Phew, it's been a little bit, hasn't it? Welp, with what looks like a slightly quiet set in Forgotten Realms, let's talk about about the treasure trove that was Modern Horizons 2.

Serra's Emissary is an Iona-esque angel slam that can double as both offensive and defensive artillery. The protection is never complete - holding it back from Iona or Avacyn levels - but it's a great (and beautiful) addition. Archon of Cruelty is the opposite, with a powerful ETB/attack trigger that helps with my discard and burn themes. The trigger's draw and ETB status helps push it over other punisher style cards. Calibrated Blast is what Riddle of Lightning wishes it was, what with choosing a target AFTER the card is revealed - the flashback is just gravy. Chef's Kiss might be a bit of a meme, but it also creates memorable plays, which is what it's all about. Eternal Witness used to be in the stack, but her older sister Timeless Witness is here to show her how it's done. As @nickelbolt said in their recent review in relation to Greenwarden of Murasa - "It's weaker on the front side, but much stronger on the back side, which is kind of what you want in a card like this." Couldn't agree more (hello by the way; love your list). Does Moderation have a draw back? I've yet to see it - it's any spell? Heck yeah. Last, but certainly not least, is one of the most elegant cards printed in a while - Damn. It's honestly a bit weak for this format - sorcery speed, single creature removal with a boring wrath on the back - but it's too COOL to pass up.

There are a few other cards coming in that I've been searching for - Painful Quandary is the ultimate punisher enchantment, hitting the two most important resources in T4 and Embercleave boosts combat shenanigans while staying around to torment into the future. Two nice pick ups from the local shop. Awaken the Blood Avatar (the backside of Extus, Oriq Overlord) is a nice, hasty, punishing, and big dude.

Of course, no adds come without cuts, which are getting more and more painful. Eidolon of Philosophy is cute, but the fact that the body is so anemic brings it down a level. It may return (drawing three is powerful), but there are still other creatures that do the same. Hydra Omnivore and Thorn Mammoth are somewhat generic fatties that are coming out for more interesting choices. I try to keep my non-creature permanent count fairly regular, so Grave Betrayal is the cut for punishers. Custodi Lich, Szat's Will, and Stolen by the Fae are all limited in their removal abilities, so out they go. Bounty of Might is a cool trick, but still a one time trick. Since its replacement has essentially no downside, Whirlwind of Thought is fairly outclassed. Last, though I love FoF variants, the joy in this format is having three opponents come together to split piles, rather than one person slowing down the game - out comes Steam Augury.

There are a few more Modern Horizons 2 and Strixhaven goodies that I'm looking to grab - check out @Kirblinx reviews for fantastic analysis and overviews (hopefully more coming!) - so keep an eye out. Hopefully can get some plays in and I'll get some battle reports up.