Really interested in that bit about the parasitic feeling. Obv it's the first article so it's just a clue, but damn. This whole investigation feel is a hell of a hook.
Think there's definitely going to be some angels being affected, and some angels who are culling the infected.
I also doubt Arlinn will have white in her color identity, what with Nahiri and Sorin already involved. Granted, Sorin can go mono black, but it would seem unlikely with Ob-Nixilis and Liliana still around.
I thought the parasitic feeling( with the neck bug image) was being caused by the demon possessed wife. But I guess it could be part of what's to come.
I'm with SimicNuggets on this one. It seems like a sign that something is affecting people.
I totally thought it was going to be a surprise twist at the end that Hal and Alena were wolfir. They live in the woods outside of town, guarding it from werewolves. The townsfolk reluctantly accept their presence, but find them unnerving and suspicious. They're described multiple times as hunting things by scent, which no normal human can do. At the end I was absolutely expecting Arlinn to call them traitors or abominations or something of that sort.
And yes, I read the two as being in a relationship.
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Xantcha, Phyrexian Reject
Jodah, Archmage Eternal
Tovolar, Howlpack Alpha
Pivlic, Orzhov Informant
Crixizix, Master Engineer
Feather, Boros Peacekeeper
Marisi Coilbreaker
O-Kagachi
Gix, Phyrexian Praetor
Karn, Father of Machines
Yawgmoth, Father of Machines
Serra, Mother of All Angels
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Leshrac the Nightwalker
Jeska, the Thrice-Touched
Elspeth Returned
Crucius the Mad
Taysir the Infinite
Urza's Head (Unglued!)
Oh what a day! What a lovely day! Funny thing is I posted in a walkers we'd like to see forum on here a month or so ago that I would love to see a gruul werwolf walker who embraced her nature as a wolf yet tries to tie it in with human morals; like my d and d character, a werewolf leaning chaotic neutral but with some good tendencies. And lo and behold I got my exact wish almost! If I get a legendary wolf too I'll be in heaven. I mean, angels are becoming the bad guys inquistion-style it would seem, so finally things are breaking Mike's way!
I don't know what it is, but I've always loved stories about monsters turned - maybe not good, but directed in a more positive way. Drana as a monoblack vampire who turned her own selfishness to protect her loved ones into a boon for her people and Zendikar, for example. Hellboy, Dante from Devil May Cry, Raven from DC comics, Hulk from Marvel, etc. It goes to my inherent desire to hear stories about conflict internally, and further stories about a rejection of societal norms and values. Is anyone else pumped that once again white is likely the villainous or antagonistic color this set? Yeah, innistrad already slants black, which makes it all the more painful for the white angels to be corrupted and turned against mankind. Things seemingly (though on Innistrad never say never) could not get worse outside of a phyrexian invasion. And werewolves not only are fighting to maintain a free, wild nature but also may end up being the protagonists of this block? My God I'm thrilled about today.
Something about Arlinn being older feels....appropriate? It makes sense to me at least that in order to survive as a werwolf and walker for a while you'd likely grow older and wiser or be killed early on. It's a nice diversity in age for magic. I'm betting dual faced gruul walker. Don't see much white at all in her, but a desire for freedom and a connection to nature. Sounds pretty gruul to me.
Great story, particularly with the intrigue carried more or less throughout. Could have sworn it was going to be a cut and dry werwolf story, but the possession came in quite nicely at the end. Not perfect, but a nice twist. Ironically I wondered about possession with the strapped chair, but dismissed it as too obvious. Foolish me. I'm hoping we see more mystery-style stories throughout the block.
Sidenote: calling Avacyn announcing a Spanish Inquisition style crusade next week. Seems like the time to establish it, especially if they spoil the new Avacyn tomorrow night like I'm betting. Could be way off, but just a shot in the dark.
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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.
There are a lot of sentiments I'd like to echo here. First of all the relationship vibe with Hal and Alena. Definitely felt it and definitely cool. I feel like someone's been watching Doctor Who a bit though.
Next Arlinn Kord. Oh definitely cool. What's funny is that like everyone else I was looking forward to that but I also kind of suspected it'd be a woman (mostly because most of the wolves we'd seen had been male). I also love the artist gave her some age. We don't see a lot of that in fantasy stories and especially with older women. I personally find it kind of awesome.
