I don't currently run Alesha for space reasons but she was very impressive when I ran her. First Strike is such a great keyword with her ability. If I were to include 2 more red 3-drops she'd be in.
I have an unnatural love for Karmic Guide so she'd be my #1 pick. Uktabi Orangutan is probably #2.
I think the "Fires" effect gets exponentially less valuable the higher the casting cost of the card is. You're simply not getting enough of a return for the investment to be worth it. In our environment, it is essential to get that "Fires" effect online as soon as possible so that your 4's and 5's are coming in with haste. There are definitely other uses mid/late game to the haste effect (ie. Surrak TnN'd in with a fatty) but for the most part you're looking to be setting up on turn 2 or 3 latest so you're getting your damage in before control gets to stabilize (oftentimes just before they're able to stabilize). Getting a hasty Polukranos/Natural Order followed by a hasty Kalonian Hydra/Deranged Hermit on curve is how Fires decks actually win.
I'd agree with you if this also didn't have haste itself alongside being able to deal 6 damage. Having flash is huge upsidenn for a fires effect. Most haste enablers aren't on bodies that can attack themselves.
I hope it turns out to be an awesome creature, being useful in multiple boardstates thanks to all the keywords. I can definitely get with that. My comment is just addressing evaluating this card as a Fires archetype enabler... Unless we're talking about other uses akin to the Surrak/Tooth and Nail example I mentioned. In that way I agree it's flexible and can lead to really explosive plays. We've had very successful cheaty decks that included Fires/Sarkhan Vol/Surrak and I can see this guy fitting well there.
I think the "Fires" effect gets exponentially less valuable the higher the casting cost of the card is. You're simply not getting enough of a return for the investment to be worth it. In our environment, it is essential to get that "Fires" effect online as soon as possible so that your 4's and 5's are coming in with haste. There are definitely other uses mid/late game to the haste effect (ie. Surrak TnN'd in with a fatty) but for the most part you're looking to be setting up on turn 2 or 3 latest so you're getting your damage in before control gets to stabilize (oftentimes just before they're able to stabilize). Getting a hasty Polukranos/Natural Order followed by a hasty Kalonian Hydra/Deranged Hermit on curve is how Fires decks actually win.
Will post adds in a couple days, but I don't EVER recall testing this many cards from a single set.
Feel like my card evaluation skills have gotten rose coloured or delusional, but maybe this set is just that good.
Lol I'm too embarrassed to post the cards I'm looking at because it looks to be too much for a 360 list. The cards look too interesting/fun to ignore though! And even if every other card spoiled from now is garbage, I'd still be very happy with what we did get.
And with Vizier of Tumbling Sands for its Time Vault interaction, maybe Kiora's Follower can now go as well. Really interesting.
Nissa would go well in that Bounding Krasis deck too though. Scry 2 to dig for combo pieces and playing Kiki without the RRR cost (corner case) is attractive. Great Oak Guardian is a pretty underappreciated card too.
In 485 I like 2-3 white 5 drop creatures, so the decision is close.
FWIW I cut baneslayer a while ago and haven't missed it one bit... but I understand the appeal of the card.
Avacyn and Revilark are my clear #1/#2, #3 is a toughy.
I'd cut Baneslayer before Angel of Invention so it comes down to this vs BSA. Angel of Sanctions would be pretty nice in the Mardu reanimator decks that dip into white for Nahiri, Elesh Norn, Karmic Guide and disenchants. Probably worth testing.
As time goes on, I'm starting to believe ally of zendikar ~= gideon jura. Though they are somewhat apples and oranges.
Apples to oranges yes (so run what your cube needs), but I do agree they're on the same power level. Some guys in my group believe Ally of Zendikar is on par with Knight Errant power-wise and their arguments are very reasonable.
I have an unnatural love for Karmic Guide so she'd be my #1 pick. Uktabi Orangutan is probably #2.
I think the "Fires" effect gets exponentially less valuable the higher the casting cost of the card is. You're simply not getting enough of a return for the investment to be worth it. In our environment, it is essential to get that "Fires" effect online as soon as possible so that your 4's and 5's are coming in with haste. There are definitely other uses mid/late game to the haste effect (ie. Surrak TnN'd in with a fatty) but for the most part you're looking to be setting up on turn 2 or 3 latest so you're getting your damage in before control gets to stabilize (oftentimes just before they're able to stabilize). Getting a hasty Polukranos/Natural Order followed by a hasty Kalonian Hydra/Deranged Hermit on curve is how Fires decks actually win.