There are many flavour inconsistencies in the mtg card game. For example, Phantasmal Image kills legendary creatures, able to summoning the same legendary creatures at different stages of their lives (e.g. Glissa) and Moonmist transforms humans that arent werewolves.
Can you think of other mechanics where flavour takes a back seat? Is there any in-universe explanations that rationalize these inconsistencies?
John Doe needs a Wurmcoil. The store owner is selling them for $15. But John Smith has one for trade. He trades his Wurmcoil for a Bladehold that the store owner sells for $20. That's $35 in income that the store owner lost. Now, multiply that by the 30 or so people that play at the LGS and you can see how much money he loses in an evening.
The current legendary rule was 100% about balance, not flavor. Used to be the first legend of a particular name out stuck, and that was that. If another of the same name was played, the second one in just died. Then came Mercadian Masques block, rebels, and all the stupidity that caused (the game became a race to see who could land Lin Sivvi first, nothing else). When they printed Kamigawa, they didn't want to handcuff themselves against making powerful legends that would devolve into a turn 2 or turn 3 race to resolve legendary creature A, so they changed the rule - and it's definetely for the better IMO.
Birds carry swords (and own face), planeswalkers get killed dead by 3-mana spells, enchantments can get cremated, Trinket Mage can get you a Fountain of Youth, you can have 4 Valakuts in play, you can rotate crops so that your farm is now growing Mountains or Tolarian Academies, Invisible Stalker has to take off his clothes in order to be invisible but somehow you can't see the enormous cleaver he's holding, you can build a Makeshift Mauler out of the corpse of a Wall of Air, a Loyal Sentry can kill Emrakul if he just jumps high enough, Tarmogoyf can give up the warrior life to go live on a farm, and so on.
Although it's technically/magically possible, I find it weird that some spells, like obliterate, apocalypse or planar cleansing wipe out an entire plane yet leave the spellcaster (yourself) and any other human planeswalkers (your opponent(s)) unharmed. As a matter of fact, the entire concept of "destroy target..." is weird because it scales poorly. It should be "harder" for a mage to kill a 1/1 wolf or a 13/13 krosan cloudscraper but nonetheless a 1B spell like terror or go for the throat can kill both. What, you can bloodsuck a towering beast to death but you're defenseless against a 1/1 golden myr?! Those cards should have an extra "unless they're also really small." line.
Although it's technically/magically possible, I find it weird that some spells, like obliterate, apocalypse or planar cleansing wipe out an entire plane yet leave the spellcaster (yourself) and any other human planeswalkers (your opponent(s)) unharmed. As a matter of fact, the entire concept of "destroy target..." is weird because it scales poorly. It should be "harder" for a mage to kill a 1/1 wolf or a 13/13 krosan cloudscraper but nonetheless a 1B spell like terror or go for the throat can kill both. What, you can bloodsuck a towering beast to death but you're defenseless against a 1/1 golden myr?! Those cards should have an extra "unless they're also really small." line.
I too have always had a problem with that. The game was really designed into a corner way back when it was first developed, and game design wasn't developed enough to grok accessible mechanics that would accommodate spells that bring giants low rather treat them the same as smallfolk. I'm sure they could develop that now...but that would mean imbalancing the game for a while to fix things, as well as run the risk of alienating many players who don't care about logic from an in-game standpoint, so it simply isn't going to happen.
About any "subpar" mechanics or cards: Context is king.
If I make a templating or grammar error, let me know.
The franchise MtG most resembles is Battlestar Galactica. Why? Its players exist in, at most, a dozen different models at any given point in time, with perhaps up to 3% variation, 5% if you're lucky.
I always viewed the Legend rule as a planeswalker summoning a famous character based on their memories of that character.
Take me for example. I visited Mirrodin a long time ago and met Glissa Sunseeker. I never knew Glissa the Traitor, hence why I would summon her first legend card. My opponent may have recently ascended after spending time on New Phyrexia. There he may have had a run in with Glissa the Traitor. Hence why he/she would summon Glissa the Traitor.
