After laughing to myself about Sensei Rob's pic above, I made all these trophies for the last 8 or so CSM's (two messages because I reached upload size)...interestingly only two of the decks ran blue, DrPringles' Hermit/Angel Combo deck, and only there as a supporting color to protect the combo from opposing countermagic; Sensei's U/G midrange deck is really the only true U deck to do well in the last 8 tournaments. Hmmm...I won't go into my tirade again, but I think this continues to lend greater support to an ongoing argument. I've recorded a decent bit of this last CSM here: 4CBlood 2SEP17 CSM. Enjoy folks and take it easy.
From what I've seen of spoilers, not all that much :/
There are some interesting hate cards though:
Ashes of the Abhorrent is at least interesting, essentially blanking the RDW deck that's currently gotten even better due to rotation, ie this crushes embalm and gives a second SB card against that deck that is quite relevant. However, there are myriad better options against graveyards and this card is outshined in eternal formats where cards like Yixlid Jailer long ago lost their luster. Sentinel Totem is another hate card that I feel is going to fall far short in the same arena as it does not cycle for a card, but offers a scry and to it's benefit over cards like relic of progenitus, it is usable on T1...this is still a far cry from tormod's crypt and grafdigger's cage though.
I think there are better cards than these available at the CMC, but Rowdy Crew and Bishop of Rebirth are both playable...just very slow. In RDW Rowdy Crew is a 5/5 most likely for 4 mana, it's a far cry better than Balduvian Horde as you actually stay at card parity, but are also capable of just missing with it and having a 3/3 for 4 mana (ie hill giant)...this card will not see a lot of play, but it might be tried. Bishop of Rebirth is a great card; however, in the deck that wants it (WW), it's a bit too much mana, in a deck running Ravages of War and Armageddon, this beauty will be a poor top deck post geddon, and should likely be avoided...it is a step up from Order of Whiteclay though.
Settle the Wreckage is a powerful card; however, the deck that want's this needs to be proactive. This card is complete garbage in a reactive deck, because of the overwhelming card advantage you're giving your opponent and the virtual advantage you're giving them on their top deck (this could be rendered moot if however you knew your opponent was not running basics or could only get 1 or so basics). I actually think this card needs to be used in aggressive or midrange (more aggressive) decks, where you can punish an opponent on the back swing. In a lot of ways this card will be similar to Path to Exile, where I tend to save this card unless completely necessary until T5-6 for their biggest threat, ie Primeval Titan or something dumb, because between T1-4, I'm likely just ramping my opponent into something better.
I think Kinjalli's Sunwing is actually a very strong card for WW or D&T (in 100cs not legacy :/), this card randomly stops splinter twin combos, and serves a very important timewalk role (removes a blocker) in the G/x matchup, that this critter also flies is not irrelevant as the WW mirror and G/x matchup are often determined by first strike, flying (or any evasion, shadow, etc), and protection mechanics. So, it's a fair sized, evasive body, with a relevant ability at an equitable price...can't say enough how much thalia, heretic cathar or imposing sovereign have bought me time to win with D&T...this card will offer more of the same. Shout out to Tocatli Honor Guard, but I'm not in the market for white cards with 1 power (alright there's a few: Mother of Runes, Weathered Wayfarer, Benevolent Bodyguard, etc), but this card is randomly hateful in the twin matchup...I guess, but plays second fiddle to Hushwing Gryff which again has flying, making it great vs the mirror or G/x, and actually brings a clock with it.
Ruin Raider is a fine card, but it's likely just going to cycle itself post combat, as it's a lightning rod, and frankly it's in a weird place, if it were white I'd say the card is great, but I think there's a lot better things to be doing in 100c in the B color pie (and the G cards that pair well with B) on 3 mana, I mean I could just play 2xliliana's here and--those are definitely better cards. I don't see this card ruining the superiority of Dark Confidant, but we'll see.
Ripjaw Raptor is a fine card too, but really just equates to a 4/5 unblockable, until it runs into a bigger threat and then it just cycles. but a 4/5 body for 4 isn't shabby, the double G color pie does take away from its allure a bit, but not much as this card is likely to see the most play in monoG style strategies where drawing into more cards is always a tough commodity to find and stapling it to a card that beats the opposition to death is not a bad deal. I don't think this will see a ton of play though as it's competing with a lot of PW's, with Polukranos, World Eater, and a bunch of other silly G beasts that beat just as well or better.
Deathgorge Scavenger is also an interesting card (no art available yet, and I couldn't tell the CMC from the art, if it's two then it could be playable as a 3/2 beater than becomes a 4/3 in the midgame, gains you life randomly, and all together is a fine edition in a green deck vs reanimator...it's certainly no scavenging ooze or deathrite shaman (both ubiquitous as the starting cards in most G/x decks for main deck tech against reanimator, but just plain good enough anyway on their own), but it's deece. Walk the Plank is a good card, but the BB CMC is too difficult to justify it over go for the throat or diabolic edict in most decks, although it is likely more powerful than go for the throat, but just far less splashable in G/x where I think these sorts of cards shine to enable you to maintain tempo in besting your opponent with your own efficient critters while removing their relevant ones, etc. This card will very likely see standard constructed play, unless merfolk become a deck in standard (which I doubt looking at the quality of efficient merfolk).
