The fact that Nissa is starting to form an attachment to Chandra at the exact same time that Liliana is playing the part of the Devil on Chandra's shoulders kinda tells me that there will be some sort of conflict between the two of them in the future, not to mention the possibility of Lili actually succeeding in talking Chandra into a full-on murderous meltdown. It shouldn't take much prodding for Baan and Co. to exacerbate those issues, and god forbid Pia gets killed. Between that trauma, Lili's Diabolic Tutor-ing, and Baral still running around after killing her father, Chandra going clear off the rails isn't going to do the Gatewatch any favors.
Here' another aspect worth considering- Do Dovin Baan and Ajani know each other?
When Baan was introduced, Jace strictly said that it came about because Tamiyo got the word out about the Gatewatch to other 'walkers via her "Story Circle". That means that Tamiyo and Baan have some connection with each other, although we don't know if its a first or secondhand connection. So does Ajani- he's a part of the Story Circle too. Both are White aligned 'walkers, so there's a connection there. It could be very possible this whole dynamic changes when Dovin finds out the sixth Planeswalker is Ajani- they could already be acquaintances.
Here' another aspect worth considering- Do Dovin Baan and Ajani know each other?
When Baan was introduced, Jace strictly said that it came about because Tamiyo got the word out about the Gatewatch to other 'walkers via her "Story Circle". That means that Tamiyo and Baan have some connection with each other, although we don't know if its a first or secondhand connection. So does Ajani- he's a part of the Story Circle too. Both are White aligned 'walkers, so there's a connection there. It could be very possible this whole dynamic changes when Dovin finds out the sixth Planeswalker is Ajani- they could already be acquaintances.
It's pretty clear Dovin has no idea who Ajani is:
The telepath, the elf, the warrior, the necromancer...he held his smallest finger. Who was the sixth?
Here' another aspect worth considering- Do Dovin Baan and Ajani know each other?
When Baan was introduced, Jace strictly said that it came about because Tamiyo got the word out about the Gatewatch to other 'walkers via her "Story Circle". That means that Tamiyo and Baan have some connection with each other, although we don't know if its a first or secondhand connection. So does Ajani- he's a part of the Story Circle too. Both are White aligned 'walkers, so there's a connection there. It could be very possible this whole dynamic changes when Dovin finds out the sixth Planeswalker is Ajani- they could already be acquaintances.
It's pretty clear Dovin has no idea who Ajani is:
The telepath, the elf, the warrior, the necromancer...he held his smallest finger. Who was the sixth?
He wasn't in the arena, so he never saw the planeswalkers. He just heard that the Gatewatch showed up and fought Tezzeret, only they'd somehow gained an extra member. He never mentions any of the planeswalkers by name, only their description- he would have simply referred to Ajani as "the leonin" if he'd even known he was there.
He wasn't in the arena, so he never saw the planeswalkers. He just heard that the Gatewatch showed up and fought Tezzeret, only they'd somehow gained an extra member. He never mentions any of the planeswalkers by name, only their description- he would have simply referred to Ajani as "the leonin" if he'd even known he was there.
My mistake, it was a quick response and I'd forgotten the context (just remembering that quote). Good point.
So baiting the Gatewatch there was not actually part of Tezzerets original plan and more of an improvisation I assume?
I believe so and on that note I don't think the death match was bait for them either. So far it looks like everything has been going to Tezzerets plan except for Pia not dying. Dovin might have been the flaw in Tezzerets plan
Edit: There's no way Baan isn't accounting for Saheeli. She's a well known creator on Kaladesh and it's probably known that she is at least a rebel sympathizer. However there is no reason or evidence that Baan would know about Ajani. He has no way of knowing what sort of abilities he has that could account for the weaknesses he enumerated. Also since they were talking about the sixth walker in the group and Saheeli wasn't with the gateways in the arena but Ajani was it could only be him.
True but he doesn't know that she might be helping the Gatewatch or if he knows she is a planeswalker. I also didn't mean to imply Saheeli was the sixth walker, just saying she seems to be teaming up with them to get Rashmi back.
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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"
So baiting the Gatewatch there was not actually part of Tezzerets original plan and more of an improvisation I assume?
I believe so and on that note I don't think the death match was bait for them either. So far it looks like everything has been going to Tezzerets plan except for Pia not dying. Dovin might have been the flaw in Tezzerets plan
Edit: There's no way Baan isn't accounting for Saheeli. She's a well known creator on Kaladesh and it's probably known that she is at least a rebel sympathizer. However there is no reason or evidence that Baan would know about Ajani. He has no way of knowing what sort of abilities he has that could account for the weaknesses he enumerated. Also since they were talking about the sixth walker in the group and Saheeli wasn't with the gateways in the arena but Ajani was it could only be him.
