The devotion ability on the Theros Gods isn't written to be a characteristic-defining ability, so that means it only works while the card is a permanent on the battlefield. In every other zone the Theros Gods are always creature cards (or spells).
Where is it said that this definitely isn't a characteristic defining-ability? Also, where in the rules does it say that if it's not a CDA, then it only works if it's on the battlefield?
Also, there's not been a rules update/clarification for the set yet with things like devotion added to the rules, so these interpretations are all up for possible changes.
One of the LGS's here is allegedly giving out the release promo Colossal Whale for the FNM on 7/5. I think this is against wizards rules or something, any one know what can be done about this or how it should be approached? Are they going to get in trouble if they actually did do this?
Sorry if this just adds to the confusion, but there's a ruling on the gatherer on the card, that seems to indicate that they are just exiled. Maybe this question is just outside the scope of the ruling? Or does it really mean you can't choose, they are exiled?
My thinking is probably completely wrong, but since you choose up to three, maybe the 'may' is just an extremely unfortunately worded indicator that you can just not choose targets?
Electrolyze is the only one of the IDW promos that isn't useable in standard right now. I think there's a good chance it will be in "sinker" but that's no guarantee.
With that in mind, I think there's a good chance Standstill will be in either Gatecrash or "Sinker".
Correction: Treasure Hunt is not standard either. My bad. I think its very unlikely that standstill will see a standard reprint, but still think electrolyze stands a solid chance.
I have all of them up to Spell theif #2, which is 6 total. Any one have any idea on number 3 or 4 and what the promos might be? I don't really read any comics, but I have found these to be pretty enjoyable to read and have, for what its worth.
I remember back when everyone thought it wasn't going to be a Ravnica block, these comics had Dack Fayden running around Ravnica doing stuff, and they previewed an Electrolyze promo. Then lo and behold, Ravnica was announced. I think it's a pretty good indication that Electrolyze is getting a reprint to make it standard.
Things I noticed that make Jorge Iramain look scummy:
1. With a vendilion clique'd card known on bottom, the player uses the shuffle to bring the known bottom card to the top.
2. On this shuffle, the player does not look at the library, indicating he knows there are no basics, and takes a strategic shuffle to remove known cards from the bottom. A subsequent shuffle is met with a look through the library even though he indicated he knew there were no basics.
3. The same card that was put on the bottom from a Clique is taken and intentionally put on the bottom of the library during a fail to find search that minutes previously had not been searched due to knowing the deck.
4. He uses an overhand shuffling method that appears to invert the library in chunks, and then a side shuffle that leaves the same cards on top of the library for his first fail to find shuffle. His opponent sufficiently randomizes the deck.
5. During the second fail to find shuffle where he intentionally puts a specific card on the bottom of the library, he shuffles the card to the top a second time, and then puts it in the middle preparing for a cut. His opponent sufficiently randomizes the deck again.
Is this conclusive? No.
Is this damning? I think so. Suspend the ass-hat.
Sidebar: Always shuffle your opponents deck thoroughly every freaking time.
In GP Indiapolis, legacy, Steve Argyle was in attendance selling the Liliana of the Veiled Altered Prints he commissioned. The head judge at the event approved them for play. Read into that however you wish.
One simple fix: Give out mythic pre-release cards. That would make everything better. I do really like the idea of the helavault, and the execution was pretty cool. Pre-releases are a sweet time to make a low-competitive atmosphere dripping with flavor, and many players love that, including myself.
Basically, don't look at the helavault as 'added value' to the event, so much as something else to do there. As long as you look at it like that, it's pretty cool and a great new thing I hope they continue with. But I also wish they would bring back promo mythics.
As for stores that are upping the cost of a pre-release event due to helavaults, I feel bad for you. Your event organizer is taking advantage of you, and completely missing the point in favor of a quick buck.
Favorite card is Descendants Path. I love the art on it, and its effect is just screaming to make decks around it (except they're not very good ones... yet!!!)
Where is it said that this definitely isn't a characteristic defining-ability? Also, where in the rules does it say that if it's not a CDA, then it only works if it's on the battlefield?
Also, there's not been a rules update/clarification for the set yet with things like devotion added to the rules, so these interpretations are all up for possible changes.
So how do you explain the ruling on gatherer?
http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=253627
My thinking is probably completely wrong, but since you choose up to three, maybe the 'may' is just an extremely unfortunately worded indicator that you can just not choose targets?
With that in mind, I think there's a good chance Standstill will be in either Gatecrash or "Sinker".
Correction: Treasure Hunt is not standard either. My bad. I think its very unlikely that standstill will see a standard reprint, but still think electrolyze stands a solid chance.
I remember back when everyone thought it wasn't going to be a Ravnica block, these comics had Dack Fayden running around Ravnica doing stuff, and they previewed an Electrolyze promo. Then lo and behold, Ravnica was announced. I think it's a pretty good indication that Electrolyze is getting a reprint to make it standard.
1. With a vendilion clique'd card known on bottom, the player uses the shuffle to bring the known bottom card to the top.
2. On this shuffle, the player does not look at the library, indicating he knows there are no basics, and takes a strategic shuffle to remove known cards from the bottom. A subsequent shuffle is met with a look through the library even though he indicated he knew there were no basics.
3. The same card that was put on the bottom from a Clique is taken and intentionally put on the bottom of the library during a fail to find search that minutes previously had not been searched due to knowing the deck.
4. He uses an overhand shuffling method that appears to invert the library in chunks, and then a side shuffle that leaves the same cards on top of the library for his first fail to find shuffle. His opponent sufficiently randomizes the deck.
5. During the second fail to find shuffle where he intentionally puts a specific card on the bottom of the library, he shuffles the card to the top a second time, and then puts it in the middle preparing for a cut. His opponent sufficiently randomizes the deck again.
Is this conclusive? No.
Is this damning? I think so. Suspend the ass-hat.
Sidebar: Always shuffle your opponents deck thoroughly every freaking time.
Random thought: If you can expel or suspend a 1st grader for bringing a squirt gun to school, you can ban/suspend a player for doing very shady things at a REL3 tournament.
http://www.parentdish.com/2006/09/21/first-grader-suspended-for-bringing-squirt-gun-to-school/
Basically, don't look at the helavault as 'added value' to the event, so much as something else to do there. As long as you look at it like that, it's pretty cool and a great new thing I hope they continue with. But I also wish they would bring back promo mythics.
As for stores that are upping the cost of a pre-release event due to helavaults, I feel bad for you. Your event organizer is taking advantage of you, and completely missing the point in favor of a quick buck.