Maybe this set will actually be about Bolas luring all these Planeswalkers to Ravnica...
Here's a thing. I assumed it was going to be Bolas setting the lure too, but I just got the Ravnica art-book, and that seems to say it's actually Niv-Mizzet who gets Ral to tweak Project Lightning Bug that way. I've not got it to hand at the moment, but it basically says Niv knows full well about PWs and the multiverse already and is working on a plan that would elevate him to the top of the power pile in Ravnica so he can deal with Bolas himself. He gives Ral the task of getting the Guilds to co-operate (which clearly isn't going well) while he works on his massive spell.
I know the art-books have sometimes given inaccurate versions of events, but if it's correct this time that's a massive twist from what we're all expecting.
afaik (just reading the story shorts on the mothership) project lightning bug was initially commissioned by niv mizzet following jace coming out of nowhere to win the maze run to become the guildpact. ral was put as head of the project to track the disturbances from jace (and other walkers) teleporting around in the form of tiny lightning storms following them around, which put ral in a tough spot because niv was generally unaware of planeswalkers and ral didnt want him to find out he was one himself. so in an effort to hide his walker status he confronted jace and they sabotaged the project, after which niv ordered it be put on hiatus.
fast forward to current events and ral created a means to track when walkers arrived on ravnica alongside a transplanar beacon to call or forcibly shift walkers onto ravnica. one part of it being the thousand-year storm. its very likely niv mizzet knows about planeswalkers, but i dont think he was behind ral's actions and what project lightning bug ultimately became. if he was id imagine it was still resultant from bolas's manipulations rather than some power play, if it wasnt i dont see why he would have relinquished control of the izzet guild to ral zarek.
as for ral himself, he seems like a shoe in to turn against bolas once he realizes the plan was to start a war that would leave ravnica in ruins.
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Modern: UWGSnow-Bant Control BURGrixis Death's Shadow GWBCoCo Elves WCDeath and Taxes (sold)
Little prediction of some PW that could bite the dust based on personal feeling mixed with storylines and cards (I know, some may be a bit too much):
Jaya - she has done her part, the "Mother Luti" mystery has been solved, Chandra no longer needs a mentor (or the loss of her mentor may drive her to better herself). Card-wise it's very difficult to keep up 2 mono-red character so fire-centric and keep them distinctive enough.
Domri - his backstory has never been too much developed and there is an abundance of RG PW with creature-centric ability, while other has still open storyline (Samut as the protector of the people in Amonkhet) or particular mechanic identity (Arlin being DFC werwolf).
Gideon - (first of the extremely difficult theory) He is the main W PW but he is on a path of self-sacrifice from the start of his backstory, taking up the Blackblade and manage its curse continue that path down to his final immolation to take down Bolas (whom we know can pierce his immunity); we know from the Chandra comic that she is devastated from some kind of important loss and while the death of Jaya could be that she is VERY attached to Gideon and his death could really wreck her. His backstory on Theros is still partially open but the focus of a new Theros could simply be driven by Ajani freeing Elspeth from the Underworld. Mechanically speaking his design has always been a little too repetitive with one "turn into creature" ability and some "attack me" ability and its difficult to keep new Gideon cards to feel new, he can be replaced as the main W by Teyo with a new take on the defensive stance of withe and opening new stories.
Liliana - (another steep one) Her main story with the demons is ended, Bolas used up the "fine lines" of her contract so if he goes down (and we are quite certain of that) she completely ends that thread, more so if the Raven Man is revealed to be Bolas himself. Her only open plot remain the Chain Veil but this can be used up if she masters its power during her time with Bolas and uses it against him in conjunction with Gideon+Blackblade (and the ad art seems to point there) during the Dominaria story we see her starting to get along Gids quite well and getting some selfless thought. Her leaving us could open up some slot for new mono B character like Davriel (Sanderson stated that he is mainly B with a touch of U so he can be seen as mono and sometimes with a splash) or Ob Nixilis.
Nissa - (last big one) Her story has always been a bit strange, the retcon, her difficulties to get along with others (other than Chandra) and her stubborn thinking that only her plane is really in need of been saved (her motivation to break her oath in Dominaria) puts her in a tight spot, we may not see her doing anything story-wise until a return to Zendikar (many years off from now) and the plot could go on even without her and the plane trying to restore itself on the tracks of "adventure plane" (as pre-eldrazi). Her death could be another of the potential "Chandra wrecking" event. Mechanically speaking we already have a new G PW in Vivien and MaRo said that the Garruk fan will get some news in the near future so his return (with a possible curse ended with the death of Liliana) could fill her slot.