Dredge makes no sense to me, flavorwise.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Jace was an awesome character and the neo-walkers seem like they will be a good concept given what I read in Agents of Artifice.
You don't kill planeswalkers you summon in the game. They do not have life totals but loyalty counters. Flavorwise, planeswalkers leave play because they no longer want to help you.
The current legendary rule was 100% about balance, not flavor. Used to be the first legend of a particular name out stuck, and that was that. If another of the same name was played, the second one in just died. Then came Mercadian Masques block, rebels, and all the stupidity that caused (the game became a race to see who could land Lin Sivvi first, nothing else). When they printed Kamigawa, they didn't want to handcuff themselves against making powerful legends that would devolve into a turn 2 or turn 3 race to resolve legendary creature A, so they changed the rule - and it's definetely for the better IMO.
It still makes sense flavorwise. The Legend is being ripped apart because it got summoned in the same plane while being already in play on the opposing side.
Almost every card that interacts with a wall. Just imagine this on a Wall of Air:
- scare it away with a Terror
- equip it with a Umezawa's Jitte or any other equipment
- make it less violent with a Pacifism
- Go for the Throat
etc.
It's Magic!
I also have difficulties understanding how a rolling earthquake affects flying creatures.
Horsemanship is the Portal 3k version of flying. I'm no expert on the set but I think it had more to do with the fact that the set was based on Asian history/mythology and well...horsemanship made more sense. Characters riding on a horse realistically could not be blocked by a foot soldier since the one on a horse could simply move far faster in a different direction to go around. This relates to the rolling earthquake because horsemanship was their flying and the regular Earthquake hit non-fliers. Make sense?
Birds carry swords (and own face), planeswalkers get killed dead by 3-mana spells, enchantments can get cremated, Trinket Mage can get you a Fountain of Youth, you can have 4 Valakuts in play, you can rotate crops so that your farm is now growing Mountains or Tolarian Academies, Invisible Stalker has to take off his clothes in order to be invisible but somehow you can't see the enormous cleaver he's holding, you can build a Makeshift Mauler out of the corpse of a Wall of Air, a Loyal Sentry can kill Emrakul if he just jumps high enough, Tarmogoyf can give up the warrior life to go live on a farm, and so on.
Pretty much you just covered everything You win mate
One thing that irks me is how little flavor sense lands, hands, and library make. Do you actually summon the land? How come you have access to a random assortment of spells if you're a really powerful time-space wizard? Am I learning things from my library as I draw cards or am I recalling stuff I've always known? How come I die if I can't draw from my library?
This thread is great because me and my friends always joke about this. We always say "imagine if every card had a little line in it that said "unless it doesn't make sense.""
Example: Victim of night destroys non-vamps wolves and zombies, which makes sense in Innistrad. But if you look at the card from a larger perspective, devils, demons, and massive beasts like Krosan Cloudscraper or Eldrazi would never be a Victim of night.
Or how cards like Krosan Cloudscraper (again) doesn't have trample? A little 1/1 human gets in his way and he gives up?
One thing that irks me is how little flavor sense lands, hands, and library make. Do you actually summon the land? How come you have access to a random assortment of spells if you're a really powerful time-space wizard? Am I learning things from my library as I draw cards or am I recalling stuff I've always known? How come I die if I can't draw from my library?
The way I see it, battle are incredibly fast. Have you read a MTG novel? The fight between Bolas and Teferi lasted what, 30 seconds?
Basically, every turn is a 1 or more seconds (but not many). You are surprised that it started, basically going THINK FAST. Normally I think people can think about 5-6 things at once. So basically planeswalkers go OH ****! and the first 7 things that pop up are your hand! Now, if you don't like it, you can do effort to think of new things (totally orient your train of thought in a different direction (you shuffle your library)) and get a new batch of thoughts (not as many though, you don't have time.)
I love crushing mortals. Now, how will I dispose of scum this time? Oh yes, how rich, two Shinning Shoals from Kamigawa, that Swamp I saw in Dominaria last year. Oh, and that Swamp near the time rift, I also remember I've summoned a Keening Banshee a while ago. Oh yea, and these Plains, also from Dominaria. Oh. And make that two Keening Banshees. Now, I'll start channeling Mana from that swamp near the time rift.
