This is a community help desk for the Storyline forum. This is an open forum discussion area for asking questions, making comments, stating concerns, or giving suggestions you might have for this forum. Nothing is off-limits, but we ask that you keep all comments civil. Additionally, this thread is not for:
- Arguing or complaining about an infraction
- Discussing the site rules in general (Storyline's are okay)
If you've come to publish or share your own Vorthos content, please put it in the Vorthos Content Subforum.
Where can I find books or novels based on MTG from say start to finish maybe from when planes walkers actually came to be. I've read so many posts where people know Jace is trying to help Garruk and Lilliana wants to kill griselband but I wanna read what they read so I can understand the blocks and such. Where is everyone getting this info?
This thread contains all the important story information. Basically, there have been a few novels, a bunch of webcomics, and a lot of articles up on the main site.
You can also check out our archive trap articles which go over pieces of the story to help you make sense of them.
Seriously though, that's what the thread is here for, haha. Helpdesks overall have been used much less than they used to, which is why we transitioned to helpdesks in individual subforums.
Mods, is there any consideration being given to creating a new Magic Fiction thread for each block? Having nearly 150 pages of discussion feels overwhelming.
Perhaps a new Thread for the Shadows over Innistrad block, with the first thread updated with each week's story? This may give a better cohesion to the boards. Also, when we need to refer to a previous story, it'd be easier to locate past discussions by block rather than go through four thousand posts.
Any thoughts on this?
Is this something most people would prefer? I'm open to it but I'm not sure it's the best solution.
The ongoing general discussion thread has always seemed pretty popular. Having one place for the general chat on the latest story, and then other threads for specific discussions, seems to be working so far. We've got an SOI thread going already.
One solution could be that we make the discussion a hard stop between blocks, and since there tend to be multiple other threads on various story topics it wouldn't impact much.
About new posters: the number one reason we've been given as to why many people are hesitant to post here is the negativity. They want to talk about the story, not complain that it's not a literary masterpiece.
I think it is a nice idea to reset the thread Jay. The main reason I can think of is for the newcomers to feel better 'catching up' with the story, but I think from an organizational point of view is also great. You will have specific threads dedicated to specific block stories, and if someone wants to understand what was the community's opinion they can just go back there and read it.
I don't think it would affect the other ongoing threads about separate things.
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Would you like to read Commander stories? Check my latest stories, coming from Lorwyn and Innistrad: Ghoulcaller Gisa and Doran, The Siege Tower! If you like my writing, ask me to write something for your commander as well!
I think it is a nice idea to reset the thread Jay. The main reason I can think of is for the newcomers to feel better 'catching up' with the story, but I think from an organizational point of view is also great. You will have specific threads dedicated to specific block stories, and if someone wants to understand what was the community's opinion they can just go back there and read it.
I don't think it would affect the other ongoing threads about separate things.
Okay, let me confer with Kaburi about it and we'll see if this week's story is a BFZ Epilogue or a SOI Prologue.
I'm here to ask you: is it really necessary to break the discussion about Innistrad in multiple different threads? I mean, we know the main pinned story discussion thread is for the columns of Magic Story, and be sure that when the story is released wednesday, everyone will be discussing it. I just don't see the practical reason to have multiple threads while everyone can comment on Magic Story and give their ideas on plot development, the overall story and how the story of wednesday fits in all of this. After all, you said it yourself that Magic Story is used to discuss the plot of the URs more than anything, and that is precisely what people are doing: discussing the plot while no story showed up so far.
I don't know, we have the Magic Story thread with no spoiler, the SOI thread with spoilers, the other SOI thread from back then and also even a Hanweir Chronicle thread (that I already regret creating it lol). I think it is just unnecessary. If we're in Innistrad, and the story is about Innistrad, let's discuss it in one thread and be happy about it (my opinion at least).
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Would you like to read Commander stories? Check my latest stories, coming from Lorwyn and Innistrad: Ghoulcaller Gisa and Doran, The Siege Tower! If you like my writing, ask me to write something for your commander as well!
I'd like to echo Ashiok's comment but mostly because I find it weird to have a thread that has spoilers(all available information) and no spoilers(I guess only whats in "Magic Story"). And if this doesn't happen at what point is something no longer considered a spoiler? A few days? Weeks? I'd honestly like to know so as to not ruin peoples journeys though this story with advanced knowledge or theories based on said knowledge.
