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  • posted a message on Lifebane Zombie makes me want to take a year off
    I don't understand.
    Is the issue the discard effect? If so, why play anything when thoughtseize is around?
    Is it the 3/1 intimidating body? Can gw not race that?
    I'm not sure what the problem is here, perhaps you can expand on it a bit.

    Edit: genini, if this was reddit, I would upvote that post to oblivion.
    Posted in: Standard Archives
  • posted a message on What do your friends/family/etc. think of MtG?
    Family:
    Mother belittles the game and thinks that everyone (except me) is an idiot that can't function IRL. Example; I was going to fnm the other week and I'd been having trouble keeping my car battery charged. As I was leaving, she made sure to make it a point to tell me that, if my battery died, I should call my brother (a mechanic) for a jump. I told her that there would be several other magic players there and her response was, "yea, but do they know how to jump a car.". Yes mother, they play magic AND know how to function in the world.
    My brother likely thinks its a stupid game.
    My sister and her husband both play, but not with the zeal that I do.

    Friends:
    Most of my friends play or knows several people that play.

    SOs:
    Only one of my gfs have ever really embraced the game. Most others wouldn't learn and viewed the game as cute and the fact that I played as an adorable quirk.

    Coworkers:
    My boss played way back in the day, but moved away from it when he had kids. He gets it.
    My coworkers generally view it as a waste of time and money and prefer video games. They will heatedly argue that paying money for cardboard is stupid, and ignore me when I state that, from an investment standpoint, it makes more sense than video games, which almost always lose value over time.

    I've actually noticed that some people have an aversion to the game and no real reasoning behind it. For instance, I offered to teach a coworker to play (he's, like, 22, I'm 25) and he refused, saying he didn't wanna buy cards. I offered to make him a deck from my own cards and just give it to him and he still refused, saying it was a waste of time. He frequently spends 6+ hours a day playing video games. He's not averse to card games, as he played ygo and Pokemon back in the day. It seems the magic community is STILL getting a bad rap. Frown
    Posted in: Magic General
  • posted a message on spiked chain counter?
    I'm trying to avoid guns and mounts in general.

    The female character is the main antagonist and is meant to completely dominate this particular fight. She will be back for more.

    Both characters have learned to harness their mental prowess to the point where they can use it to manipulate the way the weapons work. This makes the chain weilder particularly dangerous as his seemingly difficult to control weapon can make very precise strikes. The backwards facing blades (and to an extent, the spiked ball) are used to disarm and sunder opposing weapons with said precise strikes, as the character tends to shy away from killing in favor of a disarm and intimidate strategy. Its length also serves to protect his allies from a distance while still keeping himself safe.

    Throwing knives and such projectiles are abundantly used among nearly every character, leading the main character to be very adept at dodging/blocking/etc. They will be used, but not as the opponents main weapon.

    Normally, I absolutely love bows of any sort, but I'm kind of leaning away from that sort of projectile type weapon, as they're too bulky to be effective, given that ranged combat doesn't tend to last long. The exception being longbows (Japanese style, so 1 1/2 times the height of a person) as the chosen sniping weapon, but those are seen as a dishonorable method of killing.

    The fight is taking place in a small (let's say about 30 ft across) clearing surrounded by a semi-dense wooded area. There are a total of 4 people fighting in the clearing, so there's enough room for the chain to operate if he's careful to avoid allies.

    @batterysrevenge, can I assume that your weapon is essentially a giant spiked club? If so, I quite like the idea of that as an effective counter, given that the strength required to use it would make it an unfamiliar to the main character due to how uncommon it would be. Also, it would be nigh impossible to sunder or disarm such a weapon, giving further advantage to the woman. I'm a bit concerned that it might be nearly useless defensively though, as the chain weilder could manipulate his weapon to snake around it for a direct hit.

