Huum, the story with Gisa and Geralf was mostly interesting because it was different. Experimenting with the letter format actually had very good results in my (and apparently in others) opinion. I hope they keep testing and experimenting different things. I would give the story a B.
This week's story was, unfortunately, not on the same level. I think, as others pointed out, that the characters were not fleshed out enough, and if all the events had been described in a newspaper format it would have the same emotional impact that they had when I was actually reading them. They should also have spent more time building the basis and the modus operandis of the Lunarch Inquisition. That was our first contact with them, and it was very brief and shallow, we couldn't feel how wicked or evil they were. Basically the 'show don't tell thing' (and no, there was no need to show kids being slaughtered, but just showing them going inside houses and taking the kids out, for instance, would have sufficed). I would give this story a C.
In any case, I took this opportunity to update the story in my signature, "Grey Areas". The story follows Odric, and I started writing before SOI started, so I basically guessed what happened to him. In the end I 'guessed wrong', but I have a plan to fix that and make my story mingle with the main storyline. Keep reading it and giving suggestions!
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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!
Def a good one this week. Really like Tamiyo's personality and mindset. And the fact the story references other planes and tidbits of their lore was on point too.
I do want to know about the three iron-bound scrolls that she keeps contained. The story hints at one of them towards the end, but given its history, def want to know what the other two are capable of.
Overall, the story line continues to be good and well paced.
I quite enjoyed this story, and Tamiyo might be my new favorite character.
Was the mention of
Serra's Realm supposed to imply Phyrexia is involved?
I think that the power contained in that scroll is enough to destroy a plane. Makes me wonder about the "promises" to be kept, though. Who were these promises made to?
Also, does anyone else wonder if the new Tamiyo card will be green/blue
based on her magic being based in stories and history?
I really really love that Tamaiyo magic comes from stories. As someone who was't around for Kamigawa so I like seeing how the moo folk are characterized. It is also refreshing to have a planeswalker character who still has ties to their home.
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“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
Loved what the did with Tamiyo's character here. Her personality takes aspects of Ugin and Nahiri and rolls them into one. Essentially, she's the logical blue 'walker to contrast with the very emotional Jace.
Also, great to see them at least acknowledge pre-revisionist stuff.
Amazing Tamiyo characterization here. This was awesome, love the way her power works. And man, she's resolute. I definitely see some green in her, the way she values histories and natural progression. What a cliffhanger
I think what I realized today is what a true U planeswalkers would act like. Tamiyo is very detached, very calculated and analytical. She wants to study and record, but really wishes not to interfere. While part of me enjoys that there is a character like that, man do I personally dislike such characters. The Visions of the world of comics just bore me to tears. Not to say Tamiyo is exactly like that, as aiding Jace at all would show, but even the ending where she is willing to let Jace and Innistrad die to preventhe herself from interfering is pretty - cold, I guess for want of a better term.
I get that there's some promise she made to not use certain abilities and scrolls, but still. To let that much collateral damage take place is pretty measured. I guess that's my anti-blue bias coming out, but it's funny that seeing two blue characters play off of one another that I would find myself liking Jace's view on things more. I like Tamiyo fine for what she is and the use of scrolls and storytelling is really a sweet new ability we haven't seen, but still. Also, yeah, I would assume Tamiyo is an old walker based off of the story, but I could also see her studying some history on Dominaria and coming across the Serra story. It's not like Urza's legacy was hidden or anything.
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Vorthos-player with way too much time on his hands and a love of thematic decks.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
To the person who said it, all of my YES for Simic Tamiyo! I dig how her powers work.
Really liked this one, definitely superior to last week's.
Here's hoping any of the non-enfranchised players that find this don't start hatin' on Tamiyo for not helping out Jace. D=
I'm honestly a little giddy right now, Tami's been super mysterious since we first saw her so finally seeing her in action is a thrill.
Also my inner child / Naruto fan is smiling like a moron right now. Henge! Ice Style/Release - Cold Missile Jutsu! She's even got three Forbidden Jutsu with her!
