Trimmed General Ferrous Will Rock Your Clique

<h6 style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">(<span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brenard, Ginger Sculptor" href="#" target="_blank">Brenard, Ginger Sculptor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> | Art by</span> <a href="https://martanael.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Marta Nael</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></h6>
<h1><span style="font-weight: 400;">Building Aristocrats Without Black Mana</span></h1>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/aristocrats">Aristocrats</a> is one of the most popular themes in all of Commander, with thirteen different color combinations popping up on its page. However, while six of the three-color combinations feature here, Bant does not. It makes sense; this color combination doesn't feature black (a hallmark of Aristocrat decks) and features in each color combination on the <a href="https://edhrec.com/themes/aristocrats">Aristocrats page</a>. That said, as the game evolves, we're getting more and more options. <em>Magic's</em> latest set may have given us the perfect legend to build around.</span></p>
<hr />
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Give my compliments to the chef!</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Brenard, Ginger Sculptor" href="#" target="_blank">Brenard, Ginger Sculptor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a very <a href="https://commanderspellbook.com/search/?q=brenard">unique card</a>. It cares about Food and Golems, but it lets you lean into both types since the tokens it create are both creature types. At first, I thought the Golem build-around would be mostly flavor text and I would rather build around sacrificing value creatures. But dang, Golems work <em>so well</em> with this card. Just be sure as you look at the page for this commander that you're able to sort through the noise. With so many decks to this commander's name already, it's helpful to filter for others who are <a href="https://edhrec.com/commanders/brenard-ginger-sculptor/sacrifice">building sacrifice decks with EDHRECs filters</a>.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Brenard, Ginger Sculptor"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Specifically, these sacrifice decks utilize the “Splicers”, or cards that create Golem tokens when they enter. These cards have insignificant bodies that are easy to sacrifice, and a powerful EtB that creates Golems that are pumped by our commander. These cards can put so much power on the battlefield and generate a Golem's-ton of value. A bunch of them even grant extra abilities to your other Golems.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Wing Splicer" href="#" target="_blank">Wing Splicer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blade Splicer" href="#" target="_blank">Blade Splicer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Master Splicer" href="#" target="_blank">Master Splicer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and more benefit the tokens they create, but also any of the tokens our commander makes. Often, the more niche tribes such as Golems don't have any good finishers, but the same can't be said here. If the value itself isn't enough to end the game. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Triniform" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Triniform</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Triplicate Titan" href="#" target="_blank">Triplicate Titan</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can create an entire board state out of nowhere when combined with our sacrifice outlets.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Wing Splicer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Triplicate Titan"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reaching Beyond the Staples</span></h2>
<p><strong>What we lose:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Well, I won't lie... playing in this combination of colors we lose a lot. First, we lose some of the best sacrifice outlets. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Viscera Seer" href="#" target="_blank">Viscera Seer</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> still holds up today as one of the best and cheapest free outlets. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Carrion Feeder" href="#" target="_blank">Carrion Feeder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> fills the same role and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Woe Strider" href="#" target="_blank">Woe Strider</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> features as both of the aforementioned card's big brother. However, with many strong artifact options, I think this is likely the area where we lose the least by not playing black.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Viscera Seer"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Carrion Feeder"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Woe Strider"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Losing the payoffs are where it really hurts. One of the strengths of these decks is that they can easily win outside of combat with <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blood Artist" href="#" target="_blank">Blood Artist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Zulaport Cutthroat" href="#" target="_blank">Zulaport Cutthroat</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. We lose out on these as well as some of the payoffs that reward us for sacrificing creatures like <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mayhem Devil" href="#" target="_blank">Mayhem Devil</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> or <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Morbid Opportunist" href="#" target="_blank">Morbid Opportunist</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blood Artist"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mayhem Devil"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Morbid Opportunist"></div></div>
