MtG and much of the community has made a real, conscious effort to celebrate women and positive feminity both within MtG story and the game itself and I think this is an exciting endeavour that we should continue to get behind and support.
In relation to that subject, I was thinking this morning about vslues of positive masculinity and the men of MtG and what makes me excited regarding this subject.
For myself, there are so many dude characters in the game displaying both aspects of both the ideal and less ideal, and in truth, most of the great values learned from these men are in no way specific to dudes anymore than the positive values seen within the women of MtG are specific only to gals, and of course there are great characters and people in MtG lore and gaming that do not ascribe or fit such duality. That is also great.
For me, Ajani, Gideon, Jace, Teferi and Sarkhan each have great positive aspects and roles that make me want to be a better man, and these are just a few characters of a great cast of guys that have great lessons attached. What great values have you learned from these dudes?
(Please keep things polite, and apolitical, this is meant to be a encompassing rather than combative thread, I hope to do a similar thread regarding Women of MtG in the future too)
I love Gideon as a leader, and the prospect of him lacking telepathy but still knowing just what to say to lead and encourage a group of people, as observed by Jace. And I admire Jace's intellect and his struggle with morality, both relative to and independent from his abilities as a telepath. His quest for establishing his identity is admirable and relatable to me personally. I also love how he approaches things intellectually rather than with brute force, always choosing to reason and learn his way out of complicated situations. Being a nerdy guy in that way but having so many people and situations rely on him for it (Contingency Plan against Emrakul, for example) really sets a fond example for many of us that play MTG and share similar attributes. So we have Gideon as a great military leader with a hard set of morals and athletic build, and we have Jace, who is on a journey with morality and intellect, slimmer and nerdy/intellectual, but both are friends and heroes in the story despite encompassing what we'd consider opposite ends of a social spectrum.
As someone who grew up without a father and aspires to be one, both for children not my own and ones I may have in the future, I admire the fatherly aspects of Ajani and Teferi.
I also believe in pragmatism, and while Tezzeret is an extreme example of it, I think there's a lesson to be learned from him.
Gideon is easily my favourite of the guy planeswalkers because the core of his character is him trying to be a good man despite a series of bad starts. It's a key part of why I like the versions of Superman and Captain America that I like, because that character type is really inspiring to me.
Now I think about it, that's a fairly common character type in MTG but Gideon's been my favourite since I pulled his card in Rise of the Eldrazi.
Arvad and Ajani get honourable mentions, and I'd include Koth here but I'm not sure if he's even alive any more. I hope he shows back up, still fighting, when Karn goes to explode Phyrexia.
I've gone back and forth on Jace, but his Dominaria iteration is kind of a back-swing from the version I liked in Ix, and I feel like Dom's author was working from old notes because Wizards does that occasionally. Building himself up from nothing was a good storyline for him, after everything in the earlier stories. For context, I started playing magic as an angsty teen when my comparatively well adjusted but new friends taught me, after I emigrated to NZ. Now I'm in my late twenties, and people don't usually realize I moved until I mention it. So watching Jace grow up from a brat to someone better has been a good thing for me, if only because I remember being about the same age as his first appearance and desperately trying to build a new self, and often being a brat about it.
I never really read the old stories, but currently Teferi seems like a good guy, and it's kinda nice to see a parent join the Gatewatch.
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“Tell me who you walk with, and I'll tell you who you are.” Esmeralda Santiago Art is life itself.
Don't forget all the admirable genderless characters! Karn and Yahenni are both pretty swell. Ashiok, not as much.
I believe there are great lessons from such characters but as I already established in the introduction; that is an excellent topic for another thread.
I agree that Gideon is a great guy, I appreciate his patience with Lili and his willingness to believe that she could alter her life’s trajectory, and his lack of anger towards her when he believed her to have potentially abandoned the group.
Jace has also grown a bit on me albeit slower. I really liked how he was less moody on Ixalan and better respected human agency and mental independence when interacting with Vraska. Rather than sculpting through problems.
