Liliana joins Bolaswatch, as the BB member.
Tht artwork is gorgeus, you can see how sad Lily is, how defeated she is. She looks a bit docile-ized.
Also it creepily looks like a hentai where, she gets hentaid by that creepy fellow.
Anyway I thinj Liliana WILL become the big bad eventually. What will happen is she will be the "NeoUmezawa" where she is that 1BB that will betray him in the end. RavenMan will protect her from Bolas, sure she still works for him. Bolas will think he got it all controlled, but he does not know that Ravenman has kept Liliana semi-free.
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MtG is where you can hate white players or black players, and still not be racist.
Lili isn't strong enough to be the Big Bad. She cannot even stop pre fully unlocked Jace from busting into her mind. And considering the deal she just got screwed on she clearly isn't smart enough to outsmart Bolas.
I really hope the Raven Man is a separate entity (whether Lim-Dul or not) and not just Doctor Jest 2.0. As I said before, I feel Liliana's story (and character) rather cliche and while it was initially fun to speculate, Bolas himself and his plans (being behind almost everything) is also starting to feel cliche and if the Raven Man is both of those combined I think the Raven Man will become the most boring thing I've actually read in hindsight. I'd rather the Raven Man be an impediment to Bolas's control over Liliana, but not to the Gatewatch's benefit either. Also, the Chain Veil is probably irrelevant "demon #5" at this point, Bolas has demonstrated it is effectively worthless against him and it has been proven both the Veil and the Raven Man were terrified (and most likely outmatched) of Emrakul. So basically Liliana is being "controlled" by a power-level of Veil < Raven Man < Bolas, but in three different directions at once... unless Emrakul did hijack into Liliana as well.
It's a bit sad to say, but I think Jodah got the oldwalker treatment due to his immortality (yes I know he wasn't one and in fact hated them, but it just makes it even more ironic), except he's less arrogant and more of complacent instead (at least he went "Oh no" and was listening to solutions rather then "It's not my fault it's theirs" like some Sphinx did...), but it still seems all out-of-place.
The whole artifact debacle is also rather confusing, because we don't have the timeline for Blackblade's arrival and there's a lot of dementia magic involved. Was Thom sent in after Blackblade arrived and he had the knowledge of Blackblade, or did he successfully sneak Blackblade out (to New Argive) and got abandoned, or did he sneak something else out (or failed to sneak something out) and had Blackblade overwritten as a disguise, or was he sent in before Blackblade, was mentally transmitted of Belzenlok acquiring the Blade and since he didn't sneak the artifact out, Blackblade was the only memory they could see? I feel like blaming Jodah for just saying "it's missing" without specifying what it is, because the wand could also just be anything...
The story is well structured, but I can feel the missing-information-rifts when it comes to trying to associate old characters with new plotlines (Karn's refusal to speak to Jhoira, Jodah's relative carelessness, the artifact confusion), but even with that I really like Gideon & Liliana feel like they're two kids when placed beside these ageless characters. In a way it almost feels like they're saying "even complacent confused older characters are somewhat more mature than the young Gatewatch". Only Raff felt even younger, but hey the new Weatherlight crew are the actual kids of the story to start with...
Yeah Lili has too many plot points running around one character doesn't need 4 Demon Contracts, 1 Chain Veil (with mysterious race that is trapped), Raven Man (who corrupted her as a young women) and Bolas. As for Raven Man = Bolas it doesn't make sense. Lili sparked centuries before Bolas tricked Venser into letting him out of the Rift seems weird he wait that long if he could just trick Lili into getting him out.
I say its worse then that. Oldwalkers basically carved out their niches on Dominaria and did a pretty good job of protecting their countries or land. Jodah is apparently not really doing much at all. The bare minimum is protecting critical artifacts at Tolaria much less stopping Belzenlok. He is finally free of the Oldwalkers and can show his way is the right way and he utterly fails at it. Not only that he is hating on Neowalkers who are far weaker and not immortal anymore. But is fine working at a place called Tolaria West? Talk about Hypocrisy of the highest order.
I don't think its the Blackblade but you think Jodah would put some way better magical security on such a significant vault. Also is he not a telepath anymore? What Cabal Agents are all immune to mindreading? The artifact was confusing. I assume it was a famous artifact from the past but they didn't really provide much in terms of details.
Also does no one know outside of Lili that Bolas was involved in the deal. It seems weird Ajani would be like Belzenlok doesn't matter when Lili brokered a deal with Belzenlok through Bolas. Seems like taking out and interrogating a top Bolas Agent would be useful in any attack on Bolas.
I really hope the Raven Man is a separate entity (whether Lim-Dul or not) and not just Doctor Jest 2.0. As I said before, I feel Liliana's story (and character) rather cliche and while it was initially fun to speculate, Bolas himself and his plans (being behind almost everything) is also starting to feel cliche and if the Raven Man is both of those combined I think the Raven Man will become the most boring thing I've actually read in hindsight. I'd rather the Raven Man be an impediment to Bolas's control over Liliana, but not to the Gatewatch's benefit either. Also, the Chain Veil is probably irrelevant "demon #5" at this point, Bolas has demonstrated it is effectively worthless against him and it has been proven both the Veil and the Raven Man were terrified (and most likely outmatched) of Emrakul. So basically Liliana is being "controlled" by a power-level of Veil < Raven Man < Bolas, but in three different directions at once... unless Emrakul did hijack into Liliana as well.
