Immersed in Twilight - Implements of cEDH S2E7 - Tovolar v Kinnan v Jeska/Ikra v Tevesh/Ishai

Deck Strategies

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  Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy

  Ramp aggressively with mana dorks to generate large amounts of mana and then use infinite mana combos involving Basalt Monolith and mana outlets to win.

• 

  Tovolar, Dire Overlord

  Utilize Daybound/Nightbound to transform into Tovolar, the Midnight Scourge, enabling card draw and infinite mana combos with werewolves to control the board and finish the game.

• 

  Jeska, Thrice Reborn

  Play a midrange deck focused on generating infinite mana or leveraging Magecraft triggers to combo off for a game-winning sequence.

• 

  Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper

  Support Jeska’s midrange plan with lifegain and control elements that protect combo pieces and extend the game toward a combo win.

• 

  Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools

  Deploy stax elements and value creatures to disrupt opponents’ mana and spells while slowly gaining advantage and setting up combo or control finishers.

• 

  Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker

  Focus on incremental value from combat damage and spellcasting, leveraging stax and taxing effects to slow down opponents and win through attrition.

Gameplay Insights

• 1

  The use of Force of Vigor to destroy mana acceleration artifacts like Mana Vault at the right moment significantly disrupted Tevesh’s game plan.

• 2

  Root Maze was a major factor in slowing down mana development affecting multiple players, forcing them to adapt their strategies and timing.

• 3

  Players engaged in political negotiation to leverage Dockside Extortionist’s treasures and sharpshooter interactions, showcasing complex multiplayer dynamics.

• 4

  The Daybound/Nightbound mechanic on Tovolar was a crucial engine that allowed card draw and infinite mana generation once night fell, serving as a late-game power spike.

• 5

  Jeska’s gamble and tutoring for combo pieces indicated a focused attempt to break the game wide open, but the presence of stax and removal kept these attempts in check.

• 6

  Strategic timing of attacks and pings to manage board state and commander damage was pivotal in maintaining pressure without overcommitting.

Notable Cards

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  Root Maze

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  Mana Vault

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  Goblin Sharpshooter

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  Dockside Extortionist

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  Force of Vigor

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  Gamble

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  Green Sun's Zenith

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  Bloom Tender

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  Paladin Class

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  Village Messenger // Moonrise Intruder

Summary

The game started with players developing their mana bases and setting up early board presence while navigating the disruptive Root Maze enchantment that slowed down mana acceleration. Kinnan, Bonder Prodigy focused on ramping quickly with dorks to generate big mana aiming for infinite combos, while Tovolar utilized werewolves and the Daybound/Nightbound mechanic to draw cards and combo out once nightfall triggered. Jeska, Thrice Reborn and Ikra Shidiqi employed a midrange strategy leveraging infinite mana and Magecraft synergies as a win condition. Meanwhile, Tevesh Szat and Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker played stax elements and incremental value creatures to control the board and out-resource opponents. Key moments included a disruptive Force of Vigor cast against a Time Twister that hindered Tevesh’s plans, and several combat phases where players exchanged blows and pinged down key creatures. Jeska’s gamble and Ancient Tutoring for combo pieces hinted at an impending kill, but opposing players’ interaction and political maneuvers slowed him down. Root Maze and various stax pieces like Dockside Extortionist created tension and forced players to carefully time their actions. In the late midgame, Tovolar’s ability to draw cards and generate infinite mana outlets started to tip the balance, pressing opponents and forcing them into defensive plays. The game’s turning point revolved around Tovolar leveraging infinite mana and card draw engines, while Jeska and Kinnan sought infinite mana combos for lethal damage. Political plays and targeted removal attempts kept the board in flux, but ultimately the player piloting Tovolar capitalized on the synergy between werewolves and mana generation to secure a win through overwhelming board presence or combo finish.