Highly surprised to see my name show up, apparently made this thread... Only visit like once a month too.
But to add a comment, Delver is still too inconsistent in a 540. Probably find in a 360, but with a 360 you arguably cannot run it because you have better things to be doing that are more consistent.
M14 update, saw at least 1 anomaly while I was updating so maybe something is slightly wrong with the main page list. Google spreadsheet and cubetutor are correct. Cut 5 colorless cards, moved Squee to colorless. Lowered the net CMC. Cut the last vestiges of an artifact package.
Pictures up to date but some are fuzzier than others. I prefer artist alters and signatures over random alters, but I do have a few from card kitty and the like. I like Chinese, French, German and Korean languages. The people I trust to use my cube know what the cards do anyways.
Of course right when I take these pictures I immediately get some foreign cards, a Far//Away incase I put it in and a Vraska because I want it and its an alternate cube slot. Plus I believe I have a Foil Blood Scrivener and a Foil Voice next week from someone.
Changes up to and including Dragon's Maze as per below.
With this update there was some recategorizing of hybrid cards to allow for more flexable drafting and higher card quality overall. Where possible all hybrids were removed from their respective guild combination and placed in a mono colored slot. I then backfilled the guild slots with various cards that require both mana types to be casted. The only Hybrid left withing guild structure is Deathrite shaman. Likewize kird Ape and Loam Lion(returning) remain in their color pairs for effectiveness. The cards I am not sure should be in monocolor but are currently are Boggart Ram-Gang(returning) and Boros Reckoner(new entry).
These changes overall will up the quality of the packs and allow me to play with some of the new and old guild cards like Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch. I am not concerned overall with where each card ends up but tried to place them in their proper colors ideally, Rakdos Shrek-Freak is a red card for instance. Fulminator Mage makes a retun appearance which I am kind of looking forward to, at least for a while anyways.
May be slightly complicated layout, and may not be 100% accurate but the math works out overall everything balances when sleeved up.
This cube is currently not heavily used so anything regarding results or testing are not extensive and some changes are based on instinct and appeal. Disenchant effects were increased in white due to The Abyss and Night of Soul's Betrayal entering the cube, to give white more options in regards to those threats.
I will be updating my pictures sometime during Dragon's Maze's lifespan, hopefully I can acquire the foils I need relativly fast due to the small set. I only recently fully foiled everything out again with my Duskmantle Seer that arrived 2 weeks ago, so hopefully it will be quicker this time as the new cards are few.
And lastly, I have added a link to my google spreadsheet that I use for managing and updating the cube. It has the entire lifespan and changed of all the cube among it's tabs, feel free to browse. I update the changelog on the far right column with new changes and cards I am looking to fit in and will be far more up to date than this thread. I do not get much traffic or discussion anyways so this seems better than needlessly bumping my thread with 1-2 card updates.
Cube will be uploaded to deckstats for eidolon when possible.
Standard lackluster GTC update. Cubing has not been really happening lately for me so some of these are just gut feeling / analysis. So no real comments on the previous updates.
+Experiment One - Harrow
Harrow is the least played ramp spell and a risky one against control decks so it is not picked high or maindeck'd as often. Birthing Pod was another option.
+Frontline Medic - Mentor of the Meek
Mentor is good in principle but both cards are mildly unexciting 3 drops in white. Medic does more what white aggressive decks want.
+Simic Charm - Voidslime
Either charm or fishy crab, the other Simic cards are better.
+Duskmantle Seer - Undermine
Was close to adding the Dimir Charm well until this card was spoiled. Have not actually added it yet even though I own one. Trying to trade them away until they drop, its not worth 20 dollars.
Cards not added but on the radar: Aurelia's Fury - Probably looks far better on paper than it plays out. Ghor-Clan Rampager - Not sure of I want to lose Boggart Ram-Gang for this but its possible. I like that the cube is getting multiple charm combat tricks and this +4+4 trample comes as a body if needed.
I agree on the gold additions as well. The missing piece is that there isn't enough high impact cards in those color combinations that make you want to play the colors. So in theory I guess I am using this opportunity to add a few cards that strengthen the gaps that color combination has issues with.
Everything is pretty lackluster but not every card can be an all star, some are role players. Ill take a look at the stats on what everyone else is running over the next few days maybe see what else I have not tried yet.
No problem I check the forums fairly regularly but only really post major updates during set releases as this thread doesn't get much traffic.My group also happens to not cube a lot at this time, several people have some awkward job shifts that are intruding on cube time on Fridays.
