Nice into for Saheeli. As someone in the arts, it was really fun seeing an "artist type" character like Saheeli and love to see where her story goes. Kinda felt a little fluffy but wasn't the worst thing. And dwarfs confirmed! Maybe this another reason they added in elves, since we are not seeing goblins?
Would anyone like me to keep the OP updated with a pronunciation/translation guide?
Yes please if you won't mind. I have a form of dyslexia so trying to read and pronounce things in non-english (and sometimes in english) based words can be hard for me.
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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"
Ok so I really loved and enjoyed this story. Kreines has really grown as a writer and I was genuinely interested and engaged throughout the whole thing. I think this is partly because I already love the bright and optimistic world of Kaladesh. In this story, there was no big bad or villainous force to overcome...it was simply about two inventors trying to finish their invention in order to get it submitted into the Inventor's fair.
I loved the relationship between Rashmi and Mitul. Their friendship and interactions were really sweet and they were very enjoyable characters. I also loved the introduction of Saheeli, who I already knew I would enjoy as a character. Once again, I appreciate that we still have not met any villains and are not aware of who the antagonist will be. This lighter tone, for now, is quite refreshing after a year of some pretty dark stories. Though there was some pretty ominous foreshadowing with Saheeli's reservations regarding Rashmi's matter transporter.
Ok so I really loved and enjoyed this story. Kreines has really grown as a writer and I was genuinely interested and engaged throughout the whole thing. I think this is partly because I already love the bright and optimistic world of Kaladesh. In this story, there was no big bad or villainous force to overcome...it was simply about two inventors trying to finish their invention in order to get it submitted into the Inventor's fair.
I loved the relationship between Rashmi and Mitul. Their friendship and interactions were really sweet and they were very enjoyable characters. I also loved the introduction of Saheeli, who I already knew I would enjoy as a character. Once again, I appreciate that we still have not met any villains and are not aware of who the antagonist will be. This lighter tone, for now, is quite refreshing after a year of some pretty dark stories. Though there was some pretty ominous foreshadowing with Saheeli's reservations regarding Rashmi's matter transporter.
Agree entirely. I hope that Rashmi and Mitul get a card, I really like them as characters. And they seem to be important to a major plot point. Also love the difference in tone, so tired of the heavy drama. I really hope Kaladesh is a bit more light.
My guess re: Dovin not knowing what happened to the Nalaars is that, twelve years ago, there was a cover-up by the old regime in regards to what happened. Because in a perfect intricate cogwork country like Kaladesh, the idea that a 10 year old girl could:
- Be sentenced to death.
- Escape her execution.
- And do so by lighting the entire arena on fire in a giant blaze of glory.
Would not go over well with civilians. Rewriting the immediate history to say that she, and her parents, died in the countryside, would just be a cleaner story on paper. Since Dovin mentioned a regime change, and that the Consul investigator on the case had gone rogue, he might not be aware of how such things could happen. Because no part of what Chandra did would look good in the records, and Kaladesh is exactly the sort of place to erase such records.
My expectation is that neither the Consul nor the renegades will be painted strictly as good or evil. Just guided by different ideals of importance.
With the renegades doing dubious things like 'robot pokemon battles' which is such an unsightly use of artificer might, that obviously the Consul is fun police, but some of the renegades might be taking it further than just acting out for themselves.
So this was my first time ever reading a Magic story. I enjoyed it for the most part. But I'm hearing a lot of backlash (on here but mostly other forums) about the quality of the writing and the "sitcom" vibe. Is the writing style of this one drastically different from that of previous stories? Was this a bad place to jump in?
So this was my first time ever reading a Magic story. I enjoyed it for the most part. But I'm hearing a lot of backlash (on here but mostly other forums) about the quality of the writing and the "sitcom" vibe. Is the writing style of this one drastically different from that of previous stories? Was this a bad place to jump in?
I think the writing quality has dramatically improved as of late.
A while back, these stories felt like poorly written fantasy where the authors try to use elaborate words and overdramatize everything.
Now, they feel like there's more of a professional tone to them.
I think the recent complaints have been about how the characters themselves are portrayed.
Seems some people felt this particular story was also too long. I would agree more than I would disagree with that sentiment. I definitely found myself skipping through sections.
Ok so I really loved and enjoyed this story. Kreines has really grown as a writer and I was genuinely interested and engaged throughout the whole thing. I think this is partly because I already love the bright and optimistic world of Kaladesh. In this story, there was no big bad or villainous force to overcome...it was simply about two inventors trying to finish their invention in order to get it submitted into the Inventor's fair.
