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Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher // Cultist of the Absolute: Combo
Price tag $0.46

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

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.

Mindbreak Trap Mindbreak Trap
+96% Synergy $15.83
Tainted Pact Tainted Pact
+95% Synergy $38.25
Pact of Negation Pact of Negation
+95% Synergy $18.57
Mental Misstep Mental Misstep
+95% Synergy $10.39
Demonic Consultation Demonic Consultation
+94% Synergy $5.46
Flusterstorm Flusterstorm
+94% Synergy $9.13
Mystic Remora Mystic Remora
+85% Synergy $11.44
Vampiric Tutor Vampiric Tutor
+84% Synergy $62.01
Umbral Mantle Umbral Mantle
+100% Synergy $11.43
Staff of Domination Staff of Domination
+100% Synergy $11.94

Top Cards

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

Trophy Mage Trophy Mage
+83% Synergy $0.55
Swan Song Swan Song
+82% Synergy $7.86
Whir of Invention Whir of Invention
+82% Synergy $4.84
Chain of Vapor Chain of Vapor
+81% Synergy $15.10
Muddle the Mixture Muddle the Mixture
+78% Synergy $1.88
Cabal Ritual Cabal Ritual
+78% Synergy $15.78
The One Ring The One Ring
+77% Synergy $101.75
Mana Drain Mana Drain
+66% Synergy $52.75
Dark Ritual Dark Ritual
+64% Synergy $4.19
An Offer You Can't Refuse An Offer You Can't Refuse
+52% Synergy $2.26

Game Changers

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

Mana Vault Mana Vault
+95% Synergy $105.77
Imperial Seal Imperial Seal
+94% Synergy $156.62
Chrome Mox Chrome Mox
+94% Synergy $158.66
Opposition Agent Opposition Agent
+93% Synergy $23.76
Orcish Bowmasters Orcish Bowmasters
+93% Synergy $48.48
Thassa's Oracle Thassa's Oracle
+92% Synergy $22.93
Ancient Tomb Ancient Tomb
+92% Synergy $125.34
Force of Will Force of Will
+90% Synergy $70.22
Demonic Tutor Demonic Tutor
+81% Synergy $70.03
Rhystic Study Rhystic Study
+77% Synergy $69.44

Creatures

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

Dauthi Voidwalker Dauthi Voidwalker
+71% Synergy $5.36
Prophet of Distortion Prophet of Distortion
+67% Synergy $0.20
Walking Ballista Walking Ballista
+66% Synergy $10.03
Gilded Drake Gilded Drake
+65% Synergy $184.20
Phantasmal Image Phantasmal Image
+63% Synergy $4.65
Faerie Mastermind Faerie Mastermind
+56% Synergy $10.47
Dimensional Infiltrator Dimensional Infiltrator
+50% Synergy $0.20
Volatile Stormdrake Volatile Stormdrake
+48% Synergy $0.45
Phyrexian Metamorph Phyrexian Metamorph
+40% Synergy $2.04
Hypnotic Grifter Hypnotic Grifter
+33% Synergy $0.10
Prismite Prismite
+33% Synergy $0.10
Valley Floodcaller Valley Floodcaller
+32% Synergy $4.70
Unctus, Grand Metatect Unctus, Grand Metatect
+32% Synergy $0.46
Urza, Lord High Artificer Urza, Lord High Artificer
+31% Synergy $13.92
Spellskite Spellskite
+26% Synergy $7.89
Stonework Packbeast Stonework Packbeast
+17% Synergy $0.20
Narcomoeba Narcomoeba
+17% Synergy $0.31
Kitsa, Otterball Elite Kitsa, Otterball Elite
+16% Synergy $4.45
Flesh Duplicate Flesh Duplicate
+15% Synergy $8.38
Spellseeker Spellseeker
+15% Synergy $16.65
Tribute Mage Tribute Mage
+15% Synergy $1.05
Snapcaster Mage Snapcaster Mage
+14% Synergy $17.92
Forensic Gadgeteer Forensic Gadgeteer
+14% Synergy $2.43
Consecrated Sphinx Consecrated Sphinx
+13% Synergy $34.59
Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator Vohar, Vodalian Desecrator
+13% Synergy $0.30
The Reality Chip The Reality Chip
+13% Synergy $3.81
Laboratory Maniac Laboratory Maniac
+13% Synergy $2.24
Ledger Shredder Ledger Shredder
+13% Synergy $7.55
Spectral Sailor Spectral Sailor
+11% Synergy $0.23
Talion, the Kindly Lord Talion, the Kindly Lord
+10% Synergy $9.61
Notion Thief Notion Thief
+6% Synergy $1.61
Hullbreaker Horror Hullbreaker Horror
+1% Synergy $6.00

