Vintage Cube Banned and Restricted Announcement – November 8, 2024
zavaro posted to Tucson Mox & Signet Show: A Powered Cube -
Mainboard Changelist+13, -13
- Bloodforged Battle-AxePhyrexian Metamorph
- Occult EpiphanySphinx of Forgotten Lore
- Zurgo BellstrikerKellan, Planar Trailblazer
- Bloodfeather PhoenixCharming Scoundrel
- Arbor ElfScythecat Cub
- Kroxa, Titan of Death's HungerAlesha, Who Laughs at Fate
- Emrakul, the World AnewSire of Seven Deaths
- Magus of the WheelReforge the Soul
- Bonfire of the DamnedIvora, Insatiable Heir
- Bomat CourierLightning Phoenix
- Shivan DevastatorDetective's Phoenix
- Heirloom BladeScrawling Crawler
- Aether ChannelerKiora, the Rising Tide
Announcement Date: November 8, 2024
Vintage Cube:
- No bans.
Other:
- Additional support Threshold-style strategies in both red and blue.
- Additional support for Artifact-based strategies.
- Additional "What If?" colorshifted spells (added in a previous Blog-less update).
Detailed explanations for each of these are below.
Estimated Date for Tabletop: November 30, 2024
View the list of all previous changes.
CHANGES TO THRESHOLD & PHOENIX TYPAL
Threshold is tough to design, but I think we're finally getting there. The new bomb is Sphinx of Forgotten Lore, which will play a role in Threshold and Storm. I cut Aether Channeler for Kiora, the Rising Tide, a second Champion of Wits that has payoffs built in. I have never liked Aether Channeler, cards like this, while great for tempo or Blink , are incredibly uninteresting and are all upside. The addition of a build around in the Kiora should help telegraph to players that this is something more than a niche strategy.
There is now a more broad addition of Phoenix typal cards and a slight rebalancing of rummage and wheels. While these cards bolster Threshold strategies as discardable outlets or discardable threats, the additional Phoenixes also play a role in the Aristocrats archetype, which benefits greatly from recursive fodder. I tried to find interesting ones which would work directly from the graveyard without having to enter play. As much as I would like to run Everquill Phoenix, it requires battlefield interaction to get the payoff. Bloodfeather Phoenix was cut, as the chances of triggering are significantly lower than the other phoenixes. I have also considered Hell's Thunder as a fun option and nice throwback, but that might come in a later update.
OTHER ARCHETYPES
Minor changes to Artifact Stompy as well as several proximal cards to the archetype, such as Charming Scoundrel, Ivora, Insatiable Heir and Phyexian Metamorph, carry a level of versatility which isn't uniquely desired by just the Affinity player. Blood tokens are cool, and I am excited to add another in our...
"WHAT IF?" ADDITIONS
I've also designed another set of five "What If?" cards, colorshifted from their original identity to provide a bit of unique flavor to a draft.
The list is as follows:
- Standstill, for Death & Taxes
- Wall of Blossoms, for Blink
- Tireless Provisioner (Blood tokens!), for Rock
- Unearth (but for spells!), for Threshold
- Countryside Crusher, for Domain Zoo
These should be fun additions and really speak to the quality of some of the lesser played cube-able cards finding a niche as archetypal MVPs in other colors.
WHY NOT KOMA?
Koma, World-Eater isn't a fun card. Cheat is already really good. Be happy with your Empyrial Archangel, and maybe I'll throw you more scraps. Scum.
WATCHLIST
Arcbound Ravager might be terrible, but we haven't tested since I added it, and now there's a higher density of artifacts.
