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Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute
Price tag $0.48

Legendary Creature — Human Wizard Enchantment Background

Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Cultist of the Absolute
Magic color symbol for U Magic color symbol for B
Dimir

Playstyle & Strategy

cEDH 32% Combo 22% Artifacts 16% Equipment 5% Exile 5%
View Average Decklist All Combo Commanders

High Synergy Cards

The highest-synergy picks for Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute's Combo builds — cards that lean hardest into the Combo theme.

Umbral Mantle Umbral Mantle
+99% Synergy $11.67
Staff of Domination Staff of Domination
+99% Synergy $10.78
Trophy Mage Trophy Mage
+85% Synergy $0.67
Whir of Invention Whir of Invention
+84% Synergy $5.06
Borne Upon a Wind Borne Upon a Wind
+83% Synergy $3.86
Minamo, School at Water's Edge Minamo, School at Water's Edge
+81% Synergy $62.31
Wishclaw Talisman Wishclaw Talisman
+81% Synergy $1.84
Mindbreak Trap Mindbreak Trap
+81% Synergy $15.40
Tainted Pact Tainted Pact
+81% Synergy $38.90
Pact of Negation Pact of Negation
+80% Synergy $18.16

Top Cards

The staple cards most Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute Combo decks run as their core.

Mental Misstep Mental Misstep
+80% Synergy $8.45
Demonic Consultation Demonic Consultation
+79% Synergy $7.17
Flusterstorm Flusterstorm
+79% Synergy $8.78
Force of Negation Force of Negation
+76% Synergy $52.62
Mystic Remora Mystic Remora
+70% Synergy $12.67
Vampiric Tutor Vampiric Tutor
+70% Synergy $60.01
Chain of Vapor Chain of Vapor
+68% Synergy $16.03
An Offer You Can't Refuse An Offer You Can't Refuse
+68% Synergy $2.39
Swan Song Swan Song
+66% Synergy $8.50
Dark Ritual Dark Ritual
+63% Synergy $11.92

Game Changers

High-impact bombs that can take over a Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute Combo game on their own.

Force of Will Force of Will
+89% Synergy $62.85
Mana Vault Mana Vault
+80% Synergy $112.13
Imperial Seal Imperial Seal
+80% Synergy $163.77
Orcish Bowmasters Orcish Bowmasters
+78% Synergy $44.92
Opposition Agent Opposition Agent
+78% Synergy $19.34
Thassa's Oracle Thassa's Oracle
+78% Synergy $23.44
Ancient Tomb Ancient Tomb
+77% Synergy $131.68
Fierce Guardianship Fierce Guardianship
+67% Synergy $54.33
Demonic Tutor Demonic Tutor
+66% Synergy $76.77
Rhystic Study Rhystic Study
+63% Synergy $72.26

Creatures

Creatures that carry the Combo plan in Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute decks, from early pressure to payoff.