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Vorthos-y Johnny. All will be One
Modern - Cheeri0s (building), Belcher (building), Lantern (building), UW Control (building)
RIP Magic Duels. Wizards will regret what they did to you.
How long do moonfolk live (you know, normal moonfolk)?
I don't know, but how else would she get a scroll from Serra's Realm? That plane was destroyed centuries, if not millennia ago.
I think this story answered why Jace went so bat-crap crazy while Tamiyo and Liliana remained (mostly) sane. Jace is a telepath, the kind that has their mind completely open to their surroundings. He's likely been picking up whispers from throughout the realm, thoughts of madness and insanity. He basically invited the madness in through the front door.
The story was well written. I appreciate the insight of Tamiyo's PoV. Well done wizards. A-
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Vorthos Cartography - Check out my completed maps of Zendikar and Innistrad!
"You say 'learn from history,' but that does not mean 'learn the same bull***** the people in history learned alongside phrenology and alchemy.'" - The Blinking Spirit
Man this story was awesome. Tamiyo's use of stories and lore from other worlds reminds me of Jodah used Kjedor legend and history to summon a lost army in the Eternal Ice. On that note, was the song from the ice world Dominaria during the Ice Age?
I also took away from today's story that Tamiyo is a mommy. I like that, a nice change of pace from the single adventureres roaming the multiverse we've seen so far. And the stories as source of her magic really is a neat idea. Overall, I enjoyed this story a lot. A dramatic entrance by Sorin is next, I suppose.
As for speculation...
...it really looks to me like Emrakul is probing at Innistrad and only Avacyn's presence is holding her back now (and Nahiri is forcing Sorin's hand to destroy Avacyn). And I wasn't sceptical on a looming Emrakul before.
I don't know, but how else would she get a scroll from Serra's Realm? That plane was destroyed centuries, if not millennia ago.
It said something like being a story of survivors from a plane long gone. Weren't part of inhabitants of Serra's Realm evacuated before it fell. A story about the destruction of a plane would make sense as a powerful source for a destruction spell of Tamiyo.
I think what I realized today is what a true U planeswalkers would act like. Tamiyo is very detached, very calculated and analytical. She wants to study and record, but really wishes not to interfere. While part of me enjoys that there is a character like that, man do I personally dislike such characters. The Visions of the world of comics just bore me to tears. Not to say Tamiyo is exactly like that, as aiding Jace at all would show, but even the ending where she is willing to let Jace and Innistrad die to preventhe herself from interfering is pretty - cold, I guess for want of a better term.
I get that there's some promise she made to not use certain abilities and scrolls, but still. To let that much collateral damage take place is pretty measured. I guess that's my anti-blue bias coming out, but it's funny that seeing two blue characters play off of one another that I would find myself liking Jace's view on things more. I like Tamiyo fine for what she is and the use of scrolls and storytelling is really a sweet new ability we haven't seen, but still. Also, yeah, I would assume Tamiyo is an old walker based off of the story, but I could also see her studying some history on Dominaria and coming across the Serra story. It's not like Urza's legacy was hidden or anything.
Humm? It was clear her logic was that Avacyn, despite being mad, still protected the plane from something worse. She wasn't letting Innistrad die. The conflict in that moment was her not compromising the oaths she has made in her life to save Jace's.
How long do moonfolk live (you know, normal moonfolk)?
I don't know, but how else would she get a scroll from Serra's Realm? That plane was destroyed centuries, if not millennia ago.
It says she got the story from survivors of Serra's realm. And as far as we know, angels live pretty long if not immortal. Then again, maybe she visited the Weatherlight crew. Or Karn at Mirrodin. And that's where she got the story
I don't have much to offer this round of conversation...
but Tamiyo has now become my favorite neo-walker.
and she has made me rethink my prejudice against rabbit-people.
that is all.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I also like How Jace adapted to Tamiyo's viewpoint to get her to help. Stating that not trying to help Avacyn would make her studies inconclusive was brilliant. he has learned much from dealing with Ugin, I presume.
