I think people are underestimating how annoying it is to have to have something happen in order to turn your general on. Right now people are saying "Oh, things ALWAYS die in black," but the problem is two-fold. First, when she's on the field, people will either kill her first or be aware that if they kill one of your other dudes, she'll flip. She won't survive a Wrath (which is a big + of the current planeswalker-commanders). Secondly, the utility of generals rises when you're playing off the top, and when you're playing of the top your general suddenly becomes a 2/3 for 3. She can only be immediately activated on your own turn, the +2 is going to hit your opponent's worst cards (aka extra lands) and not protect her at all, and again, what nonlegendary things that cost 5 or less does black really want to come back? The best I've heard so far is going through a ton of hoops to -3 a Fleshbag Marauder, but black really wants to be reanimating things like a fast Sheoldred, Geth, Grave Titan, Massacre Wurm, Scion of Darkness, and Ink-Eyes. Half of these cards are legendary, a third of them cost 6 (aka needing 3 activations without anyone even scratching her), and Scion costs enough mana that you'd rather go for ult.
How much of an impact have you seen Ob Nixilis making? New Lili has a far worse -, a slightly better + (though if you care about lifelink so much, maybe you'll consider it worse), and both have game-winning ults. Sure, Ob Nix may cost 2 more, but you also don't have to go through hoops just to get him to be relevant. People are underestimating how annoying it's going to be to not have instant access to their general w/o some kind of special setup (regardless of how "easy" people think it is).
First, green suddenly has planeswalker removal in the form of Moonmist, comical.
Second, each planeswalker has a different condition on how they transform.
Gideon's spark ignited when he killed a much stronger opponent. The impossibility of his survival seemed so overwhelming that as Gideon tried to reconcile what he found, he achieved momentary enlightenment, a perfect perception of the entire multiverse, and slipped into the Blind Eternities. When he arrived in another world his sense of clarity quickly faded, and he returned to tell his teacher what had happened. His teacher revealed that he had been expecting it, having only ever seen one hieromancer as powerful as Gideon, the man who had taught him. He passed the sural onto Gideon that day, and Gideon left to try and find enlightenment once more.
Third, a dedicated sacrifice/reanimator deck is not hard to pull off like you make it sound when concerning Sacrifice Outlets or S.Os. I will give you a list of what you could include to make it a better deck around Liliana.
I didn't go through all the artifacts. There is still all the creatures and the enchantments that act as S'Os. My point is that its not as bad as you are making it out to be.
Fifth, these are the first legendwalkers that get the full benefits of Opal Palace without having to jump through hoops to make them creatures.
I addressed this in an earlier post, but I'll address it again; so you're running 15+ sac outlets for what kind of payoff? What's your end goal in this deck - to recur 2/3 CMC dudes and hope you somehow get there? You're running approximately enough sac outlets to turn off most of if not all your draws, and you expect that flipping Liliana gets you to your endgame somehow? The point is you're wasting a ton of work and slots just to get your planeswalker active, and once your planeswalker is active it doesn't do much of anything anyway. This would be circumvented if flipped Liliana was truly powerful (aka something like -3: reanimate target creature from your GY (no restriction) or -X: reanimate target creature from any graveyard CMC X), but you're just going through so many hoops to make it so your deck doesn't even do anything particularly broken or game-winning.
This is the overall issue; you're going through a lot of work to make this creature flip (in terms of deck composition), and the payoff is almost nonexistent.
You may want to add not that you must run that many. Black is also home to tutors so it doesn't need to run as many sacrifice outlets.
The main point is that transforming Liliana does virtually nothing for you. She's mostly worthless out of the command zone, regardless of how easy she is to turn on. Chainer or Ink Eyes or Sheoldred are a LOT better at doing what you'd want Liliana to be doing.
Nobody is holding a worldslayer to your head or that your legally obligated by contract and/or law to play Liliana, Heretical Healer. If you don't want to go play it and want to play something else that you enjoy and might find better, then go do so. Play what makes you feel good or happy and enjoy your experience.
For others though, they will enjoy being able to play a legend that flips into a walker. This is also the same crowd that wanted and liked the C14 product because of the ability to have a walker as a your general. Lets also not forget about how their was detractors for that as well that just bemoaned and complained about walkers getting to be in the command zone.
all in all... its just a bunch of people making a mountain out of a plains.