Prophet of Distortion Prophet of Distortion
+71% Synergy $0.22
Walking Ballista Walking Ballista
+70% Synergy $12.59
Wan Shi Tong, Librarian Wan Shi Tong, Librarian
+64% Synergy $35.25
Dauthi Voidwalker Dauthi Voidwalker
+59% Synergy $5.03
Dimensional Infiltrator Dimensional Infiltrator
+57% Synergy $0.24
Faerie Mastermind Faerie Mastermind
+47% Synergy $10.47
Phyrexian Metamorph Phyrexian Metamorph
+47% Synergy $2.11
Hypnotic Grifter Hypnotic Grifter
+42% Synergy $0.16
Prismite Prismite
+42% Synergy $0.14
Gilded Drake Gilded Drake
+41% Synergy $196.36
Volatile Stormdrake Volatile Stormdrake
+40% Synergy $0.39
Phantasmal Image Phantasmal Image
+38% Synergy $4.80
Emeritus of Ideation Emeritus of Ideation
+32% Synergy $6.38
The Unagi of Kyoshi Island The Unagi of Kyoshi Island
+31% Synergy $1.10
Stonework Packbeast Stonework Packbeast
+28% Synergy $0.17
Unctus, Grand Metatect Unctus, Grand Metatect
+27% Synergy $0.46
Valley Floodcaller Valley Floodcaller
+27% Synergy $3.63
Urza, Lord High Artificer Urza, Lord High Artificer
+26% Synergy $15.76
Laboratory Maniac Laboratory Maniac
+24% Synergy $1.74
Spellskite Spellskite
+21% Synergy $7.94
Third Path Savant Third Path Savant
+14% Synergy $0.08
Tymora's Invoker Tymora's Invoker
+14% Synergy $0.15
Cogwork Assembler Cogwork Assembler
+14% Synergy $0.28
Netherborn Phalanx Netherborn Phalanx
+14% Synergy $0.93
Dream Devourer Dream Devourer
+14% Synergy $1.35
Drift of Phantasms Drift of Phantasms
+13% Synergy $0.22
Tribute Mage Tribute Mage
+13% Synergy $1.14
Spellseeker Spellseeker
+12% Synergy $17.58
Leaden Myr Leaden Myr
+12% Synergy $1.25
Flesh Duplicate Flesh Duplicate
+12% Synergy $8.30
Snapcaster Mage Snapcaster Mage
+11% Synergy $18.79
Forensic Gadgeteer Forensic Gadgeteer
+11% Synergy $1.30
The Reality Chip The Reality Chip
+11% Synergy $3.72
Consecrated Sphinx Consecrated Sphinx
+10% Synergy $34.33
Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator
+10% Synergy $0.13
Emry, Lurker of the Loch Emry, Lurker of the Loch
+9% Synergy $0.50
Ornithopter of Paradise Ornithopter of Paradise
+8% Synergy $0.99
Spectral Sailor Spectral Sailor
+8% Synergy $0.25
Talion, the Kindly Lord Talion, the Kindly Lord
+7% Synergy $7.96
Hullbreaker Horror Hullbreaker Horror
-1% Synergy $6.10
Baleful Strix Baleful Strix
-9% Synergy $3.61

Instants

Instant-speed interaction and tricks that keep Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute's Combo deck ahead.

Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
+69% Synergy $5.19
Cabal Ritual Cabal Ritual
+66% Synergy $13.61
March of Swirling Mist March of Swirling Mist
+53% Synergy $5.40
Mana Drain Mana Drain
+53% Synergy $56.81
Muddle the Mixture Muddle the Mixture
+52% Synergy $2.38
Mystical Tutor Mystical Tutor
+44% Synergy $16.95
Deadly Rollick Deadly Rollick
+37% Synergy $27.53
Dismember Dismember
+37% Synergy $5.18
Cyclonic Rift Cyclonic Rift
+34% Synergy $40.14
Intuition Intuition
+27% Synergy $358.15
Gifts Ungiven Gifts Ungiven
+26% Synergy $5.31
Into the Flood Maw Into the Flood Maw
+25% Synergy $2.44
Dispel Dispel
+22% Synergy $0.32
Spell Burst Spell Burst
+14% Synergy $0.45
Dive Down Dive Down
+13% Synergy $0.12
Capsize Capsize
+13% Synergy $0.86
Shred Memory Shred Memory
+13% Synergy $1.35
Saw It Coming Saw It Coming
+13% Synergy $0.35
Imp's Mischief Imp's Mischief
+12% Synergy $6.96
Shore Up Shore Up
+12% Synergy $0.22
Lethal Scheme Lethal Scheme
+11% Synergy $1.02
Delay Delay
+11% Synergy $2.27
Dramatic Reversal Dramatic Reversal
+10% Synergy $0.47
Strix Serenade Strix Serenade
+9% Synergy $1.64
Resculpt Resculpt
+8% Synergy $0.38
Dig Through Time Dig Through Time
+4% Synergy $0.23
Snap Snap
+4% Synergy $3.46
Reality Shift Reality Shift
+0% Synergy $0.40
Pongify Pongify
-1% Synergy $1.54
Arcane Denial Arcane Denial
-11% Synergy $1.92
Negate Negate
-18% Synergy $0.24
Counterspell Counterspell
-27% Synergy $3.77

Sorceries

Sorceries that push the Combo game plan forward for Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute.