Ok, he started channeling, I think the fight is on. Seems like black mana. A Black mage. I need something else. Here Skywinder Drake! I'll start Getting mana from my Island on Mirrodin--
Here's to another Swamp! I'll get that Plains from Dominaria too, will he weep?
Oh no, Black and White mana, I've not seen before, and he hasn't spoken yet. No matter, I've also mastered opposing colors! Another Island! I'll get mana from that generic mountain and I'm set.
Haha, a Thief of Hope, grand. Lets see how much hope he can stand to lose. So, this swamp in Dominaria and I'll summon this Thief of Hope. Scared, Planeswalker?
I think you should be scared of me! Ok, another mountain. I'm set, this isn't going too bad, his monster seems strong, but not as strong as my Skywinder Drake! A bit of mana from that other Island and I can use all the mana I've been storing for the Drake! Come at me, Bro!
As you wish! I can Enslave things, true true. However, here's to a bit of fun. I'll start channeling from that last swamp and then attack him with Thief of hope! ARGH! Adorable. Keening Banshee, destroy him! (KEEEEEEE)
Argh, he's got rid of my Skywinder Drake like it was nothing. And neither my Earthquake or Breath of Darigaaz can get rid of both his creatures. Is this hopeless? He seems so confident. Oh, Mountain, I'll channel from it. I'll try again, Skywinder drake! It didn't work the first time, what makes you think it'll work this time?
Another plains, perfect, I'll channel from there and cast another Keening Banshee! (KEEE) My Drake! How precious
I can feel myself getting stronger off him with every spell. I've just got to direct an attack. AAAAAAGGGHH
I need something to get me out of this. Come on. Think think. Argent Sphinx could help! I'll channel from my last mountain and summon the Spinx! This will let me breathe a bit. Cute, however you a young, your creatures still have their own instincts. My would follow me blindly to their deaths for my amusement. See?
Another Thief of Hope. I guess I've been thinking about his despair a bit too much. Go, Attack!
He's coming at me with all of them? Is he crazy? They can't stand up to the Sphinx. Or is he baiting me to take the hit? He must have something in mind. Regardless I can't take much more hits like these. I'll block one of the Banshee with the Sphinx. Shinning Shoal. How trivial. Toast to the death of your sphinx.
No! it was a reverse bait, now nothing is stopping him from-ARGH!
Aren't you going to try to stop me?
I need an out... A lightning bolt? Can it save me? I can try. Eat it, Abomination.
BRZZZ It seem you didn't like my thief of hope.Sickening Shoal? How interesting. My link to those 3 swamps for Thief of Hope leaves me enough white mana to cast the Shinning Shoal. Did you feel it seal your faith as it devoured your hopes and dreams? I could feel it strengthening me. To get rid of all your hope, here's another.
Oh, and heres to the end of your life. Banshees?
Lightning Bolt. This must be the end. I've got no outs. This is my end.
Pillory of the Sleepless? It's no use now. He's done. Get up, you're pathetic.
No? I guess you really are done. Banshees, devour him.
~~~~
Now, think fast! Whats the things I can think of at the moment? Well, I was shown how to summon the Breath of Darigaazby Darigaaz herself. Right after I had been attacked by a Cloud Spirit yes, and Skywinder Drake, and Rishadan Airship, those are possibilities. Oh great I had visited that Island on Mirrodin, where I had used Breath of Darigaaz against that sea monster. Oh, and I can always summon those trusty Earthquakes. No. No No, this isnt enough, what else can I do?
Since this is a flavor-focused thread, I feel no qualms in pointing this out: Darigaaz, as portrayed on the cards, was MALE. His mother, Gherridarigaaz was of course a female, and a couple of the other Primevals were, but Rhammidarigaaz, or just Darigaaz to those in the mainstream, was male.
About any "subpar" mechanics or cards: Context is king.
If I make a templating or grammar error, let me know.
