The Leyline, on the other hand, you would only use if you were playing against graveyard-based strategies. Against anything else, it's useless.
Not to be "that guy", but I've used the Void ability (whether it's the original Planar, or the Leyline), to abuse Gravestorm and Web of Inertia-like abilities (to great effect!). Sure, it's mostly used the hate way, but technically it's abusable as a weapon. Throw in some Carrion critters, etc...
Anyways, good article. I'm a big fan of black control, so it was nice to see someone cover the points of proactive control, when most average/beginning players just think that control automatically means Counterspell. (also with the lock decks, etc)
I think Magic will constantly make it hard for people to "lump" every card into specific places, but as theories go, this was a very useful way of looking at it. In general, cards can be used for multiple purposes (like saying Meddling Mage can be used to attack), but *usually* it's best used to compliment a certain strategy the most. Mana Drain, to me, is a counterspell best, and the mana bonus is a cool side-effect. Voidmage Prodigy is best used for his ability, and as a 2/2 second.
We´ll see if Lorwyn brings some Ssoldier Cards that would allow a Tribal dekc with it
I think it's pretty clear the Tribal influences going into both this core set, and Lorwynn. You can bet money that Tribal will be used, and that this core set, featuring a large number on Onslaught tribal cards, will only support it.
As for Mobilization, I think it's a great card. The fact that you compare it to Sacred Mesa just proves the point.
I'm more excited to get a shiny new Ascendant Evincar myself... 4/4 flyer, with Bad Moon and Engineered Plague: Non-Black built in is just good times.
That would be rediculous. It's not only really powerful, but it kind of negates them giving us sangrophage instead of his better cousin carnophage.
Zombie Infestation seems more likely to me. It's less powerful, imho, and lends itself to the fact that black won't even have any card advantage besides the Muse. (which might be a liability with a ton of zombies).
Umm... Are we seeing the same art? The badass one vs the happy bunnies and deer running one?
Reprinting the painlands isn't so bad. They are kind of a staple to Magic. When one needs to play multiple colors (which makes the tournament scene more interesting anyways), people are always prepared to lose that 1 life per tap. It's classic. The shocklands being gone will eliminate some of the rediculousness of 3-4 color decks (the fact that they were basic land types made it all the more sick), and keep the dual color decks in check.
I'm sure mono-colored decks will make a return anyways, as there are some strong cards in the format that prefer a single color manabase (RDW did very well recently, as did MBA/MBC).
BoP's getting reprinted: Stupid. Llanowar Elves better be in Xth... The budget green player's mana accelerant since alpha! Overgrowth might help MGA too.
No Arena? So not only are we losing Arena, we are losing Confidants. Wow. Way to stick it to black Wizards! Nobody wants Graveborn Muse. Unless they reprint Dark Ritual (I would cry with happiness), black has some serious issues on their hands.
It's not that I'm against Kamigawa being reprinted. Like I said, there are certain themes (I'd be all over Hand of Cruelty for MBA) that I love, but I doubt Azusa would make as big a splash, flavorwise, as Mirri would.
Plus, considering Magic's world is mostly classical fantasy (goblins, warriors), samurai seem out of place in the end. And this was mostly in regards to the legend slot, which is usually pretty classic (especially in an anniversary set).
*EDIT: The pieces being reprinted from both Mirrodin and Kamigawa are at least half classic, or not different enough to throw the set off completely. Troll Ascetic at least is a fantasy creature (unlike something with Modular, etc). Loxodon Warhammer is also based pretty solely in a calssical sense. Counsel of the Soratami (Sleight of Hand) seems vague enough to pass as a nod to the old set, but not throw off the otherwise very basic themes in the core set (Levitation, Condemn, Goblin Lore).
mono green is too good already without mirri. someone needs to stop wotc b4 they get too caried away with printing awesome cards.
If you ask me, mono-green needs all the help it can get. Right now, any other mono color is better than mono-green. I must say though, Quagnoth is pretty sweet. Expect him to show his ugly face EVERYWHERE soon (if he isn't already).