But all of the commander walkers from C14 with the possible exception of Ob are actually somewhat unique and interesting, and make for decent generals. You're comparing rather different things. The complaints are that she's a pretty terrible card, which is completely valid considering she's one of the flagships of the new Magic Origins thing.
She doesn't DO anything. She is completely and utterly underwhelming, and it's a damn shame because all of the other iterations of Lilana have at the very least been interesting.
While this is not necessarily a new card I am looking at the modern masters reveal and it is showing Karn Liberated. Would that lower his cost or would the reprint have no effect?
The reprint will likely increase the price, if the last MM was anything to go by. Which makes the reserved list seem silly if reprints actually increase price.
While this is not necessarily a new card I am looking at the modern masters reveal and it is showing Karn Liberated. Would that lower his cost or would the reprint have no effect?
The reprint will likely increase the price, if the last MM was anything to go by. Which makes the reserved list seem silly if reprints actually increase price.
WHOA hold on. Exploration dropped in price a good amount. Prior to MM1 Exploration at my shop was around 15 bucks. now its 6-8
Same wit Tarmagoyf. It was over 100 dollars and after the print, it was like 95. (although for both, it was the reprint that was cheaper)
Exploration was in Conspiracy, not Modern Masters.
And the reason cards went up in price when MM1 came out is because that's when the playerbase of Modern started exploding and the demand of the staples went up. That's certainly not going to happen again, but I don't imagine the prices will go down either considering how limited the availability is. Ten bucks for a pack and the limited run of the packs means Goyf and the like won't be getting much more common at all.
But all of the commander walkers from C14 with the possible exception of Ob are actually somewhat unique and interesting, and make for decent generals. You're comparing rather different things. The complaints are that she's a pretty terrible card, which is completely valid considering she's one of the flagships of the new Magic Origins thing.
She doesn't DO anything. She is completely and utterly underwhelming, and it's a damn shame because all of the other iterations of Lilana have at the very least been interesting.
Gee its like people complain and bemoan cards. Thanks for reaffirming my point that I did make. Daretti and Nahiri are the only ones seen as top end commandwalkers. Did you know that? Did you know that the remainder are seen as low-power and not worth being run as commanders? Yet nothing is stopping an individual from having a fun time in running Freyalise or a different general. People honestly have unrealistic expectations and the silliest of notions to expect EVERY single legend and walker to always be of high power.
It can't be simply "Does it look fun?"
It always seems to be "How broken can I make it?"
That infuriates me as it proves my point again. Nobody it seems can just simply enjoy something it always has to be how broken it is. Why does anyone play Chainer? Do they even enjoy play Chainer? Is it a chore for them? Why bother playing it then if your not playing something you as an individual enjoy. I personally enjoy playing Dong Zhou, the Tyrant as an EDH deck. Is he top shelf? Nope. Then why? Because I enjoy piloting the deck and with the people I play with for a enjoyable social environment. I have tried Norin the Wary for instance and I don't find it to be... my cup of tea to say the least.
All anyone wants to do it seems is try and find any way to make a mountain out of a plains. Sure Chainer is Tier 1 in comparison to Liliana who is Tier 2. She also doesn't make a big a splash on the board as Chainer. Do you have a point beyond that?
I think it's funny that when the dragons all "do something to a creature or PW" they are seen as being boring and unimaginative, but when the other 2 to be spoiled don't fit that bill, it's an "incomplete cycle". There is no pleasing some people. I think too much stock is placed in a cycle being each piece of the color pie's equivalent to each other and I think that removes design space and hurts the diversity of cards that are produced. Personally, I think they did a lot of cool things with these dragons and the only thing that leaves a sour taste in my mouth is Dragonlord Kolaghan's ability doing nothing in EDH.
Exploration was in Conspiracy, not Modern Masters.
And the reason cards went up in price when MM1 came out is because that's when the playerbase of Modern started exploding and the demand of the staples went up. That's certainly not going to happen again, but I don't imagine the prices will go down either considering how limited the availability is. Ten bucks for a pack and the limited run of the packs means Goyf and the like won't be getting much more common at all.
