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Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage
Price tag $0.12

Legendary CreatureHuman Wizard Enchantment Background

Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Candlekeep Sage

Playstyle & Strategy

How it feels to play against

Mildly Annoying Some frustrating moments but still fun.

High Synergy Cards

Cards that work exceptionally well with Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage's abilities and overall game plan.

Frantic Search Frantic Search
+51% Synergy $0.40
Mystic Sanctuary Mystic Sanctuary
+28% Synergy $6.48

Game Changers

Powerful cards that can single-handedly turn the tide of a game when resolved.

Field of the Dead Field of the Dead
+20% Synergy $33.91
Rhystic Study Rhystic Study
+4% Synergy $49.78

Creatures

Essential creatures that complement Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage's strategy through synergy, utility, or raw power.

Furtive Analyst Furtive Analyst
+60% Synergy $0.02
Suspicious Bookcase Suspicious Bookcase
+60% Synergy $0.12
Ormos, Archive Keeper Ormos, Archive Keeper
+59% Synergy $0.17
Ingenious Prodigy Ingenious Prodigy
+59% Synergy $0.41
Faerie Vandal Faerie Vandal
+59% Synergy $0.08
Azami, Lady of Scrolls Azami, Lady of Scrolls
+56% Synergy $0.40
Gadwick, the Wizened Gadwick, the Wizened
+56% Synergy $0.49
Overlord of the Floodpits Overlord of the Floodpits
+48% Synergy $2.31
Cogwork Archivist Cogwork Archivist
+40% Synergy $0.05
Overwhelmed Archivist Archive Haunt Overwhelmed Archivist
+40% Synergy $0.08
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Volo, Itinerant Scholar
+40% Synergy $0.34
Dream Strix Dream Strix
+40% Synergy $0.10
Disruptive Student Disruptive Student
+40% Synergy $0.30
Archive Dragon Archive Dragon
+40% Synergy $0.06
Unblinking Observer Unblinking Observer
+40% Synergy $0.04
Jushi Apprentice Jushi Apprentice
+39% Synergy $0.48
Sage's Row Denizen Sage's Row Denizen
+39% Synergy $0.04
Manic Scribe Manic Scribe
+38% Synergy $0.25
Curious Homunculus Voracious Reader Curious Homunculus
+38% Synergy $0.24
Patron Wizard Patron Wizard
+37% Synergy $4.03
Naru Meha, Master Wizard Naru Meha, Master Wizard
+37% Synergy $0.85
Minn, Wily Illusionist Minn, Wily Illusionist
+37% Synergy $6.92
Jace's Archivist Jace's Archivist
+36% Synergy $7.25
Body of Knowledge Body of Knowledge
+34% Synergy $0.11
Glitch Interpreter Glitch Interpreter
+25% Synergy $0.06
Daggermaw Megalodon Daggermaw Megalodon
+25% Synergy $0.04
Abhorrent Oculus Abhorrent Oculus
+24% Synergy $11.62
Dour Port-Mage Dour Port-Mage
+22% Synergy $2.49
Tolarian Scholar Tolarian Scholar
+20% Synergy $0.05
Sky Swallower Sky Swallower
+20% Synergy $0.39
Knacksaw Clique Knacksaw Clique
+20% Synergy $2.46
Marjhan Marjhan
+20% Synergy $0.68
Deep Spawn Deep Spawn
+20% Synergy $0.25
Giant Shark Giant Shark
+20% Synergy $0.34
Keeper of the Cadence Keeper of the Cadence
+20% Synergy $0.02
Cold Case Cracker Cold Case Cracker
+20% Synergy $0.03
Tome Anima Tome Anima
+20% Synergy $0.04
Coral Eel Coral Eel
+20% Synergy $0.16
Leviathan Leviathan
+20% Synergy $0.22
Living Lectern Living Lectern
+20% Synergy $0.04
Jokulmorder Jokulmorder
+20% Synergy $0.43
Biblioplex Assistant Biblioplex Assistant
+20% Synergy $0.05
Ghost-Lit Warder Ghost-Lit Warder
+20% Synergy $0.18
Teferi's Protege Teferi's Protege
+20% Synergy $0.03
Prophet of Distortion Prophet of Distortion
+20% Synergy $0.22
Synod Artificer Synod Artificer
+20% Synergy $0.42
Spined Megalodon Spined Megalodon
+20% Synergy $0.03
Splashy Spellcaster Splashy Spellcaster
+20% Synergy $0.02
Benthic Behemoth Benthic Behemoth
+20% Synergy $0.70
Ludevic's Test Subject Ludevic's Abomination Ludevic's Test Subject
+20% Synergy $0.24

