allow a card like Kassandra, Eagle Bearer? Well my answer to that is simple; the card does not contain any information that directly conflicts with the plane of Theros, has the Theros style in ship/building construction in the art, her clothes are that Ancient Greece style and it is conceivable that there could be someone named Kassandra living on Theros, therefor her card fits the requirements.
This cube is the single most fun thing I have ever built with Magic cards and sticking so aggressively on theme has honestly made it even more fun, I have no intentions of stopping now. Till next time 🙂.
Mainboard Changelist+23, -23
- Observant AlseidNyxborn Unicorn
- Quarry ColossusEscarpment Fortress
- Artisan of FormsTriton Wavebreaker
- Triton Fortune HunterLibrary Larcenist
- Aerie WorshippersBreaching Hippocamp
- Galecaster ColossusKraken of the Straits
- Filter OutDeny the Divine
- Sudden SubstitutionMemory Drain
- Interpret the SignsFortune's Favor
- Ordeal of ThassaCopy Land
- Cavern LampadErebos's Emissary
- Treacherous BlessingNecrodominance
- Satyr HopliteSpartan Veteran
- Forgeborn OreadsLabyrinth Adversary
- Wildfire CerberusAlexios, Deimos of Kosmos
- Sedge ScorpionNightshade Dryad
- Nylea's EmissaryNyxborn Hydra
- Anthousa, Setessan HeroHydra Trainer
- Medomai the AgelessSokrates, Athenian Teacher
- Pledge of UnityStrength of the Harvest
- Kalemne, Disciple of IroasKassandra, Eagle Bearer
- Armory of IroasDeathrender
- Radiant FountainDeserted Temple
It’s that time again, we have plenty of new cards to consider! Modern Horizons 3 has brought us several new Theros based cards and Assassins Creed brought us some interesting ones as well. First, we will take a look at the changes with Modern Horizons 3.
Cube changes
- Most of the new cards introduced with Modern Horizons 3 replaced existing cards in the cube. Each of the new cards had a significantly higher ELO, fun new abilities, and overall felt more in line with this Cube.
- Blue received several card replacements based on ELO, increasing playability and interaction.
- Heroic continues to feel like a clunky ability and so I am going to continue to remove Heroic cards should better options become available.
Let’s talk about the Assassins Creed cards. The set offers several new Greek based cards however, I am still slightly unsure on including non-Theros Based cards that are not ambiguous. I’m speaking specifically of cards like Kassandra, Eagle Bearer and Sokrates, Athenian Teacher. However, since they are Ancient Greek based, I am potentially willing to make an exception for that, especially considering that the Legendary's in that set offer on theme abilities that match with the rest of the cube. Additionally, red gets a much-needed Legendary so I am willing to provide even more leeway on that front, as both Alexios and Kassandra are brother and sister, I want to have to have both.
- With the release of Assassins Creed, a new secret lair card was released with Ancient Greek based art on it, it has a fun ability for commander, so it was slotted in.
- The Spear of Leonidas will automatically be given to the player that drafts Kassandra, Eagle Bearer. Does not count towards overall card count and will not be put in the shuffle pool.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I am happy with the changes, it remains to be seen how much I actually like the Assassins Creed cards, but for now they seem to fit each color's role in the cube quite well. Sadly, the next update to the cube will likely not include any new set cards for potentially a long time as there doesn't appear to be any new sets that could even be remotely compatible with Theros coming anytime soon. Though, I will continue to make slight tweaks here and there as I really enjoy this cube and want to continue improving it.
Till next time!
I have made a ton of changes to the cube in the last year and have also learned a ton in the process. I believe that with the most recent changes made that I have reached the "stability" that I have been looking for.
The Changes:
- Increased the land count from 34 to 48 and removed duplicates
- Removed cards that felt on the very edge of compatibility with the overall theme. Cards like War Room have art that sort of conflict with the theme, the armor in the art do not match the Theros/Ancient Greek style.