I don't think it's too unlikely for a 2nd explosion of modern masters players. The format has a lot of appeal over standard, and the MM drafts that take place will probably bring new players into the fold.
EDIT: and Tarmogoyf did go up after MM. Just check its price history.
I think it's funny that when the dragons all "do something to a creature or PW" they are seen as being boring and unimaginative, but when the other 2 to be spoiled don't fit that bill, it's an "incomplete cycle". There is no pleasing some people. I think too much stock is placed in a cycle being each piece of the color pie's equivalent to each other and I think that removes design space and hurts the diversity of cards that are produced. Personally, I think they did a lot of cool things with these dragons and the only thing that leaves a sour taste in my mouth is Dragonlord Kolaghan's ability doing nothing in EDH.
It's actually a very flavorful way to complete the cycle with Dragonlord Ojutai and Dragonlord Dromoka. The other three dragonlords are extremely oppressive, dominating forces. The dragons and humanoids under them exist to serve them. On the other hand, here are the two white dragons. Dromoka promotes support and community, with everyone protecting everyone else under his rule. Ojutai serves as the wise master of his clan and brood, promoting knowledge and learning among his followers.
EDIT: Since I'm on a Vorthos kick right now anyway, how about we direct the conversation about Liliana, Heretical Healer towards how absolutely amazing the flavor on that card is? Just like Feldon of the Third Path, the entire card tells its story masterfully and only through its mechanics. I really love the card for that reason.
So after all the hate on Lily, I wonder...are people not seeing the Stax applications here? This is a general who, after one of the probably MANY sacrificial uses your deck should have, becomes a constant source of opponents discarding cards from their hands. Lily Flipflopper is not a reanimator general, she's a black Stax general. Run the recursive creatures (Bloodghast, Reassembling Skeleton, Nether Traitor, etc etc), sac outlets, grave pacts, Fleshbags, along with some incremental advantage engines, token makers, and Lily as your general. Play Lily, clamp your Bitterblossom token, transform Lily, everyone discards. That kind of play is going to be really freakishly annoying with her on the helm of a deck.
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My Commander decks:
Chandra, Torch of Defiance - Oops! All Chandras. Prime Speaker Zegana - Draw for Power. Pir & Toothy - Counterpalooza. Arcades, the Strategist - Another Brick in the Wall. Zacama, Primal Calamity - Calamity of Double Mana. Edgar Markov - Vampires Don't Die. Child of Alara - Dreamcrusher.
Exploration was in Conspiracy, not Modern Masters.
And the reason cards went up in price when MM1 came out is because that's when the playerbase of Modern started exploding and the demand of the staples went up. That's certainly not going to happen again, but I don't imagine the prices will go down either considering how limited the availability is. Ten bucks for a pack and the limited run of the packs means Goyf and the like won't be getting much more common at all.
I don't think it's too unlikely for a 2nd explosion of modern masters players. The format has a lot of appeal over standard, and the MM drafts that take place will probably bring new players into the fold.
EDIT: and Tarmogoyf did go up after MM. Just check its price history.
Yes, that's what I said. ALL staples went up after MM, because the playerbase of Modern as a format went up tenfold at least, and because SCG and a couple other retailers heavily manipulated prices. That's not going to happen again because Modern isn't new anymore. The people interested in Modern are already interested in it, and likewise for the reverse. The set being drafted is unlikely to get more people to make Modern constructed decks.
Exploration was in Conspiracy, not Modern Masters.
And the reason cards went up in price when MM1 came out is because that's when the playerbase of Modern started exploding and the demand of the staples went up. That's certainly not going to happen again, but I don't imagine the prices will go down either considering how limited the availability is. Ten bucks for a pack and the limited run of the packs means Goyf and the like won't be getting much more common at all.
I don't think it's too unlikely for a 2nd explosion of modern masters players. The format has a lot of appeal over standard, and the MM drafts that take place will probably bring new players into the fold.
EDIT: and Tarmogoyf did go up after MM. Just check its price history.