It's a bit sad to say, but I think Jodah got the oldwalker treatment due to his immortality (yes I know he wasn't one and in fact hated them, but it just makes it even more ironic), except he's less arrogant and more of complacent instead (at least he went "Oh no" and was listening to solutions rather then "It's not my fault it's theirs" like some Sphinx did...), but it still seems all out-of-place.
The whole artifact debacle is also rather confusing, because we don't have the timeline for Blackblade's arrival and there's a lot of dementia magic involved. Was Thom sent in after Blackblade arrived and he had the knowledge of Blackblade, or did he successfully sneak Blackblade out (to New Argive) and got abandoned, or did he sneak something else out (or failed to sneak something out) and had Blackblade overwritten as a disguise, or was he sent in before Blackblade, was mentally transmitted of Belzenlok acquiring the Blade and since he didn't sneak the artifact out, Blackblade was the only memory they could see? I feel like blaming Jodah for just saying "it's missing" without specifying what it is, because the wand could also just be anything...
The story is well structured, but I can feel the missing-information-rifts when it comes to trying to associate old characters with new plotlines (Karn's refusal to speak to Jhoira, Jodah's relative carelessness, the artifact confusion), but even with that I really like Gideon & Liliana feel like they're two kids when placed beside these ageless characters. In a way it almost feels like they're saying "even complacent confused older characters are somewhat more mature than the young Gatewatch". Only Raff felt even younger, but hey the new Weatherlight crew are the actual kids of the story to start with...
(emphasis mine)
Occam's Razor would suggest that simply taking the stories in chronological order (with the timelines of Jhoira's recruitment mission and Tiana/Arvad's story overlapping) puts the delivery of the Blackblade to Belzenlok 2-3months ago, which is a good amount of time for Thom to know about it before infiltrating Tolaria West (particularly given that Belzenlok definitely doesn't seem the type to hide that he has it in his possession).
The artifact Thom was stealing reasonably was the thus-far-unnamed wand. Because again, if Thom has succeeded in his mission of stealing Blackblade from Tolaria West why would he come back?
Bolas: Did you really think I brokered those deals for free? That I, Nicol Bolas, had no ulterior motive whatsoever?
Liliana: Well yeah?
Bolas: *Facepalm*
Remember when you asked why I thought Liliana was a terrible character? Things like this, this right here, she is an old Walker, centuries old and she fell for the most obvious trap that you could, she made a deal she wasn't willing to uphold the end of and in trying to get out of it and put herself further behind in putting herself In Bolas' Clutches as well as binding herself to the Chain Veil. If Liliana weren't a terrible terrible black mage she would have set up the deal and then gone off to the other side of the Multiverse where the 4 Demons and Nicol Himself promptly forget about you, which given that none of the Demons ever seemed to ask anything of her in the decades after they made the deal? I don't think they would be bothering her very often. In the end she won't even get punished for it, the Gatewatch will save her from Niccy B and welcome her back into the fold.
Also her Raven Man plot makes NO DAMN SENSE, he acts way to scared of Psionics to just be a figment of her imagination but no being except old Walkers should be able to screw with Old Walker minds like Raven Man does.
Anyway I thinj Liliana WILL become the big bad eventually. What will happen is she will be the "NeoUmezawa" where she is that 1BB that will betray him in the end. RavenMan will protect her from Bolas, sure she still works for him. Bolas will think he got it all controlled, but he does not know that Ravenman has kept Liliana semi-free.
Considering that Ravenman noped the heck out when Pre-Ixalan Jace came over to play, Raven M an should be buying a bus ticket to Las Vegas if Liliana is going to be hanging out with Nicol Bolas, because if Nicol finds out someone is playing with one of his toys Raven Man is going to get popped like a zit.
The story itself was passable but, Jodah..freaking JODAH couldn't figure out what was going on when he has a good thousand years of experience on Jhoria? That was just stupid, and he needed Liliana to do necromancy for him? He knows spells from all five colors, he has used Necromancy in the books before to heal himself.
What makes the Bolas deal worse is Bolas tried to talk her out of the deal and basically told her become a Lich or a Vampire. This deal is going to go very poorly for you and Lili still took the deal anyway. But Lili is fine, it goes to show just because Black Characters are Ambitious does not mean they are Smart. Bolas will be dodging the knife from Ral and Tezz. He can afford one minion not smart enough to pull anything.
Yeah Jodah seemed not especially interested in solving a mystery involving spies and secret agents in his own Academy killing his students and faculty. Much less doing anything to check the advance of Belzenlok overall. We really have no reason why he hasn't taken the fight to Belzenlok personally.
Did he cast one helpful spell? All he did was play a bitter Ex and Be Judgmental as all hell. Plus you know Jodah has experience dealing with thieves trying to steal secrets from him, it is how he met Jaya in the first place. And there is nothing to suggest Belzenlok sent his best thief.
I like these new Weatherlight nerds more and more by the week. Shame they won't be recurring characters like the old crew.
Case in point:
"It's a famous magical weapon," Jhoira explained. She was sitting across from him, nursing a cup of warmed wine. "It killed an elder dragon."
That was encouraging. "Which one?" Gideon asked.
"Piru, I think," Shanna said, taking a seat next to him.
"Never heard of him," he told her.
Shanna inclined her head. "Exactly."
Raff is also quite sassy to with his "good bye" to Ajani.
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“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
I want to be afraid of Belzenlok, but this story isn't doing a very good job of hyping him as a villain.
