Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer Full Guide

Commander 2018 Mythic
Mana Cost: {4}{U}{R}
Type: Legendary Artifact Creature — Phyrexian Artificer
P/T: 4/4
Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer Text:
Creature tokens you control have haste. At the beginning of combat on your turn, create a 2/1 blue Phyrexian Myr artifact creature token. Then you may choose a token you control. If you do, each other token you control becomes a copy of that token.
Artist: Daarken
Collector Number: 39
Release Date: 2018-08-09
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-29
TL;DR Summary

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer

This legendary artifact creature is a powerhouse in Commander decks. Its main strengths include:

  • Token generation: Brudiclad creates a 2/1 Phyrexian Myr token at the beginning of combat on your turn, which can be used to attack or defend.
  • Token copying: By choosing an existing token, you can copy it onto every other token, effectively creating an army of identical creatures with haste.

Typical uses for Brudiclad include:

In Commander decks, Brudiclad's impact is significant due to its ability to rapidly scale up token production. Its combination of token generation and copying makes it a versatile tool for various strategies, especially those centered around Vraska, Izzet Ascendancy or Estrid, the Masked.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer: A Token-Shuffling Machine

As a legendary artifact creature, Brucidlad offers unparalleled token generation and duplication capabilities. Understanding its rules and interactions is crucial for optimizing its performance in Commander games.

Abilities Breakdown

  • "Creature tokens you control have haste.": This ability grants all controlled creature tokens with haste, allowing them to attack the same turn they're created.

Example: Creating a 2/1 blue Phyrexian Myr artifact token on Brucidlad's turn, then using Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient's ability to create another token that gains haste. The first turn's token will attack alongside Kurkesh.

  • "At the beginning of combat on your turn, create a 2/1 blue Phyrexian Myr artifact creature token.": This automatic token generation happens every time Brucidlad's controller enters their combat phase.

Example: Running Srivalli, Nakano's Disciple and Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer. At the beginning of your turn, Srivalli creates a blue Phyrexian Myr artifact creature token. On the same turn, Brucidlad generates another one.

  • "Then you may choose a token you control.": This part is crucial for creating tokens that mirror each other.

Example: Controlling two different tokens from Kami of False Hope and Luminous Bonds. On your first turn with Brucidlad, select the Kami token. All remaining tokens will then become copies of the chosen Kami.

Unique Interactions

  • Token Duplication: By selecting a token at the start of combat on your turn, you can create an army of identical creatures.

Example: Running Kami of False Hope and generating multiple copies to quickly overwhelm opponents. Using Brucidlad's ability in conjunction with Aurelia, the Warleader allows for even greater token duplication.

  • Haste Interaction: Creature tokens that gain haste thanks to Brucidlad can attack on their first turn, potentially disrupting opponents' plans.

Example: Pairing Brudiclad with Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient, as mentioned earlier. With multiple tokens and haste, you could quickly overpower an opponent's creatures.

Example: Running a combination of Kami of False Hope and Luminous Bonds. If you don't carefully manage tokens, an opponent could use a card like Conclave Cavalier to negate the benefits of your token duplication.

Commander Considerations

  • Commander Budget: Be mindful that Brucidlad has a high mana cost, making it challenging to include in more budget-conscious Commander decks.

Example: Running a deck focused on artifact creatures and tokens. While Brudiclad's abilities would be highly beneficial, its cost might necessitate cutting or replacing other cards.

Conclusion

Brucidlad, Telchor Engineer is a versatile and powerful card that excels at generating tokens and duplicating them. Its unique abilities interact with numerous Commander staples, offering both opportunities for growth and challenges to mitigate. Understanding these intricacies will help in maximizing Brucidlad's performance within your deck.

Strategic Applications

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a powerful tool in Commander decks that rely on creating and manipulating token creatures. This legendary artifact creature excels at generating and copying tokens, making it an excellent fit for token-generating strategies.

Common Archetypes:

  • Token generating: Decks focused on creating an overwhelming number of tokens will benefit from Brudiclad's ability to create a 2/1 Phyrexian Myr token and copy other tokens.
  • Artifact synergy: Combining Brudiclad with artifact-boosting cards like Arcane Signet or Myr Quad can lead to explosive token generation and combat potential.
  • Combo decks: Brudiclad's ability to create a 2/1 token and copy other tokens makes it an excellent choice for combo decks that rely on rapidly generating large numbers of threats.

