Sweet Mother of God. . . Akroma's Memorial. . . This. . . This in my MGA I'm building, I needed something like this and they freaking deliver. Didn't see this coming in the very least. But holy crap, thank you Wizards.
On the falcon, I love it. Great potential in my opinion, especially since I believe Odric is actually going to have a presence. T1 Falcon T2 Loyal Cathar or 2 Doomed Travelers T3 Thalia or Mentor of the Meek or Honor of the Pure T4 Odric would be really strong.
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Modern Decks: GGGMGAGGG RRRRed AffinityRRR RGShamansGR BWB/W ControlWB
I really, really hate how dismissive people are of limited formats. 'Good for limited, next plz' is no better than whining about obvious EDH inclusions taking up space in new sets. Both formats are exceptionally fun, especially for those who don't consider Standard the be all, end all of Magic. That having been said, this new cycle of creatures is amazing. Anybody whining about needing to play two specific colors to get value from them (you know who you are) surely has no understanding of the format, much less card/set design. If you're forcing mono, you're doing it wrong. I cannot tell you how many times W/U fliers have taken me deep into an event, but I can tell you that Arctic Aven is an absolute gem, and probably my favorite card in the set at this point.
I just noticed something: This cycle goes counterclockwise. IINM, these sorts of cycles typically go clockwise. Hooray for doing a tiny bit to even things out.
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.
Love to see Akroma's Memorial come back. Definitely didn't see it coming, and always thought it was an extremely powerful care once you get it out. It seems that the spoilers are just getting better and better for me
Akroma's Memorial just halved in price... at least. I hope you didn't just buy or trade for any!
The War Falcon is alright since it can at least block if you don't meet the conditions.
As for the cycle of creatures, the power level is alright (some look playable) but I don't like the design much. This doesn't encourage players to play 2 colours, it REQUIRES them to. Would any of them see play other than as limited filler without the second colour?
2/2 for 2B?
2/2 for 1G?
2/1 flying for 2U?
2/1 for 1R?
3/3 for 3W?
I would have designed them to at least be potentially playable without the second colour, and then decrease the boost you get if you've got the second colour. For example:
2U
Creature - Bird Wizard (U)
Flying
Gets +1/+0 if you control a Plains. 2W: Lifelink until end of turn.
2/3
Otherwise the cost should simply have been 1WU.
Not every card is designed to be a constructed bomb. Every single one of those cards is playable without the splash in limited - 3cmc 2/1 flyers tend to be awesome. All of these cards are amazing in limited, and the green one could see constructed play.
There were 58 standard constructed played cards in M12. That's actually a lot for a core set. In fact, that's amazing.
It's still less than 1/4 of the set. And a lot of those 58 (Birds of Paradise) were reprints. I don't have the exact count, but a lot.
After 4th Edition, I realized that buying core set packs, boxes, whatever, was a waste of money, no matter how good the set. And let me tell you, back then, core sets were damn good.
But then we hit 6th and 7th and things were, um, how can I put it?
HORRIBLE.
And they really didn't get much better until M10.
And I think that's what's spoiled most of the, I'm assuming, relatively new people to this game. Because let me tell you folks, M10 - M12 was NOT how things used to be...not even close.
Yeah, this set is nothing to write home about. I'll probably end up buying a half dozen cards from it at best in addition to ordering my playset of commons and uncommons. Most of the "good" stuff (Vampire Nighthawk, Vampire Nocturnus) I already have.
And that's another problem you're all going to run into the more you play this game. A lot of the reprints you're already going to have playsets of. No need to get more. At least I see no reason, but to each his own. So the potential value goes down with each passing year because you KNOW there are going to be reprints...lots of them.
People like myself, who have been playing since Bolas was a tyke, are going to find less value in a core set than anybody else. But you don't see us complaining about it. We understand that core sets are what they are.
Yeah, M10-M12 were exceptions and those exceptions have literally killed any chance of players being happy with a core set ever again. Because mark my words, you are unlikely to ever see the power level of cards in those sets any time soon.
So yeah, M13 doesn't really do much for me either.
The only difference is, I'm neither surprised nor disappointed.
I do not care about the creatures that were revealed, but I am utterly excited about Akroma's Memorial! Akroma herself is one of my favorite charterers in the story and cards in the game, so anything that references her is awesome to me, and a card that can grant all of her abilities to one's creatures is supremely awesome. I also am glad to see that its rarity has been increased, because this card is definitely worthy of being a mythic rare. Plus, I am very glad that WotC is referencing a character from a story in the game's past, showing that they have not forgotten previous stories even with all the new stories occurring.