Vintage Cube Banned and Restricted Announcement – October 28, 2024
zavaro posted to Tucson Mox & Signet Show: A Powered Cube -
Mainboard Changelist+56, -56
- DepopulateEagles of the North
- Emeria AngelKarakas
- Seal of CleansingWitch Enchanter
- Selfless SpiritBlade of the Oni
- CurateAbhorrent Oculus
- High TideAstral Dragon
- Kederekt LeviathanHullbreaker Horror
- Meloku the Clouded MirrorMirrodin Besieged
- Mind's DesireSink into Stupor
- NegateThought Courier
- Very Cryptic CommandSprout Swarm
- Call of the RingAnrakyr the Traveller
- Cast DownFell the Profane
- Deep-Cavern BatRoyal Warden
- Misery's ShadowTasigur, the Golden Fang
- OphiomancerVampire Hexmage
- Rankle, Master of PranksDrowned Rusalka
- Mons's Goblin WaitersOliphaunt
- Reckless PyrosurferOrcish Lumberjack
- Dryad of the Ilysian GroveElvish Reclaimer
- Duskwatch RecruiterFanatic of Rhonas
- End-Raze ForerunnersFyndhorn Elves
- Into the NorthGenerous Ent
- Monster ManualGruff Triplets
- Rampant GrowthInnkeeper's Talent
- Sakura-Tribe ElderOrnery Tumblewagg
- Selvala's StampedeRanger Class
- Sharp-Eyed RookieShifting Woodland
- Tireless ProvisionerSowing Mycospawn
- World BreakerDragonstorm
- PsychatogSilas Renn, Seeker Adept
- Whispering MadnessThe Cyber-Controller
- Kolaghan's CommandCarnage Interpreter
- Bloodbraid ElfBloodbraid Challenger
- Assassin's TrophyGrim Flayer
- Mosswood DreadknightWight of the Reliquary
- Qasali PridemageWild Nacatl
- Wilt-Leaf LiegeMistvault Bridge
- Circuit MenderSeat of the Synod
- Solemn SimulacrumVault of Whispers
- Ancient Stone IdolDark Depths
- Currency ConverterField of the Dead
- Gitaxian ProbeLazotep Quarry
- MasticoreMaze of Ith
- MutavaultMishra's Factory
- Sword of Wealth and PowerUrza's Cave
- Celestial ColonnadeMeticulous Archive
- Creeping Tar PitUndercity Sewers
- Lavaclaw ReachesRaucous Theater
- Raging RavineCommercial District
- Restless PrairieLush Portico
- Shambling VentShadowy Backstreet
- Restless SpireThundering Falls
- Restless CottageUnderground Mortuary
- Restless BivouacElegant Parlor
- Restless VinestalkHedge Maze
Announcement Date: October 28, 2024
Vintage Cube:
- Gitaxian Probe is banned.
Other:
- Additional support lands, Domain & Lands Matter cards, including Dark Depths, Generous Ent, and Orcish Lumberjack.
- Additional "What If?" colorshifted spells.
Detailed explanations for each of these are below.
Estimated Date for Tabletop: November 8, 2024
View the list of all previous changes.
GITAXIAN PROBE
When reviewing recent additions, I was hunting for chaff to remove, and remembered that Gitaxian Probe removes much of the thinking part of drafting, due to the effect and cost. Budde's recent playtest card, Wisedrafter's Will reminded me that while I do enjoy these effects, they are incredibly powerful and should be limited in scope.
Oft maligned in constructed formats, Gitaxian Probe falls into the category of cards like Power Play, and to a lesser extent, Backup Plan. Free, only upside cards which can fit in any deck, which warp gameplay in a significant manner, in this case replacing itself while providing perfect information. This is Vintage Cube after all, but even cards like Ancestral Recall costs .
CHANGES TO LANDS MATTER & DOMAIN
I've finally decided to complete The Lord of the Rings landcyclers in this Vintage Cube, which can grab Triomes and the newly added Surveil lands. Rejoice and be Merry (Brandybuck)!
These changes also herald more land based combos and synergies, with Dark Depths and Field of the Dead for drafters interested in building something more unique, as well as a number of support cards for strategies like Domain Aggro and Artifact Stompy .
Unfortunately, with the changes, manlands were cut and moved to the Commander Cube to help players survive post-sweeper effects to prevent excessive game lengths.
OTHER ARCHETYPES
Green was also rebalanced to include a higher number of +1/+1 counters support, pushing it further into more than just midrange, focusing more on growing armies from mana dorks instead of putting down a four mana value five power creature.
I've also tried to flesh out Threshold by adding additional Surveil, Delirium and general graveyard mechanics, as well as generic support cards like Lazotep Quarry should help round out struggling graveyard decks.
"WHAT IF?" ADDITIONS
I've also designed a set of five "What If?" cards, colorshifted from their original identity to provide a bit of unique flavor to a draft, which includes the already live Red Armageddon. I'll likely add another set soon, with an additional five cards.
