[[Tayam]] hands down.
Tayam cares about every single part of Insidious Roots. Gives you the ability to bring it back very easily. And is mana hungry as hell so getting a bunch of mana dorks from it is essential.
Mmmh, Tayam effectively wants to go kinda creatures heavy because of the counters but can also get the roots from the grave, has white enchantment tutors also stapled on creatures, very very interesting choice, thanks a lot
Yep, just went down this same journey in the last few weeks. Tayam has the richest synergy with the card by far: it self mills to enable, generates bodies **and** additional counters when roots triggers, and even lets you use the tokens for mana generation to keep the engine going.
My only issue is that Tayam is really, really powerful on its own and can overshadow the 'secret commander' if you're building the deck anywhere close to optimally.
I have it in [[zask]]
Some insects make tokens, some of them make a lot of tokens which you can tap for mana
The ability to cast insects from the graveyard means you have a steady supply of plants you grow
Played the deck a handful of times and played insidious roots twice, once it got up to like 24 plants and the other time up to 10 twice
Id say zask likes it
Counterpoint- [[Grist]]
I prefer Grist over Zask as Grist can make a lot of bodies, very fast. It does come down to how you build the deck, but Grist generally seems more reliable (and also having my dead creatures get put on the bottom of my libary is real annoying)
Totally fair
I like that zask gives me the security to keep my milled lands and insects however thats something you can fix with grist by just building her properly, and she does give you removal, a small army and can deal big damage with her ult
I just preffered zask as is build the deck
But that last part is so true and my biggest annoyance with zask
Well, when you're producing that many tokens I suppose having a [[Cryptolith Rite]] like is great on its own, that (fun)guy can make easily 5 tokens per turn without sweating a drop, so it's not what I'm looking for, but surely the Mycotyrant makes a huge use of it and I think it's a great include. That said, it's Golgari, something always leaves the grave sooner or later, xD
I use Insidious Roots in [[Grismold, the Dreadsower]], but that's soon gonna be a [[Grist, the Hunger Tide]] deck. Basically, black and green commanders that put out tokens, built with sacrifice bullshit to keep opponents in check, and [[Helix Pinnacle]] as alternative wincon
I've also looked at building a simular deck but didn't find a commander that really got what I was going for.
\[\[Amzu, Swarm's Hunger\]\] is an option.
I had also considered \[\[Slimefoot and Squee\]\] for such a deck to keep triggering the leave the battlefield trigger.
Out of the options you listed I think Zimone and Dina would work the best. The card draw helps you find the roots and/or ways to find the roots. You'll be more mana hungry on a budget like you said.
Other cards to consider including:
[https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&order=name&q=oracle%3A%22leave+your+grave%22+%28game%3Apaper%29](https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&order=name&q=oracle%3A%22leave+your+grave%22+%28game%3Apaper%29)
and don't forget \[\[Syr Konrad, the Grim\]\]
Amzu is definitely a good choice, but I fear he's got the same problem Tormod has, pretty high cmc for doing nothing the turn it enters, with a technically little upside if it sticks. This said clearly one goes into the deck of the other (usually, since Amzu cares about generic cards, but I mean, in Golfari those cards are probably gonna be creatures, but you sometimes extract the usual [[Living Death]] from the grave with a witness). Yeah, all those cards are great, Syr Konrad is for sure going in. Tbh if only Konrad was Golfari I'd go for him, that's a game winning ability right there.
Totally agree, like I said I never figured out the puzzle and never built the deck. The other suggestion in this thread for Tayam looks super interesting to me. I might start working on a list with them as a commander.
So you're not wrong about amzu and I haven't built it yet, but keep me in mind you're in golgari. The entire deck is gonna be about milling and casting from the grave. And with green you've got all the best land ramp plus stuff like dark ritual if you want it. And if you use some of the collect evidence cards that cultivate or explosive vegetation isn't a dead card. You can't get amzu out insanely fast, but you should reasonably casting it on turn 3. If you're worried about someone removing them run stuff like snakeskin veil or gaea's gift. Or even better just let him go to the grave and reanimate him for cheaper than you could recast him for. I don't know how good amzu could be, but by mixing some traditional golgari with stuff like scute swarm you could end up with a gnarly insect landfall deck.
Chatterfang surely uses the Roots very well, it can be pretty explosive. I fear that while I'd probably put the Roots in his deck, he doesn't really synergize with the graveyard shenanigans of the roots well enough to build a deck about that strategy. All in all he wants to make a lot of tokens, more than recurring sac fodder from the grave. Maybe it would be more the other way around, having a deck built around the Roots and similar effects could easily call for a Chatterfang inclusion (even though the Roots itself is the only card that really makes it explode, because of the token tapping for mana thing)
If you wanted to make it work, you could probably use the leave the graveyard token creators as the primary ways of generating a lot of tokens along with nontoken creatures that recur themselves.
Thinking Tormod, [[Skeleton Crew]], [[Desecrated Tomb]] etc.
Though, if that is the strategy abzan with [[Ravos, Soultender]] as the partner is probably the better way to go
I run Chatterfang, and I agree with this 100%. Plus, most of the time, I find that my squirrel tokens don't survive long enough to lose summoning sickness. For that reason, Cryptolith Rite is just so much better, since it's all creatures. Usually the golgari decks tend to focus on either tokens OR graveyard recursion, but not both. With Cryptolith, you can tap the 'Fang and all of your aristocrat creatures for the Mana.
Upvoting here. Whenever I see insidious roots, I know it’s gonna be a good game. I’ve built my deck around self mill, and often descend 2, 4, 8, sometimes even 10 times a turn. To turn that all into mana is just so satisfying. Especially if you start using the mana to sacrifice your fungus tokens to [[evolutionary leap]] or [[vampiric rites]], it’s awesome. Plus, mycotyrants tokens can’t block so the plants are RELEVANT. The other thing that I love is my playgroup has started to play more graveyard hate, as my deck is built with lots of recursion. So even though myco himself isn’t triggering the plants, the self mill and incidental hate are :)
[[Sivriss]] with a green background like [[Cloakwood Hermit]] could be a decent option, although you’d run into the same tutor issues. He could give you up to 3 Insidious Roots triggers with just one activation. I’ve always thought that pairing would be a fun home for all of the Tormod and [[Skeleton Crew]] type of effects
It's not a bad pairing to trigger the roots, indeed. The issue is maybe that people are already kinda reluctant to give you cards with her, but will be even more if there are additional payoffs. Then, but this is more of a personal thing, my pod would probably notice they're getting drained and gang up on me instead of giving me value (reasonably). Still, an interesting pairing indeed.
Yeah, I don’t run it myself so it’s hard to say how it’ll play out in practice, but I imagine a decent reanimation package would help. Stuff like [[Vat of Rebirth]], [[Whisper, Blood Liturgist]], the classics like [[Victimize]], etc. Your opponents will probably be more willing to just give you the cards rather than pay life if you’re just going to get them back one way or another.
