Messages

1

General Magic / Re: D&D Forgotten Realms Spoilers!

« on: July 10, 2021, 07:05:51 pm »

Thank you Mnemosyne.


I am curious about the lore of Mordenkainen.  Is there a connection between his lore and his planeswalker card mechanics?  What's up with the Dog Illusion; is there a special significance there?

I think that @Slyvester has mentioned the main parts. I was going to go into his lore briefly (takes a while to write these things)



Let us have a look at him in a little more detail. Funnily enough, Mordenkainen is not originally a Forgotten Realms character, even though many of his signature spells feature in the FR campaign. He is from a world known as Greyhawk, along with Ebberon, are other universes set within the sphere of Dungeons and Dragons.

The parts MTG have right, is that he is considered a planeswalker and his spells happen to be within the blue colour wheel.
 
He and Elminster (a FR main character that doesn't feature in this set) have met before on 'Earth' = Ed Greenwood's (the creator of FR's) living room. Apparently, he has a residence in Waterdeep 'The City of Splendours' in Forgotten Realms and is one of the circle of eight, eight powerful creators of spells.

A shame, given that MTG has decided not to include any of these signature spells, a part from a spell called Mordenkainen's Polymorph, which would be considered an enchantment; odd, considering that he is known for conjuration spells... which, fortunately, is his second planeswalker activated ability = -2 create blue dog illusion = Mordenkainen's Faithful Hound.

He is also known for these spells
Mordenkainen's Magnificent Mansion
Mordenkainen's Private Sanctum
Mordenkainen's Phantom Guardian/ Phantom Defender
Mordenkainen's Disjunction

His other planeswalker abilities seem odd, considering his wizard focus. He is an awesomely powerful spellcaster with a huge repertoire of spells, ones which focus on defence and illusion, which would have been more interesting to see as planeswalker abilities, instead of the generic MTG abilties he has currently.

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General Magic / Re: D&D Forgotten Realms Spoilers!

« on: July 08, 2021, 08:06:02 pm »

Apologies for not spoiling these cards sooner!
I wanted to wait a little and see what MTG were trying to do with the set and I've figured it out, mostly. But, before I reveal my thoughts I will post spoilers of cards that do not have any specific lore relating to FR.

Lands



Artefacts



Multicoloured



White



Blue



Black



Red



Green



These are the non-specific Forgotten Realms cards that have been released so far! (Rare cards, anyway)
More to come!

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General Magic / Re: D&D Forgotten Realms Spoilers!

« on: June 16, 2021, 07:51:59 pm »

I am going to focus on two new spoilers today, as well as one I have previously spoilt.



There are a few signature spells in Forgotten Realms, Tasha's Hideous Laughter is one of them, as well spells like Larloch's Minor Drain, Aganazzar's Scorcher, Melf's Acid Arrows, Otiluke's Resilient Sphere, Mestil's Acid Sheath, Bigby's (Hands) & as @Slyvester12 mentioned Abi Dalzim's Horrid Wilting.

What I am concerned about is that Tasha's Hideous Laughter is in no way representative of its FR spell counterpart. Tasha's is a second level spell out of a possible nine spell levels, excluding epic levels. Which means, that the spell is of a low level, and in no way, should it be considered a rare card. Its effect also differs; Tasha's is an enchantment spell that makes a creature lose its' action for the duration of the spell. If I was to transcribe that on a card I would have the property do something in the vicinity of 1) Sorcery - Until end of turn creatures your opponent controls cannot block attacking creatures you control. 2)  Flash enchantment - for as long as this enchantment remains on the battlefield enchanted creature cannot block. I am not even certain the card designers have even played D&D let alone Forgotten Realms. But... We will see if future cards will similar.



Power Word Kill is a great FR spell and it actually does in essence what the spell does as a MTG card. However, it is a spell of a high level, level nine of a possible nine, which would make it one of the most powerful spells and deserving of a rare card. Something on the same level as Vraska's Contempt, however, without the exile ability. Whilst PWK is a powerful spell there are restrictions, and creatures that are immune to death spells 'demons' being one of them, well the card text is accurate. I would, however, would have liked if the card did more, as I feel it is not in keeping with the spell's FR counterpart.