True but he doesn't know that she might be helping the Gatewatch or if he knows she is a planeswalker. I also didn't mean to imply Saheeli was the sixth walker, just saying she seems to be teaming up with them to get Rashmi back.
I'm not so sure about that, "In This Very Arena" makes it a point to mention that Tezzeret was blocking Jace's telepathy, suggesting that he knew they (or at least Jace) was coming.
Can we appreciate that fact that Kaladesh Vedalken were deliberately designed to go against the negative Vedalken traits of dettachment and coldness and instead be invested and somewhat helpful... only to have Dovin basically be the most Lawful Stupid Vedalken or all time?
Can we appreciate that fact that Kaladesh Vedalken were deliberately designed to go against the negative Vedalken traits of dettachment and coldness and instead be invested and somewhat helpful... only to have Dovin basically be the most Lawful Stupid Vedalken or all time?
I actually really dislike them attempting to make Vedalken nothing more than blue humans.
I also think you're misusing the term "lawful stupid" by applying it to Baan.
I'm not so sure about that, "In This Very Arena" makes it a point to mention that Tezzeret was blocking Jace's telepathy, suggesting that he knew they (or at least Jace) was coming.
IMHO Tezzeret only expected Jace, just because of Liliana, and made some anti-telepathic preparations.
All six of them were more or less surprise, hence his "nearly imperceptible step backward".
The story was a nice read, I liked the look into Dovin Baan's inner workings. And Tezzeret was a far less one-dimensional chuckling villain than the last time.
The only thing I've mixed feelings about is the part about the Gatewatch's weaknesses. It shows off Baan analytical skills, which is great, but to me it also screams "Look, look! They have glaring weaknesses and aren't perfect. Now shut up about this Jacetice League nonsense!", which usally is a smoke and mirror trope.
I really hope they go somewhere with that. Drive home the tensions within the group, push them into situations where those deficiencies actually mean something, not necessarily to the breaking point, but it should definitely seem like a possibility.
It would also give a solid reason to have the group split off into solo/duo/small group stories instead of ALL of them every time.
I've done the math in another post somewhere where it seems the successful Avengers movie in 2012 was in the ballpark of the primary design stages for Battle for Zendikar, where we got Magic's version of assembled 'Avengers.' My sense at the time was that higher ups wanted to mimic that financial success.
As such, I would expect them to eventually take advantage of any existing tensions the same way Avengers did (everyone starting to turn on each other). But, in the same way Marvel was ham-fisted with those early divisions and their eventual reunion, I can see the same also being true here.
I am an Avengers/Gatewatch conspiracy theorist. We just need to wonder who 'dies' to bring everyone together after they divide, a la Agent Phil Coulson!
I'm not so sure about that, "In This Very Arena" makes it a point to mention that Tezzeret was blocking Jace's telepathy, suggesting that he knew they (or at least Jace) was coming.
IMHO Tezzeret only expected Jace, just because of Liliana, and made some anti-telepathic preparations.
All six of them were more or less surprise, hence his "nearly imperceptible step backward".
Quite possibly. At any rate, no one expected Ajani, and most likely not Gideon either.
As for this new story, it was great seeing this side of Dovin, I didn't really like how he came across in Homesick. It'll be interesting to see how all this plays out, I'm actually a little surprised that Tezzeret wasn't a little more prepared than this. I guess we'll find out.
Though I have to say, I find it odd that Tezzeret didn't call out Liliana or Jace in these past two stories.
Can we appreciate that fact that Kaladesh Vedalken were deliberately designed to go against the negative Vedalken traits of dettachment and coldness and instead be invested and somewhat helpful... only to have Dovin basically be the most Lawful Stupid Vedalken or all time?
I actually really dislike them attempting to make Vedalken nothing more than blue humans.
I also think you're misusing the term "lawful stupid" by applying it to Baan.
How are they making them into just Blue humans? They still have their own unique philosophy and anatomy, they're just not inherently evil now.
I'm pleased that they explained Dovin's ability as a type of minor divination.
Divination? It seemed more like just hyper awareness to me. I do that same kind of thing at times, though it's possible I glossed over something that made it seem more magical than what I'm reading it as.