On the whole not a great set so far from my estimation...my favorite card randomly enough is the Sunwing or Settle, but neither of these cards is overpowering in all matchups, they're just fringe good in certain matchups. And, the PW's in this set are garbage, of the two I've seen (shirtless Jace[just bad] and Dinosaur man [I cost one more than I should]) :/
--KB
P.S.--Someone will build a Fleet swallower deck and someone will build a Revel in Riches deck...these will both be about as good as my unified 60 card freeform singleton Barren Glory Deck, which although sweet is no peach (although it's won over half of it's matches because generally they don't suspect why you're just wrecking all of your cards and hand etc)
Yeah the art actually cracked me up on that Judge Promo Variation on Argothian Enchantress...She's so full of life...among many things--as I'm sure was artistically intended--but while simple folk like me are stuck with their attention elsewhere that $%^&$ is drawing all the cards...damn you chauvinism, even magic art isn't excepted
I thought of writing funny text blurbs for each piece of art: for instance has anyone else ever looked close enough at Kamal to notice that he looks like Usama Bin Laden and Abraham Lincoln had a love child and then force fed that beautiful baby boy crystal meth, or that King Whiskers looks like he's secretly pissed off that Hollywood kept him from starring in Thundercats...not to mention playing second fiddle to Ajani, who got to be a PW for Christ's sake...which by the way is only showing us his good side in his promo art (or he just wants to see you [btw I didn't even know he was one eyed until I google stalked him...should have tried that first before online dating, #lifelessons...oops!]). Needless to say, my musings on magic art and its hilarity, at least to me, might dip in to the vastly profane...and are wont to be far more satirical than the general gravitas I think WoTC tries to induce with it (for instance it was no mistake that I cut the blood baron art right...that caged up lady is thinking "not the road cone, Rodney" (yeah that's a Hot Rod reference...if you enjoy the absurd as much as I do...well...if not, then definitely don't); by the way, how is this card even half White, this bad ass vampire is locking up humans and conducting foul experiments on them...and my guess is, even if they were the worst of human kind before (the whole Orzhov self righteous, old testament theme), they're not likely to get any nicer if they make it through this one...but if you ever want to feel good about any magic art then check out Brushwagg, this poor son of a #$%^^ looks like someone mashed a fecal ball of cat litter in the refuse of a wicker chair gone wrong; truly my favorite masterpiece.
By the way, you're welcome
--KB
PS-- WoTC is actually releasing a bunch of cool old cards in cool promo art only online to include Stasis and Chains of Mephistopheles, check them out Stasis is actually pretty sweet in the new art...one that got better.
LOL Lowman, I loved your post. I never thought about Brimaz King of Oreskos in that light, and now I don't think that I will be able to "un-see" that (his true intention about Thundercats!)
Protip: If you say "Thundercats, Thundercats, Thundercats" and hold down control when you cast him then your opponent can't kill him on their next turn...next level tech, give it a shot
May I ask what you think of the new Thrun, the Last Troll in Ixalan? He is called "Carnage Tyrant" and he is six mana. He is worse than Thrun, but do you think he is worthy to add to s100 sideboards? The Tyrant is completely bonkers with Swords of X & Y, please take note.
In summary I don't think he will see any play in s100. However people will regret not adding him to the sideboard if they happen to face my Mono Blue Control deck. I have no answer at all to the Tyrant, other than hoping to double-block him with a True-Name Nemesis and another creature and hope that he doesn't have a Sword to equip.
No, I think Carnage Tyrant is bad; this card is a trap...anytime WoTC prints a card with uncounterable on it certain folks ears perk up, because these sort of folks enjoy a heads up game where both players are playing with certainty that what they intend on enacting will happen(and at this point what is the f'ing point we're just running through permutations of a deck and decisions don't matter outside of building the world's most perfect clock and/or hoping to get lucky...). This card is a far cry from Thrun, The Last Troll, if you cast this against my U based control deck, then I'll throw a Baleful Strix under the bus (and take 6), Diabolic Edict it, Day of Judgement it, Elspeth, Sun's Champion down tick it, Council's Judgement it...etc, etc. Wait none of these cards are even U...the issue with cards like this are that they give players a false hope by treating a symptom of a greater problem vs decks that utilize U as a supporting control color for permission (in U decks you're more often using counter magic to stop the threats you can't 2-1 your opponent on, ie PWs and non-critter spells). You beat U and control style decks in two ways, one presenting permanents that they have to utilize card advantage cards like Wrath of God on a one for one basis against (or Oblivion Ring on a PW threat) (this is crucial in these matchups, if you do it right you can force U/W/B players to play a 4-6 mana spell to take out 1-2 cards, which surprise generally means your crap will resolve next turn [just put 1-2 more down though, sometimes wraths run in packs{like f'ing siege rhinos man}]), and secondly by being more efficient and getting under their curve with presentation of relevant threats (for instance Tarmogoyf or Grim Flayer, if either is left long enough it will win the game rapidly). By the time this guy is smelling the coffee, Thrun has already cranked your opponent for 8 life, by the time it's attacking he's coming in for 12 life and new kid on the block doesn't even have wrath insurance like Thrun does (well some of them).
Guess I'd harken your attention back to the RDW vs MonoU deck matchup we played a while ago when you were concerned about your ML matchup, ie RDW. If I cast a turn 1 goblin guide or jackal pup, I'm infinitely better off than if I cast a T5-6 carnage tyrant, especially if my opponent's only reliable means of dealing with my permanents is one for one permission or bounce. Efficiency is king, especially as you look at how you solely beat permission. For instance we played a game in the RDW vs MonoU matchup, where I got you to 1-2 life and was on like 1 card in hand, to your 5-6 cards in hand, while both of us were on a large mana situation, let's say 7-8 lands a piece. In this 14-15 turn game, I had the luxury of forcing your mono U deck to always keep its mana up and never land a threat of your own, because the moment you tapped out for a Jace, The Mind sculptor or a Consecrated Sphinx I could send 2-3 burn spells that cost 1-2 mana at your face which you'd have to counter at an exchange rate of 2-3 mana and would be unable to in a situation given equitable mana. In this way, I was eventually able to get to 8 cards in hand, and then utilizing my own ability to cast more cards in a turn force a gamestate where 1. you were unable to play threats and 2. unable to present the volume of answers required due to my deck's higher efficiency at an overwhelming cost to card economy. One can always hope a player will throw resources in piecemeal and allow their opposition to deal with them one by one, but if the opposition is apt they'll present overwhelming force at the right point in time to exploit any given weakness of your deck, archetype, specific build, playstyle whatever...Carnage Tyrant is a prime example of a trap that forgets these notions and comforts it's user in rules text that is irrelevant on T6, because you should have already won the game by that point, if all your opponent is doing is countering spells...people play these cards because they like the feeling they give them, not because they're good I guess is my point...and that beating control takes pretty much no 6 drop ever printed, because it's just not the best way to do it Not to mention I've only played five 6 drops (or larger) in all of the CSM's I've played in (not to include X spells): Elsepth, Sun's Champion; Torrential Gearhulk, Karn Liberated; Primeval Titan; and Sun Titan...I suppose you could also claim Griselbrand, Emrakul, The Aeons Torn, and Protean Hulk but these were in a deck that could not reasonably cast them, even then I had generally many ways of cheating them into play...that aside, this card is nowhere near any of those sixes which all break the game in horrible, horrible ways.