Flumph! I actually had to read up on the lore of this card, because it is not a creature I have encountered in FR. And whilst the artwork is on par with what a Flumph actually is, I do not agree with the card's colour nor its description text.
Let me explain!
A Flumph is a low challenge rating creature somewhere in the region of level 1-3 (definitely not a powerful creature) it is also a semi-sentient psionic life-form, I would say their closest MTG analogue would be a fungus? A creature that feeds on residual psionic energy from other psionic beings, like Aboleth and Illithid (Mind Flayers) and so are found living near these creature's lairs. They often accidentally 'absorb' bad thoughts (evil knowledge) from these creatures via circumstance and absolutely 'hate' it. This is because they are of a good alignment, so when an opportunity presents itself, they offload their knowledge onto good aligned beings that cross their path, not because they necessarily consider it a gift but because they don't want to hold onto it. Something akin to a symbiotic exchange that is partially beneficial to the adventurer to warn them that they are in danger and yet beneficial to the other organism because it is a way of ridding themselves of this unwanted knowledge.

Anyway, I hope you liked the information! More to come, I imagine.

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General Magic / Re: D&D Forgotten Realms Spoilers!

« on: June 09, 2021, 05:17:20 pm »

That was very interesting to read, thanks!

I don't know anything about Forgotten Realms, but I can say that Tiamat's ability looks crazy strong to me. Tutoring for the 5 best Dragons in your deck is incredibly strong (tutor 5 times for only 7 mana?!), and can be used to set up game-winning scenarios.

You're welcome!

When writing this particular post, I had intended to evaluate Tiamat strictly for the Standard format. Whilst tutoring for 5 dragons is good, in this instance, a 5c mana card is far too difficult to mana fix to be viable for a standard deck. For seven mana you want something that can threaten an end to the game, whilst being able to protect itself. For example, Ulamog, the Ceaseless Hunger, a card that immediately affects the board-state. It removes two opposing permanents and has indestructible, the ability to protect itself from instants like, Murder. It then threatens the game's end because you either deal with the card or have 10 damage dealt, potentially, to you and 20 cards exiled. Tiamat gives you a card advantage, this is true, but unless you can play those cards for free, which is where the true threat would lie. Unless you have the mana, you would need to wait until you could cast those dragons. You would find this card of more use in the commander format, I'm sure. 

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General Magic / D&D Forgotten Realms Spoilers!

« on: June 07, 2021, 07:37:56 pm »

Hey all! This is a thread dedicated to the new standard expansion, if you have not guessed from the title.

First off, I must say, I am not a fan of Wizards of The Coast using D&D/ MTG crossovers to advertise their products.
But, as I do love Forgotten Realms, I can forgive them, a little.
I used to DM a Forgotten Realms (FR) campaign; it was all the rage, from Sembia to the Sword Coast.
(If you know!)

Anyway *coughs* I shall spoil them for you, and! I will even throw in the lore, how about that?
(I mean you did not ask for it, but you are going to get it!)




Okay, let us start with the deities of Faerûn, Tiamat. You have no doubt heard the name before. The character features in a plethora of game/book esoteric lore.

There are two types of dragon kind, in FR, chromatic and metallic. Those of Tiamat (chromatic) and Bahamat (metallic). Chromatic dragons being innately evil and metallic being good. As such, Tiamat is considered to be the queen of the chromatic dragons (Blue, Red, White, Green, Black - each of her heads)
Tiamat is a lesser deity of the FR pantheon (I’m not going to go into too much detail about pantheons because it can become somewhat complicated.) suffice to say, deities of FR are considered beyond the capabilities of even the most powerful mortal characters in FR.
Tiamat is currently, as far as I know, residing in Avernus, the 1st of the Nine Hells of Baator and acts as the guardian of the portal between Avernus and Dis the 2nd level of Baator.

As a card I would say that she is underpowered, considerably.
A seven mana (5c) 7/7 with only flying as a key worded ability, but a powerful commander-esque ETB trigger?
Lolth next! As a planeswalker no less...
She’s considered a greater deity in FR, and is the main deity of the drow/dark elven pantheon. She rules, absolutely, from her realm, The Demonweb Pits, in the infinite layers of the Abyss.
Denizens of the Abyss are considered chaotic evil, for alignment purposes, as such, Lolth and her followers are considered chaotic evil by nature (polar opposite of the Nine Hells – being Lawful Evil). One of her many titles is the Spider Queen, as shown, the literal meaning of the title is that she is known to favour spiders (you probably knew that already) and turns insolent male drow into Driders, humanoid spiders, as is her whim.

As a card I think she is underpowered.
A 5 mana planeswalker will affect the board late game, even with the ability to create two 2/1 spiders with her -3/5 to protect herself, they are far too weak with sweepers. Her static ability to gain loyalty when your creatures die, is useful, but is it enough? You want a finisher, and her emblem certainly enables that but that is a minimum of 2 turns away, assuming you have creatures die (the only way of gaining loyalty) on your opponents and your turns.
 