Will Akroma's Memorial being reprinted decrease its price? Currently, it is over $20 at TrollandToad.com, my favorite place for purchasing M:tG products, so any decrease in its price would be most welcome.
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“Those who would trade their freedoms for security will have neither.”-Benjamin Franklin
“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”-Thomas Jefferson
“A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of its user.”-Theodore Roosevelt
“Patriotism means to stand by one's country; it does not mean to stand by one's president.”-Theodore Roosevelt
To those saying the uncommon cycle are strictly for limited, I am in disagreement. My G/U tempo deck is strongly considering mountains right now for that amazing 2-drop. My biggest problem, though, is that they combine extraordinarily well with shock lands in RTR. Yep, I will probably be playing zero red spells in my ideal version of my green-blue deck, but playing 4 steam vaults and 4 stomping grounds.
Akroma's Memorial fits perfectly in Grand Architect deck!
That's what came to my mind also. Although it may turn out to be a win-more card, I don't think I could resist giving it a go in a Grand Architect deck.
***
I like the cycle of allied creatures, all of which look good for limited if nothing else. Flinthoof Boar seems especially good for constructed.
But on a real note, it's sad that they're not all on the same power level as the boar. The Lizard should have cost 1B to regenerate! Ugh. The elephant should have been a 4/5. However, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the bird guy. Well. Except Wishmaster87. But a 3/2 flyer for 3 with lifelink... that's not too bad. Right?
Akroma's Memorial was very surprising. Looks like they are printing a lot of fan favorites from multiplayer formats that have become a little harder to obtain due to rarity, or price.
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Not playing much these days... hope all is well in the MtG community
EDH:
Zur, The Enchanter
Modern:
Burn
Legacy:
Cheeri0s
Burn
Akroma's Memorial was very surprising. Looks like they are printing a lot of fan favorites from multiplayer formats that have become a little harder to obtain due to rarity, or price.
I fully agree with this and am glad to see it. For someone who just started playing again and is still kicking himself for selling his old collection. It will be nice to be able to pick up a couple memorials for a lot less in price!
I like Akroma's Memorial a lot. Outside of a possible Grand Architect build, which could be fun, I doubt it will have any impact on standard. Nonetheless, I'll be happy to finally be able to get one for my Ghave EDH deck.
Akroma's Memorial feels a lot like Eldrazi Monument. I wasn't familiar with the Eldrazi Monument decks at the time. What did they do if they didn't draw Eldrazi Monument?
Seems like blue Grand Architect could make a similar sort of shell, if they can make some backup plans.
Akroma's Memorial feels a lot like Eldrazi Monument. I wasn't familiar with the Eldrazi Monument decks at the time. What did they do if they didn't draw Eldrazi Monument?
Seems like blue Grand Architect could make a similar sort of shell, if they can make some backup plans.
The monument was never a necessary card. You built an aggro shell and the Monuement worked in the same way as overun (but much better). As long as the Architect deck can build up a somewhat sizeable force consistently (3+ guys) than Akroma's Memorial will turn them into a killer army.
The monument was never a necessary card. You built an aggro shell and the Monuement worked in the same way as overun (but much better). As long as the Architect deck can build up a somewhat sizeable force consistently (3+ guys) than Akroma's Memorial will turn them into a killer army.
Gotcha. Seems like a tall task for blue, but on the other hand, having Treasure Mage tutor for the Memorial seems like a reasonable line of play. Devastating turn-4 play, following a Grand Arbiter
On the falcon, I love it. Great potential in my opinion, especially since I believe Odric is actually going to have a presence. T1 Falcon T2 Loyal Cathar or 2 Doomed Travelers T3 Thalia or Mentor of the Meek or Honor of the Pure T4 Odric would be really strong.
GGGMGAGGG
RRRRed AffinityRRR
RGShamansGR
BWB/W ControlWB
EDH:
Maelstrom Wanderer
Heartless Hidetsugu
Cromat
Nicol Bolas
Sapling of Colfenor
Mayael the Anima
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SY8h2vp5Xis
---
#BLM
#DefundThePolice
Ah, memories...
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.
Want to see me in action? Check out my stream! Currently broadcasting Boros Burn in Standard. Full archive available.
Want to play better magic? Come join us at diestoremoval.com
Not every card is designed to be a constructed bomb. Every single one of those cards is playable without the splash in limited - 3cmc 2/1 flyers tend to be awesome. All of these cards are amazing in limited, and the green one could see constructed play.
Standard: W/R Aggro
There were 58 standard constructed played cards in M12. That's actually a lot for a core set. In fact, that's amazing.