Changes I have made in the last while are as follows:
+Angel of Serenity - Eternal Dragon
Eternal Dragon has been on the slide for a long time so I am willing to give this standard all star a go.
+Selesnya Charm - Loxidon Hierarch
Aggro has a harder time in cube than it probably should so I am cutting a more midrangy card for something more aggro focused. One of my friends added Loxidon Smiter for this role but it seems kind of lackluster. This card now is the only instant speed pump spell.
+Azorius Charm - Absorb
U/W wants Absorb, but it does not like the 3 mana. I am willing to give this charm a go because this guild really got let down on real powerhouses in RTR, it just got some current cards with upside.
+Birthing Pod - Worldspine Wurm
Ok even I know when too narrow is too narrow. The Pod is pretty hard to work but people seem to like at least trying to make it work in other cubes around here so I will add it for now. Seems like an easy change later down the road if something spicy is printed.
+Frostburn Weird - Desolate Lighthouse
The Loothouse is just so low impact and barley feels worth running. Frostburn Weird on the other hand is lackluster but what the color combination has problems with. I already had a foil japanese one sitting in a pile of cards on my ping pong table so why not.
And just because I haven't updated my pictures as of now here are some spicy new foils and alters, some fresh from GP Toronto (Some are clearly an acquired taste). I generally like anything not standard plain English so foreign, altered, signed, whatever.
So what happens when the entire stack is Mudhole? Start over?
Send them to me. Happy face.
It's cool that you collect mudholes, but it doesn't really add anything to the conversation. As per The Main Forum Rules, your post is spam. Warning Issued.
-Sparki
I do not post updates often but here is the expected RTR update. Some of these changes happened since the last update and most change with RTR release. Pictures will of course be out of date, may update all the relevant ones if I get the expected foils fast enough. I do have all my M13 foils and later additions. I will post my deckstats will be update early next week if everything is set otherwise later once I know whats happening.
Most changes down the road on this list are going to be similar cards for similar cards. I am quite happy with the current range of creatures and spells in the cube and will try to maintain these levels throughout.
+ Izzet Charm - Izzet Signet
Didn't get a second Izzet card after the first sweet spoiler...frowny face.
+ Dryad Militant - Loam Lion
I expect the snap response to be to remove Loxidon Hierarch but that card is much requested to stay by the drafters. Next logical swap is to replace the most comparable card at 1cc which is Loam Lion. That effectively leaves W/G at creatures from 1cc to 5cc of which I am most fine with.
+ Abrupt Decay - Putrefy
Removal spell for removal.
+ Lotleth Troll - Putrid Leech
2cc beater for 2cc beater, although I love the leech.
+ Vraska the Unseen / Deathrite Shaman - Life // Death
I am unsure what slot this will ultimately belong to but I suspect it will be the Shaman. Starting off with Vraska, although I may additionally add the shaman to the cube just for testing. Or4nge said he would more often jam the shaman into a deck than Vraska and he may be right.
+ Life // Death - Graveborn Muse
Moved reanimation support spell to the color it is actually played as.
+ Thrill-Kill Assassin - Darkblast
I doubt this guy will be effective but it's this block's 2cc black beater. Darkblast has been super solid as a aggro hate card, but too narrow in application for consistent main deck use.
+ Ultimate Price - Sudden Death
Adjusting removal suite.
+ Pack Rat - Vampire Interloper
High hopes apparently.
+ Bushtrider - Mayor of Avabruck
Almost missed adding this guy, seems fine, not first pick first pack but fine. Mayor was underwhelming as anticipated.
+ Deadbridge Goliath - Blastoderm
Blasto's time is done it seems.
+ Worldspine Wurm - Harmonize
Archetype support. Easily the most unpopular change on the forums right here. Supports Flash, Show and Tell, Sneak attack, Natural Order, Oath of Druids, TnN, and randomly Necromancy/Makeshift Mannequin. Could get benched but testing is testing. Harmonize does nothing anyways.
+ Precinct Captain - Cloistered Youth
Card just doesn't get played as much as it should, people don't seem to want to commit to running a 1/1 for 2.
But to add a comment, Delver is still too inconsistent in a 540. Probably find in a 360, but with a 360 you arguably cannot run it because you have better things to be doing that are more consistent.