Oh, and you know what else carries a sword better, your 1 drop, your 2 drop, your 3 drop, and your 4 drop Follow the curve to 5 it's the magic of the swords, keep them busy with the early nonsense and keep their mana tied up and bash with a hasty 2 power attack on T5 that has it's own backbreaking effects in addition to the added damage, etc.
This card might interest ramp style decks, but I'm really not impressed by it...but, to be fair, I'm also not much of a ramp player...I tend to think that spending 2-3 non-interactive cards (in a single game) that solely increase your mana count puts you in a horrible spot vs interactive decks...so in a lot of ways you're again playing the perfect clock, luck factor and hoping to knock your top deck into what you need. Not really my thing, sometimes it's utterly unbeatable, other times it piece meals into the jaws of answers, because on decks like this you really can't afford to wait on your haymakers because they're not more efficient than the answers of the control player (ie they don't have this option like RDW)...this could put enough equity in the card if you were playing this style of deck...but I think I'd just go for Gaea's Revenge, it's only The Abyss without trample, but then you shouldn't be expecting critters if you're playing these cards in the first place.
Hope this helps or is at least amusing Take it easy homie.
ML recently charged me with an objective, after vehement disagreement about the direction of the 100c format and its banned listing: to develop a council, similar to German or Canadian Highlander, of voting members who would maintain the ban listing as well as a watch list, which would be used as a tool to ban cards in following meetings of the council; cards that were either introduced through new set development or old cards which see repeated abusiveness in the format. The council would convene to discuss these matters through text chat on mtgo @ #100cCouncil on a biannual basis (June and December exact times to be set by council through coordination with other members) with updates to both the banned list and the watch list, requiring a majority vote for a ban or unban from all voting members (or inclusion on the watch list). There would be 7 voting members on this council to ensure that votes were definitive in nature, but with a majority always achieved. All voting members would be required to vote on any card presented for a vote. Any card that would be removed from the banned list would automatically be on the watch list until the following meeting of the council, meaning that these cards unbanned would be automatically open to rebanning upon the council convening in the subsequent biannual session or for emergency purposes if the format were to grow too unhealthy. Upon determination of this council's members, there would be immediate voting on the current ban list and a nomination of the watch list with effects taking place in the next tournament structure the week following the voting session and dissemination of the council's decision.
The process is simple and would likely require about 1hr to 1.5hrs of time from the voting council on an annual basis. The difficulty in this method comes with the selection of the voting council. Our numbers are small, but they are greater than 7. I've spoken with another player in regards to this matter and feel that this is should not be left to voting, but should instead be chosen by the amount a player plays in the format, their general support for the community, and lastly how often they win in this format. The last is likely to be controversial, but I would offer that although we learn less in victory, we show more knowledge when we are able to achieve it over our opposition, and at the end of the day what I think the format needs is those players that care most about it and have displayed the most knowledge of it to enable it to continue to persevere and grow.
I believe the council should consist of the following players:
1. The_Sensei: He likely has more play experience in the format than all current players combined and has been a part of the community for close to a decade or possibly more, regardless he's a solid player of the game in multiple different formats and a steadfast community member.
2. Rob_Zdar: Rob is a sharp player, deck builder, and someone who I genuinely believe has the ability to be objective about power level and fairness in this format given his long play experience.
3. Michelle_Wong: Michelle has been a steadfast member of the community for a long time, she has shown diversity in her building capability, and shown strong results with multiple different archetypes.
4. ML_Berlin: He's the man that's kept this format alive despite the format losing its filter on mtgo--without him we wouldn't have this semi-sanctioned ability to play it electronically. Although he and I disagree to a large extent on what is fair and what is not, I value his opinions because I'm only human and prone like all humans to think my ideas are the best, but luckily not quite dumb enough to always believe I'm right.
5. Stsung: She is a player who is the most arguable member on my listing of players, due to her limited participation in the event; however, what she lacks in continuous participation I feel she makes up for in experience and also victory when attended (she did win our largest event of last year or the Christmas Extravaganza), has written numerous articles and made video content in support of the format, community and to educate others on this format, and has numerous years of playing German Highlander to several T8 finishes, which is a format not vastly different from our own.
6. dawts: If he'd care to vote, he has been a highly successful player in our format and has shown he knows what it takes to win in the 100c format. I think his views and vote would be value added in growing the format, but preserving a fair environment for players.
7. lowman02: I'm not a politician at heart, so it's weird to say good things about myself, but I can win in this format, or at least numbers have shown this and I feel like I can remain objective about the format...and hell, I care about it quite a bit too and would like to see it grow...I know at least 3-4 of the newest players we have began watching my silly videos that all of about 10-12 folks watch, but it did also help grow this format a bit. I think I could be value added in this process.
I would ask if anyone does not consent to those I've recommended come forward and recommend another, but I think all of these folks are worthy of the charge, if they accept, I expect that we'll have 1-2 folks that would prefer not to vote if that's the case then I'd ask that you let that be known...for instance dawts is a hell of a player, but I'm not sure if he has interest in maintaining the format and may have moved on to other MTGO ventures, etc.