Anyways, really liked this one. Dovin is definitely a really nice character, though I'm worried about where he will end up when the dust settles. He has good intentions, but I'm not sure if that will help things work out or not. I kind of get the impression they're building Dovin to turn on Tezz though, just wonder if he'll wind up dead for that betrayal.
I'm pleased that they explained Dovin's ability as a type of minor divination.
Divination? It seemed more like just hyper awareness to me. I do that same kind of thing at times, though it's possible I glossed over something that made it seem more magical than what I'm reading it as.
Anyways, really liked this one. Dovin is definitely a really nice character, though I'm worried about where he will end up when the dust settles. He has good intentions, but I'm not sure if that will help things work out or not. I kind of get the impression they're building Dovin to turn on Tezz though, just wonder if he'll wind up dead for that betrayal.
I'm thinking they're referring to this part of the story here:
Other issues were better suited to individual intervention. He made his way to the scene of an emotional flare-up, a hot-headed human inventor loudly making his displeasure known to a dwarf enforcer while a pair of Bastion automatons tried to lift an elaborate device whose purpose was not immediately apparent.
"Perhaps I may be of assistance," he said, interposing himself between the inventor and the enforcer. In such situations, Dovin had found, the characteristic vedalken calm could defuse the powerful emotions displayed so prominently by other races.
"You have no right!" the inventor yelled, bringing his reddened face entirely too close to Dovin's and jabbing a finger into his sternum.
"I can certainly understand your attachment to this marvelous device," Dovin said, running a hand over the invention's intricate metalwork. He understood its purpose now—it was designed to fabricate thopters. Clever. Of course, its many flaws also became immediately apparent, but this was not the time to enumerate them. "Truly amazing work. Your application of Dujari's principle here is ingenious." It was; he made a mental note to examine the device further once it was safely stored in a laboratory. After the dangerous aether leak, sure to attract gremlins, was closed. "Tremendous potential."
He doesn't seem to need to observe or inspect the device to work out its design or function. It just comes intuitively, almost as a sort of psychometry.
I could definitely see a case being made for either divination or just super analysis with that, touching something hands on with that kind of attention to detail wouldn't necessarily have to be psychometry to do that. But I could see it being a magic power of sorts too. Maybe we will find out more with a future story.
It is a word-by-word the text you can read in the Bundle brochure. Not a single letter more.
A huge letdown, if you ask me.
So we get very few looks all year at legends or planeswalkers outside of those involved in the current storyline, and one of the few weeks we do it's old information on the current standard world? I mean come on, Creative. I really wanted a look in on Alara with Yidris and Breya, or even Phyrexia with Atraxa and what's up with Koth. Last year we only got 2 stories for commander with Meren and Karlov, and now I fear we're getting none.
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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.
It is a word-by-word the text you can read in the Bundle brochure. Not a single letter more.
A huge letdown, if you ask me.
So we get very few looks all year at legends or planeswalkers outside of those involved in the current storyline, and one of the few weeks we do it's old information on the current standard world? I mean come on, Creative. I really wanted a look in on Alara with Yidris and Breya, or even Phyrexia with Atraxa and what's up with Koth. Last year we only got 2 stories for commander with Meren and Karlov, and now I fear we're getting none.
I'm honestly worried about that as well.
If they were going to have Commander related stories NOW would have been the time to post them. The Planeswalker's Guide to Kaladesh would have made perfect sense as a sort of "refresher" the week before they moved into Aether Revolt stories. Having it now just tells me that the weeks between now and AER are just going to be filler.
And it just makes the super short little blurbs we got about the commanders in last week's "Story" article all the more disappointing if that's ALL the information/story that we get on them.
I'm a little bit confused why there is a need to have the planeswalker guide now, when there's going to be an art book in Janurary.
And neither am I a fan of the idea to have an art book after each new set. For some reason I thought Zendikar and Innistad having one after the return block was appropriate, because of the amount of story involved etc, Kaladesh however, looks like it's driven by the money making desire. I don't want to get used to buying one after each new block. Oh well.
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
That alone would be worth a celebration. Though Doctor Jest was funny at times.
Explanation how Tezzeret got his arm back would be nice, then. Hopefully we learn it someday.
The story itself was nice. Dovin is certainly an interesting character, not evil, just believing in optimal solutions existing for any situation.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
When Baan was introduced, Jace strictly said that it came about because Tamiyo got the word out about the Gatewatch to other 'walkers via her "Story Circle". That means that Tamiyo and Baan have some connection with each other, although we don't know if its a first or secondhand connection. So does Ajani- he's a part of the Story Circle too. Both are White aligned 'walkers, so there's a connection there. It could be very possible this whole dynamic changes when Dovin finds out the sixth Planeswalker is Ajani- they could already be acquaintances.