I'm feeling good about this but if this block is going to have a mystery theme I can't read these late at night. I don't want to miss clues because I'm tired and I'll probably go back over this story in more detail digging for clues.
I also doubt Arlinn will have white in her color identity, what with Nahiri and Sorin already involved. Granted, Sorin can go mono black, but it would seem unlikely with Ob-Nixilis and Liliana still around.
Actually, I'm thinking we won't get to see Sorin this block either (or even if he does come back, it will only be at the end of the block and only in the story). Eldritch Moon seems to imply someone (probably Liliana, she likes the plane to some extent) did something assert the horrors' dominance over Innistrad again, especially since the buildup for Shadows implies that Avacyn's side are about to (fight to) gain dominance of the plane.
Basically, there's seems to be an utter lack of Sorin's presence so far (except for Nahiri's hatred, but that isn't an indicator of location) and both sets/sides seem to give off a sense of imbalance that Sorin would no doubt try to balance out if he was there (Unlike a certain Spirit Dragon who's more concerned about the Eldrazi).
Plus, it would fit Sorin's accomplishment list to be elsewhere trying to find Nahiri while Nahiri is actually wrecking his home plane. Bonus points if Jace ends up helping Liliana (by accident or not) and earns the hatred of both Nahiri and Sorin by the end of the block. Gives the original Eldrazi-Sealing trio something to share in common after so many years.
In terms of the new characters, I must say that conceptually Arlinn Kord seems interesting. I like some of the new art for this block, it doesn't feel nearly as bad as BFZ has been. Arlinn is a good example, but also the art of the priest holding avacyn's symbol and the wood elemental were really cool. The demon picture was not cool I'm afraid, just too bland to be scary (Griselbrand, even though it is also computer-made, is much more menacing).
Halana and Alena were... okay, I suppose. I'm curious to see more about the 'back beetles' as others mentioned. I think honestly that is just the picture of a random card, maybe an aura or sorcery spell, but still would be interesting to have a dedicated story about it. I also like the idea someone suggested of having stories of different monsters, kinda like the monster of the week episodes in X-files.
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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!
Werewolf planeswalker is cool, but the whole "can transform back and forth with ease" thing seems like it would have been better suited to a legendary creature, which I'm presuming we'll also be getting. Since Arlinn is a "heroic" werewolf, maybe our legend will be a more monstrous one?
Also, I noticed this piece of art:
Compare the curved object in the background with the artwork of the leaked card Pieces of the Puzzle:
I think these are the "cryptoliths" and by their shape, they clearly have some connection to the moon, evoking the image of the "heron" on the face of the moon. And, you know, the whole "Eldritch Moon" thing.
Nice find. Expose Evil, a card with the investigate mechanic, have two of these same objects. Seems to me that the clue artifacts are these heron shaped things.
Finally got to read these and it's reminded me just how much I loved Innistrad - my favourite plane by an enormous margin.
I got a 'soulbonded' feel from Hal and Alena. Do we know for definite they're human? I got a bit of a Wolfir vibe from them too. Or maybe Alena is Wolfir and Hal is human - like in the Joint Assault art
The best I have to say about Kreines' writing is that this time I barely noticed the writing; the story was compelling, the twists were enjoyable, and there's still sufficient mystery to keep us guessing. The fact that the writing conveyed all that and didn't distract is the best compliment I think there is - in a way, you want the writer to be invisible.
Good to see another cryptolith in the art. Angua Kord seems cool;) . And I think the 'back beetles' might actually turn out to be the most significant part of this story. I got something of a Tibalt vibe from the art of one, but they are clearly invisible to the actual characters, but the fact that so many felt their influence was curious. I was reminded of the creatures that afflicted the Centauri in Babylon 5. Maybe the angels will feel the need to cull all those infected by them? Or maybe some of the angels will be infected by them too? Or both?
This story, coupled with the Hanweir Chroncile has got me really excited for SoI. Now to see what the reveal at midnight tonight is (UK time)...
Werewolf planeswalker is cool, but the whole "can transform back and forth with ease" thing seems like it would have been better suited to a legendary creature, which I'm presuming we'll also be getting. Since Arlinn is a "heroic" werewolf, maybe our legend will be a more monstrous one?