If uncontested in the charge, I could lead the council, all this would equate to is establishing the meeting times and collectivizing the result from all voting members and providing ML the extract to update the front page...nothing more.
Sensei, if possible it'd be nice to know how well my gut led me in listing these players, have I missed other players that have shown continued success in the format and have been a mainstay of the community?...you've been the de facto secretary of the format for a while with the number keeping etc. So if you have some spare time, I'd appreciate how players stack up in regards to volume of play and success in the format if that's possible.
Let me know what you all think. This is the concept that I came up with; if we were to go with it, then the first council would review the entire ban list, ie vote on all the banned cards, and would table any currently unbanned card with a 1/3 minority vote to open the discussion on said card, but then require a majority vote to ban said card that had been tabled.
May I ask what you think of the new Thrun, the Last Troll in Ixalan? He is called "Carnage Tyrant" and he is six mana. He is worse than Thrun, but do you think he is worthy to add to s100 sideboards? The Tyrant is completely bonkers with Swords of X & Y, please take note.
In summary I don't think he will see any play in s100. However people will regret not adding him to the sideboard if they happen to face my Mono Blue Control deck. I have no answer at all to the Tyrant, other than hoping to double-block him with a True-Name Nemesis and another creature and hope that he doesn't have a Sword to equip.
From what I can tell, T-rex may have been a highschool TIG welding experiment gone wrong in all the right ways, but with his baby arms he's probably not as good at carrying a sword...this is exceptionally important as I want to ensure on turn 7 when I equip my 5 drop sword I don't get blown out and waste any mana...efficiency is crucial. Who do you think you are talking crap on old wiener neck McGee, think that duder was in my starter pack in 94...power creep's a #$%#%...However the old Wurm reminds me of my favorite commander (FFA rules) quote of all time: "What do you MFer's really expect me to be doing with Sol Ring...casting Craw Wurms and *****" (what this lacks in good taste or any sense of correctness...is that it's likely the most elegant summary of that format and expectations in it...ever said by a human)
ML recently charged me with an objective, after vehement disagreement about the direction of the 100c format and its banned listing: to develop a council, similar to German or Canadian Highlander, of voting members who would maintain the ban listing as well as a watch list, which would be used as a tool to ban cards in following meetings of the council; cards that were either introduced through new set development or old cards which see repeated abusiveness in the format. The council would convene to discuss these matters through text chat on mtgo @ #100cCouncil on a biannual basis (June and December exact times to be set by council through coordination with other members) with updates to both the banned list and the watch list, requiring a majority vote for a ban or unban from all voting members (or inclusion on the watch list). There would be 7 voting members on this council to ensure that votes were definitive in nature, but with a majority always achieved. All voting members would be required to vote on any card presented for a vote. Any card that would be removed from the banned list would automatically be on the watch list until the following meeting of the council, meaning that these cards unbanned would be automatically open to rebanning upon the council convening in the subsequent biannual session or for emergency purposes if the format were to grow too unhealthy. Upon determination of this council's members, there would be immediate voting on the current ban list and a nomination of the watch list with effects taking place in the next tournament structure the week following the voting session and dissemination of the council's decision.
I would ask if anyone does not consent to those I've recommended come forward and recommend another, but I think all of these folks are worthy of the charge, if they accept, I expect that we'll have 1-2 folks that would prefer not to vote if that's the case then I'd ask that you let that be known...for instance dawts is a hell of a player, but I'm not sure if he has interest in maintaining the format and may have moved on to other MTGO ventures, etc.
If uncontested in the charge, I could lead the council, all this would equate to is establishing the meeting times and collectivizing the result from all voting members and providing ML the extract to update the front page...nothing more.
Sensei, if possible it'd be nice to know how well my gut led me in listing these players, have I missed other players that have shown continued success in the format and have been a mainstay of the community?...you've been the de facto secretary of the format for a while with the number keeping etc. So if you have some spare time, I'd appreciate how players stack up in regards to volume of play and success in the format if that's possible.
--KB
Your proposed council has six of the seven winningest players. I don't have the stats on the seven who has participated in the most events. Of your seven, I agree at least one will be unable or uninterested in participating. In that case, we should extend an invitation to totalhate if he is interested.
I also think the meetings should be a week before/after the Spring and Fall expansion releases.
33 wins, 101 total The_Sensei
15 W/ 49 T seaandrhythm
14 W/ 89 T Michelle_Wong
12 W/ 41 T lowman02
8 W/ 31 T dawts
7 robertZDar
5 ML_Berlin
5 totalhate
I think you would do well to lead the council. My infant son and leading a council would be at odds for my time and energy.
Appreciate it man. Yeah S&R and THate were definately two people I thought about adding onto the list, and if they were interested should be.
Rob (Z),
Not sure if you read this thread or not man, but did you set up a reddit for this format, if so, then please post it at convenience...and I'll likely take a quick look for it too.
All,
Good clean massacre this weekend, the trophy is posted below, if you've never taken a closer look at the new Chandra (second newest really) art then check it out, they did a pretty good job on that one...and the card is a beating...of course. Game play will be uploaded and linked here for your entertainment, edification, or whatever you like: 09 SEP 17 CSM Video
The council thing seems like a more formal version of what we already do. I would be honored to participate!
Yes, I created a subreddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/S100/ I haven't added any posts yet. You are all welcome to! If you want to be mod just let me know.
May I ask your opinion about the most under-played card in our format? (I mean a very powerful card that sees very little play in Saturday's tournaments). It could be because it's too expensive, it could be because it doesn't find a home in one of the popular archetypes, it could be a genuinely under-valued card by the players.
