In a world where Magic: The Gathering decks are as diverse as the imagination can conjure, inspiration struck from an unlikely source—my favorite mystery-solving Great Dane, Scooby-Doo. The spark ignited not from a strategic lesson or a tournament-winning tactic, but rather from an innocuous deck box on Etsy—shaped like the iconic Mystery Machine. Its teal body, emblazoned with cheerful flowers, called to me. I did not merely want it; I needed to create a fitting tribute within—a Commander deck that told a mystery.
Creating such a thematic deck posed an intriguing challenge: how could a deck encapsulate the essence of Scooby and the gang’s sleuthing adventures? The answer lay in the Magic: The Gathering mechanic “Investigate.” This mechanic offers Clue tokens, which one can exchange for a tidbit of card-drawing insight, much like the Scooby Gang piecing together clues to solve a mystery. Each draw parallels the thrill of unmasking yet another suspect.
Finding the face of this Detective’s Delight was crucial. It had to be a commander who fits seamlessly into the investigative theme. Enter Morska, Undersea Sleuth, straight out of the chilling caper “Murders at Karlov Manor.” Morska embodies the deductive zest needed for unearthing secrets. Her knack for eliminating maximum hand size while creating free Clue tokens each turn feels like having Velma on retainer. Add to that her knack for growing stronger with every second card drawn, and you’ve got a commanding presence. Her choice color trio—green, white, and blue—forms a veritable toolbox for clue-gathering, ramping up resources, and maintaining order.
Green becomes the fuel for our Scooby-Doo mystery machine, supplying the mana ramp and setting the stage. Blue carries the magnifying glass, focusing on clue generation and investigation. White ties it all together with its knack for keeping the perpetrator—read: opponent—in check through potent removal and protection spells.
To round out our crime-solving ensemble, the deck must host a bevy of capable cards, each bringing its unique flair to the adventure.
Enter Tireless Tracker, a reliable source of Clue tokens as lands are played, never letting the trail go cold. Meanwhile, Thorough Investigation keeps the hearth warm with extra clues for every brazen assault attempted. Jolrael, Mwonvuli Recluse, adds an unexpected twist by transforming the constant stream of card draw into a horde of growling creature tokens, ready to leap at the foe.
The game unfolds in layers, much like an episode of the beloved show. Early game actions lay the groundwork. Cultivate and Farseek catalog the mana needed to conjure Morska to the stage. The real sleuthing begins as Morska enters play; she’s the cue for the deck to shift gears, making her entrance akin to the gang’s arrival at a ghost-infested manor.
From there, it’s a symphony of clues. Generate them, crack them, and proceed with cunning. The clues transform from mere tokens to leads that slowly peel the mask off your opponent’s game plan. The deck’s operatic rhythm echoes Scooby’s stealthy footsteps, scraping against warped floorboards. There’s the ever-looming question of “Whodunnit?,” answered piece by deliberate piece.
Winning is contingent on your chosen method of revelation. Perhaps Morska’s power will reach critical mass, and her growing size delivers a crushing blow—a classic episode’s climax. Maybe the token populace overwhelms, representing the happy, uncornering rush of unmasking a villain. The Clue tokens, woven together into an artifact narrative, lend themselves to potential victory as well, amassing a critical mass of resources to carry the day.
The album of wins isn’t just about amassing victories; it’s savoring the mystery as it unfolds. The deck performs as intended, nestled comfortably within the mid to high casual realms of Magic: The Gathering. It’s resilient, engaging, and engendering an enigmatic experience each game. Morska guarantees each turn has new ripples to explore, ensuring you’re never without a lead.
The Scooby-Doo-inspired deck transcends tribute—it’s an homage. Each shuffle and draw stitches the stories we cherished into game nights. It’s more than a planner of puzzles or a guide to victory; it’s a tapestry of adventures sewn into cardboard, offering new tales spun every time the Mystery Machine parks at the table.