Also, I noticed this piece of art:
If these heron shaped things are a red herring,a red heron if you will,I will be very amused.
Compare the curved object in the background with the artwork of the leaked card Pieces of the Puzzle:
I think these are the "cryptoliths" and by their shape, they clearly have some connection to the moon, evoking the image of the "heron" on the face of the moon. And, you know, the whole "Eldritch Moon" thing.
Nice find. Expose Evil, a card with the investigate mechanic, have two of these same objects. Seems to me that the clue artifacts are these heron shaped things.
If these heron shaped clues turn out to be a red herring,a red heron if you will,I will be thoroughly amused.
Finally got to read these and it's reminded me just how much I loved Innistrad - my favourite plane by an enormous margin.
I got a 'soulbonded' feel from Hal and Alena. Do we know for definite they're human? I got a bit of a Wolfir vibe from them too. Or maybe Alena is Wolfir and Hal is human - like in the Joint Assault art
We have no reason to believe they are not human. They were both quoted on Dark Ascension cards, before the wolfir even were created. And then there is this, among others:
The foolish humans. How could they be so blind? She hoped she would not be forced to kill them one day. They were strong and wild.
.
If one was wolfir, Arlinn would surely addressed it. Keep in mind that wolfir cannot change form.
I don't know how Arlinn wouldn't be white. She clearly shows a strong interest in the greater good and protecting Innistrad (or at least its forests) from demons and the forces of evil. She didn't just happen upon the demonic ritual in the woods, she was hunting Mrs. Palter for awhile. She was on a mission to seek out and destroy the forces of darkness. She could be GW, RW, or RGW, but I just can't see how she could possibly be just RG. Never once did she show any signs of caring about freedom or emotion or being motivated thereby. She restrained the rest of her pack from attacking the hunters, and later contemplated killing the hunters if she needed to, though she hoped she wouldn't have to. That kind of caring about the greater good (as she perceives it) while disregarding her own personal feelings on the matter is very W.
But I don't know if they'd do a three-color planeswalker in a block with little support for multicolored. If she had to be narrowed down to two colors, I would think she'd be GW, given her embrace of her werewolf form.
Story was definitely interesting and I really enjoyed the mystery-solving trope. I hope the rest of the block is going to be like this, and that when we return to Zendikar, we'll get a similar mystery-solving theme with an exploration/adventuring spin. I think war stories are generally very bland, and I hope that we don't get a rehash of something like that when we go back go New Phyrexia.
She's trusting in her instincts telling her that something bad is coming. She wants the humans to stay out of the Ulvenwald so that werewolves, whom she sees as the forest's naturally dominant inhabitants, can take care of their own domain. Very green. Her history before her awakening as a planeswalker is one of repression and self-control in the attempt to hold back her curse, as well as dedication to the Church and the order of Spearsages, all characteristic of White, but all of that was abandoned after her transformation and embracing her nature as a werewolf. Now, she accepts her state and has abandoned the church in favor of her new pack. She regrets the atrocities she committed during her initial transformation, but that is not something that cements her in White, especially given her abandonment of the other vestiges of her old life. Given her control over her transformations, she could easily continue to live among humans if she so chose, but she does not. She has embraced life as a member of the pack. She hunts demonic forces not for moral reasons but because they threaten her home. She spares the lives of the humans who have killed members of her pack only because they hunt the greater threat to them both. That is not enough to qualify as White, but rather stems from self-preservation as well as compassion, which is certainly within the domain of Red and not solely White.
She is without a doubt Green. But we also know from her profile that she still uses magic learned as a Spearsage. Spearsages are a Red-White organization. Furthermore, in her artwork, her wolf-form has glowing red eyes. Color cues in artwork are not foolproof but it seems extremely unlikely that she would be given glowing red eyes if she were not, in fact, someone who uses red mana. Red magic is well within the purview of Spearsage magic as well, as mentioned previously. And, most obviously, Red and Green are the two colors of Werewolves on Innistrad. I don't see any reason to feel that Arlinn as she is today is a White character. I believe it's fairly clear that she is Red and Green, or possibly mono-Green.