I loved the relationship between Rashmi and Mitul. Their friendship and interactions were really sweet and they were very enjoyable characters. I also loved the introduction of Saheeli, who I already knew I would enjoy as a character. Once again, I appreciate that we still have not met any villains and are not aware of who the antagonist will be. This lighter tone, for now, is quite refreshing after a year of some pretty dark stories. Though there was some pretty ominous foreshadowing with Saheeli's reservations regarding Rashmi's matter transporter.
Agree entirely. I hope that Rashmi and Mitul get a card, I really like them as characters. And they seem to be important to a major plot point. Also love the difference in tone, so tired of the heavy drama. I really hope Kaladesh is a bit more light.
I think at least Rashmi will get a card, seeing as she had a wallpaper on the site on Wednesday. A Rashmi and Mitul duo card would be fun, but we already have solo art for Rashmi.
My guess re: Dovin not knowing what happened to the Nalaars is that, twelve years ago, there was a cover-up by the old regime in regards to what happened. Because in a perfect intricate cogwork country like Kaladesh, the idea that a 10 year old girl could:
- Be sentenced to death.
- Escape her execution.
- And do so by lighting the entire arena on fire in a giant blaze of glory.
Would not go over well with civilians. Rewriting the immediate history to say that she, and her parents, died in the countryside, would just be a cleaner story on paper. Since Dovin mentioned a regime change, and that the Consul investigator on the case had gone rogue, he might not be aware of how such things could happen. Because no part of what Chandra did would look good in the records, and Kaladesh is exactly the sort of place to erase such records.
My expectation is that neither the Consul nor the renegades will be painted strictly as good or evil. Just guided by different ideals of importance.
With the renegades doing dubious things like 'robot pokemon battles' which is such an unsightly use of artificer might, that obviously the Consul is fun police, but some of the renegades might be taking it further than just acting out for themselves.
This is what I was thinking too. Sounds like a cover up to me. I really think that Dovin is going to end up being a good character which again makes me wonder who the antagonist will be. I was REALLY hoping for Tezzeret to appear out of the shadows in this last story, observing Rashmi display her matter transportation device, with a villainous smirk on his face.
So this was my first time ever reading a Magic story. I enjoyed it for the most part. But I'm hearing a lot of backlash (on here but mostly other forums) about the quality of the writing and the "sitcom" vibe. Is the writing style of this one drastically different from that of previous stories? Was this a bad place to jump in?
I think this is great place to jump in, actually. The quality of the stories, IMO, has greatly improved. I don't think anyone is knocking the quality of this story, per se, just the inconsistency of characterization. Still, I loved "Homesick" and if you're looking to jump in, Homesick was actually the perfect story to pop in on as it shows off all 5 Gatewatch members and introduces us to the next big story arch.
What's so hard about the idea that the old guard consulate just said that Chandra blew herself up? I mean it was a stadium full of people so it's not like they were going to cover the execution up. The people already had bad ideas of pyromancy thanks to the Consul so if they said that she said that blew herself up with her pyromancy I don't think anyone would question that. And if Dovin wasn't a part of the old guard he might not have the whole or correct story.
Also I just want to say that Kaladesh is quickly becoming my favorite plane. It's beautiful, it's full of innovation and creativity and it's all heavily encouraged by both the public and the government. Their scientists and inventors are to them what our actors and sports stars are to us (unfortunately). I wanna go!
This is what I was thinking too. Sounds like a cover up to me. I really think that Dovin is going to end up being a good character which again makes me wonder who the antagonist will be. I was REALLY hoping for Tezzeret to appear out of the shadows in this last story, observing Rashmi display her matter transportation device, with a villainous smirk on his face.
The structure of these stories is pretty straightforward. If Tezzeret is behind this he'll be revealed in the last story of this set (though we'll have a card or plot synopsis representing him before that).
What's so hard about the idea that the old guard consulate just said that Chandra blew herself up? I mean it was a stadium full of people so it's not like they were going to cover the execution up. The people already had bad ideas of pyromancy thanks to the Consul so if they said that she said that blew herself up with her pyromancy I don't think anyone would question that. And if Dovin wasn't a part of the old guard he might not have the whole or correct story.
Also I just want to say that Kaladesh is quickly becoming my favorite plane. It's beautiful, it's full of innovation and creativity and it's all heavily encouraged by both the public and the government. Their scientists and inventors are to them what our actors and sports stars are to us (unfortunately). I wanna go!
