[07] Illuna, Apex of Wishes: A Little Off The Top (EDH / Commander)

Power lvl: 5,5/10
Complexity: 8/10
Salt lvl: Low
Infinite combos: No
Tutor quality: Low
Webcam-unfriendly cards: None

Don’t let the choice of commander fool you - this deck is not just a “go big” deck. The main way of creating value is topdeck manipulation using either one-off effects (Ponder, Brainstorm etc.) or repeatable engines (Sensei's Divining Top, Sylvan Library). The topdeck manipulation is paid off using cards like Maelstrom Wanderer, Oracle of Mul Daya, Bonfire of the Damned or Selvala's Stampede; even Illuna, Apex of Wishes profits from a nicely sequenced topdeck.

Another large part of value is created using Elemental tribal synergies. Risen Reef is the best tribal pay-off, with Omnath, Locus of Rage, Omnath, Locus of the Roil and Flamekin Harbinger also rewarding you for using Elementals (with Risen Reef, Realmwalker, Flamekin Harbinger and Cavalier of Gales playing into the topdeck manipulation synergies as well). You should be aware of the incidental Elementals included in the deck or created by certain cards, such as Mulldrifter or Nissa, Vastwood Seer // Nissa, Sage Animist.

The topdeck manipulation theme is further supported by the snow subtheme. Marit Lage's Slumber helps you manipulate the topdeck, while Scrying Sheets provide another pay-off. Once you assemble a critical mass of snow permanents, the Marit Lage token provides you with an alternate win-con.

Tips:
1) Most of the deck requires committing to the board to gain card advantage, but be careful not to overextend.
2) Always look for ways to break board stalls.
3) Plan your turns ahead as much as possible, because the deck tends to hog a lot of actual playtime.
4) If you're not sure if your next play will stick, just cast Illuna, Apex of Wishes to draw out hate.
5) Try to have RRR, UUU and GGG mana to be able to cast every spell in the deck.
6) Use Essence Flux and Siren's Ruse to return an Illuna, Apex of Wishes or Parcelbeast mutated onto another creature as 2 different creatures.This allows for additional ETB triggers and serves as a form of a combat trick.
7) Realmwalker, Masked Vandal, Faceless Haven and Moritte of the Frost are Spirits for Essence Flux, as well as Pirates for Siren's Ruse.
8) Set up Miracle Spells (Bonfire of the Damned, Reforge the Soul, Temporal Mastery) to cast even in your opponents' turns using Sensei's Divining Top.