Yes, that's what I said. ALL staples went up after MM, because the playerbase of Modern as a format went up tenfold at least, and because SCG and a couple other retailers heavily manipulated prices. That's not going to happen again because Modern isn't new anymore. The people interested in Modern are already interested in it, and likewise for the reverse. The set being drafted is unlikely to get more people to make Modern constructed decks.
I disagree, because the playerbase hasn't become static over the past 2 years. New players have entered the game, and those new players may be attracted to Modern.
Anafenza, Spirit of the Family Tree WW
Legendary Creature - Spirit Soldier (R)
Whenever another nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, bolster 1.
2/2
Not for token decks sure. But she works well with persist. Buffs your weenies. Provides synergy for spirit or soldier tribal decks.
I wonder why they went through the whole rigamarole of Exiling Lili and then bringing her back transformed, rather than just transforming her. I guess it's a bit more flavorful, as if she went on a journey or pilgrimage and came back... but it seems a bit odd.
Pretty sure they did that so she can enter the battlefield with Loyalty counters. If she transforms any other way (like Moonmist mentioned above) she will immediately die from no counters.
This could easily have been addressed in rules text though, as there is no current precedent for transforming into walkers. Still, it does make it easier on the rules, and it's a flavor win, so I'll take it.
Since I'm on a Vorthos kick right now anyway, how about we direct the conversation about Liliana, Heretical Healer towards how absolutely amazing the flavor on that card is? Just like Feldon of the Third Path, the entire card tells its story masterfully and only through its mechanics. I really love the card for that reason.
I'll back that up, though I guess that the whole "Try to bring back someone that matters" bit is a bit easier to convey mechanically than many other themes.
Anafenza, Spirit of the Family Tree WW
Legendary Creature - Spirit Soldier (R)
Whenever another nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, bolster 1.
2/2
Not for token decks sure. But she works well with persist. Buffs your weenies. Provides synergy for spirit or soldier tribal decks.
Still good for token decks. Having a Lord in the command zone isn't bad at all. I like your point for persist, but in that case I think I'd run as one of 99, as many great persist cards are off white. Cauldron of Souls may be a very nice add into an Anafenza deck.
Anafenza, Spirit of the Family Tree WW
Legendary Creature - Spirit Soldier (R)
Whenever another nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, bolster 1.
2/2
Not for token decks sure. But she works well with persist. Buffs your weenies. Provides synergy for spirit or soldier tribal decks.
I think she works better as one of the 99 in a blink type deck. Blinking a bunch of creatures with strong ETB effects while buffing your current creatures.
@ Mrdown2urth and bobthefunny: Because paying respect to ones ancestor or seeking guidance from your ancestors or to honor your ancestors is consdiered by the Dromoka Brood... heretical. It goes against the view that was set by Dromoka herself. As to have anything to do with your ancestors can be seen as a form of necromancy and Dromoka herself hates necromancy with a passion.
In fact, this a very common thing for GW to do.
With an ally color pair, there's always an easy answer. What does the shared enemy do? Black has the audacity to value the individual over the group. Black makes decisions that help itself at the sake of its own community. Black undermines the group. Black thrives at the expense of those that helped shape him/her. There is nothing more reprehensible to GW.
It is this disgust that drives GW to wipe out any and all traces of individuality. It is fundamental for the health of the group for each member to prioritize the group's welfare. Any trace of wavering is met with punishment, but punishment designed to teach the perpetrator the error of his or her ways. This is tough love as GW always seeks to bring everyone back into the fold.
I wonder that as well. Who was torturing her and why?
Most likely Dromoka the ethnic cleanser, who tricked the Abzan to abandon their ancestors then took over them and permanently banned any form of ancestry worshiping.
That is a common technique used by colonists and other conquers; removing a person's past, culture, history, scholars, any worthy deeds, so the newer generation has no choice but to go with the dominator's culture. Native American, African American, and countless cultures were destroyed thus.
Did they post this background info already? Did I just miss it?
Yep you missed it. It came from FRF in fact. In which before Dromoka is willing to take in the former Abazan, she feels it just and right to purge them of their necromantic ties.