Role on the Battlefield:

  • Early game: Brudiclad creates a 2/1 token, providing immediate pressure and setting up future token generation.
  • Mid-game: As more tokens are created, Brudiclad's ability to copy them can lead to an exponential increase in board presence, making it difficult for opponents to defend against.

Beneficial Decks or Strategies:

  • Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer thrives in decks with a strong artifact component, such as Rakdos or Izzet.
  • It pairs well with token-generating cards like Myr Quad, Arcane Signet, and [Fulminator Mage.
  • Brudiclad's ability to copy tokens makes it an excellent addition to combo decks that rely on rapidly generating large numbers of threats, such as those featuring Atraxa or Estrid, the Masked.
Advanced Techniques

Synergistic Pairings

  • Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer pairs well with [Srivai who can generate tokens on their own turn. This creates a snowball effect where more and more tokens are created, each with haste.
  • When combined with [Forsake All Else, the number of tokens created can become overwhelming for opponents to handle.
  • Using Brudiclad with [Atraxa enables players to create a massive army of token creatures that gain haste on their own turn.

Rules Tricks

  • The second ability of Brudiclad allows players to choose a token and make all other tokens copies of it. This can be used in conjunction with [Trostani's Summoner who creates 2/2 Merfolk Warriors.
  • Brudiclad's first ability gives creatures haste, making them more formidable in combat. However, if an opponent has cards like [Gilded Light, their creatures may gain additional benefits when they deal combat damage to players.

Advanced Techniques

  • Using Brudiclad with artifact tokens and [Eldrazi Displacer can create a cycle of token creation and destruction, forcing opponents to constantly adapt.
  • The combination of Brudiclad and [Aurelia, the Warleader allows for a high-risk, high-reward strategy where players create an army of token creatures and then transform Aurelia into a powerful creature, potentially winning the game in one turn.
Common Mistakes

Timing Issues

Players often misunderstand when Brudiclad's ability triggers. The card states "at the beginning of combat on your turn." This means that the 2/1 token will be created immediately after declaring attackers, but before any combat damage is dealt or abilities trigger during combat. Some players may accidentally create a token in their opponent's combat phase, only to have it destroyed by an ability.

  • Example: Playing Brudiclad and attacking with it on your turn. The 2/1 token will be created at the beginning of combat, but if your opponent has an ability that destroys artifacts at the beginning of their combat phase (like Grave Titan), the token will still be destroyed.
  • Solution: Be mindful of timing and create the token immediately after declaring attackers on your turn.

Misunderstood Rules

Some players may think Brudiclad's ability only copies tokens with similar mana costs or types. However, it will copy any token you control, regardless of its characteristics.

  • Example: Playing Brudiclad and having a 3/2 Sylvan Caryatid on the board. When you use Brudiclad's ability to copy one of your tokens, the other tokens become copies of the Sylvan Caryatid.
  • Solution: Understand that Brucidlad will copy any token you control, not just similar ones.

Poor Synergies

Players often overlook the synergy between Brudiclad and other cards that create token duplication effects. This can lead to over-synergizing and creating an army of identical tokens.

  • Example: Playing Brudiclad with Keranos, God of Storms on the board. Keranos's ability creates a copy of each creature you control, but since Brucidlad already copies your tokens, this can create an exponential growth of identical tokens.
  • Solution: Be mindful of token duplication effects and avoid over-synergizing to prevent an unbalanced board state.

Common Misplay

One common mistake with Brudiclad is failing to use its ability when it's most beneficial. Players often focus on attacking with the card itself, forgetting that creating a 2/1 token at the beginning of combat can be just as valuable.

  • Example: Playing Brucidlad and using its ability to create a single 2/1 token. In this case, creating the token is more important than attacking with the Brudiclad itself.
  • Solution: Prioritize creating tokens over attacking with Brudiclad's power.
Conclusion

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a formidable card that brings a unique set of abilities to Commander decks. Its ability to create 2/1 Phyrexian Myr tokens at the beginning of combat on its controller's turn can be particularly impactful in token-heavy strategies. When paired with tokens like Golgari Findbroker or Vedalken Archmage, Brudiclad can quickly generate a swarm of low-toughness creatures that can exploit an opponent's weak spots.

Brucidlad's copy ability is also noteworthy, allowing players to manipulate their token count in various ways. For example, by copying a large Krenko, Mob Boss or Golgari Findbroker, Brudiclad can create a horde of high-power tokens that can overwhelm opponents quickly.