- Blade of the Oni, for Deadguy
- Sprout Swarm, for Artifact Stompy
- Drowned Rusalka, for Aristocrats
- Armageddon, for Boat Brew
- Dragonstorm, for Cheat
Future ones will fill the roster:
- Wall of Blossoms, for Blink
- Countryside Crusher?, Domain Zoo
- ?, Death & Taxes
- ?, Threshold
- ?, Rock
Watchlist
Arcbound Ravager might be terrible, but we haven't tested since I added it, and now there's a higher density of artifacts
Mainboard Changelist+10, -10
- Frontier ExplorerVeteran Survivor
- Three Steps AheadOverlord of the Floodpits
- Nether TraitorValgavoth, Terror Eater
- Falkenrath GorgerNorin, Swift Survivalist
- Assaultron DominatorFear of Missing Out
- Mine CollapseOverlord of the Boilerbilges
- Undermountain AdventurerBalustrade Wurm
- Painful TruthsDiresight
- Bygone BishopOverlord of the Mistmoors
- Ghost QuarterMox Poison
Changes
FOMO
noun
ˈfō-(ˌ)mō
informal
: fear of missing out : fear of not being included in something (such as an interesting or enjoyable activity) that others are experiencing
White
Frontier Explorer ➡️ Veteran Survivor
Veteran Survivor is very, very cool. I'd love to keep Isamaru, Hound of Konda in for old time's sake and the slot is very contested, so out, playtest card!
Bygone Bishop ➡️ Overlord of the Mistmoors
This is a tough cut. White three-drops are stacked, and Bishop, while evasive and value generating, is slow and not as consistent as its green brethren. Mistmoors is Grave Titan-y, and does a great job with blink effects, which are slowly becoming more prevalent.
Blue
Three Steps Ahead ➡️ Overlord of the Floodpits
Three Steps is boring card design, tons of words stapled together, so I've cut it for something new. The new Suspend/Reverse Fading is exciting.
Black
Nether Traitor ➡️ Valgavoth, Terror Eater
Nether Traitor will never truly die. It's a card I love, but for now it'll be retired to the box for another major reanimation target.
While the telegraphing of possible archetypes is cool, Painful Truths is just worse than something that interacts with all the new Goyfs and Reanimator strategies. Diresight is fantastic in that regard, and the four-deep possibility is just an upgraded Read the Bones.
Red
Falkenrath Gorger ➡️ Norin, Swift Survivalist
Combat mini-games are such a treat. The coward can't block, but makes up for it in repeat "Enters the Battlefield" effects.
Assaultron Dominator ➡️ Fear of Missing Out
Somewhat beefy stats and rummage to replace an energy-centric card that might confuse drafters. Plus, more delirium.
Mine Collapse ➡️ Overlord of the Boilerbilges
Inferno Titan, Round 2. Mine Collapse is a worthwhile card, but the sorcery-speed-ish alternative cost is frankly very limiting. It might come back, but for now I'd prefer this repeatable offer.
Green
Undermountain Adventurer ➡️ Balustrade Wurm
I hate The Initiative.
Colorless
This is probably a bad idea, but what the hell, who cares? I can't wait till somebody proliferates someone to death with Yawgmoth, Thran Physician.
Report
No reports.
Notes
I added a red Armageddon, again.
Not forgetting about Warden of the First Tree! Need room for Nether Traitor too!
Changes for Upcoming Sets
None as of yet.
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Mainboard Changelist+11, -11
- Spectral ProcessionJacked Rabbit
- Thought CourierKitsa, Otterball Elite
- Graveyard TrespasserDarkstar Augur
- Warren SoultraderIridescent Vinelasher
- Generous PlundererAssaultron Dominator
- Ox of AgonasSin Prodder
- Highway RobberyMagus of the Wheel
- Teething WurmletPawpatch Recruit
- Zirda, the DawnwakerPhlage, Titan of Fire's Fury
- Relic of SauronEmpyrial Archangel
- Tough CookieEmrakul, the World Anew
Changes
Bloomburrow is out, and you know what that means? A cube update!
White
Spectral Procession ➡️ Jacked Rabbit
Jacked Rabbit is a fantastic use of the Ravenous mechanic from 40K. It's scalable, can draw you a card, and isn't as pip sensitive as Spectral Procession. I love the flying, but it's hard to justify the mana intensity. I will miss you.
Blue
Thought Courier ➡️ Kitsa, Otterball Elite
Pretty easy switch. Card does maybe too much, though. We'll see if it still signposts as a Threshold card, where Thought Courier definitely filled the slot.
Black
Graveyard Trespasser ➡️ Darkstar Augur
MORE BOBS. Trespasser acted as a graveyard balancing tool, but also filled a niche as an evasive attacker for more aggressive black decks. Flying is much more suited for this, and having two bodies for four isn't bad, especially when they're giving you massive card advantage.
Warren Soultrader ➡️ Iridescent Vinelasher
I kind of bought Warren Soultrader to try to spruce up some sacrifice decks, but it's far too slow and grindy to make a difference. I've opted for a more aggressive card in Iridescent Vinelasher which should do a variety of things with Ramp, Lands, and Sacrifice style decks. Offspring rules.