And absolutely we can learn positive things from antagonists. We just have to be extra wary of their shortcomings as well, which perhaps one should do for all characters.
Despite my love for Elspeth, I kinda get Xenagos to some degree, and while I think our inward rebels oft need be tempered, Xenagos showed both initiative, ingenuity and spunk against those who would dominate, manipulate and oppress.
A pity he chose methods that were both unstable to his world, and flagrantly irreverent to other mortal life. Kinda hypocritical really, yet I want to see him again regardless.
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Wizards. listen. The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
What great values have you learned from these dudes?
I'll be honest here, none from these characters.
I've been lucky or blessed enough to have had real positive male role models throughout my life and learned from them. Family, faith, friends, teachers, co-workers, writers, artists and some athletes and entertainers that epitomize that which is good in human nature. None perfect, but all have/had a role in shaping me. I hope I can pass the best to my son (and others) and I even find him getting me to think about these things as well.
My advice would be to actively search out these type of people, male, female or whatever inclination and find those traits. I find them all the time in Magic's characters. Teferi, Ajani, Gideon, Koth and Garruk all have strong characteristics I admire personally in a male fantasy character. But I find I also like bits of Chandra, Nissa, Karn and Ugin as well. Fantasy is a beautiful retreat. Finding people with positive traits then relating them to fantasy characters seems to work for me. In an age of withdrawal to electronica, it seems vital we keep working on our interpersonal connections.
PS: If anyone says they like Bolas, I've got an axe to grind.
Playing since 1994: Currently MAGS (HomeBrew),Standard & Pauper (Pioneer and Modern are degenerate trash formats)
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
I'm not a fan of "badassery" that's so prevalent in culture these days, it's a stereotypical John-Wayne trait that spawned from old school masculinity, so much so I think it's doing characters a disfavor that, instead of exemplify different qualities of full spectrum of persona, it force characters into that narrow mold, "You can't be influential to the plot unless you are aggressive, physical, don't show vulnerability and don't give a F."
Which is why I appreciate Jace (since Ixalan) so much, because he's being an effective, plot alternating NERD who's actually convincing. He's open to emotions and interpersonal bonds, both positive and negative, with naivety, insight, and hesitation to weigh on his decision. He became a human with strength and weakness instead of a mere "badass telepath". His victory over an old walker was with confidence and handled his traumatic past, and though I question his verdict with Azor I know he did it with the betterment of multiverse in mind. Confidence, intellect, and compassion are so much sexier than muscle and badassery.
BUT, my favorite male character remains Ajani, because in addition to confidence, intellect, and compassion, he's also wise and huggable. Members of Gatewatch all went through their respective crisis, Ajani appeared to be the only one learned his lesson. I'd pick Teferi as well, his growth from a Disruptive Student to archmage of time in itself is memoir worthy, though his appearance in recent stories wasn't as impressive as when he was in the books.
Toshiro Umezawa being a super rare neutral/neutral is a blessing to Kamigawa. Malleable persona is just right for saving the world.
I wish Bo Levar is in Commander 2018, because we need a sassy scoundrel who told Urza to shut up.
My first thought upon seeing this post was: are we getting into male characters posing for calendars now???
However, more to the point, I have always been intrigued by Jodah, probably due to his intellect. The final scene of Shattered Alliances was such an unexpected moment in the novel and I recall it rather well. I also like that Jodah (like Jhoira) was responsible for doing the work of assisting or cleaning up after Planeswalkers. They lived the day-to-day reality and did what was in their power to influence. Jodah's presence throughout history (minus the Invasion and whichever Jodah appeared in the Rift Age) presents a man who is consistent and persistent.
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Dominian Scholar of the Old Guard, specializing in pre-revisionist (Armada comics) and revisionist (Brothers' War through Apocalypse)history
I think Jodah and other non-PW characters often exemplify those values of persistence and consistency.
While I do love PW’s, I have seen a lot of men just blink in and out of people’s lives at their own convenience to the detriment of those around them.