As a planeswalker? I do not personally think that is an appropriate match. As far as I am aware she is restricted to her plane on the Abyss.

Drizzt Do’Urden is one the main characters in the FR universe, and is the protagonist of the book series by R.A Salvatore.
Drizzt is difficult to summarise here, as his lore is considerable. What I will say, is that he is a drow, that has exiled himself from his subterranean home, and has dedicated himself to good, being renowned as a hero in Faerun (Mostly known in the north - Icewind Dale).
He is usually adventuring alone, or with his companions; Catti Brie, Bruenor Battlehammer, Wulfgar and Regis.
He is a ranger primarily and a master of two-weapon combat. He is the chosen of a greater deity named Mielikki a patron deity of rangers, as such it makes him an immensely powerful character.
As a card I think he is underpowered, heavily. A legendary 5 mana 3/3 with a 4/1 token, ETB trigger, is not going to impact the board turn 5. Especially without haste and double strike does not protect it from instant/ sorcery removal.

Finally, for the named characters, Bruenor Battlehammer. One of Drizzt’s companions (as mentioned) and the king of the Dwarven realm, The Mithral Hall. I will not go into his lore, as he’s inextricably connected to Drizzt Do’Urden’s character. All I will add is that he was forced to flee The Mithral Hall as a child because a shadow dragon, Shimmergloom had lain siege to it with his duergar minions.

As a card I would say that it is quite powerful, but requires synergy with equipment. We will see what other equipment will be provided in this set! Currently we have Vorpal Sword, which is powerful, but is a poor match for a boros card.



I hope you have enjoyed the rundown, so far. I will add more as the set is spoilt. 

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General Magic / The Health of Standard.

« on: October 26, 2020, 08:02:49 pm »

So, I thought I would create a new topic, instead of using another thread that overlaps two subjects.

Basically, I wanted to know what you guys thought about standard now that the ban list has been updated.

Think there is any hope for Standard, as a format? Especially, when R&D keeps making costly mistakes for players?
It is not just about the card being banned, and therefore, being unplayable in competitive MTG at your LGS, it is the huge cost benefit of the investment. (Arena less so - Wild Cards)
How many people spent $35x4 to buy Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath? Omnath, Locus of creation was trending at $18+ before it was banned. The list goes on.

I don't think I've seen standard this bad since Kaladesh introduced the energy mechanic (Attune with Aether) and vehicles (Smuggler's Copter). Even then, it took a while for them to ban half the cards that had been causing them problems in the meta. (Aetherworks Marvel)

Wizards were always hesitant when it came to welding the ban hammer on cards, but now, they seem to be extremely liberal with it.

I wasn't really concerned with the power level of Omnath, Locus of Creation. Sure it is a 4/4 with an ETB trigger (draw a card) and a triggered ability (land - gain 4 life) but it is a mythic and 4 colours. True there were lots of ways to 'fix' mana but it still seems hard to get out, not to mention trigger multiple landfall triggers with it.

I think Wizards believed that it would be played in Commander/Brawl more than it would in Standard, especially with its 4 colour mana cost.
When I look at a format I look for certain things:

• Removal options
• Cost efficient creatures & creatures resistant to removal
• Cost efficient card draw
• Card synergy - landfall/counters/anthem effects, etc...

I think Omnath did so well in the meta because the removal seems to be lacking... to put it mildly. True there are cards like, Bloodchief's Thirst, Eat to Extinction, Hagra Mauling, Spikefield Hazard... But if you look they are not very effective, or efficient. Comparing it to previous cards like: Fatal Push, Murder, Cast Down, Abrade, Lightning Strike, Settle the Wreckage... The power level seems to have dropped off.

As you can see from the current deck lists, a lot of the newer decks are taking advantage of this with, Mono Green/ Red Deck Wins, creature heavy decks, which would have been limited due to Omnath's gain 4 life. Was it due to Omnath, Locus of Creation, or was this due to the format not having the appropriate removal to deal with it?

Anyway, let me know what you guys think!

7

Off-Topic / Re: What's been going on?

« on: September 29, 2020, 08:02:31 pm »

Yourself, Aerosigma, and G. Moto were all inactive for some time, so Deckstats needed some new moderators. WWolfe and I were called upon to help. There's been a few problems but nothing too serious.

Aerosigma hasn't been online since before I registered, haha. I have no regrets haha, I was just curious.

Thanks for the update, it is very detailed.