Instants

Key instant-speed responses for protection, removal, and keeping Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage safe.

Bury in Books Bury in Books
+60% Synergy $0.03
Learn from the Past Learn from the Past
+59% Synergy $0.11
Into the Story Into the Story
+57% Synergy $0.14
You Find the Villains' Lair You Find the Villains' Lair
+56% Synergy $0.10
Refute Refute
+44% Synergy $0.09
Enchantment Alteration Enchantment Alteration
+40% Synergy $0.25
Archive Trap Archive Trap
+37% Synergy $1.64
Muddle the Mixture Muddle the Mixture
+24% Synergy $1.78
Twist Reality Twist Reality
+24% Synergy $0.04
Into the Flood Maw Into the Flood Maw
+20% Synergy $4.71
Draconic Lore Draconic Lore
+20% Synergy $0.07
Perilous Voyage Perilous Voyage
+20% Synergy $0.07
Brackish Blunder Brackish Blunder
+20% Synergy $0.03
Epiphany at the Drownyard Epiphany at the Drownyard
+20% Synergy $0.20
Catalog Catalog
+20% Synergy $0.03
Rescue Rescue
+20% Synergy $0.04
Spell Crumple Spell Crumple
+20% Synergy $0.58
Unauthorized Exit Unauthorized Exit
+19% Synergy $0.05
Vapor Snag Vapor Snag
+19% Synergy $0.23
Curate Curate
+17% Synergy $0.07
Defabricate Defabricate
+17% Synergy $0.12
Gush Gush
+17% Synergy $2.63
Run Away Together Run Away Together
+16% Synergy $0.02
Impulse Impulse
+14% Synergy $0.06
Quick Study Quick Study
+13% Synergy $0.39
Spell Pierce Spell Pierce
+11% Synergy $0.17
Strix Serenade Strix Serenade
+10% Synergy $3.74
Fact or Fiction Fact or Fiction
+8% Synergy $0.12
Blue Sun's Zenith Blue Sun's Zenith
+8% Synergy $1.26
Narset's Reversal Narset's Reversal
+8% Synergy $1.85
Whir of Invention Whir of Invention
+6% Synergy $3.81
Archmage's Charm Archmage's Charm
+5% Synergy $1.40
Flow of Knowledge Flow of Knowledge
+3% Synergy $0.20
Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
0% Synergy $8.82
Resculpt Resculpt
-1% Synergy $0.18
Opt Opt
-5% Synergy $0.10
Swan Song Swan Song
-5% Synergy $7.43
Aetherize Aetherize
-6% Synergy $0.34
Reality Shift Reality Shift
-9% Synergy $0.24
Negate Negate
-19% Synergy $0.25
Counterspell Counterspell
-28% Synergy $1.21

Sorceries

Important sorcery spells that advance Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage's game plan and control the board.

