I like the little throwback to Tarkir- Vraska totally has a Silumgar or very old Sultai flag on her wall! The purple gives us the hint
Theres literally nothing that indicates that. Dark violet is its only descriptor. A flag like that could come from anywhere in the multiverse.
That is officially a Silumgar banner, Alison Lurhs said it herself on reddit:
The first Hour of Devastation story is next week, and the banner is one she snagged from Silumgar's followers on a vacation to Tarkir. Vraska likes bringing home souvenirs from her trips.
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016 DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for: "Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index.Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Ah thats cool. I mean she could have described an odd fang shaped marking on it or something but I was never against it being from their. Just saying there wasn't really anything to make it clear like the paper cranes.
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
Wait is that what we're doing on Ixalan? Following A bank on a recruiting run? I thought he was going to Dominaria for help. Wat?
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
Wait is that what we're doing on Ixalan? Following A bank on a recruiting run? I thought he was going to Dominaria for help. Wat?
Dominaria is the rendezvouz point. He's specifically going to look for allies against Bolas.
“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"
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
I love this idea so much.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Modern
Affinity
UW Control
Commander
Sidisi, Undead Vizier
Purphoros, God of the Forge
Dragonlord Ojutai
Gishath, Sun's Avatar
The Ur-Dragon
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
Wait is that what we're doing on Ixalan? Following A bank on a recruiting run? I thought he was going to Dominaria for help. Wat?
Dominaria is the rendezvouz point. He's specifically going to look for allies against Bolas.
Hahaha! Oh man can you just imagine the look on Jace's face when/if Ajani showed up with Vraska in tow as an "Ally."
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
I love this idea so much.
I too find this idea very interesting.
Likewise with my above statement, Tamiyo is friendly with Jace, and Tamiyo and Vraska would be on at least friendly terms with one another.
What if Vraska is the planeswalker Ajani is looking to recruit on Ixalan?
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
Wait is that what we're doing on Ixalan? Following A bank on a recruiting run? I thought he was going to Dominaria for help. Wat?
Dominaria is the rendezvouz point. He's specifically going to look for allies against Bolas.
Hahaha! Oh man can you just imagine the look on Jace's face when/if Ajani showed up with Vraska in tow as an "Ally."
He'll be afraid, he'll be petrified....
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“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"
Kiora still has the best souvenir brought from another plane. Damn that was lucky af. Everyone else snaggy pottery or banners and she's here with god spear that universally controls oceans.
Kiora still has the best souvenir brought from another plane. Damn that was lucky af. Everyone else snaggy pottery or banners and she's here with god spear that universally controls oceans.
So, Alison has confirmed the banner is Silumgar and the pot Therosi, but that Vraska hasn't met the story-circle yet.
Did she confirm the Pot as from Theros?
Yeah, on twitter.
That's awesome! Greek clay pots with oceanic designs were something I was hoping to see more in Theros artwork actually. I'd love the basics lands for Theros to have more detail on them, like these pots sitting out on a ledge or balcony, filled with flowers overlooking a Mediterranean-like sea for Islands, as an example. Theros basics were rather explicitly very… basic, despite the artists actually wanting to paint simple temples or architecture and being told not to do so. I think that was a mistake. Getting Grecian about the feel of Theros basics is something I want in the return - more detailing.
So, Alison has confirmed the banner is Silumgar and the pot Therosi, but that Vraska hasn't met the story-circle yet.
Did she confirm the Pot as from Theros?
Yeah, on twitter.
That's awesome! Greek clay pots with oceanic designs were something I was hoping to see more in Theros artwork actually. I'd love the basics lands for Theros to have more detail on them, like these pots sitting out on a ledge or balcony, filled with flowers overlooking a Mediterranean-like sea for Islands, as an example. Theros basics were rather explicitly very… basic, despite the artists actually wanting to paint simple temples or architecture and being told not to do so. I think that was a mistake. Getting Grecian about the feel of Theros basics is something I want in the return - more detailing.