Great story. As with others, I really enjoyed getting to know Tamiyo's worldview and motivations. Her magic is unique and seems very powerful. I look forward to WotC writers fleshing out her backstory more. Tamiyo definitely needs more time in upcoming stories.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I also like How Jace adapted to Tamiyo's viewpoint to get her to help. Stating that not trying to help Avacyn would make her studies inconclusive was brilliant. he has learned much from dealing with Ugin, I presume.
I noticed this too; you can def see the different speech patterns and tones from one of his statements to the next. Nice to see the 'show not tell' here.
I quite enjoyed this story, and Tamiyo might be my new favorite character.
Was the mention of
Serra's Realm supposed to imply Phyrexia is involved?
I think that the power contained in that scroll is enough to destroy a plane. Makes me wonder about the "promises" to be kept, though. Who were these promises made to?
Also, does anyone else wonder if the new Tamiyo card will be green/blue
based on her magic being based in stories and history?
Promise to herself, I think. Old walkers have that sense of duty new walkers lack sometimes. I find most of them got a sense of universal responsibility. I can see them all get along; Nahiri excluded.
I believe the power base on TRUTH. Story she recorded, then meaning they represented, are truth, and she manifests that truth to recreate the scene of stories.
Mt favorite part of the story? Tamayo schooling Jace. About time someone tell these young walkers to grow up.
I think what I realized today is what a true U planeswalkers would act like. Tamiyo is very detached, very calculated and analytical. She wants to study and record, but really wishes not to interfere. While part of me enjoys that there is a character like that, man do I personally dislike such characters. The Visions of the world of comics just bore me to tears. Not to say Tamiyo is exactly like that, as aiding Jace at all would show, but even the ending where she is willing to let Jace and Innistrad die to preventhe herself from interfering is pretty - cold, I guess for want of a better term.
I get that there's some promise she made to not use certain abilities and scrolls, but still. To let that much collateral damage take place is pretty measured. I guess that's my anti-blue bias coming out, but it's funny that seeing two blue characters play off of one another that I would find myself liking Jace's view on things more. I like Tamiyo fine for what she is and the use of scrolls and storytelling is really a sweet new ability we haven't seen, but still. Also, yeah, I would assume Tamiyo is an old walker based off of the story, but I could also see her studying some history on Dominaria and coming across the Serra story. It's not like Urza's legacy was hidden or anything.
Humm? It was clear her logic was that Avacyn, despite being mad, still protected the plane from something worse. She wasn't letting Innistrad die. The conflict in that moment was her not compromising the oaths she has made in her life to save Jace's.
Sorry, should been clearer with my meaning. What I meant is that with Avacyn leading this unholy crusade against practically everyone on the plane, if Tamiyo were to leave her unchecked, the plane would be doomed. Then again, though it's unclear if she knows this, if she were to interfere and try to either destroy or render Avacyn incapable of purging the denizens, it would likely open the door for Emrakul, or whatever the Eldritch Moon is. It's a bit of a catch-22, I admit.
It's not that I dislike Tamiyo as a character; she's very unique in her abilities and characterization. It's just personally I disagree with the whole "non-interfering observer" role. I'm too red for that, myself. I get she made oaths, and even not wanting to compromise those for Jace I could see, but when a whole plane seems likely to die, I'd at least want to try something.
Interestingly, I'm curious as to why some believe Tamiyo would be Simic over Mono-U here. I can see the preservation of nature angle, but to me at least, the logical detachment and quest for truth seemed to overshadow that far more than it being a quest for balance and natural order.
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Vorthos-player with way too much time on his hands and a love of thematic decks.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
Interestingly, I'm curious as to why some believe Tamiyo would be Simic over Mono-U here. I can see the preservation of nature angle, but to me at least, the logical detachment and quest for truth seemed to overshadow that far more than it being a quest for balance and natural order.
