Survival of the Fittest: Vorinclex, the King of Predators
"Everything knows hunger.
The beast gnawing upon a bone, the earth waiting the claim that beast's own bones, the plants that scavenge its blood from the dirt.
To feed, to consume, to make the strength of another your own - these are not merely Phyrexian ideals. They are fundemental precepts of the universe!"
Welcome to the Tangle. This was once a place of sanctuary and solitude. A home of green mana in Mirrodin. The copper structure is the closest thing the plane has to a forest. Here, the elves make their homes among the wires and tree-like structures. They lived alongside odd mutations and wise trolls. All of the races and creeds lived in harmony under all of the five suns.
And then the Phyrexians began their assault.
No one expected the ferocious attack on their copper home. The elves and their like fought well. But soon, even the strongest elves turned and ran to the horizon. The influence slowly took the Tangle. Now the Tangle is the prime hunting ground for the Phyrexian beasts. Here they are bred for perfection: to become the fittest hunters. Each hunter striving to out due their competition. But soon the hunters will become the hunted by more evolved monstrosities. They roam and stalk the dark underbelly of the Tangle, locked in a vicious fight for survival. Only the fit will survive. And the different predator's powers grow everyday. But there will be one predator to rule them all. The ferocious titan: Vorinclex.
Over eight feet tall, he is the largest and strongest of the Phyrexian Praetors. His addiction is the chase. His lust is that of the kill. He nimbly moves between the copper trees, tracking his prey. No beast contests his power and ferocity. Vorinclex's intelligence level is questionable. He is very brute and lacks much thought. Or so the other Praetor's assume. Vorinclex actually has a very surpeme mind, able of breaking down situations, figuring out problems, and rebuilding a solution in his mind in a very short amount of time. His quick process of information allows him to stay at the top of his unnatural food chain. His act of aloofness has fooled the others for some time. His anatomy consists of a mixture of organic and metal alloys. He possess long bulky arms and legs, armed with long steel claws. His barbed body is ever shifting, transforming to adapt to any situation. He lurks through the copper jungle, the prime predator of them all. All bow to him. They know who rules this domain. No beast dares to challenge him. Even Glissa, Vorinclex's only true friend and ally, dares not to challenge him to combat.
Vorinclex's beliefs are very simple and straight forward: The flesh is weak. All species should be obliterated, with only the perfect species, the Phyrexians, left to roam. Vorinclex's interpretation of this common Phyrexian belief has evolved into a monstrous cycle of life: All life forms will become hunters, and only the strongest will survive. He soon evolved the Tangle into a ferocious ecosystem of war and a thirst for the hunt.
But his insensible hunger for power did not end there. Whispers of the Gitaxians rumor of planes of existence beyond this metal plane. Vorinclex wishes to spread his form of Phyrexian magnificence across to the other planes. Soon, his unholy crusade for the perfect ecosystem will endanger the entire Multiverse. But who can stop him?
Personal Bio
Hey, my name is Rhakee. I've written other threads for the site you can find in my signature. I love writing, but I also love Magic. I'm currently in High School, and Magic is my form of downtime from sports and academics. I've been playing Magic for quite sometime now, but only recently got into Commander. It has to be the best of all the formats and way to play. I find it so interactive, and one game is never the same. I am a very casual player, so I don't run the high money staples. My commanders aren't cutthroat combo or lock down decks. I try to build fun and interactive decks that have a clear path for victory. My meta is very casual, but I have competetive decks in case someone wants to bring the thunder. This deck isn't one of those. I was asked to join a EDH game day. I said yes, but then realized that many of my decks were under construction, and couldn't be played. I then had to make one. I didn't have many commanders to pick from in the dual colored area, so I decided mono colored. I saw a Omnath deck one day, and was amazed by it's power. I decided to build a deck like that, but perhaps a little more evil. I figured I wanted to be the evil guy for once. So I chose Vorinclex. This thread is for any casual players that are looking for a fun and inexpensive deck. If you are looking for a more competitive deck, try looking elsewhere on the site. But if you want it strictly casual, you have come to the right place.
Why Vorinclex?
Good question. Very good question. Why on earth would you play a huge, awesome, creatures who can double your mana, lock down your opponent's land, and create a 3-turn clock for your opponent... na, I don't have any clue why you would play him. He is also (in my personal opinion) the closest visual equivalent to Megatron. I rest my case.
You will like to play Vorinclex if...
1) You love green.
2) Want to try something new.
3) Love playing a really powerful general.
4) Love mana shenanigans.
You won't like to play Vorinclex if...
1) You think all EDH decks must have blue in order to win.
2) You think all Mono-colored decks are weak.
3) Want to combo to win.
4) Want to win fast.
