Uses for Dryad Arbor?

Commander (EDH) forum

Posted on Sept. 14, 2013, 2:43 p.m. by Aerokid

I recently acquired a Dryad Arbor for my Riku of Two Reflections EDH, but I'm hesitant to put it in. The only real synergy I have for it is Green Sun's Zenith for 0 to ramp easier (though I'd probably have better uses for it), and Riku to copy it. What other possible interactions are there for the Arbor in RUG?

It counts as a creature AND a land, so fetch lands can dig it out. Has synergy with any creatures/enchantments benefiting from Forests, like Dungrove Elder . Can be pitched by Fauna Shaman and brought back with Life from the Loam ... Yada yada :-)

But, it can be the victim of Tragic Slip , Lightning Bolt , and Wrath of God type stuff.

September 14, 2013 2:55 p.m.

DaggerV says... #3

I use it with landfall, a multi-casted reflection on the arbor is gg.

September 14, 2013 4:16 p.m.

Epochalyptik says... #4

Dryad Arbor can be cloned with Riku or tutored with creature/Forest tutor effects, but that's about it. I run it in my BUG deck because a turn-1 Green Sun's Zenith into Dryad Arbor is effective as ramp, but that's about the only reason I play it. It has more synergy with Riku, but I don't know that you have a reason to play it unless you're going for a high-speed ramp package. It's also, as you mention, more vulnerable to sweepers and removal, so it's actually a detriment in many scenarios.

September 14, 2013 4:17 p.m.

mckin says... #5

instant speed tutor for a blocker, i run dryad arbor, but 9/10 i wish i just had a forest i could tap that turn, as generally when im searching for forest i grab tropical island, bayou, breeding pool, or overgrown tomb

September 14, 2013 5:08 p.m.

KingSorin says... #6

Opponent on 1 life: Wrath of God .
Me: After resolution, crack Misty Rainforest for a Dryad Arbor
Opponent: DERP!

September 14, 2013 6:55 p.m.

Aerokid says... #7

Yeah, it's looking like Arbor is as lackluster for me as I thought. I already ramp hard enough as it is, and using land as I play it is important for me, so every land I have generally comes in untapped. Dryad takes that away.

Thanks for the thoughts everyone.

September 14, 2013 8:27 p.m.

cupofnoodles says... #8

Back when Dryad Arbor was still in standard, I used to play her with Mirrorweave to turn all my other creatures into lands for some turbo mana, which worked well to get a few liege's out.

Mirrorweave is a great spell on it's own as well, and definitely has a place in edh decks. It can soften damage taken during combat, increase damage taken, or provide for shenanigans like the aforementioned one with the Dryad.

September 16, 2013 1:25 a.m.

smackjack says... #9

Birthing Pod into a Viscera Seer if you need a sac outlet

September 18, 2013 6:15 p.m.

This discussion has been closed