The card's 4/4 power and toughness make it a formidable creature in its own right, capable of taking on larger threats while also serving as a token generator. However, its relatively high mana cost (6 CM) may limit its inclusion in some Commander decks.

In terms of overall value, Brudiclad is best suited for decks that already rely heavily on tokens and can afford to devote the necessary mana to it. Players with access to Estrid, the Masked or other token-doubling cards will find particular synergy with Brucidlad. As a mythic rarity, its price point (around $0.43 USD) is relatively reasonable for a card of this power level.

Ultimately, players seeking to maximize their Commander deck's potential would do well to consider including Brudiclad in their arsenal, especially if they already have token-heavy strategies or access to token-doubling cards.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a powerful artifact creature that shines in token-heavy decks, particularly those focused on blue-green synergies. Its ability to create 2/1 Phyrexian Myr tokens and copy them at the beginning of combat on its controller's turn makes it an excellent engine for generating card advantage.

Commander Options

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer works well with Commanders that generate tokens, such as:

  • Atraxa, Praetors' Voice (3 colors: R, G, U)
  • Estrid, the Masked
  • Estrid's various variants, like Estrid, God-Pharaoh
  • Jhoira of Eternity
  • Karrthus, Traitor of Gavony

These Commanders often have abilities that create tokens or manipulate existing ones, which Brudiclad can then exploit.

Color Identities

The card's color identity is blue-red (R, U), but it also benefits from a mono-blue or blue-green focus. Consider including cards like:

Engines and Synergies

Some notable synergies for Brudiclad include:

  • Token Doubling: With cards like Soul Warden or Estrid's Invocation, you can create tokens that become more powerful due to their copied ability.
  • Myr Swarm: Myr Retention allows you to keep your tokens, making it easier to benefit from Brudiclad's token copying effect.
  • Token Generation: Cards like Tolaria West or [Phantasmal Terrain create additional tokens, which can then be copied and made more powerful.

Combos

One potential combo involves using Brudiclad with Estrid's Invocation, creating a large number of tokens that get copied at the beginning of combat. This can lead to an overwhelming board presence and game-winning advantage.

Overall, Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a powerful engine for token-heavy decks in blue-green or mono-blue color schemes. Its ability to copy tokens makes it an excellent addition to Commander decks focused on card advantage and swarming the board with creatures.

Format Roles

Competitive Formats: Commander

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a game-changer in Commander formats, particularly those with a high token generating potential. Its ability to create 2/1 tokens and replicate them can lead to explosive board presence, making it a prime target for removal spells like Abrupt Decay or Beast Within . However, its power level warrants caution: in decks with strong artifact generation, Brudiclad can enable an overwhelming number of threats.

In some Commander lists, Brudiclad is used as a key enabler for token-generating strategies, paired with artifacts like Arcane Signet and Mystical Tutor , which accelerate the process of generating tokens. Decks centered around this archetype benefit greatly from Brucidlad's ability to create and replicate tokens.

Casual Formats: Commander and Pauper

While competitive in some Commander formats, Brudiclad is often overlooked in more casual games due to its high CMC (6.0). However, its impact in Pauper is undeniable, as the format lacks the high-power artifacts that would usually counter it. In these settings, Brucidlad excels at generating an unrelenting wave of small threats.

Other Formats

In modern and standard formats, Brudiclad's power level makes it an easy target for removal spells and creature destruction effects like Slaughter Pact or Abrupt Decay . As such, its presence in constructed decks is relatively limited.

Notable Combinations

  • With cards that generate a single token on the battlefield, like Auriok Roost , Brucidlad can create an army of small threats.
  • Paired with Sol Ring and Chrome Mox , Brudiclad enables fast artifact ramp and accelerates the creation of tokens.

Price and Availability

Brudiclad's price ($0.43 USD, $0.38 EUR) is relatively low compared to its impact in Commander formats. Its availability on the secondary market is moderate, making it a viable option for players looking to experiment with token-based strategies.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer shines in token-heavy Commander decks that can take advantage of its ability to create a plethora of 2/1 Phyrexian Myr tokens. Here are some specific scenarios where it excels:

In contrast, Brudiclad struggles against decks that can easily remove or disrupt its tokens:

  • Counterspells and Removal: Decks with access to counterspells like Counterspell, Ad Nihilum, or removal spells like Path to Exile can neutralize Brucidlad's token advantage.
  • Token Destruction: Cards like Doomfall or Rage Reflections can specifically target and destroy Brudiclad's tokens, rendering its abilities less effective.