These may just be my beliefs but I think an inherent part of healthy manhood is behaving in such a way that your presence and dependability in others’ lives instils feelings confidence and self-worth in them.
That they are worth ‘sticking around’ for.
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Wizards. listen. The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
What great values have you learned from these dudes?
I'll be honest here, none from these characters.
I've been lucky or blessed enough to have had real positive male role models throughout my life and learned from them. Family, faith, friends, teachers, co-workers, writers, artists and some athletes and entertainers that epitomize that which is good in human nature. None perfect, but all have/had a role in shaping me. I hope I can pass the best to my son (and others) and I even find him getting me to think about these things as well.
My advice would be to actively search out these type of people, male, female or whatever inclination and find those traits. I find them all the time in Magic's characters. Teferi, Ajani, Gideon, Koth and Garruk all have strong characteristics I admire personally in a male fantasy character. But I find I also like bits of Chandra, Nissa, Karn and Ugin as well. Fantasy is a beautiful retreat. Finding people with positive traits then relating them to fantasy characters seems to work for me. In an age of withdrawal to electronica, it seems vital we keep working on our interpersonal connections.
PS: If anyone says they like Bolas, I've got an axe to grind.
I mean, I don't "like" Bolas, but he does have traits that I can see as positive, if nothing else generic stuff like intelligence and being a dragon are traits we can aspire for. Being somewhat silly, but it's rare that someone has absolutely no traits you can take from them. Villains have positive traits, someone with only negative traits probably will just like... do nothing of note.
Its okay, I was mostly teasing. Sure Bolas can have traits that could be considered worthy or positive, its just that his negatives far outweigh anything else. In a fantasy setting I can see people even rooting for him. In reality it would be like rooting for Stalin or Hitler, hence my "axe to grind" comment. I'd like to see him truly repent, turn and try to repay for his horrible misdeeds. You never see that happen in movies, books or entertainment. It would be a weird twist that no one would see coming. But it won't happen.
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Playing since 1994: Currently MAGS (HomeBrew),Standard & Pauper (Pioneer and Modern are degenerate trash formats)
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Y’know, I really appreciate the cool objectivity of Ugin too.
Granted he could probably care a bit more about individuals and groups of populations but I do understand the need to be pragmatic at times, and that sometimes the hard, seemingly cold choice is the correct one.
As a man, I see my emotions as a tool and a wellspring of power from which I can draw upon, but if I am not careful- these emotions could control me instead of the other way around.
So I appreciate someone like Ugin who has the foresight to see the bigger picture. A good man I think does his best to neither give offence, nor take offence, while not letting the fear of offending others get in the way of communicating and acting upon real concerns and problems- passionate but without a drop of malice or fear towards others. Ruled by logical considerations.
Don't forget all the admirable genderless characters! Karn and Yahenni are both pretty swell. Ashiok, not as much.
How is Karn genderless? He is consistently treated as a male character, both in and out of story.
He's literally made of silver. No reproductive capabilities. He's asexual and genderless, but appears male, with a late male's spark. Not that I'm partial to this type of character or representation (it's a bit... out there) but it's there, and I'm sure there are those who identify with Karn I suppose. I certainly don't or care to, but I can see where Creative is coming from.
Don't forget all the admirable genderless characters! Karn and Yahenni are both pretty swell. Ashiok, not as much.
How is Karn genderless? He is consistently treated as a male character, both in and out of story.
He's literally made of silver. No reproductive capabilities. He's asexual and genderless, but appears male, with a late male's spark. Not that I'm partial to this type of character or representation (it's a bit... out there) but it's there, and I'm sure there are those who identify with Karn I suppose. I certainly don't or care to, but I can see where Creative is coming from.
I think the issue with Karn's gender is simply that since he looks male people think of him as male and he doesn't bother/care enough to correct them, making him de facto male. (Many/some) People IRL don't see/think of/treat him as genderless, because no one in lore does. He's always just been "male."
