: Add . Spend this mana only to cast spells with mana value 5 or greater or spells with in their mana costs.
, : Draw a card, then discard a card.
Troyan ramps you toward big payoffs, tapping for two mana that fuels expensive bombs and X-spells while looping its loot ability to dig and discard. You curve out small, deploy Troyan turn three, then chain into huge X-finishers or reanimate discarded fatties. The deck wins by going over the top with overwhelming value or a single backbreaking X-spell.
Built-in ramp specifically for the splashy 5+ MV and X-spells that define the deck's payoff layer
Card filtering via looting smooths draws and bins reanimation/escape targets
Simic gives access to the best ramp, card draw, and counterspells in the format
Low cost (MV 3) means Troyan comes down early and is easy to recast
Mana is conditional—it can't pay for cheap spells, lands, or activated abilities
Heavily commander-dependent; without Troyan the engine stalls and ramp dries up
Lacks built-in evasion or protection, so a single removal spell or sweeper sets you back
No direct interaction in the command zone—relies on the 99 for removal and stax answers
Legendary Creature — Vedalken Scout
: Add 
in their mana costs.