This is my current version. I don't want this to be set in stone, so it is likely to change. This list is only here to get those creative juices flowing. If you want to add your own personal cards, or even make the deck more competitive, then go right ahead.
Let's break down Vorinclex bit by bit. After all, I think that you should know your general inside and out. Get close and attached to it. Even sleep every night with him on your nightstand... No, just me? Bleh, fine.
Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger 6GG
Okay, off the bat, that mana cost is a problem. 8 mana with no built in protection? Yeah, Vorinclex will eat removal. Your opponent must immediately answer to him the turn you play him, or you'll win. Seriously. I suggest not to play him unless you have some protection handy. Another clever way to go about casting him, is flash him in with Yeva, Nature's Herald at the end of your opponent's turn, then pull some crazy shenanigans. But back to the point. 8 mana? Not too out of the blue. In fact, you ramp pretty hard in this deck, so a turn 6 Vorinclex isn't very far fetched. I've seen decks get him out on turn three. But we're not that intensive. We want to have some fun. When Vorinclex eats that removal spell, you can recast him a couple of times. Once or twice, but after that, without any mana doublers, you will run your bill pretty high. Luckily, this deck doesn't need Vorinclex to win.
Legendary Creature - Praetor
Unfortunately, no relevant creature type, so he has no tribal support. But that is okay.
Trample
Abilities like flying, trample, and deals damage as though it weren't blocked are so important in EDH. Trample especially, can get that extra damage through if chump blocked. The one token method no longer works to stop Vorinclex. If you want to stop him, you're going to have to team up or poop out a creature just as big.
Whenever you tap a land for mana, add one mana to your mana pool of any type that land produced.
Diiirrrtttyyy. Here is where we get into the good stuff. Vorinclex offers your a mad amount of ramp. You may ask, if you're at 8 mana by now, what more ramp do you need? Quite a bit more. In green, you can never have enough mana. He can get your big creatures out in multiples, power up your alternative win cons, and also abuse some of your creature's abilites.
Whenever an opponent taps a land for mana, that land doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
Here is why he will eat removal. He places the entire board on a gridlock. Your opponents must tap their lands wisely. The only way to prevent this is to remove or tuck him, but even to do that, they must tap lands. So either way, you'll get worth out of him. If he has artifacts or enchantments on him, they'll have to tap extra land to get rid of that first. The only other thing I must say about his ability is... muah...
7/6
Oooo.... The only part I don't like about Vorinclex. His toughness. 6 toughness keeps out of the range of most burn spells and removal. However, many common fatties can take him out, making blocking him much easier. 7 power is nice, since your opponent has three turns to take him out. Oh wait, what was that last ability... "Whenever an opponent taps a land for mana, that land doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step." Right.... teehee!
Instruction Manual: How to Play
Vorinclex could be called a control deck, but really it's just a aggressive ramp deck. Your first couple of turns are spent ramping like a bamf Your ramp spells get one or more lands onto the field at once, ensuring you have a stable mana base. While your opponent continues to feebly set up and keep up with your tempo, you can start dropping huge threats. This set includes a number of token generators. These can chump block or get some of that early swarm in. Once your mana base is stable and creatures are out, bring out our general.
Vorinclex will die the minute it hits the field. Make the most use of him. Slap on any pump or protection you have to him, and start swinging. That 7 damage will add up, and this deck has a number of ways to make sure that damage gets through. His first passive ability will ensure you have enough mana to continue your mad rampage, and his second ability will stop your opponent from doing anything about him.
But once Vorinclex is gone, what do you do? You have a number of cards that are powerhouses or army-in-a-can. Avenger of Zendikar is an example. He can really change the tide of battle, and he can single handed win the game for you. Triumph of the Hordes is Vorinclex's signature card, making your army of little tokens or that one big fatso into a one turn kill. That card will win you the game. Trust me. Helix Pinnacle is another way to win. Stay defensive while you pour an insane amount of mana into it, winning you the game. Here is another way to win: Genesis Wave. With the amounts of land you have, you can almost deck yourself to bring out all of your creatures. The last alternative way to win is Howl of the Night Pack. INSANE amounts of tokens will be made, and you can swarm for the win. But then again, if all the above fail, you can always just beat face with your fatties. Nothing is wrong with that.
I enjoy this deck, since nothing is very complicated or broken about it. There are no infinite combos, and very few dirty underhand ways of winning. This deck is fun and not very competitive, so when you crack it out, you will have some eyes on you, but you won't be hated immediately off the table. Play politics too. After all, Commander, to me, is all about having fun
Card Choices
Explore
Getting that extra land out there is always nice, but card draw in green is very rare. Worse case, you get to draw a card.
Sakura-Tribe Elder
A staple in all green EDH decks, he can help you get you ramp on early while providing a body to block.
