Inspired by the teaser for Strixhaven, here's a charming commander.
The activated abilities are needed for color identity, since charms and the like are split evenly across the color pie and we wouldn't want any to feel left out. But I also like them here for other reasons. Mechanically, they leave room for players to leave out a color or two they don't want to play. Strategically, they mitigate the linear, predictable deckbuilding of the first ability by giving players access to utility effects with potential synergies. They even play a flavor role, showing what it might be like for someone from a specific Strixhaven faction to have responsibility for the whole school.
Or maybe I'm just trying to justify an inelegant choice in hindsight. Who knows...
"Mechanically, they leave room for players to leave out a color or two they don't want to play."
ReplyDeletei do not agree with this sentiment. if a commander has more colors, it mechanically and explicitly allows you to play more colours. the only way a legendary creature allows you to "leave out a color or two they don't want to play." is by not having those colors. for an example of this, i will stare in anger at Kenrith, the returned king
i do like how it's "Charming" tho. but i think the text "..., You may choose one additional mode" should have "for free" added at the end to make it actually function (as intended) with escalate and entwine.