Hey guys. Let's talk about what might get bad enough that it should not longer be in.
My initial thoughts are:
Mogg Fanatic gets lots lots worse.
Genju of the Fields is less exciting for sure.
Ravenous Baloth? My guess is that he's still fine.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Forcefield does its job.
Lorescale Coatl + Graveborn Muse + Scroll of Origins + Brainstorm + Compulsive Research is pretty good.
Forcefield doesn't care about that.
Forcefield doesn't care about that.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
5/9/09 Changes
Birds of Paradise in for Pouncing Jaguar
Echo was kind of prohibitive. This is like the anti-echo!
Hurricane in for Sylvan Library
Yeah, this needed to be in.
Plague Sliver in for Juzam Djinn
Trying it! And yeah Joe, you discerned my motives.
Willbender in for Chromeshell Crab
!!!!
Torrent of Souls in for Rakdos Guildmage
Forcefield in for Gilded Lotus
Hell's Thunder in for Keldon Champion
Call the Skybreaker in for Noggle Bandit
Scroll of Origins in for Nuisance Engine
Echo was kind of prohibitive. This is like the anti-echo!
Hurricane in for Sylvan Library
Yeah, this needed to be in.
Plague Sliver in for Juzam Djinn
Trying it! And yeah Joe, you discerned my motives.
Willbender in for Chromeshell Crab
!!!!
Torrent of Souls in for Rakdos Guildmage
Forcefield in for Gilded Lotus
Hell's Thunder in for Keldon Champion
Call the Skybreaker in for Noggle Bandit
Scroll of Origins in for Nuisance Engine
Friday, May 8, 2009
Slivers, Birds, Skybreakers
I know this my millionth post in about two days, but I've had lots of thoughts.
1. Let's try Call the Skybreaker. One person who runs it and Spitting Image actually called this better, so I think it's worth a shot.
2. I don't want Isochron Scepter, because I think it fails to help green and we don't need that.
3. Speaking of helping green: Birds of Paradise? More consistent (frequent) acceleration in green would be nice, I think, and maybe help get an eclectic dragon or two played.
4. I'd like to try Plague Sliver for Juzam. I think it is going to be equivalent except when it's better. Thoughts?
1. Let's try Call the Skybreaker. One person who runs it and Spitting Image actually called this better, so I think it's worth a shot.
2. I don't want Isochron Scepter, because I think it fails to help green and we don't need that.
3. Speaking of helping green: Birds of Paradise? More consistent (frequent) acceleration in green would be nice, I think, and maybe help get an eclectic dragon or two played.
4. I'd like to try Plague Sliver for Juzam. I think it is going to be equivalent except when it's better. Thoughts?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Other Possible Artifacts
Isochron Scepter, which Justin is not into.
Forcefield: Sounds super good to me.
Akroma's Memorial: ?
Forcefield: Sounds super good to me.
Akroma's Memorial: ?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
5/6/09 Changes
Fire//Ice in for Noggle Hedge-Mage
We want to play things, I guess, not just make jokes about Ass Wizards.
Vedalken Shackles moved to blue, kicking out Fathom Seer. Justin: "Fathom Seer's had it coming"
Gifts Ungiven in for Thirst for Knowledge
Trying stuff out!
Five new artifacts to go in: (We are literally just throwing things against metaphorical walls, because who knows?)
Out: Weatherseed Totem, Pyrite Spellbomb, Leonin Sun Standard, Executioner's Capsule
In: Pithing Needle, Nuisance Engine (foil, oh shit), Gilded Lotus, Puppet Strings, Deathrender
We want to play things, I guess, not just make jokes about Ass Wizards.
Vedalken Shackles moved to blue, kicking out Fathom Seer. Justin: "Fathom Seer's had it coming"
Gifts Ungiven in for Thirst for Knowledge
Trying stuff out!
Five new artifacts to go in: (We are literally just throwing things against metaphorical walls, because who knows?)
Out: Weatherseed Totem, Pyrite Spellbomb, Leonin Sun Standard, Executioner's Capsule
In: Pithing Needle, Nuisance Engine (foil, oh shit), Gilded Lotus, Puppet Strings, Deathrender
More thoughts! Thoughts forever.
On many topics.
1. Color-aligned artifacts. I think only one would make it in on it's own merits, in its color. So I propose (and I think JT is in) that we throw shackles in Blue, which it unambiguously is, and cut the rest. I think Fathom Seer is the thing to cut here.
2. Artifacts. That gives us some room. We can cut those spots, which were artificially added, according to Justin. Or we can add some stuff. Sun Droplet and Juggernaut could go back in, we can think of other stuff, maybe Pithing Needle (a sideboard card that's probably maindeckable), whatevs. Isochon Scepter? I don't know. Other people run it. We can totally throw stuff in, try it, take out and/or love it forever.