Is Brawl still a format with Oathbreaker? I had heard from people that used to run events that Oathbreaker was popular, at the time. Though, it seemed more of a novelty than a serious format.

The F.I.R.E system? Seems like a desperate attempt by Wotc to stop Modern from becoming stale. But then again, I don't doubt that it was a necessary device.

Actually a friend of mine was talking about the power creep. Oko, Thief of Crowns seems like pushed is an understatement.
I'm glad that Uro, Titan of Nature's Wrath has been banned. Even if it is a mythic, a 6/6 for (3/4 mana) that has an ETB and an attack trigger that lets you gain 3 life and draw a card is a little ridiculous.

Pioneer? Is that not like what Frontier was?

Ah Corona Virus; that bat certainly unleashed its vengeance in its' death throes.

Why did anyone petition for Red_Wyrm to have their name changed? 

Mystery Booster and Promo Boosters are a a welcome sight. I am not certain why the standard showdown boosters were withdrawn!

(I'll add more later, but I'm out of time, right now.)

Thank you again, for the update, @Morganator!

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Off-Topic / Re: What's been going on?

« on: September 27, 2020, 05:29:13 pm »

So now that I think about it, you haven't been active on this site since December of 2018. You stickied the Intro to cEDH thread and then vanished. A lot has happened since then.

We're you looking for a recap of things on Deckstats, or things that happened with MTG?

Both, but you've sort of glossed over most of it. Care to give me a rundown of the new areas of the forum? I've been out of the loop, so what's this about primers? Is this a refined version of what the cEDH sticky was about?
It seems like G.Moto has lost his moderator privileges.

Regards,

Mnemosyne.

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Off-Topic / Re: What's been going on?

« on: September 25, 2020, 05:24:49 pm »

Welcome back. First and foremost:

Hah, thanks for the meme. Well, the tables had to turn, eventually; you can't be this metaphysically attractive without people getting envious.

Apothecary Geist - well, it's all in the name! You can't be as eloquent as him without sampling the merchandise on occasion.

I can see the love for commander, its a shame I don't play that format.

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General Magic / Re: Zendikar Rising spoilers

« on: September 25, 2020, 05:15:37 pm »

Hmm, I like the art on this set. Nice job on the spoilers WWolfe. 

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Off-Topic / What's been going on?

« on: September 25, 2020, 04:56:03 pm »

Good afternoon, guys and girls.

I've not been on for a while and I apologise for that, and by 'a while' I mean years, haha.
As you can see I'm alive, and have not replaced by a cybernetic entity. Well, you can't know for sure.
What's been going on, what's changed in MTG, specifically on the forum? How is everything with you guys?
Is there anyone I even still remember? @Wwolfe is still spoilering in my absence, as it should be =P

Kind regards!

Mnemosyne

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Off-Topic / Re: DeckStats Newbies ~ Welcome!

« on: November 07, 2018, 09:25:06 pm »

hi 

Hi, welcome to the forums! 

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General Magic / Re: Deckstats Competition - Make a [GOR] Deck!

« on: October 19, 2018, 09:01:01 am »

I'll leave this thread open for a couple of days before locking it. 

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General Magic / Re: Deckstats Competition - Make a [GOR] Deck!

« on: October 17, 2018, 09:11:13 pm »

Okay, guys! Apologies for this taking so long and again, thanks for your patience! The time has come to announce the winners, in descending order. 

Delver Mage
Haazda's Elite Soldiers - 3rd Place

Another great deck Delver Mage. I like that this is built to be efficient, yet still retains some creative quality.
To that end, I like that you've included Baird, Steward of Argive, as it adds synergy to your deck.
You are focusing purely on a single strategy and that is what makes this deck a Winnie white.
The inclusion of Militia Bugler, Leonin Vanguard and Sunhome Stalwart are a testament to this.
The only card I was unsure of is Pegasus Courser, whilst the decision for its addition seems sound, it is also a 3 drop.
Perhaps something a little cheaper, or a sorcery that will protect all your creatures would be a better choice? (Make a Stand)
Well done! 


Robort
Indestructible Boros Beatdown - 2nd Place

This deck is very well constructed! It balances both white and red choices, wisely.
It's fast and on curve. It has pump sells, and a little removal, but not too much to make it midrange.
You don't use more than 2 copies of legendary spells which I think is a good choice.
I think Mentor makes this deck very good. I like that you've added Swiftblade Vindicator, which is overlooked.
With Tajic, Legion's Edge it is better. It could be an idea to put in Path of Mettle with would work well with Swiftblade, especially turn 2.
I'm unsure about Lena, Selfless Champion and Sky Terror, but you actually used Sky Terror and it isn't a bad card!