Portent of Calamity Portent of Calamity
+74% Synergy $0.20
Pore Over the Pages Pore Over the Pages
+60% Synergy $0.14
Increasing Confusion Increasing Confusion
+57% Synergy $1.38
Compulsive Research Compulsive Research
+57% Synergy $0.07
Solve the Equation Solve the Equation
+45% Synergy $1.83
Lucid Dreams Lucid Dreams
+20% Synergy $0.03
Reality Strobe Reality Strobe
+20% Synergy $1.15
Field Research Field Research
+20% Synergy $0.05
Tunnel Vision Tunnel Vision
+20% Synergy $3.68
Impede Momentum Impede Momentum
+20% Synergy $0.05
Inspiring Refrain Inspiring Refrain
+19% Synergy $0.28
Displacement Wave Displacement Wave
+19% Synergy $0.55
Void Snare Void Snare
+19% Synergy $0.11
Inevitable Betrayal Inevitable Betrayal
+19% Synergy $0.60
Winged Words Winged Words
+16% Synergy $0.09
Deep Analysis Deep Analysis
+14% Synergy $0.07
Sea Gate Restoration Sea Gate, Reborn Sea Gate Restoration
+6% Synergy $32.52

Utility Artifacts

Versatile artifacts that provide ongoing value, card selection, or strategic advantages.

Mysterious Tome Chilling Chronicle Mysterious Tome
+60% Synergy $0.08
Staff of the Mind Magus Staff of the Mind Magus
+59% Synergy $0.09
Wizard's Spellbook Wizard's Spellbook
+59% Synergy $0.20
Library of Leng Library of Leng
+59% Synergy $169.50
Marina Vendrell's Grimoire Marina Vendrell's Grimoire
+49% Synergy $0.18
Noetic Scales Noetic Scales
+40% Synergy $10.17
Venser's Journal Venser's Journal
+37% Synergy $9.34
Folio of Fancies Folio of Fancies
+36% Synergy $1.10
Jayemdae Tome Jayemdae Tome
+20% Synergy $0.04
Whetstone Whetstone
+20% Synergy $0.66
Jalum Tome Jalum Tome
+20% Synergy $0.04
Arcane Encyclopedia Arcane Encyclopedia
+20% Synergy $0.08
Portal of Sanctuary Portal of Sanctuary
+20% Synergy $0.10
Candlestick Candlestick
+20% Synergy $0.08
Tome of Legends Tome of Legends
+20% Synergy $0.30
Grimoire of the Dead Grimoire of the Dead
+20% Synergy $0.70
Scroll of Fate Scroll of Fate
+20% Synergy $0.09
The Enigma Jewel Locus of Enlightenment The Enigma Jewel
+18% Synergy $0.93
Scroll Rack Scroll Rack
+18% Synergy $22.32
Alhammarret's Archive Alhammarret's Archive
+17% Synergy $15.51
Thousand-Year Elixir Thousand-Year Elixir
+16% Synergy $13.84
Mirage Mirror Mirage Mirror
+16% Synergy $0.60
Sculpting Steel Sculpting Steel
+13% Synergy $2.12
Lightning Greaves Lightning Greaves
-6% Synergy $3.86
Swiftfoot Boots Swiftfoot Boots
-8% Synergy $1.20

Enchantments

Powerful enchantments that support Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage's strategy and create lasting battlefield effects.

Curse of the Bloody Tome Curse of the Bloody Tome
+60% Synergy $0.12
Virtue of Knowledge Virtue of Knowledge
+57% Synergy $3.73
Wizard Class Wizard Class
+43% Synergy $1.07
Iceberg Iceberg
+40% Synergy $0.22
Words of Wind Words of Wind
+40% Synergy $2.75
Chronic Flooding Chronic Flooding
+40% Synergy $0.16
Nerd Rage Nerd Rage
+37% Synergy $0.35
Teferi's Tutelage Teferi's Tutelage
+36% Synergy $0.30
They Came from the Pipes They Came from the Pipes
+25% Synergy $0.14
Hard Cover Hard Cover
+20% Synergy $0.04
Rousing Read Rousing Read
+20% Synergy $0.03
Primordial Mist Primordial Mist
+20% Synergy $0.09
Curse of Unbinding Curse of Unbinding
+19% Synergy $1.12
Security Bypass Security Bypass
+19% Synergy $0.09
Trail of Evidence Trail of Evidence
+19% Synergy $0.22
Utter Insignificance Utter Insignificance
+19% Synergy $0.05
Eaten by Piranhas Eaten by Piranhas
+16% Synergy $0.25
Jace's Sanctum Jace's Sanctum
+15% Synergy $0.52
Mirrormade Mirrormade
+15% Synergy $0.81
Training Grounds Training Grounds
+13% Synergy $4.56
Omniscience Omniscience
+12% Synergy $5.56
Teferi's Ageless Insight Teferi's Ageless Insight
+3% Synergy $3.12
Propaganda Propaganda
-8% Synergy $2.77

Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers that work alongside Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage to provide ongoing value and board presence.