Although I do think they will print 2 legends per color, Ambassador Laquatus seems VERY weak (I'd rather have Rayne, and even she isn't very exciting, flavor aside). Barrin, Master Wizard, and Eladamri would be oh so awesome. Too bad they are on the list of non-reprints.
There's little room in the number crunch for Dosan and Rofellos, but ample room for Azusa.
Besides the fact that Mirri is awesome (:p), I sincerely doubt they will reprint the Kamigawa block, especially in a core set. With names like that, every beginner would be like "Wtf? I thought I bought a fantasy set?". Rofellos is also on the reserved list, with Eladamri (though Rofellos is far more broken). I figure Eladamri is in the same slot, and works like an Elvish Champion (which has been in core sets a few times).
In Mirri's defense, first strike and forestwalk are very cat-like things to have. The vigilance, not so much maybe, but it seemed less like a white ability back when it wasn't keyworded.
I'm very curious about Braids though. It hasn't been confirmed (the original poster never updated), although there aren't a lot of other simple core-like legends in a cheap slot. (on the subject of Kamigawa legends, I was partial to Kiku).
- Hierarch is the least likely Loxodon of all of them to be ever in a base set.
- Wizards is not going to print such an obvious constructed staple in two sets that will be T2 legal at the same time.
- Ravnica Rares are pretty much off limits until 11th.
First of all, Hierarch is perfectly acceptable to be reprinted. It's powerful, simple in it's flavor and effects, and overall an elegant card. Like someone said before- the power of the card is not really being brought into question, as Troll Ascetic is also being reprinted...
Ravnica block will be cycling out this October. And the 4-of in a deck rule still applies, whether or not there's 2 type-2 sets carrying the card. Loxodon Warhammer is another example of this. PLUS, reprinting very recently printed cards is never offlimits (Prodigal Pyromancer is confirmed.)
Anywho, on that same note, I think it's stupid to run your mouth off about what Wizards might or might not do. In the end, they want this to be huge (if you haven't gotten that already), and printing friendly color gold cards, as a rare cycle would be pretty exciting to new players. Since breaking rules seems to result in more money (Time Spiral Block in general), than they will be all over that.
As for the other opinions of what Loxodon it might be, rule out the Warriors. It's definitly more of a Cleric. Like I said- it will probably be Inspirit, or something lame like that.
Is anyone going to delete all the stupid posts with people guessing at #19, and saying things like "I bet it's Avatar of Woe". That's an A.
Seems that they threw the no-horse-no-knight rule out.
Well, seeing that the horseback rule *usually* flavorfully depicts First Strike and/or Flanking, and that Knight of Dawn/Dusk has neither. Although the hilt thingie is similar, the original Exodus art had a nasty looking polearm... and strapped on the back of #18's back is a nasty polearm that looks similar. Plus, like I said, horseback is taken into consideration in the flavorful minds at R&D... #9 has my vote for Knight of Dawn (18 is en-Vec most likely).
I'll continue to make guesses on the unknowns, and not bother listing "I think that's Lord of the Pit?". Yes. It is.
My guesses:
1. Overgrowth (as disappointing, and uneventful as it is...) I seriously first thought "No way. Gaea's Cradle?!" Then the H-P thing took hold. Might have made Green somewhat interesting competitively... Could use the help.
3. Hierarch (most exciting (GOLD?! WOW), and we know how excited they want us to be come MAGIC GAME DAY!!!!) And a 4/4 is always aggressive in my book. You watch.. it will be Inspirit.
6. It's the Legacy Weapon. Please, stop guessing.
7. My guess is Prodigal Pyromancer. He would definitly match the Sorcerer counterpart more. And why else would you study a dragon... unless you were obsessed with fire?
9. See above
16. Viewing the listed confirms, I think it's mindstone. That weird rock in the background (seems more important than the druid), and the overall colorless-ness of the card seem to point to that direction imho..
17. As disappointing as it is to recieve another Puppeteer, it's probably the best guess. On that same note, art as cool as this makes people want to play it more in certain circles. (the current art is the cream of the crap)
Now we get to wait a week for more previews... boooo.
Well you can't argue with the results, guys! If you lost, or didn't play, you're not in the top 8! That means you can't claim your deck was or woulda been better.
