Ashling's Command

Strategy & Gameplay

This Kindred Instant from ECL represents a versatile and powerful tool for players building around Elemental synergies in multiple formats. At five mana for a split effect card, Ashling's Command offers impressive flexibility by allowing you to choose any two modes from its four options, making it adaptable to virtually any game state you might encounter. The card's primary appeal lies in its ability to duplicate your best Elemental creatures while simultaneously disrupting opponents or advancing your own position, which creates excellent tempo and value potential. For dedicated Elemental deck builders, this card shines in both tempo and midrange strategies where you're already running a critical mass of Elementals. The token copying mode pairs exceptionally well with lords and sacrifice outlets, enabling explosive turns where you duplicate an already-pumped creature while either burning down the opponent's blockers or generating mana through Treasure tokens. The draw option provides card advantage when you're behind or need to sculpt your hand, while the damage mode doubles as creature removal against token-heavy or wide strategies. Across formats, this card finds homes in Pioneer Elementals, Modern Murktide shells that splash red, Legacy Elemental decks, and Commander builds centered on Elemental commanders or tribal themes. Its format legality across Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, and Commander makes it valuable across the competitive and casual landscape, offering players a genuinely flexible tool that rewards clever sequencing and tight play.