    I'm generally a big fan or rapiers and the like (almost always a Dex based classes in DnD, grabbing weapon finesse asap), and rapiers can be used very well with the speed that the character has, but I'm concerned that a direct hit from the ball should probably just snap the blade in half. I think that something like a staff with rapier-like blades on each end might work just as well, while allowing for more flashy combat, and better defensive capabilities. Maybe the two halves could even come apart and be used as two separate swords.

    Have a lot to think about so far, thanks guys, keep the ideas coming!
    Posted in: Personal Writing
  • posted a message on spiked chain counter?
    I'm not entirely sure that this is where this post goes, so feel free to move it if needed.
    I'm writing an action sequence in which the main character is using a chain as a weapon (think ninja assassin) and I want this particular fight to be unfavorable to him in every possible aspect, so I'm wondering what kind of weapon would best combat said chain while still painting an exciting visual picture. My first thought was a spear, as that is flexible and provides reach, but it seems a bit boring. I'm leaning towards some sort of polearm, like a ransuer or a halberd.
    Also, if it matters at all, the weilder of the second weapon is a woman. (Appears approximately 28-34 years of age, but with kind of ageless features).
    Curious to hear some ideas from some fresh perspectives, but please give some sort of reasoning as to why your weapon would be favored in the match up (reach, style, etc).
    For reference sake, the chain is about 15-20 ft in total length. One end is weighted with a spiked ball (not super huge, just big enough to give it sufficient weight, let's say about the size of a softball, maybe a bit smaller), while the other side is a long thin blade (stiletto like, about a foot long) with two backward curving blades at the base (think a fleur de lis).
    Thanks in advanced!
    Posted in: Personal Writing
  • posted a message on Looking for other ccg/tcg games
    I picked up Legend of the 5 Rings about a year ago. It was kind of complicated, but a ton of fun once I got the basics down. Sadly, I lost my playgroup when I moved, So I don't get to play much anymore.
    Also, there are foils, and they are hawt.
    Posted in: Other Card Games
  • posted a message on Kissing your partner - tongue or none?
    Quote from 9909
    Well, when you're pecking, your lips should lock but tongues don't need to touch. You can suck in your tongue and push out your lips if that helps as well as nibble or even bite. (Is this kosher for the kids here?) moo

    On the second para here, I agree, if I don't altogether offer the antithesis that there is no such thing as normal. I have no dissent about do whatever feels natural or good.


    I always assumed that pecking was inherently close-mouthed. Biting and nibbling make a little bit of sense, I suppose. Idk, I guess because I've always used tongue in open mouthed kisses, I don't understand the mechanics of not doing so. Or the point, for that matter. To each his/her own, I suppose.
    Posted in: Real-Life Advice
  • posted a message on Kissing your partner - tongue or none?
    Quote from Tormod
    I'm a little confused by the mechanics of open mouth kissing without tongue. Like what do you do with your tongue? Try to avoid touching the other person's tongue?


    I am also curious about this. I'm getting a visual of 2 people with their mouths open just kinda bashing them together...

    Response to the OP, I think normal is a relative term and societal 'norms' shouldn't dictate how your relationship progresses. If you're both happy, keep doing what you're doing.
    Posted in: Real-Life Advice
  • posted a message on Information regarding an ex girlfriend and what to do with it.
    Jesus, I'd given up on this thread and then it exploded.
    Couple things here.

    I dated her for nearly 4 years and it ended rather abruptly (it was going downhill for a long time, but after that long, I guess you just don't expect it to actually end), and there was a point where we both thought we would get married and all that jazz, so there are and probably always will be some residual feelings there, which makes me kind of protective of her.

    We are not currently friends, nor will we likely be such in the future, as I think that said residual feelings would muddy things up.

    She would not believe my original source either, as the original source is dating the ex of said cheating boyfriend. From what I can gather, the cheating boyfriend and his ex don't get along, so my ex would assume that the source was just trying to make their life miserable. I believe him because telling me a lie does nothing, as he knows we haven't spoken in months and months.