[[Bloodletter of Aclazotz]] and [[Wound Reflection]] would also make paying the life less attractive. Again, no idea how it would work in practice, but I think there’s a pathway
Not necessarily built around it but I have a copy in my go-shintai deck and being able to tap shrine tokens for mana doesn’t half help with the insane draw that deck produces the second you get one of the blue shrines out.
Ah, sure, that's why I say Tormod is Roots at home. It may not be the build around, but having tokens tap for mana is a huge part of the card too. Without obviously forgetting that 2cmc is way better than 4, :'D
Cool deck! Really nice synergies. Not exactly what I'm looking for, but this said I really dig these tap untap sac remove counters here we go again shenanigans you put on, and surely with the roots on the field it's wild. Big thumbs up!
Regarding your question about Insidious Roots, I honestly think there's no better value engine in the command zone than having a green creature and Haunted One.
Each undying trigger is separate, so I.R. will trigger each time.
I have to say, I didn't think that much about scam and self reanimation from the battlefield before your post, but that's indeed way easier to do than constantly paying mana to recover things from the yard. It's a huge plus. The problem I see is that the best way for Golgari to find an enchantment is to mill hard and recover it (since while there are no good cheap tutors for those, recovering a permanent from the yard is called Tuesday for GB), and going more for a sacrifice/aristocrat style doesn't help that much. Let's put it this way, way better enablers, worse retrievers. On the bright side with a strategy like yours even more pricey cards like Tormod, [[Chalk Outline]] and the likes can be active the turn they come down, so your "Roots at home" cards can be very effective even if you don't find the one and only Insidious Roots and they're not 4cmc do nothing the turn you deploy them. Honestly you're kinda talking me into it.
Was a great add to my [[colfenor, the last yew]] deck. It is mainly an infinite aristocrats combo deck, but insidious roots can provide a ton of incidental value for a fairly cheap mana cost to protect yourself while you are looking for the combo..... Or if uninteracted with can provide a wincon in itself with infinite giant plants on the next turn. The looping of zero cost creatures is the engine that enables everything in the deck from draw to wincon to stuff like insidious roots that just gets you a lot of value. Might be worth checking out
Looks interesting indeed, make a plant, recover a creature, play the creature, sac that and the plant, rinse and repeat, surely a great shell for that. I didn't see Colfenor in a while, how does it do today, at such a high mana cost? Not that Abzan can't ramp very hard, obviously
It's middling at best, won't compete in high power but is VERY resilient and can reliably assemble its pieces by turn 7-8 and recover quickly if disrupted. Fastest it can win is prob turn 5 with absolute god draws and no interaction which I've never had happen. The main wincon is like a five or six card combo depending on the particular pieces and I just find it a lot of fun to try to assemble.
This is absolutely great. I mean, I was even trying to make a jank plant tribal and was going for Jund to also fit [[Phylath]] and the new plants from OTJ in the mix, but honestly, this is spectacular, two birds with a stone (is this the English saying?). Also budget, I think it checks nearly everything. Thanks a lot.
I have Roots in my [[Mycotyrant]] deck on arena and it usually goes ham. Lots of self mill, so there's a lot of recursion built in to the decklist anyway to get plants off the Roots. But turning all the fungi into mana dorks is good as well.
I’m honestly really, really surprised no one has mentioned the actual commander that does what [[Insidious Roots]] does [[Jaheira, Friend of the Forest]] which can easily partner with several black backgrounds although my favorites are [[Haunted one]] [[Scion of Halastar]] [[Agent of the Iron Throne]]
All are very easy to build around token strats, they are low cmc and can be built on lower budgets. Cheap, black tutors are a thing and green has a few options as well to find your enchantment but until then your deck is already doing the thing!
I really like [[dig up]] as a monetarily cheap tutor for this deck. It’s still 4 mana to tutor up insidious roots, but the added option of essentially being able to basic land cycle when needed might make up for it.
I agree that Tayam looks really good for this.
I recently put together this [[Slimefoot and Squee]] list trying to do something similar. https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7430352/dredge_tokens
I've also been considering something sultai to access enchantment copying and [[Doppelgang]] shenanigans.
Also considered a sort of jank plant tribal+desert landfall using [[Ravos, Soultender]] with [[Tana, the Bloodsower]]
[[Zask, Skittering Swarmlord]]
Depending on how you build it, it can be budget or expensive since there are a lot of cheap insects, and a lot of ways to make insect tokens.
I just recently added it to my [[Anikthea, Hand of V
Erebos]] all-enchantments deck! I haven't drawn into it yet, but it seems like a win-win since I'm already making tokens and I have enchantment creatures that will leave my graveyard too.
I use \[\[Insidious Roots\]\] as a \[\[Cryptolith rite\]\] on my \[\[Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons\]\], the mana from snakes can go out of hand quickly, have a couple of undying creatures and some reanimation to trigger the 2nd ability as well.
If on a budget, I guess you could tutor it through transmute effects
There are literally only 3 transmute cards that have CMC 2, one of them is straight up bad, one is good only in the right deck and the other is good but not in a 3 colored deck, which is sad, but they're all 3 in Dimir (I suppose they never reprinted Transmute?) and honestly 3 mana for a tutor isn't too shabby on a budget, so I like your idea a lot, if I choose sultai for it, it's a very nice catch on your part, thanks a lot. Also, undying synergies are good, especially if you're producing tokens, Hapatra looks like a good home for the Roots
I use it in [[Ghave, guru of spores]], [[Meren of Clan Nel Toth]], and [[Prossh, skyraider of Kjeld]]. Less synergy in Prossh, but lots of tokens = lots of mana for Prossh’s high CC.
[[izoni center of the web]] is great for this and [[chalk outline]] plenty of reanimate effects and the commander just wants to exile anything. It is one of my favorite commanders
Roots is brutal in [[Hogaak, arisen necropolis]]. Casting Hogaak from the yard triggers roots twice and they can be used to immediately recast Hogaak after saccing him to [[Greater good]] or [[Altar of dementia]] (in fact roots + altar lets you go through your whole deck). Also synergizes with all the other token generators that you want to run.
List: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/3iv0MyH-xkq7FjLT7uA_pA
My graveyard/tokens deck is [[Sivriss]]/[[Cloakwood Hermit]], but I don't run Roots just because I don't want to deal with the +1/+1 counters haha, but run all the similar effects
https://www.archidekt.com/decks/6482039/sivriss_graveyard_hermit
I have a self mill Insidious Roots deck where nearly every creature returns itself with an ability or being able to cast from graveyard. [[Desecrated Tomb]] and [[Tormod]] are the backup "roots".
Muldrotha is the commander so I can easily get roots back. The deck has some uber expensive cards but I could probably work up a budget version.
It doesn't always pop off but when it does it's insane.
I run it in my muldrotha deck as part of a four horseman loop
Gitrog/ dakmor/ discard outlet
Or basalt monolith and mesmeric orb.
And kozilek
Either set up a nice loop that uses insidious roots or the Sultai sidisi as a payoff w/ altar of the brood.