Toshiro Umezawa being a super rare neutral/neutral is a blessing to Kamigawa. Malleable persona is just right for saving the world.
How could I forget Toshiro. Man, I love this guy. I bet my life would have been so much easier taking a page out of Toshiro's book.
Karn's core was originated from Xantcha, a Phyrexian sleeper agent. Phyrexians don't have a gender per se, but Xantcha was described with (or possess) feminine traits, which was suggested that's the role she will play when she infiltrates. Karn succeeded Urza's spark/power, but he's still powered by Xantcha's heartstone, so he's closer to be a female than a male, in the loosest fantasy terms. His golem frame is of course genderless, but bulkiness is frequently associated with masculinity. Urza probably wouldn't give damn to care about Karn's gender.
My first thought upon seeing this post was: are we getting into male characters posing for calendars now???
Henny, don't temp me ... this idea has been playing around my wretched brain for years now... I just can't pinpoint poses and stuff that the MTG male should be wearing (can't have them all au naturalle can't we?)
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Serra Stan - Angel Enthusiast - Garruk and Tyvar thirsty follower - Flavor and Art Enthusiast
To this point everyone has been mentioning planeswalkers, but how about Legendary men as well? Got any favorites with traits you admire?
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Playing since 1994: Currently MAGS (HomeBrew),Standard & Pauper (Pioneer and Modern are degenerate trash formats)
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Only counting non-planeswalker with human faces, my vote would go to Daxos of Meletis for the best looking male legend.
Next places occupied by Surrak and Jodah.
They're a little bit more... mature but I also like Odric, Edgar and Gaddock Teeg.
That's just on the looks though. Most characters in magic don't get fleshed out enough for me to really relate with their characters tbh. Can't think of any non-planeswalker male atm.
Although I do like Ajani. (who doesn't?)
All of my straight male friends consider Daxos the most handsome. He's a good looking guy, and I do love Mediterranean men (I mean, I am one) but as far as Legends go, Jodah and Venser are definitely more attractive IMO. For male art overall (not including Planeswalkers), Ampryn Tactician is my vote for the sexiest
If we include Planeswalkers, it's between Gideon and Jace, although we all know I'd go with Jace any day. He's my waifu. <3
I'm shipping Arlinn Kord and Ulrich of the Krallenhorde, so Ulrich has my attention, but damn shame there's not enough lore about him. Ulrich walks amongst his keen in human form a lot, without losing his authority, I wanted to read about how he presented it.
Gisa and geralf always clicked with me. 2 siblings that fought each other and broke the family apart.though later reconnected and saved a town together. Family bonds being stronger than hate etc.
Though I wish there was a book on the mindset of the likes of tamiyo, ugin, even emrakul. I think entities that think far outside of the big picture, have an amazing grasp of the world. I envy them.
Don't forget all the admirable genderless characters! Karn and Yahenni are both pretty swell. Ashiok, not as much.
How is Karn genderless? He is consistently treated as a male character, both in and out of story.
He's literally made of silver. No reproductive capabilities. He's asexual and genderless, but appears male, with a late male's spark. Not that I'm partial to this type of character or representation (it's a bit... out there) but it's there, and I'm sure there are those who identify with Karn I suppose. I certainly don't or care to, but I can see where Creative is coming from.
I think the issue with Karn's gender is simply that since he looks male people think of him as male and he doesn't bother/care enough to correct them, making him de facto male. (Many/some) People IRL don't see/think of/treat him as genderless, because no one in lore does. He's always just been "male."
There is no issue, Karn is described as "he" in his official biography, so he should be considered as a male, how his body is made doesn't really matter.
He's also never had a gender. He's referred to as "he" because English lacks a gender neutral pronoun that can be applied to sapient beings. "It" is used for objects and animals, but seems odd to use for a thing like a person.
