I don't like the other Jeskai options that much (Kykar, Wind's Fury and Soulfire Grand Master) that much. I don't think Narset is an S or A tier option either, but this looks fun to swap around to to take a look at, and I like that it also does good work in the artifact deck. I don't mind a four mana card having no immediate impact, but having to attack into (presumably) danger to have an effect is awkward, plus the fact that spells matter decks don't often go wide. But it's good enough as a value engine and global pump to try in the weakest 3-colour slot.
This has been in my original testing pile as well as I wanted another spells matter piece in red. OP summarises it well. It's a efficient card and the flip is reasonably costed to fill out the curve, it also hits very hard with double prowess.
This card provides a ton of card advantage and inevitability, it's been really good. The fact it's eventually a huge threat in its own right makes it a combined engine and finisher.
I've had one on hand for a long time, with the addition of Atraxa it might be worth giving it a look. I don't run many of the symmetrical cheaty cards at the moment (Eureka, S&T) so another outlet could be useful.
I've only been running the one sword for quite a long time. If I were to add a second, it would likely be Body and Mind. This is far enough down the ranks that I'm not too interested - the protections are OK, but the equip + swing combo is quite poor here.
This is usually going to be targeted PW removal, as others have said it's not common to have >1 out, and even for PW rich decks, the instant speed gives you a chance to remove the first one quickly. Within the two creature modes, this lets you avoid the opponent sacking a trash token, or even get rid of a lone dangerous token like a Serra the Benevolent or Nissa, Ascended Animist token. I think this is a very pushed modern Edict and worth a go at least, in the same way Planar Disruption is a power update to a classic effect.
I remember quite fondly the days where we all played Pacifism and Arrest. I'll likely try this out as an updated version of the effect. This hits a very broad swathe of targets.
I've been playing this card ever since it dropped and it's very good, for obvious reasons. I didn't realise it was just me running it. Swinging as a 7/5 trample that 'draws' a card on attack is kind of the baseline.
Fantastic read as always, thanks for doing these. Got me thinking about a few cards I'd missed. I also think we're not far off with Mishra's Workshop. Wish it could pay for artifacts' abilities as well.
Nice articl as always. There are a ton of cards in this set that I want to test, including a couple that aren't even on your list (Mishra, who is a buff Rakdos Hellrider with lifegain, and Phyrexian Dragon Engine, who does a lot of what I like in red with discard/artifact synergies. Yeah, I just want to live the meld dream for once). I had the Wurmlet on my pre-order list to try but wasn't expecting too much from it; my expectations have increased for it now since it tested well for you. I've been thinking about bringing back Champion of the Parish too.
I'm most hyped for Misery's Shadow. I always loved Nantuko Shade. I really want to like Feldon and Razorlash Transmogrant but I have been trying to shy away from can't block in my aggro two drops. From the looks of it you have an usually high density of nonbasics, so the latter should play super well for you. I may try them both anyway. With the Crown equipment, Fleshgorger and Gix all being very cubeable options also, black made out extremely well from the set.
Yeah, I dig this. Shade cards have always been strong, since they are functionally unblockable in some board stages, and must-block on other board states as you can always threaten a huge swing. Having to invest so much black mana has always been an issue, but that is resolved here, making this also a perfect mana sink for aggro in the late game. Definitely finding a spot for it.
I think the ability is more than flavour text too, it shuts down a few synergies.
I like it for a value 5 CMC walker, and extra value piece plus win-con for the meme Leovold/Narset wheels decks. But I'm a bit worried about it into opposing fliers. I guess making the creature is the right bet there in most cases. The token is going to get buff quick... I look forward to following it up with Time Spiral.
Green:
Invasion of Ixalan*
Vorinclex (maybe)
*Invasion of Gobakhan, and Mercadia look potentially interesting. I don't have a strong read on how Battles will play out, yet.
Red:
Rampaging Raptor
Death-Greeter's Champion
Khenra Spellspear
Blue:
Chrome Host Seedshark
Faerie Mastermind (maybe)
Black:
Sheoldred
White:
Guardian Scalelord (maybe)
Gold:
Thalia and the Gitrog Monster
Mine looks like this, but probably not testing the Wanderer unless she's amazing for everyone. Not the deepest set at all but I like these few cards.
I'm most hyped for Misery's Shadow. I always loved Nantuko Shade. I really want to like Feldon and Razorlash Transmogrant but I have been trying to shy away from can't block in my aggro two drops. From the looks of it you have an usually high density of nonbasics, so the latter should play super well for you. I may try them both anyway. With the Crown equipment, Fleshgorger and Gix all being very cubeable options also, black made out extremely well from the set.
I think the ability is more than flavour text too, it shuts down a few synergies.