Art by Nic Klein
Strap in, this Cube will take you for a ride! Find a bold synergistic experience that will keep you coming back for more time and time again. In here you will have the freedom to play as the Pure Blue Walker you are or devote yourself to the studies of Izzet. Ever wished to taste the power of the Dragon-God himself? Come and find out, it's delicious!
While “only commons” seems like a simple rule. When it comes to commons this cube takes the widest approach, this includes sets like Vintage Masters, Unglued, and everything in-between. This is a 540-singleton card Cube. This will allow up to 12 players three 15 card packs to draft with. A table of 8 players is standard, which leaves cards rotating in and out allowing for variation, which helps keep the play experience zesty. The Maybeboard is being used as a bonus sheet. This "Bonus Sheet" will mimic WotC's bonus sheets being used in many of their set releases. Full of powerful cards throughout Magics history such as Kabuto Moth, Gush, Gray Merchant of Asphodel, Faithless Looting, etc.
Anyone who has ever built a Pauper Cube will tell you, there are many limitations. This cube is designed to make three color combinations very achievable with Thriving Lands, Thriving Gates, Bounce Lands, Signets, and let's not forget about Treasures. All while keeping duel and mono color decks from losing their fervor. Each color combination has a wider reach than just a single keyword strategy here. With that in mind, I'm choosing to keep the air of mystery for you to discover all that's achievable in drafting and deck building.
As far as approachability. Any long-term Magic players will instantly recognize combo pieces and will enjoy this draft experience to its fullest. For those that are not as veteran. Welcome, and don't be scared off. I did build this from the eye of a long-time player. However, at my LGS (local game store). We hardly ever have all returning players to shuffle up and play right out of the gate. So, we grab, provoke, and threaten anyone around not playing Commander... I'm still watching for you, Kevin. I have had many lesser experienced players enjoy what is offered here. You will need to know the basic fundamentals of Magic and Drafting, but I'm assuming that if you lack those skills, I doubt you are here reading this pile of nonsense anyways.
I have been working on this Cube over many years and I'm grateful to have been told about this place so I can share it with everyone. Every new release is like a Christmas morning, and I love finding new cards to give it that, Mentos freshness. I plan on having an update for each release that focuses on just the cards in that product, whether they are reprints or not. Then follow it up with an update on any adjustments the Cube makes for the new cards. Any feedback, contact me on twitter @Zelkikigamer Cube ID is: definitivepauper
Here he comes, here comes Speed Racer
He's a demon on wheels
He's a demon and he's gonna be chasing after someone
He's gaining on you so you'd better look alive
He's busy revving up the powerful Mach 5
And when the odds are against him and there's dangerous work to do
You bet your life Speed Racer will see it through
Go Speed Racer!
Go Speed Racer!
Go Speed Racer Go!
He's off and flying as he guns the car around the track
He's jamming down the pedal like he's never coming back
Adventure's waiting just ahead
Go Speed Racer!
Go Speed Racer!
Go Speed Racer Go!
I'm sorry for the late post for Aetherdrift. I was caught moving during this set release and I only just now have internet up and everything more or less unpacked. As for my thoughts on the set as a whole. I will admit, I haven't been too excited about it. That being said, I am surprised at how many cards I found wanting to slot into here. I wasn't too keen on the "Speed" mechanic. But, after watching several matches it actually a slick way to empower cards over the course of a game without breaking it. I'm shocked to find myself saying that it's a little too underpowered for many of the cards. Though, a little overpowered in others. I hope you all have been having fun with it.
I love Refurbished Familiar. It's just not doing the job that I needed it to do. Wreckage Wickerfolk, will still play well in the Artifact decks. But, this will also actually be a perfect turn two play for Ninjutsu decks, and adds an early game play that can get in for chip damage to any Self Mill deck.
Familiar is a broken common for any dedicated Artifact deck. But they have enough toys to play with. Both the Ninjutsu and Self Mills need early game plays and this helps with either while not taking away from the Artifacts.
Faceless Butcher is being moved to the "Bonus Sheet". And rightly so. Giving a card like Chitin Gravestalker room to play on the Cube. Acting very closely to a Gurmag Angler without removing all the hard work you did in the early game to fill your graveyard. While, also adding to the Discard trigger matter cards and of course Recursion decks. It even works with Artifact sacrifice decks. It really does a lot and doesn't ask much for it.
After the Combat Rules change. Cards like Undying Malice has lost a lot of their punch. They still offer utility to self Sacrifice decks. But outside of that, any chance the opponent can deny you the ETG or ETB of a card, they will take it. So, this card is a nice solution. Pumps the creature, guarantees a trade in combat, and keeps your creature around even stronger for the next go around. Very nice.
This. This card, ladies and gentleman. This is the linchpin we have been waiting for, for a long time. For any deck that utilizes, Madness, or Discard effects. This is the best pull you can get in Pauper. I actually see this being played in Pauper competitions and doing well.
It's got a butt that can block for days. Can't be removed by Lightning Bolt. Even though it costs three, it has real staying power once it hits the field. And the ability to Cycle it away whenever you need, and doing so also damages the opponent. This card single handedly represents what the future of Pauper is going to look like in the coming years, and I for one am excited about it.
I'm so sorry Juggy. But this had to happen eventually. I know it's not fun being replaced. But, if it had to happen. It should be by a card called Wreck Remover.
Juggernaut, is, and always will be a solid card. But, its utility in this Cube is very limited. The redundancy it offers isn't needed anymore and needs to be replaced with something more substantial.
With Wreck Remover, it offers a Cycling card for the Discard and Recursion decks. Also contributes to Life Gain matters cards. It's size is hardy enough to get you a few attack triggers in as well. It's also one of the few ways to remove a card from a Graveyard . I really miss Diregraf Horde.
As I said under the Chitin Gravestalker. Faceless Butcher is being moved into the "Bonus Sheet" {AKA: the Maybeboard}. It will be replacing Accursed Marauder. Not much really to say. Just an adjustment to keep a legacy card apart of the Cube.
Voyager Quickwelder: 's version of Etherium Sculpter. It could use it, but I couldn't justify replacing another card for it.
Stall Out: Three stun counters is a forever. And even worse if it can be Proliferated. I have a hard time considering replacing a counter spells for this, however. And it's arguably worse than just bouncing the target back to hand.
Avishkar Raceway: I was looking at replacing Radiant Fountain for this. "If" you get it out early enough, this land becomes amazing in the late game with dead draws. But that's an "if" too many to replace a reliable land.
I'm glad I was able to finally get this out to you. Again sorry for the delay. I've heard that the last Magic Con released a lot of spoilers for several of the up and coming sets this year. I'm excited about what I'm being told. I hope this year is a great year for magic. We'll see you soon fellow Walkers!