In RB, with my larger section, I get to remain a citizen of Value Town and move to Hasty Town as well (I've had an apartment there with Henchfiend of Ukor, and think it's time to upgrade to something better). But Value Town is better.
In 450 I'd want to be aiming to play with 4 card multicoloured sections. It isn't worth filling the emptier colour combinations with 'bad cards' just to have more good cards in one section. At 450 it's probably best to hold off expanding the gold section till at least Gatecrash has been released.
In G/W if I had a 4 card section I'd run Armadillo Cloak, Qasali Pridemage and Travel Preparations as the 3 first auto includes, then in the last space personally I'd choose Centaur Healer. The life gain attached to the on-curve body is so vital for all G/W decks which tend to be midrange where this guy fits best. But either Pale Recluse or Thrill of the Hunt would be acceptable in that slot.
Yeah, that confirms it Value Town is better for B/R than Rakdos Shred-Freak. You guys are right, the value generated by Blightning is huge, as the life loss allow to race whilst gaining C/A at the same time. Much more valuable than just another good 2 drop.
Yeah, that confirms it Value Town is better for B/R than Rakdos Shred-Freak. You guys are right, the value generated by Blightning is huge, as the life loss allow to race whilst gaining C/A at the same time. Much more valuable than just another good 2 drop.
IMO Blightning's better (in this format) than even Terminate. It's a really good card.
To beat a dead horse. Blightning is underated on paper, or by those who haven't played it perfectly timed. I was one of them. You look at it and say "well it is just 2 cards and 3 damage to a PLAYER, it can't kill anything". But the real argument is that it is a vital turning point if you are playing an aggro-ish mirror and you hit them with only 2 cards in hand on like turn 5 or 6. You strip them of probably a value card like Oblivion Ring or a large body they need 1 more turn for. Throw in the damage and you just turned the game around.
So why not just play Mind Rot then if Blightning is so good? Well sometimes it is a 3 mana Lava Spike, and that is just fine, a Mind Rot with no cards to strip sucks.
If you look at the previous posts, I do not recommend that, many cards that are almost universally adopted now were poo'd on or dismissed. It takes time and experience to welcome anything that is not undercosted or an obvious 2-for-1. And Even I don't believe Repeal to be that good, but many think that is blasphemy too.
I have doubts that Speekfreak is that good. However, after prerelease I am sure my tune will change.
The Centaur, as mentioned earlier, I think is just another valuable card that doesn't push the envelope enough. B/R, W/G, and R/G have a lot of superior cards. You have to be so critical with them and truly understand what makes even that final 2% difference better than the others. Sometimes it is taking raw power, other times it is utility, other times it is a unique/valuable effect that no other card can provide at that cost.
The Centaur is taking on Aven Riftsweeper. And despite the Vanishing, Riftsweeper does it just as well in a mono-colored slot.
Epic deck alert. This is our first time seeing what Quirion Ranger's made of and dear lord did it deliver. This deck basically mopped the floor with us. It was a Team Sealed deck, though, so I'm not counting on this repeating itself any time soon. Still, I love the Ranger now.
I'm probably cubing this, though a lot of the value of first strike is lost with unleash. Still, it's a pretty good aggressive creature and a 2/2 first strike if you need defense is fine.
Sorry to sound mean, but I would throw most of them out.
Almost all of them have better counterparts/cards at equal cost.
The only reason I kept the Craghorn was I had a morph theme sprinkled about till I tightened up the list.
How big is your cube, b/c most of that even on a 450 level is terrible.
@Spoiler:
Azorius Arrester - 1W
EtB - Detain a creature
2/1
I am ok with this, however, I think it fails vs. the large amount of Pacifism effects at the same cost. Yes it is one of the few valid 2cc creature topdecks later, however, white usually has some of the best 2cc's - Close but So Far
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Concordia Pegasus - 1W
Flying
1/3
I am actually thinking of testing this. It's +0/+1 on a Storm Crow/Armored Pegasus and that means it can halt most early flying attackers. I doubt it will survive since it has to take on its 2/1 cousin. - Testworthy (Borderline/Cuttable)
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Sunspire Griffin - 1WW
Flying
2/3
Chapel Geist apparently is the white Cloud Spirit. This will probably be seen again in another year or two. 360, not likely. 450, I would. Its stats should show up atleast once in a cube. And my 360 has Chapel Geist and Aven Riftsweeper.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swift Justice - W
Instant
Target creature gets +1/+0, First Strike and Lifelink
I would say better than Borderline. It is not Cube It status, but it does probably get the 2-for-1 value of killing, saving, and regaining (theirs, yours, life respectively). Cubeable.
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Isperia's Skywatch - 5U
Flying
EtB Detain a creature
3/3
I just don't think a 1 turn stop is worth it. So far Detain as a mechanic would only be worth it w/ Blink effects. So maybe a subthemed 360 could use it. But in a 450, you would have to run every Gating, Blink, Raise Dead you could to make this one worth it.
I would say Bad, using 5oulcrushers ranking system.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voidwielder - 4U
EtB bounce a creature
1/4
Well, it is a solid body. But really?!? This should be 3U or 2UU at worst. I want to like this, but I would say to run Aethersnipe first.
Close but So Far a la Lanxal's system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Perilous Shadow - 2BB
1B: +2/+2 until end of turn
0/4
I am interested. It is a shade that can block, cool. But you need mana just to kill something. It is testable. Same way Crypt Ripper is/was. Borderline by every meaning of the word. I am on the fence till I see it in action. But 4cc is a rough area in black.
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Sewer Shambler - 2B
Swampwalk
Scavange - 2B
2/1 Borderline
Terrus Wurm - 6B
Scavange - 6B
5/5 Close but So Far
Black, I feel did not do well on this mechanic. Did not do to well w/ Unleashed either. The first can trade, possibly be unblockable, and will get value. The second is too costly. Yes it is value, but green usually doesn't run 7cc almost anymore. My curve stopped at Twisted Abomination and that thing has so much more going for it. Both need you to make room, always hard. And I feel they will not make you happy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gore-House Chainwalker - 1R
Unleashed
2/1
Cube It, Staple.... that is all.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Splatter Thug - 2R
First Strike
Unleashed
2/2
Cubeable. I think the main debate points are it vs Blood Ogre. Should you run both? This is a debate for usurpation, not one of worth; it is worthy.
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Viashino Racketeer - 2R
EtB you may discard 1 to draw 1
2/1
I like it. It is the red Phyrexian Rager. I like that red discards first then draws for their Looting. I like this. However it is Borderline. We just had Rummaging Goblin and Mad Prophet and most do not like either. I enjoyed the latter. But in the end, you have to know what red should be doing in your cube.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centaur's Herald - G
2G, Sac: Get a 3/3 Centaur token
0/1
This is an Elf if that matters. I like this. It effectively is a blocker that then can push out a body later. It can be a 2GG 3/3 in a pinch. I feel I am wrong though. Close, but so Far. You want your 1cc Green guys to be doing more than waiting to be useful.
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Drudge Beetle - 1G
Scavenge - 5G
2/2
This is a grizzly with value. Is the ability too costly? It probably is. As it stands I will say try it at prerelease and figure it out. Borderline, but will likely not make it.
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Druid's Deliverance - 1G
Instant
Prevent all combat damage to YOU. Populate
Here is the trick, you play this pre-blocking, make a blocker and your creatures and theirs still tango when you will trade or win, and let the others slip past to do nothing. Or "Channel" it and just make another body at EoT.
Bad - Cubeable depending on the validity of Populate in your cube.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horncaller's Chant - 7G
Sorcery
Get a 4/4 Trampling Rhino. Populate.
I say you can't afford it. It is great when you play it, but you never will. Close but so Far
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Korozda Monitor - 2GG
Trample
Scavenge - 3GG
3/3
Cubeable. On par stats, trample, and it will give value later. I will work hard to find room for this one. My pick for best green pauper so far in RtR.
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Rubbleback Rhino - 4G
Hexproof
3/4
We just had Primal Huntbeast. This is 1 more for +0/+1. That sometimes matters. If you already have the Huntbeast, this can be great to reinforce a theme. Plays well with Scavenge and pump. However, play the Huntbeast first. Borderline, but still marginal.
