Pauper EDH, also known as PDH, is a unique variant of the Commander format where only common-rarity cards are allowed, and the commander itself must be an uncommon creature. The format’s restriction to lower-rarity cards fosters creativity and strategic depth, with budget-friendly decks built around clever synergies. Among the many cards that can enhance Pauper EDH gameplay, Rumor Gatherer, despite being an uncommon, has gained attention for its powerful utility and card advantage potential.
In this article, we will explore how Rumor Gatherer fits into the Pauper EDH landscape, delve into its synergy with other cards, and examine how it enhances various deck archetypes. We will also discuss how to build around Rumor Gatherer for maximum efficiency.
What is Pauper EDH?
Pauper EDH combines the beloved format of Commander with the simplicity of Pauper. Its rules are as follows:
- Deck Composition:
- 99 cards, all at common rarity.
- One commander, which must be an uncommon creature.
- Gameplay Style:
- Multiplayer format (typically 3-4 players).
- Life totals start at 30 instead of 40, emphasizing faster games.
- Deckbuilding Challenges:
- Limited access to traditional power cards.
- Focus on synergy over individual card strength.
Rumor Gatherer: Card Overview
Rumor Gatherer is an uncommon Elf Wizard from the Streets of New Capenna set. It provides an excellent source of card advantage in creature-heavy strategies.
- Mana Cost: 1WW
- Type: Creature — Elf Wizard
- Stats: 2/1
- Abilities:
- Alliance: Whenever another creature enters the battlefield under your control, scry 1. If this is the second time this ability resolves this turn, draw a card instead.
The Alliance mechanic makes Rumor Gatherer an exceptional tool for sifting through your deck, ensuring you hit the cards you need when it matters most.
Why is Rumor Gatherer Relevant in Pauper EDH?
In Pauper EDH, card advantage is harder to achieve due to the limitation of common cards. Rumor Gatherer provides a consistent way to filter draws or draw cards outright, making it a valuable addition to decks that generate creatures in large numbers. Here’s why it stands out:
- Synergy with Token Strategies
Decks that create multiple tokens in a single turn can easily trigger Rumor Gatherer multiple times, enabling efficient card filtering and drawing. - Fits in White’s Playstyle
White often struggles with card advantage in EDH formats. Rumor Gatherer fills this gap by offering a repeatable way to scry or draw, making it a must-have in many white-heavy Pauper EDH decks. - Scalable Advantage
The more creatures you generate in a turn, the more value you extract from Rumor Gatherer, making it an excellent inclusion in decks designed to “go wide.”
Key Strategies for Using Rumor Gatherer in Pauper EDH
1. Token Generation
The easiest way to maximize Rumor Gatherer’s Alliance ability is by flooding the battlefield with tokens. Cards that generate multiple creatures in a single spell or repeatedly produce tokens over time pair exceptionally well.
- Examples of Token Producers:
- Battle Screech: A powerful spell that creates multiple bird tokens.
- Raise the Alarm: Instant-speed token creation.
- Midnight Haunting: Provides two flying tokens at instant speed.
- Thraben Doomsayer: Repeatedly creates tokens if left unchecked.
2. Blink Strategies
Blinking creatures (exiling and returning them to the battlefield) is another effective way to trigger Rumor Gatherer. These strategies often rely on repeatable effects to maximize value from enter-the-battlefield (ETB) abilities.
- Key Cards for Blink Strategies:
- Ghostly Flicker: Blinks two permanents for additional triggers.
- Ephemerate: A budget-friendly card for repeatable blinking.
- Kor Skyfisher: Bounces a permanent back to your hand to re-cast and trigger ETBs.
3. Aristocrats Decks
Aristocrats decks, which focus on sacrificing creatures for value, can generate additional creatures or tokens in the process. Rumor Gatherer ensures you maintain card advantage as you churn through your deck.
- Synergistic Cards for Aristocrats:
- Reassembling Skeleton: A reusable creature for sacrifice loops.
- Carrion Feeder: Combines well with tokens and graveyard recursion.
- Mortician Beetle: Grows stronger with each sacrifice.