I'm here to ask you: is it really necessary to break the discussion about Innistrad in multiple different threads? I mean, we know the main pinned story discussion thread is for the columns of Magic Story, and be sure that when the story is released wednesday, everyone will be discussing it. I just don't see the practical reason to have multiple threads while everyone can comment on Magic Story and give their ideas on plot development, the overall story and how the story of wednesday fits in all of this. After all, you said it yourself that Magic Story is used to discuss the plot of the URs more than anything, and that is precisely what people are doing: discussing the plot while no story showed up so far.
I don't know, we have the Magic Story thread with no spoiler, the SOI thread with spoilers, the other SOI thread from back then and also even a Hanweir Chronicle thread (that I already regret creating it lol). I think it is just unnecessary. If we're in Innistrad, and the story is about Innistrad, let's discuss it in one thread and be happy about it (my opinion at least).
I'd like to echo Ashiok's comment but mostly because I find it weird to have a thread that has spoilers(all available information) and no spoilers(I guess only whats in "Magic Story"). And if this doesn't happen at what point is something no longer considered a spoiler? A few days? Weeks? I'd honestly like to know so as to not ruin peoples journeys though this story with advanced knowledge or theories based on said knowledge.
Kaburi and I are discussing a cohesive spoiler policy, we'll inform you when we have something ready. Otherwise, a few notes:
The Magic Story thread has ALWAYS been about Uncharted Realms/Official Magic Fiction/Magic Story discussion. We tend to let it drift off-topic between articles, but if you look through the last few, we've reminded people to stay on topic before.
We almost always have multiple parallel story discussion threads ongoing. Keeping them focused on a specific purpose keeps them from become three or four redundant conversations.
Unless the discussion is absolutely identical or redundant, I'd rather not close other threads. It's also important to have other threads spin out to discuss specific things (Hanweir Chronicles, The Spoiler Image, etc).
Now, WHY Do we do this? There are a few reasons. One giant discussion thread means that only what the majority want to talk about gets talked about. For BFZ, that would have meant six months of nothing but complaining about the Eldrazi being defeated. Posts about Hanweir Chronicles, for instance, get overlooked or forgotten. Individual threads allow a close, focused discussion on individual plot elements. For instance, threads about why the gatewatch suck, and why the Eldrazi being defeated is dumb, are both OGW threads, but they actually want to talk about pretty different things. And if I wanted to talk about how in Episode X, Y happens, a general thread where people are talking about the other two topics pretty heatedly isn't the place to do it. And the Zendikar Art book is an entirely different conversation.
We created an Uncharted Realms discussion thread because people were creating new threads for every new article, which is obviously completely unnecessary. The change from Uncharted Realms to Magic Story has been confusing.
As to spoilers... It's a spoiler until it's official released information. What I'm talking to Kaburi about is to require spoiler tags (in threads that aren't labelled Spoiler) until a plot detail is revealed in the actual story, rather than an Art Book or Fat Pack. We'll figure something out, then come back to the community. The problem is that Wizards is spoiling their own storylines now, and it honestly made plot discussion pretty miserable for the entirety of the BFZ block.
Edit: This is all open for discussion though. If you don't agree with me, I'm happy to hear you out.
I think that of the four threads about Innistrad(URs, old SOI, SOI with spoilers and Hanweir) the old SOI should be closed, its just general plot discussion, we can have this kind of talk between articles in the URs thread.
Since this is a help desk it must be the right place to ask these questions. I am following the storyline every wednesday on the WotC website but it seems that I am always behind. For some reason, a lot of things happen that I am not aware of and I have no idea where you guys dig all the information:
- Where did you hear that Nahiri is still alive and that Markov is looking for her?
- What is all the fuss about Markov's manor being destroyed? Where did you get that?
AS a general question, how can I ensure that I am up to date with story? What are the official sources other than the weekly article on WotC?
Since this is a help desk it must be the right place to ask these questions. I am following the storyline every wednesday on the WotC website but it seems that I am always behind. For some reason, a lot of things happen that I am not aware of and I have no idea where you guys dig all the information:
- Where did you hear that Nahiri is still alive and that Markov is looking for her?
- What is all the fuss about Markov's manor being destroyed? Where did you get that?
AS a general question, how can I ensure that I am up to date with story? What are the official sources other than the weekly article on WotC?
Thanks for your help!
Jon
The source is a combination of a Shadows pack being stolen off the production line and cracked open on the internet, and spoiler season starting early. Structural Distortion shows Nahiri trashing Markov Manor (this image was also the background for Markov Manor on the map they did over the weekend, if you want to see a larger picture of the art). Declaration In Stone shows Sorin looking through the massacre's aftermath and recognizing Nahiri's handiwork.