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Stonefare Crocodile - 2G
2B: Lifelink
3/2
This is technically G/B. I love that it is a croc and it can be lifelink. but it should not make the cut in a 3 card G/B, probably not even in a 4 card. I may make my gold 5 b/c I love this so much.
Close but So Far. But to me it is Cubeable.
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Essence Backlash - 2UR
Counter a creature spell. Damage the caster equal to power.
This is nice, however, who is playing a 4 mana Remove Soul? Great compliment to Offering to Asha though. A- for flavor.
Close but So Far
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Hussar Patrol - 2UW
Flash
Vigilance
2/4
This, IMO is worth paying attention to. I say Cubeable. Most will say there are better things to do in UW. But this is a blocker that can swing if the time is right. It survives bolt, and it is a trick. Depends on your needs and size in gold. I will try hard to squeeze this in.
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Frostburn Weird - (u/r)(u/r)
(u/r): +1/-1
1/4
This is the hybrid if you don't like Noggle Bandit. It is a Giant Tortoise, and has Flowstone ability. I like it a ton. Cubeable if you have a hybrid section. Close but so Far if you only have gold.
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Sundering Growth - (w/g)(w/g)
instant
Disenchant, Populate.
Why does WG hybrid suck as an overall in Pauper? Is this better than a creature? I don't know what to say as this only matters if you have a hybrid section IMO.
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Skull Rend - 3BR
Sorcery
Skull Rend deals 2 damage to each opponent. Those players each discard two cards at random.
Blightning is more efficient manawise. If I was increasing my gold section this would be a consideration.. However BR does have Fires of Undeath, Strangling Soot, Terminate, and a couple of bodies besides to consider. Hymn + a Shock to the opponent only feel like it should be 1 less. Close but so Far
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Chemister's Trick - UR
Instant
Target creature you don't control gets -2/-0 until end of turn and attacks this turn if able.
Overload 3UR
Flavorful. But is this what UR needs? It basically sets up an Alpha Strike, or a bunch of deaths it you have board presence. It may be Testworthy. I I just think the use is narrow. Remember Suicidal Charge? This is kind of like that.
Most of the other Gold/Hybrid I did not mention b/c we have things that are already better and there is no controversy really to be made.
The overall:
- White -
Swift Justice is Cubeable
- Blue -
Stealer of Secrets is testworthy/borderline
- Black -
Dead Reveler is borderline,
Perilous Shadow is testable
- Red -
Gore-House Chainwalker is Cube It status.
Splatter Thug is Cubeable Traitorous Instinct is now Pauper
- Green -
Druid's Deliverance is variable
Korozda Monitor is Cubeable
Rubbleback Rhino is Borderline
- Gold -
Goblin Electromancer is Cubeable
Chemister's Trick is unique.
Hussar Patrol is Cubeable/Borderline (I really like it)
Sluiceway Scorpion is Cubeable/Borderline (I really, really like this)
- Hybrid -
Frostburn Weird is contestable vs Noggle Bandit
Rakdos Shred-Freak is probably the better hybrid over Cultbrand Cinder
Sundering Growth... is their a better GW hybrid?
Shouldn't this be valued as a Kor Hookmaster variant instead of a Pacifism variant? For 1 less you get one less toughness and one less turn of free attacking. I'm not saying its better I just think its a more accurate comparison
Hookmaster is a fair comparison, I was looking more at the cost/effect comparison. Goblin Shortcutter is even more accurate.
Detain is a full turn (yours + theirs) timeout. That creature is dead in the water. Hookmaster is 1.5 (yours, theirs, yours again) turns. But that is 2 turns of you attacking. And a 2/1 vs a 2/2 is not that big of a deal, but look at Frost Breath vs Lead Astray. That extra turn usually is enough to be a coffin nail, 1 turn can be played around.
I also don't like that is is on sorcery speed things; it just feels underwhelming.
In red, different story. But this is white, king of the 2cc. Black has some good aggressors, but white has some of the best overall.
Sorry to sound mean, but I would throw most of them out.
Almost all of them have better counterparts/cards at equal cost.
The only reason I kept the Craghorn was I had a morph theme sprinkled about till I tightened up the list.
How big is your cube, b/c most of that even on a 450 level is terrible.
@Spoiler:
Azorius Arrester - 1W
EtB - Detain a creature
2/1
I am ok with this, however, I think it fails vs. the large amount of Pacifism effects at the same cost. Yes it is one of the few valid 2cc creature topdecks later, however, white usually has some of the best 2cc's - Close but So Far
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concordia Pegasus - 1W
Flying
1/3
I am actually thinking of testing this. It's +0/+1 on a Storm Crow/Armored Pegasus and that means it can halt most early flying attackers. I doubt it will survive since it has to take on its 2/1 cousin. - Testworthy (Borderline/Cuttable)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunspire Griffin - 1WW
Flying
2/3
Chapel Geist apparently is the white Cloud Spirit. This will probably be seen again in another year or two. 360, not likely. 450, I would. Its stats should show up atleast once in a cube. And my 360 has Chapel Geist and Aven Riftsweeper.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swift Justice - W
Instant
Target creature gets +1/+0, First Strike and Lifelink
I would say better than Borderline. It is not Cube It status, but it does probably get the 2-for-1 value of killing, saving, and regaining (theirs, yours, life respectively). Cubeable.
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Isperia's Skywatch - 5U
Flying
EtB Detain a creature
3/3
I just don't think a 1 turn stop is worth it. So far Detain as a mechanic would only be worth it w/ Blink effects. So maybe a subthemed 360 could use it. But in a 450, you would have to run every Gating, Blink, Raise Dead you could to make this one worth it.
I would say Bad, using 5oulcrushers ranking system.
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Voidwielder - 4U
EtB bounce a creature
1/4
Well, it is a solid body. But really?!? This should be 3U or 2UU at worst. I want to like this, but I would say to run Aethersnipe first.
Close but So Far a la Lanxal's system.
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Perilous Shadow - 2BB
1B: +2/+2 until end of turn
0/4
I am interested. It is a shade that can block, cool. But you need mana just to kill something. It is testable. Same way Crypt Ripper is/was. Borderline by every meaning of the word. I am on the fence till I see it in action. But 4cc is a rough area in black.
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Sewer Shambler - 2B
Swampwalk
Scavange - 2B
2/1 Borderline
Terrus Wurm - 6B
Scavange - 6B
5/5 Close but So Far
Black, I feel did not do well on this mechanic. Did not do to well w/ Unleashed either. The first can trade, possibly be unblockable, and will get value. The second is too costly. Yes it is value, but green usually doesn't run 7cc almost anymore. My curve stopped at Twisted Abomination and that thing has so much more going for it. Both need you to make room, always hard. And I feel they will not make you happy.
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Gore-House Chainwalker - 1R
Unleashed
2/1
Cube It, Staple.... that is all.
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Splatter Thug - 2R
First Strike
Unleashed
2/2
Cubeable. I think the main debate points are it vs Blood Ogre. Should you run both? This is a debate for usurpation, not one of worth; it is worthy.
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Viashino Racketeer - 2R
EtB you may discard 1 to draw 1
2/1
I like it. It is the red Phyrexian Rager. I like that red discards first then draws for their Looting. I like this. However it is Borderline. We just had Rummaging Goblin and Mad Prophet and most do not like either. I enjoyed the latter. But in the end, you have to know what red should be doing in your cube.
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Centaur's Herald - G
2G, Sac: Get a 3/3 Centaur token
0/1
This is an Elf if that matters. I like this. It effectively is a blocker that then can push out a body later. It can be a 2GG 3/3 in a pinch. I feel I am wrong though. Close, but so Far. You want your 1cc Green guys to be doing more than waiting to be useful.
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Drudge Beetle - 1G
Scavenge - 5G
2/2
This is a grizzly with value. Is the ability too costly? It probably is. As it stands I will say try it at prerelease and figure it out. Borderline, but will likely not make it.
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Druid's Deliverance - 1G
Instant
Prevent all combat damage to YOU. Populate
Here is the trick, you play this pre-blocking, make a blocker and your creatures and theirs still tango when you will trade or win, and let the others slip past to do nothing. Or "Channel" it and just make another body at EoT.
Bad - Cubeable depending on the validity of Populate in your cube.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horncaller's Chant - 7G
Sorcery
Get a 4/4 Trampling Rhino. Populate.