3. How about split cards in Hybrid? Fire//Ice?? Eh?
4. Gifts Ungiven for Thirst for Knowledge? Another card people say they took out for being too good, and good with Reanimator.
1. Color-aligned artifacts. I think only one would make it in on it's own merits, in its color. So I propose (and I think JT is in) that we throw shackles in Blue, which it unambiguously is, and cut the rest. I think Fathom Seer is the thing to cut here.
2. Artifacts. That gives us some room. We can cut those spots, which were artificially added, according to Justin. Or we can add some stuff. Sun Droplet and Juggernaut could go back in, we can think of other stuff, maybe Pithing Needle (a sideboard card that's probably maindeckable), whatevs. Isochon Scepter? I don't know. Other people run it. We can totally throw stuff in, try it, take out and/or love it forever.
3. How about split cards in Hybrid? Fire//Ice?? Eh?
4. Gifts Ungiven for Thirst for Knowledge? Another card people say they took out for being too good, and good with Reanimator.
Monday, May 4, 2009
5/4/09 Changes
Recurring Nightmare in for Skinthinner
I'm so excited.
Miraculous Recovery in for Blinding Beam
Less conditional, you know? And SO RAD.
Death Grasp in for Tidehollow Sculler
In the "answers" section:
Loaming Shaman in for Cradle Guard
Relic of Progenitus in for Juggernaut
Dude just doesn't get played.
Scrabbling Claws in for Sun Droplet
I'm so excited.
Miraculous Recovery in for Blinding Beam
Less conditional, you know? And SO RAD.
Death Grasp in for Tidehollow Sculler
In the "answers" section:
Loaming Shaman in for Cradle Guard
Relic of Progenitus in for Juggernaut
Dude just doesn't get played.
Scrabbling Claws in for Sun Droplet
Thoughts!
Recurring Nightmare
I keep reading about people taking this out of their cubes for being too good.
I could see taking out Thoughtseize or Skinthinner.
Miraculous Recovery
Dunno, seems nice.
Bituminous Blast for Shambling Remains
??
It's been good so far in Shards, and I worry that black/red creatures that can't block isn't a very viable archetype.
As Justin pointed out, we should probably put in some graveyard removal stuff, since right now it is is Stonecloaker and Stonecloaker. Maybe Loaming Shaman for Cradle Guard, and an artifact- Relic of Progenitus, or Tormod's Crypt?
And finally, how about Death Grasp for Tidehollow Sculler? I like the sculler lots, but Death Grasp is like the ability from P-Command that wins games, you know?
I keep reading about people taking this out of their cubes for being too good.
I could see taking out Thoughtseize or Skinthinner.
Miraculous Recovery
Dunno, seems nice.
Bituminous Blast for Shambling Remains
??
It's been good so far in Shards, and I worry that black/red creatures that can't block isn't a very viable archetype.
As Justin pointed out, we should probably put in some graveyard removal stuff, since right now it is is Stonecloaker and Stonecloaker. Maybe Loaming Shaman for Cradle Guard, and an artifact- Relic of Progenitus, or Tormod's Crypt?
And finally, how about Death Grasp for Tidehollow Sculler? I like the sculler lots, but Death Grasp is like the ability from P-Command that wins games, you know?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Ashling, the totally-unfair-with-a-warhammer
So yesterday or so, Justin had Ashling, the Pilgrim wearing a Warhammer, and totally popped that thing for 7 damage to everything and gained 35 life. Sweet.
I actually ended up winning the game thanks to sweet Pristine Angel/Behemoth Sledge (I know! same draft!) action, but basically it gave me nightmares.
I actually ended up winning the game thanks to sweet Pristine Angel/Behemoth Sledge (I know! same draft!) action, but basically it gave me nightmares.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
4/26/09 Changes
Wall of Denial in for Sky Spirit
Qasali Pridemage in for Watchwolf
Upgrade like whoa.
Behemoth Sledge in for Knight of the Reliquary
Dauntless Escort in for Saffi Eriksdotter
Mycoid Shepherd in for Phantom Nishoba
I'm excited to get this a little (a lot?) lower-end.
Soul Manipulation in for Blizzard Specter
Short little foray into the cube, sorry buddy.
Arashi, the Sky Asunder in for Krosan Tusker
If you are going to be overcosted AND not trample, at least cycle for colorless or something, mmkay?