The franchise MtG most resembles is Battlestar Galactica. Why? Its players exist in, at most, a dozen different models at any given point in time, with perhaps up to 3% variation, 5% if you're lucky.
Basically, every turn is a 1 or more seconds (but not many). You are surprised that it started, basically going THINK FAST. Normally I think people can think about 5-6 things at once. So basically planeswalkers go OH ****! and the first 7 things that pop up are your hand! Now, if you don't like it, you can do effort to think of new things (totally orient your train of thought in a different direction (you shuffle your library)) and get a new batch of thoughts (not as many though, you don't have time.)
That doesn't make a ton of sense. Surely you could get in the habit of starting each fight in the same way? Just like a boxer might plan out ahead of time that he's going to start with a right jab.
"I'll start by using this Black Lotus, performing two Dark Rituals, and then summoning a Demonic Tutor to remind me how to invoke the Will of Yawgmoth.... I'm sure I'll be able to figure out what to do from there. And if my opponent tries to stop me I'll just use some force of will."
I've said it before but Intimidate. Bellowing Tanglewurm makes your little 1/1 Squirrels and 0/1 Plant Tokens so terrifying that even Lord of the Pit is too frightened to block.
Since this is a flavor-focused thread, I feel no qualms in pointing this out: Darigaaz, as portrayed on the cards, was MALE. His mother, Gherridarigaaz was of course a female, and a couple of the other Primevals were, but Rhammidarigaaz, or just Darigaaz to those in the mainstream, was male.
I thought it was the mum.
Sure, it makes sense that way, but if you've got time to prepare, then both of you have been tapping into sources of lands far away and drawing cards at each other's leisure.
There were no flying creatures in the world of Portal: Three Kingdoms. It was never supposed to be cast in a universe where flying matters.
My problem with the card is that it doesn't affect creatures with horsemanship...
So if I ride a horse, I'm gonna be safe from the earthquake? Huh.
Hellkite Charger makes little sense, I like him, but he really doesn't. How does he give you an extra attack? He's a dragon... and while the mechanic is red, I can't imagine your creatures going "Hey look, a dragon, let's attack again!"
I've always adored Port Inspector. Why? Well take a look at Waterfront Bouncer. He's huge! Then compare him to Port inspector and think about the epicness when port inspector kicks bouncers ass in a duel. Port inspector even survives a blast from a rocket launcher while waterfront bouncer gets blown to pieces by it.
Although not seen on the art, mercadian magistrates (and assumely the inspectors) always travel with several guards. Mercadian guards are pretty weak, but i guess they still manage to increase the port inspectors power to 1 and toughness to 2. Anyway this is just a theory, not actual masques block facts
Shadow and Flanking were always weird ones for me to wrap my head around...
If "Shadow" implies that the creature is invisible to the average eye or rather cloaked making it almost fully transparent and undetectable, why would another creature with the same cloaking ability be able to "see" it any better than anyone else? Like fine, in a futuristic setting, I could understand why one cloaked Romulan D'deridex-class, B-type warbird would be able to detect another since they both have the same mechanically granted cloaking signature, but in the context of fantasy creatures who aren't using advanced technology, I don't see how two creatures with the same cloaking ability could accurately detect another while cloaked.
How could a single creature with "Flanking" cause a defending creature to be at a disadvantage since technically one could only be flanked if they're being attacked from two or more sides? Think about it,... you attack with a single Shadow Rider and I block with a White Knight or whatever other creature(s). Why would my knight or group of defenders be at a disadvantage before damage is dealt, especially if there are multiple defenders without "flanking" assigned to block? Like what the hell? If you attack with one Shadow Rider and I block with four Llanowar Elves and four Savannah Lions, you're seriously going to tell me that they would all die instantly before even being given the opportunity to counter-attack and reciprocate damage? That's totally irrational in my opinion! If anything, the mechanic should've been: "If this creature's controller attacks with it and the total number of attacking creatures exceeds the total number of creatures the defending player blocks with, all blocking creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn" (or something similar).