I say you can't afford it. It is great when you play it, but you never will. Close but so Far
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Korozda Monitor - 2GG
Trample
Scavenge - 3GG
3/3
Cubeable. On par stats, trample, and it will give value later. I will work hard to find room for this one. My pick for best green pauper so far in RtR.
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Rubbleback Rhino - 4G
Hexproof
3/4
We just had Primal Huntbeast. This is 1 more for +0/+1. That sometimes matters. If you already have the Huntbeast, this can be great to reinforce a theme. Plays well with Scavenge and pump. However, play the Huntbeast first. Borderline, but still marginal.
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Stonefare Crocodile - 2G
2B: Lifelink
3/2
This is technically G/B. I love that it is a croc and it can be lifelink. but it should not make the cut in a 3 card G/B, probably not even in a 4 card. I may make my gold 5 b/c I love this so much.
Close but So Far. But to me it is Cubeable.
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Essence Backlash - 2UR
Counter a creature spell. Damage the caster equal to power.
This is nice, however, who is playing a 4 mana Remove Soul? Great compliment to Offering to Asha though. A- for flavor.
Close but So Far
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Hussar Patrol - 2UW
Flash
Vigilance
2/4
This, IMO is worth paying attention to. I say Cubeable. Most will say there are better things to do in UW. But this is a blocker that can swing if the time is right. It survives bolt, and it is a trick. Depends on your needs and size in gold. I will try hard to squeeze this in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frostburn Weird - (u/r)(u/r)
(u/r): +1/-1
1/4
This is the hybrid if you don't like Noggle Bandit. It is a Giant Tortoise, and has Flowstone ability. I like it a ton. Cubeable if you have a hybrid section. Close but so Far if you only have gold.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sundering Growth - (w/g)(w/g)
instant
Disenchant, Populate.
Why does WG hybrid suck as an overall in Pauper? Is this better than a creature? I don't know what to say as this only matters if you have a hybrid section IMO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skull Rend - 3BR
Sorcery
Skull Rend deals 2 damage to each opponent. Those players each discard two cards at random.
Blightning is more efficient manawise. If I was increasing my gold section this would be a consideration.. However BR does have Fires of Undeath, Strangling Soot, Terminate, and a couple of bodies besides to consider. Hymn + a Shock to the opponent only feel like it should be 1 less. Close but so Far
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Chemister's Trick - UR
Instant
Target creature you don't control gets -2/-0 until end of turn and attacks this turn if able.
Overload 3UR
Flavorful. But is this what UR needs? It basically sets up an Alpha Strike, or a bunch of deaths it you have board presence. It may be Testworthy. I I just think the use is narrow. Remember Suicidal Charge? This is kind of like that.
Most of the other Gold/Hybrid I did not mention b/c we have things that are already better and there is no controversy really to be made.
The overall:
- White -
Swift Justice is Cubeable
- Blue -
Stealer of Secrets is testworthy/borderline
- Black -
Dead Reveler is borderline,
Perilous Shadow is testable
- Red -
Gore-House Chainwalker is Cube It status.
Splatter Thug is Cubeable
- Green -
Druid's Deliverance is variable
Korozda Monitor is Cubeable
Rubbleback Rhino is Borderline
- Gold -
Goblin Electromancer is Cubeable
Chemister's Trick is unique.
Hussar Patrol is Cubeable/Borderline (I really like it)
Sluiceway Scorpion is Cubeable/Borderline (I really, really like this)
- Hybrid -
Frostburn Weird is contestable vs Noggle Bandit
Rakdos Shred-Freak is probably the better hybrid over Cultbrand Cinder
Sundering Growth... is their a better GW hybrid?
Thanks for that, just make it to its own thread and throw links everywhere so we can discuss it there. Also there will be a couple more commons to come.
I lie most of the things you said, but here are a couple of cards where our opinions differ: Azorius Arrester - Cubable The tempo beats on this card are awesome, although it's oddly not very good on curve but pretty damn good in the late game. Larger cubes will want this. Concordia Pegasus - Bad The world of difference between a 1/3 and 2/1 is so huge. Perilous ShadowCubable A 0/4 make this a really hard to deal with threat and 1B shade pumping is actually a lot better than just B pump because it allows you to throw in your off coloured mana into it. Frostburn Weird - Borderline It's okay, but I prefer Noggle Badit which pushes this out of competition. Well, unless if you prefer a lot more high defence cards. Splatter Thug - Cubable I actually like this slightly more than Blood Ogre which I consider a solid card. Centaur's Herald - Borderline Is actually amazing if there are enough populate cards in (which I doubt.) Korozda Monitor - Cubable Slightly below curve but scavenge gives him so much value it makes him entirely worth it. Rubbleback Rhino - Cubable I am turning into a big fan of the hexproof mechanic in pauper, it's so powerful with all the removal spells running around. I would also beg to differ that the extra 1 mana is worth the extra toughness. He stops almost all the creatures in cube in combat without dying with is insane. 4 toughness is a massive hurdle for an untargetilbe treat for creatures to handle. Plus he makes auras awesome and scavenge way better! Sundering Growth - Cubable When the hybrid system comes into effect this is my G/W card of choice. A solid effect with a random upside. Chemister's Trick - Borderline It's a trap, I swear. Not what U/R wants to be doing, but still not bad.
Here are some other thoughts: Swift Justice - Cubable Lifelink as a random upside really pushes this card over the edge. Gore-House Chainwalker - Staple WHAT RED NEEDED. INSANE! Stealer of Secrets - Cubable Like I said before a 2/2 is farrrr better than a 1/3, this trades with creatures and is an absolute beating if it gets to the face. Sluiceway ScorpionCubable I'm totally on your side for this card. It is going to trade on its way to the grave and is so much value there.
Also it is worth noting that there are a couple of good reprints and functional reprints in this set for people who haven't picked up them already.
I'll also get started on my set review soon, but I'm not sure if I should wait until the whole set has been spoiled, or just go for it anyway.
Sorry to sound mean, but I would throw most of them out.
Almost all of them have better counterparts/cards at equal cost.
The only reason I kept the Craghorn was I had a morph theme sprinkled about till I tightened up the list.
How big is your cube, b/c most of that even on a 450 level is terrible.
Knuckles, I'm well aware that these cards are at the bottom of the list. That's why I present them to the forum - so I can see if there's a consensus on an order of quality, even among "bad" cards. Looking through the OP, I'd say Goblin Arsonist and Bloodfire Dwarf at the very least are debatable since they appear in several lists, and I know from looking at past discussion that they've seen play at 360-450 level (I keep a 540, incidentally). So while it doesn't sound mean to provide a blanket "no" answer, it certainly seems a bit hasty. Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater here, right?
Knuckles, I'm well aware that these cards are at the bottom of the list. That's why I present them to the forum - so I can see if there's a consensus on an order of quality, even among "bad" cards. Looking through the OP, I'd say Goblin Arsonist and Bloodfire Dwarf at the very least are debatable since they appear in several lists, and I know from looking at past discussion that they've seen play at 360-450 level (I keep a 540, incidentally). So while it doesn't sound mean to provide a blanket "no" answer, it certainly seems a bit hasty. Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater here, right?
In all honestly I feel that Bloodfire Dwarf is the only card that I would actively be looking to keep in. If I had a copy of you Red creature section I could suggest some creatures that you may be missing as there is now enough cubable Red cards to fill a 450 card cube with out having to resort to any filler cards. You have to remember that you want not to be running too many cards that will be commonly cut from the starting 40. The only exception are cards that are kind of narrow, but are houses when put in the right deck, which most of these are not.