Since this is a help desk it must be the right place to ask these questions. I am following the storyline every wednesday on the WotC website but it seems that I am always behind. For some reason, a lot of things happen that I am not aware of and I have no idea where you guys dig all the information:
- Where did you hear that Nahiri is still alive and that Markov is looking for her?
- What is all the fuss about Markov's manor being destroyed? Where did you get that?
As a general question, how can I ensure that I am up to date with story? What are the official sources other than the weekly article on WotC?
Sorin's Restoration, which is one of the Tarkir Block stories, is how we know Sorin is looking for Nahiri.
You're welcome to hang out in the forums here, we tend to be on the bleeding edge of the story, especially during spoiler season when we try to piece together what's going to happen. There are no official story sources other than the weekly articles and perhaps Doug Beyer's Blog, A Voice for Vorthos, where he answers questions on the story.
Please let me know if you have any questions! If there is anything you'd like to read up on, I'm happy to help you find it - The Storyline Resources thread took a lot of work to put together, but it's essentially everything you'd need to get into the main story from the past.
I think that of the four threads about Innistrad(URs, old SOI, SOI with spoilers and Hanweir) the old SOI should be closed, its just general plot discussion, we can have this kind of talk between articles in the URs thread.
I'd like to echo Ashiok's comment but mostly because I find it weird to have a thread that has spoilers(all available information) and no spoilers(I guess only whats in "Magic Story"). And if this doesn't happen at what point is something no longer considered a spoiler? A few days? Weeks? I'd honestly like to know so as to not ruin peoples journeys though this story with advanced knowledge or theories based on said knowledge.
I'm here to ask you: is it really necessary to break the discussion about Innistrad in multiple different threads? I mean, we know the main pinned story discussion thread is for the columns of Magic Story, and be sure that when the story is released wednesday, everyone will be discussing it. I just don't see the practical reason to have multiple threads while everyone can comment on Magic Story and give their ideas on plot development, the overall story and how the story of wednesday fits in all of this. After all, you said it yourself that Magic Story is used to discuss the plot of the URs more than anything, and that is precisely what people are doing: discussing the plot while no story showed up so far.
I don't know, we have the Magic Story thread with no spoiler, the SOI thread with spoilers, the other SOI thread from back then and also even a Hanweir Chronicle thread (that I already regret creating it lol). I think it is just unnecessary. If we're in Innistrad, and the story is about Innistrad, let's discuss it in one thread and be happy about it (my opinion at least).
Hey all, I've gotten some other messages about this, too, so I've gone ahead and narrowed the field.
There is now a pinned 'General Discussion' thread, and the ongoing Magic Story thread.
Please vote in this poll to help me and Kaburi determine a possible rules change.
Hi jay, many thanks for your answer. I have already been through a couple of your articles and 99% of what I know about inistrad is because of you! So big thank for your hard work.
FYI For those wondering: I've unpinned all but the helpdesk and resources threads. We had too many stickies going, and many of them would never leave the front page anyway, and these two threads really need to be the most visible for new users.
I love the Magic lore so far and love reading the Magic stories. I also love to come here to this forum to read more about these stories as there are a lot of people on this forum who know way more about the lore then I do and I learn from it.
However, lately the storyline threads [Set name] General Discussion is more and more about how people dislike the story, PW's are mary sues, WotC can't write properly, meta analysis of the quality of writing etc which is, quite frankly, kind of off putting. I had hoped this would end when the HOU story ended, but already the Ixalan discussion thread is 20% about the actual story and 80% continuation of the same old negativity, while the first story isn't even out yet!
So I ask / propose that the mods create (a) separate thread or threads for analysis and opinions of WotC writing/storytelling skills and declare that stuff off-topic for the storyline threads so these can actually focus on the actual story at hand. It would at least greatly increase my enjoyment of reading those threads when the negativity is avoidable.
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If my post has no tags, then i posted from my phone.
We can do that. I'll create a "plot discussion only" thread to accompany the Ixalan thread when we get closer.
I haven't been following this forum anymore, but I received the update from this thread (ironically, when I left Magic Storyline, I thought I complained too much and that things would get better and more positive without me. Guess I was wrong). However, I remember, Jay, that back in my time (shortly after BFZ or during BFZ if I recall correctly), there was the same complain of people wanting a 'thread for the discussion of the story only' and a 'thread for the discussion of your opinion regarding the direction of the story'. Long story short (no pun intended), it didn't work, people tried to use both threads, but the truth is that it was hard to separate your feelings about the story from the story itself.