The watcher who records history, lets nature take its course, and doesn't interfere feels very green to me. At least the non-interfering part does. The recorder of history is more blue, thus simic. Blue definitely intervenes when it makes sense. Coldly saying "well, planes are created, and sometimes planes die" is very green, unless there is a good logical reason for allowing planes to be destroyed and millions die.
If it is somehow healthy for the multiverse to allow the eldrazi to occasionally gobble up a world, then it could be blue to let it happen, but if there's no logical reason to let it happen, it seems green.
This week's story was, unfortunately, not on the same level. I think, as others pointed out, that the characters were not fleshed out enough, and if all the events had been described in a newspaper format it would have the same emotional impact that they had when I was actually reading them. They should also have spent more time building the basis and the modus operandis of the Lunarch Inquisition. That was our first contact with them, and it was very brief and shallow, we couldn't feel how wicked or evil they were. Basically the 'show don't tell thing' (and no, there was no need to show kids being slaughtered, but just showing them going inside houses and taking the kids out, for instance, would have sufficed). I would give this story a C.
In any case, I took this opportunity to update the story in my signature, "Grey Areas". The story follows Odric, and I started writing before SOI started, so I basically guessed what happened to him. In the end I 'guessed wrong', but I have a plan to fix that and make my story mingle with the main storyline. Keep reading it and giving suggestions!
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).
http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/magic-story/stories-and-endings-2016-05-11
Def a good one this week. Really like Tamiyo's personality and mindset. And the fact the story references other planes and tidbits of their lore was on point too.
I do want to know about the three iron-bound scrolls that she keeps contained. The story hints at one of them towards the end, but given its history, def want to know what the other two are capable of.
Overall, the story line continues to be good and well paced.
How long do moonfolk live (you know, normal moonfolk)?
Was the mention of
I think that the power contained in that scroll is enough to destroy a plane. Makes me wonder about the "promises" to be kept, though. Who were these promises made to?
Also, does anyone else wonder if the new Tamiyo card will be green/blue
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
Also, great to see them at least acknowledge pre-revisionist stuff.
I get that there's some promise she made to not use certain abilities and scrolls, but still. To let that much collateral damage take place is pretty measured. I guess that's my anti-blue bias coming out, but it's funny that seeing two blue characters play off of one another that I would find myself liking Jace's view on things more. I like Tamiyo fine for what she is and the use of scrolls and storytelling is really a sweet new ability we haven't seen, but still. Also, yeah, I would assume Tamiyo is an old walker based off of the story, but I could also see her studying some history on Dominaria and coming across the Serra story. It's not like Urza's legacy was hidden or anything.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
B Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief B - Fear of the Dark
WG Sigarda, Heron's Grace WG - Strength in Numbers
RG Xenagos, God of Revels RG - Fullmoon (It's werewolves)
RW Archangel Avacyn // Avacyn, the Purifier RW - The End is Nigh
60 Card Kitchen Table Decks
WUB Avacyn, Spirit Ferrier
RG Arlinn Kord's Howlpack
Really liked this one, definitely superior to last week's.
Here's hoping any of the non-enfranchised players that find this don't start hatin' on Tamiyo for not helping out Jace. D=
I'm honestly a little giddy right now, Tami's been super mysterious since we first saw her so finally seeing her in action is a thrill.
Also my inner child / Naruto fan is smiling like a moron right now. Henge! Ice Style/Release - Cold Missile Jutsu! She's even got three Forbidden Jutsu with her!
Modern - Cheeri0s (building), Belcher (building), Lantern (building), UW Control (building)
RIP Magic Duels. Wizards will regret what they did to you.
I don't know, but how else would she get a scroll from Serra's Realm? That plane was destroyed centuries, if not millennia ago.
I think this story answered why Jace went so bat-crap crazy while Tamiyo and Liliana remained (mostly) sane. Jace is a telepath, the kind that has their mind completely open to their surroundings. He's likely been picking up whispers from throughout the realm, thoughts of madness and insanity. He basically invited the madness in through the front door.