I've got to agree with Gideon mostly being a symbol of positive masculinity. He's a great example of strength that protects rather than dominates. He's a leader not because he makes sure to get his way and always direct the show, but because he's always open to ideas and puts the needs of the team first. His abnegation can be extreme sometimes, but its generally positive. He's also emotionally intelligent but able to control his emotions. He can present great emotional fortitude in hard times to inspire others and make difficult decisions under emotional duress, but not in the borderline sociopathic way that this often presents as in pop culture.
The Meaning of Life: "M-hmm. Well, it's nothing very special. Uh, try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations"
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Whether its blue players countering your spells, red players burning you out, or combo, if you have a problem with an aspect of Magic's gameplay, you can fix it!
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
I like where this conversation is going though perhaps we should save sexual attractiveness for another thread- this is to talk about positive character traits.
There are lots of great men who were never planeswalkers.
Somebody already mentioned Jodah and his dependability and likelihood of keeping his world together.
I like Djeru finally apologizing/admitting and acting upon the lies revealed to him by Samut though he took his sweet time to get there with casualties along the way.
I also admire the pragmatism and difficult choices made by Daghatar the ancient Khan of Abzan. Though I love old Abzan, you do what you have to to keep your people alive.
Traditions cannot be kept alive and regain their strength if their peoples are dead.
Ok maybe they can be but it’s not pretty. Lol
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Wizards. listen. The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
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In relation to that subject, I was thinking this morning about vslues of positive masculinity and the men of MtG and what makes me excited regarding this subject.
For myself, there are so many dude characters in the game displaying both aspects of both the ideal and less ideal, and in truth, most of the great values learned from these men are in no way specific to dudes anymore than the positive values seen within the women of MtG are specific only to gals, and of course there are great characters and people in MtG lore and gaming that do not ascribe or fit such duality. That is also great.
For me, Ajani, Gideon, Jace, Teferi and Sarkhan each have great positive aspects and roles that make me want to be a better man, and these are just a few characters of a great cast of guys that have great lessons attached. What great values have you learned from these dudes?
(Please keep things polite, and apolitical, this is meant to be a encompassing rather than combative thread, I hope to do a similar thread regarding Women of MtG in the future too)
The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
I also believe in pragmatism, and while Tezzeret is an extreme example of it, I think there's a lesson to be learned from him.
Now I think about it, that's a fairly common character type in MTG but Gideon's been my favourite since I pulled his card in Rise of the Eldrazi.
Arvad and Ajani get honourable mentions, and I'd include Koth here but I'm not sure if he's even alive any more. I hope he shows back up, still fighting, when Karn goes to explode Phyrexia.
I've gone back and forth on Jace, but his Dominaria iteration is kind of a back-swing from the version I liked in Ix, and I feel like Dom's author was working from old notes because Wizards does that occasionally. Building himself up from nothing was a good storyline for him, after everything in the earlier stories. For context, I started playing magic as an angsty teen when my comparatively well adjusted but new friends taught me, after I emigrated to NZ. Now I'm in my late twenties, and people don't usually realize I moved until I mention it. So watching Jace grow up from a brat to someone better has been a good thing for me, if only because I remember being about the same age as his first appearance and desperately trying to build a new self, and often being a brat about it.
I never really read the old stories, but currently Teferi seems like a good guy, and it's kinda nice to see a parent join the Gatewatch.
Art is life itself.
I believe there are great lessons from such characters but as I already established in the introduction; that is an excellent topic for another thread.
I agree that Gideon is a great guy, I appreciate his patience with Lili and his willingness to believe that she could alter her life’s trajectory, and his lack of anger towards her when he believed her to have potentially abandoned the group.
Jace has also grown a bit on me albeit slower. I really liked how he was less moody on Ixalan and better respected human agency and mental independence when interacting with Vraska. Rather than sculpting through problems.
And absolutely we can learn positive things from antagonists. We just have to be extra wary of their shortcomings as well, which perhaps one should do for all characters.
Despite my love for Elspeth, I kinda get Xenagos to some degree, and while I think our inward rebels oft need be tempered, Xenagos showed both initiative, ingenuity and spunk against those who would dominate, manipulate and oppress.