+Lightning Strike - Earthquake
+Hero's Downfall - Liliana Vess
+Boon Satyr - Wolfir Avenger
+Tormented Hero - Bloodline Keeper
+Firedrinker Satyr - Rakdos Shred-Freak
+Sylvan Caryatid - Life from the Loam
+Xathrid Necromancer - Night of Soul's Betrayal
+Polukranos, World Eater - Obstinate Baloth
+Elspeth, Sun's Champion - Elspeth Tirel
+Steam Augury - Prophetic Bolt
+Soldier of the Pantheon - Steppe Lynx
+Desecration Demon - Abyssal Persecutor
+Varolz, the Scar-Striped - Deathrite Shaman
+Spear of Heliod - Glorious Anthem
+Augur of Bolas - Vapor Snag
+Shrine of Burning Rage - Spikeshot Elder
+Advent of the Wurm - Armada Wurm
+Disciple of Bolas - Sewer Nemesis
Only thing to note is Spear is replacing Anthem because it is rarely run or respected so if the Spear picks up I can find room for Anthem again.
+Far // Away - Tezzeret, Agent of Bolas
+Aetherling - Keiga, the Tide Star
+Aven Mindcensor - Boros Reckoner
+Boros Reckoner - Slayer's Stronghold
+Reckless Waif - Bogarden Hellkite
+Loxodon Smiter - Loam Lion
+Sphinx's Revelation - Lyev Skyknight
+Elvish Mystic - Jungle Lion
+Young Pyromancer - Blistering Firecat
+Liliana's Reaver - Bloodline Keeper
+Mirror Entity - Zuran Orb
+Ancestral Vision - Basilisk Collar
+Despise - Mortarpod
+Stromkirk Noble - Bonehoard
+Mayor of Avabruck - Murmoring Bosk
+Warleader's Helix - Wear // Tear
+Kalonian Hydra - Gaea's Revenge
+Primeval Titan - Tooth and Nail
+Nevinyrral's Disk - Erratic Portal
+Earthquake - Crater Hellion
+Reckless Charge - Trisklilion
+Mikaeus the Lunarch - Revoke Existance
+Delver of Secrets - Flash
Of course right when I take these pictures I immediately get some foreign cards, a Far//Away incase I put it in and a Vraska because I want it and its an alternate cube slot. Plus I believe I have a Foil Blood Scrivener and a Foil Voice next week from someone.
With this update there was some recategorizing of hybrid cards to allow for more flexable drafting and higher card quality overall. Where possible all hybrids were removed from their respective guild combination and placed in a mono colored slot. I then backfilled the guild slots with various cards that require both mana types to be casted. The only Hybrid left withing guild structure is Deathrite shaman. Likewize kird Ape and Loam Lion(returning) remain in their color pairs for effectiveness. The cards I am not sure should be in monocolor but are currently are Boggart Ram-Gang(returning) and Boros Reckoner(new entry).
These changes overall will up the quality of the packs and allow me to play with some of the new and old guild cards like Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch. I am not concerned overall with where each card ends up but tried to place them in their proper colors ideally, Rakdos Shrek-Freak is a red card for instance. Fulminator Mage makes a retun appearance which I am kind of looking forward to, at least for a while anyways.
May be slightly complicated layout, and may not be 100% accurate but the math works out overall everything balances when sleeved up.
+Lyev Skynight - Azorius Charm
+The Abyss - Ob Nixilis, the Fallen
+Armada Wurm - Selesyna Charm
+Ghor-Clan Rampager - Boggart Ram-Gang
+Night of Souls Betrayal – Ultimate Price
+Mortarpod - Hex Parasite
+Seal of Cleansing – Kor Haven
+Eureka - Brushstrider
+Geist-Honored Monk - Mikaeus the Lunarch
+Gyre Sage - Ulvenwald Tracker
-(S\W) Broodmate Dragon +(Colorless Slot)
-(S\W) Bant Charm +(Colorless Slot)
-Chimeric Mass +(Colorless Slot)
-Steel Hellkite +(Colorless Slot)
+(Colorless) Dismember -(Black)
+(Colorless) Porcelain Legionnaire -(White)
+(Colorless) Spined Thopter -(Blue)
+(Colorless) Phyrexian Metamorph -(Blue)
-Rakdos (Rakdos Cackler) +Red -(Forked Bolt)
-Rakdos (Rakdos Shrek-Freak) +Red -(Reckless Charge)
-Rakdos (Murderous Redcap) +Black -(Disciple of Bolas)
-Boros (Figure of Destiny) +White -(Open Slot)
-Izzet (Frostburn Weird) +Blue -(Open Slot)
-Selesnya (Dryad Militant) +White -(Gideon's Lawkeeper)
-Selesnya (Kitchen Finks) +Green -(Beast Within)
+Rakdos +Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch
+Rakdos +Spike Jester
+Rakdos +Blightning (Could be Olivia)
+Boros +Wear // Tear
+Izzet +Ral Zarek
+Selesnya +Voice of Resurgance
+Selesnya +Loam Lion
+Pyrewild Shaman - Zo-zu the Punisher
+Blood Scrivener - Black Open Slot
+Fulminator Mage - Thrill-Kill Assasin
+Boggart Ram-Gang - Slagstorm
+Essence Scatter - (Open Slot)
+Boros Reckoner - Fiend Hunter
This cube is currently not heavily used so anything regarding results or testing are not extensive and some changes are based on instinct and appeal. Disenchant effects were increased in white due to The Abyss and Night of Soul's Betrayal entering the cube, to give white more options in regards to those threats.
