If you ' re going for 11 counters voltron , which you appear to be doing and incidentally is probably the most unique and interesting way to take Skullbriar you can turn any 11 counter into a permanent boost . Here are some suggestions you might want to look intoRing of Kalonia and Ring of Xathrid both buff Skullbriar over time and can protect it . Graft cards like Aquastrand Spider and Cytoplast RootKin can grow your commander , and Sporeback Troll can help protect it . Map the Wastes buffs and helps with mana fixing . Blade of the Bloodchief gives constant growth , as does Mazirek , Kraul Death PriestMighty Emergence could be helpful if you plan to recast Skullbriar a lot . Primal Vigor is a second doubling season , which is nice . Some other cards to considerFungal BehemothJugan , the Rising StarPrimeval BountySoul ' s MightStrength of TajuruArmory of IroasCauldron of Souls the counters will cancel out , allowing you to keep recurring skullbriarAs a general good card , Ashes to Ashes is amazing removal that should be used in most black decks . As for cutsElvish spirit guide is good , but ritual effects tend to be underwhelming in EDH . You don ' t seem to be playing enough token producers to make Bloodspore Thrinax worthwhile . Same deal with Evolutionary Leap , Vampiric Rites and Eldrazi Monument . Obsessive Skinner might be tough to trigger with your deck , so be wary .