Altar of the Brood: A Synergistic Disruptor

TL;DR Summary

The Altar of the Brood is an artifact that creates a synergistic effect with other permanents controlled by its player. When another permanent enters, it causes opponents to mill a card each, making it an attractive addition to mill-based decks.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

The Altar of the Brood works by triggering whenever any permanent the player controls enters, which includes lands, creatures, enchantments, and other artifacts. This trigger is then resolved as a state-based action, causing each opponent to mill (discard) one card from their library. This means that the Altar of the Brood can potentially disrupt opponents' plans by forcing them to discard key cards or valuable resources.

One interesting interaction to consider is when the Altar of the Brood is paired with other cards that trigger off entering permanents, such as Sylvan Caryatid. In this scenario, both the Altar of the Brood and Sylvan Caryatid will trigger simultaneously, resulting in each opponent milling two cards. This demonstrates the potential for powerful synergies when combining the Altar of the Brood with other cards that create similar effects.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

The Altar of the Brood is particularly well-suited to mill-based strategies, where the goal is to accumulate a large library of discarded cards. By forcing opponents to discard valuable resources, the Altar of the Brood can create opportunities for players to draw into key cards or disrupt their opponents' plans.

One popular combo involving the Altar of the Brood is pairing it with Bitter Revelation. When an opponent discards a card due to the Altar of the Brood, Bitter Revelation allows the player to cast it as if they had sacrificed three creatures, effectively creating a powerful spell or disruption. This combination demonstrates the potential for the Altar of the Brood to create game-changing opportunities when paired with other cards.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

The Altar of the Brood is often played in mill-based decks, where its ability to force opponents to discard valuable resources can be particularly effective. However, it can also see play in other strategies that benefit from disrupting opponents' plans or creating opportunities for players to draw into key cards.

When building around the Altar of the Brood, consider including a mix of permanents that enter under different circumstances, such as lands, creatures, and enchantments. This will maximize the trigger effect of the Altar of the Brood and create opportunities for powerful synergies with other cards in the deck.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

The Altar of the Brood has seen play in various formats, including Modern, Legacy, and Commander. Its performance in competitive contexts is largely dependent on the metagame and the specific strategies being employed by opponents.

In modern formats, the Altar of the Brood has been included in mill-based decks that aim to accumulate a large library of discarded cards. However, its viability in these formats can be sensitive to changes in the metagame, as opponents may adapt their strategies to mitigate the effects of the Altar of the Brood. In Legacy, the Altar of the Brood has been included in combo decks that seek to exploit powerful synergies with other cards.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

When the Altar of the Brood triggers, it creates a state-based action that causes each opponent to mill a card. This effect is resolved immediately, regardless of any other effects or abilities that may be triggered at the same time.

It's worth noting that the Altar of the Brood does not affect its own controller in any way, so players can safely trigger it without worrying about self-damage or other negative consequences.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

The artwork for the Altar of the Brood depicts a mysterious, ancient structure surrounded by twisted, organic growths. The flavor text suggests that this artifact is connected to some long-lost civilization, one that has left behind secrets and relics that can be uncovered by players who dare to explore the unknown.

The Altar of the Brood was first introduced in the Mirrodin set, which explored themes of artifice, technology, and ancient civilizations. Its design reflects these themes, offering a glimpse into the dark, mysterious world of Dominaria's past.

Key Considerations for Deckbuilders

• The Altar of the Brood creates a synergistic effect with other permanents controlled by its player.
• It triggers whenever any permanent enters, causing each opponent to mill one card from their library.
• It can be paired with other cards that trigger off entering permanents for powerful synergies.
• Its potential for creating game-changing opportunities is greatest in mill-based strategies.
• Consider including a mix of permanents that enter under different circumstances when building around the Altar of the Brood.

Synergistic Possibilities

The Altar of the Brood can be paired with other cards that create similar effects, such as Sylvan Caryatid or Bitter Revelation. This creates powerful synergies that can disrupt opponents' plans and create opportunities for players to draw into key cards.

In mill-based strategies, the Altar of the Brood can be used in conjunction with other cards that allow for card drawing or manipulation, such as Urza's Bauble or Mox Opal. This enables players to maximize the trigger effect of the Altar of the Brood and create powerful synergies with other cards in the deck.

In combo decks, the Altar of the Brood can be used in conjunction with other cards that allow for explosive combos, such as Bitter Revelation or Tolarian Academy. This creates game-changing opportunities for players to disrupt opponents' plans and win the game quickly.

Conclusion Summary

The Altar of the Brood is an artifact that creates a unique and powerful effect by forcing opponents to discard valuable resources. Its potential for synergies with other cards makes it an attractive addition to mill-based decks, where its trigger can be maximized. While its viability in competitive contexts depends on the metagame, the Altar of the Brood remains a versatile and impactful card that rewards careful consideration and strategic play.

In summary, the Altar of the Brood is a powerful disruptor that creates game-changing opportunities when paired with other cards. Its ability to force opponents to discard valuable resources makes it an attractive addition to mill-based decks, where its trigger can be maximized. With its potential for synergies and versatility in various formats, the Altar of the Brood remains a card worth considering for any deckbuilder looking to create powerful and competitive strategies.