Red
Generous Plunderer ➡️ Assaultron Dominator
I don't like cards that benefit your opponents like this. Path to Exile is fine, but a repeatable effect that only deals a few extra damage isn't advised.
The Ox is expensive in cost and escape. I'd rather have Sin Prodder producing card advantage and filling the yard at a more regular rate. Sure, it's up to your opponent, but you're likely consistently doing damage with both Menace and the reverse Dark Confidant effect.
Highway Robbery ➡️ Magus of the Wheel
Wheels are fun, and while a "free" spell to draw cards is good, Magus of the Wheel affects your opponents and has a body to boot.
Green
Teething Wurmlet ➡️ Pawpatch Recruit
A simple upgrade for a two power creature that can curve into its Offspring ability.
Gold
Zirda, the Dawnwaker ➡️ Phlage, Titan of Fire's Fury
Zirda is nice for equipment decks, but doesn't effect mana abilities and was often the last card in the pack. Phlage feels much closer to the Boat Brew style decks I want players to explore, not to mention its recursive.
Relic of Sauron ➡️ Empyrial Archangel
Slow cut for another Simic-adjacent Cheat target. I loved this card in draft when we opened one in 2HG ARB at the prerelease, and have been wanting it for some time. Cool effect and great art.
Colorless
Tough Cookie ➡️ Emrakul, the World Anew
Cutting Tough Cookie wasn't tough at all. I've replaced it with another Cheat target, this time an Emrakul that is difficult to remove, but lacks the trample (not to mention Annihilator). Should be fun adding such an iconic character back in.
Report
No reports.
Notes
I added a Blue-Green 4 mana Show and Tell for signposting the Cheat archetype in Simic.
Not forgetting about Warden of the First Tree!
Changes for Upcoming Sets
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Mainboard Changelist+1, -1
Changes
A minor update.
Black
Virtue of Persistence ➡️ Magus of the Will
I have a hard time believing that anybody will ever cast Virtue for its full cost. Magus should help provide another crucial piece for Tendrils or Wheel combo decks. I believe we've finally hit that perfect number of recursive spell effects for Storm. Still needs testing, though.
Report
No reports.
Notes
I wish Wizards would print a Blue-Green 4 mana Show and Tell.
I'd still also like to add Warden of the First Tree back in.
Changes for Upcoming Sets
No changes.
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Mainboard Changelist+20, -20
- Control MagicPsychatog
- Lazav, Wearer of FacesPsychic Frog
- Behemoth SledgeKudo, King Among Bears
- Kessig Wolf RunKitchen Finks
- Zealous PersecutionWilt-Leaf Liege
- Phantasmal ImageRielle, the Everwise
- Cryptic CoatCrackling Drake
- Hogaak, Arisen NecropolisMosswood Dreadknight
- Unlicensed HearseSword of Wealth and Power
- Icehide GolemHorizon of Progress
- Mystic GateContaminated Landscape
- Sunken RuinsSeething Landscape
- Graven CairnsTwisted Landscape
- Fire-Lit ThicketSheltering Landscape
- Wooded BastionTranquil Landscape
- Fetid HeathShattered Landscape
- Cascade BluffsBountiful Landscape
- Twilight MireDeceptive Landscape
- Rugged PrairiePerilous Landscape
- Flooded GroveForeboding Landscape
Changes
Part II. Thanks for sticking around!
Multicolor
Doctor Teeth is BACK! Now with his new buddy Psychic Frog, we're going to Make Upheaval Great Again, or at least make it playable. I've moved Control to Miststalker, where Dimir is specifically designed as "theives."
Lazav, Wearer of Faces ➡️ Psychic Frog
Lazav is a little weird in that it acts like Scavenging Ooze. Unfortunately, Dimir in this cube is split into Artifact Stompy and Storm-type combos. The investigate is fine, but I'd rather not have something on-color that might mess up your Nethergoyf or Barrowgoyf as the ability is not a "may." Psychic does a wonderful Putrid Imp impression.
Behemoth Sledge ➡️ Kudo, King Among Bears
This was a pretty easy switch. While Behemoth does a lot for one creature, Kudo acts as an anthem for crappy creatures, and (hopefully) nerfs your opponent's.