One problem is that unlike, say, Sauron, Darth Vader, Voldemort, the Fire Lord, Yawgmoth, or Bolas, no one seems to be all that afraid of Belzenok. He doesn't cast a shadow over the story; he doesn't loom. Liliana hates him, sure, but nobody seems to actually dread the coming confrontation. Even the heroes native to Dominaria talk about killing him in a fairly businesslike manner, like he's an unpleasant mark to check off the list, and it's only a matter of finally getting around to the deed. And while the story gives us a sense that the Cabal has spread and we've seen some of the damage they've done, I rarely find myself feeling their danger in the present. We never see them being competent or scary or winning battles. We haven't yet really seen consequences of their attack on Dominarian history, and we have little idea if anyone outside the Cabal is even buying it.
This is all the more perplexing because, as far as Dominaria goes, Belzenlok is one of an elite few villains to threaten the entire plane. There's been Yawgmoth, Karona, and... who else? Most Dominarian villains (Kaervek, Lim-Dul, Mairsil, Johan, the old Cabal, and hell, even Bolas) were regional baddies. Planar conquest is a viable Evil Plan on, say, Ravnica, Mirrodin, Amonkhet, or Kamigawa, but Dominaria is just so damn big. Jamuraa alone is worth perhaps two Tarkirs. Belzenlok is really shooting for the moon here--and if the story is to be believed, he's winning. So why isn't he more frightening? Why doesn't he make our heroes shake in their boots and wrestle with their own doubts and fears? We've been focusing almost entirely on the facts of entering the Stronghold and getting to Belzenlok, not the magnitude or the fear of that undertaking.
I'd like Mrs. Wells to make both the characters and me afraid of Belzenlok, and let us see the side of the Cabal that's supposedly bringing this entire world to its knees.
I think this is actually great for Lili's character development, as now she cannot rely on her innate strength to simply win; she'll have to plot her way out somehow, or worse still, rely on others to help her (she'll try to justify it by saying that she's manipulating them to help her in order to preserve her pride probably). Clever people often don't actually use their intelligence if they can just brute force their way through problems, and being in Bolas' control will force Lili to improve her plotting skills rather than simply just finding/using more power to blast things into oblivion. I personally find her more compelling (best character in the Gatewatch IMO) than Vraska due to her ethics vs the idealism of the Gatewatch. There's more opportunity for conflict with the other main characters, whereas someone like Vraska, who is obviously insecure about her position in the world (she dislikes people thinking that she's just a heartless killer gorgon for instance), would be more than happy to be accepted into an 'elite' do-gooders' social group.
From Liliana's perspective, the Gatewatch is essentially a useful suicide squad that's living on borrowed time. The fact that she actually likes at least one or two members of them makes it a point of conflict within her, since her ethics says that she should simply use them until they're no longer worthwhile to keep around, but there's a part of her that doesn't quite want to leave either and keeps on making excuses as to how useful they are.
I want to be afraid of Belzenlok, but this story isn't doing a very good job of hyping him as a villain.
One problem is that unlike, say, Sauron, Darth Vader, Voldemort, the Fire Lord, Yawgmoth, or Bolas, no one seems to be all that afraid of Belzenok. He doesn't cast a shadow over the story; he doesn't loom. Liliana hates him, sure, but nobody seems to actually dread the coming confrontation. Even the heroes native to Dominaria talk about killing him in a fairly businesslike manner, like he's an unpleasant mark to check off the list, and it's only a matter of finally getting around to the deed. And while the story gives us a sense that the Cabal has spread and we've seen some of the damage they've done, I rarely find myself feeling their danger in the present. We never see them being competent or scary or winning battles. We haven't yet really seen consequences of their attack on Dominarian history, and we have little idea if anyone outside the Cabal is even buying it.
This is all the more perplexing because, as far as Dominaria goes, Belzenlok is one of an elite few villains to threaten the entire plane. There's been Yawgmoth, Karona, and... who else? Most Dominarian villains (Kaervek, Lim-Dul, Mairsil, Johan, the old Cabal, and hell, even Bolas) were regional baddies. Planar conquest is a viable Evil Plan on, say, Ravnica, Mirrodin, Amonkhet, or Kamigawa, but Dominaria is just so damn big. Jamuraa alone is worth perhaps two Tarkirs. Belzenlok is really shooting for the moon here--and if the story is to be believed, he's winning. So why isn't he more frightening? Why doesn't he make our heroes shake in their boots and wrestle with their own doubts and fears? We've been focusing almost entirely on the facts of entering the Stronghold and getting to Belzenlok, not the magnitude or the fear of that undertaking.
I'd like Mrs. Wells to make both the characters and me afraid of Belzenlok, and let us see the side of the Cabal that's supposedly bringing this entire world to its knees.
Very well put. I was thinking why Belzenlok seemed like such a lackluster villain and your reasoning is spot on.
Another thought that occured is that perhaps Bolas didn't have any kind of a secret clause in the contract. It could also be that by killing the 4 demons, the contract seizes to be (as it was the power of the demons keeping it going) and without the contract Liliana would immediately age and die. Bolas then steps in, uses his power to prevent this from happening and basically gives Liliana the choice of working for him or aging and death.
I want to be afraid of Belzenlok, but this story isn't doing a very good job of hyping him as a villain.
One problem is that unlike, say, Sauron, Darth Vader, Voldemort, the Fire Lord, Yawgmoth, or Bolas, no one seems to be all that afraid of Belzenok. He doesn't cast a shadow over the story; he doesn't loom. Liliana hates him, sure, but nobody seems to actually dread the coming confrontation. Even the heroes native to Dominaria talk about killing him in a fairly businesslike manner, like he's an unpleasant mark to check off the list, and it's only a matter of finally getting around to the deed. And while the story gives us a sense that the Cabal has spread and we've seen some of the damage they've done, I rarely find myself feeling their danger in the present. We never see them being competent or scary or winning battles. We haven't yet really seen consequences of their attack on Dominarian history, and we have little idea if anyone outside the Cabal is even buying it.