Transmute Artifact Transmute Artifact
+70% Synergy $396.10
Beseech the Mirror Beseech the Mirror
+68% Synergy $17.52
Fabricate Fabricate
+68% Synergy $9.41
Gitaxian Probe Gitaxian Probe
+52% Synergy $3.93
Stock Up Stock Up
+38% Synergy $1.35
Toxic Deluge Toxic Deluge
+31% Synergy $3.31
Reshape Reshape
+27% Synergy $4.85
Praetor's Grasp Praetor's Grasp
+26% Synergy $11.66
Mnemonic Betrayal Mnemonic Betrayal
+25% Synergy $8.72
Diabolic Intent Diabolic Intent
+22% Synergy $17.57
Anchor to Reality Anchor to Reality
+14% Synergy $0.33
Brainspoil Brainspoil
+14% Synergy $0.18
Nuclear Fallout Nuclear Fallout
+13% Synergy $3.55
Careful Study Careful Study
+12% Synergy $3.82
Grim Tutor Grim Tutor
+10% Synergy $24.65
Treasure Cruise Treasure Cruise
+5% Synergy $0.29
Preordain Preordain
+4% Synergy $0.47
Windfall Windfall
+0% Synergy $5.08
Reanimate Reanimate
-10% Synergy $8.61
Feed the Swarm Feed the Swarm
-20% Synergy $0.20

Utility Artifacts

Artifacts that add consistency and utility to Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute Combo decks.

The One Ring The One Ring
+64% Synergy $104.30
Sword of the Paruns Sword of the Paruns
+42% Synergy $1.34
Mantle of Tides Mantle of Tides
+28% Synergy $0.06
Prosthetic Injector Prosthetic Injector
+28% Synergy $0.24
Conqueror's Flail Conqueror's Flail
+28% Synergy $4.35
Agatha's Soul Cauldron Agatha's Soul Cauldron
+27% Synergy $39.14
Grafdigger's Cage Grafdigger's Cage
+26% Synergy $3.64
Screaming Shield Screaming Shield
+14% Synergy $0.14
Diviner's Wand Diviner's Wand
+14% Synergy $0.43
Lavaspur Boots Lavaspur Boots
+13% Synergy $1.21
Imposter Mech Imposter Mech
+13% Synergy $6.98
Swiftfoot Boots Swiftfoot Boots
+3% Synergy $2.46
Lightning Greaves Lightning Greaves
-13% Synergy $3.66

Enchantments

Enchantments that reinforce the Combo strategy in Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute decks.

Ringing Strike Mastery Ringing Strike Mastery
+66% Synergy $0.14
Necropotence Necropotence
+54% Synergy $37.69
Obsessive Pursuit Obsessive Pursuit
+32% Synergy $0.31
Necrodominance Necrodominance
+28% Synergy $2.60
Hard Cover Hard Cover
+14% Synergy $0.22
Power Artifact Power Artifact
+14% Synergy $191.62
Crab Umbra Crab Umbra
+14% Synergy $0.41
Nerd Rage Nerd Rage
+14% Synergy $2.11
Dictate of Kruphix Dictate of Kruphix
+13% Synergy $0.31
Pemmin's Aura Pemmin's Aura
+13% Synergy $12.30
Copy Artifact Copy Artifact
+13% Synergy
Dress Down Dress Down
+12% Synergy $0.56
Black Market Connections Black Market Connections
+3% Synergy $13.42

Planeswalkers

Planeswalkers that back up Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute's Combo game plan.

Tezzeret the Seeker Tezzeret the Seeker
+56% Synergy $24.17
Tezzeret, Cruel Captain Tezzeret, Cruel Captain
+32% Synergy $18.53

Utility Lands

Non-basic lands that pull extra weight in Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute Combo decks.

Otawara, Soaring City Otawara, Soaring City
+67% Synergy $27.39
Urza's Saga Urza's Saga
+65% Synergy $43.89
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
+44% Synergy $11.29
Treasure Vault Treasure Vault
+40% Synergy $1.73
Inventors' Fair Inventors' Fair
+40% Synergy $16.99
Buried Ruin Buried Ruin
+40% Synergy $0.36
Academy Ruins Academy Ruins
+38% Synergy $9.00
Mistrise Village Mistrise Village
+30% Synergy $8.25
War Room War Room
+27% Synergy $2.87
Cephalid Coliseum Cephalid Coliseum
+22% Synergy $0.29
Ifnir Deadlands Ifnir Deadlands
+14% Synergy $0.25
City of Traitors City of Traitors
+13% Synergy $540.27
Cabal Pit Cabal Pit
+13% Synergy $1.94
Emergence Zone Emergence Zone
+12% Synergy $4.19
Vault of Whispers Vault of Whispers
+8% Synergy $5.09
Seat of the Synod Seat of the Synod
+8% Synergy $0.73
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
-5% Synergy $63.85
Bojuka Bog Bojuka Bog
-24% Synergy $0.95

Mana Artifacts

Mana rocks and fixing to power out Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute's Combo strategy.