- Tried to support the listed archetypes a bit more.
- Changed some of the rules to be more EDH focused, ie. life total and commander damage.
- Tweaked the pre-drafting cards to be more inline with the elo of the rest of the cube. I debated on removing them entirely but I would rather casual players feel like they have a little bit more leeway with the extra ramp.
- The biggest change though was the filtering through existing cards in the cube and removing cards that had a low ELO. I wanted to increase the interaction of the cube while also increasing the pick-ability of many of the cards.
I won't be making anymore changes for some time or until more compatible cards are released. Modern Horizons 3 and Universes Beyond Assassins Creed could have either Theros based cards or Greek based (AC odyssey) cards respectively. The AC cards could be very interesting, as I would be okay with adding actual Greek based cards to the cube.
Update v3.1.1 - Card swapping for both theme and effect
AaronMosh posted to Theros Commander Cube v4.0 -
Maybeboard Changelist+4, -4
Switching out Vela and Angrath for cards that fit the Archetype and theme slightly better. Additionally, I have read pretty extensively that aiming for two legends for each gold color is a good goal. With that in mind I decided that I don't "have" to find a third commander for each of those colors.
Knight-Errant of Eos is not Theros so idk what I was thinking there.
I am starting to realise that I am not a super big fan of flat destroy all creature effects as it can be hard to recover from that even for the caster, so I am swapping wrath of god for Tragic Arrogance.
Maybeboard Changelist+0, -9
Mainboard Changelist+9, -9
- Gold-Forged Sentinel
- Satyr Enchanter
- Calix, Guided by Fate
- Kroxa and Kunoros
- Anikthea, Hand of Erebos
- Arixmethes, Slumbering Isle
- Harried Artisan
- Gaze of Granite
- Daxos the Returned
- Gahiji, Honored One
- Gnostro, Voice of the Crags
- Pendant of Prosperity
- Fleetfeather Cockatrice
- Fleecemane Lion
- Desperate Stand
- Calix, Destiny's Hand
- Athreos, Shroud-Veiled
- Acolyte of Affliction
After the second round of playing the cube and new set release, I thought it was time to make some changes. There are two new tri-color commanders from Theros I can use now.
Mainboard Changelist+2, -2
I have not felt all that great about Tymeret and Anax, so I figured while I am making other changes I will switch them out.
Mainboard Changelist+21, -21
- Yennett, Cryptic Sovereign
- Gahiji, Honored One
- Damia, Sage of Stone
- Triplicate Titan
- Scroll Rack
- Thought Vessel
- Armory of Iroas
- Mind Stone
- Coveted Jewel
- Decanter of Endless Water
- Reinterpret
- Temple of Enlightenment
- Temple of Deceit
- Temple of Malice
- Temple of Abandon
- Temple of Plenty
- Temple of Silence
- Temple of Epiphany
- Temple of Malady
- Temple of Triumph
- Temple of Mystery
- Stormchaser Chimera
- Battlewise Hoplite
- Devourer of Memory
- Slaughter-Priest of Mogis
- Revel of the Fallen God
- Bronzehide Lion
- Ashen Rider
- Spellheart Chimera
- Graverobber Spider
- Akroan Hoplite
- Horizon Chimera
- Ephara's Enlightenment
- Atris, Oracle of Half-Truths
- Allure of the Unknown
- Fanatic of Xenagos
- Sterling Grove
- Triad of Fates
- Mischievous Chimera
- Pharika's Mender
- Haktos the Unscarred
- Kiora's Follower
After requesting some review of the cube, the general consensus is that there were too many gold cards and not enough lands. So, I have made several adjustments that I think will work quite well in favor of the direction that I want to take it.
Also, I will be versioning out these blog updates moving forward. This update starts version 3.0 of this project.
Version 3.0 - The changes are becoming more intentional and refined.
Version 2.0 - Was the transition from this being thrown together to being listed on cube cobra and figuring out what direction to take it.
Version 1.0 - The original thrown together design.