Sylvan Ranger
A cheap way to bring out some lands, and a small body. Nothing big.
Solemn Simulacrum/
Nothing much to say about the most beloved card in Commander.
Gilded Lotus
Another way to ramp up to Vorinclex, or a big creature.
Seedguide Ash
This is like Solemn Simulacrum, but can find you a mad amount of land when it dies. Insane card.
Caged Sun
An alternative Vorinclex with some pump. When they are both on the field though... O.O can you say, Helix Pinnacle?
Primeval Titan
Do I really need to describe this one?! It's Prime Time, BABY!!!!
Boundless Realms
Yet another way to bring lots of lands onto the field, the only difference between this and the other ramp spells is this is on steroids that are on steroids. You can virtually thin your deck with this card. Follow this up with a Avenger. Twice a week, it's good for your health.
Primordial Hydra
Need something to sink your mana into? Here you go. Awesome in the late game, or if you need something really early. Very versatile and strong.
Predator Ooze
This thing can grow HUGE and hard to remove. Why not have it in your deck?
Thrun, the Last Troll
He is a anti-blue beatstick. Seriously, you can play him, slap on some enchantments or swords and go to town. Let me rephrase that: go burn down the town.
Ant Queen
The Queen has a solid 5/5 body, as well as able to make a whole army of tokens. With the amount of mana you'll have available, then you can make an entire horde and swarm FTW.
Mycoloth
See Ant Queen above. The only diffrence is this one doesn't need any mana. In fact, why doesn't Mycoloth eat all of your ants, and double them out in Saprolings. Oh wow, we're evil.
Vigor
Funny story with this card, someone gave him to me when I was ten. The person said that it wasn't a good card, and he gave it to me. I didn't know much about magic back then, but I loved the art, so I used him for my bookmark, in my binder at school, and sometimes threw him into some decks. A few months ago I opened a book and found him. I danced like a girl This guy wins games for you. All of your creatures can't be touched, or will become stronger. Why not?
Rampaging Baloths
Handy way to bring out an army. And 'Landfall'? This deck rolls that ability into dough and makes a jar full of cookies.
Steel Hellkite
He is handy removal, evasive, and a dragon. Need I say more?
Allosaurus Rider
He can come out really early, but he shines in the late game. With the amounts of lands you'll have, he'll become gigantic. And... it's a Allosaurus. Let me repeat that, it, is, a, Allosaurus. Okay, fine fine ITS A DINOSAUR!!!!!!!!!!!! Winning
Spearbreaker Behemoth
Protection for your fatties, as well as your general. Hard core card, if you ask me.
Mossbridge Troll
The power of your creatures will exceed 10, so his ability isn't that hard to activate. He is a nice power sink if he has a unblockable way to get damage through. Muah, perfect.
Avenger of Zendikar
Love this card. As I said before, an Army in a can. His token ability could have been enough, but nooooo, they had to put in a Landfall ability for us to abuse. I love life
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer
Another beatstick that can grow out of proportions. I consider him Vorinclex's Second in Command.
Forgotten Ancient
From my experience, he tends to get pretty huge. And his ability to help out your other creatures is really awesome. Community concept in a Phyrexian deck. Who would have thought?
Bellowing Tanglewurm
All creatures have evasion? Can only be blocked by green or artifact... soo... other fatties or little robots? HA! Our fatties are bigger, so this basically reads: All creatures you control can attack as they please, and make it back in time for tea.
Wolfir Silverheart
A gigantic one person pump, he is very versatile and came come save a low toughness creature, or give that extra boost to get the last points of damage through.
Creeping Corrosion
Yeeeaahhhh.... Too many artifacts? Just smash them all. Hilarious against Karn decks, I must say.
Acidic Slime
Do I really need to talk about this? It's just a staple in EDH
Terastodon
Take down ANY non creature permanent? And get a 9/9 body? All for 8 mana? How are you not playing this?!
Mirri's Guile
This card can give you some insane advtange. With this on the field, you can almost always make sure your hand will never run out of steam.
Garruk, Primal Hunter
So, let's get this straight. He can produce a creature whenever you need it, draw you a mad amount of cards, AND can create a 6/6 army= to the number of lands of you control. So... Garruk=You win? Thought so
Skullmuncher
Om nom nom on some tokens, draw some cards, swing and beat some face. What's not to love about this creepy.. little... mehhh
Garruk's Packleader
Another way to draw some insane amount of cards. Teehee!! Imagine with Garruk's ultimate ability. Daaahhhhh, so cute.
Yeva, Nature's Herald
BLUE DECKS, YOU JELLY BRO?!?! I can bring out Vorinclex whenever I want, or any creature for that matter. Oh man, we're gonna rule.