Oh yeah, and how could the game allow a Headless Horseman to wear a Champion's Helm? Shouldn't the requirement for any helm equipment require it's wearer to at least have one head by default?
Anyhow, the best I can come up with myself is a game in the top 8 of a PTQ back during Urza block in which we were starting game 3 with time already expired, so the tiebreaker rule was that whoever had more life after 3 turns would win. And I lost to... healing salve.
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Can you think of other mechanics where flavour takes a back seat? Is there any in-universe explanations that rationalize these inconsistencies?
Birds carry swords (and own face), planeswalkers get killed dead by 3-mana spells, enchantments can get cremated, Trinket Mage can get you a Fountain of Youth, you can have 4 Valakuts in play, you can rotate crops so that your farm is now growing Mountains or Tolarian Academies, Invisible Stalker has to take off his clothes in order to be invisible but somehow you can't see the enormous cleaver he's holding, you can build a Makeshift Mauler out of the corpse of a Wall of Air, a Loyal Sentry can kill Emrakul if he just jumps high enough, Tarmogoyf can give up the warrior life to go live on a farm, and so on.
BEtched Champion/InfectB
WSoilders/knightsW
WUVenser SplicerWU
RRDWR
GFeed the Pack comboG
WUPool of ExhaustionWU
EDH
GEzuri, Elf OverrunG
BGeth, GraverobberB
UThada Adel, ThiefU
RUrabrask, Big RedR
WElesh Norn, CrusadeW
WUGAngus Makenzie, Bant ControlWUG
Extended
WGElvesWG
Legacy
RGoblinsR
UBGFariesUBG
UBGRaffinityUBG
I too have always had a problem with that. The game was really designed into a corner way back when it was first developed, and game design wasn't developed enough to grok accessible mechanics that would accommodate spells that bring giants low rather treat them the same as smallfolk. I'm sure they could develop that now...but that would mean imbalancing the game for a while to fix things, as well as run the risk of alienating many players who don't care about logic from an in-game standpoint, so it simply isn't going to happen.
About any "subpar" mechanics or cards: Context is king.
If I make a templating or grammar error, let me know.
The franchise MtG most resembles is Battlestar Galactica. Why? Its players exist in, at most, a dozen different models at any given point in time, with perhaps up to 3% variation, 5% if you're lucky.
Take me for example. I visited Mirrodin a long time ago and met Glissa Sunseeker. I never knew Glissa the Traitor, hence why I would summon her first legend card. My opponent may have recently ascended after spending time on New Phyrexia. There he may have had a run in with Glissa the Traitor. Hence why he/she would summon Glissa the Traitor.
Dredge makes no sense to me, flavorwise.
You don't kill planeswalkers you summon in the game. They do not have life totals but loyalty counters. Flavorwise, planeswalkers leave play because they no longer want to help you.
It still makes sense flavorwise. The Legend is being ripped apart because it got summoned in the same plane while being already in play on the opposing side.
Horsemanship is the Portal 3k version of flying. I'm no expert on the set but I think it had more to do with the fact that the set was based on Asian history/mythology and well...horsemanship made more sense. Characters riding on a horse realistically could not be blocked by a foot soldier since the one on a horse could simply move far faster in a different direction to go around. This relates to the rolling earthquake because horsemanship was their flying and the regular Earthquake hit non-fliers. Make sense?
GBW Teneb EDH
BW Titan control
There were no flying creatures in the world of Portal: Three Kingdoms. It was never supposed to be cast in a universe where flying matters.
Pretty much you just covered everything You win mate
Cubetutor link - 380 Peasant Cube
Example: Victim of night destroys non-vamps wolves and zombies, which makes sense in Innistrad. But if you look at the card from a larger perspective, devils, demons, and massive beasts like Krosan Cloudscraper or Eldrazi would never be a Victim of night.
Or how cards like Krosan Cloudscraper (again) doesn't have trample? A little 1/1 human gets in his way and he gives up?
The way I see it, battle are incredibly fast. Have you read a MTG novel? The fight between Bolas and Teferi lasted what, 30 seconds?