The issue is, both Consulates, are working from the place of 'our laws are here to protect you.' The problem is if their laws cannot protect them in the city, it damages their control of the city. It is a better narrative to mentally manipulate the survivors of the explosion and make it a 'freak accident' than have it be an intentional act of defiance while Chandra was in their custody.
If Chandra and her parents died in the hinterlands, it's outside of their control. She wasn't in custody and it furthers the narrative that if they were there, they could prevent such activities. The WhiteBlue power is the power of apparent control. The more rabble undermines their laws, the less power they have. So present the appearance of control, when it isn't there, is better than the truth. Even if the truth could be spun.
But it's also possible various writers didn't coordinate stories.
We don't know that the execution was anything other than Baral going rogue at this point, and if he lied on the forms he no doubt had to submit, with no child's body it'd be hard to prove he tried to execute a little girl.
We don't know that the execution was anything other than Baral going rogue at this point, and if he lied on the forms he no doubt had to submit, with no child's body it'd be hard to prove he tried to execute a little girl.
Hm. That brought out a weird thought.
If Baral was going against the grain, and ended up excommunicated from the government due to his actions, would he join the rebellion under a false identity?
He seems like the kind of person that would do that just to spite everyone. And it'd be interesting to see the conflict that would arise if Chandra ever encountered a Baral, Exiled Executioner.
We don't know that the execution was anything other than Baral going rogue at this point, and if he lied on the forms he no doubt had to submit, with no child's body it'd be hard to prove he tried to execute a little girl.
But what a weird way to go rogue.
If I was, hypothetically, going to cover up my murder of a child I'd kill her while framing her for burning down the village and claim I never found the body.
Baral, in contrast, decided to frame her for burning down a village, dragged her back to the capitol in chains, rented a suit of executioners armor, hired an announcer, gathered a large crowd in an arena, had her "crimes" recounted in detail, and then tried to kill her. And then when that ended in an explosion he said that she died in the village and he never found the body.
I find it interesting all the people who are surprised by Liliana's going, "big sister," on Chandra so quickly. I didn't get that at all from this story. Yeah the speech patterns are a bit... odd considering she's a 200+ year old cradle robbing oldwalker (the age gap on her and Jace is just creepy the longer I think about it) but I think it's a bad idea to forget that Liliana LIVES for manipulation. There are hints that a lot of what she's doing with Chandra right now is an act designed to get a powerful but easy to read planeswalker on her side more effectively.
Remember, at the end of Eldritch Moon she established she needed to make her oath convincing enough to not tip them off to her duplicity. I think we're expected to assume that hasn't changed. If anyone can keep up a con game long term it's Liliana and we've known this going back as far as Agents of Artifice and further.
So this was my first time ever reading a Magic story. I enjoyed it for the most part. But I'm hearing a lot of backlash (on here but mostly other forums) about the quality of the writing and the "sitcom" vibe. Is the writing style of this one drastically different from that of previous stories? Was this a bad place to jump in?
Uh, actually when I said sitcom in my previous post, it was in praise, as I found the story to be enjoyable. I guess that's some wording issue
Now that we have Rashmi's card did anyone else think that she was WAY younger than that? I thought she was upstart genius kid but she's obviously an adult.
Now that we have Rashmi's card did anyone else think that she was WAY younger than that? I thought she was upstart genius kid but she's obviously an adult.
Now that we have Rashmi's card did anyone else think that she was WAY younger than that? I thought she was upstart genius kid but she's obviously an adult.
*sigh* Yet more shipping teases for Chandra and Nissa.
Well, I'm back from my little hiatus. I really hit rock bottom after the utter crap of Bloody Instructions. That story had absolutely horrible writing, even for a pointless filler. I was very salty at how a pointless Conspiracy story took up space that could have been used to give Innistrad a proper epilogue. Anyways, we're moving on now, and I can put the trauma of EMN behind me. Kaladesh seems promising. I hope the story is better executed than the last two blocks. Otherwise, it will be three strikes for Creative, and I will be done with the story for good. Not that anyone will notice or care. While I wait, I can bang my head about the fact that the art book won't be out until February. Kaladesh sounds like it has some pretty darn fun geography, and I can't wait to start drawing the map.
@Jay13x: Your pronunciation guide is really helpful, but you forgot Chandra's last name! I feel awkward, only knowing how to pronounce her first name.
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
*sigh* Yet more shipping teases for Chandra and Nissa.