Just to re-ask the question, was this tournament announced? Will this be held often? I must have missed the invitations/qualifiers/sign up.
You are right about Aggro Rack just being purely bad. I just played against it on MODO and crushed it with my UB pickles deck or his deck just didn't work like the others. The Rack deck's problem is too many low threat creatures and not enough power to win if the Rack doesn't pull through.
I don't get it. There is MBC, with or without The Rack, and there is MBA, and they are very different. Combining the two is going to make for a diluted strategy. Both are fairly powerful, and with the right build, could do well against most of the metagame.
Therefore, Pull from Eternity will be better than we thought.
Don't forget the Grizzly with the ability to put a stop to any suspend nonsense: Riftsweeper. Expect to see him mainboard in some R/G (and maybe MGA, if it were nearly as good as R/G..)
Who else do you expect to play against in the Regionals, but 'well knowledged player'?
Well, maybe not the most experienced with his deck, which is very common. People get nervous, and start switching decks at the last minute, or decide to run a NarcoBridge the day before... In which case, the more experienced player will most likely win.
I am disappointed about the MBC/MBA prospects, as I think they are really powerful (along with some Rack decks!). I also think RDW is very powerful... Lions are owned by Sulfurs, and there is enough efficient burn to warrant skipping out on a Lightning Helix (and nonbasic lands for Detritivore to eat up). And oh yeah, Magus of the Moon.
You are right about Aggro Rack just being purely bad. I just played against it on MODO and crushed it with my UB pickles deck or his deck just didn't work like the others. The Rack deck's problem is too many low threat creatures and not enough power to win if the Rack doesn't pull through.
I don't get it. There is MBC, with or without The Rack, and there is MBA, and they are very different. Combining the two is going to make for a diluted strategy. Both are fairly powerful, and with the right build, could do well against most of the metagame.
Therefore, Pull from Eternity will be better than we thought.
Don't forget the Grizzly with the ability to put a stop to any suspend nonsense: Riftsweeper. Expect to see him mainboard in some R/G (and maybe MGA, if it were nearly as good as R/G..)
Who else do you expect to play against in the Regionals, but 'well knowledged player'?
Well, maybe not the most experienced with his deck, which is very common. People get nervous, and start switching decks at the last minute, or decide to run a NarcoBridge the day before... In which case, the more experienced player will most likely win.
I am disappointed about the MBC/MBA prospects, as I think they are really powerful (along with some Rack decks!). I also think RDW is very powerful... Lions are owned by Sulfurs, and there is enough efficient burn to warrant skipping out on a Lightning Helix.
Did anyone else notice there is no win condition in the deck list?
lol. I can imagine that it's a misprint.
Anyone know what the meta breakdown was?
Yeah, a list on what was run, and in what numbers at least, would have been nice. Maybe we are just getting antsy with the Regionals just around the corner.
Smallpox is my favorite, I've always enjoyed trying to break the symmetry of it (and playing it turn 2 after they drop a land+mana dork). Congratulations on the new site, may MTGS live long and prosper!
Not to be "that guy", but I've used the Void ability (whether it's the original Planar, or the Leyline), to abuse Gravestorm and Web of Inertia-like abilities (to great effect!). Sure, it's mostly used the hate way, but technically it's abusable as a weapon.
Anyways, good article. I'm a big fan of black control, so it was nice to see someone cover the points of proactive control, when most average/beginning players just think that control automatically means Counterspell. (also with the lock decks, etc)
I think Magic will constantly make it hard for people to "lump" every card into specific places, but as theories go, this was a very useful way of looking at it. In general, cards can be used for multiple purposes (like saying Meddling Mage can be used to attack), but *usually* it's best used to compliment a certain strategy the most. Mana Drain, to me, is a counterspell best, and the mana bonus is a cool side-effect. Voidmage Prodigy is best used for his ability, and as a 2/2 second.
I think it's pretty clear the Tribal influences going into both this core set, and Lorwynn. You can bet money that Tribal will be used, and that this core set, featuring a large number on Onslaught tribal cards, will only support it.
As for Mobilization, I think it's a great card. The fact that you compare it to Sacred Mesa just proves the point.