I think people are underestimating how annoying it is to have to have something happen in order to turn your general on. Right now people are saying "Oh, things ALWAYS die in black," but the problem is two-fold. First, when she's on the field, people will either kill her first or be aware that if they kill one of your other dudes, she'll flip. She won't survive a Wrath (which is a big + of the current planeswalker-commanders). Secondly, the utility of generals rises when you're playing off the top, and when you're playing of the top your general suddenly becomes a 2/3 for 3. She can only be immediately activated on your own turn, the +2 is going to hit your opponent's worst cards (aka extra lands) and not protect her at all, and again, what nonlegendary things that cost 5 or less does black really want to come back? The best I've heard so far is going through a ton of hoops to -3 a Fleshbag Marauder, but black really wants to be reanimating things like a fast Sheoldred, Geth, Grave Titan, Massacre Wurm, Scion of Darkness, and Ink-Eyes. Half of these cards are legendary, a third of them cost 6 (aka needing 3 activations without anyone even scratching her), and Scion costs enough mana that you'd rather go for ult.
How much of an impact have you seen Ob Nixilis making? New Lili has a far worse -, a slightly better + (though if you care about lifelink so much, maybe you'll consider it worse), and both have game-winning ults. Sure, Ob Nix may cost 2 more, but you also don't have to go through hoops just to get him to be relevant. People are underestimating how annoying it's going to be to not have instant access to their general w/o some kind of special setup (regardless of how "easy" people think it is).
First, green suddenly has planeswalker removal in the form of Moonmist, comical.
Second, each planeswalker has a different condition on how they transform.
Gideon's spark ignited when he killed a much stronger opponent. The impossibility of his survival seemed so overwhelming that as Gideon tried to reconcile what he found, he achieved momentary enlightenment, a perfect perception of the entire multiverse, and slipped into the Blind Eternities. When he arrived in another world his sense of clarity quickly faded, and he returned to tell his teacher what had happened. His teacher revealed that he had been expecting it, having only ever seen one hieromancer as powerful as Gideon, the man who had taught him. He passed the sural onto Gideon that day, and Gideon left to try and find enlightenment once more.
Third, a dedicated sacrifice/reanimator deck is not hard to pull off like you make it sound when concerning Sacrifice Outlets or S.Os. I will give you a list of what you could include to make it a better deck around Liliana.
I didn't go through all the artifacts. There is still all the creatures and the enchantments that act as S'Os. My point is that its not as bad as you are making it out to be.
Fifth, these are the first legendwalkers that get the full benefits of Opal Palace without having to jump through hoops to make them creatures.
I addressed this in an earlier post, but I'll address it again; so you're running 15+ sac outlets for what kind of payoff? What's your end goal in this deck - to recur 2/3 CMC dudes and hope you somehow get there? You're running approximately enough sac outlets to turn off most of if not all your draws, and you expect that flipping Liliana gets you to your endgame somehow? The point is you're wasting a ton of work and slots just to get your planeswalker active, and once your planeswalker is active it doesn't do much of anything anyway. This would be circumvented if flipped Liliana was truly powerful (aka something like -3: reanimate target creature from your GY (no restriction) or -X: reanimate target creature from any graveyard CMC X), but you're just going through so many hoops to make it so your deck doesn't even do anything particularly broken or game-winning.
This is the overall issue; you're going through a lot of work to make this creature flip (in terms of deck composition), and the payoff is almost nonexistent.
This is the main problem with lili as a commander - she doesn't do anything that can be done better. It's impossible to argue she's good in the command zone. You may like the novelty or her effects, but she's not good.
[EDH] It's built to be a casual format and to a specific vision, and if you don't like the vision, there's nothing wrong with that, but it's not going to change to accommodate everyone. Big tent is not a goal.
It's actually a very flavorful way to complete the cycle with Dragonlord Ojutai and Dragonlord Dromoka. The other three dragonlords are extremely oppressive, dominating forces. The dragons and humanoids under them exist to serve them. On the other hand, here are the two white dragons. Dromoka promotes support and community, with everyone protecting everyone else under his rule. Ojutai serves as the wise master of his clan and brood, promoting knowledge and learning among his followers.
EDIT: Since I'm on a Vorthos kick right now anyway, how about we direct the conversation about Liliana, Heretical Healer towards how absolutely amazing the flavor on that card is? Just like Feldon of the Third Path, the entire card tells its story masterfully and only through its mechanics. I really love the card for that reason.