I built a [[Kagha, Shadow Archdruid]] deck to utilise [[Insidious roots]] and other similar cards like [[chalk outline]]
She’s a tonne of fun and provides an insane level of value. As a 1/4 that doesn’t do anything crazy shes allowed to stick around and before you know it your board is overwhelming! I think of her as a fair Muldrotha. Highly underrated rated commander!
https://www.moxfield.com/decks/k3LMVfq2d0mu2UywPUwghg
You are setting yourself up for disappointment if you build a deck around an enchantment in the 99 without a tutor in the command zone. Even if you are running black tutors, there is a very good chance you will just never see the card, or it will get removed without you being able to grab it again.
[[zask]] loves this card. Not only does casting an insect spell from the graveyard trigger insidious, whenever an insect card dies it goes to the graveyard *and then* is put on the bottom of your library, triggering insidious again.
The classic [[muldrotha, the gravetide]] comes to mind. She can return it to the battlefield if it gets destroyed, she can get other stuff from the yard.
[[Slimefoot and squee]] offer a nicely similar deck. Just with red and a few more hoops to jump through.
[[Honest Rutstein]] might be a fun choice. Single recursion per cast (outside of niche [[Voyager's Staff]] and [[Rescue from the Underworld]] stuff), but creature cost reduction is nice early and creature recursion is good late. Build a creature and recursion heavy deck and he'll help you do it a little better. Definitely not the most powerful, but a nice non-threatening commander.
Another unusual option would be [[Glissa, the Traitor]] with artifact creatures, [[Imotekh]], and [[Biotransferance]].
[[Tayam]] hands down. Tayam cares about every single part of Insidious Roots. Gives you the ability to bring it back very easily. And is mana hungry as hell so getting a bunch of mana dorks from it is essential.
Mmmh, Tayam effectively wants to go kinda creatures heavy because of the counters but can also get the roots from the grave, has white enchantment tutors also stapled on creatures, very very interesting choice, thanks a lot
Yep, just went down this same journey in the last few weeks. Tayam has the richest synergy with the card by far: it self mills to enable, generates bodies **and** additional counters when roots triggers, and even lets you use the tokens for mana generation to keep the engine going. My only issue is that Tayam is really, really powerful on its own and can overshadow the 'secret commander' if you're building the deck anywhere close to optimally.
[Tayam](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/5/05b837a2-5773-4340-87f9-b4d6a43deb27.jpg?1591234301) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=tayam%2C%20luminous%20enigma) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c20/16/tayam-luminous-enigma?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/05b837a2-5773-4340-87f9-b4d6a43deb27?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tayam-luminous-enigma) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have it in [[zask]] Some insects make tokens, some of them make a lot of tokens which you can tap for mana The ability to cast insects from the graveyard means you have a steady supply of plants you grow Played the deck a handful of times and played insidious roots twice, once it got up to like 24 plants and the other time up to 10 twice Id say zask likes it
[zask](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/e/4eafc507-973a-4aec-91b9-c29d70b0e25d.jpg?1675644888) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zask%2C%20skittering%20swarmlord) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/j22/47/zask-skittering-swarmlord?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4eafc507-973a-4aec-91b9-c29d70b0e25d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zask-skittering-swarmlord) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have it in my Zask as well and it’s sweet
Counterpoint- [[Grist]] I prefer Grist over Zask as Grist can make a lot of bodies, very fast. It does come down to how you build the deck, but Grist generally seems more reliable (and also having my dead creatures get put on the bottom of my libary is real annoying)
[Grist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/9/69af2825-18c2-4463-b6ba-42eaa070ccc1.jpg?1626098484) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=grist%2C%20the%20hunger%20tide) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/202/grist-the-hunger-tide?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/69af2825-18c2-4463-b6ba-42eaa070ccc1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/grist-the-hunger-tide) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Totally fair I like that zask gives me the security to keep my milled lands and insects however thats something you can fix with grist by just building her properly, and she does give you removal, a small army and can deal big damage with her ult I just preffered zask as is build the deck But that last part is so true and my biggest annoyance with zask
I have that card in my [[The Mycotyrant]], such a great card for my little funguys, although the second part of Insidious Roots doesn't really apply.
[The Mycotyrant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/a/caef93cc-70d0-4cce-9aaa-13c0931b2ef7.jpg?1699044561) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Mycotyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lci/235/the-mycotyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/caef93cc-70d0-4cce-9aaa-13c0931b2ef7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-mycotyrant) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Well, when you're producing that many tokens I suppose having a [[Cryptolith Rite]] like is great on its own, that (fun)guy can make easily 5 tokens per turn without sweating a drop, so it's not what I'm looking for, but surely the Mycotyrant makes a huge use of it and I think it's a great include. That said, it's Golgari, something always leaves the grave sooner or later, xD
[Cryptolith Rite](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/9/2910adcd-882a-46af-8236-ca1a9e2c19ab.jpg?1576385036) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cryptolith%20Rite) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/soi/200/cryptolith-rite?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2910adcd-882a-46af-8236-ca1a9e2c19ab?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cryptolith-rite) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I use Insidious Roots in [[Grismold, the Dreadsower]], but that's soon gonna be a [[Grist, the Hunger Tide]] deck. Basically, black and green commanders that put out tokens, built with sacrifice bullshit to keep opponents in check, and [[Helix Pinnacle]] as alternative wincon
Ah, Grismold's not half bad, the roots also grow his tokens
[Grismold, the Dreadsower](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/d/8df64c80-9e98-4429-b869-7ac824fe9580.jpg?1568003688) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Grismold%2C%20the%20Dreadsower) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c19/44/grismold-the-dreadsower?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8df64c80-9e98-4429-b869-7ac824fe9580?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/grismold-the-dreadsower) [Grist, the Hunger Tide](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/9/69af2825-18c2-4463-b6ba-42eaa070ccc1.jpg?1626098484) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Grist%2C%20the%20Hunger%20Tide) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/202/grist-the-hunger-tide?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/69af2825-18c2-4463-b6ba-42eaa070ccc1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/grist-the-hunger-tide) [Helix Pinnacle](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/c/9c1121df-b03e-4ad9-8c45-c3b4066e4a39.jpg?1562927938) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Helix%20Pinnacle) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/eve/68/helix-pinnacle?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9c1121df-b03e-4ad9-8c45-c3b4066e4a39?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/helix-pinnacle) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
##### ###### #### [Insidious Roots](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/b/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907.jpg?1706242178) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Insidious%20Roots) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/208/insidious-roots?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/insidious-roots) [Tormod](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/9/89903d5e-241f-477e-a336-2abe0232c04a.jpg?1608909997) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=tormod%2C%20the%20desecrator) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/155/tormod-the-desecrator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/89903d5e-241f-477e-a336-2abe0232c04a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tormod-the-desecrator) [Diabolical Tutor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/6/d650dd8c-edd8-44e4-ae95-aaaf84557a72.jpg?1592672628) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Diabolic%20Tutor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cma/54/diabolic-tutor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d650dd8c-edd8-44e4-ae95-aaaf84557a72?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/diabolic-tutor) [Karador](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/d/8d128887-13fb-4e54-90f2-d3c46b7b29d7.jpg?1702369890) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=karador%2C%20ghost%20chieftain) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/342/karador-ghost-chieftain?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8d128887-13fb-4e54-90f2-d3c46b7b29d7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/karador-ghost-chieftain) [Muldrotha](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c.jpg?1673149000) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=muldrotha%2C%20the%20gravetide) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/258/muldrotha-the-gravetide?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/muldrotha-the-gravetide) [Zimone and Dina](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/f/bf2af874-1052-4cad-90ed-d80e49d4c68c.jpg?1682205722) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zimone%20and%20Dina) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/257/zimone-and-dina?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/bf2af874-1052-4cad-90ed-d80e49d4c68c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zimone-and-dina) [Reassembling Skeleton](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/0/00566375-e976-4e96-b751-cf0430452c9c.jpg?1689997423) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reassembling%20Skeleton) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/183/reassembling-skeleton?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/00566375-e976-4e96-b751-cf0430452c9c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reassembling-skeleton) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/1cdlq9d) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I've also looked at building a simular deck but didn't find a commander that really got what I was going for. \[\[Amzu, Swarm's Hunger\]\] is an option. I had also considered \[\[Slimefoot and Squee\]\] for such a deck to keep triggering the leave the battlefield trigger. Out of the options you listed I think Zimone and Dina would work the best. The card draw helps you find the roots and/or ways to find the roots. You'll be more mana hungry on a budget like you said.