    I'm generally a nonviolent person, but if any course of action were to lead to the two of them breaking up and him blaming me for it and resorting to violent threats, I would drive the 3 hours to let him try, and neither of us would enjoy that. I dislike him greatly given the type of person that I perceive him to be, and that scenario would only help to prove my perceptions to be accurate, and my patience for somebody like that is slim to start with. Hurting somebody I care about would only serve to tip me past my seemingly endless breaking point.

    The woman I'm with now that is somebody that I've known for over 6 years, and we had discussed being together several times over the 6 years, but I opted against it for various reasons. This led her to be rather unsure of herself and of our potential relationship and INSANELY jealous of my ex, who I started dating knowing full well that my gf wanted me very badly. However, I think that our relationship is solid enough now that I will discuss this with her, and it will be a good exercise in trust.

    I was talking to a mutual friend and mentioned my concern on the matter, and she assured me that, if the information came out and they broke up, she would do her best to make sure my ex was alright, so I feel a bit better knowing she'll have some reliable support, as most of her other friends are self-centered and don't really know how to tactfully handle such situations.

    Anyways, I've decided, thanks in large part to this thread's opinions, that there's no logical reason to get involved. I figure she's a smart girl, so she'll figure things out. My only concern now is that, once she does, she might approach me again. She started dating him before I even moved out, so I'm a bit concerned that he started as a means of kind of finalizing our breakup to herself. As such, realizing that he was a poor replacement might cause her to want to try again, and, aside from being unavailable, I think that our relationship has suffered irreparable damage, so I'd like to avoid that situation if at all possible. Luckily, she doesn't have my number or my address, and I can block her email and facebook, so I guess that's a non-issue.

    Thanks for the advice, guys, much appreciated and super helpful.
    Posted in: Real-Life Advice
  • posted a message on Information regarding an ex girlfriend and what to do with it.
    I refuse to talk to Mark, as I feel like, if I attempt, I might end up losing my cool and pummeling him into oblivion. The information is fairly reliable as the guy that told me has no reason to lie to me and was legitimately upset at the idea of losing his girlfriend to this tool. I also don't doubt the info from what I know of him. (My ex and I were on the verge of a breakup and attempting to work things out when he started weaseling his way in by visiting her at work, buying her lunch, saying he just needed somebody to talk to about his problems with his ex, etc)
    As sad as it is to say, I'd kind of used to being involved in teenage-esque drama, so that probably wouldn't bother me all that much.
    I guess the problem I'm having is that, while I know that it's not really in my best interest to get involved, I did date the woman for almost 4 years and I would, at the very least, feel super guilty for having the knowledge and not using it to prevent a possible future heartbreak.
    Unfortunately, she's also the type of person that likes to believe the best about whomever she's with until the very last second. Take me, for instance. There was a rumor going around town that I was a huge cocaine addict (funny story, actually) and everybody that heard the story took it as fact immediately, save her.
    Also, should be noted that I live almost 3 hours away from her and I'm incapable of getting there right now due to work hours going down and funds being super tight, so I'd have to resort to a facebook message, which seems like the absolute worst and least believable means of telling her.
    Posted in: Real-Life Advice
  • posted a message on Most epic card fights if you could actually watch
    Regarding the Spellskite v Spellkite match, I immediately thought back to that early episode of pokemon and the epic Metapod v Metapod fight.
    I'd kinda like to see...
    Phyrexian Metamorph v Clone
    Massacre Wurm v Verdeloth the Ancient
    Azami, Lady of Scrolls v Magus of the Scroll
    5 way death match with all the Kamigawa dragons
    Fumiko, the Lowblood v Kentaro, the Smiling Cat
    Assault Zepplid v Steel Wall
    Fat Ass v Dumb Ass v Smart Ass v Bad Ass v Cheap Ass
    Phantasmal Image v Artisan of Forms
    Posted in: the Speakeasy
  • posted a message on Information regarding an ex girlfriend and what to do with it.
    Hey there, guys and gals. I was recently chatting with an acquaintance via facebook about him taking over for me at the mtg club at the local library in the city I used to live in.
    We strayed from the subject a bit when he asked if I had dated somebody (let's call her Emily). I said that we had dated for almost 4 years, but had broken it off in March, and that she is currently dating somebody else (let's call him Mark). He laughs and says something to the effect of 'yea, she's dating my girlfriend's ex'. I confirm that it's the same guy I thought it was, and he casually informs me that he (mark) has been cheating on her (emily) for the past few months, and has even tried to reconsile things with my friend's girlfriend (the mother of his (marks) 3 children).

