Artifact Mana ramp or decreased spell cost

Commander (EDH) forum

Posted on Feb. 10, 2015, 8:37 a.m. by PTsmitty

I was debating on whether or not I should keep Izzet Cluestone and Izzet Keyrune in my Melek EDH deck for mana ramp or replace them with Sapphire Medallion and Ruby Medallion to decrease my casting costs instead. This may be a minute question because they basically both do the same thing. Just was wondering how everyone else felt about the idea.

Rman92011 says... #2

Sapphire Medallion and Ruby Medallion are typically better IMO. They drop for one less, and if you cast multiple spells they can help a lot more. The downside is that Sapphire Medallion won't help you cast your red spells and the same goes for Ruby Medallion

February 10, 2015 8:41 a.m.

GeminiSpartanX says... #3

I think it depends on what your Melek deck is trying to do spell-wise. If you're going for the ability to cast many spells in the same turn, then the Medallions would be better. If you only care about casting 1-2 big spells a turn (or 1 big spell with counter back-up), then rocks like Commander's Sphere would be better (<- strictly better than Cluestones I've discovered).

February 10, 2015 8:43 a.m.

fadelightningmm says... #4

I agree with Rman92011 medallion offer a more use. If you look at a spell for spell cost benefit analysis: medallion cost 2 cluestone and keystone cost 3, both medallions allow all ru spells cost 2 less the stones allow you to spend 2 less mana on any spell.

February 10, 2015 9:37 a.m.

Kozelek says... #5

If you want to you can run Arcane Melee too but it helps everyone and costs vs (medallion) or (culestone or keyrune)

February 10, 2015 10:05 a.m.

Hjaltrohir says... #6

Take the medallions, they will help you out more as they cost less and can stack.

February 10, 2015 12:18 p.m.

HeroInMyOwnMind says... #7

I feel like the medallions are the safer, more consistent choice in most cases.

February 10, 2015 12:36 p.m.

PTsmitty says... #8

Thanks for all the feedback! Great explanations! My goal with my deck is to play a lot of spells each turn and an occasional big spell. So I will definitely be making the switch to the medallions.

February 10, 2015 6:09 p.m.