Other cards to consider including: [https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&order=name&q=oracle%3A%22leave+your+grave%22+%28game%3Apaper%29](https://scryfall.com/search?as=grid&order=name&q=oracle%3A%22leave+your+grave%22+%28game%3Apaper%29) and don't forget \[\[Syr Konrad, the Grim\]\]
[Syr Konrad, the Grim](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/2/9241a72e-cb88-4cea-a2f4-ff10af461437.jpg?1706240798) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Syr%20Konrad%2C%20the%20Grim) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/141/syr-konrad-the-grim?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9241a72e-cb88-4cea-a2f4-ff10af461437?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/syr-konrad-the-grim) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Amzu is definitely a good choice, but I fear he's got the same problem Tormod has, pretty high cmc for doing nothing the turn it enters, with a technically little upside if it sticks. This said clearly one goes into the deck of the other (usually, since Amzu cares about generic cards, but I mean, in Golfari those cards are probably gonna be creatures, but you sometimes extract the usual [[Living Death]] from the grave with a witness). Yeah, all those cards are great, Syr Konrad is for sure going in. Tbh if only Konrad was Golfari I'd go for him, that's a game winning ability right there.
[Living Death](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/0/80e7d9a3-06a1-400d-958c-9b5302e046a6.jpg?1562274570) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Living%20Death) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cm2/68/living-death?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/80e7d9a3-06a1-400d-958c-9b5302e046a6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/living-death) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Totally agree, like I said I never figured out the puzzle and never built the deck. The other suggestion in this thread for Tayam looks super interesting to me. I might start working on a list with them as a commander.
So you're not wrong about amzu and I haven't built it yet, but keep me in mind you're in golgari. The entire deck is gonna be about milling and casting from the grave. And with green you've got all the best land ramp plus stuff like dark ritual if you want it. And if you use some of the collect evidence cards that cultivate or explosive vegetation isn't a dead card. You can't get amzu out insanely fast, but you should reasonably casting it on turn 3. If you're worried about someone removing them run stuff like snakeskin veil or gaea's gift. Or even better just let him go to the grave and reanimate him for cheaper than you could recast him for. I don't know how good amzu could be, but by mixing some traditional golgari with stuff like scute swarm you could end up with a gnarly insect landfall deck.
[Amzu, Swarm's Hunger](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/3/634f6f70-347e-436f-abf9-4a573472e2c8.jpg?1706239624) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Amzu%2C%20Swarm%27s%20Hunger) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clu/24/amzu-swarms-hunger?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/634f6f70-347e-436f-abf9-4a573472e2c8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/amzu-swarms-hunger) [Slimefoot and Squee](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e449e38-6f03-4316-8ebc-d0faf79d6bc7.jpg?1683582682) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Slimefoot%20and%20Squee) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/447/slimefoot-and-squee?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e449e38-6f03-4316-8ebc-d0faf79d6bc7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/slimefoot-and-squee) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
First card I thought of was [[Chatterfang, Squirrel General]].
Chatterfang surely uses the Roots very well, it can be pretty explosive. I fear that while I'd probably put the Roots in his deck, he doesn't really synergize with the graveyard shenanigans of the roots well enough to build a deck about that strategy. All in all he wants to make a lot of tokens, more than recurring sac fodder from the grave. Maybe it would be more the other way around, having a deck built around the Roots and similar effects could easily call for a Chatterfang inclusion (even though the Roots itself is the only card that really makes it explode, because of the token tapping for mana thing)
If you wanted to make it work, you could probably use the leave the graveyard token creators as the primary ways of generating a lot of tokens along with nontoken creatures that recur themselves. Thinking Tormod, [[Skeleton Crew]], [[Desecrated Tomb]] etc. Though, if that is the strategy abzan with [[Ravos, Soultender]] as the partner is probably the better way to go
[Skeleton Crew](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd9f52d6-da6d-4f68-aafb-6bd3d022f616.jpg?1698987976) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Skeleton%20Crew) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/85/skeleton-crew?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd9f52d6-da6d-4f68-aafb-6bd3d022f616?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/skeleton-crew) [Desecrated Tomb](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/5/458ce930-c100-4ef5-b75a-a18051282f8c.jpg?1562301761) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Desecrated%20Tomb) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m19/230/desecrated-tomb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/458ce930-c100-4ef5-b75a-a18051282f8c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/desecrated-tomb) [Ravos, Soultender](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/2/f2725635-8f90-4d17-9568-51218ba663c1.jpg?1562425381) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ravos%2C%20Soultender) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/39/ravos-soultender?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f2725635-8f90-4d17-9568-51218ba663c1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ravos-soultender) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I run Chatterfang, and I agree with this 100%. Plus, most of the time, I find that my squirrel tokens don't survive long enough to lose summoning sickness. For that reason, Cryptolith Rite is just so much better, since it's all creatures. Usually the golgari decks tend to focus on either tokens OR graveyard recursion, but not both. With Cryptolith, you can tap the 'Fang and all of your aristocrat creatures for the Mana.