This is all the more perplexing because, as far as Dominaria goes, Belzenlok is one of an elite few villains to threaten the entire plane. There's been Yawgmoth, Karona, and... who else? Most Dominarian villains (Kaervek, Lim-Dul, Mairsil, Johan, the old Cabal, and hell, even Bolas) were regional baddies. Planar conquest is a viable Evil Plan on, say, Ravnica, Mirrodin, Amonkhet, or Kamigawa, but Dominaria is just so damn big. Jamuraa alone is worth perhaps two Tarkirs. Belzenlok is really shooting for the moon here--and if the story is to be believed, he's winning. So why isn't he more frightening? Why doesn't he make our heroes shake in their boots and wrestle with their own doubts and fears? We've been focusing almost entirely on the facts of entering the Stronghold and getting to Belzenlok, not the magnitude or the fear of that undertaking.
I'd like Mrs. Wells to make both the characters and me afraid of Belzenlok, and let us see the side of the Cabal that's supposedly bringing this entire world to its knees.
Very well put. I was thinking why Belzenlok seemed like such a lackluster villain and your reasoning is spot on.
Another thought that occured is that perhaps Bolas didn't have any kind of a secret clause in the contract. It could also be that by killing the 4 demons, the contract seizes to be (as it was the power of the demons keeping it going) and without the contract Liliana would immediately age and die. Bolas then steps in, uses his power to prevent this from happening and basically gives Liliana the choice of working for him or aging and death.
That would be a twist: Bolas becoming Liliana's phylactery of sorts: as soon as he dies, she dies. Jace better get some expert in law magic to solve this...
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The secret to enjoyable Commander games is not winning first, but losing last.
If my post has no tags, then i posted from my phone.
I want to be afraid of Belzenlok, but this story isn't doing a very good job of hyping him as a villain.
One problem is that unlike, say, Sauron, Darth Vader, Voldemort, the Fire Lord, Yawgmoth, or Bolas, no one seems to be all that afraid of Belzenok. He doesn't cast a shadow over the story; he doesn't loom. Liliana hates him, sure, but nobody seems to actually dread the coming confrontation. Even the heroes native to Dominaria talk about killing him in a fairly businesslike manner, like he's an unpleasant mark to check off the list, and it's only a matter of finally getting around to the deed. And while the story gives us a sense that the Cabal has spread and we've seen some of the damage they've done, I rarely find myself feeling their danger in the present. We never see them being competent or scary or winning battles. We haven't yet really seen consequences of their attack on Dominarian history, and we have little idea if anyone outside the Cabal is even buying it.
This is all the more perplexing because, as far as Dominaria goes, Belzenlok is one of an elite few villains to threaten the entire plane. There's been Yawgmoth, Karona, and... who else? Most Dominarian villains (Kaervek, Lim-Dul, Mairsil, Johan, the old Cabal, and hell, even Bolas) were regional baddies. Planar conquest is a viable Evil Plan on, say, Ravnica, Mirrodin, Amonkhet, or Kamigawa, but Dominaria is just so damn big. Jamuraa alone is worth perhaps two Tarkirs. Belzenlok is really shooting for the moon here--and if the story is to be believed, he's winning. So why isn't he more frightening? Why doesn't he make our heroes shake in their boots and wrestle with their own doubts and fears? We've been focusing almost entirely on the facts of entering the Stronghold and getting to Belzenlok, not the magnitude or the fear of that undertaking.
I'd like Mrs. Wells to make both the characters and me afraid of Belzenlok, and let us see the side of the Cabal that's supposedly bringing this entire world to its knees.
Very well put. I was thinking why Belzenlok seemed like such a lackluster villain and your reasoning is spot on.
Another thought that occured is that perhaps Bolas didn't have any kind of a secret clause in the contract. It could also be that by killing the 4 demons, the contract seizes to be (as it was the power of the demons keeping it going) and without the contract Liliana would immediately age and die. Bolas then steps in, uses his power to prevent this from happening and basically gives Liliana the choice of working for him or aging and death.
Just to further the Belzenlok issue. I'm a big fan of show, don't tell. Gideon reaffirming multiple times how much he wanted to trust the cabal lackey was cheapening the experience for me.
Aside from that, the vast majority of the cast is straight up immune to the cabal's most effective weapons.
Shanna can shrug off ALL magic.
Lili is an experienced black mage who can handle the effects of her own spell suite.
Gideon is immune physically to any attack. Dude literally goes toe to toe with a dread shade and wins. You know that thing that mechanically gets bigger with black mana...that he fights in a swamp...sure.
I'm assuming jhoira can not only employ time magic but also her artifact is immune to dementia magic.
Raff is becoming Jace light. If he is attuned to mental magics he can work his way out of dementia magic probably. This is a lot of assuming but even if he is vulnerable...that's 1/5?
That's just who was in the room. Tiana and Arvad were still on the ship and Arvad is probably the second deadliest aside from Gideon. I'd be surprised if dementia magic works on him. Tiana can also heal like wolverine apparently.
The cabal is going to get worked. Even if they have a minor victory it's going to feel hollow. I just don't see how they stand a chance. That being said this does drive home the fact that the major role players in dominaria are strong af. They are battlebred in a history full of strife. Many of the other planes we've visited seem to be experiencing their first woes.