Multiplayer politics also come into play with Brucidlad:

  • Token Disruption: Players may use cards like Dismantling Blow, Echoing Glare, or Eternal Bane to disrupt their opponents' token generation, making it harder for them to keep up with Brucidlad's army.
  • Token Wars: In a multiplayer game, players may deliberately try to create tokens using Brucidlad's ability, leading to an escalating arms race and increased board presence.
History & Meta

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer has a rich history in the game of Magic. Printed originally in Core Set 2018 (c18) as a Mythic Rare, this Phyrexian Artificer has been a staple in many Modern and Commander decks.

Printings:

  • Core Set 2018 (c18): The original printing, which is still highly sought after by collectors.
  • Guilds of Ravnica (GRN): Printed as a Mythic Rare with slightly altered text to make it more competitive in the format.
  • Modern Horizons 2 (MH2): Featured as a Mythic Rare again, this time with no changes.

Tournament Presence:

  • Modern: Brudiclad has seen play in various Modern formats, including Modern Masters and Grand Prix events. Its ability to create an army of tokens quickly makes it a formidable force.
  • Commander: This card is a staple in many EDH decks, providing a powerful way to swarm the board with low-toughness creatures.
  • Pauper: In Pauper, Brudiclad's token generation and duplication abilities make it a popular choice.

EDHREC Stats:

  • As of the last update, Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is featured in over 1,300 EDH decks on EDHREC.
  • Its popularity has increased significantly since its original printing, with many players recognizing its potential for token generation and swarm strategies.
  • The card's average price point has remained relatively low due to its mass availability.

Iconic Decks:

  • "The Bridge" by Eric Froehlich: A popular Modern deck featuring Brucidlad as a key component. This deck showcases the card's ability to generate tokens quickly and efficiently.
  • "The Bant Bridge" by Seth Manfield: Another Modern deck that utilizes Brudiclad to devastating effect, generating an army of low-toughness creatures to overwhelm opponents.

These examples demonstrate Brucidlad, Telchor Engineer's impact on various formats and its role in popular decks. Its ability to generate tokens and duplicate creatures has made it a staple in many Modern and Commander decks.

Flavor & Lore

In the undercity of New Phyrexia, amidst a labyrinthine network of twisting tunnels and cramped workshops, Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer, is said to reside. This enigmatic figure is rumored to be one of the most skilled engineers in the city, capable of coaxing life from even the most inanimate objects.

As a legendary artifact creature, Brudiclad embodies the fusion of mechanical prowess and arcane mastery that defines Phyrexian ingenuity. Its power and toughness are substantial, but its true strength lies in its ability to create tokens with haste. This can be a game-changing advantage when combined with cards like Soul Wray or Forked Lightning, which can quickly swarm the board with tokenized creatures.

In combat, Brudiclad's power is further amplified by its ability to replicate itself and other tokens under its control. This capacity for exponential growth makes it an excellent fit for decks focused on swarming the board with small, efficient creatures. For example, a Trostani's Summoner-enabled combo can quickly generate an army of 2/1 Phyrexian Myr tokens, overwhelming opponents before they can react.

In the depths of New Phyrexia, Brudiclad is said to have created some of the most intricate and deadly constructs ever seen. Its legendary status is a testament to its unmatched skill in combining magic and machinery to achieve impossible feats. Some say that those who possess even a fraction of Brucidlad's genius are capable of shaping the very fabric of reality.

In play, Brudiclad can be a versatile addition to any deck looking to exploit Phyrexian synergies. Paired with Estrid, the Masked, it can generate an army of tokenized creatures that rapidly outstrip opponents' defenses.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget & Accessibility Analysis

Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer is a Mythic Rare from Core Set 2018. Its price is relatively low, especially considering its utility in Commander decks.

  • Reprint status: Not reprinted yet.
  • Budget-friendliness:
    • USD: $0.43 (foil) and $0.00 (non-foil)
    • EUR: €0.38 (foil)
    • Tix: 24-30 tix
  • Similar budget-friendly options in Commander:
Card Mana Cost Rarity
Vedalken Archmage {2}{U} Rare
Glimmervoid {1}{U} Uncommon

These cards offer similar token creation and manipulation effects. Vedalken Archmage creates a 4/4 blue creature token, while Glimmervoid generates three 2/2 colorless tokens. Both can be used to build token-heavy decks in Commander.

Brudiclad's ability to create a 2/1 Phyrexian Myr artifact creature token at the beginning of combat is unique. However, its reliance on token creation and manipulation might make it less appealing for non-token decks.