That was a weak title, I know. Let’s move on, eh? There are a whole bunch of interesting and odd cards in MTG, but few are as quirky as Norin the Wary from the Time Spiral set. This legendary creature brings a healthy mix of humour and chaos to the battlefield, making it a favorite among players who enjoy unconventional strategies. Let’s have a wee think about using this chap in Commander, eh?

Norin the Wary is a legendary creature with a mana cost of one red. Despite his humble stats as a 2/1 Human Warrior, Norin’s true power lies in his ability to dodge danger. Whenever a player casts a spell or a creature attacks, Norin exiles himself and returns to the battlefield at the beginning of the next end step. This constant flickering can be leveraged in all sorts of creative ways.
Just a few suggestions might be:
- Triggering Enter the Battlefield (ETB) Effects: Norin’s frequent exits and returns can repeatedly trigger ETB effects. Pair him with cards like Impact Tremors or Purphoros, God of the Forge to deal consistent damage to your opponents.
- Chaos and Confusion: Norin thrives in decks that embrace chaos. Cards like Confusion in the Ranks can swap creatures around the battlefield, creating a dynamic and unpredictable game state. Yes, you are giving Norin to an opponent in exchange for their creature, but as soon as another spell is cast, Norin will return to you. This is probably my favourite combination in this article.
- Token Generation: Use Norin alongside cards like Genesis Chamber to generate a steady stream of creature tokens. Each time Norin flickers, you’ll create a new Myr token, quickly building an army.

There are, of course, a few key considerations in using Norin. You need to plan around him, especially if you do use him as your commander…
- Protecting Norin: Norin’s ability to exile himself makes him naturally resilient to removal spells. However, be mindful of timing and ensure he returns to the battlefield to maximize his utility.
- Synergise with Other Cards: Combine Norin with cards that benefit from creatures entering or leaving the battlefield, such as Panharmonicon or Warstorm Surge, to amplify his impact.
- Embrace the Chaos: Lean into the chaotic nature of Norin’s ability. Cards that create unpredictable game states can turn his flickering into a powerful advantage.
Norin the Wary is way more than just a funny card; he’s a versatile and strategic tool that can fit into various deck archetypes. Whether you’re looking to create chaos, generate tokens, or trigger ETB effects, Norin’s got your back!
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