Well, I'm back from my little hiatus. I really hit rock bottom after the utter crap of Bloody Instructions. That story had absolutely horrible writing, even for a pointless filler. I was very salty at how a pointless Conspiracy story took up space that could have been used to give Innistrad a proper epilogue. Anyways, we're moving on now, and I can put the trauma of EMN behind me. Kaladesh seems promising. I hope the story is better executed than the last two blocks. Otherwise, it will be three strikes for Creative, and I will be done with the story for good. Not that anyone will notice or care. While I wait, I can bang my head about the face that the art book won't be out until February. Kaladesh sounds like it has some pretty darn fun geography, and I can't wait to start drawing the map.
@Jay13x: Your pronunciation guide is really helpful, but you forgot Chandra's last name! I feel awkward, only knowing how to pronounce her first name.
I think they're just trying to time the art books for the second set so that there's as minimal amount of spoiling time as possible, while still being available during the hype period.
I was intrigued with the following exchange from "Homesick":
Baan lowered his eyes. "May I assume, based upon your reactions, that Miss Nalaar never spoke to you of this?"
"Not a word," Gideon said. He stared at his unfinished meal, one hand curling into a fist.
Jace looked at him sympathetically, "She didn't confide in any of us."
Gideon shook his head slightly. "But she should have felt that she could."
We know that The Purifying Fire happened to some extent in-universe, still. Gideon knew Chandra in the set-up to Battle for Zendikar. We knew Chandra's backstory from Purifying Fire had changed, but the above exchange seems to suggest that she never told Gideon her story (as she does in the novel. I thought perhaps Gideon was covering it up ("curling a fist" has he reflected), but then he continues with, "But she should have felt that she could," which drives the point home (I think) that she did not tell him.
While the love story potential between Gideon and Chandra has been played down since Origins, this seems to put much of it to a halt. We know Gideon still sought out Chandra on Zendikar in Rise of the Eldrazi, so there is some connection between the two, but there now seems to be no moment on vulnerability--other than the fact that Chandra was willing to walk into the Purifying Fire.
I don't think there is too much to discuss on this point at this time, but I had not noticed this mentioned elsewhere (I apologize if someone did bring it up and I missed the post).
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Dominian Scholar of the Old Guard, specializing in pre-revisionist (Armada comics) and revisionist (Brothers' War through Apocalypse)history
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Yes please if you won't mind. I have a form of dyslexia so trying to read and pronounce things in non-english (and sometimes in english) based words can be hard for me.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I loved the relationship between Rashmi and Mitul. Their friendship and interactions were really sweet and they were very enjoyable characters. I also loved the introduction of Saheeli, who I already knew I would enjoy as a character. Once again, I appreciate that we still have not met any villains and are not aware of who the antagonist will be. This lighter tone, for now, is quite refreshing after a year of some pretty dark stories. Though there was some pretty ominous foreshadowing with Saheeli's reservations regarding Rashmi's matter transporter.
Agree entirely. I hope that Rashmi and Mitul get a card, I really like them as characters. And they seem to be important to a major plot point. Also love the difference in tone, so tired of the heavy drama. I really hope Kaladesh is a bit more light.
- Be sentenced to death.
- Escape her execution.
- And do so by lighting the entire arena on fire in a giant blaze of glory.
Would not go over well with civilians. Rewriting the immediate history to say that she, and her parents, died in the countryside, would just be a cleaner story on paper. Since Dovin mentioned a regime change, and that the Consul investigator on the case had gone rogue, he might not be aware of how such things could happen. Because no part of what Chandra did would look good in the records, and Kaladesh is exactly the sort of place to erase such records.
My expectation is that neither the Consul nor the renegades will be painted strictly as good or evil. Just guided by different ideals of importance.
With the renegades doing dubious things like 'robot pokemon battles' which is such an unsightly use of artificer might, that obviously the Consul is fun police, but some of the renegades might be taking it further than just acting out for themselves.
I think the writing quality has dramatically improved as of late.
A while back, these stories felt like poorly written fantasy where the authors try to use elaborate words and overdramatize everything.
Now, they feel like there's more of a professional tone to them.
I think the recent complaints have been about how the characters themselves are portrayed.
Seems some people felt this particular story was also too long. I would agree more than I would disagree with that sentiment. I definitely found myself skipping through sections.
can't wait for more
I think at least Rashmi will get a card, seeing as she had a wallpaper on the site on Wednesday. A Rashmi and Mitul duo card would be fun, but we already have solo art for Rashmi.
