I totally forgot the Verges in my last update and decided to replace Wizard's Retort with Refute.

I don't usually create blog posts, but this is a significant update.

While I don't love Aetherdrift's theme, I love the cycling, artifact and discard mechanics that the set brings (back). I don't like enough of the "Start Your Engines" or "Exhaust" cards to warrant the extra rules text so none of those are here. (Mendicant Core, Guidelight is tempting me, though.)

In order to make these changes I am cutting much of the Wizards kindred effects, including Naban, Dean of Iteration, Harmonic Prodigy, and Step Through. I considered cutting Riptide Laboratory but I am leaving it in for the time being because I find it interesting and there are still several wizards running around the cube.

I am very excited about the new discard payoffs including Marauding Mako, Scrounging Skyray and Captain Howler, Sea Scourge. I am also replacing Laelia, the Blade Reforged with Inti, Senechal of the Sun for more discard synergy; Laelia was already probably too powerful and Inti might be as well, but I don't mind a power outlier.

Speaking of power outliers, I am replacing Prince Imrahil the Fair with Riptide Gearhulk the Unfair, which one of my local friends has already sworn to get banned. Imrahil's token/draw synergies will be replaced by Thopter Fabricator which has the added bonus of creating artifacts and being one itself.

Gallant Strike replaces the similar Radiant's Judgement for a cheaper MV and Scycrash does nearly the same to Explosive Derailment losing out on a mode (and a potential 2-for-one) in exchange for the ability to cycle it.

Boosted Sloop (which I have seen referred to as "Busted Sloop") I find to be a very exciting combat encourager. It replaces Maverick Thopterist whose self-cost reduction is surpassed by the new Memory Guardian. Voyage Home has also been added to the affinity group, replacing Raff, Weatherlight Stalwart, though I'm not sure how excited I am about its inclusion.

Finally, Marketback Walker joins the modular payoff parade, replacing the rather lackluster mana rock, Guardian Idol.

There is also one recent change that I want to mention here; Lingering Souls has joined the cube even though there are very few black sources. If one wishes to flash it back they will have to find a way to get black mana, which is a puzzle I am more than happy to add to the cube.

I never loved the vivid or thriving lands and I’m excited to add the landscapes!