<p><strong>What we still have:</strong></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't worry though. With the artifact options we do have, I don't think we can complain too much. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Phyrexian Altar" href="#" target="_blank">Phyrexian Altar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Ashnod&#039;s Altar" href="#" target="_blank">Ashnod&#039;s Altar</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are classics and still all-stars in any Aristocrats deck. Not only is it free to sacrifice the creatures, but it's also mana-positive; These cards can quickly repay the cost that was spent to cast them.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Phyrexian Altar"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Ashnod&#039;s Altar"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Other outlets work well specifically with this deck's strategy. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Pyre of Heroes" href="#" target="_blank">Pyre of Heroes</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Birthing Pod" href="#" target="_blank">Birthing Pod</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are both limited to once per turn, but with the Golem strategy they both work well to enable our commander and create even more board presence.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Birthing Pod"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Pyre of Heroes"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Blasting Station" href="#" target="_blank">Blasting Station</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> looks like it only works once per turn, but as long as we have non-token creatures alongside our commander then we can activate it as much as we like. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Skullclamp" href="#" target="_blank">Skullclamp</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is an interesting card in that even though our commander makes 1/1 tokens, it also pumps them up. This means it's not a sacrifice outlet itself until our commander dies, but that doesn't mean you can't combine it with the deck's other outlets to draw insane amounts of cards.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Blasting Station"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Skullclamp"></div></div>
<hr />
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who Even Needs a Sacrifice Outlet?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sacrifice outlets <em>can</em> be overrated. Many of the best creatures in the format sacrifice themselves for a benefit. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Selfless Spirit" href="#" target="_blank">Selfless Spirit</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Sakura-Tribe Elder" href="#" target="_blank">Sakura-Tribe Elder</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are two of the most-played creatures in the format and they do double duty in our deck as creatures that can trigger our commander's ability on their own.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Selfless Spirit"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Sakura-Tribe Elder"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Evoke as a mechanic works great with any deck that cares about creatures dying. You can pay the cheaper cost of <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Mulldrifter" href="#" target="_blank">Mulldrifter</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and draw double the cards for a cheaper cost. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Reclamation Sage" href="#" target="_blank">Reclamation Sage</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is a staple for a reason, but we can find the same effect with Evoke on <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Foundation Breaker" href="#" target="_blank">Foundation Breaker</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>. </span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Foundation Breaker"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Mulldrifter"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Evoke mechanic's infamous cards are the <em>Modern Horizons 2</em> cycle of free cards, two of which, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Solitude" href="#" target="_blank">Solitude</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Subtlety" href="#" target="_blank">Subtlety</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span>, are both well worth it in this deck. The card disadvantage is mitigated by the ability to double up the trigger and still keep the creature with our commander's ability.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Solitude"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Subtlety"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So we can get by without some of the staples, but what are we gaining from playing these colors?</span></p>
<hr />
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">But What Are The Pros of Playing Bant?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not only is it fun to build around an archetype that isn't traditionally supported, but this color combination also gives us a lot of interesting synergies. First off, one of the most unique aspects of this card is that it is one of the few commanders that cares about food.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food has gotten an insane amount of support since its original token appearance four years ago. Much of this support is within Bant colors. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Academy Manufactor" href="#" target="_blank">Academy Manufactor</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> just keeps getting better and better and is a perfect fit for this deck. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Motivated Pony" href="#" target="_blank">Motivated Pony</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> can really pack a punch and put a ton of power on the board out of nowhere. <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Night of the Sweets&#039; Revenge" href="#" target="_blank">Night of the Sweets&#039; Revenge</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> is not only one of the greatest card names in history, but it also does a little bit of everything. It's a mana rock and comes with a Food that also allows all of our Food to tap for mana. Once we have our deck fully built out, it can become a win condition.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Academy Manufactor"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Motivated Pony"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Night of the Sweets&#039; Revenge"></div></div>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Token-doublers are expensive because they can have a game-warping effect. If it's in your budget, <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Anointed Procession" href="#" target="_blank">Anointed Procession</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> and <span class="edhrecp__link"><a class="edhrecp__link-a" content="Doubling Season" href="#" target="_blank">Doubling Season</a><span class="edhrecp__link-image"></span></span> are all-stars in this deck. Not only do they work well with our commander's ability, but they also work so well with all the Golem tokens we are creating.</span></p>
<div class="edhrecp__cards"><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Anointed Procession"></div><div class="edhrecp__card-container" name="Doubling Season"></div></div>
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<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Conclusion</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This deck takes advantage of so many different mechanics and cards in unique ways. What ways have you built around this new card? Let me know in the comments.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out the full deck below!</span></p>
<p><div class="edhrecp__deck mtgh"><span class="edhrecp__deck-s" name="Aristo-Food" site="edhrec" archidekt_link="" cards=""></span></div></p>
<p>[Commander]</p>
<p>*1 Brenard, Ginger Sculptor</p>
<p>[/Commander]</p>
<p>[Lands]</p>
<p>*1 Command Tower</p>
<p>*1 Spara's Headquarters</p>
<p>*1 Rejuvenating Springs</p>
<p>*1 Hallowed Fountain</p>
<p>*1 Temple Garden</p>
<p>*1 Breeding Pool</p>
<p>*1 Bountiful Promenade</p>
<p>*1 Sea of Clouds</p>
<p>*1 Misty Rainforest</p>
<p>*1 Flooded Strand</p>
<p>*1 Windswept Heath</p>
<p>*1 Dreamroot Cascade</p>
<p>*1 Overgrown Farmland</p>
<p>*1 Deserted Beach</p>
<p>*1 Myriad Landscape</p>
<p>*1 Krosan Verge</p>
<p>*1 High Market</p>
<p>*1 Boseiju, Who Endures</p>
<p>*1 Otawara, Soaring City</p>
<p>*1 Branchloft Pathway</p>
<p>*1 Barkchannel Pathway</p>
<p>*1 Hengegate Pathway</p>
<p>*1 Yavimaya Coast</p>
<p>*1 Brushland</p>
<p>*1 Adakar Wastes</p>
<p>*3 Islands</p>
<p>*5 Forests</p>
<p>*3 Plains</p>
<p>[/Lands]</p>
<p>[Creatures]</p>
<p>*1 Wing Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Blade Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Sensor Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Motivated Pony</p>
<p>*1 Ich-Tekik, Salvage Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Master Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Darksteel Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Academy Manufactor</p>
<p>*1 Solemn Simulacrum</p>
<p>*1 Malcator, Purity Overseer</p>
<p>*1 Sakura-Tribe Elder</p>
<p>*1 Mulldrifter</p>
<p>*1 Vital Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Gilded Goose</p>
<p>*1 Triplicate Titan</p>
<p>*1 Maul Splicer</p>
<p>*1 Phyrexian Triniform</p>
<p>*1 Selfless Spirit</p>
<p>*1 Rootwire Amalgam</p>
<p>*1 Meteor Golem</p>
<p>*1 Thought Monitor</p>
<p>*1 Foundation Breaker</p>
<p>*1 Cankerbloom</p>
<p>*1 Ancient Stone Idol</p>
<p>*1 Eternal Witness</p>
<p>*1 Esper Sentinel</p>
<p>*1 Cradle Clearcutter</p>
<p>*1 Solitude</p>
<p>*1 Subtlety</p>
<p>[/Creatures]</p>
<p>[Enchantments]</p>
<p>*1 Anointed Procession</p>
<p>*1 Fanatical Devotion</p>
<p>*1 Parallel Lives</p>
<p>*1 Trail of Crumbs</p>
<p>*1 Evolutionary Leap</p>
<p>*1 Night of Sweets' Revenge</p>
<p>*1 Greater Good</p>
<p>[/Enchantments]</p>
<p>[Artifacts]</p>
<p>*1 Sol Ring</p>
<p>*1 Arcane Signet</p>
<p>*1 Skull Clamp</p>
<p>*1 Birthing Pod</p>
<p>*1 Pyre of Heroes</p>
<p>*1 Blasting Station</p>
<p>*1 Phyrexian Altar</p>
<p>*1 Ashnod's Altar</p>
<p>[/Artifacts]</p>
<p>[Instants]</p>
<p>*1 Swords to Plowshares</p>
<p>*1 Generous Gift</p>
<p>*1 Beast Within</p>
<p>*1 Cyclonic Rift</p>
<p>*1 Fierce Guardianship</p>
<p>*1 Swan Song</p>
<p>*1 Arcane Denial</p>
<p>*1 Flawless Maneuver</p>
<p>[/Instants]</p>
<p>[Sorceries]</p>
<p>*1 Farseek</p>
<p>*1 Neoform</p>
<p>*1 Nature's Lore</p>
<p>*1 Three Visits</p>
<p>*1 Rampant Growth</p>
<p>*1 Cultivate</p>
<p>*1 Kodama's Reach</p>
<p>*1 Organic Extrinction</p>
<p>*1 Hour of Reckoning</p>
<p>*1 March of Progress</p>
<p>*1 Thought Cast</p>
<p>[/Sorceries]</p>
<p>[/Deck]</p>

<h3>Read more:</h3>
<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="gnyg54z4hH"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/do-your-worst-mono-blue-aristocrats/">Do Your Worst - Mono-Blue Aristocrats</a></p></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="ki44XAyKxC"><p><a href="https://edhrec.com/articles/commander-mechanic-building-aristocrats-in-commander-start-here/">Commander Mechanic - Building Aristocrats in Commander? Start Here!</a></p></blockquote>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; visibility: hidden;" title="&#8220;Commander Mechanic - Building Aristocrats in Commander? Start Here!&#8221; &#8212; EDHREC" src="https://edhrec.com/articles/commander-mechanic-building-aristocrats-in-commander-start-here/embed/#?secret=KyfZIiAAQu#?secret=ki44XAyKxC" data-secret="ki44XAyKxC" width="500" height="282" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>


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