You're completely wrong; the least oppressive of the dragons is Kolaghan. The Mardu simply follow her brood into battle without having to really serve them in any other way. Dromoka completely changed the Abzan's culture before agreeing to their surrender and Anafenza's flavor text indicates those who disobey her laws are tortured and killed, while Ojutai keeps a cult of personality around himself and misleads his subjects.
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Nicol Bolas, a balance of Vorthos and PowerUBR
Nath of the Gilt LeafBG
Others
Squee, Goblin of AwesomenessR
Nekusar, the Mindblazer!UBR
Vela the NightcladUB
I used to be a world champion, but then I took a wolf to the knee. And three Galvanic Blasts to the face.
Concerning when returning to Kamigawa would be acceptable
You may want to add not that you must run that many. Black is also home to tutors so it doesn't need to run as many sacrifice outlets.
and my response to that is:
Finally I leave the following.
For others though, they will enjoy being able to play a legend that flips into a walker. This is also the same crowd that wanted and liked the C14 product because of the ability to have a walker as a your general. Lets also not forget about how their was detractors for that as well that just bemoaned and complained about walkers getting to be in the command zone.
all in all... its just a bunch of people making a mountain out of a plains.
She doesn't DO anything. She is completely and utterly underwhelming, and it's a damn shame because all of the other iterations of Lilana have at the very least been interesting.
The reprint will likely increase the price, if the last MM was anything to go by. Which makes the reserved list seem silly if reprints actually increase price.
WHOA hold on. Exploration dropped in price a good amount. Prior to MM1 Exploration at my shop was around 15 bucks. now its 6-8
Same wit Tarmagoyf. It was over 100 dollars and after the print, it was like 95. (although for both, it was the reprint that was cheaper)
UB Vela the Night-Clad BUDecklist
WBG Ghave, Guru of Spores GBW
WUBRGThe Ur-DragonWUBRGDecklist
And the reason cards went up in price when MM1 came out is because that's when the playerbase of Modern started exploding and the demand of the staples went up. That's certainly not going to happen again, but I don't imagine the prices will go down either considering how limited the availability is. Ten bucks for a pack and the limited run of the packs means Goyf and the like won't be getting much more common at all.
Gee its like people complain and bemoan cards. Thanks for reaffirming my point that I did make. Daretti and Nahiri are the only ones seen as top end commandwalkers. Did you know that? Did you know that the remainder are seen as low-power and not worth being run as commanders? Yet nothing is stopping an individual from having a fun time in running Freyalise or a different general. People honestly have unrealistic expectations and the silliest of notions to expect EVERY single legend and walker to always be of high power.
It can't be simply "Does it look fun?"
It always seems to be "How broken can I make it?"
That infuriates me as it proves my point again. Nobody it seems can just simply enjoy something it always has to be how broken it is. Why does anyone play Chainer? Do they even enjoy play Chainer? Is it a chore for them? Why bother playing it then if your not playing something you as an individual enjoy. I personally enjoy playing Dong Zhou, the Tyrant as an EDH deck. Is he top shelf? Nope. Then why? Because I enjoy piloting the deck and with the people I play with for a enjoyable social environment. I have tried Norin the Wary for instance and I don't find it to be... my cup of tea to say the least.
All anyone wants to do it seems is try and find any way to make a mountain out of a plains. Sure Chainer is Tier 1 in comparison to Liliana who is Tier 2. She also doesn't make a big a splash on the board as Chainer. Do you have a point beyond that?
EDH:
G[cEDH] Selvala, Heart of the StormG
URW[cEDH] Narset, the Last AirmericanURW
GWUSt. Jenara, the ArchangelGWU
UBGrimgrin, Chaos MarineUB
GOmnath, Mana BaronG
URWNarset, Justice League AmericaURW
GWUBAtraxa, Countess of CountersGWUB
GWUEstrid, Enbantress PrimeGWU
I don't think it's too unlikely for a 2nd explosion of modern masters players. The format has a lot of appeal over standard, and the MM drafts that take place will probably bring new players into the fold.