The two most under-represented cards in terms of power level are Hermit Druid and Birthing Pod this is comparative to these two cards central nature in winning decks this season. Despite Hermit Druid claiming a victory in a recent tournament, the card is not often played, maybe 2-3 times this whole season. Birthing Pod is in quite a few decks, but it hasn't been winning as many games as it could...chiefly, I think it has to do with how the decks it's been run in have been built, which are at times conflicted between ramp and true value midrange. Where Pod shines is in a value midrange or value combo based midrange strategy, this is, after all, how it got banned in Modern :). Humility and Moat are two powerful cards that also feel under represented, but the rise of aggressive strategies packing their own PWs has also certainly made their deck (U/W/b) a bit worse an option in the meta. Winter Orb and Black Vise are also high power level cards that don't see a ton of play, the former likely should in more decks, the latter is of dubious quality and highly dependent on when it's played and against what deck you're playing it (it's kind of like Aether Vial for me in this format, ie I don't like it but can't dispute it's power when played T1 etc). Goblin Welder is also a very powerful card for the rate that we don't see very often, if entomb were legal this card would likely see a lot more play though. These are a few that come to mind, why did you think there was something that should see more play?
--KB
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Does anyone have a view as to the most relevant (most likely played) Ixalan card for our chainsaw format?
After laughing to myself about Sensei Rob's pic above, I made all these trophies for the last 8 or so CSM's (two messages because I reached upload size)...interestingly only two of the decks ran blue, DrPringles' Hermit/Angel Combo deck, and only there as a supporting color to protect the combo from opposing countermagic; Sensei's U/G midrange deck is really the only true U deck to do well in the last 8 tournaments. Hmmm...I won't go into my tirade again, but I think this continues to lend greater support to an ongoing argument. I've recorded a decent bit of this last CSM here: 4CBlood 2SEP17 CSM. Enjoy folks and take it easy.
KB
From what I've seen of spoilers, not all that much :/
There are some interesting hate cards though:
Ashes of the Abhorrent is at least interesting, essentially blanking the RDW deck that's currently gotten even better due to rotation, ie this crushes embalm and gives a second SB card against that deck that is quite relevant. However, there are myriad better options against graveyards and this card is outshined in eternal formats where cards like Yixlid Jailer long ago lost their luster. Sentinel Totem is another hate card that I feel is going to fall far short in the same arena as it does not cycle for a card, but offers a scry and to it's benefit over cards like relic of progenitus, it is usable on T1...this is still a far cry from tormod's crypt and grafdigger's cage though.
I think there are better cards than these available at the CMC, but Rowdy Crew and Bishop of Rebirth are both playable...just very slow. In RDW Rowdy Crew is a 5/5 most likely for 4 mana, it's a far cry better than Balduvian Horde as you actually stay at card parity, but are also capable of just missing with it and having a 3/3 for 4 mana (ie hill giant)...this card will not see a lot of play, but it might be tried. Bishop of Rebirth is a great card; however, in the deck that wants it (WW), it's a bit too much mana, in a deck running Ravages of War and Armageddon, this beauty will be a poor top deck post geddon, and should likely be avoided...it is a step up from Order of Whiteclay though.
Settle the Wreckage is a powerful card; however, the deck that want's this needs to be proactive. This card is complete garbage in a reactive deck, because of the overwhelming card advantage you're giving your opponent and the virtual advantage you're giving them on their top deck (this could be rendered moot if however you knew your opponent was not running basics or could only get 1 or so basics). I actually think this card needs to be used in aggressive or midrange (more aggressive) decks, where you can punish an opponent on the back swing. In a lot of ways this card will be similar to Path to Exile, where I tend to save this card unless completely necessary until T5-6 for their biggest threat, ie Primeval Titan or something dumb, because between T1-4, I'm likely just ramping my opponent into something better.
I think Kinjalli's Sunwing is actually a very strong card for WW or D&T (in 100cs not legacy :/), this card randomly stops splinter twin combos, and serves a very important timewalk role (removes a blocker) in the G/x matchup, that this critter also flies is not irrelevant as the WW mirror and G/x matchup are often determined by first strike, flying (or any evasion, shadow, etc), and protection mechanics. So, it's a fair sized, evasive body, with a relevant ability at an equitable price...can't say enough how much thalia, heretic cathar or imposing sovereign have bought me time to win with D&T...this card will offer more of the same. Shout out to Tocatli Honor Guard, but I'm not in the market for white cards with 1 power (alright there's a few: Mother of Runes, Weathered Wayfarer, Benevolent Bodyguard, etc), but this card is randomly hateful in the twin matchup...I guess, but plays second fiddle to Hushwing Gryff which again has flying, making it great vs the mirror or G/x, and actually brings a clock with it.
Ruin Raider is a fine card, but it's likely just going to cycle itself post combat, as it's a lightning rod, and frankly it's in a weird place, if it were white I'd say the card is great, but I think there's a lot better things to be doing in 100c in the B color pie (and the G cards that pair well with B) on 3 mana, I mean I could just play 2xliliana's here and--those are definitely better cards. I don't see this card ruining the superiority of Dark Confidant, but we'll see.
Ripjaw Raptor is a fine card too, but really just equates to a 4/5 unblockable, until it runs into a bigger threat and then it just cycles. but a 4/5 body for 4 isn't shabby, the double G color pie does take away from its allure a bit, but not much as this card is likely to see the most play in monoG style strategies where drawing into more cards is always a tough commodity to find and stapling it to a card that beats the opposition to death is not a bad deal. I don't think this will see a ton of play though as it's competing with a lot of PW's, with Polukranos, World Eater, and a bunch of other silly G beasts that beat just as well or better.