A pity he chose methods that were both unstable to his world, and flagrantly irreverent to other mortal life. Kinda hypocritical really, yet I want to see him again regardless.
The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
I'll be honest here, none from these characters.
I've been lucky or blessed enough to have had real positive male role models throughout my life and learned from them. Family, faith, friends, teachers, co-workers, writers, artists and some athletes and entertainers that epitomize that which is good in human nature. None perfect, but all have/had a role in shaping me. I hope I can pass the best to my son (and others) and I even find him getting me to think about these things as well.
My advice would be to actively search out these type of people, male, female or whatever inclination and find those traits. I find them all the time in Magic's characters. Teferi, Ajani, Gideon, Koth and Garruk all have strong characteristics I admire personally in a male fantasy character. But I find I also like bits of Chandra, Nissa, Karn and Ugin as well. Fantasy is a beautiful retreat. Finding people with positive traits then relating them to fantasy characters seems to work for me. In an age of withdrawal to electronica, it seems vital we keep working on our interpersonal connections.
PS: If anyone says they like Bolas, I've got an axe to grind.
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
Which is why I appreciate Jace (since Ixalan) so much, because he's being an effective, plot alternating NERD who's actually convincing. He's open to emotions and interpersonal bonds, both positive and negative, with naivety, insight, and hesitation to weigh on his decision. He became a human with strength and weakness instead of a mere "badass telepath". His victory over an old walker was with confidence and handled his traumatic past, and though I question his verdict with Azor I know he did it with the betterment of multiverse in mind. Confidence, intellect, and compassion are so much sexier than muscle and badassery.
BUT, my favorite male character remains Ajani, because in addition to confidence, intellect, and compassion, he's also wise and huggable. Members of Gatewatch all went through their respective crisis, Ajani appeared to be the only one learned his lesson. I'd pick Teferi as well, his growth from a Disruptive Student to archmage of time in itself is memoir worthy, though his appearance in recent stories wasn't as impressive as when he was in the books.
Toshiro Umezawa being a super rare neutral/neutral is a blessing to Kamigawa. Malleable persona is just right for saving the world.
I wish Bo Levar is in Commander 2018, because we need a sassy scoundrel who told Urza to shut up.
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
However, more to the point, I have always been intrigued by Jodah, probably due to his intellect. The final scene of Shattered Alliances was such an unexpected moment in the novel and I recall it rather well. I also like that Jodah (like Jhoira) was responsible for doing the work of assisting or cleaning up after Planeswalkers. They lived the day-to-day reality and did what was in their power to influence. Jodah's presence throughout history (minus the Invasion and whichever Jodah appeared in the Rift Age) presents a man who is consistent and persistent.
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
While I do love PW’s, I have seen a lot of men just blink in and out of people’s lives at their own convenience to the detriment of those around them.
These may just be my beliefs but I think an inherent part of healthy manhood is behaving in such a way that your presence and dependability in others’ lives instils feelings confidence and self-worth in them.
That they are worth ‘sticking around’ for.
The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
I mean, I don't "like" Bolas, but he does have traits that I can see as positive, if nothing else generic stuff like intelligence and being a dragon are traits we can aspire for. Being somewhat silly, but it's rare that someone has absolutely no traits you can take from them. Villains have positive traits, someone with only negative traits probably will just like... do nothing of note.
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
How is Karn genderless? He is consistently treated as a male character, both in and out of story.
Granted he could probably care a bit more about individuals and groups of populations but I do understand the need to be pragmatic at times, and that sometimes the hard, seemingly cold choice is the correct one.
As a man, I see my emotions as a tool and a wellspring of power from which I can draw upon, but if I am not careful- these emotions could control me instead of the other way around.
So I appreciate someone like Ugin who has the foresight to see the bigger picture. A good man I think does his best to neither give offence, nor take offence, while not letting the fear of offending others get in the way of communicating and acting upon real concerns and problems- passionate but without a drop of malice or fear towards others. Ruled by logical considerations.