I don't see why this would work now if it was tried again.
Would you like to read Commander stories? Check my latest stories, coming from Lorwyn and Innistrad: Ghoulcaller Gisa and Doran, The Siege Tower! If you like my writing, ask me to write something for your commander as well!
I don't see why this would work now if it was tried again.
I'm going to give it another shot, regardless. It's true that it's hard to separate personal feelings, but people who are overly hyperbolic about the story writing can probably be moved. It'll be a judgment call on the part of the mods, but 'I didn't like this weeks story' is way different than 'Magic is ruined, everything is terrible, Doug Beyer kicked my dog'.
Sorry but i have a question about the mtg lore timeline. According to the mtg wiki's timeline, the raid on Serra's plane happened way way way before Urza was even born. Did Urza travel through a rift with the weatherlight or does can planeswalkers planeswalk between time? Also do the multiverse run in a linear time or do each planes experience time at different speed? Is it possible for a walker to planeswalk from a plane for just a second but in actuality experience more than a second of events?
Sorry but i have a question about the mtg lore timeline. According to the mtg wiki's timeline, the raid on Serra's plane happened way way way before Urza was even born. Did Urza travel through a rift with the weatherlight or does can planeswalkers planeswalk between time?
Urza was born 0 AR, and the raid on Serra's Realm (according to the Wiki) was in 2,500 AR. It did not happen later.
Also do the multiverse run in a linear time or do each planes experience time at different speed? Is it possible for a walker to planeswalk from a plane for just a second but in actuality experience more than a second of events?
For storytelling purposes, most planes operate on similar time, but there are shenanigans out there. I'm sure there could be a plane where time moves differently. Usually it's just the units of measure that are different (since not all planes orbit a sun at the same speed... or at all), but when someone says 'year' for all intents and purposes it's the same measure of time on most planes.
This is a community help desk for the Storyline forum. This is an open forum discussion area for asking questions, making comments, stating concerns, or giving suggestions you might have for this forum. Nothing is off-limits, but we ask that you keep all comments civil. Additionally, this thread is not for:
- Arguing or complaining about an infraction
- Discussing the site rules in general (Storyline's are okay)
If you've come to publish or share your own Vorthos content, please put it in the Vorthos Content Subforum.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
You can also check out our archive trap articles which go over pieces of the story to help you make sense of them.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
Seriously though, that's what the thread is here for, haha. Helpdesks overall have been used much less than they used to, which is why we transitioned to helpdesks in individual subforums.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
The ongoing general discussion thread has always seemed pretty popular. Having one place for the general chat on the latest story, and then other threads for specific discussions, seems to be working so far. We've got an SOI thread going already.
One solution could be that we make the discussion a hard stop between blocks, and since there tend to be multiple other threads on various story topics it wouldn't impact much.
About new posters: the number one reason we've been given as to why many people are hesitant to post here is the negativity. They want to talk about the story, not complain that it's not a literary masterpiece.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
I don't think it would affect the other ongoing threads about separate things.
Read my other stories as well (some ongoing):
Reaper King (a horror story), Kaalia of the Vast (an origin story), Sequels for Innistrad (Alternative sequels for Inn), Grey Areas (Odric's fanfic), Royal Succession (goblins),The Tracker's Message (eldrazi on Innistrad) and Ugin and his Eye (the end of OGW).
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
I'm here to ask you: is it really necessary to break the discussion about Innistrad in multiple different threads? I mean, we know the main pinned story discussion thread is for the columns of Magic Story, and be sure that when the story is released wednesday, everyone will be discussing it. I just don't see the practical reason to have multiple threads while everyone can comment on Magic Story and give their ideas on plot development, the overall story and how the story of wednesday fits in all of this. After all, you said it yourself that Magic Story is used to discuss the plot of the URs more than anything, and that is precisely what people are doing: discussing the plot while no story showed up so far.
I don't know, we have the Magic Story thread with no spoiler, the SOI thread with spoilers, the other SOI thread from back then and also even a Hanweir Chronicle thread (that I already regret creating it lol). I think it is just unnecessary. If we're in Innistrad, and the story is about Innistrad, let's discuss it in one thread and be happy about it (my opinion at least).