Kessig Wolf Run ➡️ Kitchen Finks
Zealous Persecution ➡️ Wilt-Leaf Liege
These changes are meant to trim one probably too powerful game winning option, and a less-than-stellar Overrun. I've ditched these two cards in favor of boosting the Selesnya card pool, specifically with hybrid costs. Why does this matter? Well, for one, I'm a softie for those colors, especially these cards. More importantly, however, there are two more cards in each pool of Blue, Black, and Red. ⧉ ^*`14balan~~ce ⧉
Phantasmal Image ➡️ Rielle, the Everwise
Cryptic Coat ➡️ Crackling Drake
More cards to reinforce the Izzet threshold archetype. I wanted to really push this in these colors, and have it differ (slightly) from other Vintage cubes. Spells matter, yeah, but in this case, specifically when they're in the yard. I'm also not a fan of the ability for Blue to pull ahead so easily with creatures using Cryptic Coat. A version of Scroll of Fate mixed with Sprout Swarm. No thanks.
Hogaak, Arisen Necropolis ➡️ Mosswood Dreadknight
Most people know me as the Jund guy. The Rock was one of the first decks I fell in love with, and I played a lot of it in various formats over the years (Vintage, Legacy, Extended, Modern, Standard, and arguably Commander). I love graveyard stuff, but I wanted to focus on more Rock style cards, rather than powerful combo-styled graveyard-only strategies. Mosswood can dig you out of a hole and is an efficient beater, but also doesn't telegraph the same sort of deck building choices which Hogaak does.
Colorless / Lands
Unlicensed Hearse ➡️ Sword of Wealth and Power
I would like to see how Sword of Wealth and Power actually functions in an environment. It seems less powerful than its other cycle friends, but I do love a good colorless equipment. There's some artifact synergies here, and maybe even some Storm synergies. Unlicensed Hearse is good for a grindy matchup, but its far from great in this limited environment.
Icehide Golem ➡️ Horizon of Progress
The Icehide Golem was originally meant for decks running lots of basics, but at its core, a vanilla 2/2 for 1 with restrictions falls under the "it's just okay" pool. Horizon does so much, though a lot of it seems like fluff. The main appeal to me is the synergies with Life from the Loam, Ramunap Excavator, and Titania, Protector of Argoth.
Again, these new cards have considerable synergies with Life from the Loam, Ramunap Excavator, and Titania, Protector of Argoth. The Landscapes also fill the (secret?) role that Filters had of being able to pay for Thought-Knot Seer and Reality Smasher. Awesome cards. They've been moved to the Commander cube replacing their Fetches, as thinning the deck and the "color identity" rules were confusing for newer players.
Report
No reports.
Notes
I wish Wizards would print a Blue-Green 4 mana Show and Tell.
I'd also like to add Warden of the First Tree back in.
Changes for Upcoming Sets
No changes.
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Mainboard Changelist+26, -26
- Seasoned DungeoneerWhite Plume Adventurer
- Digsite EngineerOcelot Pride
- Adanto VanguardAjani, Nacatl Pariah
- PacifismPhelia, Exuberant Shepherd
- Eiganjo, Seat of the EmpireSamwise the Stouthearted
- Maul of the SkyclavesStaff of the Storyteller
- Planar DisruptionSeal from Existence
- HullbreacherWonder
- SnapMission Briefing
- Telling TimeCurate
- Commit // MemoryBrainsurge
- Ledger ShredderVery Cryptic Command
- Razorlash TransmograntNethergoyf
- Disciple of the VaultMarionette Apprentice
- Custodi LichBarrowgoyf
- Bone ShardsWarren Soultrader
- You See a Pair of GoblinsReckless Pyrosurfer
- Decadent DragonPyrogoyf
- Death-Greeter's ChampionBloodfeather Phoenix
- Noise MarineOx of Agonas
- Galvanic BlastUnholy Heat
- Brute ForceBedlam Reveler
- Flame SlashGhostfire Slice
- Blazing CrescendoSiege Smash
- Gala GreetersSpringheart Nantuko
- Smuggler's SurpriseMagus of the Order
Changes
This is a big one, so read up! I've followed the changelog styling of good friend @AlexanderOfMacedonia, so you'll finally sort of see why I made these changes. Also, I hit the text limit. There is a Part II.
White
Seasoned Dungeoneer ➡️ White Plume Adventurer
While Monarch has been mostly fine in the cube, Initiative is a lot more polarizing. I don't like the mechanic, especially when it's stapled to a massive powerhouse like Seasoned. While I could flat out remove it, I've instead decided to swap Seasoned with White Plume with my Miststalker: A Commander Cube. White Plume is slightly safer, no unblockability or explore mechanics, and bolt-able. Yeah, it was banned, but that's just due to the speed and consistency of Legacy.