I really hope the Raven Man is a separate entity (whether Lim-Dul or not) and not just Doctor Jest 2.0. As I said before, I feel Liliana's story (and character) rather cliche and while it was initially fun to speculate, Bolas himself and his plans (being behind almost everything) is also starting to feel cliche and if the Raven Man is both of those combined I think the Raven Man will become the most boring thing I've actually read in hindsight. I'd rather the Raven Man be an impediment to Bolas's control over Liliana, but not to the Gatewatch's benefit either. Also, the Chain Veil is probably irrelevant "demon #5" at this point, Bolas has demonstrated it is effectively worthless against him and it has been proven both the Veil and the Raven Man were terrified (and most likely outmatched) of Emrakul. So basically Liliana is being "controlled" by a power-level of Veil < Raven Man < Bolas, but in three different directions at once... unless Emrakul did hijack into Liliana as well.
It's a bit sad to say, but I think Jodah got the oldwalker treatment due to his immortality (yes I know he wasn't one and in fact hated them, but it just makes it even more ironic), except he's less arrogant and more of complacent instead (at least he went "Oh no" and was listening to solutions rather then "It's not my fault it's theirs" like some Sphinx did...), but it still seems all out-of-place.
The whole artifact debacle is also rather confusing, because we don't have the timeline for Blackblade's arrival and there's a lot of dementia magic involved. Was Thom sent in after Blackblade arrived and he had the knowledge of Blackblade, or did he successfully sneak Blackblade out (to New Argive) and got abandoned, or did he sneak something else out (or failed to sneak something out) and had Blackblade overwritten as a disguise, or was he sent in before Blackblade, was mentally transmitted of Belzenlok acquiring the Blade and since he didn't sneak the artifact out, Blackblade was the only memory they could see? I feel like blaming Jodah for just saying "it's missing" without specifying what it is, because the wand could also just be anything...
The story is well structured, but I can feel the missing-information-rifts when it comes to trying to associate old characters with new plotlines (Karn's refusal to speak to Jhoira, Jodah's relative carelessness, the artifact confusion), but even with that I really like Gideon & Liliana feel like they're two kids when placed beside these ageless characters. In a way it almost feels like they're saying "even complacent confused older characters are somewhat more mature than the young Gatewatch". Only Raff felt even younger, but hey the new Weatherlight crew are the actual kids of the story to start with...
(emphasis mine)
Occam's Razor would suggest that simply taking the stories in chronological order (with the timelines of Jhoira's recruitment mission and Tiana/Arvad's story overlapping) puts the delivery of the Blackblade to Belzenlok 2-3months ago, which is a good amount of time for Thom to know about it before infiltrating Tolaria West (particularly given that Belzenlok definitely doesn't seem the type to hide that he has it in his possession).
The artifact Thom was stealing reasonably was the thus-far-unnamed wand. Because again, if Thom has succeeded in his mission of stealing Blackblade from Tolaria West why would he come back?
He would go back to get another artifact, and act as a spy. That’s what spies do. Do you really think that Sorcerer’s Wand is the ancient, famous artifact Bolas wants to aggrandize himself? No, it’s Blackblade.
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Tymna and Ravos WB
I really hope the Raven Man is a separate entity (whether Lim-Dul or not) and not just Doctor Jest 2.0. As I said before, I feel Liliana's story (and character) rather cliche and while it was initially fun to speculate, Bolas himself and his plans (being behind almost everything) is also starting to feel cliche and if the Raven Man is both of those combined I think the Raven Man will become the most boring thing I've actually read in hindsight. I'd rather the Raven Man be an impediment to Bolas's control over Liliana, but not to the Gatewatch's benefit either. Also, the Chain Veil is probably irrelevant "demon #5" at this point, Bolas has demonstrated it is effectively worthless against him and it has been proven both the Veil and the Raven Man were terrified (and most likely outmatched) of Emrakul. So basically Liliana is being "controlled" by a power-level of Veil < Raven Man < Bolas, but in three different directions at once... unless Emrakul did hijack into Liliana as well.
It's a bit sad to say, but I think Jodah got the oldwalker treatment due to his immortality (yes I know he wasn't one and in fact hated them, but it just makes it even more ironic), except he's less arrogant and more of complacent instead (at least he went "Oh no" and was listening to solutions rather then "It's not my fault it's theirs" like some Sphinx did...), but it still seems all out-of-place.
The whole artifact debacle is also rather confusing, because we don't have the timeline for Blackblade's arrival and there's a lot of dementia magic involved. Was Thom sent in after Blackblade arrived and he had the knowledge of Blackblade, or did he successfully sneak Blackblade out (to New Argive) and got abandoned, or did he sneak something else out (or failed to sneak something out) and had Blackblade overwritten as a disguise, or was he sent in before Blackblade, was mentally transmitted of Belzenlok acquiring the Blade and since he didn't sneak the artifact out, Blackblade was the only memory they could see? I feel like blaming Jodah for just saying "it's missing" without specifying what it is, because the wand could also just be anything...
The story is well structured, but I can feel the missing-information-rifts when it comes to trying to associate old characters with new plotlines (Karn's refusal to speak to Jhoira, Jodah's relative carelessness, the artifact confusion), but even with that I really like Gideon & Liliana feel like they're two kids when placed beside these ageless characters. In a way it almost feels like they're saying "even complacent confused older characters are somewhat more mature than the young Gatewatch". Only Raff felt even younger, but hey the new Weatherlight crew are the actual kids of the story to start with...