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
He wasn't in the arena, so he never saw the planeswalkers. He just heard that the Gatewatch showed up and fought Tezzeret, only they'd somehow gained an extra member. He never mentions any of the planeswalkers by name, only their description- he would have simply referred to Ajani as "the leonin" if he'd even known he was there.
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 believe so and on that note I don't think the death match was bait for them either. So far it looks like everything has been going to Tezzerets plan except for Pia not dying. Dovin might have been the flaw in Tezzerets plan
True but he doesn't know that she might be helping the Gatewatch or if he knows she is a planeswalker. I also didn't mean to imply Saheeli was the sixth walker, just saying she seems to be teaming up with them to get Rashmi back.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I'm not so sure about that, "In This Very Arena" makes it a point to mention that Tezzeret was blocking Jace's telepathy, suggesting that he knew they (or at least Jace) was coming.
I actually really dislike them attempting to make Vedalken nothing more than blue humans.
I also think you're misusing the term "lawful stupid" by applying it to Baan.
IMHO Tezzeret only expected Jace, just because of Liliana, and made some anti-telepathic preparations.
All six of them were more or less surprise, hence his "nearly imperceptible step backward".
I've done the math in another post somewhere where it seems the successful Avengers movie in 2012 was in the ballpark of the primary design stages for Battle for Zendikar, where we got Magic's version of assembled 'Avengers.' My sense at the time was that higher ups wanted to mimic that financial success.
As such, I would expect them to eventually take advantage of any existing tensions the same way Avengers did (everyone starting to turn on each other). But, in the same way Marvel was ham-fisted with those early divisions and their eventual reunion, I can see the same also being true here.
I am an Avengers/Gatewatch conspiracy theorist. We just need to wonder who 'dies' to bring everyone together after they divide, a la Agent Phil Coulson!
Quite possibly. At any rate, no one expected Ajani, and most likely not Gideon either.
As for this new story, it was great seeing this side of Dovin, I didn't really like how he came across in Homesick. It'll be interesting to see how all this plays out, I'm actually a little surprised that Tezzeret wasn't a little more prepared than this. I guess we'll find out.
Though I have to say, I find it odd that Tezzeret didn't call out Liliana or Jace in these past two stories.
How are they making them into just Blue humans? They still have their own unique philosophy and anatomy, they're just not inherently evil now.
Definitely agree. But we are the minority I suppose. Though I imagine if Wizards asked now there would be more fondness.
Divination? It seemed more like just hyper awareness to me. I do that same kind of thing at times, though it's possible I glossed over something that made it seem more magical than what I'm reading it as.
Anyways, really liked this one. Dovin is definitely a really nice character, though I'm worried about where he will end up when the dust settles. He has good intentions, but I'm not sure if that will help things work out or not. I kind of get the impression they're building Dovin to turn on Tezz though, just wonder if he'll wind up dead for that betrayal.
I'm thinking they're referring to this part of the story here:
He doesn't seem to need to observe or inspect the device to work out its design or function. It just comes intuitively, almost as a sort of psychometry.
It is a word-by-word the text you can read in the Bundle brochure. Not a single letter more.
A huge letdown, if you ask me.
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
|| 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 ||
So we get very few looks all year at legends or planeswalkers outside of those involved in the current storyline, and one of the few weeks we do it's old information on the current standard world? I mean come on, Creative. I really wanted a look in on Alara with Yidris and Breya, or even Phyrexia with Atraxa and what's up with Koth. Last year we only got 2 stories for commander with Meren and Karlov, and now I fear we're getting none.
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
I'm honestly worried about that as well.
If they were going to have Commander related stories NOW would have been the time to post them. The Planeswalker's Guide to Kaladesh would have made perfect sense as a sort of "refresher" the week before they moved into Aether Revolt stories. Having it now just tells me that the weeks between now and AER are just going to be filler.
And it just makes the super short little blurbs we got about the commanders in last week's "Story" article all the more disappointing if that's ALL the information/story that we get on them.
And neither am I a fan of the idea to have an art book after each new set. For some reason I thought Zendikar and Innistad having one after the return block was appropriate, because of the amount of story involved etc, Kaladesh however, looks like it's driven by the money making desire. I don't want to get used to buying one after each new block. Oh well.