Azorius Arrester - This fits well with white's theme (in my cube at least) of fast aggression. On turn 2 it's on curve. On later turns it helps you punch through damage. White has a ton of better 2 drops, so I wouldn't be shocked if someone doesn't want this. Cubed
Concordia Pegasus - I actually really like this card, but it doesn't fit at all with white in my cube. If white is slower/flying based in your cubes, consider it. It's very efficient. Depends
Keening Apparition - Shoutout to very large cubes, here's a third Kami of Ancient Law. It's a spirit, which is a more relevant creature type than Unicorn, so you may want to replace the ronom guy with this as your second. Size matters
Sunspire Griffin - If you're still running Cloud Crusader you should probably have replaced them with these guys by now. I think that these guys are great and am happy to have another. Cubed
Swift Justice - In the world of tricks, this one is pretty good. I like other tricks that go better with aggressive decks more though. Probably not
Stealer of Secrets - These cards are very good in control/removal decks. I'll probably fit another in, althought I think having a 1/3 is better than a 2/2 in this situation. Depends
Voidweilder - I love me an Aethersnipe, and having a 1/4 tacked on is very nice. There's a limit to how many expensive blue creatures you can fit, and this is only the 4th best version of this card. Depends (but I will add it)
Dead Reveler - Black is pretty weak at 3 drops. I think that this is better than a 3/2 vanilla, so it'll make it into my cube. Probably
Grim Roustabout - I like the flexibility of this card. Some black decks want the blocker, some want the bear who is hard to block. This guy looks very nice, just make sure you can commit to the aggression once you put the counter on it. Probably
Perilous Shade - This card is amazing. The best card for us in the set.
1) It can block right away after playing it on turn 4.
2) It is not vulnerable to removal when your mana is down. 3) You can play it in two color decks because of the half colorless activation cost.
Shades are very good cards, but are limited by being very black-intensive. This one being great in a two color deck really puts it over the top, as well as the great body size. Late game this is unstoppable, and when you drop it it'll help get you to late game. Staple
Terrus Wurm - Worth noting for being very fat. If you want a late game option, this one is a great add. Depends
Gore-House Chainwalker - 3 power 2 drops are nice. I'm not as in love with it as everyone else, but it definitely beats out stuff like Ashmouth Hound. Cubed
Splatter Thus - A 2/2 first striker for 3 is pretty good on defense when you need it. 3/3 first strikers are hard to block. I don't see how you leave this out. Cubed
Tenement Crasher - I actually run Flameborn Hellion in my cube, and am pretty happy with it. Nothing I'd rather see in top-deck mode, and it's pretty easy to catch people off-guard with it. This is a strict upgrade, but I don't think everyone wants red six drops. Depends
Drudge Beetle - Grizzly Bear is very far from playable in green, and the Scavenge cost is huge for just two counters. I'm probably leaving this on the sideline. Probably not
Korozda Monitor - Four mana 3/3 is pretty mediocre in green, but three counters is fairly significant later. Expensive to scavenge, but turning your mana dork into a 4/4 is very nice. There are too many good green 4 drops, though. Probably not
Centaur Healer - This is a very nice mid-range card, and should be on the list when considering g/w gold cards. Depends
Goblin Electomancer - This looks like a solid card for red/blue. It's got some very stiff competition, but I think it'd be really fun to have around. Depends
Hussar Patrol - Great card in a weak gold color combo. Cubed
Sluiceway Scorpion - This a very good. g/b has some strong cards, but I think this actually competes with them. It's like having Consume Strength as a creature. Staple
Spawn of Rix Maadi - With the amount of removal in these colors, a 6/4 for 5 that can't block sounds like a good deal. Depends
Frostburn Weird - Great blue card, mediocre red card. Still, I'll probably use this over Noggle Bandit as my u/r hybrid choice. Probably
B: Perilous Shadow: Finally a respectable black "shade" that doesn't die to every removal spell and doesn't require you to be mono B to be good! I'm excited to try this guy out.
R: Dynacharge: I'm on the fence on this card; it is a nice upgrade to Trumpet Blast, but not really sure that it has a place in 360.
Tenement Crasher: I've been thinking of trying to put a few more mid-range cards into red, and this guy fits the bill nicely. BTW - how do folks feel about Coalhauler Swine?
Dear lord a whole ton of spoilers. I think we don't have anyone slotted for set review this time around, so I'll do it. And of course, people doing their own set reviews like 5oul are definitely encouraged! =D
I'm very much curious on Perilous Shadow, although also skeptical. I think I'll try him out in the Testing Zone but I'm not ready to maincube him just yet. Seems like something that has the potential to bump out Gravedigger, though.
--First--
Are the Inaction Injunction too "off color" for Blue in an Pauper Cube? I like it, but my blue is mainly geared towards tempe (Bounce and Tap effects). I know it taps, but it just seems too "white". Not 100%
--Second--
This is the list that I'm looking to try when RTR finally drops.
Azorius Arrester
Eyes in the Sky
Keening Apparistion
Trained Caracal
Seller of Songbirds
Swift Justice
Grim Roustabout
Electrickery
Gore-House Chainwalker
Splatter Thug
Viashino Racketeer
Centaur's Herald
Gatecreeper Vine
Horncaller's Chant
Centaur Healer
Frostburn Weird
Rakdos Shred-Freak
Vassal Soul
-------------------------------------
Yes its a large list, but everything gets to have a shot. Plus its a 390 cube so its easier to change things in and out.
I don't like Inaction Injunction because it doesn't do enough, even with the cantrip. In general, all detain cards like the Arrester doesn't do enough for me. But I think they're sweet in Limited, though.
I am ok with this, however, I think it fails vs. the large amount of Pacifism effects at the same cost. Yes it is one of the few valid 2cc creature topdecks later, however, white usually has some of the best 2cc's - Close but So Far
I think I agree with the ranking, but just saying I think that white has the second to worst two drops. It's not how it should work out according to the colour pie, but I'd much rather have Black and Green ones in almost any deck, and the few 2CC blue creatures are really great. Red two drops, on the other hand...
Concordia Pegasus - 1W
Flying
1/3
I am actually thinking of testing this. It's +0/+1 on a Storm Crow/Armored Pegasus and that means it can halt most early flying attackers. I doubt it will survive since it has to take on its 2/1 cousin. - Testworthy (Borderline/Cuttable)
The thing about this guy is that it's a terrible attacker, worse than Soltari Foot Soldier. It's obviously okay on defense, but even though I'd rather have this than stuff like Angelic Wall that can't possibly kill anything or do anything that isn't blocking, I prefer Temple Acolyte by a considerable margin.
Swift Justice - W
Instant
Target creature gets +1/+0, First Strike and Lifelink
I would say better than Borderline. It is not Cube It status, but it does probably get the 2-for-1 value of killing, saving, and regaining (theirs, yours, life respectively). Cubeable.
Though I like this card a bit, I don't like calling these effects 2 for 1s, they are 1 for 1s. You normally only go into combat with that creature because you have the trick, so it's unlikely that you're saving your guy when it would otherwise have died, unless you normally throw away creatures left and right. In the same situation, Lightning Bolt also saves your guy and kills their guy, and not many people consider that a 2 for 1.
I don't think I'd cube this card, but it's pretty close. I don't cube with Giant Growth, which seems generally better than this card as it answers a number of removal spells and make your creature kill the other creature without dying more often. The lifegain matters, but Giant Growth can go to the dome for 3 instead of 1.
Perilous Shadow - 2BB
1B: +2/+2 until end of turn
0/4
I am interested. It is a shade that can block, cool. But you need mana just to kill something. It is testable. Same way Crypt Ripper is/was. Borderline by every meaning of the word. I am on the fence till I see it in action. But 4cc is a rough area in black.
I'd much rather run Liliana's Shade than this card - it comes with an extra point of power and another source to pump it up with. This is better on defense, but shades are pretty bad defensive creatures because you can't utilize mana on your turn and also have shade be the largest creature in combat on their turn.
Sewer Shambler - 2B
Swampwalk
Scavange - 2B
2/1 Borderline
I'd never cube this card, both modes are pretty overcosted.
Splatter Thug - 2R
First Strike
Unleashed
2/2
Cubeable. I think the main debate points are it vs Blood Ogre. Should you run both? This is a debate for usurpation, not one of worth; it is worthy.
I'd say Blood Ogre definitely shouldn't be cut for this, but that doesn't stop this from being a very good option.
Centaur's Herald - G
2G, Sac: Get a 3/3 Centaur token
0/1
This is an Elf if that matters. I like this. It effectively is a blocker that then can push out a body later. It can be a 2GG 3/3 in a pinch. I feel I am wrong though. Close, but so Far. You want your 1cc Green guys to be doing more than waiting to be useful.
I think this is just a worse Centaur Courser. It's cool and all that you can stop them attacking and then not even make the centaur that turn (maybe you're playing Think Twice). I like the fact that you get an extra chump block against something really big, but both of these upsides seem to be very small compared to the fact that it dies to Lava Dart and such unless you have 2G up and the fact it costs one more mana.
And I don't cube Centaur Courser.