A kind of Magnanimity if you would.
The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
I think the issue with Karn's gender is simply that since he looks male people think of him as male and he doesn't bother/care enough to correct them, making him de facto male. (Many/some) People IRL don't see/think of/treat him as genderless, because no one in lore does. He's always just been "male."
Karn's core was originated from Xantcha, a Phyrexian sleeper agent. Phyrexians don't have a gender per se, but Xantcha was described with (or possess) feminine traits, which was suggested that's the role she will play when she infiltrates. Karn succeeded Urza's spark/power, but he's still powered by Xantcha's heartstone, so he's closer to be a female than a male, in the loosest fantasy terms. His golem frame is of course genderless, but bulkiness is frequently associated with masculinity. Urza probably wouldn't give damn to care about Karn's gender.
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
Serra Stan - Angel Enthusiast - Garruk and Tyvar thirsty follower - Flavor and Art Enthusiast
STOP using "dude/bro" as a pejorative or insult. Grow up.
Margaret Thatcher: “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”
Benjamin Franklin: "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
If we include Planeswalkers, it's between Gideon and Jace, although we all know I'd go with Jace any day. He's my waifu. <3
|| UW Jace, Vyn's Prodigy UW || UG Kenessos, Priest of Thassa (feat. Arixmethes) UG ||
Cards I still want to see created:
|| Olantin, Lost City || Pavios and Thanasis || Choryu ||
Shu Yun, the Silent Tempest WUR Voltron Control
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun WU Unblockable Mirror Trickery
Ra's al Ghul (Sidar Kondo) and Face-Down Ninjas
Brudiclad, Token Engineer
Vaevictis (VV2) the Dire Lantern
Rona, Disciple of Gix
Tiana the Auror
Hallar
Ulrich the Politician
Zur the Rebel
Scorpion, Locust, Scarab, Egyptian Gods
O-Kagachi, Mathas, Mairsil
"Non-Tribal" Tribal Generals, Eggs
Though I wish there was a book on the mindset of the likes of tamiyo, ugin, even emrakul. I think entities that think far outside of the big picture, have an amazing grasp of the world. I envy them.
He's also never had a gender. He's referred to as "he" because English lacks a gender neutral pronoun that can be applied to sapient beings. "It" is used for objects and animals, but seems odd to use for a thing like a person.
I've got to agree with Gideon mostly being a symbol of positive masculinity. He's a great example of strength that protects rather than dominates. He's a leader not because he makes sure to get his way and always direct the show, but because he's always open to ideas and puts the needs of the team first. His abnegation can be extreme sometimes, but its generally positive. He's also emotionally intelligent but able to control his emotions. He can present great emotional fortitude in hard times to inspire others and make difficult decisions under emotional duress, but not in the borderline sociopathic way that this often presents as in pop culture.
Onering's 4 simple steps that let you solve any problem with Magic's gameplay
Step 1: Identify the problem. What aspect of Magic don't you like? Step 2: Find out how others deal with the problem. How do players deal with this aspect of the game when they run into it? Step 3: Do what those players do. Step 4: No more problem. Bonus: You are now better at Magic. Enjoy those extra wins!
There are lots of great men who were never planeswalkers.
Somebody already mentioned Jodah and his dependability and likelihood of keeping his world together.
I like Djeru finally apologizing/admitting and acting upon the lies revealed to him by Samut though he took his sweet time to get there with casualties along the way.
I also admire the pragmatism and difficult choices made by Daghatar the ancient Khan of Abzan. Though I love old Abzan, you do what you have to to keep your people alive.
Traditions cannot be kept alive and regain their strength if their peoples are dead.
Ok maybe they can be but it’s not pretty. Lol
The Vorthos community will await the consequences of the Eldrazi Titans' deaths/sealing. We will keep the watch.
“The wind whispers, ‘come home,’ but I cannot.”
— Teferi