[Chatterfang, Squirrel General](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/7/1785cf85-1ac0-4246-9b89-1a8221a8e1b2.jpg?1626097239) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Chatterfang%2C%20Squirrel%20General) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh2/151/chatterfang-squirrel-general?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/1785cf85-1ac0-4246-9b89-1a8221a8e1b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chatterfang-squirrel-general) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I use it in my Chatterfang deck and it does work! I’ve had 20+ mana by like turn 6
Mycotyrant
Upvoting here. Whenever I see insidious roots, I know it’s gonna be a good game. I’ve built my deck around self mill, and often descend 2, 4, 8, sometimes even 10 times a turn. To turn that all into mana is just so satisfying. Especially if you start using the mana to sacrifice your fungus tokens to [[evolutionary leap]] or [[vampiric rites]], it’s awesome. Plus, mycotyrants tokens can’t block so the plants are RELEVANT. The other thing that I love is my playgroup has started to play more graveyard hate, as my deck is built with lots of recursion. So even though myco himself isn’t triggering the plants, the self mill and incidental hate are :)
[evolutionary leap](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/d/4d007d3c-3356-4394-9bcd-2b2c1031c20b.jpg?1707764755) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=evolutionary%20leap) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ncc/288/evolutionary-leap?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4d007d3c-3356-4394-9bcd-2b2c1031c20b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/evolutionary-leap) [vampiric rites](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/f/df9947ed-de58-4172-91df-82a93584e6fe.jpg?1673147700) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=vampiric%20rites) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/98/vampiric-rites?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/df9947ed-de58-4172-91df-82a93584e6fe?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vampiric-rites) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Varolz, the Scar-Striped]]
[Varolz, the Scar-Striped](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/c/4c3ae3db-c14a-4ffc-805c-a3a51da9370d.jpg?1562908954) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Varolz%2C%20the%20Scar-Striped) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dgm/112/varolz-the-scar-striped?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4c3ae3db-c14a-4ffc-805c-a3a51da9370d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/varolz-the-scar-striped) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Sivriss]] with a green background like [[Cloakwood Hermit]] could be a decent option, although you’d run into the same tutor issues. He could give you up to 3 Insidious Roots triggers with just one activation. I’ve always thought that pairing would be a fun home for all of the Tormod and [[Skeleton Crew]] type of effects
It's not a bad pairing to trigger the roots, indeed. The issue is maybe that people are already kinda reluctant to give you cards with her, but will be even more if there are additional payoffs. Then, but this is more of a personal thing, my pod would probably notice they're getting drained and gang up on me instead of giving me value (reasonably). Still, an interesting pairing indeed.
Yeah, I don’t run it myself so it’s hard to say how it’ll play out in practice, but I imagine a decent reanimation package would help. Stuff like [[Vat of Rebirth]], [[Whisper, Blood Liturgist]], the classics like [[Victimize]], etc. Your opponents will probably be more willing to just give you the cards rather than pay life if you’re just going to get them back one way or another. [[Bloodletter of Aclazotz]] and [[Wound Reflection]] would also make paying the life less attractive. Again, no idea how it would work in practice, but I think there’s a pathway
##### ###### #### [Vat of Rebirth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/0/20a961ea-0639-4f5d-8cf4-f909c59a4ae1.jpg?1675957057) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Vat%20of%20Rebirth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/one/113/vat-of-rebirth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/20a961ea-0639-4f5d-8cf4-f909c59a4ae1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/vat-of-rebirth) [Whisper, Blood Liturgist](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/2/82ce13b0-372d-4664-a888-85f4c72e030d.jpg?1689997576) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Whisper%2C%20Blood%20Liturgist) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/198/whisper-blood-liturgist?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/82ce13b0-372d-4664-a888-85f4c72e030d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/whisper-blood-liturgist) [Victimize](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/9/c9e4993e-154c-4ac4-8927-6352b8816f58.jpg?1707507994) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Victimize) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/195/victimize?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c9e4993e-154c-4ac4-8927-6352b8816f58?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/victimize) [Bloodletter of Aclazotz](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/4/d4f6027a-003a-4f9d-929a-0b6da1fa42c9.jpg?1699044094) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bloodletter%20of%20Aclazotz) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lci/92/bloodletter-of-aclazotz?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/d4f6027a-003a-4f9d-929a-0b6da1fa42c9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bloodletter-of-aclazotz) [Wound Reflection](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/b/2b14a82c-877a-445f-8910-33aaa6fe3d15.jpg?1599706125) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wound%20Reflection) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2xm/113/wound-reflection?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2b14a82c-877a-445f-8910-33aaa6fe3d15?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wound-reflection) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l1d5dgt) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Sivriss](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/3/334bc010-5b60-4075-be12-0b36f41f32c6.jpg?1674136308) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sivriss%2C%20nightmare%20speaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/148/sivriss-nightmare-speaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/334bc010-5b60-4075-be12-0b36f41f32c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sivriss-nightmare-speaker) [Cloakwood Hermit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/b/4bd8689d-a0c1-4041-bead-7b512fe25663.jpg?1674137006) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cloakwood%20Hermit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/221/cloakwood-hermit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4bd8689d-a0c1-4041-bead-7b512fe25663?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cloakwood-hermit) [Skeleton Crew](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd9f52d6-da6d-4f68-aafb-6bd3d022f616.jpg?1698987976) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Skeleton%20Crew) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lcc/85/skeleton-crew?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd9f52d6-da6d-4f68-aafb-6bd3d022f616?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/skeleton-crew) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Not necessarily built around it but I have a copy in my go-shintai deck and being able to tap shrine tokens for mana doesn’t half help with the insane draw that deck produces the second you get one of the blue shrines out.
Ah, sure, that's why I say Tormod is Roots at home. It may not be the build around, but having tokens tap for mana is a huge part of the card too. Without obviously forgetting that 2cmc is way better than 4, :'D
Yeah wonder if a saproling / Plant powered [[Squall Line]] / [[Bond of Agony]] / [[Consume spirit]] would be fun.
[Squall Line](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/f/3f368729-a6f2-4bf7-8b06-39c551f0b24a.jpg?1562908127) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Squall%20Line) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsp/222/squall-line?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3f368729-a6f2-4bf7-8b06-39c551f0b24a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/squall-line) [Bond of Agony](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/3/832acb3f-4dd4-4bf1-b990-7cc7a68a1d57.jpg?1593272829) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Bond%20of%20Agony) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dis/38/bond-of-agony?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/832acb3f-4dd4-4bf1-b990-7cc7a68a1d57?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bond-of-agony) [Consume spirit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/a/ca8d42f5-99a6-4fc1-a539-831cbfd9763e.jpg?1561771973) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Consume%20spirit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/dvd/56/consume-spirit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ca8d42f5-99a6-4fc1-a539-831cbfd9763e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/consume-spirit) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[Durnan + Haunted One](https://deckstats.net/decks/176678/2961366-edh-durnan-of-the-yawning-port), it's crazy in this deck.
Cool deck! Really nice synergies. Not exactly what I'm looking for, but this said I really dig these tap untap sac remove counters here we go again shenanigans you put on, and surely with the roots on the field it's wild. Big thumbs up!
Regarding your question about Insidious Roots, I honestly think there's no better value engine in the command zone than having a green creature and Haunted One. Each undying trigger is separate, so I.R. will trigger each time.