Bloodbraid Elf in for Savage Twister
Spellbreaker Behemoth in for Burning-Tree Shaman
Maelstrom Pulse in for Nath of the Gilt-Leaf
Spellbound Dragon in for Izzet Chronarch
Thraximundar in for Grixis Charm
Uril, the Miststalker in for Meglonoth
Empyrial Archangel in for Rafiq of the Many
Sphinx of the Steel Wind in for Tower Gargoyle
Qasali Pridemage in for Watchwolf
Upgrade like whoa.
Behemoth Sledge in for Knight of the Reliquary
Dauntless Escort in for Saffi Eriksdotter
Mycoid Shepherd in for Phantom Nishoba
I'm excited to get this a little (a lot?) lower-end.
Soul Manipulation in for Blizzard Specter
Short little foray into the cube, sorry buddy.
Arashi, the Sky Asunder in for Krosan Tusker
If you are going to be overcosted AND not trample, at least cycle for colorless or something, mmkay?
Bloodbraid Elf in for Savage Twister
Spellbreaker Behemoth in for Burning-Tree Shaman
Maelstrom Pulse in for Nath of the Gilt-Leaf
Spellbound Dragon in for Izzet Chronarch
Thraximundar in for Grixis Charm
Uril, the Miststalker in for Meglonoth
Empyrial Archangel in for Rafiq of the Many
Sphinx of the Steel Wind in for Tower Gargoyle
Friday, April 24, 2009
Hybrid vs. Things That Are Good
Hey guys! I've been contemplating things. This is apparently my constant battle, but I want to find a way to make hybrid good without actually being a total cheater. This is what I was thinking- what if we allow cards with off-color activations in for hybrid, or possibly just for one, hybrid spot? I think this fits in the sense of "hybrid cards are playable with one color, but better with two". The analogy isn't perfect, since Kird Ape, for example isn't possible without red, but it's also not terrible far off. And some cards in hybrid spots aren't actually playable with one color- I'm looking at you, Mistmeadow Witch.
Look, I'm just trying to figure out how to get Momentary Blink back in. What do you think?
Here is what I think could be replaced. Keep in mind that I don't see this as a permanent thing. In 20 years when there have been like 8 more hybrid sets I'm sure we can find stuff that is decent. But goddamn do I have to keep seeing Ass Wizards in the meantime?
Mistmeadow Witch -> Momentary Blink. Oh. Or Mirror Sigil Sergeant, hey buddy.
Noggle Hedge-Mage -> Ogre Savant
Noggle Bandit -> ??
Look, I'm just trying to figure out how to get Momentary Blink back in. What do you think?
Here is what I think could be replaced. Keep in mind that I don't see this as a permanent thing. In 20 years when there have been like 8 more hybrid sets I'm sure we can find stuff that is decent. But goddamn do I have to keep seeing Ass Wizards in the meantime?
Mistmeadow Witch -> Momentary Blink. Oh. Or Mirror Sigil Sergeant, hey buddy.
Noggle Hedge-Mage -> Ogre Savant
Noggle Bandit -> ??
Rules Clarity
On the off chance that someone other than the four of us looks at this- I thought I would enumerate the rules we are using, so that no one has to lose sleep over the fact that we don't include Fire//Ice.
1. Multicolor has to require both colors; hence, no split cards.
2. Nothing with off-color activations- this includes things like Mirror Sigil Sergeant or Kird Ape.
3. This is a cube for limited- so no combo pieces, and if there could be a decent curve, that would be nice.
4. Each color should not do just one thing. Blue should have creatures and red should have some non-burn spells and such.
1. Multicolor has to require both colors; hence, no split cards.
2. Nothing with off-color activations- this includes things like Mirror Sigil Sergeant or Kird Ape.
3. This is a cube for limited- so no combo pieces, and if there could be a decent curve, that would be nice.
4. Each color should not do just one thing. Blue should have creatures and red should have some non-burn spells and such.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Alara Reborn Changes - Summary
All of Alara Reborn is spoiled now- so we can start making some awesome, awesome swaps. Please comment with your thoughts!