Deathgorge Scavenger is also an interesting card (no art available yet, and I couldn't tell the CMC from the art, if it's two then it could be playable as a 3/2 beater than becomes a 4/3 in the midgame, gains you life randomly, and all together is a fine edition in a green deck vs reanimator...it's certainly no scavenging ooze or deathrite shaman (both ubiquitous as the starting cards in most G/x decks for main deck tech against reanimator, but just plain good enough anyway on their own), but it's deece. Walk the Plank is a good card, but the BB CMC is too difficult to justify it over go for the throat or diabolic edict in most decks, although it is likely more powerful than go for the throat, but just far less splashable in G/x where I think these sorts of cards shine to enable you to maintain tempo in besting your opponent with your own efficient critters while removing their relevant ones, etc. This card will very likely see standard constructed play, unless merfolk become a deck in standard (which I doubt looking at the quality of efficient merfolk).
On the whole not a great set so far from my estimation...my favorite card randomly enough is the Sunwing or Settle, but neither of these cards is overpowering in all matchups, they're just fringe good in certain matchups. And, the PW's in this set are garbage, of the two I've seen (shirtless Jace[just bad] and Dinosaur man [I cost one more than I should]) :/
--KB
P.S.--Someone will build a Fleet swallower deck and someone will build a Revel in Riches deck...these will both be about as good as my unified 60 card freeform singleton Barren Glory Deck, which although sweet is no peach (although it's won over half of it's matches because generally they don't suspect why you're just wrecking all of your cards and hand etc)
Yeah the art actually cracked me up on that Judge Promo Variation on Argothian Enchantress...She's so full of life...among many things--as I'm sure was artistically intended--but while simple folk like me are stuck with their attention elsewhere that $%^&$ is drawing all the cards...damn you chauvinism, even magic art isn't excepted
I thought of writing funny text blurbs for each piece of art: for instance has anyone else ever looked close enough at Kamal to notice that he looks like Usama Bin Laden and Abraham Lincoln had a love child and then force fed that beautiful baby boy crystal meth, or that King Whiskers looks like he's secretly pissed off that Hollywood kept him from starring in Thundercats...not to mention playing second fiddle to Ajani, who got to be a PW for Christ's sake...which by the way is only showing us his good side in his promo art (or he just wants to see you [btw I didn't even know he was one eyed until I google stalked him...should have tried that first before online dating, #lifelessons...oops!]). Needless to say, my musings on magic art and its hilarity, at least to me, might dip in to the vastly profane...and are wont to be far more satirical than the general gravitas I think WoTC tries to induce with it (for instance it was no mistake that I cut the blood baron art right...that caged up lady is thinking "not the road cone, Rodney" (yeah that's a Hot Rod reference...if you enjoy the absurd as much as I do...well...if not, then definitely don't); by the way, how is this card even half White, this bad ass vampire is locking up humans and conducting foul experiments on them...and my guess is, even if they were the worst of human kind before (the whole Orzhov self righteous, old testament theme), they're not likely to get any nicer if they make it through this one...but if you ever want to feel good about any magic art then check out Brushwagg, this poor son of a #$%^^ looks like someone mashed a fecal ball of cat litter in the refuse of a wicker chair gone wrong; truly my favorite masterpiece.
By the way, you're welcome
--KB
PS-- WoTC is actually releasing a bunch of cool old cards in cool promo art only online to include Stasis and Chains of Mephistopheles, check them out Stasis is actually pretty sweet in the new art...one that got better.
Protip: If you say "Thundercats, Thundercats, Thundercats" and hold down control when you cast him then your opponent can't kill him on their next turn...next level tech, give it a shot
KB
May I ask what you think of the new Thrun, the Last Troll in Ixalan? He is called "Carnage Tyrant" and he is six mana. He is worse than Thrun, but do you think he is worthy to add to s100 sideboards? The Tyrant is completely bonkers with Swords of X & Y, please take note.
In summary I don't think he will see any play in s100. However people will regret not adding him to the sideboard if they happen to face my Mono Blue Control deck. I have no answer at all to the Tyrant, other than hoping to double-block him with a True-Name Nemesis and another creature and hope that he doesn't have a Sword to equip.
No, I think Carnage Tyrant is bad; this card is a trap...anytime WoTC prints a card with uncounterable on it certain folks ears perk up, because these sort of folks enjoy a heads up game where both players are playing with certainty that what they intend on enacting will happen(and at this point what is the f'ing point we're just running through permutations of a deck and decisions don't matter outside of building the world's most perfect clock and/or hoping to get lucky...). This card is a far cry from Thrun, The Last Troll, if you cast this against my U based control deck, then I'll throw a Baleful Strix under the bus (and take 6), Diabolic Edict it, Day of Judgement it, Elspeth, Sun's Champion down tick it, Council's Judgement it...etc, etc. Wait none of these cards are even U...the issue with cards like this are that they give players a false hope by treating a symptom of a greater problem vs decks that utilize U as a supporting control color for permission (in U decks you're more often using counter magic to stop the threats you can't 2-1 your opponent on, ie PWs and non-critter spells). You beat U and control style decks in two ways, one presenting permanents that they have to utilize card advantage cards like Wrath of God on a one for one basis against (or Oblivion Ring on a PW threat) (this is crucial in these matchups, if you do it right you can force U/W/B players to play a 4-6 mana spell to take out 1-2 cards, which surprise generally means your crap will resolve next turn [just put 1-2 more down though, sometimes wraths run in packs{like f'ing siege rhinos man}]), and secondly by being more efficient and getting under their curve with presentation of relevant threats (for instance Tarmogoyf or Grim Flayer, if either is left long enough it will win the game rapidly). By the time this guy is smelling the coffee, Thrun has already cranked your opponent for 8 life, by the time it's attacking he's coming in for 12 life and new kid on the block doesn't even have wrath insurance like Thrun does (well some of them).
