Hallowed Fountain and Dovescape are my two favorite pieces in Dissension. I'm shocked that they weren't mentioned in the article.
Hallowed Fountain is simply gorgeous to every detail (except one--read on). From the central fountain and the shadow it creates, to the Ravnican civilians walking around it, and to the contrast between the blue water and the surrounding yellowish structures (not to mention the precise architecture in the background), this card is a masterpiece. My only complaint is that the pair of orange banners contrasts sharply with the rest of the work, and detracts from the Azorious essence of the piece. If they were white they would have meshed much better than they do now.
Dovescape, and for that matter, all of Shishizaru's art, is equally beautiful in my opinion. All of its elements blend harmoniously, coiling around and coalescing into a central circle. Its colors are varied and well-chosen, and add to the ethereal tone of the piece. On closer inspection one can see several small doves spiraling out of the spell, which reflects perfectly the card's function. There is no mistaking it: this card is an enchantment spell.
Shishizaru's bird token art is spectacular, too. Check today's Magic Arcana at www.wizards.com/magic to see it.
Utavra Scalper is actually not too bad for several reasons
1)Riot Spikes
2)Taste For Mayham
3)Bloodthirst
He is a flyer in red therefore very valuable
Having the keyword "flying" and a red border doesn't equate to an auto-include, and certainly not when the creature in question is a 1/2 for THREE (read: 3) mana. Also, all your reasons as to why the Scalper "isn't too bad" are combinatory effects, and are therefore of little use on their own. Using the previous post's example: you wouldn't play Horizon Seed if you had access to Spirit or Arcane cards, would you? (And yes, I realize Bloodthirst is a more powerful mechanic than Kamigawa's ignominious namesake, but the fact remains: this card is not worth its cost.)
I suppose if you're oh-so-low on playables you could include it in your 40...but that still doesn't make it "not too bad." This card was designed to display red's weakness that is its lack of flying creatures, not to be hearalded as "a flyer in red [and] therefore very valuable".
PS--Sorry, I hadn't written in a while and I needed to let out some steam, so don't mind the flame.
I must concur with Deathgyunos, we could use a few more editors, if only to spread the work a bit more. I'm not saying to bring someone in as full editor status (with the ability to vote for/against publication), but someone who could at least fix up the grammar and syntax for the rest of ya'll.
I'd definitely be up for this. No official title necessary.
I've been looking for some editing work for a while now. I'd be more than happy to edit anyone's articles if he or she needs a little help. Or is there already someone filling this "position"?
Let me know. Editing is something I truly enjoy doing. [EMAIL="jsa32@cornell.edu"]jsa32@cornell.edu[/EMAIL]
Edit: Feuerdrache answered that one, I suppose. I'm still interested, though! Contact me if you need another editor!
Everyone who does agree - and please note, not everyone does, but hahey, it's not like we can back up our opinions - about Razia's Purification and Culling Sun can do so all they like. Wrath of God, however, is still brilliant, and Final Judgement is still quite good at Doing The Job in this world of colourless mana acceleration.
Quoted as being (one of - as hey, we can't all agree on everything) the most unnecessarily incomprehensible posts I've ever read.
On topic....
To all those hoping for an Azorius wrath variant (without drawbacks) at 1WWU: not gonna happen, especially if it involves netting you card advantage.
Azorius AEthermage
Creature
Whenever a permament is returned to your hand, you may pay 1. If you do, draw a card.
I was just watching a standard game replay on mtgo (yes, sad, I know), and noticed Oboro, Palace in the Clouds and its secondary ability of 1: return this to its owner's hand. This ability plus AA (Azorius AEthermage) seems like potent card-draw "engine" in the late game.
Any other thouhts on AA's uses, standard or otherwise?
This deck would probably be better as a R/G LD-into-Shivan deck, with Shard Phoenix SB vs. weenie. Allows acceleration (obviously), and more pump for Rakdos Pit Dragon. Also depletes hand faster. Potential for Wildfire's use as well (auto-win vs. weenie, and Shivan lives to swing in). I probably don't know what I'm talking about though, as I don't normally play this type of deck.
Hallowed Fountain is simply gorgeous to every detail (except one--read on). From the central fountain and the shadow it creates, to the Ravnican civilians walking around it, and to the contrast between the blue water and the surrounding yellowish structures (not to mention the precise architecture in the background), this card is a masterpiece. My only complaint is that the pair of orange banners contrasts sharply with the rest of the work, and detracts from the Azorious essence of the piece. If they were white they would have meshed much better than they do now.
Dovescape, and for that matter, all of Shishizaru's art, is equally beautiful in my opinion. All of its elements blend harmoniously, coiling around and coalescing into a central circle. Its colors are varied and well-chosen, and add to the ethereal tone of the piece. On closer inspection one can see several small doves spiraling out of the spell, which reflects perfectly the card's function. There is no mistaking it: this card is an enchantment spell.
Shishizaru's bird token art is spectacular, too. Check today's Magic Arcana at www.wizards.com/magic to see it.
Having the keyword "flying" and a red border doesn't equate to an auto-include, and certainly not when the creature in question is a 1/2 for THREE (read: 3) mana. Also, all your reasons as to why the Scalper "isn't too bad" are combinatory effects, and are therefore of little use on their own. Using the previous post's example: you wouldn't play Horizon Seed if you had access to Spirit or Arcane cards, would you? (And yes, I realize Bloodthirst is a more powerful mechanic than Kamigawa's ignominious namesake, but the fact remains: this card is not worth its cost.)
I suppose if you're oh-so-low on playables you could include it in your 40...but that still doesn't make it "not too bad." This card was designed to display red's weakness that is its lack of flying creatures, not to be hearalded as "a flyer in red [and] therefore very valuable".
PS--Sorry, I hadn't written in a while and I needed to let out some steam, so don't mind the flame.
Dirty brown hair. I will be sporting a polo and plaid shorts. John.
Sorry, but the way you write reads just as he speaks.
(V for Vendetta, if anyone was interested.)
Great article, once again.
Quoted for "ouch-factor."
(I'd work for free, too....)
I'd definitely be up for this. No official title necessary.
I've been looking for some editing work for a while now. I'd be more than happy to edit anyone's articles if he or she needs a little help. Or is there already someone filling this "position"?
Let me know. Editing is something I truly enjoy doing. [EMAIL="jsa32@cornell.edu"]jsa32@cornell.edu[/EMAIL]
Edit: Feuerdrache answered that one, I suppose. I'm still interested, though! Contact me if you need another editor!
In limited, because I do like creature kill on a stick, I vote Rakdos. In constructed, Selesnya.
The common black flyer with hellbent is good, as is the CIP Azorius creature (unblockability is tech). The white "trick" with forecast...not so much.
Quoted as being (one of - as hey, we can't all agree on everything) the most unnecessarily incomprehensible posts I've ever read.
On topic....
To all those hoping for an Azorius wrath variant (without drawbacks) at 1WWU: not gonna happen, especially if it involves netting you card advantage.
Azorius AEthermage
Creature
Whenever a permament is returned to your hand, you may pay 1. If you do, draw a card.
I was just watching a standard game replay on mtgo (yes, sad, I know), and noticed Oboro, Palace in the Clouds and its secondary ability of 1: return this to its owner's hand. This ability plus AA (Azorius AEthermage) seems like potent card-draw "engine" in the late game.
Any other thouhts on AA's uses, standard or otherwise?