Mordenkainen Mordenkainen
+56% Synergy $0.95
Tamiyo, the Moon Sage Tamiyo, the Moon Sage
+38% Synergy $4.77
Karn, Living Legacy Karn, Living Legacy
+19% Synergy $1.13

Utility Lands

Non-basic lands that offer additional utility beyond just mana production.

Desert of the Mindful Desert of the Mindful
+56% Synergy $0.14
The Biblioplex The Biblioplex
+40% Synergy $0.10
Nephalia Academy Nephalia Academy
+40% Synergy $0.14
Drownyard Temple Drownyard Temple
+39% Synergy $0.10
Detection Tower Detection Tower
+39% Synergy $1.84
Skyline Cascade Skyline Cascade
+39% Synergy $0.08
Arcane Lighthouse Arcane Lighthouse
+38% Synergy $6.12
Hall of Storm Giants Hall of Storm Giants
+37% Synergy $0.37
Ghost Quarter Ghost Quarter
+37% Synergy $0.78
Coral Atoll Coral Atoll
+36% Synergy $0.55
Halimar Depths Halimar Depths
+28% Synergy $0.21
Riptide Laboratory Riptide Laboratory
+28% Synergy $0.44
Rogue's Passage Rogue's Passage
+25% Synergy $0.37
Fountainport Fountainport
+23% Synergy $4.08
Castle Vantress Castle Vantress
+20% Synergy $0.18
Branch of Vitu-Ghazi Branch of Vitu-Ghazi
+20% Synergy $0.09
Zoetic Cavern Zoetic Cavern
+20% Synergy $0.09
Echoing Deeps Echoing Deeps
+20% Synergy $0.56
Deserted Temple Deserted Temple
+20% Synergy $1.27
Mirrorpool Mirrorpool
+19% Synergy $1.99
Vesuva Vesuva
+19% Synergy $3.48
Shrine of the Forsaken Gods Shrine of the Forsaken Gods
+19% Synergy $0.16
Ipnu Rivulet Ipnu Rivulet
+18% Synergy $0.15
Sunken Palace Sunken Palace
+15% Synergy $0.76
Remote Isle Remote Isle
+14% Synergy $0.10
Tolaria West Tolaria West
+14% Synergy $1.38
Minamo, School at Water's Edge Minamo, School at Water's Edge
+9% Synergy $47.66
Lonely Sandbar Lonely Sandbar
+5% Synergy $0.07
War Room War Room
+3% Synergy $4.92
Seat of the Synod Seat of the Synod
+3% Synergy $0.60
Otawara, Soaring City Otawara, Soaring City
-5% Synergy $19.12
Reliquary Tower Reliquary Tower
-16% Synergy $2.26

Mana Artifacts

Artifacts focused on mana acceleration and color fixing for consistent gameplay.

Sky Diamond Sky Diamond
+35% Synergy $0.18
Fellwar Stone Fellwar Stone
+20% Synergy $0.92
The Mana Rig The Mana Rig
+20% Synergy $0.55
Moonsnare Prototype Moonsnare Prototype
+18% Synergy $0.11
Patriar's Seal Patriar's Seal
+17% Synergy $3.04
Throne of Eldraine Throne of Eldraine
+10% Synergy $25.64
Decanter of Endless Water Decanter of Endless Water
+5% Synergy $3.41
Mind Stone Mind Stone
+1% Synergy $0.17
Midnight Clock Midnight Clock
-2% Synergy $0.41
Arcane Signet Arcane Signet
-25% Synergy $0.34
Sol Ring Sol Ring
-26% Synergy $1.21

Lands

The mana base foundation for Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage decks, ensuring smooth and reliable mana development.