(emphasis mine)
Occam's Razor would suggest that simply taking the stories in chronological order (with the timelines of Jhoira's recruitment mission and Tiana/Arvad's story overlapping) puts the delivery of the Blackblade to Belzenlok 2-3months ago, which is a good amount of time for Thom to know about it before infiltrating Tolaria West (particularly given that Belzenlok definitely doesn't seem the type to hide that he has it in his possession).
The artifact Thom was stealing reasonably was the thus-far-unnamed wand. Because again, if Thom has succeeded in his mission of stealing Blackblade from Tolaria West why would he come back?
He would go back to get another artifact, and act as a spy. That’s what spies do. Do you really think that Sorcerer’s Wand is the ancient, famous artifact Bolas wants to aggrandize himself? No, it’s Blackblade.
Considering that artifact is presumably the one he took out of the box (which probably isn't big enough to hold a sword), yes I do really think that.
Jhoira seems unsurprised by New Phyrexia. I would assume she hasn't seen Karn since he disappeared into the rift, and only Koth, Venser, and Elspeth knew about Karn on New Phyrexia. Did I forget Elspeth telling Ajani? How would Ajani know? And how would Jhoira know about New Phyrexia and Karn being bound there, such that she would be relieved that he is free? To be relieved he's free, she would have to know he was bound by the Phyrexians, and I don't know how that would be possible.
The wording makes it seem like Ajani has met Karn and was told the entirety by him. Also she doesn't have to be relieved he is free, just back, because he left in a panic.
I could of sworn Ajani was told by Elspeth about it. I also remember reading a story article where it was mentioned that planewalkers were spreading the word to not go to Mirrodin. Ajani gets around alot and is part of the Tamiyo book club so he has plenty of options for info. If I had to guess he went there himself to check it out. As far as Jhoira knowing about it thats a bit sketch. Maybe they realized he was leaking oil idk its a weird part.
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SonofaBith - Wizards was so excited about making the packaging for Modern Masters 2 recyclable, they decided to make most of the rares and all but 1 of the UC's recycle-bin ready too. Convenient!
SonofaBith - Wizards was so excited about making the packaging for Modern Masters 2 recyclable, they decided to make most of the rares and all but 1 of the UC's recycle-bin ready too. Convenient!
So based on the other cards, I'm thinking Chandra's story revolves around Yavimaya and Multani. The fight that begins in Ancient Animus continues in Fiery Intervention. In the former card, Multani's form is still being constructed until the final version we see in the latter card. We also know there are former Phyrexian machines in Yavimaya, reabsorbed by the forest, although this particular golem doesn't look like Gaea's Protector. So one possible plot point could be the Phyrexians "reawakening" somehow, which would also tie in nicely to a subsequent New Phyrexia plot. Multani rises to protect the forest and Chandra stumbles upon the battle unaware of what either side represents.
In the end, I believe the new Weatherlight's destiny is to hold off another Phyrexian invasion, though possibly with less success.
In Bolas's Clutches - yeap, we all saw it coming, how in the name of holy **** did Lili not? This even happens when you get a loan, that's what guarantors are. Idiot. She might be a strong necromancer, but she ain't clever.
I knew Chandra wasn't gone entirely, too. I assume she finds Karn, sees him reanimate Multani, finds the rest of her gang and brings Karn into the fold again so he can have an awkward conversation with Jhoira that she already knows the conclusion of.
Goddamn home run for the set flavour wise, power wise, stoked to be grabbing a box.
looking thought card gallery, sees Primordial Wurm Huh, the Carhalion line lives on, in exile apparently. We're never going to know why though, most likely.
Just wanted to say that my Dominaria map came in the mail, so if anyone has any questions about what's on it, I can unroll it and see if I can answer. It's pretty beautiful.
Also, I am very angry that this is a one set block. >:(
But after the full spoiler, New Benalia and the Church of Serra are pretty amazing. And has Urborg turned into like a Guillermo del Toro troll market?
Tht artwork is gorgeus, you can see how sad Lily is, how defeated she is. She looks a bit docile-ized.
Also it creepily looks like a hentai where, she gets hentaid by that creepy fellow.
Anyway I thinj Liliana WILL become the big bad eventually. What will happen is she will be the "NeoUmezawa" where she is that 1BB that will betray him in the end. RavenMan will protect her from Bolas, sure she still works for him. Bolas will think he got it all controlled, but he does not know that Ravenman has kept Liliana semi-free.
It's a bit sad to say, but I think Jodah got the oldwalker treatment due to his immortality (yes I know he wasn't one and in fact hated them, but it just makes it even more ironic), except he's less arrogant and more of complacent instead (at least he went "Oh no" and was listening to solutions rather then "It's not my fault it's theirs" like some Sphinx did...), but it still seems all out-of-place.
The whole artifact debacle is also rather confusing, because we don't have the timeline for Blackblade's arrival and there's a lot of dementia magic involved. Was Thom sent in after Blackblade arrived and he had the knowledge of Blackblade, or did he successfully sneak Blackblade out (to New Argive) and got abandoned, or did he sneak something else out (or failed to sneak something out) and had Blackblade overwritten as a disguise, or was he sent in before Blackblade, was mentally transmitted of Belzenlok acquiring the Blade and since he didn't sneak the artifact out, Blackblade was the only memory they could see? I feel like blaming Jodah for just saying "it's missing" without specifying what it is, because the wand could also just be anything...
The story is well structured, but I can feel the missing-information-rifts when it comes to trying to associate old characters with new plotlines (Karn's refusal to speak to Jhoira, Jodah's relative carelessness, the artifact confusion), but even with that I really like Gideon & Liliana feel like they're two kids when placed beside these ageless characters. In a way it almost feels like they're saying "even complacent confused older characters are somewhat more mature than the young Gatewatch". Only Raff felt even younger, but hey the new Weatherlight crew are the actual kids of the story to start with...