Also, just because a character is certain colors, such as GRW, doesn't mean they will manifest that way in their first card. Ajani, for instance, is GRW, and was originally W, then RW, and then eventually GW. Sorin was originally B, though he is WB. Narset is UW, though she has vestiges of R as evidenced by her original form and hints in her storyline.
My vote is for GR, there are not too many 3 color walkers, especially in their first introduction (bolas has been the only one). For the most part, simpler is better, and everything is screaming RG with this *****.
I think her emphasis on having been a Goldnight wizard means that she will probably be White. I'm hoping that she is Green/White (maybe transforing to Green/Red or Red/White), since there's no walkers aside from Ajani and Red/Green is trampling over itself with Domri Rade, Sarkhan and Xenagos.
One thing that caught my eye as far as nit picky storyline type stuff goes is it sounds like the cryptoliths have been happening for some time but are just coming to a head and appearing more frequently. I wonder if that means they've always happened in Innistrad, or if it was sometime after AVR that they first showed up?
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They didn't care that he was the savior of Fort Keff, the great hunter of Ondu, the champion of Kabira. To them, he was just another piece of flesh, a thing with life to be drained away.
She's trusting in her instincts telling her that something bad is coming. She wants the humans to stay out of the Ulvenwald so that werewolves, whom she sees as the forest's naturally dominant inhabitants, can take care of their own domain. Very green. Her history before her awakening as a planeswalker is one of repression and self-control in the attempt to hold back her curse, as well as dedication to the Church and the order of Spearsages, all characteristic of White, but all of that was abandoned after her transformation and embracing her nature as a werewolf. Now, she accepts her state and has abandoned the church in favor of her new pack. She regrets the atrocities she committed during her initial transformation, but that is not something that cements her in White, especially given her abandonment of the other vestiges of her old life. Given her control over her transformations, she could easily continue to live among humans if she so chose, but she does not. She has embraced life as a member of the pack. She hunts demonic forces not for moral reasons but because they threaten her home. She spares the lives of the humans who have killed members of her pack only because they hunt the greater threat to them both. That is not enough to qualify as White, but rather stems from self-preservation as well as compassion, which is certainly within the domain of Red and not solely White.
She is without a doubt Green. But we also know from her profile that she still uses magic learned as a Spearsage. Spearsages are a Red-White organization. Furthermore, in her artwork, her wolf-form has glowing red eyes. Color cues in artwork are not foolproof but it seems extremely unlikely that she would be given glowing red eyes if she were not, in fact, someone who uses red mana. Red magic is well within the purview of Spearsage magic as well, as mentioned previously. And, most obviously, Red and Green are the two colors of Werewolves on Innistrad. I don't see any reason to feel that Arlinn as she is today is a White character. I believe it's fairly clear that she is Red and Green, or possibly mono-Green.
This. All of this. The thing that bugs me sometimes in Magic is the belief that a moral compass or protection of others is white. Arlinn may have dabbled in white magic as an attempt to address her lycanthropy, but that lies in the past, not the current iteration. Ajani was red for a time due to his focus being more on rage, vengeance and a personal quest for justice. He then shifted to white and then to white green as he became more focused on community, the natural order and protecting innocents.
Arlinn has little focus on organization since leaving the cathars. A wolf pack is far more green and primal than organized and white. It's survival based; the strong claim the alpha spot and the weak are either left or become one with pack. The red comes out in her rejection of the human society she once clung to. She doesn't actively seek out victims, but she's not afraid to hunt or seek revenge when her pack is killed. Revenge or retribution usually lean red or white, and red makes more sense here as it mirrors ajani vengeant to an extent. Further, wolfir in game were depicted only as green; more focused on aiding humanity. They seemingly dropped the red freedom and independent of nature for the protection of the weak and humanity, or green. She actively rejects the curse mute, attempting to aid the wolves and werewolves of her pack that refuse subservience to Avacyn. That rejection of white and Avacyn seems independent and red to me.
Also, if for nothing else than expectations and past history, which does matter at least a little, we'd all expect werewolves to be red green, especially a legend or wolaker.
Subpoint: white does not always equal hero, protector or protagonist. See Kamahl, Koth, Teferi Toshiro or Jeska.
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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.
Hmm, I like the design of the new planeswalker so far. Finally a break from those hot-young-people-planeswalker cycle as in the oath. Now it's an older wolf lady uuff-woooff!! \o/
Her story didn't have much depth so far, but it was an ok first appearance. Lets see how she'll interact with the others of her kind.
I really hope that Arlin Kord is not red/green just because we already have more r/g walkers than any other 2 color pair (BG is actually a tie if you count Garruck Relentless). Regardless I don't think RG should move up to 4 while other color combos are still stuck on one or less. My expectation/hope is that Arlin will be either a RW walker who transforms into a RG walker, or that she is Naya on both sides.
Also, as to her being planebound, I don't think this will be an issue for her. In her summary in states that she can only attain her human form when back on Innistrad, this means we will likely see her on other planes as a one-sided werewolf planeswalker (in either RG or Naya). Given her concern for protecting others I could also see her as the type that would join the Gatewatch if she has a run-in w/ Nahiri or some other force that convinces her fighting forces contained to the Ullenwald isn't enough to protect it.
Besides, the Planevengers needs a Hulk-type character, and since Garruck doesn't seem like he's going to join a werewolf walker sounds about right.
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My Decks:
UG Merfolk RG 8-Whack BWG Abzan midrange GRB Living End UWB Spirit Control
GU Kruphix's "Hug Assassin" RW Kalemne's "Play Fatties and Hope for the Best!" BUGW Atraxa's "All counters, all the time"
I really hope that Arlin Kord is not red/green just because we already have more r/g walkers than any other 2 color pair (BG is actually a tie if you count Garruck Relentless). Regardless I don't think RG should move up to 4 while other color combos are still stuck on one or less. My expectation/hope is that Arlin will be either a RW walker who transforms into a RG walker, or that she is Naya on both sides.
Also, as to her being planebound, I don't think this will be an issue for her. In her summary in states that she can only attain her human form when back on Innistrad, this means we will likely see her on other planes as a one-sided werewolf planeswalker (in either RG or Naya). Given her concern for protecting others I could also see her as the type that would join the Gatewatch if she has a run-in w/ Nahiri or some other force that convinces her fighting forces contained to the Ullenwald isn't enough to protect it.
Besides, the Planevengers needs a Hulk-type character, and since Garruck doesn't seem like he's going to join a werewolf walker sounds about right.
There is no way they are printing a 3-colour walker outside of a gold block. Both Bolas and Sarkhan were printed in gold blocks. I think it is likely she will be white-green, then flip into red-green.
After that piss poor story that was Oath, I actually have huge hopes for Innistrad.
I want to believe that they won't screw it up, I really do.
UR was decent. I am not a huge fan of filler stories but this one was decent. I hate
the idea of a werewolf planeswalker simply because I hate the idea of a ''plane bound''
planeswalkers. These are planeswalkers who I feel have been introduced to fill up the
necessary ''5 walkers per block'' card spot and who are tightly bound to their plane regarding
their story and we most likely won't see them again until we return to the said plane. An
example for those are Domri, Tamiyo and Vraska. Yes, we might see Tamiyo and I am really
hoping to for that, but again, it took us a return to the plane where she was introduced in
to see her again. These ''plane bound'' planeswalkers also don't really have much an impact
to the overall story. I just feel like this werewolf walker who's name I've already forgotten will
be one of those characters. In that case I would prefer that she was not a planeswalker at all.
I'm really excited for the trailer today(c'mon, you know that it is coming in 4 hours) and I really
want this story to be amazing. Can't wait to see how they kill Sorin.
I agree with this.
Each plane gets a new 'walker that's fine with not 'walking due to 'reasons' by Creative.
Mirrodin/New Phyrexia
Koth-> has a legitimate excuse to stay on New Phyrexia to keep up a resistance.
Innistrad
Tibalt-> currently content with staying on-plane instead of finding new worlds, and new ways, to torture.
Vronos-> I guess he counts, as he was a bit of a strawman for Garruk, but we know he had a trip to Esper, then was plane-bound and served Avacyn.
Ravnica
Ral Zarek-> only wants to stay with the Izzet and Niv-Mizzet.
Vraska-> wants to control the plane's underworld/all the guilds? Not really clear, but implies that she's Ravnica-centric for a while.
Domri Rade-> only one who actually left the town he grew up in.
Theros
Xenagos-> did 'walk a bit, ultimately decided that staying plane-bound as a God was better use of his time.
Tarkir
Sarkhan-> initially returned to homeplane just to rid his head of Ugin's voice, now stays for the dragons.
Narset-> possibly brainwashed/influenced by Ojutai, she doesn't even complete her first 'walk and wants to stay on Tarkir. I was actually irked by this one since it finally hit me that planeswalkers aren't actually walking. It was like Creative said "look, we did give you the second U/W 'walker you wanted,' and then shelved her on Tarkir.
I'm with SimicNuggets on this one. It seems like a sign that something is affecting people.
And yes, I read the two as being in a relationship.
Xantcha, Phyrexian Reject
Jodah, Archmage Eternal
Tovolar, Howlpack Alpha
Pivlic, Orzhov Informant
Crixizix, Master Engineer
Feather, Boros Peacekeeper
Marisi Coilbreaker
O-Kagachi
Gix, Phyrexian Praetor
Karn, Father of Machines
Yawgmoth, Father of Machines
Serra, Mother of All Angels
Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools
Leshrac the Nightwalker
Jeska, the Thrice-Touched
Elspeth Returned
Crucius the Mad
Taysir the Infinite
Urza's Head (Unglued!)
It's hilarious how the one common, uniting thing among players over the last few months is how awful BFZ was in every way LOL
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
BGStandard Green AggroGB
UWRGModern Saheeli CobraGRWU
UBRGLegacy StormGRBU
Wizards Certified Rules Advisor
I don't know what it is, but I've always loved stories about monsters turned - maybe not good, but directed in a more positive way. Drana as a monoblack vampire who turned her own selfishness to protect her loved ones into a boon for her people and Zendikar, for example. Hellboy, Dante from Devil May Cry, Raven from DC comics, Hulk from Marvel, etc. It goes to my inherent desire to hear stories about conflict internally, and further stories about a rejection of societal norms and values. Is anyone else pumped that once again white is likely the villainous or antagonistic color this set? Yeah, innistrad already slants black, which makes it all the more painful for the white angels to be corrupted and turned against mankind. Things seemingly (though on Innistrad never say never) could not get worse outside of a phyrexian invasion. And werewolves not only are fighting to maintain a free, wild nature but also may end up being the protagonists of this block? My God I'm thrilled about today.
Something about Arlinn being older feels....appropriate? It makes sense to me at least that in order to survive as a werwolf and walker for a while you'd likely grow older and wiser or be killed early on. It's a nice diversity in age for magic. I'm betting dual faced gruul walker. Don't see much white at all in her, but a desire for freedom and a connection to nature. Sounds pretty gruul to me.
Great story, particularly with the intrigue carried more or less throughout. Could have sworn it was going to be a cut and dry werwolf story, but the possession came in quite nicely at the end. Not perfect, but a nice twist. Ironically I wondered about possession with the strapped chair, but dismissed it as too obvious. Foolish me. I'm hoping we see more mystery-style stories throughout the block.
Sidenote: calling Avacyn announcing a Spanish Inquisition style crusade next week. Seems like the time to establish it, especially if they spoil the new Avacyn tomorrow night like I'm betting. Could be way off, but just a shot in the dark.
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
Next Arlinn Kord. Oh definitely cool. What's funny is that like everyone else I was looking forward to that but I also kind of suspected it'd be a woman (mostly because most of the wolves we'd seen had been male). I also love the artist gave her some age. We don't see a lot of that in fantasy stories and especially with older women. I personally find it kind of awesome.
I'm feeling good about this but if this block is going to have a mystery theme I can't read these late at night. I don't want to miss clues because I'm tired and I'll probably go back over this story in more detail digging for clues.
Actually, I'm thinking we won't get to see Sorin this block either (or even if he does come back, it will only be at the end of the block and only in the story). Eldritch Moon seems to imply someone (probably Liliana, she likes the plane to some extent) did something assert the horrors' dominance over Innistrad again, especially since the buildup for Shadows implies that Avacyn's side are about to (fight to) gain dominance of the plane.
Basically, there's seems to be an utter lack of Sorin's presence so far (except for Nahiri's hatred, but that isn't an indicator of location) and both sets/sides seem to give off a sense of imbalance that Sorin would no doubt try to balance out if he was there (Unlike a certain Spirit Dragon who's more concerned about the Eldrazi).
Plus, it would fit Sorin's accomplishment list to be elsewhere trying to find Nahiri while Nahiri is actually wrecking his home plane. Bonus points if Jace ends up helping Liliana (by accident or not) and earns the hatred of both Nahiri and Sorin by the end of the block. Gives the original Eldrazi-Sealing trio something to share in common after so many years.
In terms of the new characters, I must say that conceptually Arlinn Kord seems interesting. I like some of the new art for this block, it doesn't feel nearly as bad as BFZ has been. Arlinn is a good example, but also the art of the priest holding avacyn's symbol and the wood elemental were really cool. The demon picture was not cool I'm afraid, just too bland to be scary (Griselbrand, even though it is also computer-made, is much more menacing).
Halana and Alena were... okay, I suppose. I'm curious to see more about the 'back beetles' as others mentioned. I think honestly that is just the picture of a random card, maybe an aura or sorcery spell, but still would be interesting to have a dedicated story about it. I also like the idea someone suggested of having stories of different monsters, kinda like the monster of the week episodes in X-files.
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).
Nice find. Expose Evil, a card with the investigate mechanic, have two of these same objects. Seems to me that the clue artifacts are these heron shaped things.
I got a 'soulbonded' feel from Hal and Alena. Do we know for definite they're human? I got a bit of a Wolfir vibe from them too. Or maybe Alena is Wolfir and Hal is human - like in the Joint Assault art
The best I have to say about Kreines' writing is that this time I barely noticed the writing; the story was compelling, the twists were enjoyable, and there's still sufficient mystery to keep us guessing. The fact that the writing conveyed all that and didn't distract is the best compliment I think there is - in a way, you want the writer to be invisible.
Good to see another cryptolith in the art. Angua Kord seems cool;) . And I think the 'back beetles' might actually turn out to be the most significant part of this story. I got something of a Tibalt vibe from the art of one, but they are clearly invisible to the actual characters, but the fact that so many felt their influence was curious. I was reminded of the creatures that afflicted the Centauri in Babylon 5. Maybe the angels will feel the need to cull all those infected by them? Or maybe some of the angels will be infected by them too? Or both?
This story, coupled with the Hanweir Chroncile has got me really excited for SoI. Now to see what the reveal at midnight tonight is (UK time)...
If these heron shaped clues turn out to be a red herring,a red heron if you will,I will be thoroughly amused.
We have no reason to believe they are not human. They were both quoted on Dark Ascension cards, before the wolfir even were created. And then there is this, among others:
.
If one was wolfir, Arlinn would surely addressed it. Keep in mind that wolfir cannot change form.
Thank you for letting us know.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
But I don't know if they'd do a three-color planeswalker in a block with little support for multicolored. If she had to be narrowed down to two colors, I would think she'd be GW, given her embrace of her werewolf form.
Story was definitely interesting and I really enjoyed the mystery-solving trope. I hope the rest of the block is going to be like this, and that when we return to Zendikar, we'll get a similar mystery-solving theme with an exploration/adventuring spin. I think war stories are generally very bland, and I hope that we don't get a rehash of something like that when we go back go New Phyrexia.
She is without a doubt Green. But we also know from her profile that she still uses magic learned as a Spearsage. Spearsages are a Red-White organization. Furthermore, in her artwork, her wolf-form has glowing red eyes. Color cues in artwork are not foolproof but it seems extremely unlikely that she would be given glowing red eyes if she were not, in fact, someone who uses red mana. Red magic is well within the purview of Spearsage magic as well, as mentioned previously. And, most obviously, Red and Green are the two colors of Werewolves on Innistrad. I don't see any reason to feel that Arlinn as she is today is a White character. I believe it's fairly clear that she is Red and Green, or possibly mono-Green.
R Citizen Cane (Feldon of the Third Path)
My vote is for GR, there are not too many 3 color walkers, especially in their first introduction (bolas has been the only one). For the most part, simpler is better, and everything is screaming RG with this *****.
One thing that caught my eye as far as nit picky storyline type stuff goes is it sounds like the cryptoliths have been happening for some time but are just coming to a head and appearing more frequently. I wonder if that means they've always happened in Innistrad, or if it was sometime after AVR that they first showed up?
But the people behind the barrier knew.
This. All of this. The thing that bugs me sometimes in Magic is the belief that a moral compass or protection of others is white. Arlinn may have dabbled in white magic as an attempt to address her lycanthropy, but that lies in the past, not the current iteration. Ajani was red for a time due to his focus being more on rage, vengeance and a personal quest for justice. He then shifted to white and then to white green as he became more focused on community, the natural order and protecting innocents.
Arlinn has little focus on organization since leaving the cathars. A wolf pack is far more green and primal than organized and white. It's survival based; the strong claim the alpha spot and the weak are either left or become one with pack. The red comes out in her rejection of the human society she once clung to. She doesn't actively seek out victims, but she's not afraid to hunt or seek revenge when her pack is killed. Revenge or retribution usually lean red or white, and red makes more sense here as it mirrors ajani vengeant to an extent. Further, wolfir in game were depicted only as green; more focused on aiding humanity. They seemingly dropped the red freedom and independent of nature for the protection of the weak and humanity, or green. She actively rejects the curse mute, attempting to aid the wolves and werewolves of her pack that refuse subservience to Avacyn. That rejection of white and Avacyn seems independent and red to me.
Also, if for nothing else than expectations and past history, which does matter at least a little, we'd all expect werewolves to be red green, especially a legend or wolaker.
Subpoint: white does not always equal hero, protector or protagonist. See Kamahl, Koth, Teferi Toshiro or Jeska.
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
Her story didn't have much depth so far, but it was an ok first appearance. Lets see how she'll interact with the others of her kind.
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
Also, as to her being planebound, I don't think this will be an issue for her. In her summary in states that she can only attain her human form when back on Innistrad, this means we will likely see her on other planes as a one-sided werewolf planeswalker (in either RG or Naya). Given her concern for protecting others I could also see her as the type that would join the Gatewatch if she has a run-in w/ Nahiri or some other force that convinces her fighting forces contained to the Ullenwald isn't enough to protect it.
Besides, the Planevengers needs a Hulk-type character, and since Garruck doesn't seem like he's going to join a werewolf walker sounds about right.
RG 8-Whack
BWG Abzan midrange
GRB Living End
UWB Spirit Control
GU Kruphix's "Hug Assassin"
RW Kalemne's "Play Fatties and Hope for the Best!"
BUGW Atraxa's "All counters, all the time"
There is no way they are printing a 3-colour walker outside of a gold block. Both Bolas and Sarkhan were printed in gold blocks. I think it is likely she will be white-green, then flip into red-green.
I agree with this.
Each plane gets a new 'walker that's fine with not 'walking due to 'reasons' by Creative.
Mirrodin/New Phyrexia
Koth-> has a legitimate excuse to stay on New Phyrexia to keep up a resistance.
Innistrad
Tibalt-> currently content with staying on-plane instead of finding new worlds, and new ways, to torture.
Vronos-> I guess he counts, as he was a bit of a strawman for Garruk, but we know he had a trip to Esper, then was plane-bound and served Avacyn.
Ravnica
Ral Zarek-> only wants to stay with the Izzet and Niv-Mizzet.
Vraska-> wants to control the plane's underworld/all the guilds? Not really clear, but implies that she's Ravnica-centric for a while.
Domri Rade-> only one who actually left the town he grew up in.
Theros
Xenagos-> did 'walk a bit, ultimately decided that staying plane-bound as a God was better use of his time.
Tarkir
Sarkhan-> initially returned to homeplane just to rid his head of Ugin's voice, now stays for the dragons.
Narset-> possibly brainwashed/influenced by Ojutai, she doesn't even complete her first 'walk and wants to stay on Tarkir. I was actually irked by this one since it finally hit me that planeswalkers aren't actually walking. It was like Creative said "look, we did give you the second U/W 'walker you wanted,' and then shelved her on Tarkir.
Hopefully the same won't happen to Arlinn.