MTG > Metagame Commander > deck Vela the Night-Clad

Strategy

### Commander Deck: Vela the Night-Clad **Commander:** Vela the Night-Clad **Strategy Overview:** Vela the Night-Clad is a powerful Dimir (blue-black) commander that capitalizes on creating and sacrificing tokens to control the board and deal damage to opponents. The deck focuses on generating zombie tokens, utilizing sacrifice outlets, and leveraging Vela's ability to deal damage when creatures leave the battlefield. The synergy between token generation and sacrifice effects allows you to create a formidable board presence while also applying pressure on your opponents. **Key Strategies:** 1. **Token Generation:** Cards like **Army of the Damned**, **Gisa and Geralf**, and **Grave Titan** provide a steady stream of zombie tokens. These tokens can be used to attack, block, or be sacrificed for additional effects. 2. **Sacrifice Outlets:** Utilize cards like **Altar of Dementia** and **Havengul Lich** to sacrifice your tokens for value. Altar of Dementia can mill opponents while Havengul Lich can bring back key creatures from your graveyard. 3. **Damage through Sacrifice:** Vela's ability to deal damage when creatures you control leave the battlefield allows you to finish off opponents quickly, especially when combined with mass token generation. 4. **Control Elements:** Include counterspells and removal to protect your strategy. Cards like **Necromantic Selection** can help clear the board while also providing you with additional creatures. 5. **Life Drain:** Cards like **Exsanguinate** and **Zulaport Cutthroat** can help drain life from opponents, turning your board presence into a win condition. **Good Points:** - **Versatile Strategy:** The deck can adapt to various playstyles, whether you want to swarm the board with tokens, control the game, or drain life. - **Strong Late Game:** With cards like **Grave Titan** and **Army of the Damned**, you can create overwhelming board states that can be difficult for opponents to overcome. - **Value Generation:** Many cards provide value when sacrificed or when they die, allowing you to maintain card advantage. **Bad Points:** - **Reliance on Tokens:** If your token generation is disrupted, your strategy can falter. Cards that exile or wipe the board can be particularly problematic. - **Vulnerability to Removal:** Vela herself is a key part of your strategy, and if she is removed early, it can hinder your ability to deal damage effectively. - **Slow Start:** The deck may struggle in the early game if you don't draw enough mana sources or token generators, making it difficult to establish board presence quickly. **Sample Card Interactions:** - **Vela + Army of the Damned:** Create a large number of zombie tokens, then attack to trigger Vela's ability multiple times. - **Havengul Lich + Clone:** Use Clone to copy a powerful creature in your graveyard, then sacrifice it for additional value. - **Exsanguinate + Zulaport Cutthroat:** Drain life from all opponents while triggering Zulaport Cutthroat's ability for additional damage. **Conclusion:** Vela the Night-Clad offers a unique blend of token generation, sacrifice mechanics, and life drain strategies. While it has some vulnerabilities, with careful play and strategic card choices, it can be a formidable force in any Commander game. Embrace the shadows and let your army of the night overwhelm your opponents!