Digsite Engineer ➡️ Ocelot Pride
I'm still not sold on this card, but it's certainly better than Digsite. Better go-wide potential instead of making an aggro-artifact stompy deck with identity issues, I'd rather not telegraph a white-based Artifact deck is (mostly) in Dimir. There's still some overlap with other cards, but this card only functions with heavy artifact builds.
Adanto Vanguard ➡️ Ajani, Nacatl Pariah
Adanto is good, but I think Ajani will do better. Same power over two creatures, the ETB tokens, walker payoff, better at blocking. It feels almost like a Standstill; you can hit that payoff if they choose to attack or block, seems pretty saucy.
Pacifism ➡️ Phelia, Exuberant Shepherd
Phelia is everything I want in a blink archetype card. Specifically works with permanents, and it's repeatable! Pacifism is old, and mostly in there for the iconic nature and art. Goodbye, old friend, hello new sign-post.
Emeria is a little too midrange and slow for something I want in a 4-drop slot. Instead, we return to Antoine Ruel's designed ETB wonder. With even more blink, and better 1-drop creatures slotted in, Ranger should shine, but it usually only needs to resolve once to overwhelm.
Eiganjo, Seat of the Empire ➡️ Samwise the Stouthearted
I've been working at cutting some removal, and Eiganjo is good for a variety of reasons including Life from the Loam, it suffers that it only works during combat. I'd rather have a card functioning to rebuild boards, as control is so powerful in Vintage environments. Samwise can also act as a flash blocker siminal to the channel land's removal, but it also should convince my players to not tap out to play it prior to combat.
Maul of the Skyclaves ➡️ Staff of the Storyteller
Equipments are cool, especially when they turn things into Baneslayers but not when they're four mana to equip. Instead, we will be trying this cheap little value engine which works well with permanent based blinking and go-wide strategies.
Planar Disruption ➡️ Seal from Existence
Another Pacifism, this time replaced with a harder to remove Banishing Light. Easy slot in.
Blue
I hate Hullbreacher.
This card is abject misery. The color with the most Timetwisters should never get access to something like this. Hate me all you want, but at least Orcish Bowmaster lets your opponent have some agency, and requires you to at least splash. I've replaced it with Wonder, for those wondering. I'm trying to create sign-post cards for the "new" archtype Izzet threshold, lots of looting, surveil, jump-start, flashback, delirum, delve and the like.
Snap ➡️ Mission Briefing
Telling Time ➡️ Curate
Echoing Truth ➡️ Treasure Cruise
More sign-post cards. I'm moving away from Izzet tempo, so many of the cards which were designed to support that are gone. It pains me to remove Telling Time. All time great art, there.
Commit // Memory ➡️ Brainsurge
Given what I just said about the new Izzet archetype, one thing we need slightly less of is Timetwisters, even if this one is very graveyard oriented. Six mana is a lot, and it's just an unnecessary addition to the other options, plus Echo of Eons is better.
Ledger Shredder ➡️ Very Cryptic Command (b)
Following @bmchamberlain's design decision in his own cube, I've decided to remove Ledger Shredder based on its pure power level. Easily a 2/4 for two mana, it outranks nearly every card in every other color. Good thing I can just get rid of it. Instead, we can give the people what they want: Tolarian Winds or Call to Mind with the ability to tap down all your opponent's basic lands.
Black
Razorlash Transmogrant ➡️ Nethergoyf
Graveyard return-y bois. I think Nethergoyf is probably the stronger of the two, though the artifact synergies are less. The cost to recur the card is disgusting on either, and I'm not sold on Nethergoyf yet. Testing will illuminate any issues.
Disciple of the Vault ➡️ Marionette Apprentice
Card B just does more, slots into more decks, but also fulfills the purpose of the card its reaplacing. Easy upgrade.
[Custodi is great, but it's also very expensive, and there are better Monarch options, such as Starscream. Instead, have this 3-mana Baneslayer Angel.
Bone Shards ➡️ Warren Soultrader
Two sacrifice outlets, one with an aggressive design with reanimate applications and the other with repeatable effects and artifact synergies. It's a tough pick, but I'm hoping that testing will prove Warren is a valuable option especially with Rec-Sur-Pod style decks with all the recursive one and two drops in black.
Red
You See a Pair of Goblins ➡️ Reckless Pyrosurfer
This change is pretty simple. Instead of getting bodies or buffs, you get a body with the buffs. While it's not unblockable, I'm glad we have another Soltari Champion style card in addition to the two copies of Signal Pest I'm running. Battle Cry is such an awesome ability, and the haste is just chef's kiss.