I say its worse then that. Oldwalkers basically carved out their niches on Dominaria and did a pretty good job of protecting their countries or land. Jodah is apparently not really doing much at all. The bare minimum is protecting critical artifacts at Tolaria much less stopping Belzenlok. He is finally free of the Oldwalkers and can show his way is the right way and he utterly fails at it. Not only that he is hating on Neowalkers who are far weaker and not immortal anymore. But is fine working at a place called Tolaria West? Talk about Hypocrisy of the highest order.
I don't think its the Blackblade but you think Jodah would put some way better magical security on such a significant vault. Also is he not a telepath anymore? What Cabal Agents are all immune to mindreading? The artifact was confusing. I assume it was a famous artifact from the past but they didn't really provide much in terms of details.
Also does no one know outside of Lili that Bolas was involved in the deal. It seems weird Ajani would be like Belzenlok doesn't matter when Lili brokered a deal with Belzenlok through Bolas. Seems like taking out and interrogating a top Bolas Agent would be useful in any attack on Bolas.
(emphasis mine)
Occam's Razor would suggest that simply taking the stories in chronological order (with the timelines of Jhoira's recruitment mission and Tiana/Arvad's story overlapping) puts the delivery of the Blackblade to Belzenlok 2-3months ago, which is a good amount of time for Thom to know about it before infiltrating Tolaria West (particularly given that Belzenlok definitely doesn't seem the type to hide that he has it in his possession).
The artifact Thom was stealing reasonably was the thus-far-unnamed wand. Because again, if Thom has succeeded in his mission of stealing Blackblade from Tolaria West why would he come back?
Remember when you asked why I thought Liliana was a terrible character? Things like this, this right here, she is an old Walker, centuries old and she fell for the most obvious trap that you could, she made a deal she wasn't willing to uphold the end of and in trying to get out of it and put herself further behind in putting herself In Bolas' Clutches as well as binding herself to the Chain Veil. If Liliana weren't a terrible terrible black mage she would have set up the deal and then gone off to the other side of the Multiverse where the 4 Demons and Nicol Himself promptly forget about you, which given that none of the Demons ever seemed to ask anything of her in the decades after they made the deal? I don't think they would be bothering her very often. In the end she won't even get punished for it, the Gatewatch will save her from Niccy B and welcome her back into the fold.
Also her Raven Man plot makes NO DAMN SENSE, he acts way to scared of Psionics to just be a figment of her imagination but no being except old Walkers should be able to screw with Old Walker minds like Raven Man does.
Considering that Ravenman noped the heck out when Pre-Ixalan Jace came over to play, Raven M an should be buying a bus ticket to Las Vegas if Liliana is going to be hanging out with Nicol Bolas, because if Nicol finds out someone is playing with one of his toys Raven Man is going to get popped like a zit.
The story itself was passable but, Jodah..freaking JODAH couldn't figure out what was going on when he has a good thousand years of experience on Jhoria? That was just stupid, and he needed Liliana to do necromancy for him? He knows spells from all five colors, he has used Necromancy in the books before to heal himself.
Dragons of Legend, Lead by Scion of the UR-Dragon
The Gitrog Monster
Gonti, Lord of Luxury
Shogun Saskia
Hive World
Atraxa hates fun
Abzan
Yeah Jodah seemed not especially interested in solving a mystery involving spies and secret agents in his own Academy killing his students and faculty. Much less doing anything to check the advance of Belzenlok overall. We really have no reason why he hasn't taken the fight to Belzenlok personally.
Did he cast one helpful spell? All he did was play a bitter Ex and Be Judgmental as all hell. Plus you know Jodah has experience dealing with thieves trying to steal secrets from him, it is how he met Jaya in the first place. And there is nothing to suggest Belzenlok sent his best thief.
Raff is also quite sassy to with his "good bye" to Ajani.
"You can tell how dumb someone is by how they use Mary Sue"
One problem is that unlike, say, Sauron, Darth Vader, Voldemort, the Fire Lord, Yawgmoth, or Bolas, no one seems to be all that afraid of Belzenok. He doesn't cast a shadow over the story; he doesn't loom. Liliana hates him, sure, but nobody seems to actually dread the coming confrontation. Even the heroes native to Dominaria talk about killing him in a fairly businesslike manner, like he's an unpleasant mark to check off the list, and it's only a matter of finally getting around to the deed. And while the story gives us a sense that the Cabal has spread and we've seen some of the damage they've done, I rarely find myself feeling their danger in the present. We never see them being competent or scary or winning battles. We haven't yet really seen consequences of their attack on Dominarian history, and we have little idea if anyone outside the Cabal is even buying it.
This is all the more perplexing because, as far as Dominaria goes, Belzenlok is one of an elite few villains to threaten the entire plane. There's been Yawgmoth, Karona, and... who else? Most Dominarian villains (Kaervek, Lim-Dul, Mairsil, Johan, the old Cabal, and hell, even Bolas) were regional baddies. Planar conquest is a viable Evil Plan on, say, Ravnica, Mirrodin, Amonkhet, or Kamigawa, but Dominaria is just so damn big. Jamuraa alone is worth perhaps two Tarkirs. Belzenlok is really shooting for the moon here--and if the story is to be believed, he's winning. So why isn't he more frightening? Why doesn't he make our heroes shake in their boots and wrestle with their own doubts and fears? We've been focusing almost entirely on the facts of entering the Stronghold and getting to Belzenlok, not the magnitude or the fear of that undertaking.