Instants

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

Borne Upon a Wind Borne Upon a Wind
+81% Synergy $5.09
Force of Negation Force of Negation
+74% Synergy $49.82
Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
+68% Synergy $7.11
Fierce Guardianship Fierce Guardianship
+65% Synergy $56.78
March of Swirling Mist March of Swirling Mist
+63% Synergy $5.17
Mystical Tutor Mystical Tutor
+53% Synergy $17.28
Deadly Rollick Deadly Rollick
+47% Synergy $26.21
Cyclonic Rift Cyclonic Rift
+44% Synergy $41.26
Dismember Dismember
+44% Synergy $5.37
Intuition Intuition
+33% Synergy $315.64
Delay Delay
+31% Synergy $3.09
Dispel Dispel
+28% Synergy $0.37
Spell Burst Spell Burst
+17% Synergy $0.40
Dive Down Dive Down
+16% Synergy $0.09
Capsize Capsize
+16% Synergy $0.91
Saw It Coming Saw It Coming
+16% Synergy $0.34
Gifts Ungiven Gifts Ungiven
+15% Synergy $5.12
Shore Up Shore Up
+15% Synergy $0.19
Into the Flood Maw Into the Flood Maw
+14% Synergy $2.60
Dramatic Reversal Dramatic Reversal
+13% Synergy $3.95
Strix Serenade Strix Serenade
+12% Synergy $2.38
Spell Pierce Spell Pierce
+11% Synergy $0.26
Resculpt Resculpt
+10% Synergy $0.22
Snap Snap
+6% Synergy $3.66
Pongify Pongify
+2% Synergy $1.98
Counterspell Counterspell
-39% Synergy $3.43

Sorceries

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

Transmute Artifact Transmute Artifact
+83% Synergy $387.81
Beseech the Mirror Beseech the Mirror
+64% Synergy $20.04
Gitaxian Probe Gitaxian Probe
+62% Synergy $5.96
Fabricate Fabricate
+47% Synergy $9.41
Toxic Deluge Toxic Deluge
+41% Synergy $4.98
Reshape Reshape
+33% Synergy $4.57
Praetor's Grasp Praetor's Grasp
+31% Synergy $12.35
Mnemonic Betrayal Mnemonic Betrayal
+30% Synergy $10.27
Diabolic Intent Diabolic Intent
+28% Synergy $16.10
Anchor to Reality Anchor to Reality
+17% Synergy $0.29
Timetwister Timetwister
+16% Synergy
Nuclear Fallout Nuclear Fallout
+16% Synergy $4.04
Peer into the Abyss Peer into the Abyss
+15% Synergy $3.51
Dread Return Dread Return
+10% Synergy $0.47
Windfall Windfall
+3% Synergy $4.34
Reanimate Reanimate
-8% Synergy $8.59

Utility Artifacts

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

Wishclaw Talisman Wishclaw Talisman
+79% Synergy $1.86
Sword of the Paruns Sword of the Paruns
+67% Synergy $1.08
Mantle of Tides Mantle of Tides
+33% Synergy $0.08
Prosthetic Injector Prosthetic Injector
+33% Synergy $0.11
Conqueror's Flail Conqueror's Flail
+33% Synergy $3.32
Agatha's Soul Cauldron Agatha's Soul Cauldron
+33% Synergy $37.35
Screaming Shield Screaming Shield
+17% Synergy $0.11
Diviner's Wand Diviner's Wand
+17% Synergy $0.52
Goblin Cannon Goblin Cannon
+17% Synergy $0.29
Imposter Mech Imposter Mech
+16% Synergy $7.39
Grafdigger's Cage Grafdigger's Cage
+14% Synergy $2.83
Mesmeric Orb Mesmeric Orb
+12% Synergy $18.53
Swiftfoot Boots Swiftfoot Boots
-8% Synergy $2.99

Enchantments

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

Necropotence Necropotence
+64% Synergy $37.03
Copy Artifact Copy Artifact
+33% Synergy
Necrodominance Necrodominance
+33% Synergy $3.97
Crab Umbra Crab Umbra
+17% Synergy $0.47
Hard Cover Hard Cover
+17% Synergy $0.22
Power Artifact Power Artifact
+17% Synergy $180.98
Pemmin's Aura Pemmin's Aura
+16% Synergy $11.71
Dress Down Dress Down
+15% Synergy $0.56