General thought: To get the real sense of danger and big universe-ending event we need stakes and that lead to deaths in all stories. We need to freshen up the cast a little (and we know that some new characters are joining), so I'm certain of a few "small death" of secondary characters (like Jaya and Domri but maybe someone else too) but the real hitter need to be the death of at least one of the main cast, of the three mentioned I'm more inclined towards Gideon for various reason.
After this event we could have a "pause" from a real Gatewatch story with a few sets dedicated to tell the story of new characters, the planes and some old storyline to close until a new REAL threat emerges back and a new Gatewatch (with old and new members) coming back in.
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"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again"
Little prediction of some PW that could bite the dust based on personal feeling mixed with storylines and cards (I know, some may be a bit too much):
Jaya - she has done her part, the "Mother Luti" mystery has been solved, Chandra no longer needs a mentor (or the loss of her mentor may drive her to better herself). Card-wise it's very difficult to keep up 2 mono-red character so fire-centric and keep them distinctive enough.
Domri - his backstory has never been too much developed and there is an abundance of RG PW with creature-centric ability, while other has still open storyline (Samut as the protector of the people in Amonkhet) or particular mechanic identity (Arlin being DFC werwolf).
Gideon - (first of the extremely difficult theory) He is the main W PW but he is on a path of self-sacrifice from the start of his backstory, taking up the Blackblade and manage its curse continue that path down to his final immolation to take down Bolas (whom we know can pierce his immunity); we know from the Chandra comic that she is devastated from some kind of important loss and while the death of Jaya could be that she is VERY attached to Gideon and his death could really wreck her. His backstory on Theros is still partially open but the focus of a new Theros could simply be driven by Ajani freeing Elspeth from the Underworld. Mechanically speaking his design has always been a little too repetitive with one "turn into creature" ability and some "attack me" ability and its difficult to keep new Gideon cards to feel new, he can be replaced as the main W by Teyo with a new take on the defensive stance of withe and opening new stories.
Liliana - (another steep one) Her main story with the demons is ended, Bolas used up the "fine lines" of her contract so if he goes down (and we are quite certain of that) she completely ends that thread, more so if the Raven Man is revealed to be Bolas himself. Her only open plot remain the Chain Veil but this can be used up if she masters its power during her time with Bolas and uses it against him in conjunction with Gideon+Blackblade (and the ad art seems to point there) during the Dominaria story we see her starting to get along Gids quite well and getting some selfless thought. Her leaving us could open up some slot for new mono B character like Davriel (Sanderson stated that he is mainly B with a touch of U so he can be seen as mono and sometimes with a splash) or Ob Nixilis.
Nissa - (last big one) Her story has always been a bit strange, the retcon, her difficulties to get along with others (other than Chandra) and her stubborn thinking that only her plane is really in need of been saved (her motivation to break her oath in Dominaria) puts her in a tight spot, we may not see her doing anything story-wise until a return to Zendikar (many years off from now) and the plot could go on even without her and the plane trying to restore itself on the tracks of "adventure plane" (as pre-eldrazi). Her death could be another of the potential "Chandra wrecking" event. Mechanically speaking we already have a new G PW in Vivien and MaRo said that the Garruk fan will get some news in the near future so his return (with a possible curse ended with the death of Liliana) could fill her slot.
General thought: To get the real sense of danger and big universe-ending event we need stakes and that lead to deaths in all stories. We need to freshen up the cast a little (and we know that some new characters are joining), so I'm certain of a few "small death" of secondary characters (like Jaya and Domri but maybe someone else too) but the real hitter need to be the death of at least one of the main cast, of the three mentioned I'm more inclined towards Gideon for various reason.
After this event we could have a "pause" from a real Gatewatch story with a few sets dedicated to tell the story of new characters, the planes and some old storyline to close until a new REAL threat emerges back and a new Gatewatch (with old and new members) coming back in.