Primal Command
Versatile spell. You can gain some life, tuck a graveyard or even your own library, get rid of a planeswalker, but almost always, you use this as a tutor.
Summoning Trap
I use this as a sort of tutor. Since coutnerspells are common, this may get you a free creature for your countered creature. A gambling card if anything.
Brutalizer Exarch
Either a tutor, or a tuck. But mostly a tutor. Synergy with Summoning Trap.
Lurking Predators
Oh, you know, as if we didn't have enough mana to bring creatures out, we have a enchantment that can cheat one out every turn. *Drool*
Fangren Marauder
Lifegain at the most, and a 5/5 beatstick at the worst.
Praetor's Counsel
Vorinclex's other signature card, this card can give you some insane advantage. All of those tutor spells? All those pump spells? Lost creatures with Fauna Shaman? Yeah, you get EVERY ONE back. Like a boss
Treetop Village
A man land to hold off early attackers, or even a late game sink to get those last few points of overkill in.
Llanowar Reborn
Proves some pump. Awesome with Primordial Hydra
Gaea's Cradle
So, just in case you didn't have enough ramp with Vorinclex and his Caged Sun, this land basicly takes Cabal Coffers ability, and turns it on its head and shakes it viciously. There were way too many its in that sentence. But still, this can ramp your some crazy advantage.
Vesuva
I can't really say much about this card. It is a clone for a land. If your opponent has that awesome land you wish you had, oh boy, gimmie gimmie. Or you can even copy the Cradle. By this time, your opponent will scoop with the amount of mana in your pool.
Hall of the Bandit Lord
A way to get out some creatures and make them hit friggin fast. Awesome utility land.
Mosswort Bridge
A nice way to cheat a creature out for cheap. And this is really easy to activate. I mean, you have this land's troll at your disposal. What more do you need?!
Why X isn't in Here
Azuza, Lost But Seeking/Omnath, Locus of Mana
Why aren't these guys the commander? A couple of reasons. Azuza gets hated off immedietly, and only offers giving you the option to play some more lands. How about when you run out of lands? Oops. Omnath, to me, is boring and uninteresting. A blob of green mana is legendary... yeaaahh... Would your rather have a blob lead your army of monsters, or Megatron? And Vorinclex eats Azuza for breakfast, just FYI.
Any others? Just name it! Something you think should be in this build that I don't quite agree with? It'll go in this section. Just ask nicely and you shall receive a explanation.
Well, that's it for this primer. I hope you have fun building Vorinclex. He is really lots of fun and a interesting commander. I promise you, your game won't be dull. If you ever do get bored, then take it apart and make something new. That's the magic of Commander. But I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Any questions? Just ask. Any concerns? Just address them. Any complements? Those are much appreciated! Until next time, this is Rhakee. Have fun, and play on my friend
The thing that stands out most to me is a lack of Cavern of Souls. Even if you do only use it to prevent your general from being countered, it is WORTH it. You're paying 8, best not waste it. I find Explore to be inferior to many ramp cards green has to offer, despite the retention of card advantage, you have to have 2 lands to make it worthwhile even with the draw. You're better off with Crop Rotation, as it can get out Gaea's Cradle should Primeval elude you. You also are lacking Eldrazis, which might be useful to have for draw (Kozilek), removal and staying ability (Ulamog), or recursion (Artisan). Seedborn Muse might make you even less popular at the table, but pair it with Veldalken Orrery and/or Vernal Equinox. I noticed you said green lacks draw, so you seem to be forgetting Glimpse of Nature, Primordial Sage and Soul of the Harvest. With the boost provided by Vorinclex, playing many creatures in a turn is extremely feasible, and should keep your hand fat and happy. Sylvan Library might also help in this department should you feel so inclined. You also lack Tooth and Nail which can be AMAZING with a green ramp. Worldly Tutor also never hurts. With the amount of enchantment and artifact hate green has to offer, Krosan Grip, Naturalize, etc., you should definitely have more. It's AWESOME when you use Grip to kill a top.
Unfortunately, with all these suggestions I'm making, I don't know what you should replace. It really depends on what's working for you in your playgroup and also what's in your budget.
Private Mod Note
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EDH - Animar, Soul of Elements
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"Everything knows hunger.
The beast gnawing upon a bone, the earth waiting the claim that beast's own bones, the plants that scavenge its blood from the dirt.
To feed, to consume, to make the strength of another your own - these are not merely Phyrexian ideals. They are fundemental precepts of the universe!"
Welcome to the Tangle. This was once a place of sanctuary and solitude. A home of green mana in Mirrodin. The copper structure is the closest thing the plane has to a forest. Here, the elves make their homes among the wires and tree-like structures. They lived alongside odd mutations and wise trolls. All of the races and creeds lived in harmony under all of the five suns.