Planeswalkers

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

Tezzeret the Seeker Tezzeret the Seeker
+66% Synergy $22.88

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
+82% Synergy $31.72
Minamo, School at Water's Edge Minamo, School at Water's Edge
+79% Synergy $60.97
Urza's Saga Urza's Saga
+78% Synergy $39.67
Takenuma, Abandoned Mire Takenuma, Abandoned Mire
+54% Synergy $11.57
Treasure Vault Treasure Vault
+48% Synergy $1.53
Inventors' Fair Inventors' Fair
+48% Synergy $13.08
Buried Ruin Buried Ruin
+47% Synergy $0.37
Academy Ruins Academy Ruins
+46% Synergy $8.69
Cephalid Coliseum Cephalid Coliseum
+44% Synergy $0.32
War Room War Room
+32% Synergy $1.99
Emergence Zone Emergence Zone
+32% Synergy $4.34
Cabal Pit Cabal Pit
+32% Synergy $1.25
Ifnir Deadlands Ifnir Deadlands
+16% Synergy $0.29
Vault of Whispers Vault of Whispers
+12% Synergy $4.84
Seat of the Synod Seat of the Synod
+11% Synergy $0.71
Phyrexian Tower Phyrexian Tower
+10% Synergy $26.16
Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
-3% Synergy $57.13

Mana Artifacts

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

Mox Diamond Mox Diamond
+96% Synergy $1076.87
The Soul Stone The Soul Stone
+95% Synergy $84.04
Lotus Petal Lotus Petal
+93% Synergy $38.08
Grim Monolith Grim Monolith
+82% Synergy $459.66
Mox Opal Mox Opal
+79% Synergy $229.90
Fellwar Stone Fellwar Stone
+53% Synergy $0.60
Talisman of Dominance Talisman of Dominance
+42% Synergy $2.58
Urn of Godfire Urn of Godfire
+33% Synergy $0.13
Energy Refractor Energy Refractor
+33% Synergy $0.12
Basalt Monolith Basalt Monolith
+32% Synergy $3.94
Arcane Signet Arcane Signet
+16% Synergy $0.46
Moonsnare Prototype Moonsnare Prototype
+16% Synergy $0.28
Sol Ring Sol Ring
+12% Synergy $1.40
Mox Amber Mox Amber
+11% Synergy $73.71

Lands

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

Gemstone Caverns Gemstone Caverns
+95% Synergy $48.66
Misty Rainforest Misty Rainforest
+92% Synergy $36.10
Scalding Tarn Scalding Tarn
+92% Synergy $38.66
Flooded Strand Flooded Strand
+91% Synergy $15.52
Underground Sea Underground Sea
+87% Synergy
Mana Confluence Mana Confluence
+78% Synergy $33.09
Snow-Covered Island Snow-Covered Island
+76% Synergy $1.41
Verdant Catacombs Verdant Catacombs
+76% Synergy $32.22
Marsh Flats Marsh Flats
+75% Synergy $30.45
Bloodstained Mire Bloodstained Mire
+75% Synergy $17.82
Polluted Delta Polluted Delta
+68% Synergy $18.92
Sink into Stupor Soporific Springs Sink into Stupor
+68% Synergy $7.11
Morphic Pool Morphic Pool
+64% Synergy $27.85
Undercity Sewers Undercity Sewers
+63% Synergy $19.18
City of Brass City of Brass
+61% Synergy $9.98
Snow-Covered Swamp Snow-Covered Swamp
+60% Synergy $0.54
Watery Grave Watery Grave
+52% Synergy $12.40
Cavern of Souls Cavern of Souls
+41% Synergy $49.78
The Mycosynth Gardens The Mycosynth Gardens
+32% Synergy $0.40
Underground River Underground River
+26% Synergy $1.42
Exotic Orchard Exotic Orchard
+18% Synergy $0.36
Spire of Industry Spire of Industry
+15% Synergy $0.30
Command Tower Command Tower
+12% Synergy $0.25
Sunken Ruins Sunken Ruins
0% Synergy $8.65
Gloomlake Verge Gloomlake Verge
-7% Synergy $10.63
Swamp Swamp
-13% Synergy $0.07
Island Island
-13% Synergy $0.07
Shipwreck Marsh Shipwreck Marsh
-23% Synergy $7.35

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
Tavern Brawler Tavern Brawler
Noble Heritage Noble Heritage
Clan Crafter Clan Crafter
Agent of the Shadow Thieves Agent of the Shadow Thieves
Cultist of the Absolute Cultist of the Absolute
Haunted One Haunted One
Street Urchin Street Urchin
Folk Hero Folk Hero
Hardy Outlander Hardy Outlander
Dragon Cultist Dragon Cultist
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
Dungeon Delver Dungeon Delver
Faceless One Faceless One
Far Traveler Far Traveler
Feywild Visitor Feywild Visitor
Flaming Fist Flaming Fist
Guild Artisan Guild Artisan
Inspiring Leader Inspiring Leader
Master Chef Master Chef
Popular Entertainer Popular Entertainer
Shameless Charlatan Shameless Charlatan
Sword Coast Sailor Sword Coast Sailor
Veteran Soldier Veteran Soldier