Huh. Do you know why they didn't want to include temples and such? Because from all "recent" basics, I think the Theros ones rank somewhere at the bottom, mostly because they're so bland.
So, Alison has confirmed the banner is Silumgar and the pot Therosi, but that Vraska hasn't met the story-circle yet.
Did she confirm the Pot as from Theros?
Yeah, on twitter.
That's awesome! Greek clay pots with oceanic designs were something I was hoping to see more in Theros artwork actually. I'd love the basics lands for Theros to have more detail on them, like these pots sitting out on a ledge or balcony, filled with flowers overlooking a Mediterranean-like sea for Islands, as an example. Theros basics were rather explicitly very… basic, despite the artists actually wanting to paint simple temples or architecture and being told not to do so. I think that was a mistake. Getting Grecian about the feel of Theros basics is something I want in the return - more detailing.
Huh. Do you know why they didn't want to include temples and such? Because from all "recent" basics, I think the Theros ones rank somewhere at the bottom, mostly because they're so bland.
Steve Belledin, who painted my favorite Island from Theros has a blog where he mentioned wanting to include little Greek temples in the landscaping, and some small wildlife grazing in the plains and was told explicitly to make the basics bland and exclude all that.
That's awesome! Greek clay pots with oceanic designs were something I was hoping to see more in Theros artwork actually. I'd love the basics lands for Theros to have more detail on them, like these pots sitting out on a ledge or balcony, filled with flowers overlooking a Mediterranean-like sea for Islands, as an example. Theros basics were rather explicitly very… basic, despite the artists actually wanting to paint simple temples or architecture and being told not to do so. I think that was a mistake. Getting Grecian about the feel of Theros basics is something I want in the return - more detailing.
Huh. Do you know why they didn't want to include temples and such? Because from all "recent" basics, I think the Theros ones rank somewhere at the bottom, mostly because they're so bland.
Steve Belledin, who painted my favorite Island from Theros has a blog where he mentioned wanting to include little Greek temples in the landscaping, and some small wildlife grazing in the plains and was told explicitly to make the basics bland and exclude all that.
Belledin's island still does a good job of evoking Greece, as does his forest, mountain, and plains. Rob Alexander's forest and plains do as well, as does Raoul Vitale's island (well, its more Maltese, but still Mediterranean) and plains. The artists were all hampered by not being able to depict aspects of civilization, which for most people would be the biggest cues of a Greek setting, but the ones I mentioned did a fine job of creating Greek/Central Mediterranean landscapes (especially using Cypress as visual cues). The swamps though, ugh.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The Meaning of Life: "M-hmm. Well, it's nothing very special. Uh, try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations"
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Whether its blue players countering your spells, red players burning you out, or combo, if you have a problem with an aspect of Magic's gameplay, you can fix it!
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
That's awesome! Greek clay pots with oceanic designs were something I was hoping to see more in Theros artwork actually. I'd love the basics lands for Theros to have more detail on them, like these pots sitting out on a ledge or balcony, filled with flowers overlooking a Mediterranean-like sea for Islands, as an example. Theros basics were rather explicitly very… basic, despite the artists actually wanting to paint simple temples or architecture and being told not to do so. I think that was a mistake. Getting Grecian about the feel of Theros basics is something I want in the return - more detailing.
Huh. Do you know why they didn't want to include temples and such? Because from all "recent" basics, I think the Theros ones rank somewhere at the bottom, mostly because they're so bland.
Steve Belledin, who painted my favorite Island from Theros has a blog where he mentioned wanting to include little Greek temples in the landscaping, and some small wildlife grazing in the plains and was told explicitly to make the basics bland and exclude all that.
Belledin's island still does a good job of evoking Greece, as does his forest, mountain, and plains. Rob Alexander's forest and plains do as well, as does Raoul Vitale's island (well, its more Maltese, but still Mediterranean) and plains. The artists were all hampered by not being able to depict aspects of civilization, which for most people would be the biggest cues of a Greek setting, but the ones I mentioned did a fine job of creating Greek/Central Mediterranean landscapes (especially using Cypress as visual cues). The swamps though, ugh.