I will be updating my pictures sometime during Dragon's Maze's lifespan, hopefully I can acquire the foils I need relativly fast due to the small set. I only recently fully foiled everything out again with my Duskmantle Seer that arrived 2 weeks ago, so hopefully it will be quicker this time as the new cards are few.
And lastly, I have added a link to my google spreadsheet that I use for managing and updating the cube. It has the entire lifespan and changed of all the cube among it's tabs, feel free to browse. I update the changelog on the far right column with new changes and cards I am looking to fit in and will be far more up to date than this thread. I do not get much traffic or discussion anyways so this seems better than needlessly bumping my thread with 1-2 card updates.
Cube will be uploaded to deckstats for eidolon when possible.
+Experiment One - Harrow
Harrow is the least played ramp spell and a risky one against control decks so it is not picked high or maindeck'd as often. Birthing Pod was another option.
+Frontline Medic - Mentor of the Meek
Mentor is good in principle but both cards are mildly unexciting 3 drops in white. Medic does more what white aggressive decks want.
+Boros Charm - Duergar Hedge-Mage
No Comment.
+Simic Charm - Voidslime
Either charm or fishy crab, the other Simic cards are better.
+Duskmantle Seer - Undermine
Was close to adding the Dimir Charm well until this card was spoiled. Have not actually added it yet even though I own one. Trying to trade them away until they drop, its not worth 20 dollars.
+Obzedat, Ghost Council - Stillmoon Cavalier
Not too sure on Obz, still do not own one, but I am sure it will be fine. Whatever excites the drafters.
Cards not added but on the radar:
Aurelia's Fury - Probably looks far better on paper than it plays out.
Ghor-Clan Rampager - Not sure of I want to lose Boggart Ram-Gang for this but its possible. I like that the cube is getting multiple charm combat tricks and this +4+4 trample comes as a body if needed.
No its from the phone app which is easily faked with ms paint.
I like them, I am probably going to ship Harrow though as I still run all 3.
Everything is pretty lackluster but not every card can be an all star, some are role players. Ill take a look at the stats on what everyone else is running over the next few days maybe see what else I have not tried yet.
Changes I have made in the last while are as follows:
+Angel of Serenity - Eternal Dragon
Eternal Dragon has been on the slide for a long time so I am willing to give this standard all star a go.
+Selesnya Charm - Loxidon Hierarch
Aggro has a harder time in cube than it probably should so I am cutting a more midrangy card for something more aggro focused. One of my friends added Loxidon Smiter for this role but it seems kind of lackluster. This card now is the only instant speed pump spell.
+Azorius Charm - Absorb
U/W wants Absorb, but it does not like the 3 mana. I am willing to give this charm a go because this guild really got let down on real powerhouses in RTR, it just got some current cards with upside.
+Birthing Pod - Worldspine Wurm
Ok even I know when too narrow is too narrow. The Pod is pretty hard to work but people seem to like at least trying to make it work in other cubes around here so I will add it for now. Seems like an easy change later down the road if something spicy is printed.
+Frostburn Weird - Desolate Lighthouse
The Loothouse is just so low impact and barley feels worth running. Frostburn Weird on the other hand is lackluster but what the color combination has problems with. I already had a foil japanese one sitting in a pile of cards on my ping pong table so why not.
And just because I haven't updated my pictures as of now here are some spicy new foils and alters, some fresh from GP Toronto (Some are clearly an acquired taste). I generally like anything not standard plain English so foreign, altered, signed, whatever.
Send them to me. Happy face.
It's cool that you collect mudholes, but it doesn't really add anything to the conversation. As per The Main Forum Rules, your post is spam. Warning Issued.
-Sparki
Most changes down the road on this list are going to be similar cards for similar cards. I am quite happy with the current range of creatures and spells in the cube and will try to maintain these levels throughout.