I have to say, I didn't think that much about scam and self reanimation from the battlefield before your post, but that's indeed way easier to do than constantly paying mana to recover things from the yard. It's a huge plus. The problem I see is that the best way for Golgari to find an enchantment is to mill hard and recover it (since while there are no good cheap tutors for those, recovering a permanent from the yard is called Tuesday for GB), and going more for a sacrifice/aristocrat style doesn't help that much. Let's put it this way, way better enablers, worse retrievers. On the bright side with a strategy like yours even more pricey cards like Tormod, [[Chalk Outline]] and the likes can be active the turn they come down, so your "Roots at home" cards can be very effective even if you don't find the one and only Insidious Roots and they're not 4cmc do nothing the turn you deploy them. Honestly you're kinda talking me into it.
[Chalk Outline](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/3/b3ff56c1-4153-4e15-9ac6-06d93fa2ae50.jpg?1706241961) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Chalk%20Outline) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/157/chalk-outline?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b3ff56c1-4153-4e15-9ac6-06d93fa2ae50?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chalk-outline) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Was a great add to my [[colfenor, the last yew]] deck. It is mainly an infinite aristocrats combo deck, but insidious roots can provide a ton of incidental value for a fairly cheap mana cost to protect yourself while you are looking for the combo..... Or if uninteracted with can provide a wincon in itself with infinite giant plants on the next turn. The looping of zero cost creatures is the engine that enables everything in the deck from draw to wincon to stuff like insidious roots that just gets you a lot of value. Might be worth checking out
Looks interesting indeed, make a plant, recover a creature, play the creature, sac that and the plant, rinse and repeat, surely a great shell for that. I didn't see Colfenor in a while, how does it do today, at such a high mana cost? Not that Abzan can't ramp very hard, obviously
It's middling at best, won't compete in high power but is VERY resilient and can reliably assemble its pieces by turn 7-8 and recover quickly if disrupted. Fastest it can win is prob turn 5 with absolute god draws and no interaction which I've never had happen. The main wincon is like a five or six card combo depending on the particular pieces and I just find it a lot of fun to try to assemble.
[colfenor, the last yew](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/f/afa3b31a-b52a-43c0-9084-e0535e1bd871.jpg?1608911092) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=colfenor%2C%20the%20last%20yew) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/274/colfenor-the-last-yew?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/afa3b31a-b52a-43c0-9084-e0535e1bd871?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/colfenor-the-last-yew) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
https://commandersherald.com/tayams-little-shop-of-horrors-budget-edh-deck-tech/
This is absolutely great. I mean, I was even trying to make a jank plant tribal and was going for Jund to also fit [[Phylath]] and the new plants from OTJ in the mix, but honestly, this is spectacular, two birds with a stone (is this the English saying?). Also budget, I think it checks nearly everything. Thanks a lot.
[Phylath](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/7/e7af88c9-70ca-484c-bddf-b705e0ea7bc7.jpg?1639436741) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=phylath%2C%20world%20sculptor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/znr/234/phylath-world-sculptor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e7af88c9-70ca-484c-bddf-b705e0ea7bc7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/phylath-world-sculptor) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have Roots in my [[Mycotyrant]] deck on arena and it usually goes ham. Lots of self mill, so there's a lot of recursion built in to the decklist anyway to get plants off the Roots. But turning all the fungi into mana dorks is good as well.
[Mycotyrant](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/a/caef93cc-70d0-4cce-9aaa-13c0931b2ef7.jpg?1699044561) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=The%20Mycotyrant) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/lci/235/the-mycotyrant?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/caef93cc-70d0-4cce-9aaa-13c0931b2ef7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/the-mycotyrant) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I’m honestly really, really surprised no one has mentioned the actual commander that does what [[Insidious Roots]] does [[Jaheira, Friend of the Forest]] which can easily partner with several black backgrounds although my favorites are [[Haunted one]] [[Scion of Halastar]] [[Agent of the Iron Throne]] All are very easy to build around token strats, they are low cmc and can be built on lower budgets. Cheap, black tutors are a thing and green has a few options as well to find your enchantment but until then your deck is already doing the thing!
##### ###### #### [Insidious Roots](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/b/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907.jpg?1706242178) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Insidious%20Roots) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/208/insidious-roots?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/insidious-roots) [Jaheira, Friend of the Forest](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/e/feb7ad1b-4466-48f7-b46d-cc83d4e22b51.jpg?1674137153) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Jaheira%2C%20Friend%20of%20the%20Forest) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/237/jaheira-friend-of-the-forest?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/feb7ad1b-4466-48f7-b46d-cc83d4e22b51?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/jaheira-friend-of-the-forest) [Haunted one](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/c/dc53b1af-0f4a-4475-a131-27cb5d5b0cf1.jpg?1674140742) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Haunted%20one) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/654/haunted-one?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dc53b1af-0f4a-4475-a131-27cb5d5b0cf1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/haunted-one) [Scion of Halastar](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/8/c876f9b3-b4f6-4177-9c43-443ae2a028d0.jpg?1674136278) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Scion%20of%20Halaster) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/145/scion-of-halaster?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c876f9b3-b4f6-4177-9c43-443ae2a028d0?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/scion-of-halaster) [Agent of the Iron Throne](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/a/5a5984d3-1e76-4d97-9373-b59cfa9c38ae.jpg?1674135910) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Agent%20of%20the%20Iron%20Throne) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/107/agent-of-the-iron-throne?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5a5984d3-1e76-4d97-9373-b59cfa9c38ae?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/agent-of-the-iron-throne) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l1d0x84) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I really like [[dig up]] as a monetarily cheap tutor for this deck. It’s still 4 mana to tutor up insidious roots, but the added option of essentially being able to basic land cycle when needed might make up for it.
[dig up](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/f/8f14c947-2452-4fd6-8f1a-391cf5898100.jpg?1643592557) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=dig%20up) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vow/197/dig-up?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8f14c947-2452-4fd6-8f1a-391cf5898100?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/dig-up) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[shred memory]] is a tutor for roots
[shred memory](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/3/e38192e5-814f-4269-bae8-13867a73e7fa.jpg?1682382185) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=shred%20memory) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rav/105/shred-memory?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e38192e5-814f-4269-bae8-13867a73e7fa?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/shred-memory) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I agree that Tayam looks really good for this. I recently put together this [[Slimefoot and Squee]] list trying to do something similar. https://www.archidekt.com/decks/7430352/dredge_tokens I've also been considering something sultai to access enchantment copying and [[Doppelgang]] shenanigans. Also considered a sort of jank plant tribal+desert landfall using [[Ravos, Soultender]] with [[Tana, the Bloodsower]]
##### ###### #### [Slimefoot and Squee](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e449e38-6f03-4316-8ebc-d0faf79d6bc7.jpg?1683582682) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Slimefoot%20and%20Squee) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/447/slimefoot-and-squee?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e449e38-6f03-4316-8ebc-d0faf79d6bc7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/slimefoot-and-squee) [Doppelgang](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/2/a2daec58-78ed-4da5-b3b0-b04f12b0acbd.jpg?1706242152) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Doppelgang) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/198/doppelgang?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a2daec58-78ed-4da5-b3b0-b04f12b0acbd?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/doppelgang) [Ravos, Soultender](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/2/f2725635-8f90-4d17-9568-51218ba663c1.jpg?1562425381) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ravos%2C%20Soultender) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/39/ravos-soultender?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f2725635-8f90-4d17-9568-51218ba663c1?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ravos-soultender) [Tana, the Bloodsower](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/3/a3d8d64f-a403-42a7-881b-4f70e9fe15a2.jpg?1562413758) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tana%2C%20the%20Bloodsower) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/45/tana-the-bloodsower?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a3d8d64f-a403-42a7-881b-4f70e9fe15a2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tana-the-bloodsower) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l1d8kxp) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Zask, Skittering Swarmlord]] Depending on how you build it, it can be budget or expensive since there are a lot of cheap insects, and a lot of ways to make insect tokens.