4/4 Flying, Trample for four is usually pretty good. Artifact synergies aside, the card is an all around powerhouse, but doesn't really do anything interesting. Because of this, I'm cutting it in favor of another copy FTK, this time stapled to a Tarmogoyf.
Death Greeter's Champion ➡️ Bloodfeather Phoenix
Noise Marine ➡️ Ox of Agonas
Galvanic Blast ➡️ Unholy Heat
Brute Force ➡️ Bedlam Reveler
These changes are entirely meant to push players to identify the Izzet threshold/delirium archetype. Lots of graveyard synergies, here. I'll miss Death Greeter's Champion, but I can always bring it back later if we need more combat tricks.
Flame Slash ➡️ Ghostfire Slice
Pretty clear upgrade, imo. Sure, two extra mana is big, but this goes to face, gets around protection, and is an instant.
Blazing Crescendo ➡️ Siege Smash
Easy swap. Love the fact that Wizards is finally embracing combat tricks with other modes.
Green
Gala Greeters ➡️ Springheart Nantuko
My Gala Greeters never arrived in the mail, so I'm pissed and switching over to this insane value engine with Lands deck synergies. Meet green Young Pyromancer?
Smuggler's Surprise ➡️ Magus of the Order
Toolboxes are always cool, but I want more "cheap" cheat effects. We tested Magus in the past, but I don't think I really understood what I wanted from it. Smuggler's is fine, but very expensive. It does a lot, but it's incredibly mana intensive and also only looks at a few cards, only protects big creatures, etc. Tooth and Nail, would serve a better function, but is in the other cube. I think that Magus does a miniature Tooth imitation well enough.
Report
No reports.
Notes
I wish Wizards would print a Blue-Green 4 mana Show and Tell.
I'd also like to add Warden of the First Tree back in.
Changes for Upcoming Sets
No changes.
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Mainboard Changelist+28, -28
- CondemnUnexpectedly Absent
- Eerie InterludeOltec Matterweaver
- Swift ReconfigurationSecuritron Squadron
- Borrowed TimeEphemerate
- PestermiteThree Steps Ahead
- Wall of BlossomsBrazen Borrower
- Sprout SwarmStep Between Worlds
- Desecration DemonHarvester of Misery
- Drana, Liberator of MalakirGlimmer Lens
- Skystrike OfficerReprieve
- Dark RitualBeseech the Mirror
- Sylvan LibraryNoxious Gearhulk
- NecropotenceCall of the Ring
- Bloodrage BrawlerSlickshot Show-Off
- Dark RitualCathartic Pyre
- Shrapnel BlastFiery Confluence
- CharLegion Extruder
- ArmageddonDelayed Blast Fireball
- Devil's PlayKoth of the Hammer
- Splinter TwinBirgi, God of Storytelling
- Countryside CrusherDeeproot Wayfinder
- Dryad of the Ilysian GroveSandstorm Salvager
- Decimator of the ProvincesRumbleweed
- DragonstormEureka
- Heartbeat of SpringEnd-Raze Forerunners
- Alesha, Who Smiles at DeathCaesar, Legion's Emperor
- Golos, Tireless PilgrimLord Windgrace
- ExplorationSylvan Library
Report
No reports.
Notes
No notes.
Changes for Outlaws of Thunder Junction
Some really great stuff with Fallout, Thunder Junction, and the new Commander sets allowing me to continue to fill out much needed areas such as Storm and Artifacts. "Spree" seems to be exactly what I was looking for with modal spells that fit multiple archetypes, and the "Plot" mechanic, though powerful for things like Storm also seems to fit nicely into Draw-Go. Loving it.
This is another attempt at pushing Storm, Artifacts, and Cheat spells, and to a lesser extent the "Lands" archetype. I'm not sure how can I should go with that last one, but there's a bunch of cards which interact, return, or abuse lands for more purposes than mana.
I've also cut my custom cards. They are fun, and will likely be in a future iteration, but right now I'm just trying to focus on using the existing card pool to provide access and power to archetypes.
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Report
No reports.
Notes
No notes.
Changes for Outlaws of Thunder Junction
Some really great stuff with Fallout, Thunder Junction, and the new Commander sets allowing me to continue to fill out much needed areas such as Storm and Artifacts. "Spree" seems to be exactly what I was looking for with modal spells that fit multiple archetypes, and the "Plot" mechanic, though powerful for things like Storm also seems to fit nicely into Draw-Go or some cool creature setup in the form of Pyretic Charge. Loving it.
