Ashling, Rekindled // Ashling, Rimebound
A two-face Izzet commander that alternates between looting for card selection and generating a mana burst to help cast big spells.
Public decks: 1Bracket: Varies
Overview
- Use Ashling, Rekindled to smooth draws by discarding a card to draw a card when it enters or flips into that side.
- On your first main phase, you can pay {U} or {R} to toggle forms, choosing between card selection and mana production.
- Ashling, Rimebound provides two mana (any one color) each turn cycle, but only for spells with mana value 4 or greater.
- The game plan often revolves around timing flips so your first main phase lines up with casting your bigger plays.
- Typically plays like a value engine that ramps into higher-mana interaction or finishers rather than pure early aggression.
Common lines
- Cast Ashling, then use the Rekindled trigger to trade an extra card for a fresh draw if you have something expendable.
- At the start of your first main phase, pay {U} to flip into Rimebound, then use the two-mana burst to help cast a 4+ mana spell.
- Later, pay {R} on a subsequent turn to flip back to Rekindled to loot again and keep your hand quality high.
- Hold up interaction, then on your next turn flip into Rimebound to convert a safe window into a bigger spell turn.
Strengths
- Repeatable card filtering through the discard-then-draw trigger when entering or transforming into Rekindled.
- Reliable first-main-phase mana burst on Rimebound that supports a higher curve plan.
- Flexible play patterns: you can choose each turn whether you need selection or acceleration.
- Color identity supports both proactive threats and reactive answers.
Weaknesses
- Transform payments ({U}/{R}) and timing restrictions can make your lines awkward when you are pinched on mana.
- Rimebound mana is restricted to spells with mana value 4 or greater, so it can be stranded if your hand is low-curve.
- Looting is optional but requires cards to discard; empty-handed scenarios reduce value.
- Commander removal can interrupt the flip cadence and set back your mana-plan turns.
Rule zero notes
- This commander naturally encourages a higher curve (to use the 4+ mana restriction), so the deck may be more "big-spell" than typical low-curve Izzet.
- The game plan involves frequent transforming on your first main phase; confirm players are comfortable with that pace of triggers.
- If your list includes a lot of countermagic or bounce (for example, Counterspell or Confiscate), mention that up front.
- If you are leaning into large swingy spells (for example, Finale of Revelation or Collective Inferno), call out the power level expectations.
Matchups
Best into
- Slower midrange pods where repeated value and bigger spells can take over.
- Battlecruiser-style tables that give you time to set up flip turns and cast 4+ mana plays.
- Creature-centric boards where larger spells can swing the game state.
Struggles against
- Fast combo tables that can win before your flip-based ramp matters.
- Heavy permission or repeated removal that keeps Ashling off the battlefield.
- Mana-denial or taxing effects that make it hard to pay transform costs on schedule.
FAQ
How does Ashling generate value if the board is stalled?
Rekindled can convert extra cards into better cards via discard-then-draw, while Rimebound converts your first main phase into a bigger-spell turn with the two-mana burst.
Do I have to transform every turn?
No. The transform options are “may” abilities, so you can stay on the side that best fits your hand and the table.
What kinds of spells work best with Rimebound’s mana?
Any spells with mana value 4 or greater, since the mana can only be spent on those; this pushes your deck toward impactful higher-cost plays.
Is the discard-and-draw mandatory?
No. The trigger says you may discard a card; if you choose not to discard, you do not draw.
Can the two mana from Rimebound be used on activated abilities or smaller spells?
No. It can only be spent to cast spells with mana value 4 or greater, so plan your turn so you have a valid target to cast.