Like so many other Kamigawa cards, they're mediocre at best in constructed but playable in limited with the patron being an absolute bomb. This also sheds some light as to what Patron of the Nezumi is going to do.
Patron of the Nezumi :4mana::symb::symb:
Legendary Creature - Spirit
Rat Offering
[Some kind of black related ability that helps your creatures]
5/5?
Since the Patrons appear to be for the iconic races of this block, it would be a reasonable guess that the other three are for the Orochi, Soratami, and Kitsune. Just my $.02.
Edit: Woops, didn't notice we had two more patrons on the partial spoiler. Not much point speculating about cards we already know.
From a lavor standpoint, the black one would be best as a Demon Spirit with Ogre Offering.
A Patron of the O-Bakemono... that would be sweet. >:D
Well, I dont know much about Japanese history, so I dont know. I seem to remember that they serve basically the same purpose as demons, but hey, whatever. They're still awesome. >:D
A Patron of the O-Bakemono... that would be sweet. >:D
Actually, Oni are Demons. Observe: Gutwrencher Oni
Edit: Sarnath'd
One winks, I guess.
Anyway, it's good to have a fresh start with humor and keep things funny, not an ungodly spampool.