And then the Phyrexians began their assault.
No one expected the ferocious attack on their copper home. The elves and their like fought well. But soon, even the strongest elves turned and ran to the horizon. The influence slowly took the Tangle. Now the Tangle is the prime hunting ground for the Phyrexian beasts. Here they are bred for perfection: to become the fittest hunters. Each hunter striving to out due their competition. But soon the hunters will become the hunted by more evolved monstrosities. They roam and stalk the dark underbelly of the Tangle, locked in a vicious fight for survival. Only the fit will survive. And the different predator's powers grow everyday. But there will be one predator to rule them all. The ferocious titan: Vorinclex.
Over eight feet tall, he is the largest and strongest of the Phyrexian Praetors. His addiction is the chase. His lust is that of the kill. He nimbly moves between the copper trees, tracking his prey. No beast contests his power and ferocity. Vorinclex's intelligence level is questionable. He is very brute and lacks much thought. Or so the other Praetor's assume. Vorinclex actually has a very surpeme mind, able of breaking down situations, figuring out problems, and rebuilding a solution in his mind in a very short amount of time. His quick process of information allows him to stay at the top of his unnatural food chain. His act of aloofness has fooled the others for some time. His anatomy consists of a mixture of organic and metal alloys. He possess long bulky arms and legs, armed with long steel claws. His barbed body is ever shifting, transforming to adapt to any situation. He lurks through the copper jungle, the prime predator of them all. All bow to him. They know who rules this domain. No beast dares to challenge him. Even Glissa, Vorinclex's only true friend and ally, dares not to challenge him to combat.
Vorinclex's beliefs are very simple and straight forward: The flesh is weak. All species should be obliterated, with only the perfect species, the Phyrexians, left to roam. Vorinclex's interpretation of this common Phyrexian belief has evolved into a monstrous cycle of life: All life forms will become hunters, and only the strongest will survive. He soon evolved the Tangle into a ferocious ecosystem of war and a thirst for the hunt.
But his insensible hunger for power did not end there. Whispers of the Gitaxians rumor of planes of existence beyond this metal plane. Vorinclex wishes to spread his form of Phyrexian magnificence across to the other planes. Soon, his unholy crusade for the perfect ecosystem will endanger the entire Multiverse. But who can stop him?
Good question. Very good question. Why on earth would you play a huge, awesome, creatures who can double your mana, lock down your opponent's land, and create a 3-turn clock for your opponent... na, I don't have any clue why you would play him. He is also (in my personal opinion) the closest visual equivalent to Megatron. I rest my case.
You will like to play Vorinclex if...
1) You love green.
2) Want to try something new.
3) Love playing a really powerful general.
4) Love mana shenanigans.
You won't like to play Vorinclex if...
1) You think all EDH decks must have blue in order to win.
2) You think all Mono-colored decks are weak.
3) Want to combo to win.
4) Want to win fast.
8 Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger
Ramp (12)
2 Explore
2 Sylvan Ranger
2 Sakura-Tribe Elder
3 Cultivate
3 Kodama's Reach
4 Explosive Vegetation
4 Solemn Simulacrum
5 Gilded Lotus
5 Seedguide Ash
6 Caged Sun
6 Primeval Titan
7 Boundless Realms
Big Fat Fatties (13)
2 Primordial Hydra
3 Predator Ooze
4 Thrun, the Last Troll
5 Ant Queen
5 Mycoloth
6 Vigor
6 Rampaging Baloths
6 Steel Hellkite
7 Allosaurus Rider
7 Spearbreaker Behemoth
7 Mossbridge Troll
7 Avenger of Zendikar
7 Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer
2 Canopy Cover
3 Blanchwood Armor
3 Whispersilk Cloak
3 Snake Umbra
3 Boar Umbra
4 Forgotten Ancient
5 Bellowing Tanglewurm
5 Wolfir Silverheart
5 Overrun
6 Kamahl, Fist of Krosa
7 Craterhoof Behemoth
Removal (7)
1 Ulvenwald Tracker
1 Hurricane
2 Gleeful Sabotage
3 Beast Within
4 Creeping Corrosion
5 Acidic Slime
8 Terastodon
Card Draw/Advantage (5)
1 Mirri's Guile
4 Harmonize
5 Garruk, Primal Hunter
5 Skullmuncher
5 Garruk's Packleader
2 Fauna Shaman
3 Eternal Witness
3 Lead the Stampede
3 Mwonvuli Beast Tracker
4 Yeva, Nature's Herald
5 Primal Command
6 Summoning Trap
6 Brutalizer Exarch
6 Lurking Predators
6 Fangren Marauder
8 Praetor's Counsel
Alt. Win Conditions (4)
1 Helix Pennacle
3 Genesis Wave
4 Triumph of the Hordes
7 Howl of the Night Pack
Land (37)
0 Mosswort Bridge
0 Gaea's Cradle
0 Vesuva
0 Hall of the Bandit Lord
0 Llanowar Reborn
0 Treedop Village
31 Forest
Our General
Let's break down Vorinclex bit by bit. After all, I think that you should know your general inside and out. Get close and attached to it. Even sleep every night with him on your nightstand... No, just me? Bleh, fine.