Basically, every turn is a 1 or more seconds (but not many). You are surprised that it started, basically going THINK FAST. Normally I think people can think about 5-6 things at once. So basically planeswalkers go OH ****! and the first 7 things that pop up are your hand! Now, if you don't like it, you can do effort to think of new things (totally orient your train of thought in a different direction (you shuffle your library)) and get a new batch of thoughts (not as many though, you don't have time.)
BIG EXAMPLE:
Now, think fast! Whats the things I can think of at the moment? Well, I was shown how to summon the Breath of Darigaaz by Darigaaz herself. Right after I had been attacked by a Cloud Spirit yes, and Skywinder Drake, and Rishadan Airship, those are possibilities. Oh great I had visited that Island on Mirrodin, where I had used Breath of Darigaaz against that sea monster. Oh, and I can always summon those trusty Earthquakes. No. No No, this isnt enough, what else can I do?
Here! Those two Islands in mirrodin, Breath of Darigaaz, Earthquake, a Skywinder Drake and that generic Mountain
I got it!
I love crushing mortals. Now, how will I dispose of scum this time? Oh yes, how rich, two Shinning Shoals from Kamigawa, that Swamp I saw in Dominaria last year. Oh, and that Swamp near the time rift, I also remember I've summoned a Keening Banshee a while ago. Oh yea, and these Plains, also from Dominaria. Oh. And make that two Keening Banshees. Now, I'll start channeling Mana from that swamp near the time rift.
Ok, he started channeling, I think the fight is on. Seems like black mana. A Black mage. I need something else. Here Skywinder Drake! I'll start Getting mana from my Island on Mirrodin--
Here's to another Swamp! I'll get that Plains from Dominaria too, will he weep?
Oh no, Black and White mana, I've not seen before, and he hasn't spoken yet. No matter, I've also mastered opposing colors! Another Island! I'll get mana from that generic mountain and I'm set.
Haha, a Thief of Hope, grand. Lets see how much hope he can stand to lose. So, this swamp in Dominaria and I'll summon this Thief of Hope.
Scared, Planeswalker?
I think you should be scared of me!
Ok, another mountain. I'm set, this isn't going too bad, his monster seems strong, but not as strong as my Skywinder Drake! A bit of mana from that other Island and I can use all the mana I've been storing for the Drake!
Come at me, Bro!
As you wish! I can Enslave things, true true. However, here's to a bit of fun. I'll start channeling from that last swamp and then attack him with Thief of hope!
ARGH!
Adorable. Keening Banshee, destroy him! (KEEEEEEE)
Argh, he's got rid of my Skywinder Drake like it was nothing. And neither my Earthquake or Breath of Darigaaz can get rid of both his creatures. Is this hopeless? He seems so confident. Oh, Mountain, I'll channel from it. I'll try again, Skywinder drake!
It didn't work the first time, what makes you think it'll work this time?
Another plains, perfect, I'll channel from there and cast another Keening Banshee! (KEEE)
My Drake!
How precious
I can feel myself getting stronger off him with every spell. I've just got to direct an attack.
AAAAAAGGGHH
I need something to get me out of this. Come on. Think think. Argent Sphinx could help! I'll channel from my last mountain and summon the Spinx! This will let me breathe a bit.
Cute, however you a young, your creatures still have their own instincts. My would follow me blindly to their deaths for my amusement. See?
Another Thief of Hope. I guess I've been thinking about his despair a bit too much.
Go, Attack!
He's coming at me with all of them? Is he crazy? They can't stand up to the Sphinx. Or is he baiting me to take the hit? He must have something in mind. Regardless I can't take much more hits like these. I'll block one of the Banshee with the Sphinx.
Shinning Shoal. How trivial. Toast to the death of your sphinx.
No! it was a reverse bait, now nothing is stopping him from-ARGH!
Aren't you going to try to stop me?
I need an out... A lightning bolt? Can it save me? I can try. Eat it, Abomination.
BRZZZ
It seem you didn't like my thief of hope. Sickening Shoal? How interesting. My link to those 3 swamps for Thief of Hope leaves me enough white mana to cast the Shinning Shoal.