Belledin's Island, Mountain and Forest, Alexander's Island, Vitale's Plains and Forest and Adam Paquette's Forest were the most evocative of Greece IMO. Belledin clearly used actual images of Greece as inspiration while creating a unique take. I loved the straits in Alexander's island.
Vitale's Island was gorgeous, but although a similar arch is actually present in Greece (Skiathos Island - Lalaria Beach), he ended up modeling that Island after the Mexico arch of Cabo San Lucas instead… WHY? Should have painted the Lalaria Beach arch from Greece for a Theros Island. Wrong side of the world buddy… Perhaps he intended to avoid being too obvious about the source material?
I was disappointed with the art director stifling the Theros Basics. I'd have loved to see seaside temples with giant Greek vases overlooking the waves at sunset. Or like, a shot out of a balcony, with a Greek amphora housing plants off to the side overlooking the sea. Little shrines in the plains and forests. Just a different, Grecian take on Basic Lands that show off classic Mediterranean views. Little Grecian ships with red and white sails in a natural port down below.
The one Swamp with what looks like a mysterious entry into the underworld with nearly stacked stones was really cool though. The Olive trees were such a nice touch too in Forests.
Ugh Temple of Mystery and Temple of Enlightenment though. Now that's some Greece right thurrr
So, Alison has confirmed the banner is Silumgar and the pot Therosi, but that Vraska hasn't met the story-circle yet.
Did she confirm the Pot as from Theros?
Yeah, on twitter.
That's awesome! Greek clay pots with oceanic designs were something I was hoping to see more in Theros artwork actually. I'd love the basics lands for Theros to have more detail on them, like these pots sitting out on a ledge or balcony, filled with flowers overlooking a Mediterranean-like sea for Islands, as an example. Theros basics were rather explicitly very… basic, despite the artists actually wanting to paint simple temples or architecture and being told not to do so. I think that was a mistake. Getting Grecian about the feel of Theros basics is something I want in the return - more detailing.
Huh. Do you know why they didn't want to include temples and such? Because from all "recent" basics, I think the Theros ones rank somewhere at the bottom, mostly because they're so bland.
Looking through his blog he guess that since they just had RtR they wanted more nature and no "city" lands to set them apart.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“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, have we decided . . . what creatures were the Kraul after? Szadek's lost vampire race?
I'm pretty sure it's an older group of Orzhov.
The erstwhile (former) plus ostentation seems to point that direction.
And Nissa had a visions where a sun sigil (possibly the Orzhov) destroyed a stone tablet (Tablet of the Guilds). So that's where my money is.
Wait, thought that her vision was Amonkhet specific?
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The Meaning of Life: "M-hmm. Well, it's nothing very special. Uh, try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations"
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Whether its blue players countering your spells, red players burning you out, or combo, if you have a problem with an aspect of Magic's gameplay, you can fix it!
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
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|| 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 ||
That is officially a Silumgar banner, Alison Lurhs said it herself on reddit:
Link to source
MCC - Winner (6): Oct 2014, Apr Nov 2017, Jan 2018, Apr Jun 2019 || Host (15): Dec 2014, Apr Jul Aug Dec 2015, Mar Jul Aug Oct 2016, Feb Jul 2017, Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here) || Judge (34): every month from Nov 2014 to Nov 2016 except Oct 2015, every month from Feb to Jul 2017 except Apr 2017, then Oct 2017, May Jun Nov 2018, Feb Jul 2019 (last one here)
CCL - Winner (3): Jul 2016 (tied with Flatline), May 2017, Jul 2019 (last one here) || Host (5): Feb 2015, Mar Apr May Jun 2016
DCC - Winner (1): Mar 2015 (tied with Piar) || Host (3): May Oct 2015, Jan 2016
• The two public custom sets I've been part a part of the design team for:
"Brotherhood of Ormos" - Blog post with all info - set thread - design skeleton / card list || "Extinctia: Homo Evanuit" - Blog post with all info - set thread - card list spreadsheet
• "The Lion's Lair", my article series about MTG and custom card design in particular. Latest article here. Here is the article index. Rather outdated by now, and based on the old MCC rubric, but I'm leaving this here for anybody that might be interested anyway.