+ Keldon Vandal - Cunning Sparkmage
Haven’t liked the sparkmage for a while, adding sword/mana rock hate.
+ Ranger of Eos - Calciderm
Ranger was removed due to under performance at the 540 level. Calciderm's days has passed.
+ Prismatic Lens - Pentad Prism
Was meant to be done whenever I acquired a foil one.
+ Fellwar Stone - Expedition Map
Adding as a generic 2cc mana stone, removing all signets.
+ Kami of Ancient Law - Ronom Unicorn
Acquired a foil French version of Koala.
+ Disenchant - Decree of Justice
Entreat has taken the mass token maker slot, added sword / mana fixing hate.
+ Avacyn's Pilgrim - Skinshifter
I refuse to run Fyndhorn Elves, they are ugly and non-foil, do exactly what Llanowar Elves does. Adding the pilgrim is preferable to Boreal Druid.
+ Life of the Loam - Vines of Vastwood
Re-adding an underutilized card for a never used card.
+ Bant Charm - Crime // Punishment
Yep.
+ Terminus - Akroma's Vengeance
While I like this 6cc wrath variant most of all, people seem to like miracles. I will give this a try.
+ Voidslime - Simic Signet
+ Undermine - Talisman of Dominance
+ Stillmoon Cavalier - Orzhov Signet
Removing signets
+ Detention Sphere - Talisman of Progress
+ Supreme Verdict - Wall of Denial
I expect no issues with these.
+ Dreadbore - Terminate
+ Bituminous Blast - Rakdos Shred-Freak
+ Blightning - Rakdos Cackler
I am sad to see Blightning leave but Aristocrat and Redcap are both excellent.
+ Izzet Charm - Izzet Signet
Didn't get a second Izzet card after the first sweet spoiler...frowny face.
+ Dryad Militant - Loam Lion
I expect the snap response to be to remove Loxidon Hierarch but that card is much requested to stay by the drafters. Next logical swap is to replace the most comparable card at 1cc which is Loam Lion. That effectively leaves W/G at creatures from 1cc to 5cc of which I am most fine with.
+ Abrupt Decay - Putrefy
Removal spell for removal.
+ Lotleth Troll - Putrid Leech
2cc beater for 2cc beater, although I love the leech.
+ Vraska the Unseen / Deathrite Shaman - Life // Death
I am unsure what slot this will ultimately belong to but I suspect it will be the Shaman. Starting off with Vraska, although I may additionally add the shaman to the cube just for testing. Or4nge said he would more often jam the shaman into a deck than Vraska and he may be right.
+ Life // Death - Graveborn Muse
Moved reanimation support spell to the color it is actually played as.
+ Thrill-Kill Assassin - Darkblast
I doubt this guy will be effective but it's this block's 2cc black beater. Darkblast has been super solid as a aggro hate card, but too narrow in application for consistent main deck use.
+ Ultimate Price - Sudden Death
Adjusting removal suite.
+ Pack Rat - Vampire Interloper
High hopes apparently.
+ Bushtrider - Mayor of Avabruck
Almost missed adding this guy, seems fine, not first pick first pack but fine. Mayor was underwhelming as anticipated.
+ Deadbridge Goliath - Blastoderm
Blasto's time is done it seems.
+ Worldspine Wurm - Harmonize
Archetype support. Easily the most unpopular change on the forums right here. Supports Flash, Show and Tell, Sneak attack, Natural Order, Oath of Druids, TnN, and randomly Necromancy/Makeshift Mannequin. Could get benched but testing is testing. Harmonize does nothing anyways.
+ Precinct Captain - Cloistered Youth
Card just doesn't get played as much as it should, people don't seem to want to commit to running a 1/1 for 2.
+ Ash Zealot - Hearth Kami
+ Gore-House Chainwalker - Mogg War Marshal
These two are going in, just not sure of I should cut Earthquake over one of these, currently have 4 red X spells.
+ Chromatic Lantern - Crystal Ball
I can see people going full ****** over this card...but they do it already without it.
-------------------
Contemplating:
+ Jace, Architect of Thought - Tolarian Academy
The pure artifact deck just isn't a thing anymore and I want to try the new Jace, seems like a fine change currently.
EDIT:
Adding Mizzium Mortars for Earthquake.
Deathrite Shaman is in over Vraska.
Contemplating Cyclonic Rift.
Got a ton of foils yesterday so spicy.
EDIT2:
+Opposition - Tezzeret the Seeker * I think
+Living Death - Puppeteer Clique
Cyclonic Rift not at this time.