I liked Gideons Planeswalker cards because of the repetitive 'I am a Creature'-effect. It feels iconic and fit the fighter character of him. The 'attack me' power wasn't repeated that often. Gideon Jura and the flip Walker Kytheon, Hero of Akros were the only ones? Gideon, Martial Paragon, Gideon, Champion of Justice, Gideon, Ally of Zendikar and Gideon of the Trials doesn't do it. I don't know. Chandra was down but not totally depressive. I don't expect that she will lose that many friends. On the other side we have the most switches in White. In the past. With Ajani, Gideon and Elspeth fighting for the mono white walker slot. Elspeth being unavailable for the moment and in an unknown color if she returns and ajani being more Selesnya fix the problem. I would love to see new Planeswalker but I would love to see the old Walker return after a couple of sets.
afaik (just reading the story shorts on the mothership) project lightning bug was initially commissioned by niv mizzet following jace coming out of nowhere to win the maze run to become the guildpact. ral was put as head of the project to track the disturbances from jace (and other walkers) teleporting around in the form of tiny lightning storms following them around, which put ral in a tough spot because niv was generally unaware of planeswalkers and ral didnt want him to find out he was one himself. so in an effort to hide his walker status he confronted jace and they sabotaged the project, after which niv ordered it be put on hiatus.
fast forward to current events and ral created a means to track when walkers arrived on ravnica alongside a transplanar beacon to call or forcibly shift walkers onto ravnica. one part of it being the thousand-year storm. its very likely niv mizzet knows about planeswalkers, but i dont think he was behind ral's actions and what project lightning bug ultimately became. if he was id imagine it was still resultant from bolas's manipulations rather than some power play, if it wasnt i dont see why he would have relinquished control of the izzet guild to ral zarek.
Relevant passages from the art book:
p.77 - Niv-Mizzet the Firemind:
'Niv-Mizzet used to rely on the counsel of the Izmagnus to guide his machinations and keep him abreast of happenings in the wider world. However, growing tension within the city and various signs pointing to an imminent upheaval nurtured a growing sense of suspicion in the ancient dragon. Then an assassin made an attempt on his life, and Niv-Mizzet sealed himself in his aerie. Many in the guild believe that paranoia tipped him over the edge, but in fact, the dragon has simply become consumed by research on a new project. The only person he talks to anymore is Ral Zarek.'
Then from p.207 - Ral Zarek and the Izzet:
'[Bit we already know about Lightning Bug etc.] As the threat of Nicol Bolas became increasingly clear, Niv-Mizzet put a plan into motion that would allow him to counteract the dragon Planeswalker's schemes. The plan would require all Niv-Mizzet's attention, though and in the meantime he put the bulk of his responsibilities as guildmaster onto Ral's shoulders. [...] Ral owes an old debt to Nicol Bolas.'
and going on on p. 209:
'Firemind's Research.
His [Niv's] response to the threat of Bolas and the growing tension amongst the guilds in the absence of the Living Guildpact was in character: he hatched a plan that would amend the Guildpact and elevate him to a position of such power that he could defeat Bolas. The plan would require the co-operation of al the guilds though, so he set Ral the task of securing the other guilds' co-operation while he went into seclusion to research his spell.
Thousand-Year Storm.
As it turned out, Ral's attempt to hide the existence of other planes from his guildmaster was completely unnecessary. The self-proclaimed 'Dracogenius' Niv-Mizzet already knew tat the Multiverse was larger than Ravnica and that some people had the ability to travel from plane to plane. Thus, he also foresaw the need to summon planeswalkers from across the Multiverse to help him defeat Bolas and he charged Ral with enhancing and expanding Project Lightning Bug so it could serve as a beacon.'
And finally, from p.226 - Emergency Powers:
'Even without the co-operation of the guilds, Ral Zarek had concocted a plan to fulfill Niv-Mizzet's vision of overturning the Guildpact and giving himself ultimate power and authority. He constructed a device that would harness the power of magical nodes of power within every guild's territory, even those who refused to co-operate with Niv's scheme. Dovin Baan played along with the plan but at the crucial moment, with Bolas's arrival on Ravnica imminent, Dovin sabotaged the device. The Guildpact remained intact - embodied in the person of the absent Jace Beleren - and Niv-Mizzet remained nothing more than an ancient, powerful dragon. Ral did manage to activate his beacon, summoning planeswalkers from across the Multiverse to combat Bolas, but it was already too late: Bolas had arrived.'
You know, I could see certain PWs with full-time triggered abilities like so:
Tibalt
Whenever a permanent or player is dealt damage by a source you control for the first time this turn, you may pay 2 and discard a card. If you do, draw a card and put a loyalty counter on ~.
-X: Create X 1/1 red Devil creature tokens with "When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target."