• My only public attempt at being a writer: the story of my Leonin custom planeswalker Jeff Lionheart. (I have a very big one that I'm working on right now but that's private for now, and I don't know if I will ever actually publish it, and I also have ideas for multiple future ones, including one where I'm going to reprise Jeff.)
Ah thats cool. I mean she could have described an odd fang shaped marking on it or something but I was never against it being from their. Just saying there wasn't really anything to make it clear like the paper cranes.
Vraska has clearly been to Kamigawa and Tarkir, the home plane of two confirmed members of the story-circle. Ajani's own knowledge of other planeswalkers is likely from the story-circle as well. Vraska's whole demeanor in the flashbacks makes me think she'd enjoy sitting and talking with the likes of Tamiyo and Narset.
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
Wait is that what we're doing on Ixalan? Following A bank on a recruiting run? I thought he was going to Dominaria for help. Wat?
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
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I love this idea so much.
Affinity
UW Control
Commander
Sidisi, Undead Vizier
Purphoros, God of the Forge
Dragonlord Ojutai
Gishath, Sun's Avatar
The Ur-Dragon
Hahaha! Oh man can you just imagine the look on Jace's face when/if Ajani showed up with Vraska in tow as an "Ally."
I too find this idea very interesting.
Likewise with my above statement, Tamiyo is friendly with Jace, and Tamiyo and Vraska would be on at least friendly terms with one another.
How delightfully awkward.
He'll be afraid, he'll be petrified....
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
|| 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 ||
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
Didn't she lose it in BFZ block?
Briefly. She and Jori went and got it back.
|| 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 ||
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
|| 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 ||
Huh. Do you know why they didn't want to include temples and such? Because from all "recent" basics, I think the Theros ones rank somewhere at the bottom, mostly because they're so bland.
|| 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 ||
Belledin's island still does a good job of evoking Greece, as does his forest, mountain, and plains. Rob Alexander's forest and plains do as well, as does Raoul Vitale's island (well, its more Maltese, but still Mediterranean) and plains. The artists were all hampered by not being able to depict aspects of civilization, which for most people would be the biggest cues of a Greek setting, but the ones I mentioned did a fine job of creating Greek/Central Mediterranean landscapes (especially using Cypress as visual cues). The swamps though, ugh.
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
Vitale's Island was gorgeous, but although a similar arch is actually present in Greece (Skiathos Island - Lalaria Beach), he ended up modeling that Island after the Mexico arch of Cabo San Lucas instead… WHY? Should have painted the Lalaria Beach arch from Greece for a Theros Island. Wrong side of the world buddy… Perhaps he intended to avoid being too obvious about the source material?
I was disappointed with the art director stifling the Theros Basics. I'd have loved to see seaside temples with giant Greek vases overlooking the waves at sunset. Or like, a shot out of a balcony, with a Greek amphora housing plants off to the side overlooking the sea. Little shrines in the plains and forests. Just a different, Grecian take on Basic Lands that show off classic Mediterranean views. Little Grecian ships with red and white sails in a natural port down below.
The one Swamp with what looks like a mysterious entry into the underworld with nearly stacked stones was really cool though. The Olive trees were such a nice touch too in Forests.
Ugh Temple of Mystery and Temple of Enlightenment though. Now that's some Greece right thurrr
|| 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 through his blog he guess that since they just had RtR they wanted more nature and no "city" lands to set them apart.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
The erstwhile (former) plus ostentation seems to point that direction.
And Nissa had a visions where a sun sigil (possibly the Orzhov) destroyed a stone tablet (Tablet of the Guilds). So that's where my money is.
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
Wait, thought that her vision was Amonkhet specific?
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!