Drudge Beetle - 1G
Scavenge - 5G
2/2
This is a grizzly with value. Is the ability too costly? It probably is. As it stands I will say try it at prerelease and figure it out. Borderline, but will likely not make it.
Agree with this evaluation - green has so many cards which are bears with signifiacnt upsides that it's not really interested in bears with marginal upsides.
Druid's Deliverance - 1G
Instant
Prevent all combat damage to YOU. Populate
Here is the trick, you play this pre-blocking, make a blocker and your creatures and theirs still tango when you will trade or win, and let the others slip past to do nothing. Or "Channel" it and just make another body at EoT.
Bad - Cubeable depending on the validity of Populate in your cube.
Agree with this, it does seem like a sweet card especially with 3/3 elephants or golems. I don't think it's worth running lots of tokens for 1 or 2 populate cards.
Korozda Monitor - 2GG
Trample
Scavenge - 3GG
3/3
Cubeable. On par stats, trample, and it will give value later. I will work hard to find room for this one. My pick for best green pauper so far in RtR.
It seems okay, but I don't even know if it's better than Festerhide Boar. It'll be an easy switch if it is, but if it isn't it's never going in.
Hussar Patrol - 2UW
Flash
Vigilance
2/4
This, IMO is worth paying attention to. I say Cubeable. Most will say there are better things to do in UW. But this is a blocker that can swing if the time is right. It survives bolt, and it is a trick. Depends on your needs and size in gold. I will try hard to squeeze this in.
I definitely agree with this. I think it's probably the second or third best non-hybrid UW card and only Silkbind Faerie is better in hybrid.
Frostburn Weird - (u/r)(u/r)
(u/r): +1/-1
1/4
This is the hybrid if you don't like Noggle Bandit. It is a Giant Tortoise, and has Flowstone ability. I like it a ton. Cubeable if you have a hybrid section. Close but so Far if you only have gold.
I don't like it very much, it's not a very good aggressive card (I prefer Dragon Hatchling on offense and that card's terrible) and I don't think it makes the cut as a blocker either. Granted, I feel the same thing about Noggle Bandit, so I think it's still too soon to have a balanced hybrid section.
Sundering Growth - (w/g)(w/g)
instant
Disenchant, Populate.
Why does WG hybrid suck as an overall in Pauper? Is this better than a creature? I don't know what to say as this only matters if you have a hybrid section IMO.
I like the card because naturalise effects are maindeckable and this is strictly better if you have really good mana. I'm not going to cube it because our format has terrible mana :/
Chemister's Trick - UR
Instant
Target creature you don't control gets -2/-0 until end of turn and attacks this turn if able.
Overload 3UR
Flavorful. But is this what UR needs? It basically sets up an Alpha Strike, or a bunch of deaths it you have board presence. It may be Testworthy. I I just think the use is narrow. Remember Suicidal Charge? This is kind of like that.
I want this to be cubable SO much! It seems pretty decent value because it opens up them to you swinging with your entire team, and you probably can get one or two free cards and maybe not take any damage. The 2 mana mode is really marginal though.
Unfortunately this has about a 0.1% chance of being better than Steamcore Weird, but you can hope right?
I also like Electrickery (R instant 1 damage to target creature you don't control, overload 1R) because of my obsession with Lava Dart effects, but it's probably just not good enough.
Plus side to Electrickery is it hits theirs only and it is an instant.
I don't think Monitor is better than Boar, but I have a Stampeding Rhino that will be cut, probably for the Hexproof guy. And then I will find a cut for that.
The 2-for-1 analogy on Swift Justice was for regaining life. But I can see your disagreement with verbiage, and you would be correct in that disagreement.
On a side note, I am looking at Populate as a mechanic. The Disenchant and Eyes in the Skies are the main things I look at. I hope later in the block we can get Rhino tokens, or Centaur tokens again, just more easily.
As it is, Elephant Ambush is really the only token I can see. I don't run Splicers currently. Copying 1/1's, even Spirits, is not that great.
Dear lord a whole ton of spoilers. I think we don't have anyone slotted for set review this time around, so I'll do it. And of course, people doing their own set reviews like 5oul are definitely encouraged! =D
You know it Lanxal!
Plus the more opinions we get the closer to the proverbial 'truth' we get.
@Runner:
Was looking over your cube. Why do you have Silverclaw Griffin over Plover Knights?
@General Forum:
So I have been diligent in updating/preparing for RtR. I have a 99% foil cube. What are people's feelings on Beckon Apparition for BW hybrid? The true use of Faerie Macabre? (Is it worth it?) And with the emergence of this 3rd visit to gold land (4th if you count Invasion), what about upgrading Gold to 4 + 1 Hybrid, if not larger?
I have Holy Day and Prismatic Strands and Safe Passage. Do you think its wise to cut the Safe Passage for Rootborn Defenses? I can see a swarmy token/weenie deck liking the indestructible (main reason to run the spell IMO), and though I run a few token producers, the populate would just be a bonus (if it was relevant).
In 450 I'd want to be aiming to play with 4 card multicoloured sections. It isn't worth filling the emptier colour combinations with 'bad cards' just to have more good cards in one section. At 450 it's probably best to hold off expanding the gold section till at least Gatecrash has been released.
In G/W if I had a 4 card section I'd run Armadillo Cloak, Qasali Pridemage and Travel Preparations as the 3 first auto includes, then in the last space personally I'd choose Centaur Healer. The life gain attached to the on-curve body is so vital for all G/W decks which tend to be midrange where this guy fits best. But either Pale Recluse or Thrill of the Hunt would be acceptable in that slot.
In B/R I'd run Terminate, Blightning, Rakdos Shred-Freak and Strangling Soot. I wouldn't even touch Henchfiend of Ukor as my 5th pick would be Fires of Undeath.
Yeah, that confirms it Value Town is better for B/R than Rakdos Shred-Freak. You guys are right, the value generated by Blightning is huge, as the life loss allow to race whilst gaining C/A at the same time. Much more valuable than just another good 2 drop.
IMO Blightning's better (in this format) than even Terminate. It's a really good card.
Draft it on Cubetutor!
My RB, Terminate, Blightning, Strangling Soot
My errata'd commons cube
So why not just play Mind Rot then if Blightning is so good? Well sometimes it is a 3 mana Lava Spike, and that is just fine, a Mind Rot with no cards to strip sucks.
If you look at the previous posts, I do not recommend that, many cards that are almost universally adopted now were poo'd on or dismissed. It takes time and experience to welcome anything that is not undercosted or an obvious 2-for-1. And Even I don't believe Repeal to be that good, but many think that is blasphemy too.
I have doubts that Speekfreak is that good. However, after prerelease I am sure my tune will change.
The Centaur, as mentioned earlier, I think is just another valuable card that doesn't push the envelope enough. B/R, W/G, and R/G have a lot of superior cards. You have to be so critical with them and truly understand what makes even that final 2% difference better than the others. Sometimes it is taking raw power, other times it is utility, other times it is a unique/valuable effect that no other card can provide at that cost.
The Centaur is taking on Aven Riftsweeper. And despite the Vanishing, Riftsweeper does it just as well in a mono-colored slot.
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
1 Bant Panorama
1 Evolving Wilds
1 Wildfield Borderpost
6 Forest
6 Plains
Creatures
1 Akrasan Squire
1 Arbor Elf
1 Infantry Veteran
1 Quirion Ranger
1 Steppe Lynx
1 Ambush Viper
1 Kor Skyfisher
1 Mire Boa
1 Qasali Pridemage
1 Silhana Ledgewalker
1 Soltari Trooper
1 Stormfront Pegasus
1 River Boa
1 Trusted Forcemage
1 Cenn's Enlistment
1 Sentinel Spider
Spells
1 Adventuring Gear
1 Mutagenic Growth
1 Sunlance
1 Curse of Chains
1 Edge of Autumn
1 Journey to Nowhere
1 Travel Preparations
1 Vulshok Gauntlets
1 Arachnus Web
1 Blade of the Sixth Pride
1 Cho-Manno's Blessing
1 Cultivate
1 Goldmeadow Harrier
1 Grazing Gladehart
1 Groundswell
1 Icatian Javelineers
1 Prey Upon
1 Quicksand
1 Selesnya Signet
1 Snake Umbra
1 Squall Drifter
1 Viridan Longbow
1 Wild Dogs
1 Wild Nacatl
Some Interactions With Quirion Ranger
Quirion Ranger + Adventuring Gear
Quirion Ranger + Arbor Elf
Quirion Ranger + Steppe Lynx
Quirion Ranger + Vulshok Gauntlets
Quirion Ranger + Edge of Autumn
Epic deck alert. This is our first time seeing what Quirion Ranger's made of and dear lord did it deliver. This deck basically mopped the floor with us. It was a Team Sealed deck, though, so I'm not counting on this repeating itself any time soon. Still, I love the Ranger now.