Guess I'd harken your attention back to the RDW vs MonoU deck matchup we played a while ago when you were concerned about your ML matchup, ie RDW. If I cast a turn 1 goblin guide or jackal pup, I'm infinitely better off than if I cast a T5-6 carnage tyrant, especially if my opponent's only reliable means of dealing with my permanents is one for one permission or bounce. Efficiency is king, especially as you look at how you solely beat permission. For instance we played a game in the RDW vs MonoU matchup, where I got you to 1-2 life and was on like 1 card in hand, to your 5-6 cards in hand, while both of us were on a large mana situation, let's say 7-8 lands a piece. In this 14-15 turn game, I had the luxury of forcing your mono U deck to always keep its mana up and never land a threat of your own, because the moment you tapped out for a Jace, The Mind sculptor or a Consecrated Sphinx I could send 2-3 burn spells that cost 1-2 mana at your face which you'd have to counter at an exchange rate of 2-3 mana and would be unable to in a situation given equitable mana. In this way, I was eventually able to get to 8 cards in hand, and then utilizing my own ability to cast more cards in a turn force a gamestate where 1. you were unable to play threats and 2. unable to present the volume of answers required due to my deck's higher efficiency at an overwhelming cost to card economy. One can always hope a player will throw resources in piecemeal and allow their opposition to deal with them one by one, but if the opposition is apt they'll present overwhelming force at the right point in time to exploit any given weakness of your deck, archetype, specific build, playstyle whatever...Carnage Tyrant is a prime example of a trap that forgets these notions and comforts it's user in rules text that is irrelevant on T6, because you should have already won the game by that point, if all your opponent is doing is countering spells...people play these cards because they like the feeling they give them, not because they're good I guess is my point...and that beating control takes pretty much no 6 drop ever printed, because it's just not the best way to do it Not to mention I've only played five 6 drops (or larger) in all of the CSM's I've played in (not to include X spells): Elsepth, Sun's Champion; Torrential Gearhulk, Karn Liberated; Primeval Titan; and Sun Titan...I suppose you could also claim Griselbrand, Emrakul, The Aeons Torn, and Protean Hulk but these were in a deck that could not reasonably cast them, even then I had generally many ways of cheating them into play...that aside, this card is nowhere near any of those sixes which all break the game in horrible, horrible ways.
Oh, and you know what else carries a sword better, your 1 drop, your 2 drop, your 3 drop, and your 4 drop Follow the curve to 5 it's the magic of the swords, keep them busy with the early nonsense and keep their mana tied up and bash with a hasty 2 power attack on T5 that has it's own backbreaking effects in addition to the added damage, etc.
This card might interest ramp style decks, but I'm really not impressed by it...but, to be fair, I'm also not much of a ramp player...I tend to think that spending 2-3 non-interactive cards (in a single game) that solely increase your mana count puts you in a horrible spot vs interactive decks...so in a lot of ways you're again playing the perfect clock, luck factor and hoping to knock your top deck into what you need. Not really my thing, sometimes it's utterly unbeatable, other times it piece meals into the jaws of answers, because on decks like this you really can't afford to wait on your haymakers because they're not more efficient than the answers of the control player (ie they don't have this option like RDW)...this could put enough equity in the card if you were playing this style of deck...but I think I'd just go for Gaea's Revenge, it's only The Abyss without trample, but then you shouldn't be expecting critters if you're playing these cards in the first place.
Hope this helps or is at least amusing Take it easy homie.
KB
Soon it will be time for me to run my Mono Blue Control Deck again, so that players will rue the day that they rejected the Carnage Tyrant!
I'll play that list anytime with curve based permanent decks, ha
and what the hell is that piece of toast doing in your message
KB
Thanks for your thoughts.
I enjoyed reading your blog about Ixalan cards. Hope you can make it to s100 chainsaw event soon. We need more blue Mages to come
ML recently charged me with an objective, after vehement disagreement about the direction of the 100c format and its banned listing: to develop a council, similar to German or Canadian Highlander, of voting members who would maintain the ban listing as well as a watch list, which would be used as a tool to ban cards in following meetings of the council; cards that were either introduced through new set development or old cards which see repeated abusiveness in the format. The council would convene to discuss these matters through text chat on mtgo @ #100cCouncil on a biannual basis (June and December exact times to be set by council through coordination with other members) with updates to both the banned list and the watch list, requiring a majority vote for a ban or unban from all voting members (or inclusion on the watch list). There would be 7 voting members on this council to ensure that votes were definitive in nature, but with a majority always achieved. All voting members would be required to vote on any card presented for a vote. Any card that would be removed from the banned list would automatically be on the watch list until the following meeting of the council, meaning that these cards unbanned would be automatically open to rebanning upon the council convening in the subsequent biannual session or for emergency purposes if the format were to grow too unhealthy. Upon determination of this council's members, there would be immediate voting on the current ban list and a nomination of the watch list with effects taking place in the next tournament structure the week following the voting session and dissemination of the council's decision.
The process is simple and would likely require about 1hr to 1.5hrs of time from the voting council on an annual basis. The difficulty in this method comes with the selection of the voting council. Our numbers are small, but they are greater than 7. I've spoken with another player in regards to this matter and feel that this is should not be left to voting, but should instead be chosen by the amount a player plays in the format, their general support for the community, and lastly how often they win in this format. The last is likely to be controversial, but I would offer that although we learn less in victory, we show more knowledge when we are able to achieve it over our opposition, and at the end of the day what I think the format needs is those players that care most about it and have displayed the most knowledge of it to enable it to continue to persevere and grow.
I believe the council should consist of the following players:
1. The_Sensei: He likely has more play experience in the format than all current players combined and has been a part of the community for close to a decade or possibly more, regardless he's a solid player of the game in multiple different formats and a steadfast community member.
2. Rob_Zdar: Rob is a sharp player, deck builder, and someone who I genuinely believe has the ability to be objective about power level and fairness in this format given his long play experience.
3. Michelle_Wong: Michelle has been a steadfast member of the community for a long time, she has shown diversity in her building capability, and shown strong results with multiple different archetypes.