Hall of Oracles Hall of Oracles
+40% Synergy $0.30
Opal Palace Opal Palace
+39% Synergy $0.12
Path of Ancestry Path of Ancestry
+36% Synergy $0.16
Hidden Grotto Hidden Grotto
+24% Synergy $0.07
Sunken Citadel Sunken Citadel
+20% Synergy $0.41
Thawing Glaciers Thawing Glaciers
+20% Synergy $18.92
Lazotep Quarry Lazotep Quarry
+19% Synergy $3.99
Hall of Tagsin Hall of Tagsin
+19% Synergy $0.24
Horizon of Progress Horizon of Progress
+19% Synergy $4.68
Talon Gates of Madara Talon Gates of Madara
+17% Synergy $25.57
Myriad Landscape Myriad Landscape
-8% Synergy $0.17

Similar Commanders

The following Commanders share a similar playing style, strategy, or theme like Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Candlekeep Sage.

Ghost of Ramirez DePietro The Prismatic Piper Ghost of Ramirez DePietro // The Prismatic Piper
Brallin, Skyshark Rider Shabraz, the Skyshark Brallin, Skyshark Rider // Shabraz, the Skyshark
The Eighth Doctor Leela, Sevateem Warrior The Eighth Doctor // Leela, Sevateem Warrior
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Feywild Visitor Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Feywild Visitor
The Tenth Doctor Leela, Sevateem Warrior The Tenth Doctor // Leela, Sevateem Warrior
The Second Doctor Leela, Sevateem Warrior The Second Doctor // Leela, Sevateem Warrior
The Second Doctor Ryan Sinclair The Second Doctor // Ryan Sinclair
The Second Doctor Vislor Turlough The Second Doctor // Vislor Turlough
The Second Doctor Yasmin Khan The Second Doctor // Yasmin Khan
Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker Kraum, Ludevic's Opus Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker // Kraum, Ludevic's Opus
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
The Eleventh Doctor Vislor Turlough The Eleventh Doctor // Vislor Turlough
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Faceless One Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Faceless One
Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy Agent of the Shadow Thieves Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy // Agent of the Shadow Thieves
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Dragon Cultist Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Dragon Cultist
Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy Sword Coast Sailor Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy // Sword Coast Sailor
The Watcher in the Water The Watcher in the Water
Zhuge Jin, Wu Strategist Zhuge Jin, Wu Strategist
Esior, Wardwing Familiar Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist Esior, Wardwing Familiar // Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist
Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh Siani, Eye of the Storm Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh // Siani, Eye of the Storm
Breeches, Brazen Plunderer Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix Breeches, Brazen Plunderer // Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix
Kami of the Crescent Moon Kami of the Crescent Moon
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Sword Coast Sailor Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Sword Coast Sailor
Alandra, Sky Dreamer Alandra, Sky Dreamer
Ormos, Archive Keeper Ormos, Archive Keeper
Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker // Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Popular Entertainer Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Popular Entertainer
Alena, Kessig Trapper Siani, Eye of the Storm Alena, Kessig Trapper // Siani, Eye of the Storm
Alora, Merry Thief Agent of the Iron Throne Alora, Merry Thief // Agent of the Iron Throne
Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist Kediss, Emberclaw Familiar // Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist
The Second Doctor Rose Tyler The Second Doctor // Rose Tyler
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Haunted One Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Haunted One
Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker // Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix
Jeska, Thrice Reborn Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix Jeska, Thrice Reborn // Kydele, Chosen of Kruphix
Soramaro, First to Dream Soramaro, First to Dream
Minn, Wily Illusionist Minn, Wily Illusionist
Volo, Itinerant Scholar Tavern Brawler Volo, Itinerant Scholar // Tavern Brawler
Alexi, Zephyr Mage Alexi, Zephyr Mage
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler Kwain, Itinerant Meddler
The Second Doctor The Second Doctor

Other Available Backgrounds

Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher can also choose from these 29 other backgrounds: