Kamigawa block, Alara Reborn, Rise of the Eldrazi, Scar of Mirrodin block, Battle for Zendikar, and Eldritch Moon were all centered around warfare. Tarkir is not unique in this way. Also, if we look at the sets mechanically, Nyx had a very large presence in the Theros blocks, with tons of cards being enchantments themselves, related to enchantments, or related to the Gods. Tarkir was primarily centered around wedges in KTK and dragons in DTK (both in FRF). The warfare theme was always secondary to that. Just look at the cards: there are far more cards in KTK based on clans and wedges than there are cards that are war-themed (more so than any given creature, that is, since this is a game about fighting).
The problem with Tarkir is not the fighting, it's the Humans (then the Dragons). The leadership positions, to be precise.
Daghatar, Shu Yun, Tasigur, Alesha, Yasova, Anafenza, Narset and Surrak... all humans. Zurgo is humanoid (close enough), which makes Sidisi the only distinct leader (and not that distinct either) among all 10 non-Dragon leaders. Replacing them with 5 "Elder" Dragons changes nothing about the homogeneous "aura", they just replaced the "Human Aura" with a "Dragon Aura".
Compare this with planes with similar conflict but much better received - Ravnica had a Human, a Sphinx, a Vampire, a Shapeshifter, a Demon, a Cyclops, some Dryads, some Spirits, a Dragon, some Elves (including a Lich), an Angel and a Merfolk serving in the leadership positions. Kamigawa went the less diverse route by allocating each color a species more or less... and did put humans in all of them but it was clear that besides W (Kitsune), the Humans weren't the dominating faction in the rest of the colors (Minamo was more or less below Oboro, everyone suffers equally in Takenuma but the Rats have numbers, Bandits and Akki still squabble on relatively equal terms and the Yamabushi/Monks don't really interact outside of their own areas, let alone dominate).
Meanwhile over at Tarkir and Zendikar (BFZ), the humans were largely "in charge of everything", which makes the typical "warfare" theme actually present in most blocks painfully obvious and bland. Zendikar tried to diversify with Drana and Noyan Dar, but let's face it, even Tazri was barely getting attention because of Planeswalker Spotlight-Stealing abilities, so it just felt like "the rest of Zendikar" was under Tazri that was all that mattered.
Kamigawa block, Alara Reborn, Rise of the Eldrazi, Scar of Mirrodin block, Battle for Zendikar, and Eldritch Moon were all centered around warfare. Tarkir is not unique in this way. Also, if we look at the sets mechanically, Nyx had a very large presence in the Theros blocks, with tons of cards being enchantments themselves, related to enchantments, or related to the Gods. Tarkir was primarily centered around wedges in KTK and dragons in DTK (both in FRF). The warfare theme was always secondary to that. Just look at the cards: there are far more cards in KTK based on clans and wedges than there are cards that are war-themed (more so than any given creature, that is, since this is a game about fighting).
You misunderstood what I meant then. I was saying that although Nyx is not the main component of Theros, it is reasonable to dislike Theros because of it. War is a major element of Tarkir. And I don't really agree that the others represent war quite in the same way. There are factions clashing in a few of those, but not quite the same.
I think you have to talk about the human element as well. Most fantasy shows and movies also revolve around human heroes. It's easier to understand someone and relate to someone if he/she is of the same type as you. It's purposeful because it draws people/readers in.
They could simply put Squid man (Ackbar), or Kit Fisto as main characters (Star Wars) but why Luke, why Anakin Skywalker? Because of the Human factor. Could alien humanoid characters be the main cast? Sure, but that requires years and years of cultural influence. On top of that, writers need to cater to the international audience.
And we know that's a huge pot of cultural mess. Every culture expects and tells a story differently. But guess what? It's still humans telling a human story. In short, it's more acceptable, more grokable, and especially to writers, a safer thing to write about.
I haven't even got to the aspect of how to understand and alien aspect. I mean, who does? To write about something, you need to have background of that thing. Which means it's easier to write about a human character otherwise.
Interesting. Calling a Yaheeni legendary card in Revolt. Also, many new arts. Seems that the Essence Extraction-capable aetherborn are indeed kind of unique. I like where this is heading.
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100% Vorthos Spike and Storyline Expert
Former Fact Prospector of the Greek Alliance.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
I like Yahenni (Yall spelling their name wrong). It's an interesting take on a black character. Killing not for the sake of killing, but definitely gaining from the act and making the most of it is a nice take on it. Stories focussing on a plane's legendary creature do tend to be better than those focussing on the Gatewatch, as the SOI block had already proven. I'm glad to see them back on track, Kaladesh has had pretty high standards of stories so far.
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My Commander decks:
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras. Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power. Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza. Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall. Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana. Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die. Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
I really enjoyed seeing Yahenni and their party, and their place as a socialite.
This new story today puts a lot more focus on Yahenni and their actions. I agree we should be in line for a legendary, and I also agree with LouCypher that the stories are definitely better when the focus is not the gatewatch.
Looking forward to how this all plays out, and seeing the aetherborn as more of a focal point in the story.
Loved the story. Its so good to see them back. And with Yahenni too!
Personally, I like the Gatewatch, but it is good to see the focus slip to other characters too. I especially like it when it does tie into the main plotline and keeps things going.
A few thoughts.
1. Did anyone else LOL when they read that Nissa "had made mistakes". I suppose that's one way to put "selfishly freeing three massive planar destroying beings hoping to save your own world at the expense of the rest of the multiverse, only for it to backfire spectacularly and billions die and your homeworld pushed to the brink of extinction". MISTAKES.
2. Other fantastic line: An anxious but confident rotting corpse (wait, what?). Oh, Yahenni, you're just gonna LOVE Lilliana...
3. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but Chandra simply walking off without even knowing where she's going... she's a native of Kaladesh, and she just saw an Aetherborn essence drain, which has been talked about extensively as pretty taboo. Was she simply walking away out of disgust (even more telling, considering the love she has for the Consulate) and is this going to add another wrinkle in her and Yahenni's relationship.
4. Fridge horror time: Yahenni's first kill gets her 12 extra days. Her second gets her 10. Maybe it depends on the vitality of the victim, but that's a clear cut indication of diminishing returns. So for those Aetherborn who extensively essence drain to keep themselves alive... does it get to the point where they need to kill once every few minutes, or even seconds to survive? And how many victims does it take to even get to that point?
5. We actually have a storyline with Red/black good guys up against blue/white bad guys. Cherish it, kids.
Smelling emotions reminds me of Kitsune from Kamigawa which were also capable of this. Although I can't stand Kaladesh, the Aetherborn are an aspect I admire. Good story IMO.
So we are feeling disappointment with the last month of non-stories, then bam, we get Yahenni to give us all the joy and excitement of the next round of stories. This was delightful, from Yahenni's personality, the moral crisis they face, and small details like Filigree Familiar drops and how Yahenni describes the Gatewatch. I think Liliana and Yahenni would get on very well.
Looking forward to their card, wondering if Yahenni will iterate on Gonti, or have different abilities to show off essence draining.
So we are feeling disappointment with the last month of non-stories, then bam, we get Yaheeni to give us all the joy and excitement of the next round of stories. This was delightful, from Yaheeni's personality, the moral crisis they face, and small details like Filigree Familiar drops and how Yaheeni describes the Gatewatch. I think Liliana and Yaheeni would get on very well.
Looking forward to their card, wondering if Yaheeni will iterate on Gonti, or have different abilities to show off essence draining.
Gonti's ability more towards him been into contraband so Yaheeni will definitly have a firent ability complementing her essence theft ability
4. Fridge horror time: Yahenni's first kill gets her 12 extra days. Her second gets her 10. Maybe it depends on the vitality of the victim, but that's a clear cut indication of diminishing returns. So for those Aetherborn who extensively essence drain to keep themselves alive... does it get to the point where they need to kill once every few minutes, or even seconds to survive? And how many victims does it take to even get to that point?
That is a FANTASTICALLY interesting thought, nice catch.
On the life draining: I was under the impression, that the closer to death the aetherborn is, the more margin a life gives him. Draining the hyanne with having 3 years to go did practically nothing, the first enforcer 2 minutes before death gave 12 days, the second on top gave 10 days. But it could also be related to the vitality of the victim too though.
I wonder if Yahenni survives the upcoming set. It might sound odd but I hope not, for the characters sake.
If s/he gets used to essence draining and dulls on the moral wrongness of the action, s/he will actually become what Gonti already called him/her - a monster.
Imo the best fate s/he can hope to get is dying in company of friends or for a cause s/he deems worth it. Best would be both in an epic climax though.
I think the draining was likely introduced to keep Yahenni alive through the next Kaladesh block. But then I also think that with so many artificers bopping around, Yahenni is likely to get some sort of artifact assistance with prolonging life. Is that what was implied with the aetherborn crime lord?
I might be off-base here, but it seems to me that black is allowed creatively to have far more depth in its characters than any other color. Between Liliana and her self-preservationist mentality and cocky demeanor, Sorin and his self-centered view of Innistrad that extended outwards as a plan to prevent multiverse-wide catastrophes, Ob Nixilis running around as a demonic version of a James Bond villain, Drana embodying black's desire for freedom and taking selfishness to the point of saving others you deem to be "yours" because it benefits yourself to keep others around, and now with Yahenni taking hedonism and joy through the emotions of others as a new black trait for the aetherborn, I feel we see shades and hues of black (pun not intended, I think...) that we don't get with any other color in the modern Era of magic story. It just consistently confirms itself as one of my two favorite colors alongside red when it's allowed to not simply be "rawr, I'm evil," but have depth to it. I feel black is flawed but relateable; a sort of way many of us would likely act if we were in the magic multiverse.
To the main ooint, loved another entry from Yahenni in the story. The first person perspective and ability to communicate with others on an emotional level is quote enjoyable, and something as an extrovert I can somewhat empathize with. I enjoy energetic rooms and happy company; it fuels me, in a sense, so seeing that in a literal fashion is quite enjoyable. Not a huge fan nor a huge detractor of Kaladesh, but Ajani and Yahenni are keeping me invested in a story I otherwise would just be taking in on a surface level.
Now I'm hoping for either a mono-black or Rakdos Yahenni (probably unlikely, but they are more impulsive and emotionally-driven at this point) that drains either players or creatures. I love the aesthetic of the aetherborn, but didn't find gonti engaging enough to build around. Hoping Yahenni gives me that kick the the engine, if they get a card. Despite Ulrich hurting me deeply as a werewolf and canine fanatic, the past year or so with Yidris, Sigarda and Avacyn has really been a great commander year for me. Hoping Yahenni continues that.
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.
I enjoyed Erebos's take on Black as well, regarding depression and acceptance of fate.
For sure, as well as his refreshing take on the Hades trope.
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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.
I enjoyed Erebos's take on Black as well, regarding depression and acceptance of fate.
For sure, as well as his refreshing take on the Hades trope.
Well let's not forget that Erebos was also extremely selfish. Not to mention his deals with Elspeth... But I digress - yeah, I really like the way black has expressed itself since Scars block, really. Scars block itself had, in my opinion, the most interested development for red ever - Urabrask. The very idea of a empathetic villain who's sympathy prevents him from actively attacking the Mirrans. In terms of showing off what the color can do and how it can be represented, I think blue and green lack the most.
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Daghatar, Shu Yun, Tasigur, Alesha, Yasova, Anafenza, Narset and Surrak... all humans. Zurgo is humanoid (close enough), which makes Sidisi the only distinct leader (and not that distinct either) among all 10 non-Dragon leaders. Replacing them with 5 "Elder" Dragons changes nothing about the homogeneous "aura", they just replaced the "Human Aura" with a "Dragon Aura".
Compare this with planes with similar conflict but much better received - Ravnica had a Human, a Sphinx, a Vampire, a Shapeshifter, a Demon, a Cyclops, some Dryads, some Spirits, a Dragon, some Elves (including a Lich), an Angel and a Merfolk serving in the leadership positions. Kamigawa went the less diverse route by allocating each color a species more or less... and did put humans in all of them but it was clear that besides W (Kitsune), the Humans weren't the dominating faction in the rest of the colors (Minamo was more or less below Oboro, everyone suffers equally in Takenuma but the Rats have numbers, Bandits and Akki still squabble on relatively equal terms and the Yamabushi/Monks don't really interact outside of their own areas, let alone dominate).
Meanwhile over at Tarkir and Zendikar (BFZ), the humans were largely "in charge of everything", which makes the typical "warfare" theme actually present in most blocks painfully obvious and bland. Zendikar tried to diversify with Drana and Noyan Dar, but let's face it, even Tazri was barely getting attention because of Planeswalker Spotlight-Stealing abilities, so it just felt like "the rest of Zendikar" was under Tazri that was all that mattered.
You misunderstood what I meant then. I was saying that although Nyx is not the main component of Theros, it is reasonable to dislike Theros because of it. War is a major element of Tarkir. And I don't really agree that the others represent war quite in the same way. There are factions clashing in a few of those, but not quite the same.
They could simply put Squid man (Ackbar), or Kit Fisto as main characters (Star Wars) but why Luke, why Anakin Skywalker? Because of the Human factor. Could alien humanoid characters be the main cast? Sure, but that requires years and years of cultural influence. On top of that, writers need to cater to the international audience.
And we know that's a huge pot of cultural mess. Every culture expects and tells a story differently. But guess what? It's still humans telling a human story. In short, it's more acceptable, more grokable, and especially to writers, a safer thing to write about.
I haven't even got to the aspect of how to understand and alien aspect. I mean, who does? To write about something, you need to have background of that thing. Which means it's easier to write about a human character otherwise.
UR Melek, Izzet ParagonUR, B Shirei, Shizo's CaretakerB, R Jaya Ballard, Task MageR,RW Tajic, Blade of the LegionRW, UB Lazav, Dimir MastermindUB, UB Circu, Dimir LobotomistUB, RWU Zedruu the GreatheartedRWU, GUBThe MimeoplasmGUB, UGExperiment Kraj UG, WDarien, King of KjeldorW, BMarrow-GnawerB, WBGKarador, Ghost ChieftainWBG, UTeferi, Temporal ArchmageU, GWUDerevi, Empyrial TacticianGWU, RDaretti, Scrap SavantR, UTalrand, Sky SummonerU, GEzuri, Renegade LeaderG, WUBRGReaper KingWUBRG, RGXenagos, God of RevelsRG, CKozilek, Butcher of TruthC, WUBRGGeneral TazriWUBRG, GTitania, Protector of ArgothG
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
http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/magic-story/dead-night-2016-11-30
Interesting. Calling a Yaheeni legendary card in Revolt. Also, many new arts. Seems that the Essence Extraction-capable aetherborn are indeed kind of unique. I like where this is heading.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
I can't say I was really a fan of Yaheeni until this story though. I'm interested to see how all this plays out.
This new story today puts a lot more focus on Yahenni and their actions. I agree we should be in line for a legendary, and I also agree with LouCypher that the stories are definitely better when the focus is not the gatewatch.
Looking forward to how this all plays out, and seeing the aetherborn as more of a focal point in the story.
Given that they have a named card, I'm thinking this is a definite.
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
Personally, I like the Gatewatch, but it is good to see the focus slip to other characters too. I especially like it when it does tie into the main plotline and keeps things going.
A few thoughts.
1. Did anyone else LOL when they read that Nissa "had made mistakes". I suppose that's one way to put "selfishly freeing three massive planar destroying beings hoping to save your own world at the expense of the rest of the multiverse, only for it to backfire spectacularly and billions die and your homeworld pushed to the brink of extinction". MISTAKES.
2. Other fantastic line: An anxious but confident rotting corpse (wait, what?). Oh, Yahenni, you're just gonna LOVE Lilliana...
3. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but Chandra simply walking off without even knowing where she's going... she's a native of Kaladesh, and she just saw an Aetherborn essence drain, which has been talked about extensively as pretty taboo. Was she simply walking away out of disgust (even more telling, considering the love she has for the Consulate) and is this going to add another wrinkle in her and Yahenni's relationship.
4. Fridge horror time: Yahenni's first kill gets her 12 extra days. Her second gets her 10. Maybe it depends on the vitality of the victim, but that's a clear cut indication of diminishing returns. So for those Aetherborn who extensively essence drain to keep themselves alive... does it get to the point where they need to kill once every few minutes, or even seconds to survive? And how many victims does it take to even get to that point?
5. We actually have a storyline with Red/black good guys up against blue/white bad guys. Cherish it, kids.
Click the pic for more info.
|| 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 ||
Looking forward to their card, wondering if Yahenni will iterate on Gonti, or have different abilities to show off essence draining.
Gonti's ability more towards him been into contraband so Yaheeni will definitly have a firent ability complementing her essence theft ability
That is a FANTASTICALLY interesting thought, nice catch.
On the life draining: I was under the impression, that the closer to death the aetherborn is, the more margin a life gives him. Draining the hyanne with having 3 years to go did practically nothing, the first enforcer 2 minutes before death gave 12 days, the second on top gave 10 days. But it could also be related to the vitality of the victim too though.
I think the draining was likely introduced to keep Yahenni alive through the next Kaladesh block. But then I also think that with so many artificers bopping around, Yahenni is likely to get some sort of artifact assistance with prolonging life. Is that what was implied with the aetherborn crime lord?
To the main ooint, loved another entry from Yahenni in the story. The first person perspective and ability to communicate with others on an emotional level is quote enjoyable, and something as an extrovert I can somewhat empathize with. I enjoy energetic rooms and happy company; it fuels me, in a sense, so seeing that in a literal fashion is quite enjoyable. Not a huge fan nor a huge detractor of Kaladesh, but Ajani and Yahenni are keeping me invested in a story I otherwise would just be taking in on a surface level.
Now I'm hoping for either a mono-black or Rakdos Yahenni (probably unlikely, but they are more impulsive and emotionally-driven at this point) that drains either players or creatures. I love the aesthetic of the aetherborn, but didn't find gonti engaging enough to build around. Hoping Yahenni gives me that kick the the engine, if they get a card. Despite Ulrich hurting me deeply as a werewolf and canine fanatic, the past year or so with Yidris, Sigarda and Avacyn has really been a great commander year for me. Hoping Yahenni continues that.
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
|| 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 ||
For sure, as well as his refreshing take on the Hades trope.
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
Well let's not forget that Erebos was also extremely selfish. Not to mention his deals with Elspeth... But I digress - yeah, I really like the way black has expressed itself since Scars block, really. Scars block itself had, in my opinion, the most interested development for red ever - Urabrask. The very idea of a empathetic villain who's sympathy prevents him from actively attacking the Mirrans. In terms of showing off what the color can do and how it can be represented, I think blue and green lack the most.