I'm more excited to get a shiny new Ascendant Evincar myself... 4/4 flyer, with Bad Moon and Engineered Plague: Non-Black built in is just good times.
That would be rediculous. It's not only really powerful, but it kind of negates them giving us sangrophage instead of his better cousin carnophage.
Zombie Infestation seems more likely to me. It's less powerful, imho, and lends itself to the fact that black won't even have any card advantage besides the Muse. (which might be a liability with a ton of zombies).
Overrun - not good if were getting the elf block. please have tempest art!
Umm... Are we seeing the same art? The badass one vs the happy bunnies and deer running one?
Reprinting the painlands isn't so bad. They are kind of a staple to Magic. When one needs to play multiple colors (which makes the tournament scene more interesting anyways), people are always prepared to lose that 1 life per tap. It's classic. The shocklands being gone will eliminate some of the rediculousness of 3-4 color decks (the fact that they were basic land types made it all the more sick), and keep the dual color decks in check.
I'm sure mono-colored decks will make a return anyways, as there are some strong cards in the format that prefer a single color manabase (RDW did very well recently, as did MBA/MBC).
BoP's getting reprinted: Stupid. Llanowar Elves better be in Xth... The budget green player's mana accelerant since alpha! Overgrowth might help MGA too.
No Arena? So not only are we losing Arena, we are losing Confidants. Wow. Way to stick it to black Wizards! Nobody wants Graveborn Muse. Unless they reprint Dark Ritual (I would cry with happiness), black has some serious issues on their hands.
It makes me sad.
Plus, considering Magic's world is mostly classical fantasy (goblins, warriors), samurai seem out of place in the end. And this was mostly in regards to the legend slot, which is usually pretty classic (especially in an anniversary set).
*EDIT: The pieces being reprinted from both Mirrodin and Kamigawa are at least half classic, or not different enough to throw the set off completely. Troll Ascetic at least is a fantasy creature (unlike something with Modular, etc). Loxodon Warhammer is also based pretty solely in a calssical sense. Counsel of the Soratami (Sleight of Hand) seems vague enough to pass as a nod to the old set, but not throw off the otherwise very basic themes in the core set (Levitation, Condemn, Goblin Lore).
Just my opinion.
If you ask me, mono-green needs all the help it can get. Right now, any other mono color is better than mono-green. I must say though, Quagnoth is pretty sweet. Expect him to show his ugly face EVERYWHERE soon (if he isn't already).
Although I do think they will print 2 legends per color, Ambassador Laquatus seems VERY weak (I'd rather have Rayne, and even she isn't very exciting, flavor aside). Barrin, Master Wizard, and Eladamri would be oh so awesome. Too bad they are on the list of non-reprints.
Besides the fact that Mirri is awesome (:p), I sincerely doubt they will reprint the Kamigawa block, especially in a core set. With names like that, every beginner would be like "Wtf? I thought I bought a fantasy set?". Rofellos is also on the reserved list, with Eladamri (though Rofellos is far more broken). I figure Eladamri is in the same slot, and works like an Elvish Champion (which has been in core sets a few times).
In Mirri's defense, first strike and forestwalk are very cat-like things to have. The vigilance, not so much maybe, but it seemed less like a white ability back when it wasn't keyworded.
I'm very curious about Braids though. It hasn't been confirmed (the original poster never updated), although there aren't a lot of other simple core-like legends in a cheap slot. (on the subject of Kamigawa legends, I was partial to Kiku).
Oh well. I guess we'll have to wait.
First of all, Hierarch is perfectly acceptable to be reprinted. It's powerful, simple in it's flavor and effects, and overall an elegant card. Like someone said before- the power of the card is not really being brought into question, as Troll Ascetic is also being reprinted...
Ravnica block will be cycling out this October. And the 4-of in a deck rule still applies, whether or not there's 2 type-2 sets carrying the card. Loxodon Warhammer is another example of this. PLUS, reprinting very recently printed cards is never offlimits (Prodigal Pyromancer is confirmed.)
Anywho, on that same note, I think it's stupid to run your mouth off about what Wizards might or might not do.