My Pauper Cube ♤ The Pauper Cube Thread Common Knowledge — 1 2
Gore-House Chainwalker looks awesome, I'm definitely cubing it.
Some interesting cards:
Azorius Detainer 1W
ETB detain target creature
2/1
Seems decent but not amazing
Splatter Thug 2R
First Strike, Unleash
2/2
I'm probably cubing this, though a lot of the value of first strike is lost with unleash. Still, it's a pretty good aggressive creature and a 2/2 first strike if you need defense is fine.
Draft it on Cubetutor!
My Cube (DeckStats)
My Pauper Cube: 540 (CubeTutor link!)
Level 1 Judge
Almost all of them have better counterparts/cards at equal cost.
The only reason I kept the Craghorn was I had a morph theme sprinkled about till I tightened up the list.
How big is your cube, b/c most of that even on a 450 level is terrible.
@Spoiler:
Azorius Arrester - 1W
EtB - Detain a creature
2/1
I am ok with this, however, I think it fails vs. the large amount of Pacifism effects at the same cost. Yes it is one of the few valid 2cc creature topdecks later, however, white usually has some of the best 2cc's - Close but So Far
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Concordia Pegasus - 1W
Flying
1/3
I am actually thinking of testing this. It's +0/+1 on a Storm Crow/Armored Pegasus and that means it can halt most early flying attackers. I doubt it will survive since it has to take on its 2/1 cousin. - Testworthy (Borderline/Cuttable)
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Sunspire Griffin - 1WW
Flying
2/3
Chapel Geist apparently is the white Cloud Spirit. This will probably be seen again in another year or two. 360, not likely. 450, I would. Its stats should show up atleast once in a cube. And my 360 has Chapel Geist and Aven Riftsweeper.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swift Justice - W
Instant
Target creature gets +1/+0, First Strike and Lifelink
I would say better than Borderline. It is not Cube It status, but it does probably get the 2-for-1 value of killing, saving, and regaining (theirs, yours, life respectively). Cubeable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Isperia's Skywatch - 5U
Flying
EtB Detain a creature
3/3
I just don't think a 1 turn stop is worth it. So far Detain as a mechanic would only be worth it w/ Blink effects. So maybe a subthemed 360 could use it. But in a 450, you would have to run every Gating, Blink, Raise Dead you could to make this one worth it.
I would say Bad, using 5oulcrushers ranking system.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Voidwielder - 4U
EtB bounce a creature
1/4
Well, it is a solid body. But really?!? This should be 3U or 2UU at worst. I want to like this, but I would say to run Aethersnipe first.
Close but So Far a la Lanxal's system.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Perilous Shadow - 2BB
1B: +2/+2 until end of turn
0/4
I am interested. It is a shade that can block, cool. But you need mana just to kill something. It is testable. Same way Crypt Ripper is/was. Borderline by every meaning of the word. I am on the fence till I see it in action. But 4cc is a rough area in black.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sewer Shambler - 2B
Swampwalk
Scavange - 2B
2/1
Borderline
Terrus Wurm - 6B
Scavange - 6B
5/5
Close but So Far
Black, I feel did not do well on this mechanic. Did not do to well w/ Unleashed either. The first can trade, possibly be unblockable, and will get value. The second is too costly. Yes it is value, but green usually doesn't run 7cc almost anymore. My curve stopped at Twisted Abomination and that thing has so much more going for it. Both need you to make room, always hard. And I feel they will not make you happy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gore-House Chainwalker - 1R
Unleashed
2/1
Cube It, Staple.... that is all.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Splatter Thug - 2R
First Strike
Unleashed
2/2
Cubeable. I think the main debate points are it vs Blood Ogre. Should you run both? This is a debate for usurpation, not one of worth; it is worthy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Viashino Racketeer - 2R
EtB you may discard 1 to draw 1
2/1
I like it. It is the red Phyrexian Rager. I like that red discards first then draws for their Looting. I like this. However it is Borderline. We just had Rummaging Goblin and Mad Prophet and most do not like either. I enjoyed the latter. But in the end, you have to know what red should be doing in your cube.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Centaur's Herald - G
2G, Sac: Get a 3/3 Centaur token
0/1
This is an Elf if that matters. I like this. It effectively is a blocker that then can push out a body later. It can be a 2GG 3/3 in a pinch. I feel I am wrong though. Close, but so Far. You want your 1cc Green guys to be doing more than waiting to be useful.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Drudge Beetle - 1G
Scavenge - 5G
2/2
This is a grizzly with value. Is the ability too costly? It probably is. As it stands I will say try it at prerelease and figure it out. Borderline, but will likely not make it.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Druid's Deliverance - 1G
Instant
Prevent all combat damage to YOU. Populate
Here is the trick, you play this pre-blocking, make a blocker and your creatures and theirs still tango when you will trade or win, and let the others slip past to do nothing. Or "Channel" it and just make another body at EoT.
Bad - Cubeable depending on the validity of Populate in your cube.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horncaller's Chant - 7G
Sorcery
Get a 4/4 Trampling Rhino. Populate.
I say you can't afford it. It is great when you play it, but you never will. Close but so Far
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Korozda Monitor - 2GG
Trample
Scavenge - 3GG
3/3
Cubeable. On par stats, trample, and it will give value later. I will work hard to find room for this one. My pick for best green pauper so far in RtR.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rubbleback Rhino - 4G
Hexproof
3/4
We just had Primal Huntbeast. This is 1 more for +0/+1. That sometimes matters. If you already have the Huntbeast, this can be great to reinforce a theme. Plays well with Scavenge and pump. However, play the Huntbeast first. Borderline, but still marginal.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stonefare Crocodile - 2G
2B: Lifelink
3/2
This is technically G/B. I love that it is a croc and it can be lifelink. but it should not make the cut in a 3 card G/B, probably not even in a 4 card. I may make my gold 5 b/c I love this so much.
Close but So Far. But to me it is Cubeable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Essence Backlash - 2UR
Counter a creature spell. Damage the caster equal to power.
This is nice, however, who is playing a 4 mana Remove Soul? Great compliment to Offering to Asha though. A- for flavor.
Close but So Far
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hussar Patrol - 2UW
Flash
Vigilance
2/4
This, IMO is worth paying attention to. I say Cubeable. Most will say there are better things to do in UW. But this is a blocker that can swing if the time is right. It survives bolt, and it is a trick. Depends on your needs and size in gold. I will try hard to squeeze this in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frostburn Weird - (u/r)(u/r)
(u/r): +1/-1
1/4
This is the hybrid if you don't like Noggle Bandit. It is a Giant Tortoise, and has Flowstone ability. I like it a ton. Cubeable if you have a hybrid section. Close but so Far if you only have gold.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sundering Growth - (w/g)(w/g)
instant
Disenchant, Populate.
Why does WG hybrid suck as an overall in Pauper? Is this better than a creature? I don't know what to say as this only matters if you have a hybrid section IMO.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skull Rend - 3BR
Sorcery
Skull Rend deals 2 damage to each opponent. Those players each discard two cards at random.
Blightning is more efficient manawise. If I was increasing my gold section this would be a consideration.. However BR does have Fires of Undeath, Strangling Soot, Terminate, and a couple of bodies besides to consider. Hymn + a Shock to the opponent only feel like it should be 1 less. Close but so Far
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chemister's Trick - UR
Instant
Target creature you don't control gets -2/-0 until end of turn and attacks this turn if able.
Overload 3UR
Flavorful. But is this what UR needs? It basically sets up an Alpha Strike, or a bunch of deaths it you have board presence. It may be Testworthy. I I just think the use is narrow. Remember Suicidal Charge? This is kind of like that.
Most of the other Gold/Hybrid I did not mention b/c we have things that are already better and there is no controversy really to be made.
