MTG Salvation

This goes straight into the currently defunct pyro ascension storm, which plays faithless lootings, chains spells, and basically does what this card asks for anyway.

I'm getting tired of them wasting mythic slots on phoenixes that all do the same basic thing but with different triggering mechanisms.

I see what he's getting at though. All phoenixes follow the same recipe:

Power/toughness: 2-4 each
CMC: 3-6, mostly with double red
Colors: Red only
Static abilities: Flying and sometimes haste
Special abilities: Can return itself from the graveyard to the battlefield or hand

The above is true for every single phoenix ever printed. 2 of them also deal some dmg to the board oupon dying, but that's about it for variance. Same thing can't be said for dragons. Yes, they are big and most of them fly, but they come in all colors and do a ton of different things.
What I think he's mostly on about though, is the fact that when come Guilds of Ravnica, we will have seen 1/3 of all mythic phoenixes printed within the last 4 sets. They don't stay exciting for very long and this one seems quite bad (for a mythic) on top of that.

Oh, come off it. Not only are there fewer than 20 phoenixes in Magic's history, this is only the fifth at mythic. Also, are you seriously complaining about phoenixes, of all creatures, reusing the "return from graveyard to play" mechanic? Meanwhile look at all the dragons that basically say "herp derp i'm big and flying and i can push more damage with my totally unique ability"... but of course people never seem to get sick of those.

Quote from tchntm43 »

I'm getting tired of them wasting mythic slots on phoenixes that all do the same basic thing but with different triggering mechanisms.

But that's what phoenixes are famous for, they come back from the ashes. What would you like to see a phoenix do instead?

How about..
Boros Phoenix
Flying, Lifelink
At the beginning of each end step, if Boros Phoenix is in your graveyard and you have less than 10 life, return Boros Phoenix to the battlefield.

then at least it would feel a bit more Mythic..

I really would like to see legendary Phoenix. It's been too long without one! A legendary Phoenix and/or a Phoenix lord. The legendary should be able to return from anything. Cast it from your graveyard/have it return with a trigger, be able to cast it from exile, that sort of thing. A Phoenix that will always rise from the ashes, no matter how scattered!

This is a terrible Phoenix. You may get to bring it back what, once? It only comes back on your turn and requires you to burn three spells before combat in order to do it? Ugh. They could do a lot better.

Cool art, though.

I'd be interested in seeing your list when you're done with it!

Ahhh, I would give much to have a legendary Phoenix that could never truly die and/or was a lord for Birds and Phoenixes.

Phoenix Ascension is a very catchy name. I've been brewing mono red storm for a bit, and I see 2 new toys for it in this set alone- that Steam Kin guy that gains +1/+1 counters, as a mono red medallion, and this bird.

Fair enough. I do like the idea of a Phoenix Pyromancer build (you might guess I'm big on Phoenixes) so I will reconsider what I assumed. Thanks!

You're putting it in the wrong shell if you're talking about "burning" spells. The spells we're generally picturing for this sort of mechanic are cantrips like Manamorphose, Sleight of Hand, Serum Visions, and looting spells like Faithless Looting. This card is likely to find itself in a Pyromancer's Ascension build, or it could be a plan B for storm.