Did you feel it seal your faith as it devoured your hopes and dreams? I could feel it strengthening me. To get rid of all your hope, here's another.
Oh, and heres to the end of your life. Banshees?
Lightning Bolt. This must be the end. I've got no outs. This is my end.
Pillory of the Sleepless? It's no use now. He's done.
Get up, you're pathetic.
No? I guess you really are done. Banshees, devour him.
~~~~
Since this is a flavor-focused thread, I feel no qualms in pointing this out: Darigaaz, as portrayed on the cards, was MALE. His mother, Gherridarigaaz was of course a female, and a couple of the other Primevals were, but Rhammidarigaaz, or just Darigaaz to those in the mainstream, was male.
About any "subpar" mechanics or cards: Context is king.
If I make a templating or grammar error, let me know.
The franchise MtG most resembles is Battlestar Galactica. Why? Its players exist in, at most, a dozen different models at any given point in time, with perhaps up to 3% variation, 5% if you're lucky.
"I'll start by using this Black Lotus, performing two Dark Rituals, and then summoning a Demonic Tutor to remind me how to invoke the Will of Yawgmoth.... I'm sure I'll be able to figure out what to do from there. And if my opponent tries to stop me I'll just use some force of will."
RGGruul Aggro
WSoul Sisters
WBTokens
BUGRRestore Balance
BMono-Black Infect
EDH:
RGWMayael, the Anima
GWURoon of the Hidden Realm
BDrana, Kalastria Bloodchief
Article on keyword flavor
At the bottom it gives a bunch of keywords up til Alara, some that resonate flavorly, and some that are just "there". I found it quite enlightening.
I thought it was the mum.
Sure, it makes sense that way, but if you've got time to prepare, then both of you have been tapping into sources of lands far away and drawing cards at each other's leisure.
My problem with the card is that it doesn't affect creatures with horsemanship...
So if I ride a horse, I'm gonna be safe from the earthquake? Huh.
Hellkite Charger makes little sense, I like him, but he really doesn't. How does he give you an extra attack? He's a dragon... and while the mechanic is red, I can't imagine your creatures going "Hey look, a dragon, let's attack again!"
WUBRGCommander Decklists - PaperWUBRG
CCCCCommander Decklists - TheorycraftCCCC
Sig Credit: Pegasus Bishop
Although not seen on the art, mercadian magistrates (and assumely the inspectors) always travel with several guards. Mercadian guards are pretty weak, but i guess they still manage to increase the port inspectors power to 1 and toughness to 2. Anyway this is just a theory, not actual masques block facts
Makes sense, can't destroy it but make it useless by trapping it.
If "Shadow" implies that the creature is invisible to the average eye or rather cloaked making it almost fully transparent and undetectable, why would another creature with the same cloaking ability be able to "see" it any better than anyone else? Like fine, in a futuristic setting, I could understand why one cloaked Romulan D'deridex-class, B-type warbird would be able to detect another since they both have the same mechanically granted cloaking signature, but in the context of fantasy creatures who aren't using advanced technology, I don't see how two creatures with the same cloaking ability could accurately detect another while cloaked.
How could a single creature with "Flanking" cause a defending creature to be at a disadvantage since technically one could only be flanked if they're being attacked from two or more sides? Think about it,... you attack with a single Shadow Rider and I block with a White Knight or whatever other creature(s). Why would my knight or group of defenders be at a disadvantage before damage is dealt, especially if there are multiple defenders without "flanking" assigned to block? Like what the hell? If you attack with one Shadow Rider and I block with four Llanowar Elves and four Savannah Lions, you're seriously going to tell me that they would all die instantly before even being given the opportunity to counter-attack and reciprocate damage? That's totally irrational in my opinion! If anything, the mechanic should've been: "If this creature's controller attacks with it and the total number of attacking creatures exceeds the total number of creatures the defending player blocks with, all blocking creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn" (or something similar).
Oh yeah, and how could the game allow a Headless Horseman to wear a Champion's Helm? Shouldn't the requirement for any helm equipment require it's wearer to at least have one head by default?