The overall:
- White -
Swift Justice is Cubeable
- Blue -
Stealer of Secrets is testworthy/borderline
- Black -
Dead Reveler is borderline,
Perilous Shadow is testable
- Red -
Gore-House Chainwalker is Cube It status.
Splatter Thug is Cubeable
Traitorous Instinct is now Pauper
- Green -
Druid's Deliverance is variable
Korozda Monitor is Cubeable
Rubbleback Rhino is Borderline
- Gold -
Goblin Electromancer is Cubeable
Chemister's Trick is unique.
Hussar Patrol is Cubeable/Borderline (I really like it)
Sluiceway Scorpion is Cubeable/Borderline (I really, really like this)
- Hybrid -
Frostburn Weird is contestable vs Noggle Bandit
Rakdos Shred-Freak is probably the better hybrid over Cultbrand Cinder
Sundering Growth... is their a better GW hybrid?
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
EtB - Detain a creature
2/1
Shouldn't this be valued as a Kor Hookmaster variant instead of a Pacifism variant? For 1 less you get one less toughness and one less turn of free attacking. I'm not saying its better I just think its a more accurate comparison
Trestle Troll - 1GB
Defender
Reach
1BG: Regen
1/4
----------------------------------------
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
Detain is a full turn (yours + theirs) timeout. That creature is dead in the water. Hookmaster is 1.5 (yours, theirs, yours again) turns. But that is 2 turns of you attacking. And a 2/1 vs a 2/2 is not that big of a deal, but look at Frost Breath vs Lead Astray. That extra turn usually is enough to be a coffin nail, 1 turn can be played around.
I also don't like that is is on sorcery speed things; it just feels underwhelming.
In red, different story. But this is white, king of the 2cc. Black has some good aggressors, but white has some of the best overall.
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
Thanks for that, just make it to its own thread and throw links everywhere so we can discuss it there. Also there will be a couple more commons to come.
I lie most of the things you said, but here are a couple of cards where our opinions differ:
Azorius Arrester - Cubable The tempo beats on this card are awesome, although it's oddly not very good on curve but pretty damn good in the late game. Larger cubes will want this.
Concordia Pegasus - Bad The world of difference between a 1/3 and 2/1 is so huge.
Perilous Shadow Cubable A 0/4 make this a really hard to deal with threat and 1B shade pumping is actually a lot better than just B pump because it allows you to throw in your off coloured mana into it.
Frostburn Weird - Borderline It's okay, but I prefer Noggle Badit which pushes this out of competition. Well, unless if you prefer a lot more high defence cards.
Splatter Thug - Cubable I actually like this slightly more than Blood Ogre which I consider a solid card.
Centaur's Herald - Borderline Is actually amazing if there are enough populate cards in (which I doubt.)
Korozda Monitor - Cubable Slightly below curve but scavenge gives him so much value it makes him entirely worth it.
Rubbleback Rhino - Cubable I am turning into a big fan of the hexproof mechanic in pauper, it's so powerful with all the removal spells running around. I would also beg to differ that the extra 1 mana is worth the extra toughness. He stops almost all the creatures in cube in combat without dying with is insane. 4 toughness is a massive hurdle for an untargetilbe treat for creatures to handle. Plus he makes auras awesome and scavenge way better!
Sundering Growth - Cubable When the hybrid system comes into effect this is my G/W card of choice. A solid effect with a random upside.
Chemister's Trick - Borderline It's a trap, I swear. Not what U/R wants to be doing, but still not bad.
Here are some other thoughts:
Swift Justice - Cubable Lifelink as a random upside really pushes this card over the edge.
Gore-House Chainwalker - Staple WHAT RED NEEDED. INSANE!
Stealer of Secrets - Cubable Like I said before a 2/2 is farrrr better than a 1/3, this trades with creatures and is an absolute beating if it gets to the face.
Sluiceway Scorpion Cubable I'm totally on your side for this card. It is going to trade on its way to the grave and is so much value there.
Also it is worth noting that there are a couple of good reprints and functional reprints in this set for people who haven't picked up them already.
I'll also get started on my set review soon, but I'm not sure if I should wait until the whole set has been spoiled, or just go for it anyway.
Knuckles, I'm well aware that these cards are at the bottom of the list. That's why I present them to the forum - so I can see if there's a consensus on an order of quality, even among "bad" cards. Looking through the OP, I'd say Goblin Arsonist and Bloodfire Dwarf at the very least are debatable since they appear in several lists, and I know from looking at past discussion that they've seen play at 360-450 level (I keep a 540, incidentally). So while it doesn't sound mean to provide a blanket "no" answer, it certainly seems a bit hasty. Let's not throw out the baby with the bathwater here, right?
My Cube (DeckStats)
My Pauper Cube: 540 (CubeTutor link!)
Level 1 Judge
In all honestly I feel that Bloodfire Dwarf is the only card that I would actively be looking to keep in. If I had a copy of you Red creature section I could suggest some creatures that you may be missing as there is now enough cubable Red cards to fill a 450 card cube with out having to resort to any filler cards. You have to remember that you want not to be running too many cards that will be commonly cut from the starting 40. The only exception are cards that are kind of narrow, but are houses when put in the right deck, which most of these are not.
Still run Bloodfire Dwarf that card is pretty darn solid.
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
Azorius Arrester - This fits well with white's theme (in my cube at least) of fast aggression. On turn 2 it's on curve. On later turns it helps you punch through damage. White has a ton of better 2 drops, so I wouldn't be shocked if someone doesn't want this. Cubed
Concordia Pegasus - I actually really like this card, but it doesn't fit at all with white in my cube. If white is slower/flying based in your cubes, consider it. It's very efficient. Depends
Keening Apparition - Shoutout to very large cubes, here's a third Kami of Ancient Law. It's a spirit, which is a more relevant creature type than Unicorn, so you may want to replace the ronom guy with this as your second. Size matters
Sunspire Griffin - If you're still running Cloud Crusader you should probably have replaced them with these guys by now. I think that these guys are great and am happy to have another. Cubed
Swift Justice - In the world of tricks, this one is pretty good. I like other tricks that go better with aggressive decks more though. Probably not
Stealer of Secrets - These cards are very good in control/removal decks. I'll probably fit another in, althought I think having a 1/3 is better than a 2/2 in this situation. Depends
Voidweilder - I love me an Aethersnipe, and having a 1/4 tacked on is very nice. There's a limit to how many expensive blue creatures you can fit, and this is only the 4th best version of this card. Depends (but I will add it)
Dead Reveler - Black is pretty weak at 3 drops. I think that this is better than a 3/2 vanilla, so it'll make it into my cube. Probably
Grim Roustabout - I like the flexibility of this card. Some black decks want the blocker, some want the bear who is hard to block. This guy looks very nice, just make sure you can commit to the aggression once you put the counter on it. Probably
Perilous Shade - This card is amazing. The best card for us in the set.
1) It can block right away after playing it on turn 4.
2) It is not vulnerable to removal when your mana is down.
3) You can play it in two color decks because of the half colorless activation cost.
Shades are very good cards, but are limited by being very black-intensive. This one being great in a two color deck really puts it over the top, as well as the great body size. Late game this is unstoppable, and when you drop it it'll help get you to late game. Staple
Terrus Wurm - Worth noting for being very fat. If you want a late game option, this one is a great add. Depends
Gore-House Chainwalker - 3 power 2 drops are nice. I'm not as in love with it as everyone else, but it definitely beats out stuff like Ashmouth Hound. Cubed
Splatter Thus - A 2/2 first striker for 3 is pretty good on defense when you need it. 3/3 first strikers are hard to block. I don't see how you leave this out. Cubed
Tenement Crasher - I actually run Flameborn Hellion in my cube, and am pretty happy with it. Nothing I'd rather see in top-deck mode, and it's pretty easy to catch people off-guard with it. This is a strict upgrade, but I don't think everyone wants red six drops. Depends
Drudge Beetle - Grizzly Bear is very far from playable in green, and the Scavenge cost is huge for just two counters. I'm probably leaving this on the sideline. Probably not
Korozda Monitor - Four mana 3/3 is pretty mediocre in green, but three counters is fairly significant later. Expensive to scavenge, but turning your mana dork into a 4/4 is very nice. There are too many good green 4 drops, though. Probably not
Centaur Healer - This is a very nice mid-range card, and should be on the list when considering g/w gold cards. Depends
Goblin Electomancer - This looks like a solid card for red/blue. It's got some very stiff competition, but I think it'd be really fun to have around. Depends
Hussar Patrol - Great card in a weak gold color combo. Cubed
Sluiceway Scorpion - This a very good. g/b has some strong cards, but I think this actually competes with them. It's like having Consume Strength as a creature. Staple
Spawn of Rix Maadi - With the amount of removal in these colors, a 6/4 for 5 that can't block sounds like a good deal. Depends
Frostburn Weird - Great blue card, mediocre red card. Still, I'll probably use this over Noggle Bandit as my u/r hybrid choice. Probably
W:
Azorious Arrester: The one toughness is a liability, but the detain ability is solid into the late game, which makes it worth running.