4. Combat-Oriented Decks
Decks that rely on combat tricks and summoning reinforcements during battles can also benefit. Rumor Gatherer provides card advantage to ensure you don’t run out of gas mid-game.
- Combat-Centric Cards:
- Call of the Full Moon: Buffs a creature while creating potential triggers.
- Captain’s Call: A single spell that floods the board with tokens.
Synergies with Rumor Gatherer in Pauper EDH
1. Infinite Combos
Certain infinite token combos can lead to infinite Alliance triggers, effectively allowing you to scry through your entire deck or draw into win conditions.
- Example Combo:
- Presence of Gond enchanted on Midnight Guard results in infinite tokens.
2. White’s Lifegain Synergies
Many Pauper EDH decks built around white utilize lifegain mechanics. Rumor Gatherer fits well here as it ensures card flow while you gain life through token generation.
- Lifegain Synergies:
- Soul Warden: Gains life for each creature entering the battlefield.
- Ajani’s Pridemate: A lifegain payoff card that grows larger.
Also Read: Bucket Helmet
Building a Deck Around Rumor Gatherer
1. Commander Selection
While Rumor Gatherer cannot be your commander in Pauper EDH (due to its uncommon rarity), you can build around commanders that enhance its strengths.
- Best Commanders for Rumor Gatherer Decks:
- Selesnya Guildmage: A versatile commander with token generation abilities.
- Jeskai Elder: A budget-friendly option with card draw potential.
- Tethmos High Priest: Recurs creatures, synergizing with token and blink strategies.
2. Mana Base
Since Rumor Gatherer requires white mana, your mana base should prioritize access to white lands while incorporating multicolor options for splash strategies.
- Key Lands:
- Boros Garrison: Provides color fixing and mana ramp.
- Ash Barrens: Fetches needed basics.
- Secluded Steppe: Offers cycling for extra utility.
3. Win Conditions
While Rumor Gatherer itself isn’t a win condition, it facilitates your strategy by keeping your hand full of options. Your deck should have clear paths to victory:
- Token Swarm: Overwhelm opponents with a large board of tokens.
- Combat Damage: Buff creatures with spells like Inspired Charge to deal lethal damage.
- Aristocrats Loop: Sacrifice and recur creatures to drain opponents’ life totals.
Example Decklist Featuring Rumor Gatherer
Here’s an example decklist designed to maximize Rumor Gatherer in a Pauper EDH deck:
Commander: Selesnya Guildmage
Creatures:
- Soul Warden
- Thraben Inspector
- Midnight Guard
- Reassembling Skeleton
- Mortician Beetle
Instants and Sorceries:
- Raise the Alarm
- Ghostly Flicker
- Ephemerate
- Battle Screech
- Inspired Charge
Enchantments:
- Presence of Gond
- Journey to Nowhere
- Oblivion Ring
Artifacts:
- Ashnod’s Altar
- Skullclamp
Lands:
- Secluded Steppe
- Ash Barrens
- Boros Garrison
- 15 Plains
- 10 Forests
Advanced Tips for Using Rumor Gatherer
1. Timing Your Plays
Maximize Rumor Gatherer’s Alliance triggers by spacing out creature summoning over multiple turns or using instant-speed spells on opponents’ turns.
2. Scrying for Answers
The scry ability lets you prepare for future turns by filtering out cards you don’t need, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.
3. Protecting Rumor Gatherer
As a high-value target, Rumor Gatherer may attract removal. Include cards like Gods Willing or Sheltering Light to protect it.
Conclusion
Rumor Gatherer is a powerful tool in Pauper EDH, offering card advantage and deck filtering in a format where such effects are rare. Whether you’re playing tokens, blink strategies, or aristocrats, Rumor Gatherer enhances your gameplay by ensuring consistency and access to key cards. While it cannot serve as a commander, it is a must-have in the 99 of many white-inclusive decks.
By leveraging its synergies and building around its strengths, you can unlock its full potential and create a formidable Pauper EDH deck that dominates the table. Start experimenting with Rumor Gatherer Pauper EDH today and watch your games transform with this unique and versatile card!