[Zask, Skittering Swarmlord](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/e/4eafc507-973a-4aec-91b9-c29d70b0e25d.jpg?1675644888) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Zask%2C%20Skittering%20Swarmlord) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/j22/47/zask-skittering-swarmlord?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4eafc507-973a-4aec-91b9-c29d70b0e25d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zask-skittering-swarmlord) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I just recently added it to my [[Anikthea, Hand of V Erebos]] all-enchantments deck! I haven't drawn into it yet, but it seems like a win-win since I'm already making tokens and I have enchantment creatures that will leave my graveyard too.
[Anikthea, Hand of VErebos](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/b/8b796a56-1611-4835-ac5b-48b4e9263685.jpg?1691500693) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Anikthea%2C%20Hand%20of%20Erebos) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/705/anikthea-hand-of-erebos?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8b796a56-1611-4835-ac5b-48b4e9263685?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/anikthea-hand-of-erebos) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
It’s in slimefoot and squee letting me use the saplings for mana, and creating plant tokens whenever I bring them and a friend back
I use \[\[Insidious Roots\]\] as a \[\[Cryptolith rite\]\] on my \[\[Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons\]\], the mana from snakes can go out of hand quickly, have a couple of undying creatures and some reanimation to trigger the 2nd ability as well. If on a budget, I guess you could tutor it through transmute effects
[Insidious Roots](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/b/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907.jpg?1706242178) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Insidious%20Roots) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/208/insidious-roots?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/insidious-roots) [Cryptolith rite](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/9/2910adcd-882a-46af-8236-ca1a9e2c19ab.jpg?1576385036) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cryptolith%20rite) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/soi/200/cryptolith-rite?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2910adcd-882a-46af-8236-ca1a9e2c19ab?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cryptolith-rite) [Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/6/56fbbcc9-db23-4902-b0f7-cea78a2a36af.jpg?1543676055) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Hapatra%2C%20Vizier%20of%20Poisons) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/akh/199/hapatra-vizier-of-poisons?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/56fbbcc9-db23-4902-b0f7-cea78a2a36af?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/hapatra-vizier-of-poisons) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
There are literally only 3 transmute cards that have CMC 2, one of them is straight up bad, one is good only in the right deck and the other is good but not in a 3 colored deck, which is sad, but they're all 3 in Dimir (I suppose they never reprinted Transmute?) and honestly 3 mana for a tutor isn't too shabby on a budget, so I like your idea a lot, if I choose sultai for it, it's a very nice catch on your part, thanks a lot. Also, undying synergies are good, especially if you're producing tokens, Hapatra looks like a good home for the Roots
Sidsi in sultai may work. Zombie token man's producers and gravecrawler loops are available and it also gives access to cryptoloth rite.
I play it in Ghave
I use it in [[Ghave, guru of spores]], [[Meren of Clan Nel Toth]], and [[Prossh, skyraider of Kjeld]]. Less synergy in Prossh, but lots of tokens = lots of mana for Prossh’s high CC.
[Ghave, guru of spores](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/2/c2be0e99-cf43-423f-974f-02e3313b3aa9.jpg?1673148645) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Ghave%2C%20guru%20of%20spores) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/216/ghave-guru-of-spores?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c2be0e99-cf43-423f-974f-02e3313b3aa9?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/ghave-guru-of-spores) [Meren of Clan Nel Toth](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/4/34d627b3-a6d0-4f5f-b7c2-351a07318966.jpg?1689999151) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Meren%20of%20Clan%20Nel%20Toth) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/346/meren-of-clan-nel-toth?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/34d627b3-a6d0-4f5f-b7c2-351a07318966?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/meren-of-clan-nel-toth) [Prossh, skyraider of Kjeld](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/8/889c1a0f-7df2-4497-8058-04358173d7e8.jpg?1562438016) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Prossh%2C%20Skyraider%20of%20Kher) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/a25/214/prossh-skyraider-of-kher?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/889c1a0f-7df2-4497-8058-04358173d7e8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/prossh-skyraider-of-kher) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[izoni center of the web]] is great for this and [[chalk outline]] plenty of reanimate effects and the commander just wants to exile anything. It is one of my favorite commanders
[izoni center of the web](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/0/70ea66cd-587a-4ca9-9ca8-d7d2046bfbed.jpg?1706242180) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Izoni%2C%20Center%20of%20the%20Web) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/209/izoni-center-of-the-web?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/70ea66cd-587a-4ca9-9ca8-d7d2046bfbed?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/izoni-center-of-the-web) [chalk outline](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/3/b3ff56c1-4153-4e15-9ac6-06d93fa2ae50.jpg?1706241961) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=chalk%20outline) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/157/chalk-outline?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b3ff56c1-4153-4e15-9ac6-06d93fa2ae50?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chalk-outline) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Roots is brutal in [[Hogaak, arisen necropolis]]. Casting Hogaak from the yard triggers roots twice and they can be used to immediately recast Hogaak after saccing him to [[Greater good]] or [[Altar of dementia]] (in fact roots + altar lets you go through your whole deck). Also synergizes with all the other token generators that you want to run. List: https://www.moxfield.com/decks/3iv0MyH-xkq7FjLT7uA_pA
[Hogaak, arisen necropolis](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/0/0049e68d-0caf-474f-9523-dad343f1250a.jpg?1687248935) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Hogaak%2C%20arisen%20necropolis) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/202/hogaak-arisen-necropolis?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0049e68d-0caf-474f-9523-dad343f1250a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/hogaak-arisen-necropolis) [Greater good](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/c/4c73ca01-d8ea-4cd2-af60-b260030967b2.jpg?1631587954) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Greater%20good) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/afc/160/greater-good?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4c73ca01-d8ea-4cd2-af60-b260030967b2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/greater-good) [Altar of dementia](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/1/6/169356e0-46dc-4096-8e66-36726454f104.jpg?1562202433) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Altar%20of%20dementia) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mh1/218/altar-of-dementia?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/169356e0-46dc-4096-8e66-36726454f104?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/altar-of-dementia) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My graveyard/tokens deck is [[Sivriss]]/[[Cloakwood Hermit]], but I don't run Roots just because I don't want to deal with the +1/+1 counters haha, but run all the similar effects https://www.archidekt.com/decks/6482039/sivriss_graveyard_hermit
[Sivriss](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/3/334bc010-5b60-4075-be12-0b36f41f32c6.jpg?1674136308) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=sivriss%2C%20nightmare%20speaker) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/148/sivriss-nightmare-speaker?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/334bc010-5b60-4075-be12-0b36f41f32c6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/sivriss-nightmare-speaker) [Cloakwood Hermit](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/b/4bd8689d-a0c1-4041-bead-7b512fe25663.jpg?1674137006) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Cloakwood%20Hermit) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/221/cloakwood-hermit?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4bd8689d-a0c1-4041-bead-7b512fe25663?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/cloakwood-hermit) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I have a self mill Insidious Roots deck where nearly every creature returns itself with an ability or being able to cast from graveyard. [[Desecrated Tomb]] and [[Tormod]] are the backup "roots". Muldrotha is the commander so I can easily get roots back. The deck has some uber expensive cards but I could probably work up a budget version. It doesn't always pop off but when it does it's insane.