As for the other opinions of what Loxodon it might be, rule out the Warriors. It's definitly more of a Cleric. Like I said- it will probably be Inspirit, or something lame like that.
Is anyone going to delete all the stupid posts with people guessing at #19, and saying things like "I bet it's Avatar of Woe". That's an A.
Well, seeing that the horseback rule *usually* flavorfully depicts First Strike and/or Flanking, and that Knight of Dawn/Dusk has neither. Although the hilt thingie is similar, the original Exodus art had a nasty looking polearm... and strapped on the back of #18's back is a nasty polearm that looks similar. Plus, like I said, horseback is taken into consideration in the flavorful minds at R&D... #9 has my vote for Knight of Dawn (18 is en-Vec most likely).
I'll continue to make guesses on the unknowns, and not bother listing "I think that's Lord of the Pit?". Yes. It is.
My guesses:
1. Overgrowth (as disappointing, and uneventful as it is...) I seriously first thought "No way. Gaea's Cradle?!" Then the H-P thing took hold. Might have made Green somewhat interesting competitively... Could use the help.
3. Hierarch (most exciting (GOLD?! WOW), and we know how excited they want us to be come MAGIC GAME DAY!!!!) And a 4/4 is always aggressive in my book. You watch.. it will be Inspirit.
6. It's the Legacy Weapon. Please, stop guessing.
7. My guess is Prodigal Pyromancer. He would definitly match the Sorcerer counterpart more. And why else would you study a dragon... unless you were obsessed with fire?
9. See above
16. Viewing the listed confirms, I think it's mindstone. That weird rock in the background (seems more important than the druid), and the overall colorless-ness of the card seem to point to that direction imho..
17. As disappointing as it is to recieve another Puppeteer, it's probably the best guess. On that same note, art as cool as this makes people want to play it more in certain circles. (the current art is the cream of the crap)
Now we get to wait a week for more previews... boooo.
Just to re-ask the question, was this tournament announced? Will this be held often? I must have missed the invitations/qualifiers/sign up.
lol...
I don't get it. There is MBC, with or without The Rack, and there is MBA, and they are very different. Combining the two is going to make for a diluted strategy. Both are fairly powerful, and with the right build, could do well against most of the metagame.
Don't forget the Grizzly with the ability to put a stop to any suspend nonsense: Riftsweeper. Expect to see him mainboard in some R/G (and maybe MGA, if it were nearly as good as R/G..)
Well, maybe not the most experienced with his deck, which is very common. People get nervous, and start switching decks at the last minute, or decide to run a NarcoBridge the day before... In which case, the more experienced player will most likely win.
I am disappointed about the MBC/MBA prospects, as I think they are really powerful (along with some Rack decks!). I also think RDW is very powerful... Lions are owned by Sulfurs, and there is enough efficient burn to warrant skipping out on a Lightning Helix (and nonbasic lands for Detritivore to eat up). And oh yeah, Magus of the Moon.
Anyways, thanks for the primer!
I don't get it. There is MBC, with or without The Rack, and there is MBA, and they are very different. Combining the two is going to make for a diluted strategy. Both are fairly powerful, and with the right build, could do well against most of the metagame.
Don't forget the Grizzly with the ability to put a stop to any suspend nonsense: Riftsweeper. Expect to see him mainboard in some R/G (and maybe MGA, if it were nearly as good as R/G..)
Well, maybe not the most experienced with his deck, which is very common. People get nervous, and start switching decks at the last minute, or decide to run a NarcoBridge the day before... In which case, the more experienced player will most likely win.
I am disappointed about the MBC/MBA prospects, as I think they are really powerful (along with some Rack decks!). I also think RDW is very powerful... Lions are owned by Sulfurs, and there is enough efficient burn to warrant skipping out on a Lightning Helix.
Anyways, thanks for the primer!
lol. I can imagine that it's a misprint.
Yeah, a list on what was run, and in what numbers at least, would have been nice. Maybe we are just getting antsy with the Regionals just around the corner.
Otherwise, Dredge is kind of scary, considering the fact that there was so much hate, and it still made a big splash.
My personal favorite here is the Blink Riders. Nice to see something different on the chart, with a little spunk.
Congrats to the winners!