Vorinclex, Voice of Hunger 6GG
Okay, off the bat, that mana cost is a problem. 8 mana with no built in protection? Yeah, Vorinclex will eat removal. Your opponent must immediately answer to him the turn you play him, or you'll win. Seriously. I suggest not to play him unless you have some protection handy. Another clever way to go about casting him, is flash him in with Yeva, Nature's Herald at the end of your opponent's turn, then pull some crazy shenanigans. But back to the point. 8 mana? Not too out of the blue. In fact, you ramp pretty hard in this deck, so a turn 6 Vorinclex isn't very far fetched. I've seen decks get him out on turn three. But we're not that intensive. We want to have some fun. When Vorinclex eats that removal spell, you can recast him a couple of times. Once or twice, but after that, without any mana doublers, you will run your bill pretty high. Luckily, this deck doesn't need Vorinclex to win.
Legendary Creature - Praetor
Unfortunately, no relevant creature type, so he has no tribal support. But that is okay.
Trample
Abilities like flying, trample, and deals damage as though it weren't blocked are so important in EDH. Trample especially, can get that extra damage through if chump blocked. The one token method no longer works to stop Vorinclex. If you want to stop him, you're going to have to team up or poop out a creature just as big.
Whenever you tap a land for mana, add one mana to your mana pool of any type that land produced.
Diiirrrtttyyy. Here is where we get into the good stuff. Vorinclex offers your a mad amount of ramp. You may ask, if you're at 8 mana by now, what more ramp do you need? Quite a bit more. In green, you can never have enough mana. He can get your big creatures out in multiples, power up your alternative win cons, and also abuse some of your creature's abilites.
Whenever an opponent taps a land for mana, that land doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
Here is why he will eat removal. He places the entire board on a gridlock. Your opponents must tap their lands wisely. The only way to prevent this is to remove or tuck him, but even to do that, they must tap lands. So either way, you'll get worth out of him. If he has artifacts or enchantments on him, they'll have to tap extra land to get rid of that first. The only other thing I must say about his ability is... muah...
7/6
Oooo.... The only part I don't like about Vorinclex. His toughness. 6 toughness keeps out of the range of most burn spells and removal. However, many common fatties can take him out, making blocking him much easier. 7 power is nice, since your opponent has three turns to take him out. Oh wait, what was that last ability... "Whenever an opponent taps a land for mana, that land doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step." Right.... teehee!
Vorinclex could be called a control deck, but really it's just a aggressive ramp deck. Your first couple of turns are spent ramping like a bamf Your ramp spells get one or more lands onto the field at once, ensuring you have a stable mana base. While your opponent continues to feebly set up and keep up with your tempo, you can start dropping huge threats. This set includes a number of token generators. These can chump block or get some of that early swarm in. Once your mana base is stable and creatures are out, bring out our general.
Vorinclex will die the minute it hits the field. Make the most use of him. Slap on any pump or protection you have to him, and start swinging. That 7 damage will add up, and this deck has a number of ways to make sure that damage gets through. His first passive ability will ensure you have enough mana to continue your mad rampage, and his second ability will stop your opponent from doing anything about him.
But once Vorinclex is gone, what do you do? You have a number of cards that are powerhouses or army-in-a-can. Avenger of Zendikar is an example. He can really change the tide of battle, and he can single handed win the game for you. Triumph of the Hordes is Vorinclex's signature card, making your army of little tokens or that one big fatso into a one turn kill. That card will win you the game. Trust me. Helix Pinnacle is another way to win. Stay defensive while you pour an insane amount of mana into it, winning you the game. Here is another way to win: Genesis Wave. With the amounts of land you have, you can almost deck yourself to bring out all of your creatures. The last alternative way to win is Howl of the Night Pack. INSANE amounts of tokens will be made, and you can swarm for the win. But then again, if all the above fail, you can always just beat face with your fatties. Nothing is wrong with that.
I enjoy this deck, since nothing is very complicated or broken about it. There are no infinite combos, and very few dirty underhand ways of winning. This deck is fun and not very competitive, so when you crack it out, you will have some eyes on you, but you won't be hated immediately off the table. Play politics too. After all, Commander, to me, is all about having fun
Explore
Getting that extra land out there is always nice, but card draw in green is very rare. Worse case, you get to draw a card.