Mox Diamond Mox Diamond
+81% Synergy $1118.84
Chrome Mox Chrome Mox
+79% Synergy $171.12
Lotus Petal Lotus Petal
+78% Synergy $36.20
Grim Monolith Grim Monolith
+69% Synergy $472.34
Fellwar Stone Fellwar Stone
+69% Synergy $0.70
Mox Opal Mox Opal
+67% Synergy $241.89
Urn of Godfire Urn of Godfire
+42% Synergy $0.21
Energy Refractor Energy Refractor
+42% Synergy $0.13
Talisman of Dominance Talisman of Dominance
+42% Synergy $0.97
The Soul Stone The Soul Stone
+27% Synergy $109.41
Basalt Monolith Basalt Monolith
+27% Synergy $3.75
Arcane Signet Arcane Signet
+16% Synergy $0.69
Moonsnare Prototype Moonsnare Prototype
+13% Synergy $0.26
Sol Ring Sol Ring
+12% Synergy $1.84
Mox Amber Mox Amber
+8% Synergy $76.28
Mind Stone Mind Stone
-13% Synergy $0.31
Thought Vessel Thought Vessel
-17% Synergy $1.92
Dimir Signet Dimir Signet
-44% Synergy $1.25

Lands

The mana base behind Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute's Combo decks.

Gemstone Caverns Gemstone Caverns
+80% Synergy $53.37
Scalding Tarn Scalding Tarn
+77% Synergy $38.56
Misty Rainforest Misty Rainforest
+77% Synergy $35.70
Flooded Strand Flooded Strand
+76% Synergy $15.03
Underground Sea Underground Sea
+72% Synergy
Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
+69% Synergy $5.19
Polluted Delta Polluted Delta
+67% Synergy $19.37
Mana Confluence Mana Confluence
+65% Synergy $34.12
City of Brass City of Brass
+65% Synergy $11.03
Undercity Sewers Undercity Sewers
+64% Synergy $14.79
Snow-Covered Island Snow-Covered Island
+64% Synergy $1.03
Verdant Catacombs Verdant Catacombs
+64% Synergy $28.51
Morphic Pool Morphic Pool
+63% Synergy $28.38
Marsh Flats Marsh Flats
+63% Synergy $31.12
Bloodstained Mire Bloodstained Mire
+63% Synergy $17.35
Watery Grave Watery Grave
+51% Synergy $9.28
Snow-Covered Swamp Snow-Covered Swamp
+50% Synergy $0.69
Cavern of Souls Cavern of Souls
+34% Synergy $51.61
Underground River Underground River
+30% Synergy $1.49
The Mycosynth Gardens The Mycosynth Gardens
+27% Synergy $0.37
Gloomlake Verge Gloomlake Verge
+18% Synergy $10.09
Command Tower Command Tower
+12% Synergy $0.34
Sunken Ruins Sunken Ruins
+11% Synergy $8.59
Exotic Orchard Exotic Orchard
+10% Synergy $0.24
Prismatic Vista Prismatic Vista
+8% Synergy $34.97
Fabled Passage Fabled Passage
+5% Synergy $1.05
Clearwater Pathway Murkwater Pathway Clearwater Pathway
+4% Synergy $5.16
Swamp Swamp
-10% Synergy $0.14
Island Island
-11% Synergy $0.21
Shipwreck Marsh Shipwreck Marsh
-25% Synergy $7.43
Tainted Isle Tainted Isle
-30% Synergy $1.10
Sunken Hollow Sunken Hollow
-51% Synergy $0.32

Similar Commanders

The following Commanders share a similar playing style, strategy, or theme like Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute: Combo.

Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Shameless Charlatan Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Shameless Charlatan
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Francisco, Fowl Marauder Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Francisco, Fowl Marauder
The Fifteenth Doctor Vislor Turlough The Fifteenth Doctor // Vislor Turlough
Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh Silas Renn, Seeker Adept Rograkh, Son of Rohgahh // Silas Renn, Seeker Adept
Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker Keskit, the Flesh Sculptor Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker // Keskit, the Flesh Sculptor
Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator Tymna the Weaver Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator // Tymna the Weaver
The Third Doctor Vislor Turlough The Third Doctor // Vislor Turlough
Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy Agent of the Iron Throne Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy // Agent of the Iron Throne
Francisco, Fowl Marauder Kraum, Ludevic's Opus Francisco, Fowl Marauder // Kraum, Ludevic's Opus
Francisco, Fowl Marauder Thrasios, Triton Hero Francisco, Fowl Marauder // Thrasios, Triton Hero
Francisco, Fowl Marauder Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools Francisco, Fowl Marauder // Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Scion of Halaster Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Scion of Halaster
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Kraum, Ludevic's Opus Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Kraum, Ludevic's Opus
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Eligeth, Crossroads Augur Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Eligeth, Crossroads Augur
Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator // Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy Haunted One Gale, Waterdeep Prodigy // Haunted One
Francisco, Fowl Marauder Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker Francisco, Fowl Marauder // Ishai, Ojutai Dragonspeaker
Kraum, Ludevic's Opus Miara, Thorn of the Glade Kraum, Ludevic's Opus // Miara, Thorn of the Glade
Francisco, Fowl Marauder Siani, Eye of the Storm Francisco, Fowl Marauder // Siani, Eye of the Storm
The Third Doctor Peri Brown The Third Doctor // Peri Brown
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Agent of the Iron Throne Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Agent of the Iron Throne
Siani, Eye of the Storm Silas Renn, Seeker Adept Siani, Eye of the Storm // Silas Renn, Seeker Adept
Renari, Merchant of Marvels Agent of the Iron Throne Renari, Merchant of Marvels // Agent of the Iron Throne
Renari, Merchant of Marvels Scion of Halaster Renari, Merchant of Marvels // Scion of Halaster
Brinelin, the Moon Kraken Francisco, Fowl Marauder Brinelin, the Moon Kraken // Francisco, Fowl Marauder
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Sword Coast Sailor Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Sword Coast Sailor
Sarevok, Deathbringer Clan Crafter Sarevok, Deathbringer // Clan Crafter
Francisco, Fowl Marauder Miara, Thorn of the Glade Francisco, Fowl Marauder // Miara, Thorn of the Glade
Jeska, Thrice Reborn Silas Renn, Seeker Adept Jeska, Thrice Reborn // Silas Renn, Seeker Adept
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Agent of the Shadow Thieves Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Agent of the Shadow Thieves
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Criminal Past Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Criminal Past
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Haunted One Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Haunted One
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Brinelin, the Moon Kraken Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Brinelin, the Moon Kraken
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Esior, Wardwing Familiar Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Esior, Wardwing Familiar
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Ghost of Ramirez DePietro Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Ghost of Ramirez DePietro
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Glacian, Powerstone Engineer Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Glacian, Powerstone Engineer
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Sakashima of a Thousand Faces Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Sakashima of a Thousand Faces
Armix, Filigree Thrasher Silas Renn, Seeker Adept Armix, Filigree Thrasher // Silas Renn, Seeker Adept
Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator Reyhan, Last of the Abzan Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator // Reyhan, Last of the Abzan
Falthis, Shadowcat Familiar Glacian, Powerstone Engineer Falthis, Shadowcat Familiar // Glacian, Powerstone Engineer

Other Available Backgrounds

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

Raised by Giants Raised by Giants
Passionate Archaeologist Passionate Archaeologist
Clan Crafter Clan Crafter
Noble Heritage Noble Heritage
Agent of the Shadow Thieves Agent of the Shadow Thieves
Cultist of the Absolute Cultist of the Absolute
Tavern Brawler Tavern Brawler
Haunted One Haunted One
Scion of Halaster Scion of Halaster
Acolyte of Bahamut Acolyte of Bahamut
Agent of the Iron Throne Agent of the Iron Throne
Candlekeep Sage Candlekeep Sage
Cloakwood Hermit Cloakwood Hermit
Criminal Past Criminal Past
Dragon Cultist Dragon Cultist
Dungeon Delver Dungeon Delver
Faceless One Faceless One
Far Traveler Far Traveler
Feywild Visitor Feywild Visitor
Flaming Fist Flaming Fist
Folk Hero Folk Hero
Guild Artisan Guild Artisan
Hardy Outlander Hardy Outlander
Inspiring Leader Inspiring Leader
Master Chef Master Chef
Popular Entertainer Popular Entertainer
Shameless Charlatan Shameless Charlatan
Street Urchin Street Urchin
Sword Coast Sailor Sword Coast Sailor
Veteran Soldier Veteran Soldier