Partner Oathbreakers: A Deep Dive into Magic’s Planeswalker Variant
Yes, you absolutely can have Partner Oathbreakers in Magic: The Gathering’s Oathbreaker format. This opens up exciting deckbuilding possibilities, allowing you to leverage the unique synergies and color combinations that Partner commanders provide. Each Oathbreaker gets their own Signature Spell, significantly impacting strategic deck construction and gameplay.
Understanding Partner in Oathbreaker
The beauty of Oathbreaker lies in its twist on the Commander format, emphasizing Planeswalkers and their signature spells. Adding the Partner mechanic takes it a step further, giving you access to more complex strategies and deck themes. Let’s delve into the specifics of how this works and what considerations to keep in mind.
When you choose two Oathbreakers with the “Partner” ability, you essentially have four key cards in your command zone: two Planeswalkers and their respective Signature Spells. This means you only need 56 cards in your library to complete your deck, maintaining the 60-card minimum requirement for the format.
The combined color identity of your two Oathbreakers dictates the colors of all cards allowed in your deck, including their Signature Spells. This is a crucial constraint, as every card in your deck must share at least one color with your combined commander color identity.
For example, If you choose Will Kenrith and Rowan Kenrith, you can include cards that are Blue, Red, or both. The Kenrith twins are also both legendary planeswalkers, this means the legend rule would apply if another player controlled them, sending one to the graveyard.
Oathbreaker Rules: A Quick Refresher
Before we get into the FAQs, let’s quickly recap the core rules of Oathbreaker:
- Format Size: 60-card decks, including Oathbreaker(s) and Signature Spell(s).
- Singleton: Except for basic lands, you can only have one copy of each card.
- Color Identity: All cards must match the color identity of your Oathbreaker(s).
- Oathbreaker: Must be a Planeswalker (or a double-faced card where the front face is a Planeswalker).
- Signature Spell: Must be an instant or sorcery.
- Banned List: Specific cards, like Sol Ring, are banned to maintain format balance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Partner Oathbreakers
Here are 15 FAQs to clarify further the nuances of playing with Partner Oathbreakers:
Can my Signature Spells be colorless if my Oathbreakers are colored?
No, your Signature Spells must conform to the combined color identity of your Oathbreakers. A colorless card is not part of the color identity of any Planeswalker. They would have to at least be partly aligned with either the color identity of your Oathbreaker(s).
If one of my Partner Oathbreakers dies, does it go to the Command Zone like in Commander?
Yes, both of your Oathbreakers go to the Command Zone when they die, are exiled, or would otherwise leave the battlefield. You can then recast them from the Command Zone, paying the increasing commander tax each time.
Does the “Commander Tax” apply separately to each Partner Oathbreaker?
Yes, the “Commander Tax” applies individually to each Oathbreaker. Each time you recast one of your Oathbreakers from the Command Zone, you only pay the additional two mana for that specific Planeswalker.
Can I use a Background as one of my Oathbreakers if my other Oathbreaker has Partner?
No, Backgrounds are not compatible with the Partner mechanic in Oathbreaker. Partner specifically refers to creatures with the “Partner” ability.
Are there any specific Planeswalkers that are banned as Oathbreakers due to their synergy with Signature Spells?
Yes, Saheeli, the Gifted is banned in Oathbreaker. She was deemed too powerful when paired with certain extra turn spells, creating problematic and consistent strategies.
If my Partner Oathbreakers are different colors, can my deck include cards of any of those colors?
Yes, the deck can include cards of any color that is part of your Partner Oathbreakers’ color identity. So, if you have a blue Oathbreaker and a red Oathbreaker, you can use blue cards, red cards, and multicoloured cards that are both blue and red.
Can my Signature Spell be a card that creates token copies of my Oathbreaker?
Yes, as long as the token is the same type of card as the planeswalker, or creates a planeswalker permanent, and if the Signature Spell is an instant or sorcery, it is legal, provided it conforms to your color identity. Keep in mind the legend rule would apply.
If my Oathbreakers are Will Kenrith and Rowan Kenrith, can I have a Signature Spell that is both Red and Blue?
Yes, since their combined color identity is both Red and Blue, you can have a Signature Spell that has both of those colors. This allows for more powerful and flexible options when building your deck.
Does Commander damage apply in Oathbreaker, and if so, how does it work with Partner Oathbreakers?
There is no commander damage rule in Oathbreaker. The primary win condition is reducing your opponents’ life totals to zero, primarily through Planeswalker abilities and Signature Spells.
Can my Signature Spell be another Planeswalker that I activate as a Sorcery?
No, your Signature Spell must be an instant or sorcery, and it stays in the Command Zone between uses. Planeswalkers are permanents that enter the battlefield.
Are there any cards that can give my Oathbreaker the “Partner” ability?
While there are cards that can give creatures the partner ability in commander, such as “Abilities that you can’t have,” this is not possible for Planeswalkers in Oathbreaker. Oathbreakers must inherently have the Partner ability to be used in this way.
Are Double-Faced Cards legal in Oathbreaker?
Yes, Double-Faced Cards can be your Oathbreaker as long as the front face of the card has the type Planeswalker.
If both Partner Commanders deal lethal combat damage, is the player eliminated?
Oathbreaker is not commander, there is no combat damage associated with Planeswalkers, only Planeswalker loyalty abilities.
Can you have 2 faceless ones as your commanders?
One card, Faceless One, both has choose a Background and is itself a Background. In a Commander Draft which uses Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur’s Gate booster packs, you may use two copies of Faceless One as your commanders (see “Commander Draft,” above). Oathbreaker is not Commander.
If I have two copies of a basic land, do I need to remove one for the singleton rule?
The rule states “With the exception of basic lands, players are only allowed one of each card in their deck.” You can have two copies of basic lands.
Strategic Considerations for Partner Oathbreakers
Partner Oathbreakers introduce an additional layer of strategic depth to deckbuilding. Consider the following:
- Synergy: Look for Partner combinations that have strong synergy between their abilities. This could involve one Oathbreaker protecting the other, or one setting up powerful plays for the other.
- Color Identity: Carefully consider the implications of the combined color identity. While it provides access to more colors, it can also constrain your card choices.
- Signature Spell Selection: With two Signature Spells to choose from, you have more flexibility but also more decisions to make. Consider which spells best complement each Oathbreaker’s abilities and overall strategy.
- Mana Curve: Remember that you only have 56 cards in your library, so you may need to adjust your mana curve accordingly to ensure you have enough early-game plays.
- Format Balance: Be mindful of the banned list and the overall power level of your deck. Oathbreaker is a format designed for fun and interactive gameplay, so avoid strategies that are overly oppressive or uninteractive.
Conclusion
Partner Oathbreakers offer a fresh and exciting way to experience Magic: The Gathering’s Oathbreaker format. By carefully selecting your Planeswalkers and Signature Spells, you can create powerful and unique decks that are both fun to play and challenging to play against. So, embrace the possibilities, experiment with different combinations, and explore the dynamic world of Partner Oathbreakers.
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