I'm also cutting one of the Stoneforge Mystic cards, as there's not enough equipment to make the card really shine. Also, an Entomb as Lively Dirge fills that role and does more. Wildfire will become Destructive Force, again. The additional Wasteland, Strip Mine will be replaced with other options, with Ghost Quarter and Tectonic Edge.
White:
Stoneforge Mystic > Glimmer Lens
Condemn > Unexpectedly Absent
Eerie Interlude > Oltec Matterweaver
Swift Reconfiguration > Securitron Squadron
Borrowed Time > Ephemerate
Drana, Liberator of Malakir > Reprieve
Skystrike Officer > Luminarch Aspirant
Blue:
Pestermite > Three Steps Ahead
Wall of Blossoms > Brazen Borrower
Sprout Swarm > Step Between Worlds
Black:
Desecration Demon > Harvester of Misery
Windfall > Dark Ritual
Sylvan Library > Noxious Gearhulk
Necropotence > Call of the Ring
Red:
Bloodrage Brawler > Slickshot Show-Off
Dark Ritual > Cathartic Pyre
Shrapnel Blast > Fiery Confluence
Char > Legion Extruder
Armageddon > Delayed Blast Fireball
Devil's Play > Koth of the Hammer
Splinter Twin > Birgi, God of Storytelling
Green:
Countryside Crusher > Deeproot Wayfinder
Dryad of the Ilysian Grove > Sandstorm Salvager
Decimator of the Provinces > Rumbleweed
Dragonstorm > Sylvan Library
Exploration > Eureka
Heartbeat of Spring > End-Raze Forerunners
Gold:
Alesha, Who Smiles at Death > Caesar, Legion's Emperor
Colorless:
Golos, Tireless Pilgrim > Lord Windgrace
Watchlist
Storm archetype.
Mainboard Changelist+43, -43
- Seething Song
- Armageddon
- Surrak DragonclawUrza's Bauble
- Azorius GuildmageMishra's Bauble
- Likeness LooterSoul Manipulation
- Falkenrath AristocratArcbound Ravager
- Burning-Tree ShamanPatchwork Automaton
- Gaddock TeegSteel Overseer
- Frodo, Sauron's BaneCranial Plating
- GelectrodeMaster of Etherium
- Fiend ArtisanSkorpekh Lord
- SunforgerGingerbrute
- Kinnan, Bonder ProdigySignal Pest
- Flayer of LoyaltiesGoldvein Pick
- Golos, Tireless PilgrimPhyrexian Metamorph
- Temporal ManipulationSpellseeker
- Narset, Parter of VeilsTezzeret, Betrayer of Flesh
- Murmuring MysticDay's Undoing
- Karn LiberatedHope of Ghirapur
- Exalted Flamer of TzeentchThird Path Iconoclast
- Agent of TreacherySai, Master Thopterist
- Terramorphic ExpanseMox Opal
- Evolving WildsLion's Eye Diamond
- Elspeth Conquers DeathAuriok Salvagers
- Drana, Liberator of MalakirDigsite Engineer
- Wall of BlossomsBrain Freeze
- Drowned RusalkaTendrils of Agony
- Tarfire"Name Sticker" Goblin
- Reckless ChargeManamorphose
- Hazoret the FerventPia and Kiran Nalaar
- Simic Sky SwallowerSail into the West
- Might of Old KrosaRegrowth
- EntombCabal Ritual
- Blinkmoth NexusJack-in-the-Mox
- Seal of FireJeska's Will
- Gavony TownshipTorsten, Founder of Benalia
- Ancient Silver DragonHigh Tide
- Thing in the IceCryptic Coat
- Remove SoulMana Drain
- Liliana, Death's MajestyYawgmoth's Will
- Spitting DilophosaurusDark Ritual
- Stinkweed ImpEchoing Decay
- Credit VoucherChromatic Star
- Sundering TitanChromatic Sphere
Report
No reports.
Notes
This update was designed as a way to remove the necessity of a Spellbook and instead push artifact aggro as a more prevalent archetype for my drafters. It might need more work, but the focus on higher powered low mana drops is necessary, plus several of them play well in other builds. As such, I've added another copy of Gingerbrute and Signal Pest, which should be good picks for any normal aggro deck as well.
This also paved the way for the Storm Spellbook being integrated into the cube. Many underperformers and some of my favorites were cut to try to push Storm. We'll see if it works.
Changes for Universes Beyond: Fallout
None as of yet.
Watchlist
None as of yet.