The ability only triggers once per permanent or player to prevent loops with, say, Niv-Mizzet, Parun. It only triggers off damage dealt by sources you control to reduce the number of triggers that have to be resolved, and requires both mana payment and discard so as to prevent abuse with spells and effects like Pyroclasm.
MTGS Wikia Article about "New World Order"
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
PSA to everyone who keeps forgetting about the Reserved List:
You're on a website dedicated to talking about MtG. You're only a few keystrokes away from finding out what cards are on the Reserved List. You're also only a few keystrokes away from finding out why some cards on the Reserved List got foil printings in FtV, as Judge promos, or whatnot, as well as why that won't happen again. Stop doing this.
seems reasonable to expect wizards to have expanded walker functionality in some form. not a lot of design space otherwise, and making 36 using only the traditional setup with remotely interesting or balanced gameplay seems like an impossible task.
static abilities makes sense. so does integrating creature characteristics. like a walker with only a + ability that can block but not attack. wouldnt be surprised if instant speed or dynamic activation/loyalty manipulation are on the table as well.
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Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Modern: UWGSnow-Bant Control BURGrixis Death's Shadow GWBCoCo Elves WCDeath and Taxes (sold)
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
or just walkers with negative abilities.
Why make them more persistent than regular walkers AND make them extremely awkward to flip unless they all have -1 or -X abilities?
I wonder if they might make this limited format a variant of brawl, where each player has a planeswalker in command zone at game start. I mean every player in prerelease weekend will have at least 7 planeswalkers to choose from.
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
or just walkers with negative abilities.
Why make them more persistent than regular walkers AND make them extremely awkward to flip unless they all have -1 or -X abilities?
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
or just walkers with negative abilities.
Why make them more persistent than regular walkers AND make them extremely awkward to flip unless they all have -1 or -X abilities?
Which would still make the more durable than regular planeswalkers.
Just imagine swinging on an opponent to kill one of those walkers. Creatures connect and now your opponent has a brand new creature to retaliate with, not to mention that you can just flicker that creature with justiciar's portal and you have a brand new planeswalker at your side.
MTGS Wikia Article about "New World Order"
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
PSA to everyone who keeps forgetting about the Reserved List:
You're on a website dedicated to talking about MtG. You're only a few keystrokes away from finding out what cards are on the Reserved List. You're also only a few keystrokes away from finding out why some cards on the Reserved List got foil printings in FtV, as Judge promos, or whatnot, as well as why that won't happen again. Stop doing this.
seems reasonable to expect wizards to have expanded walker functionality in some form. not a lot of design space otherwise, and making 36 using only the traditional setup with remotely interesting or balanced gameplay seems like an impossible task.
I would be interested in taking on that challenge.
Private Mod Note
():
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
MTGS Wikia Article about "New World Order"
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
PSA to everyone who keeps forgetting about the Reserved List:
You're on a website dedicated to talking about MtG. You're only a few keystrokes away from finding out what cards are on the Reserved List. You're also only a few keystrokes away from finding out why some cards on the Reserved List got foil printings in FtV, as Judge promos, or whatnot, as well as why that won't happen again. Stop doing this.
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
or just walkers with negative abilities.
Why make them more persistent than regular walkers AND make them extremely awkward to flip unless they all have -1 or -X abilities?
Which would still make the more durable than regular planeswalkers.
Just imagine swinging on an opponent to kill one of those walkers. Creatures connect and now your opponent has a brand new creature to retaliate with, not to mention that you can just flicker that creature with justiciar's portal and you have a brand new planeswalker at your side.
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
or just walkers with negative abilities.
Why make them more persistent than regular walkers AND make them extremely awkward to flip unless they all have -1 or -X abilities?
Which would still make the more durable than regular planeswalkers.
Just imagine swinging on an opponent to kill one of those walkers. Creatures connect and now your opponent has a brand new creature to retaliate with, not to mention that you can just flicker that creature with justiciar's portal and you have a brand new planeswalker at your side.
And?
It’s not like Magic has a long history of fair strategies built to make every card they print successful.
Implying that any of these things are “bad” or “unfun” ignores the existence of Caw Blade, Delver, Siege Rhino or any one of the cards they dropped the ban hammer on over the last few years.
The argument “well that won’t be fun to play therefore it’s never going to happen” doesn’t hold water.
