Valko Indorian, ResearcherHow it works & interactions with other cards

Universal Type Modification

Valko Indorian, Researcher has a static ability that applies to every artifact and enchantment you own, regardless of where they are. This means cards that were previously only artifacts are now also enchantments, and those that were only enchantments are now also artifacts. This effect is active in your library, your hand, the graveyard, the command zone, and on the battlefield. This allows you to search for artifacts with enchantment-specific tutors and vice versa.

Breaking the Color Rule

The Rulebreaker ability functions during deck construction. If Valko is your chosen Commander, the normal color identity rules for artifacts and enchantments are waived. You may include cards like red artifacts or green enchantments in your deck even though Valko is only White and Blue. Note that this does not change how you pay for them; you will still need the appropriate mana to cast these spells, even if they are allowed in your deck.

Scaling Power through Casting

Every time you cast an artifact or enchantment spell, Valko triggers and receives a +1/+1 counter. Because Valko makes these spells both types, a single spell will trigger this ability once (it checks if the spell is an artifact OR an enchantment). As long as Valko is on the battlefield when the spell is cast, the counter is placed before the spell itself resolves.

Strategic Considerations

A common mistake is assuming Valko changes the color identity of your cards. He only allows you to include them in the deck; the cards themselves retain their original colors. Additionally, because your artifacts are now enchantments, they are susceptible to cards that destroy enchantments. Conversely, your enchantments can now be targeted by artifact removal. Always weigh the benefit of dual-typing against the increased number of spells that can now interact with your permanents.

Interaction examples

Enhanced Mana Fixing

Ornithopter of Paradise

When you have Ornithopter of Paradise in your library, Valko's ability makes it both an Artifact Creature and an Enchantment Creature. If you cast it while Valko is on the battlefield, Valko's triggered ability will fire because you cast an artifact (which is also an enchantment), resulting in a +1/+1 counter for Valko.

Defensive Scaling

Esper Sentinel

Esper Sentinel is both an artifact and an enchantment under Valko's command. When you cast it, Valko gains a +1/+1 counter. Because Esper Sentinel's tax ability scales with its own power, and Valko is a Wizard who cares about these types, you can build a board state where every cheap utility piece simultaneously grows your Commander and taxes your opponents.