White/Blue
White/Green
Blue/Black
Blue/Red
Blue/Green
Black/Green
Black/Red
Green/Red
White/Blue/Green
White/Blue/Black
Blue/Black/Red
Red/Green/White
White/Blue
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Sky Spirit | Wall of Denial |
| Deft Duelist | |
| Iridescent Angel | |
| Grand Arbiter Augustin IV | Ith, High Arcanist |
White/Green
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Saffi Eriksdotter | Dauntless Escort |
| Watchwolf | Qasali Pridemage |
| Phantom Nishoba | Behemoth Sledge |
| Loxodon Hierarch | Mycoid Shepherd | Knight of Reliquary |
Blue/Black
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Agony Warp | Nemesis of Reason |
| Shadowmage Infiltrator | |
| Moroii | |
| Wydwen, the Biting Gale | Blizzard Specter |
Blue/Red
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Izzet Chronarch | Spellbound Dragon |
| Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind | |
| Prophetic Bolt | |
| Suffocating Blast | Electrolyze |
Blue/Green
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Simic Sky Swallower | Sages of the Anima |
| Assault Zeppelid | Lorescale Coatl |
| Trygon Predator | |
| Mystic Snake | Jhessian Infitrator |
Black/Green
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Pernicious Deed | Maelstrom Pulse |
| Nath of the Gilt-Leaf | |
| Putrefy | |
| Grave-Shell Scarab | Spiritmonger |
Black/Red
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Shambling Remains | Lightning Reaver |
| Wrecking Ball | |
| Void | |
| Terminate | Blazing Specter |
Green/Red
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Savage Twister | Spellbreaker Behemoth |
| Sarkhan Vol | Bloodbraid Elf |
| Burning-Tree Shaman | Vithian Renegades |
| Branching Bolt | Rumbling Slum |
White/Blue/Green
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Rafiq of the Many | Empyrial Archangel |
White/Blue/Black
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Tower Gargoyle | Sphinx of the Steel Wind |
| Enigma Sphinx |
Blue/Black/Red
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Grixis Charm | Thraximundar |
Red/Green/White
| Current | Possible Inclusions |
| Meglonoth | Uril, the Miststalker |
Monday, April 20, 2009
More Alara Reborn
Behemoth Sledge
Hi.
Also this guy, with no image yet:
Dauntless Escort
1{g}{w}
Sacrifice Dauntless Escort: Creatures you control are indestructible this turn.
3/3
And another one, getting ready to kick Deft Duelist in the face, in my opinion.
Wall of Denial
1{w}{u}
Defender, Flying, Shroud
0/8
Hi.
Also this guy, with no image yet:
Dauntless Escort
1{g}{w}
Sacrifice Dauntless Escort: Creatures you control are indestructible this turn.
3/3
And another one, getting ready to kick Deft Duelist in the face, in my opinion.
Wall of Denial
1{w}{u}
Defender, Flying, Shroud
0/8
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Possible Alara Reborn inclusions
Just throwing this out stuff out there. I'll keep updating this one.
Thraximundar
Sphinx of the Steel Wind
On one hand, everything shouldn't cost a million. On the other hand, tricolor is probably where it is more acceptable for things to cost a million, since you should have all your colors by turn million. You know?
Spellbound Dragon
Have I mentioned how much I hate Izzet Chronarch? Also, it's like Knollspine Invocation on a stick. For free. Kind of. I'm into it.
Maelstrom Pulse
I'm not opposed to including another non-red way to deal with planeswalkers.
Spellbreaker Behemoth
For Burning-Tree Shaman, probably?
Qasali Pridemage
Mycoid Shepherd
I'm a sucker for any card with "Shepherd" in the name. Laters, Saffi and/or Watchwolf.
Lightning Reaver
Competition is tough in this slot. Blazing Specter probably stays, but I love the Razerunner effect.
Uril, the Miststalker
OMG forever.
Retaliator Griffin
Also charming, but less so.
Enigma Sphinx
What do you think about this vs. Sphinxkroma?
Aaaaand... probably not for the cube but it's literally blowing my mind:
Sen Triplets
Thraximundar
Sphinx of the Steel Wind
On one hand, everything shouldn't cost a million. On the other hand, tricolor is probably where it is more acceptable for things to cost a million, since you should have all your colors by turn million. You know?
Spellbound Dragon
Have I mentioned how much I hate Izzet Chronarch? Also, it's like Knollspine Invocation on a stick. For free. Kind of. I'm into it.
Maelstrom Pulse
I'm not opposed to including another non-red way to deal with planeswalkers.
Spellbreaker Behemoth
For Burning-Tree Shaman, probably?
Qasali Pridemage
Mycoid Shepherd
I'm a sucker for any card with "Shepherd" in the name. Laters, Saffi and/or Watchwolf.
Lightning Reaver
Competition is tough in this slot. Blazing Specter probably stays, but I love the Razerunner effect.
Uril, the Miststalker
OMG forever.
Retaliator Griffin
Also charming, but less so.
Enigma Sphinx
What do you think about this vs. Sphinxkroma?
Aaaaand... probably not for the cube but it's literally blowing my mind:
Sen Triplets
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
4/14/09 Changes
Mask of Memory in for Prismatic Lens
We thought the lens wasn't really necessary. Thoughts??
We thought the lens wasn't really necessary. Thoughts??
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