Orthion, Hero of Lavabrink
MOM · rare · Released 2023-04-21
Power
Tier shown as baseline → best-case (in its ideal shell). The score (-8 to 19) is a rank signal derived from tier + kind + atoms; browse by it on the cards page.
Derived from the 7 atoms below.
on rate
minor value alone
wants support
can take over a game
one mode
situational
easily answered
Commander Bracket
Archetypes
Roles
Risks
Mechanics
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Typal
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Structural
Rationale
Orthion is a 4cmc legendary creature with two sorcery-speed activated clone abilities: a cheap 1R+T for one hasty token copy, and a 9-mana RRRR+T for five. Best in ETB-heavy shells (flicker payoffs, aristocrats) where repeated copying generates immediate value before the forced sacrifice. Narrow because it does nothing without a good creature to copy and is purely win-more in the late game; the expensive second ability is occasionally game-ending but costs 10 mana total.
Learnings (3)
The cheap {1}{R},{T} ability is a sorcery and requires tapping Orthion, meaning it cannot be used the turn he enters (summoning sickness) without haste enablers, significantly slowing his impact.
tagging · claude-sonnet-4-6
The five-copy ability costs {6}{R}{R}{R} plus tapping — a total investment of 10 mana — making it an all-in turn rather than a reliable engine; pair with cost reducers or mana doublers to realistically activate it.
tagging · claude-sonnet-4-6
Because the tokens are sacrificed at the NEXT end step, you can attack with them during your turn AND generate ETB triggers, but they survive long enough to act as blockers if the ability is somehow activated at the very start of a turn (e.g. via a second main phase re-use with untap effects).
tagging · claude-sonnet-4-6
Popularity
- EDHREC rank: #2,223