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
The one thing I feel certain of is that Planeswalkers will not have conditional transformations into creatures. MaRo has confirmed they’re not double-faced cards and the “sometimes a creature” element of Theros gods was considered a failure for being too confusing to less experienced players. This is why they went a different route with Amonkhet gods and I don’t think they’ll forget this lesson only two years later.
I expect them to be walkers with only negative abilities that flip to creatures when exhausted.
It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
The one thing I feel certain of is that Planeswalkers will not have conditional transformations into creatures. MaRo has confirmed they’re not double-faced cards and the “sometimes a creature” element of Theros gods was considered a failure for being too confusing to less experienced players. This is why they went a different route with Amonkhet gods and I don’t think they’ll forget this lesson only two years later.
Oh really? I didn't know that they consider the Theros God mechanic a failure. I always thought it was nifty. I liked that they were harder to remove because the Enchantment thing.
The picture with Ajani in the front and Jace in the background is interesting. They are getting some kind of a power up. Maybe Niv-Mizzets doing or some kind of released Guild pack magic. Could lead to some kind of Emblem mechanic that enables Planeswalker ulti/loyalty abilities?
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The word you are looking for is Captain Mana!
Here's a thing. I assumed it was going to be Bolas setting the lure too, but I just got the Ravnica art-book, and that seems to say it's actually Niv-Mizzet who gets Ral to tweak Project Lightning Bug that way. I've not got it to hand at the moment, but it basically says Niv knows full well about PWs and the multiverse already and is working on a plan that would elevate him to the top of the power pile in Ravnica so he can deal with Bolas himself. He gives Ral the task of getting the Guilds to co-operate (which clearly isn't going well) while he works on his massive spell.
I know the art-books have sometimes given inaccurate versions of events, but if it's correct this time that's a massive twist from what we're all expecting.
fast forward to current events and ral created a means to track when walkers arrived on ravnica alongside a transplanar beacon to call or forcibly shift walkers onto ravnica. one part of it being the thousand-year storm. its very likely niv mizzet knows about planeswalkers, but i dont think he was behind ral's actions and what project lightning bug ultimately became. if he was id imagine it was still resultant from bolas's manipulations rather than some power play, if it wasnt i dont see why he would have relinquished control of the izzet guild to ral zarek.
as for ral himself, he seems like a shoe in to turn against bolas once he realizes the plan was to start a war that would leave ravnica in ruins.
UWGSnow-Bant Control
BURGrixis Death's Shadow
GWBCoCo Elves
WCDeath and Taxes(sold)General thought: To get the real sense of danger and big universe-ending event we need stakes and that lead to deaths in all stories. We need to freshen up the cast a little (and we know that some new characters are joining), so I'm certain of a few "small death" of secondary characters (like Jaya and Domri but maybe someone else too) but the real hitter need to be the death of at least one of the main cast, of the three mentioned I'm more inclined towards Gideon for various reason.
After this event we could have a "pause" from a real Gatewatch story with a few sets dedicated to tell the story of new characters, the planes and some old storyline to close until a new REAL threat emerges back and a new Gatewatch (with old and new members) coming back in.
I liked Gideons Planeswalker cards because of the repetitive 'I am a Creature'-effect. It feels iconic and fit the fighter character of him. The 'attack me' power wasn't repeated that often. Gideon Jura and the flip Walker Kytheon, Hero of Akros were the only ones? Gideon, Martial Paragon, Gideon, Champion of Justice, Gideon, Ally of Zendikar and Gideon of the Trials doesn't do it. I don't know. Chandra was down but not totally depressive. I don't expect that she will lose that many friends. On the other side we have the most switches in White. In the past. With Ajani, Gideon and Elspeth fighting for the mono white walker slot. Elspeth being unavailable for the moment and in an unknown color if she returns and ajani being more Selesnya fix the problem. I would love to see new Planeswalker but I would love to see the old Walker return after a couple of sets.
Fixed it for you
Relevant passages from the art book:
p.77 - Niv-Mizzet the Firemind:
'Niv-Mizzet used to rely on the counsel of the Izmagnus to guide his machinations and keep him abreast of happenings in the wider world. However, growing tension within the city and various signs pointing to an imminent upheaval nurtured a growing sense of suspicion in the ancient dragon. Then an assassin made an attempt on his life, and Niv-Mizzet sealed himself in his aerie. Many in the guild believe that paranoia tipped him over the edge, but in fact, the dragon has simply become consumed by research on a new project. The only person he talks to anymore is Ral Zarek.'