    So, the jist of the situation is that my ex is dating a guy who is cheating on her and attempting to be with somebody else. I haven't spoken to my ex since we split (3 1/2 years is a long time and it ended abruptly and in a spectacular fashion) but I do still care for her. I don't know if she's aware of this deception, and I don't want her to get hurt in the event that she finds out in a less than opportunistic way (walking in on him with somebody else, etc).

    I have no proof of the infidelities, but it's fairly well known in my circle of friends that I'm an honest person, and I can comfortably say that I never lied to her while we were together (barring white lies such as 'you don't snore THAT much).

    So I suppose I have a couple questions here...
    1. Do I even bother trying to tell her?
    2. Would she believe me if I attempt #1?
    3. If I tell her and she does believe me, am I then obligated to continue conversing with her after the fact? (I'm in a new relationship, and I'd rather not risk that by talking to an ex, as my gf is a bit (read: massively) jealous.

    Thanks in advance, guys and gals. Smile
    Posted in: Real-Life Advice
  • posted a message on BUG Landfall
    First, this is junk, not bug.
    Secondly, I like the idea, but have you thought about deathrite shaman rather than birds? Seems pretty good with the idea of saccing lands and has other relevant modes (ie, using lotus cobra mana from a sacced elder to exile said elder and gain life). Also, I'd consider a land toolbox to take full advantage of kotr. Things like dryad arbor (fetchable response for avoiding sac effects), bojuka bog (tutorable gy hate), maybe even some of the legendary augmenting kamigawa lands (eiganjo castle, shizo, death's storehouse, or Okinawa, temple of the grandfathers) to buff/protect ob nixilis.
    I think I'd also remove either the steppe lynx or the lingering souls, bumping the one you don't take out to 4 and adding a couple more lands.

    I'd go with something like
    Posted in: Modern Archives - Deck Creation
  • posted a message on Theros values speculation thread
    Quote from thg
    Haven't seen it in an "real" events. Curious though if anyone has adjusted their thinking on this.


    Reid Duke is playing prophet of kruphix in prime-speaker bant at this weekends scg event. Last I saw, he was 3-1, so he wasn't doing terribly. Might push its popularity a bit.
    Posted in: Market Street Café
  • posted a message on Rug biomancer
    I've been out of standard since around dragon's maze release due to lack of interest in the resto/rev heavy meta at my lgs. I've finally got a bit of time off of work and theros has successfully piqued my interest, so I'm thinking of getting back into it. Before I gave up, I ran a rug midrange build with biomancer, tusks, huntmasters, conscripts, and thundermaws, and I thought I'd try to go in the same basic direction.
    Here's the list I've been tinkering with thus far:


    I don't really have any way to test, so I'm basically relying on opinion and intuition to make this a functional thing, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
    Posted in: Standard Archives
  • posted a message on master biomancer and bestow creatures
    2 semi-related questions.
    First, if I had a master biomancer in play and cast a boon satyr for its bestow cost and it resolved, would the satyr get the counters from biomancer?
    Second, if yes to the first question, if I were to bestow the satyr on an otherwise untouched biomancer, making the biomancer a 6/6, would the satyr enter with 6 counters or 2?
    Thanks in advance Grin
    Posted in: Magic Rulings Archives
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