In the format of Pauper EDH, also known as PDH, creativity thrives within strict deck-building limitations. With only commons in the 99 and an uncommon commander, players must rely on synergy, interaction, and strategy rather than high-cost staples. Among the many intriguing commanders available,Quintorius, Field Historianstands out as a powerful yet accessible choice. His ability to generate 3/2 red and white Spirit creature tokens whenever a card leaves the graveyard offers numerous possibilities for value-based decks, particularly those that can recycle or exile cards from their own graveyard. A Quintorius Pauper EDH deck can be both explosive and controlling, making it a satisfying and competitive option for casual play.
Understanding Quintorius, Field Historian
Commander Profile
Quintorius is a red-white (Boros) commander with a converted mana cost of five (3RW). He gives all your Spirit creatures +1/+0, turning his 3/2 tokens into threatening 4/2 attackers. His key triggered ability creating a Spirit token whenever a card leaves your graveyard is the heart of the deck and opens up various interactions with flashback, escape, unearth, and self-exile cards. While Boros is typically viewed as an aggressive color pair, Quintorius encourages a more midrange or value-centric playstyle.
What Makes Him Ideal for Pauper EDH?
Because Pauper EDH limits the pool of cards to commons, the ability to get recurring value from graveyard mechanics becomes a major asset. Quintorius allows for repeated creature generation, especially in a format where board presence is critical. He also turns otherwise mediocre graveyard utility spells into Spirit-generating engines. His synergy with spells that self-exile for added effect is particularly important when building a Pauper EDH deck around him.
Core Strategies for the Deck
Graveyard Utilization
The core strategy revolves around ensuring cards enter and exit your graveyard efficiently. This includes:
- Flashback Spells: Cards likeBattle ScreechorRally the Peasantsoffer value twice while triggering Quintorius’s ability.
- Unearth Creatures: These creatures return to the battlefield temporarily before being exiled, providing value and triggering your token generation.
- Exile for Effect: Cards such asPrismatic StrandsorFaithless Lootingexile themselves as part of their cost or resolution, activating Quintorius’s token production.
Token Synergy
Since Quintorius creates Spirit tokens, the deck naturally includes a sub-theme of token support. Cards that benefit from or enhance tokens play a key role:
- Mass Pump Effects: Spells likeTrumpet BlastorInspire Awehelp turn your Spirits into game-ending threats.
- Sacrifice Outlets: Cards likeFanatical Devotionallow you to convert tokens into protection or utility.
- Anthems: Some commons provide bonuses to all creatures or all tokens, increasing your swarm’s lethality.
Key Cards for the 99
Card Draw and Filtering
- Faithless Looting: Flashback and looting effect makes this a premium draw spell.
- Cathartic ReunionandThrill of Possibility: Help fill your graveyard and dig through your deck.
- Loot Discard Engines: Tormenting VoiceorSeize the Spoilscontribute to graveyard filling and mana ramp.
Graveyard Manipulation
- Ghitu Chronicler: Returns a spell to hand and exiles itself perfect synergy.
- Lava Dart: Sacrifices a land and exiles itself to deal damage.
- Skirt the Skies: An example of a spell with rebound or exile-on-use effects.
Token Generation and Swarm Support
- Krenko’s CommandandRaise the Alarm: Efficient ways to create more bodies.
- Dragon Fodder: A red staple for going wide early.
- Triplicate Spirits: High mana cost, but often reduced by your token density.
Utility and Protection
- Prismatic Strands: Can be reused and exiles from graveyard, offering both defense and token synergy.
- Gods WillingorSheltering Light: Protect your commander or key creatures.
- SunlanceorLightning Bolt: Removal options that keep you ahead on board.
Mana Base and Ramp
Efficient Lands
Since PDH only uses commons, your land base needs to be efficient without relying on high-tier rare lands.
- Boros Guildgate,Wind-Scarred Crag,Forgotten Cave: Basic color fixing options.
- Evolving WildsandTerramorphic Expanse: Land fetchers that thin your deck and fix mana.
- Basic Mountains and Plains: Don’t overlook the reliability of basics, especially with cards that benefit from land types.
Ramp Options
- Darksteel Ingot,Fire Diamond,Boros Locket: Affordable artifact ramp choices in common rarity.
- Rummaging Goblin: While not traditional ramp, helps cycle through your deck faster.
Playing the Deck
Early Game
Your early turns should focus on setting up your graveyard with looting or discard spells and playing defensive spells to stabilize. Don’t be afraid to hold onto removal early, as your engine doesn’t fully start until Quintorius hits the field.
Mid Game
This is where your value begins to show. Cast spells from your graveyard or exile them to start producing Spirits. Begin chipping away at opponents or defending with token walls while building up your board state. Use ramp artifacts to prepare for bigger plays.
Late Game
Once you’ve generated enough tokens, look for ways to end the game. Anthems, pump spells, or repeated token buffs become game-winners. Try to maintain card draw or recursion engines so your board doesn’t run out of steam.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Efficient use of common flashback and exile spells.
- Reliable token generation through graveyard manipulation.
- Synergistic with both control and aggro playstyles.
Weaknesses
- Slow setup requires commander and graveyard to function fully.
- Vulnerable to graveyard hate or exile-based removal.
- Limited access to enchantment removal within Boros colors.
Quintorius, Field Historian is an exciting and versatile commander for Pauper EDH, bringing unique interactions to the Boros color identity. His ability to convert graveyard activity into powerful token generation gives him great value potential in a format that rewards synergy over raw power. By carefully crafting a deck full of flashback, unearth, and exile-focused commons, players can build a Pauper EDH deck that is both thematic and competitive. Whether you’re new to the format or a seasoned veteran looking for a fresh challenge, Quintorius offers a dynamic experience that showcases how powerful commons can be in the right hands.