Is Brudiclad a Phyrexian? The Truth Revealed
The question of whether Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a Phyrexian is a common one among Magic: The Gathering (MTG) players, given the card’s flavor and abilities. The short answer is yes, Brudiclad is indeed a Phyrexian. This is supported by both his lore and the mechanics of his card. Brudiclad is a Myr-like compleated artifact creature, meaning he was originally a Myr but was then twisted and transformed by Phyrexian oil. This conversion aligns with the Phyrexian lore, which is based on the perfection of biological and metallic fusion.
The Lore Behind Brudiclad’s Compleation
Brudiclad’s story is not one of origin on Phyrexia but rather an introduction to Phyrexian influence. As stated in the given text, Brudiclad was “transported through a time rift from a possible future to Dominaria during the Time Spiral crisis.” This indicates that his compleation happened elsewhere, in a different time. What we know is that he melds flesh and metal in what the lore describes as “glorious harmony,” which is a common thematic representation of Phyrexian values. His ability to transform other tokens into copies of a single artifact token echoes the Phyrexian desire to make all creatures “perfect” through the process of compleation. Therefore, while not born on Phyrexia, he is definitively a Phyrexian being.
Brudiclad’s Phyrexian Traits
The flavor text from the card further supports the Phyrexian nature of Brudiclad. His ability to ‘compleat’ other tokens into copies highlights the Phyrexian ideal of transforming individuals into compliant parts of their machine-like hierarchy. This transformation process showcases the Phyrexian obsession with creating uniformity and perfection. The combination of metal and flesh is a staple of Phyrexian design, which is clearly present in Brudiclad’s visual presentation and his role within the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Brudiclad and his role, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions:
1. What is Brudiclad?
Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a Legendary artifact creature that serves as a Commander option within MTG. He’s a Myr-like compleated artifact, meaning he is part machine and part organic material. He is from a potential future, brought to Dominaria through time travel during the Time Spiral crisis. He is primarily known for his token-generating and token-transformation abilities.
2. Is Brudiclad’s ability a triggered ability?
Yes, Brudiclad has two distinct triggered abilities. His first ability triggers at the beginning of combat on your turn, creating a 2/1 token creature. His second ability is also a triggered ability that activates when combat begins and allows you to transform your other tokens into copies of a selected token. This effect is permanent.
3. Does Brudiclad’s token transformation effect end when he leaves the battlefield?
No, the transformation effect from Brudiclad’s ability is permanent and does not end when he leaves the battlefield. Once tokens have been transformed into copies, they remain so.
4. What values are copied when Brudiclad transforms tokens?
Brudiclad copies the values defined when the original token was created. If that original token was copying something else, it will also take on those copied values.
5. Can Brudiclad be used as a Commander?
Yes, Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a Legendary creature and can be used as your Commander. He excels in a strategy focused on building up a board of tokens, then turning them into powerful threats.
6. How does Brudiclad generate tokens?
Brudiclad generates tokens at the beginning of combat on each of your turns. This ability creates a 2/1 token creature. He does not produce tokens in other ways directly.
7. How do engineers do their job?
Engineers use math and science to solve problems. They apply scientific discoveries to develop practical solutions and innovations that advance how products are used and how tasks are performed. Engineers are involved in all stages from the initial design to testing, modification, inspection, and maintaining structures.
8. Where do most engineers work?
Most engineers work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Some also work outdoors at construction sites or oil and gas exploration locations, where they might monitor operations or fix onsite problems.
9. What is a good strategy for building a Brudiclad Commander deck?
A strong strategy for Brudiclad involves generating tokens rapidly and then transforming those tokens into powerful copies. Using cards that generate treasure tokens or creature tokens early in the game is a great starting point. This allows you to establish a strong early game presence, and transform them into lethal threats during mid to late game.
10. Is Isshin’s ability triggered?
Yes, Isshin, Two Heavens as One’s ability is a triggered ability. It affects other triggered abilities which have triggers specifically tied to attacking. This can double attack triggers from other sources. However, this doesn’t affect non-attack based triggered abilities.
11. How does Isshin interact with attack triggered abilities?
Isshin’s ability causes attack triggered abilities to trigger an additional time. The ability does not copy the ability, but it instead adds an additional instance of the same ability on the stack. All choices made when placing the ability on the stack, such as targets and modes, are made individually for each trigger.
12. Does Aurelia’s ability trigger twice with Isshin?
Yes, Aurelia, the Warleader’s ability triggers twice when Isshin is on the field. Aurelia’s attack trigger grants an additional combat phase and an untap, creating extra attacks for synergy with Isshin’s ability.
13. How does Riku’s ability work?
Riku’s ability is a triggered ability that involves paying a cost upon resolution. It is a cost that is paid at resolution and not a payment to trigger the ability. This allows you to copy spells and creatures at a cost.
14. How does Rionya’s ability work?
Rionya, Fire Dancer’s ability triggers at the beginning of your combat. You create tokens equal to one plus the number of instant and sorcery spells cast this turn. The tokens created are copies of a target creature you control.
15. Is Myriad a triggered ability?
Yes, Myriad is a triggered ability. It triggers when the creature with myriad attacks, creating tokens which are copies of that attacking creature. These copies attack other players and are tapped at the time they attack.
Conclusion
Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a fascinating and powerful card within MTG. His status as a Phyrexian adds a layer of depth to his lore and helps players understand his unique design and mechanical abilities. With the combination of his token generation and transformation skills, Brudiclad provides a potent and engaging strategy within the Commander format, perfectly capturing the Phyrexian theme of compleation.