Then from p.207 - Ral Zarek and the Izzet:
'[Bit we already know about Lightning Bug etc.] As the threat of Nicol Bolas became increasingly clear, Niv-Mizzet put a plan into motion that would allow him to counteract the dragon Planeswalker's schemes. The plan would require all Niv-Mizzet's attention, though and in the meantime he put the bulk of his responsibilities as guildmaster onto Ral's shoulders. [...] Ral owes an old debt to Nicol Bolas.'
and going on on p. 209:
'Firemind's Research.
His [Niv's] response to the threat of Bolas and the growing tension amongst the guilds in the absence of the Living Guildpact was in character: he hatched a plan that would amend the Guildpact and elevate him to a position of such power that he could defeat Bolas. The plan would require the co-operation of al the guilds though, so he set Ral the task of securing the other guilds' co-operation while he went into seclusion to research his spell.
Thousand-Year Storm.
As it turned out, Ral's attempt to hide the existence of other planes from his guildmaster was completely unnecessary. The self-proclaimed 'Dracogenius' Niv-Mizzet already knew tat the Multiverse was larger than Ravnica and that some people had the ability to travel from plane to plane. Thus, he also foresaw the need to summon planeswalkers from across the Multiverse to help him defeat Bolas and he charged Ral with enhancing and expanding Project Lightning Bug so it could serve as a beacon.'
And finally, from p.226 - Emergency Powers:
Tibalt
Whenever a permanent or player is dealt damage by a source you control for the first time this turn, you may pay 2 and discard a card. If you do, draw a card and put a loyalty counter on ~.
-X: Create X 1/1 red Devil creature tokens with "When this creature dies, it deals 1 damage to any target."
The ability only triggers once per permanent or player to prevent loops with, say, Niv-Mizzet, Parun. It only triggers off damage dealt by sources you control to reduce the number of triggers that have to be resolved, and requires both mana payment and discard so as to prevent abuse with spells and effects like Pyroclasm.
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
static abilities makes sense. so does integrating creature characteristics. like a walker with only a + ability that can block but not attack. wouldnt be surprised if instant speed or dynamic activation/loyalty manipulation are on the table as well.
UWGSnow-Bant Control
BURGrixis Death's Shadow
GWBCoCo Elves
WCDeath and Taxes(sold)It fits the story, and keeps the games from becoming insane grindfests.
Why make them more persistent than regular walkers AND make them extremely awkward to flip unless they all have -1 or -X abilities?
Just imagine swinging on an opponent to kill one of those walkers. Creatures connect and now your opponent has a brand new creature to retaliate with, not to mention that you can just flicker that creature with justiciar's portal and you have a brand new planeswalker at your side.
Does it involve Bolas fingersnapping?
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
I would be interested in taking on that challenge.
Every time I read a comment about "Well if this card had card draw/trample/haste/indestructible/hexproof/life gain...", I think "You're missing the point." They're armchair developer comments that fail to take into account the card's role in the greater Limited and Standard environment. No, it may not be as good as whatever card you're comparing it to. There's a reason for that. Not every burn spell is Lightning Bolt, nor does it need to be or should be.
And?
It’s not like Magic has a long history of fair strategies built to make every card they print successful.
Implying that any of these things are “bad” or “unfun” ignores the existence of Caw Blade, Delver, Siege Rhino or any one of the cards they dropped the ban hammer on over the last few years.
The argument “well that won’t be fun to play therefore it’s never going to happen” doesn’t hold water.
March 31th 10:30 ET
Not only we’re getting the real trailer for war of the spark lots of preview cards
I hope they paid real money for this trailer. I am talking videogame quality...
The one thing I feel certain of is that Planeswalkers will not have conditional transformations into creatures. MaRo has confirmed they’re not double-faced cards and the “sometimes a creature” element of Theros gods was considered a failure for being too confusing to less experienced players. This is why they went a different route with Amonkhet gods and I don’t think they’ll forget this lesson only two years later.
Oh really? I didn't know that they consider the Theros God mechanic a failure. I always thought it was nifty. I liked that they were harder to remove because the Enchantment thing.
The picture with Ajani in the front and Jace in the background is interesting. They are getting some kind of a power up. Maybe Niv-Mizzets doing or some kind of released Guild pack magic. Could lead to some kind of Emblem mechanic that enables Planeswalker ulti/loyalty abilities?