I'd like Mrs. Wells to make both the characters and me afraid of Belzenlok, and let us see the side of the Cabal that's supposedly bringing this entire world to its knees.
From Liliana's perspective, the Gatewatch is essentially a useful suicide squad that's living on borrowed time. The fact that she actually likes at least one or two members of them makes it a point of conflict within her, since her ethics says that she should simply use them until they're no longer worthwhile to keep around, but there's a part of her that doesn't quite want to leave either and keeps on making excuses as to how useful they are.
Very well put. I was thinking why Belzenlok seemed like such a lackluster villain and your reasoning is spot on.
Another thought that occured is that perhaps Bolas didn't have any kind of a secret clause in the contract. It could also be that by killing the 4 demons, the contract seizes to be (as it was the power of the demons keeping it going) and without the contract Liliana would immediately age and die. Bolas then steps in, uses his power to prevent this from happening and basically gives Liliana the choice of working for him or aging and death.
If my post has no tags, then i posted from my phone.
Just to further the Belzenlok issue. I'm a big fan of show, don't tell. Gideon reaffirming multiple times how much he wanted to trust the cabal lackey was cheapening the experience for me.
Aside from that, the vast majority of the cast is straight up immune to the cabal's most effective weapons.
Shanna can shrug off ALL magic.
Lili is an experienced black mage who can handle the effects of her own spell suite.
Gideon is immune physically to any attack. Dude literally goes toe to toe with a dread shade and wins. You know that thing that mechanically gets bigger with black mana...that he fights in a swamp...sure.
I'm assuming jhoira can not only employ time magic but also her artifact is immune to dementia magic.
Raff is becoming Jace light. If he is attuned to mental magics he can work his way out of dementia magic probably. This is a lot of assuming but even if he is vulnerable...that's 1/5?
That's just who was in the room. Tiana and Arvad were still on the ship and Arvad is probably the second deadliest aside from Gideon. I'd be surprised if dementia magic works on him. Tiana can also heal like wolverine apparently.
The cabal is going to get worked. Even if they have a minor victory it's going to feel hollow. I just don't see how they stand a chance. That being said this does drive home the fact that the major role players in dominaria are strong af. They are battlebred in a history full of strife. Many of the other planes we've visited seem to be experiencing their first woes.
He would go back to get another artifact, and act as a spy. That’s what spies do. Do you really think that Sorcerer’s Wand is the ancient, famous artifact Bolas wants to aggrandize himself? No, it’s Blackblade.
JundBGR
RW Blood MoonRW
Pauper
Delver U
Elves G
Control B
Commander
Edgar Markov BRW
Captain Sisay GW
Niv-Mizzet, Parun UR
Tymna and Ravos WB
Considering that artifact is presumably the one he took out of the box (which probably isn't big enough to hold a sword), yes I do really think that.
Also I think you mean Belzenlok, not Bolas.
I could of sworn Ajani was told by Elspeth about it. I also remember reading a story article where it was mentioned that planewalkers were spreading the word to not go to Mirrodin. Ajani gets around alot and is part of the Tamiyo book club so he has plenty of options for info. If I had to guess he went there himself to check it out. As far as Jhoira knowing about it thats a bit sketch. Maybe they realized he was leaking oil idk its a weird part.
GW Rhys the Redeemed EDH
RUGAnimar, Soul of Elements EDH
WBRAlesha, Who Smiles at Death EDH
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
GW Rhys the Redeemed EDH
RUGAnimar, Soul of Elements EDH
WBRAlesha, Who Smiles at Death EDH
Spore Swarm references "dormant Multani"
Jaya's kickass art is on Fight with Fire.
Fiery Intervention shows Chandra looking on a golem vs. treefolk battle.
Shield of the Realm references the "Rift Era". (YAY!)
Aesthir Glider is a reprint.
Can someone explain AMARANTHINE Wall to me? Should that have been ADAMANTINE?
Champion of the Flame - well, Wayne Spread-Eagle Reynolds
Gideon's Reproach -
Let this great clan rest in peace (2001-2011)
So based on the other cards, I'm thinking Chandra's story revolves around Yavimaya and Multani. The fight that begins in Ancient Animus continues in Fiery Intervention. In the former card, Multani's form is still being constructed until the final version we see in the latter card. We also know there are former Phyrexian machines in Yavimaya, reabsorbed by the forest, although this particular golem doesn't look like Gaea's Protector. So one possible plot point could be the Phyrexians "reawakening" somehow, which would also tie in nicely to a subsequent New Phyrexia plot. Multani rises to protect the forest and Chandra stumbles upon the battle unaware of what either side represents.
In the end, I believe the new Weatherlight's destiny is to hold off another Phyrexian invasion, though possibly with less success.
I knew Chandra wasn't gone entirely, too. I assume she finds Karn, sees him reanimate Multani, finds the rest of her gang and brings Karn into the fold again so he can have an awkward conversation with Jhoira that she already knows the conclusion of.
Goddamn home run for the set flavour wise, power wise, stoked to be grabbing a box.
Also, I am very angry that this is a one set block. >:(
But after the full spoiler, New Benalia and the Church of Serra are pretty amazing. And has Urborg turned into like a Guillermo del Toro troll market?
I'm generally not a fan of being on the same plane too long, but I wouldn't mind Dominaria getting a second set.
I see both sides, for me so long as the scenery supports story development I'm happy. Makes sense that this is a one set block at present.