It's still less than 1/4 of the set. And a lot of those 58 (Birds of Paradise) were reprints. I don't have the exact count, but a lot.
After 4th Edition, I realized that buying core set packs, boxes, whatever, was a waste of money, no matter how good the set. And let me tell you, back then, core sets were damn good.
But then we hit 6th and 7th and things were, um, how can I put it?
HORRIBLE.
And they really didn't get much better until M10.
And I think that's what's spoiled most of the, I'm assuming, relatively new people to this game. Because let me tell you folks, M10 - M12 was NOT how things used to be...not even close.
Yeah, this set is nothing to write home about. I'll probably end up buying a half dozen cards from it at best in addition to ordering my playset of commons and uncommons. Most of the "good" stuff (Vampire Nighthawk, Vampire Nocturnus) I already have.
And that's another problem you're all going to run into the more you play this game. A lot of the reprints you're already going to have playsets of. No need to get more. At least I see no reason, but to each his own. So the potential value goes down with each passing year because you KNOW there are going to be reprints...lots of them.
People like myself, who have been playing since Bolas was a tyke, are going to find less value in a core set than anybody else. But you don't see us complaining about it. We understand that core sets are what they are.
Yeah, M10-M12 were exceptions and those exceptions have literally killed any chance of players being happy with a core set ever again. Because mark my words, you are unlikely to ever see the power level of cards in those sets any time soon.
So yeah, M13 doesn't really do much for me either.
The only difference is, I'm neither surprised nor disappointed.
War Falcon maybe be able to attack right away but it sure can stop a flipped Delver if you're on the draw. Very nice.
Will Akroma's Memorial being reprinted decrease its price? Currently, it is over $20 at TrollandToad.com, my favorite place for purchasing M:tG products, so any decrease in its price would be most welcome.
“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”-Thomas Jefferson
“A vote is like a rifle; its usefulness depends upon the character of its user.”-Theodore Roosevelt
“Patriotism means to stand by one's country; it does not mean to stand by one's president.”-Theodore Roosevelt
If I had that kind of cash/trading power
Karador EDH
Comments on decks welcome: http://tappedout.net/users/AradonTemplar/
Currently developing Set 1 of 3, 'Shadow': http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=436885
That's what came to my mind also. Although it may turn out to be a win-more card, I don't think I could resist giving it a go in a Grand Architect deck.
***
I like the cycle of allied creatures, all of which look good for limited if nothing else. Flinthoof Boar seems especially good for constructed.
My LinkedIn profile... thing (I have one of those now!).
My research team's webpage.
The mtg-rnn repo and the mtg-encode repo.
If I could sig this, I would.
Look at that Fur Parka!
But on a real note, it's sad that they're not all on the same power level as the boar. The Lizard should have cost 1B to regenerate! Ugh. The elephant should have been a 4/5. However, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the bird guy. Well. Except Wishmaster87. But a 3/2 flyer for 3 with lifelink... that's not too bad. Right?
Dunes of Zairo
SHANDALAR
Innistrad - The Darkest Night
~THE RAVNICAN CONSORTIUM~
A Community Set
Commander: Allies & Adversaries
EDH:
Zur, The Enchanter
Modern:
Burn
Legacy:
Cheeri0s
Burn
I fully agree with this and am glad to see it. For someone who just started playing again and is still kicking himself for selling his old collection. It will be nice to be able to pick up a couple memorials for a lot less in price!
Cyriss07
Seems like blue Grand Architect could make a similar sort of shell, if they can make some backup plans.
Karador EDH
Comments on decks welcome: http://tappedout.net/users/AradonTemplar/
Currently developing Set 1 of 3, 'Shadow': http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=436885
The monument was never a necessary card. You built an aggro shell and the Monuement worked in the same way as overun (but much better). As long as the Architect deck can build up a somewhat sizeable force consistently (3+ guys) than Akroma's Memorial will turn them into a killer army.
Gotcha. Seems like a tall task for blue, but on the other hand, having Treasure Mage tutor for the Memorial seems like a reasonable line of play. Devastating turn-4 play, following a Grand Arbiter
Karador EDH
Comments on decks welcome: http://tappedout.net/users/AradonTemplar/
Currently developing Set 1 of 3, 'Shadow': http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?t=436885
Standard: Looking for control archtypes to play
Modern: 4cc Gifts
Legacy: Loam Pox, Nic Fit
Support Cockatrice. Object to Hasbros C&D: http://forums.mtgsalvation.com/showthread.php?p=9845651
https://www.change.org/petitions/has...ckatrice#share
Still trades with flipped Delver like a champ. I really like this card, especially at common.