Sakura-Tribe Elder
A staple in all green EDH decks, he can help you get you ramp on early while providing a body to block.
Sylvan Ranger
A cheap way to bring out some lands, and a small body. Nothing big.
Cultivate/Kodama's Reach/Explosive Vegetation
All of the above are ways to get multiple lands out at once. These ramp cards are essential, and never are a dead draw.
Solemn Simulacrum/
Nothing much to say about the most beloved card in Commander.
Gilded Lotus
Another way to ramp up to Vorinclex, or a big creature.
Seedguide Ash
This is like Solemn Simulacrum, but can find you a mad amount of land when it dies. Insane card.
Caged Sun
An alternative Vorinclex with some pump. When they are both on the field though... O.O can you say, Helix Pinnacle?
Primeval Titan
Do I really need to describe this one?! It's Prime Time, BABY!!!!
Boundless Realms
Yet another way to bring lots of lands onto the field, the only difference between this and the other ramp spells is this is on steroids that are on steroids. You can virtually thin your deck with this card. Follow this up with a Avenger. Twice a week, it's good for your health.
Primordial Hydra
Need something to sink your mana into? Here you go. Awesome in the late game, or if you need something really early. Very versatile and strong.
Predator Ooze
This thing can grow HUGE and hard to remove. Why not have it in your deck?
Thrun, the Last Troll
He is a anti-blue beatstick. Seriously, you can play him, slap on some enchantments or swords and go to town. Let me rephrase that: go burn down the town.
Ant Queen
The Queen has a solid 5/5 body, as well as able to make a whole army of tokens. With the amount of mana you'll have available, then you can make an entire horde and swarm FTW.
Mycoloth
See Ant Queen above. The only diffrence is this one doesn't need any mana. In fact, why doesn't Mycoloth eat all of your ants, and double them out in Saprolings. Oh wow, we're evil.
Vigor
Funny story with this card, someone gave him to me when I was ten. The person said that it wasn't a good card, and he gave it to me. I didn't know much about magic back then, but I loved the art, so I used him for my bookmark, in my binder at school, and sometimes threw him into some decks. A few months ago I opened a book and found him. I danced like a girl This guy wins games for you. All of your creatures can't be touched, or will become stronger. Why not?
Rampaging Baloths
Handy way to bring out an army. And 'Landfall'? This deck rolls that ability into dough and makes a jar full of cookies.
Steel Hellkite
He is handy removal, evasive, and a dragon. Need I say more?
Allosaurus Rider
He can come out really early, but he shines in the late game. With the amounts of lands you'll have, he'll become gigantic. And... it's a Allosaurus. Let me repeat that, it, is, a, Allosaurus. Okay, fine fine ITS A DINOSAUR!!!!!!!!!!!! Winning
Spearbreaker Behemoth
Protection for your fatties, as well as your general. Hard core card, if you ask me.
Mossbridge Troll
The power of your creatures will exceed 10, so his ability isn't that hard to activate. He is a nice power sink if he has a unblockable way to get damage through. Muah, perfect.
Avenger of Zendikar
Love this card. As I said before, an Army in a can. His token ability could have been enough, but nooooo, they had to put in a Landfall ability for us to abuse. I love life
Molimo, Maro-Sorcerer
Another beatstick that can grow out of proportions. I consider him Vorinclex's Second in Command.
Canopy Cover/Whispersilk Cloak
Ways to add evasion and protection to your creatures (mostly Vorinclex though.)
Snake Umbra/Boar Umbra
More protection, as well as added card draw.
Forgotten Ancient
From my experience, he tends to get pretty huge. And his ability to help out your other creatures is really awesome. Community concept in a Phyrexian deck. Who would have thought?
Bellowing Tanglewurm
All creatures have evasion? Can only be blocked by green or artifact... soo... other fatties or little robots? HA! Our fatties are bigger, so this basically reads: All creatures you control can attack as they please, and make it back in time for tea.
Wolfir Silverheart
A gigantic one person pump, he is very versatile and came come save a low toughness creature, or give that extra boost to get the last points of damage through.
Overrun/Kamahl, Fist of Krosa/Craterhoof Behemoth
These guys? Global pump for your creatures is simply insane. You can get your damage through and win the game with these guys.
Ulvenwald Tracker
A creature removal on a stick? In green? What is this world coming to...
Gleeful Sabotage
Better than Naturalize, and can turn into a entire board sweep of artifacts and enchantments with a number of tokens.
Hurricane
Sweep the board of fliers, as well as dropping all life totals. Limited time only!
Beast Within
Versatile Removal. Need I say more.
Creeping Corrosion
Yeeeaahhhh.... Too many artifacts? Just smash them all. Hilarious against Karn decks, I must say.