Swift Justice: Sweet trick; will be replacing Moment of Heroism in my cube.
U:
Stealer of Secrets: I like having a 2/2 versus the 1/3.
B:
Perilous Shadow: Finally a respectable black "shade" that doesn't die to every removal spell and doesn't require you to be mono B to be good! I'm excited to try this guy out.
R:
Dynacharge: I'm on the fence on this card; it is a nice upgrade to Trumpet Blast, but not really sure that it has a place in 360.
Gore-House Chainwalker: Hurray for better red 2 drops!
Tenement Crasher: I've been thinking of trying to put a few more mid-range cards into red, and this guy fits the bill nicely. BTW - how do folks feel about Coalhauler Swine?
G:
Rubbleback Rhino: Primal Huntbeast has been really good in the cube thus far; I think this guy will be solid too.
Multi-Colored:
Goblin Electromancer: I think this guy is actually pretty good for this color combination (and really just this color combination)
Hussar Patrol: A good trick and a solid body
Golgari Longlegs (once I have a complete hybrid section): Not the most exciting creature, but 5 power for 5 mana gets the job done alright
Rakdos Shred-Freak (once I have a complete hybrid section): 2 power haste guy seems decent enough
Guildgates and Transguild Promenade: Hooray for more pauper color-fixing!
Sig courtesy of Disappointing Signet Inc.
My Cubes:
Goblin Pile Shuffler's 360 Card Pauper Cube - updated 1/4/2014
Goblin Pile Shuffler's 270 Card One-Drop Cube - updated 1/4/2014
Goblin Arsonist, Karplusan Wolverine, Mudbutton Torchrunner and Heirs of Stromkirk would be my vote to cut, because I couldn't imagine playing them in any decks.
Dear lord a whole ton of spoilers. I think we don't have anyone slotted for set review this time around, so I'll do it. And of course, people doing their own set reviews like 5oul are definitely encouraged! =D
I'm very much curious on Perilous Shadow, although also skeptical. I think I'll try him out in the Testing Zone but I'm not ready to maincube him just yet. Seems like something that has the potential to bump out Gravedigger, though.
My Pauper Cube ♤ The Pauper Cube Thread Common Knowledge — 1 2
Are the Inaction Injunction too "off color" for Blue in an Pauper Cube? I like it, but my blue is mainly geared towards tempe (Bounce and Tap effects). I know it taps, but it just seems too "white". Not 100%
--Second--
This is the list that I'm looking to try when RTR finally drops.
Azorius Arrester
Eyes in the Sky
Keening Apparistion
Trained Caracal
Seller of Songbirds
Swift Justice
Grim Roustabout
Electrickery
Gore-House Chainwalker
Splatter Thug
Viashino Racketeer
Centaur's Herald
Gatecreeper Vine
Horncaller's Chant
Centaur Healer
Frostburn Weird
Rakdos Shred-Freak
Vassal Soul
-------------------------------------
Yes its a large list, but everything gets to have a shot. Plus its a 390 cube so its easier to change things in and out.
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My Pauper Cube ♤ The Pauper Cube Thread Common Knowledge — 1 2
I think I agree with the ranking, but just saying I think that white has the second to worst two drops. It's not how it should work out according to the colour pie, but I'd much rather have Black and Green ones in almost any deck, and the few 2CC blue creatures are really great. Red two drops, on the other hand...
The thing about this guy is that it's a terrible attacker, worse than Soltari Foot Soldier. It's obviously okay on defense, but even though I'd rather have this than stuff like Angelic Wall that can't possibly kill anything or do anything that isn't blocking, I prefer Temple Acolyte by a considerable margin.
Though I like this card a bit, I don't like calling these effects 2 for 1s, they are 1 for 1s. You normally only go into combat with that creature because you have the trick, so it's unlikely that you're saving your guy when it would otherwise have died, unless you normally throw away creatures left and right. In the same situation, Lightning Bolt also saves your guy and kills their guy, and not many people consider that a 2 for 1.
I don't think I'd cube this card, but it's pretty close. I don't cube with Giant Growth, which seems generally better than this card as it answers a number of removal spells and make your creature kill the other creature without dying more often. The lifegain matters, but Giant Growth can go to the dome for 3 instead of 1.
I'd much rather run Liliana's Shade than this card - it comes with an extra point of power and another source to pump it up with. This is better on defense, but shades are pretty bad defensive creatures because you can't utilize mana on your turn and also have shade be the largest creature in combat on their turn.
I'd never cube this card, both modes are pretty overcosted.
I'd say Blood Ogre definitely shouldn't be cut for this, but that doesn't stop this from being a very good option.
I think this is just a worse Centaur Courser. It's cool and all that you can stop them attacking and then not even make the centaur that turn (maybe you're playing Think Twice). I like the fact that you get an extra chump block against something really big, but both of these upsides seem to be very small compared to the fact that it dies to Lava Dart and such unless you have 2G up and the fact it costs one more mana.
And I don't cube Centaur Courser.
Agree with this evaluation - green has so many cards which are bears with signifiacnt upsides that it's not really interested in bears with marginal upsides.
Agree with this, it does seem like a sweet card especially with 3/3 elephants or golems. I don't think it's worth running lots of tokens for 1 or 2 populate cards.
It seems okay, but I don't even know if it's better than Festerhide Boar. It'll be an easy switch if it is, but if it isn't it's never going in.
I definitely agree with this. I think it's probably the second or third best non-hybrid UW card and only Silkbind Faerie is better in hybrid.
I don't like it very much, it's not a very good aggressive card (I prefer Dragon Hatchling on offense and that card's terrible) and I don't think it makes the cut as a blocker either. Granted, I feel the same thing about Noggle Bandit, so I think it's still too soon to have a balanced hybrid section.
I like the card because naturalise effects are maindeckable and this is strictly better if you have really good mana. I'm not going to cube it because our format has terrible mana :/
I want this to be cubable SO much! It seems pretty decent value because it opens up them to you swinging with your entire team, and you probably can get one or two free cards and maybe not take any damage. The 2 mana mode is really marginal though.
Unfortunately this has about a 0.1% chance of being better than Steamcore Weird, but you can hope right?
I also like Electrickery (R instant 1 damage to target creature you don't control, overload 1R) because of my obsession with Lava Dart effects, but it's probably just not good enough.
Draft it on Cubetutor!
I don't think Monitor is better than Boar, but I have a Stampeding Rhino that will be cut, probably for the Hexproof guy. And then I will find a cut for that.
The 2-for-1 analogy on Swift Justice was for regaining life. But I can see your disagreement with verbiage, and you would be correct in that disagreement.
On a side note, I am looking at Populate as a mechanic. The Disenchant and Eyes in the Skies are the main things I look at. I hope later in the block we can get Rhino tokens, or Centaur tokens again, just more easily.
As it is, Elephant Ambush is really the only token I can see. I don't run Splicers currently. Copying 1/1's, even Spirits, is not that great.
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
You know it Lanxal!
Plus the more opinions we get the closer to the proverbial 'truth' we get.
Was looking over your cube. Why do you have Silverclaw Griffin over Plover Knights?
@General Forum:
So I have been diligent in updating/preparing for RtR. I have a 99% foil cube. What are people's feelings on Beckon Apparition for BW hybrid? The true use of Faerie Macabre? (Is it worth it?) And with the emergence of this 3rd visit to gold land (4th if you count Invasion), what about upgrading Gold to 4 + 1 Hybrid, if not larger?
Loose Change Pauper Cube-cast
Pauper Cube Article #1
Pauper Cube Article #2
Personal Enjoyment Cube
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