EDIT: and Tarmogoyf did go up after MM. Just check its price history.
http://www.mtggoldfish.com/price/Future Sight/Tarmogoyf#paper
EDIT: Since I'm on a Vorthos kick right now anyway, how about we direct the conversation about Liliana, Heretical Healer towards how absolutely amazing the flavor on that card is? Just like Feldon of the Third Path, the entire card tells its story masterfully and only through its mechanics. I really love the card for that reason.
Yes, that's what I said. ALL staples went up after MM, because the playerbase of Modern as a format went up tenfold at least, and because SCG and a couple other retailers heavily manipulated prices. That's not going to happen again because Modern isn't new anymore. The people interested in Modern are already interested in it, and likewise for the reverse. The set being drafted is unlikely to get more people to make Modern constructed decks.
I disagree, because the playerbase hasn't become static over the past 2 years. New players have entered the game, and those new players may be attracted to Modern.
Anafenza, Spirit of the Family Tree WW
Legendary Creature - Spirit Soldier (R)
Whenever another nontoken creature enters the battlefield under your control, bolster 1.
2/2
Not for token decks sure. But she works well with persist. Buffs your weenies. Provides synergy for spirit or soldier tribal decks.
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StaffI'll back that up, though I guess that the whole "Try to bring back someone that matters" bit is a bit easier to convey mechanically than many other themes.
Still good for token decks. Having a Lord in the command zone isn't bad at all. I like your point for persist, but in that case I think I'd run as one of 99, as many great persist cards are off white. Cauldron of Souls may be a very nice add into an Anafenza deck.
I wonder how Anafenza died.
Retired EDH - Tibor and Lumia | [PR]Nemata |Ramirez dePietro | [C]Edric | Riku | Jenara | Lazav | Heliod | Daxos | Roon | Kozilek
(U/B)(U/B)(U/B) JUMP IN THE LINE, ROCK YOUR BODY IN TIME
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W) RISING FROM THE NEON GLOOM, SHINING LIKE A CRAZY MOON
(U/R)(R/G)(G/U) STEALIN' WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUYIN'
I think she works better as one of the 99 in a blink type deck. Blinking a bunch of creatures with strong ETB effects while buffing your current creatures.
In fact, this a very common thing for GW to do.
With an ally color pair, there's always an easy answer. What does the shared enemy do? Black has the audacity to value the individual over the group. Black makes decisions that help itself at the sake of its own community. Black undermines the group. Black thrives at the expense of those that helped shape him/her. There is nothing more reprehensible to GW.
It is this disgust that drives GW to wipe out any and all traces of individuality. It is fundamental for the health of the group for each member to prioritize the group's welfare. Any trace of wavering is met with punishment, but punishment designed to teach the perpetrator the error of his or her ways. This is tough love as GW always seeks to bring everyone back into the fold.
Most likely Dromoka the ethnic cleanser, who tricked the Abzan to abandon their ancestors then took over them and permanently banned any form of ancestry worshiping.
That is a common technique used by colonists and other conquers; removing a person's past, culture, history, scholars, any worthy deeds, so the newer generation has no choice but to go with the dominator's culture. Native American, African American, and countless cultures were destroyed thus.
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
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Staff(U/B)(U/B)(U/B) JUMP IN THE LINE, ROCK YOUR BODY IN TIME
(R/W)(R/W)(R/W) RISING FROM THE NEON GLOOM, SHINING LIKE A CRAZY MOON
(U/R)(R/G)(G/U) STEALIN' WHEN I SHOULD HAVE BEEN BUYIN'
Yep you missed it. It came from FRF in fact. In which before Dromoka is willing to take in the former Abazan, she feels it just and right to purge them of their necromantic ties.
article here: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/uncharted-realms/no-end-and-no-beginning-2015-02-11
This is the main problem with lili as a commander - she doesn't do anything that can be done better. It's impossible to argue she's good in the command zone. You may like the novelty or her effects, but she's not good.
You're completely wrong; the least oppressive of the dragons is Kolaghan. The Mardu simply follow her brood into battle without having to really serve them in any other way. Dromoka completely changed the Abzan's culture before agreeing to their surrender and Anafenza's flavor text indicates those who disobey her laws are tortured and killed, while Ojutai keeps a cult of personality around himself and misleads his subjects.