This is what I was thinking too. Sounds like a cover up to me. I really think that Dovin is going to end up being a good character which again makes me wonder who the antagonist will be. I was REALLY hoping for Tezzeret to appear out of the shadows in this last story, observing Rashmi display her matter transportation device, with a villainous smirk on his face.
I think this is great place to jump in, actually. The quality of the stories, IMO, has greatly improved. I don't think anyone is knocking the quality of this story, per se, just the inconsistency of characterization. Still, I loved "Homesick" and if you're looking to jump in, Homesick was actually the perfect story to pop in on as it shows off all 5 Gatewatch members and introduces us to the next big story arch.
Also I just want to say that Kaladesh is quickly becoming my favorite plane. It's beautiful, it's full of innovation and creativity and it's all heavily encouraged by both the public and the government. Their scientists and inventors are to them what our actors and sports stars are to us (unfortunately). I wanna go!
The structure of these stories is pretty straightforward. If Tezzeret is behind this he'll be revealed in the last story of this set (though we'll have a card or plot synopsis representing him before that).
If Chandra and her parents died in the hinterlands, it's outside of their control. She wasn't in custody and it furthers the narrative that if they were there, they could prevent such activities. The WhiteBlue power is the power of apparent control. The more rabble undermines their laws, the less power they have. So present the appearance of control, when it isn't there, is better than the truth. Even if the truth could be spun.
But it's also possible various writers didn't coordinate stories.
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Hm. That brought out a weird thought.
If Baral was going against the grain, and ended up excommunicated from the government due to his actions, would he join the rebellion under a false identity?
He seems like the kind of person that would do that just to spite everyone. And it'd be interesting to see the conflict that would arise if Chandra ever encountered a Baral, Exiled Executioner.
But what a weird way to go rogue.
If I was, hypothetically, going to cover up my murder of a child I'd kill her while framing her for burning down the village and claim I never found the body.
Baral, in contrast, decided to frame her for burning down a village, dragged her back to the capitol in chains, rented a suit of executioners armor, hired an announcer, gathered a large crowd in an arena, had her "crimes" recounted in detail, and then tried to kill her. And then when that ended in an explosion he said that she died in the village and he never found the body.
Remember, at the end of Eldritch Moon she established she needed to make her oath convincing enough to not tip them off to her duplicity. I think we're expected to assume that hasn't changed. If anyone can keep up a con game long term it's Liliana and we've known this going back as far as Agents of Artifice and further.
And gotta reply on this one because of just ONE word
Uh, actually when I said sitcom in my previous post, it was in praise, as I found the story to be enjoyable. I guess that's some wording issue
But, we had a picture of her before. :|
:| :| :| :| :|
I doesn't pay attentions.
I usually skim over the pictures in the UR.
Well, I'm back from my little hiatus. I really hit rock bottom after the utter crap of Bloody Instructions. That story had absolutely horrible writing, even for a pointless filler. I was very salty at how a pointless Conspiracy story took up space that could have been used to give Innistrad a proper epilogue. Anyways, we're moving on now, and I can put the trauma of EMN behind me. Kaladesh seems promising. I hope the story is better executed than the last two blocks. Otherwise, it will be three strikes for Creative, and I will be done with the story for good. Not that anyone will notice or care. While I wait, I can bang my head about the fact that the art book won't be out until February. Kaladesh sounds like it has some pretty darn fun geography, and I can't wait to start drawing the map.
@Jay13x: Your pronunciation guide is really helpful, but you forgot Chandra's last name! I feel awkward, only knowing how to pronounce her first name.
"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
I think they're just trying to time the art books for the second set so that there's as minimal amount of spoiling time as possible, while still being available during the hype period.
We know that The Purifying Fire happened to some extent in-universe, still. Gideon knew Chandra in the set-up to Battle for Zendikar. We knew Chandra's backstory from Purifying Fire had changed, but the above exchange seems to suggest that she never told Gideon her story (as she does in the novel. I thought perhaps Gideon was covering it up ("curling a fist" has he reflected), but then he continues with, "But she should have felt that she could," which drives the point home (I think) that she did not tell him.
While the love story potential between Gideon and Chandra has been played down since Origins, this seems to put much of it to a halt. We know Gideon still sought out Chandra on Zendikar in Rise of the Eldrazi, so there is some connection between the two, but there now seems to be no moment on vulnerability--other than the fact that Chandra was willing to walk into the Purifying Fire.
I don't think there is too much to discuss on this point at this time, but I had not noticed this mentioned elsewhere (I apologize if someone did bring it up and I missed the post).