Ultimate Masters is about 1/2 spoiled so far, and already I am seeing some interesting rarity shifts that may make a splash in Pauper. Let me know if you think these cards will see play, or if you are planning on using any of these, and where. I will be watching the remaining spoilers for further interesting rarity shifts. If you see any others that warrant mentioning please let us know.
1. Slum Reaper (downgraded to common) will be a staple in many black decks. The sacrifice will be extremely useful against Hexproof creatures and other Voltron strategies. The lack of board wipes leaves chump blockers around, however being a recurrable creature and a solid 4/2 body makes this card a very good choice for black decks. I do not play any of the edicts at the current moment, but am already looking for a slot in my Jund Token deck for this card.
2. Resurrection (downgraded to common) is another reaminmation effect of the few that put creatures directly to play. These effects are great with large creatures that cycle (Jungle Weaver) as well as just getting back larger finishers late game. See also Breath of Life and False Defeat. I will be playing this in Renegade Rallier.
3. Angel of Despair (downgraded to uncommon) brings a powerful control commander to the table. Being a 5/5 Flyer can take control of a game by itself. The ETB Vindicate is great for controlling the board with blink effects and the above mentioned Resurrection and Breath of Life. While it may be a linear strategy, it is no doubt a powerful effect in Pauper. Even at 7 mana, BW has enough creature manipulation to avoid commander tax after the first casting if you so choose. With only a few auras or equipment to boost power to 7, its an easy 3 turn clock with relevant evasion and clears it's own path of flying blockers.
4. Fire//Ice (downgraded to common) is a very solid effect. Able to split 2 damage at instant speed, or tap any permanent and cantrip. I expect to see this pop up in spellslinger decks across the board. Not sure if it will make the cut in my Gelectrode deck, as I am favoring Jilt in that flex slot. I may have a small burn spell I can take out for testing Fire//Ice's flexibility and power.
5. Original Ravnica Guildmages downgraded to common. Many of these can be strong players in the 99, where they may have been underwhelming as a commander.
Turns out only Dimir Guildmage got a reprint, solid card, but I was hoping for a few more as well.
Lotus-Eye Mystics are a more aggressive Auramancer, which is always helpful. The additional power and prowess are easily worth 1.
Skyspear Cavalry doublestrike flyers are good in white with equipment. May try this one out to see if I can get it suited up with a Bonesplitter. It is a very efficient flyer in white even without any power boost.
Angel of Despair is also a pretty cool downgrade for a commander. Could take the helm of a nice Orzhov control deck, being both removal for any permanent and a solid finisher. Also, blink effects!
1. Slum Reaper (downgraded to common) will be a staple in many black decks. The sacrifice will be extremely useful against Hexproof creatures and other Voltron strategies. The lack of board wipes leaves chump blockers around, however being a recurrable creature and a solid 4/2 body makes this card a very good choice for black decks. I do not play any of the edicts at the current moment, but am already looking for a slot in my Jund Token deck for this card.
2. Resurrection (downgraded to common) is another reaminmation effect of the few that put creatures directly to play. These effects are great with large creatures that cycle (Jungle Weaver) as well as just getting back larger finishers late game. See also Breath of Life and False Defeat. I will be playing this in Renegade Rallier.
3. Angel of Despair (downgraded to uncommon) brings a powerful control commander to the table. Being a 5/5 Flyer can take control of a game by itself. The ETB Vindicate is great for controlling the board with blink effects and the above mentioned Resurrection and Breath of Life. While it may be a linear strategy, it is no doubt a powerful effect in Pauper. Even at 7 mana, BW has enough creature manipulation to avoid commander tax after the first casting if you so choose. With only a few auras or equipment to boost power to 7, its an easy 3 turn clock with relevant evasion and clears it's own path of flying blockers.
4. Fire//Ice (downgraded to common) is a very solid effect. Able to split 2 damage at instant speed, or tap any permanent and cantrip. I expect to see this pop up in spellslinger decks across the board. Not sure if it will make the cut in my Gelectrode deck, as I am favoring Jilt in that flex slot. I may have a small burn spell I can take out for testing Fire//Ice's flexibility and power.
5. Original Ravnica Guildmages downgraded to common. Many of these can be strong players in the 99, where they may have been underwhelming as a commander.
Lotus-Eye Mystics are a more aggressive Auramancer, which is always helpful. The additional power and prowess are easily worth 1.
Skyspear Cavalry doublestrike flyers are good in white with equipment. May try this one out to see if I can get it suited up with a Bonesplitter. It is a very efficient flyer in white even without any power boost.
Angel of Despair is also a pretty cool downgrade for a commander. Could take the helm of a nice Orzhov control deck, being both removal for any permanent and a solid finisher. Also, blink effects!
Foil will be making my blue lists from now on...
Tethmos High Priest is going to generate a ton of value for white decks.
Reckless Wurm is a pretty powerful card in regular Pauper. Is there any place for it in PDH?
UGTurboFogGU
BRSacrificial AggroBR
16The Paper Pauper Battle Bag16
EDH
BRRakdos, Lord of PingersBR
GTitania, Protector of ArgothG
UB Ramses OverdarkUB
Sig by Ace5301 of Ace of Spades Studio