I'd say the biggest failure of this card is the fact that it's an uncommon. This is a limited card, but the resonance will almost never be relevant as an uncommon.
Bloodbraid Elf is also uncommon and her cascade ability is pretty damn good.
The 4x Archive Trap thing works on Turn 1 if they play a cantrip like Ponder and you Archive Trap in response. Otherwise, you have to wait until the draw step on turn 2.
I don't think Ponder triggers Archive Trap. It says look at the top three cards unlike a fetchland like Arid Mesa which specifically says to search your library. Plus you have to wait for them to actually do the searching and then Archive Trap them later in the turn they searched.
Nope, Bloodghast's ability is triggered. Pithing Needle only stops activated abilities. Like Planeswalkers, Luminarch Ascension, Manland activation, fetch land sacrificing, Vampire Hexmage's ability and so on.
You do have a point. I remember seeing a playset of Warren Instigators going for $60-70ish presales on Ebay when they were first released. Lotus cobra playsets were at least $100 too. Now look where they are.
Well, having seen the ups-and-downs of several shops and business locally... with many thriving shops going out of business in the past few years, you need balance- which is probably why the store/guy you mention doesn't care for Spikes.
What's a spike? I just did a forum search and could not find a definition for that.
Scifi world (West of Steeles/Dufferin, north side of Steeles, Google Maps)
It's a pretty good place to buy cards are those tend to the cheapest of a lot of things. Though the biggest downside is their cards do tend to sell out and they must really hate dragons because Sarkhan Vol is priced at $35!
Two Head Dragon (Slightly south of North York station, East on Yonge, Google Maps)
They have a pretty good play area and base their prices off Starcitygames.com (meaning a $5 rare on SCG is $5 CAD when you buy it). The first few times you go to visit, just remember to look up at the 2nd floor of the buildings when you are looking for this place. Don't make my mistake and walk by it and getting lost.
PS: Buying commons/uncommons can be a pain as you may have to search through through a box if what you want isn't in a binder.
401 Games (South of College station and on the east side of Yonge, Google Maps)
This place is kinda cramped and tend to have the cheapest prices for downtown Toronto. They have a small play area on the first floor which is two tables and the main play area on the top floor. The biggest downside is the main play area can sometimes smell (The term "nerdsweat" was coined to accurately describe it to someone who has never been there and Yugi-Oh players(like a tumour, takes up space but benign). Other than that little bit, it's a good place to do some trading). Also, take a look at the card quality when you do buy as when players do trade ins, they can bend or cause small scratches on the cards. Nitpick about the little things and you can get a discount.
Hairy Tarantula (south of 401, westside of Yonge. Look for a sign with a tarantula eating Spiderman and a door leading to the 2nd floor, Google Maps)
The other place in downtown to get Magic cards, they also have mange and DnD stuff as well. If you find the prices at 401 tend to be a little higher than you'd like, then go here and check if it's cheaper. Usually 401 beats HairyT but sometimes these guys have a better quantity at a lower price. Though there is no play area and I find the owner (Leon, balding guy with long hair on the sides) pretty strange. While I was there, he was stroking his cat with a bat in an aggressive manner. Poor kitty
Excalibur comics (Near Royal York station, Google Maps)
I've been here a few times, it's kinda small but sorta similar to Scifi world but not as good. No play area.
There's also another place called Dueling Grounds (west of Dufferin station on Bloor) but I've never been there.
Bloodbraid Elf is also uncommon and her cascade ability is pretty damn good.
I don't think Ponder triggers Archive Trap. It says look at the top three cards unlike a fetchland like Arid Mesa which specifically says to search your library. Plus you have to wait for them to actually do the searching and then Archive Trap them later in the turn they searched.
Anyone have the link to the decklists used? Tried searching the thread but too much results.
You do have a point. I remember seeing a playset of Warren Instigators going for $60-70ish presales on Ebay when they were first released. Lotus cobra playsets were at least $100 too. Now look where they are.
What's a spike? I just did a forum search and could not find a definition for that.
Scifi world (West of Steeles/Dufferin, north side of Steeles, Google Maps)
Two Head Dragon (Slightly south of North York station, East on Yonge, Google Maps)
401 Games (South of College station and on the east side of Yonge, Google Maps)
Hairy Tarantula (south of 401, westside of Yonge. Look for a sign with a tarantula eating Spiderman and a door leading to the 2nd floor, Google Maps)
Excalibur comics (Near Royal York station, Google Maps)
There's also another place called Dueling Grounds (west of Dufferin station on Bloor) but I've never been there.