4. ML_Berlin: He's the man that's kept this format alive despite the format losing its filter on mtgo--without him we wouldn't have this semi-sanctioned ability to play it electronically. Although he and I disagree to a large extent on what is fair and what is not, I value his opinions because I'm only human and prone like all humans to think my ideas are the best, but luckily not quite dumb enough to always believe I'm right.
5. Stsung: She is a player who is the most arguable member on my listing of players, due to her limited participation in the event; however, what she lacks in continuous participation I feel she makes up for in experience and also victory when attended (she did win our largest event of last year or the Christmas Extravaganza), has written numerous articles and made video content in support of the format, community and to educate others on this format, and has numerous years of playing German Highlander to several T8 finishes, which is a format not vastly different from our own.
6. dawts: If he'd care to vote, he has been a highly successful player in our format and has shown he knows what it takes to win in the 100c format. I think his views and vote would be value added in growing the format, but preserving a fair environment for players.
7. lowman02: I'm not a politician at heart, so it's weird to say good things about myself, but I can win in this format, or at least numbers have shown this and I feel like I can remain objective about the format...and hell, I care about it quite a bit too and would like to see it grow...I know at least 3-4 of the newest players we have began watching my silly videos that all of about 10-12 folks watch, but it did also help grow this format a bit. I think I could be value added in this process.
I would ask if anyone does not consent to those I've recommended come forward and recommend another, but I think all of these folks are worthy of the charge, if they accept, I expect that we'll have 1-2 folks that would prefer not to vote if that's the case then I'd ask that you let that be known...for instance dawts is a hell of a player, but I'm not sure if he has interest in maintaining the format and may have moved on to other MTGO ventures, etc.
If uncontested in the charge, I could lead the council, all this would equate to is establishing the meeting times and collectivizing the result from all voting members and providing ML the extract to update the front page...nothing more.
Sensei, if possible it'd be nice to know how well my gut led me in listing these players, have I missed other players that have shown continued success in the format and have been a mainstay of the community?...you've been the de facto secretary of the format for a while with the number keeping etc. So if you have some spare time, I'd appreciate how players stack up in regards to volume of play and success in the format if that's possible.
Let me know what you all think. This is the concept that I came up with; if we were to go with it, then the first council would review the entire ban list, ie vote on all the banned cards, and would table any currently unbanned card with a 1/3 minority vote to open the discussion on said card, but then require a majority vote to ban said card that had been tabled.
Does this system and do these folks make sense?
Thanks guys.
--KB
From what I can tell, T-rex may have been a highschool TIG welding experiment gone wrong in all the right ways, but with his baby arms he's probably not as good at carrying a sword...this is exceptionally important as I want to ensure on turn 7 when I equip my 5 drop sword I don't get blown out and waste any mana...efficiency is crucial. Who do you think you are talking crap on old wiener neck McGee, think that duder was in my starter pack in 94...power creep's a #$%#%...However the old Wurm reminds me of my favorite commander (FFA rules) quote of all time: "What do you MFer's really expect me to be doing with Sol Ring...casting Craw Wurms and *****" (what this lacks in good taste or any sense of correctness...is that it's likely the most elegant summary of that format and expectations in it...ever said by a human)
--KB
Your proposed council has six of the seven winningest players. I don't have the stats on the seven who has participated in the most events. Of your seven, I agree at least one will be unable or uninterested in participating. In that case, we should extend an invitation to totalhate if he is interested.
I also think the meetings should be a week before/after the Spring and Fall expansion releases.
33 wins, 101 total The_Sensei
15 W/ 49 T seaandrhythm
14 W/ 89 T Michelle_Wong
12 W/ 41 T lowman02
8 W/ 31 T dawts
7 robertZDar
5 ML_Berlin
5 totalhate
I think you would do well to lead the council. My infant son and leading a council would be at odds for my time and energy.
Appreciate it man. Yeah S&R and THate were definately two people I thought about adding onto the list, and if they were interested should be.
Rob (Z),
Not sure if you read this thread or not man, but did you set up a reddit for this format, if so, then please post it at convenience...and I'll likely take a quick look for it too.
All,
Good clean massacre this weekend, the trophy is posted below, if you've never taken a closer look at the new Chandra (second newest really) art then check it out, they did a pretty good job on that one...and the card is a beating...of course. Game play will be uploaded and linked here for your entertainment, edification, or whatever you like: 09 SEP 17 CSM Video
Take it easy everyone
--KB
Yes, I created a subreddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/S100/ I haven't added any posts yet. You are all welcome to! If you want to be mod just let me know.
May I ask your opinion about the most under-played card in our format? (I mean a very powerful card that sees very little play in Saturday's tournaments). It could be because it's too expensive, it could be because it doesn't find a home in one of the popular archetypes, it could be a genuinely under-valued card by the players.
The two most under-represented cards in terms of power level are Hermit Druid and Birthing Pod this is comparative to these two cards central nature in winning decks this season. Despite Hermit Druid claiming a victory in a recent tournament, the card is not often played, maybe 2-3 times this whole season. Birthing Pod is in quite a few decks, but it hasn't been winning as many games as it could...chiefly, I think it has to do with how the decks it's been run in have been built, which are at times conflicted between ramp and true value midrange. Where Pod shines is in a value midrange or value combo based midrange strategy, this is, after all, how it got banned in Modern :). Humility and Moat are two powerful cards that also feel under represented, but the rise of aggressive strategies packing their own PWs has also certainly made their deck (U/W/b) a bit worse an option in the meta. Winter Orb and Black Vise are also high power level cards that don't see a ton of play, the former likely should in more decks, the latter is of dubious quality and highly dependent on when it's played and against what deck you're playing it (it's kind of like Aether Vial for me in this format, ie I don't like it but can't dispute it's power when played T1 etc). Goblin Welder is also a very powerful card for the rate that we don't see very often, if entomb were legal this card would likely see a lot more play though. These are a few that come to mind, why did you think there was something that should see more play?
--KB