Acidic Slime
Do I really need to talk about this? It's just a staple in EDH
Terastodon
Take down ANY non creature permanent? And get a 9/9 body? All for 8 mana? How are you not playing this?!
Mirri's Guile
This card can give you some insane advtange. With this on the field, you can almost always make sure your hand will never run out of steam.
Harmonize
Ha, Jace's Ingenuity... in green... for one mana less... take that blue mages!
Garruk, Primal Hunter
So, let's get this straight. He can produce a creature whenever you need it, draw you a mad amount of cards, AND can create a 6/6 army= to the number of lands of you control. So... Garruk=You win? Thought so
Skullmuncher
Om nom nom on some tokens, draw some cards, swing and beat some face. What's not to love about this creepy.. little... mehhh
Garruk's Packleader
Another way to draw some insane amount of cards. Teehee!! Imagine with Garruk's ultimate ability. Daaahhhhh, so cute.
Fauna Shaman
Survival of the Fittest on a creature stick. I like it! You can tutor for any answer you need to any situation.
Lead the Stampede
Just a small way to get some more cards in your hand. Not a very big effect. This card can be taken out.
Mwonvuli Beast Tracker
So many search targets, Vigor, Acidic Slime, Craterhoof Behemoth, and oh so many more.
Yeva, Nature's Herald
BLUE DECKS, YOU JELLY BRO?!?! I can bring out Vorinclex whenever I want, or any creature for that matter. Oh man, we're gonna rule.
Primal Command
Versatile spell. You can gain some life, tuck a graveyard or even your own library, get rid of a planeswalker, but almost always, you use this as a tutor.
Summoning Trap
I use this as a sort of tutor. Since coutnerspells are common, this may get you a free creature for your countered creature. A gambling card if anything.
Brutalizer Exarch
Either a tutor, or a tuck. But mostly a tutor. Synergy with Summoning Trap.
Lurking Predators
Oh, you know, as if we didn't have enough mana to bring creatures out, we have a enchantment that can cheat one out every turn. *Drool*
Fangren Marauder
Lifegain at the most, and a 5/5 beatstick at the worst.
Praetor's Counsel
Vorinclex's other signature card, this card can give you some insane advantage. All of those tutor spells? All those pump spells? Lost creatures with Fauna Shaman? Yeah, you get EVERY ONE back. Like a boss
Treetop Village
A man land to hold off early attackers, or even a late game sink to get those last few points of overkill in.
Llanowar Reborn
Proves some pump. Awesome with Primordial Hydra
Gaea's Cradle
So, just in case you didn't have enough ramp with Vorinclex and his Caged Sun, this land basicly takes Cabal Coffers ability, and turns it on its head and shakes it viciously. There were way too many its in that sentence. But still, this can ramp your some crazy advantage.
Vesuva
I can't really say much about this card. It is a clone for a land. If your opponent has that awesome land you wish you had, oh boy, gimmie gimmie. Or you can even copy the Cradle. By this time, your opponent will scoop with the amount of mana in your pool.
Hall of the Bandit Lord
A way to get out some creatures and make them hit friggin fast. Awesome utility land.
Mosswort Bridge
A nice way to cheat a creature out for cheap. And this is really easy to activate. I mean, you have this land's troll at your disposal. What more do you need?!
Azuza, Lost But Seeking/Omnath, Locus of Mana
Why aren't these guys the commander? A couple of reasons. Azuza gets hated off immedietly, and only offers giving you the option to play some more lands. How about when you run out of lands? Oops. Omnath, to me, is boring and uninteresting. A blob of green mana is legendary... yeaaahh... Would your rather have a blob lead your army of monsters, or Megatron? And Vorinclex eats Azuza for breakfast, just FYI.
Sol Ring
This is banned in my playgroup =[
Any others? Just name it! Something you think should be in this build that I don't quite agree with? It'll go in this section. Just ask nicely and you shall receive a explanation.
Well, that's it for this primer. I hope you have fun building Vorinclex. He is really lots of fun and a interesting commander. I promise you, your game won't be dull. If you ever do get bored, then take it apart and make something new. That's the magic of Commander. But I hope you enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Any questions? Just ask. Any concerns? Just address them. Any complements? Those are much appreciated! Until next time, this is Rhakee. Have fun, and play on my friend
Coming Soon
Epic Signature by the one and only Ace in Ace of Spades Studio
Proud member of the Spirit of EDH
BGW Teneb, the Harvester [Primer]
R Márton Stromgald
WUB Dakkon Blackblade
GR Atarka, World Render
{Writing and Rants}
WUBRG The Primeval Dragon's influence on EDH
Unfortunately, with all these suggestions I'm making, I don't know what you should replace. It really depends on what's working for you in your playgroup and also what's in your budget.