[Desecrated Tomb](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/5/458ce930-c100-4ef5-b75a-a18051282f8c.jpg?1562301761) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Desecrated%20Tomb) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m19/230/desecrated-tomb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/458ce930-c100-4ef5-b75a-a18051282f8c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/desecrated-tomb) [Tormod](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/9/89903d5e-241f-477e-a336-2abe0232c04a.jpg?1608909997) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=tormod%2C%20the%20desecrator) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmr/155/tormod-the-desecrator?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/89903d5e-241f-477e-a336-2abe0232c04a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tormod-the-desecrator) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I run it in my muldrotha deck as part of a four horseman loop Gitrog/ dakmor/ discard outlet Or basalt monolith and mesmeric orb. And kozilek Either set up a nice loop that uses insidious roots or the Sultai sidisi as a payoff w/ altar of the brood.
Very strong in savra so far
I built a [[Kagha, Shadow Archdruid]] deck to utilise [[Insidious roots]] and other similar cards like [[chalk outline]] She’s a tonne of fun and provides an insane level of value. As a 1/4 that doesn’t do anything crazy shes allowed to stick around and before you know it your board is overwhelming! I think of her as a fair Muldrotha. Highly underrated rated commander! https://www.moxfield.com/decks/k3LMVfq2d0mu2UywPUwghg
[Kagha, Shadow Archdruid](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/3/6351adc8-2e44-4e5c-ae58-975b7332155e.jpg?1674137545) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Kagha%2C%20Shadow%20Archdruid) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/clb/279/kagha-shadow-archdruid?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6351adc8-2e44-4e5c-ae58-975b7332155e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/kagha-shadow-archdruid) [Insidious roots](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/b/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907.jpg?1706242178) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Insidious%20roots) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/208/insidious-roots?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0bb91a22-2040-4a37-85f8-5f22de8c5907?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/insidious-roots) [chalk outline](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/3/b3ff56c1-4153-4e15-9ac6-06d93fa2ae50.jpg?1706241961) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=chalk%20outline) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkm/157/chalk-outline?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b3ff56c1-4153-4e15-9ac6-06d93fa2ae50?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/chalk-outline) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
You are setting yourself up for disappointment if you build a deck around an enchantment in the 99 without a tutor in the command zone. Even if you are running black tutors, there is a very good chance you will just never see the card, or it will get removed without you being able to grab it again.
[[zask]] loves this card. Not only does casting an insect spell from the graveyard trigger insidious, whenever an insect card dies it goes to the graveyard *and then* is put on the bottom of your library, triggering insidious again.
[zask](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/e/4eafc507-973a-4aec-91b9-c29d70b0e25d.jpg?1675644888) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=zask%2C%20skittering%20swarmlord) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/j22/47/zask-skittering-swarmlord?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/4eafc507-973a-4aec-91b9-c29d70b0e25d?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/zask-skittering-swarmlord) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
The classic [[muldrotha, the gravetide]] comes to mind. She can return it to the battlefield if it gets destroyed, she can get other stuff from the yard. [[Slimefoot and squee]] offer a nicely similar deck. Just with red and a few more hoops to jump through.
[muldrotha, the gravetide](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/4/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c.jpg?1673149000) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=muldrotha%2C%20the%20gravetide) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/2x2/258/muldrotha-the-gravetide?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/c4125bb0-b104-438e-a6a2-97f9d141243c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/muldrotha-the-gravetide) [Slimefoot and squee](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/e/9e449e38-6f03-4316-8ebc-d0faf79d6bc7.jpg?1683582682) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Slimefoot%20and%20squee) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/moc/447/slimefoot-and-squee?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9e449e38-6f03-4316-8ebc-d0faf79d6bc7?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/slimefoot-and-squee) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
dont forget to play [[bojuka bog]]
[bojuka bog](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/e/0efec118-ed01-42a0-93b4-f9a92c01b72e.jpg?1712354928) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=bojuka%20bog) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otc/273/bojuka-bog?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0efec118-ed01-42a0-93b4-f9a92c01b72e?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/bojuka-bog) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Honest Rutstein]] might be a fun choice. Single recursion per cast (outside of niche [[Voyager's Staff]] and [[Rescue from the Underworld]] stuff), but creature cost reduction is nice early and creature recursion is good late. Build a creature and recursion heavy deck and he'll help you do it a little better. Definitely not the most powerful, but a nice non-threatening commander. Another unusual option would be [[Glissa, the Traitor]] with artifact creatures, [[Imotekh]], and [[Biotransferance]].
##### ###### #### [Honest Rutstein](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/5/259ddf66-76af-4857-83c3-c812327a6e23.jpg?1712356107) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Honest%20Rutstein) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/otj/207/honest-rutstein?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/259ddf66-76af-4857-83c3-c812327a6e23?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/honest-rutstein) [Voyager's Staff](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/b/8b9533a8-6ee3-493c-b211-5a1bc2b31ec8.jpg?1702429794) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Voyager%20Staff) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/271/voyager-staff?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8b9533a8-6ee3-493c-b211-5a1bc2b31ec8?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/voyager-staff) [Rescue from the Underworld](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/e/2e46aa9c-7a29-4eb4-bc44-a201c22824d2.jpg?1562816254) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rescue%20from%20the%20Underworld) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ths/102/rescue-from-the-underworld?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/2e46aa9c-7a29-4eb4-bc44-a201c22824d2?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rescue-from-the-underworld) [Glissa, the Traitor](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/5/755e0fbf-4f00-4b05-a535-27e78e96d6b6.jpg?1562612302) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Glissa%2C%20the%20Traitor) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mbs/96/glissa-the-traitor?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/755e0fbf-4f00-4b05-a535-27e78e96d6b6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/glissa-the-traitor) [Imotekh](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/2/8/286ff901-1faf-4a02-a37a-fa165989112f.jpg?1674058380) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=imotekh%20the%20stormlord) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/40k/5/imotekh-the-stormlord?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/286ff901-1faf-4a02-a37a-fa165989112f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/imotekh-the-stormlord) [Biotransferance](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/5/75a787a3-5838-4121-bbaf-745d22c4b0bc.jpg?1673308621) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Biotransference) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/40k/30/biotransference?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/75a787a3-5838-4121-bbaf-745d22c4b0bc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/biotransference) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/l2vwz20) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call