Read my other stories as well (some ongoing):
Reaper King (a horror story), Kaalia of the Vast (an origin story), Sequels for Innistrad (Alternative sequels for Inn), Grey Areas (Odric's fanfic), Royal Succession (goblins),The Tracker's Message (eldrazi on Innistrad) and Ugin and his Eye (the end of OGW).
Now, WHY Do we do this? There are a few reasons. One giant discussion thread means that only what the majority want to talk about gets talked about. For BFZ, that would have meant six months of nothing but complaining about the Eldrazi being defeated. Posts about Hanweir Chronicles, for instance, get overlooked or forgotten. Individual threads allow a close, focused discussion on individual plot elements. For instance, threads about why the gatewatch suck, and why the Eldrazi being defeated is dumb, are both OGW threads, but they actually want to talk about pretty different things. And if I wanted to talk about how in Episode X, Y happens, a general thread where people are talking about the other two topics pretty heatedly isn't the place to do it. And the Zendikar Art book is an entirely different conversation.
We created an Uncharted Realms discussion thread because people were creating new threads for every new article, which is obviously completely unnecessary. The change from Uncharted Realms to Magic Story has been confusing.
As to spoilers... It's a spoiler until it's official released information. What I'm talking to Kaburi about is to require spoiler tags (in threads that aren't labelled Spoiler) until a plot detail is revealed in the actual story, rather than an Art Book or Fat Pack. We'll figure something out, then come back to the community. The problem is that Wizards is spoiling their own storylines now, and it honestly made plot discussion pretty miserable for the entirety of the BFZ block.
Edit: This is all open for discussion though. If you don't agree with me, I'm happy to hear you out.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
Since this is a help desk it must be the right place to ask these questions. I am following the storyline every wednesday on the WotC website but it seems that I am always behind. For some reason, a lot of things happen that I am not aware of and I have no idea where you guys dig all the information:
- Where did you hear that Nahiri is still alive and that Markov is looking for her?
- What is all the fuss about Markov's manor being destroyed? Where did you get that?
AS a general question, how can I ensure that I am up to date with story? What are the official sources other than the weekly article on WotC?
Thanks for your help!
Jon
As IncredibleFrown mentioned, Structural Distortion and Declaration in Stone are how we know what happened to Markov Manor.
Sorin's Restoration, which is one of the Tarkir Block stories, is how we know Sorin is looking for Nahiri.
You're welcome to hang out in the forums here, we tend to be on the bleeding edge of the story, especially during spoiler season when we try to piece together what's going to happen. There are no official story sources other than the weekly articles and perhaps Doug Beyer's Blog, A Voice for Vorthos, where he answers questions on the story.
Please let me know if you have any questions! If there is anything you'd like to read up on, I'm happy to help you find it - The Storyline Resources thread took a lot of work to put together, but it's essentially everything you'd need to get into the main story from the past.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
There is now a pinned 'General Discussion' thread, and the ongoing Magic Story thread.
Please vote in this poll to help me and Kaburi determine a possible rules change.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
However, lately the storyline threads [Set name] General Discussion is more and more about how people dislike the story, PW's are mary sues, WotC can't write properly, meta analysis of the quality of writing etc which is, quite frankly, kind of off putting. I had hoped this would end when the HOU story ended, but already the Ixalan discussion thread is 20% about the actual story and 80% continuation of the same old negativity, while the first story isn't even out yet!
So I ask / propose that the mods create (a) separate thread or threads for analysis and opinions of WotC writing/storytelling skills and declare that stuff off-topic for the storyline threads so these can actually focus on the actual story at hand. It would at least greatly increase my enjoyment of reading those threads when the negativity is avoidable.
If my post has no tags, then i posted from my phone.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
I don't see why this would work now if it was tried again.
Read my other stories as well (some ongoing):
Reaper King (a horror story), Kaalia of the Vast (an origin story), Sequels for Innistrad (Alternative sequels for Inn), Grey Areas (Odric's fanfic), Royal Succession (goblins),The Tracker's Message (eldrazi on Innistrad) and Ugin and his Eye (the end of OGW).
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath
For storytelling purposes, most planes operate on similar time, but there are shenanigans out there. I'm sure there could be a plane where time moves differently. Usually it's just the units of measure that are different (since not all planes orbit a sun at the same speed... or at all), but when someone says 'year' for all intents and purposes it's the same measure of time on most planes.
TerribleBad at Magic since 1998.A Vorthos Guide to Magic Story | Twitter | Tumblr
[Primer] Krenko | Azor | Kess | Zacama | Kumena | Sram | The Ur-Dragon | Edgar Markov | Daretti | Marath