Well done Rob, a great deck! 


TheClownsChapter
Haazda Azorius Copy - 1st Place

I really like this deck; using Azorius colours wasn't something I expected to see.
The deck is well balanced, the mana curve is on point, and the mana source is also.
I like that you've chosen cards from outside Ravnica that can copy Haazda Marshal allowing you to make tokens!
Shalai, Voice of Plenty is a great choice, especially with Settle the Wreckage in the format.
It also prevents your creatures with auras from being targeted making it easier to avoid 2 for 1 removal.
You might consider putting in the main-board some non-creature or general counterspells, the only thing I would suggest.
Otherwise, congrats on the first place finish! Especially for someone new to these competitions! 


Morganator 2.0
Convoking the Greatwurm (honourable mention)

For someone who gave an exposition of how much they dislike the format, they know how to make a standard deck and sideboard.
I find the idea of Impervious Greatwurm both a unique and creative idea.
Your choices, however, are very akin to a commander player. They aren't bad choices, however, Standard is a faster format, not as fast as Modern but still fast.
Therefore a strategy that chooses 1-2 copies of a single card is less effective than say 3-4 copies.
Your overall decisions place your deck on a precarious balance.
I think having more token generators to be better than say having Ancient Animus (You have 6/29 legendary creatures)
Having a spell that gives your 1/1s protection from sweepers might be an idea, it would make casting your Greatwurm achievable.
Shalai, Voice of Plenty is also worth considering, although not a weenie does protect you from being targeted.

MisterDalek
Boros Tokens

I like this deck, and whilst it wasn't enough to replace Robort's version of Boros, I still think it is well made, with good choices.
If I was judging based on Sideboard choices, the one you've made would give you 1st place.
For token generation it is in the right direction and well balanced.
Tilonalli is a little too vulnerable in my opinion, that is not to say it couldn't work, and Lena, Selfless Champion seems a little too expensive.
You might be better off focusing on playing the short game, instead of trying to be too versatile.
I think your mana base could use up to 24 lands, you could be safe on 22, but with x4 Memorial to Glory, you might consider it?
Otherwise, I do still really like the deck! Well done! I hope to see more entries from you in the future!

MonteTribal
Winnie White

Another solid deck!
Your creatures have great synergy, I would say that with Mentor of the Meek, it is a double-edged blade in your deck,
when it comes to cards like Benalish Marshal and Radiant Destiny as they are static abilities
the 1/1s would enter the battlefield as 3/3s (If used together)
Which makes Mentor of the Meek less useful, unless balanced correctly. (You have Militia Bugler which is just as effective)
I'd say for the sake of your strategy, test it, but be ready to cut it to make your deck more efficient.
I would also say that you have a balance of Knights and Soldiers, making the synergy with History of Benalia/ Radiant Destiny questionable.
Not to say that it isn't a good choice, you might reconsider the choice, moving forward.
I'm a little surprised by the inclusion of Lightning Strike and Heroic Reinforcements.
Going into the late game, you might not have the creatures to create an opening to use Heroic Reinforcements effectively.
I can see why you might use Lightning Strike, in that case switching to Boros might have been more effective?

Firegriff
Flight of Serra's Angels

I like that you're trying to build within a single set, being guilds, whilst it might be easier;
you are severely limiting your mainboard options by not considering other cards from standard sets.
You already have considered this in your sideboard, but not your maindeck?
You could benefit from cards like Legion's Landing - which works with Dawn of Hope and adds towards convoke.
You might not need Selesnya Locket in that case, as you already have 24 lands and your mana curve isn't high.
I like your creature choices, and they work well with Divine Visitation, which is a unique strategy!
You might consider removing Roc Charger and Trostani Discordant (I still like the choice) and replacing them with Shalai, Voice of Plenty or Resplendent Angel.
Your sideboard choices are solid, they balance the removal you lack in your mainboard.
I'd suggest moving out Take Heart maybe replacing it with something else, like Cleansing Nova.
Or a card that will protect your tokens, by giving them indestructible?
You are definitely improving Firegriff and it is great to see! Keep it up! 


Congratulations to everyone, honestly this is always a tough decision. I try to be as even-handed as possible.
I'll award your Karma, soon!
Do not be disheartened if you have not won this time, every time a member submits another deck, I can see the improvement.
I'll be creating a Modern competition next, so stay tuned! 

15

General Magic / Re: Deckstats Competition - Make a [GOR] Deck!

« on: September 28, 2018, 04:05:13 pm »

So far looking great guys! Keep them coming!