The story was well written. I appreciate the insight of Tamiyo's PoV. Well done wizards. A-
"You say 'learn from history,' but that does not mean 'learn the same bull***** the people in history learned alongside phrenology and alchemy.'" - The Blinking Spirit
As for speculation...
It said something like being a story of survivors from a plane long gone. Weren't part of inhabitants of Serra's Realm evacuated before it fell. A story about the destruction of a plane would make sense as a powerful source for a destruction spell of Tamiyo.
Humm? It was clear her logic was that Avacyn, despite being mad, still protected the plane from something worse. She wasn't letting Innistrad die. The conflict in that moment was her not compromising the oaths she has made in her life to save Jace's.
It says she got the story from survivors of Serra's realm. And as far as we know, angels live pretty long if not immortal. Then again, maybe she visited the Weatherlight crew. Or Karn at Mirrodin. And that's where she got the story
--
Tamiyo is totally the new Commodore Guff btw.
Tamiyo is the mono-U walker we've been waiting for.
but Tamiyo has now become my favorite neo-walker.
and she has made me rethink my prejudice against rabbit-people.
that is all.
EDIT: Forgot to mention I also like How Jace adapted to Tamiyo's viewpoint to get her to help. Stating that not trying to help Avacyn would make her studies inconclusive was brilliant. he has learned much from dealing with Ugin, I presume.
Click the pic for more info.
Solid A for this effort. Keep it up.
I noticed this too; you can def see the different speech patterns and tones from one of his statements to the next. Nice to see the 'show not tell' here.
Promise to herself, I think. Old walkers have that sense of duty new walkers lack sometimes. I find most of them got a sense of universal responsibility. I can see them all get along; Nahiri excluded.
I believe the power base on TRUTH. Story she recorded, then meaning they represented, are truth, and she manifests that truth to recreate the scene of stories.
Mt favorite part of the story? Tamayo schooling Jace. About time someone tell these young walkers to grow up.
Please return to Kamigawa!
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
Sorry, should been clearer with my meaning. What I meant is that with Avacyn leading this unholy crusade against practically everyone on the plane, if Tamiyo were to leave her unchecked, the plane would be doomed. Then again, though it's unclear if she knows this, if she were to interfere and try to either destroy or render Avacyn incapable of purging the denizens, it would likely open the door for Emrakul, or whatever the Eldritch Moon is. It's a bit of a catch-22, I admit.
It's not that I dislike Tamiyo as a character; she's very unique in her abilities and characterization. It's just personally I disagree with the whole "non-interfering observer" role. I'm too red for that, myself. I get she made oaths, and even not wanting to compromise those for Jace I could see, but when a whole plane seems likely to die, I'd at least want to try something.
Interestingly, I'm curious as to why some believe Tamiyo would be Simic over Mono-U here. I can see the preservation of nature angle, but to me at least, the logical detachment and quest for truth seemed to overshadow that far more than it being a quest for balance and natural order.
EDH - Yes, Each One is Named After a Song. I love tying music to my decks.
B Drana, Kalastria Bloodchief B - Fear of the Dark
WG Sigarda, Heron's Grace WG - Strength in Numbers
RG Xenagos, God of Revels RG - Fullmoon (It's werewolves)
RW Archangel Avacyn // Avacyn, the Purifier RW - The End is Nigh
60 Card Kitchen Table Decks
WUB Avacyn, Spirit Ferrier
RG Arlinn Kord's Howlpack
The watcher who records history, lets nature take its course, and doesn't interfere feels very green to me. At least the non-interfering part does. The recorder of history is more blue, thus simic. Blue definitely intervenes when it makes sense. Coldly saying "well, planes are created, and sometimes planes die" is very green, unless there is a good logical reason for allowing planes to be destroyed and millions die.
If it is somehow healthy for the multiverse to allow the eldrazi to occasionally gobble up a world, then it could be blue to let it happen, but if there's no logical reason to let it happen, it seems green.