Tumblr Tuesday

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Happy Tuesday MTG peeps,

Welcome to March, 2013.  Here in central Ontario (just north of Toronto), we are still in the grips of a winter and are looking forward to having all the snow and ice gone sooner than latter.  Remember to get out to your local card shop / gaming store for Friday Night Magic - the FNM foil promo this month is Farseek, which in our opinion is an excellent choice given a number of standard constructed builds relying on this to accelerate.  We've pick up a deck set from MTG Mint Card when the 2013 core set came out and are now looking to score these new promos.

Anywhoos - Today, we are again visiting our sister site, MTG Realm on Tumblr to see what's new and exciting.
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March 05, 2013

Magic: the Gathering - Art
‘Ruric Thar, The Unbowed’, by Tyler Jacobson

The leader of the Ghor clan, Ruric Thar, is a two-headed ogre who rules his clan with barbaric cruelty. He also claims to be the only Gruul warrior to face Borborygmos himself and live, although one of his heads is hideously deformed as a result of the battle. In the book by Doug Beyer, ‘Gatecrash: The Secretist, Part Two’, Jace Beleren must defeat Ruric to rediscover evidence to piece together the investigation he was working on.

The art above was submitted by artist Tyler Jacobsen and judged at The Spectrum 20 fantasy arts competition for which it was selected as a nominee in the institutional arts category.

There is a very slim chance that Ruric Thar may be a card in the next set ‘Dragon’s Maze’.

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Photo

March 04, 2013

68 notes

Magic: the Gathering - Silly Combo
Midnight Guard (Dark Ascension common) + Presence of Gond (Shadowmor common) = Elf Token LULZ. 
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Photoset

March 04, 2013

20 notes

 

Magic: the Gathering - 2013 Judge Gift Cards

The Judge Gift cards were handed out or mailed to judges for judging at magic tournaments and events. All of the cards are foil, and for some cards it’s the first available printing in foil. 

•  1/8 Judge Swords to Plowshares — 2013 Judge’s Reward Card (Alternate Art, illustrated by Sam Wolfe Connelly).
•  2/8 Judge Bribery — 2013 Judge’s Reward Card (Alternate Art, illustrated by Cynthia Sheppard).
•  3/8 Judge Imperial Recruiter — 2013 Judge’s Reward Card (New Foil, illustrated by Mitsuaki Sagiri).
•  4/8 Judge Crucible of Worlds — 2013 Judge’s Reward Card (Old Frame, illustrated by Ron Spencer).

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Photo

March 02, 2013

35 notes

Magic: the Gathering
Uncle Istvan, 4th Edition, The Dark, Time Spiral by artist Daniel Gelon

New digital rendition by Daniel Gelon to be featured in the book The Gathering: Reuniting Pioneering Artists of Magic, by Full Steam Press, now on Kickstarter.

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March 02, 2013

27 notes

Magic: the Gathering - Tokens !
Use an actual wolf kiddy toy to represent a Wolf Token in your next game.
To escalate this, you may wish to use real Wolves.

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March 01, 2013

38 notes

Magic: the Gathering - Critter Alts
Original - Huntmaster of the Fells and Ravager of the Fells, Art by Chris Rahn
Critter Alt - Hamster of the Fells and Rodent of the Fells, art by Hammy Hamster

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The Secretist Part 2

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Happy Tuesday MTG peeps,

This is post number two of two (first one here) of our exploration of Doug Beyer's book series 'The Secretist' which provides Wizard of the Coast's literary back-drop to Magic: the Gathering's Return to Ravnica set.  Previously, WotC had published paperbacks to accompany select sets but have moved this to eBooks in keeping with the times.  The first book, 'Return to Ravnica: The Secretist, Part One' sets the stage for a re-introduction of the plane of Ravnica and provides some components which resulted in printed cards found in the first set of the Return to Ravnica block. In this post we'll loook at 'Gatecrash: The Secretist, Part Two'.  Buy your eBooks online - these are significantly less expensive than previous paper copies, and you don't even require a eReader as you can read within a browser.  If you are like us here at MTG Realm, you will likely not only want to bathe in the flavour of the story line but have the actual game card as well.  Drop by MTG Mint Card to pick up Magic: the Gathering Singles from this set and others.
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Summary:
 
When we last left our telepathic protagonist Jace, he had discovered a code inscribed in ancient stone in Ravnica's historic Tenth District. It points at something called the Implicit Maze, and as Jace delves deeper, he finds that this mystery connects to the mysterious project of the brilliant dragon Niv-Mizzet and the Izzet guild the dragon commands.

This information is so dangerous, so likely to warp the equilibrium of the ten guilds in this post-Guildpact world, that Jace has taken extreme steps to extricate himself from the whole matter.
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Here are some notes from 'Gatecrash: The Secretist, Part Two'.  Read the eBook, and drop us a line in the comment thingy to discuss.

Chapter 1 - A Wanted MindJace and Emmara are confronted of Mirko Vosk who discovers that Jace had purged his mind of his research. Niv-Mizzet has Ral Zareck switch gears on the Maze project.  The demon Rakdos has the blood-wtich Exava initiate a riot. 
Chapter 2 - Unfamiliar Depths
Isperia, the Sphinx guild leader of the Azorius reassigns Officer Lavinia to a desk job.  The vampire Mirko Vosk is punished by the Dimir guild leader Lazav. 
Chapter 3 - Stirring Up the Past
Jace and Emmara meet Trostani, Jace makes no friends, especially with the Selesnya Elf Captain Calomir.  Ral Zarek and Skreeg piece together Jace's investigation at his destroyed study.  

Chapter 4 - Aid from an EnemyThe Rakdos, lead by Exava riot while Jace meets with Lavinia at New Prahv.  Ral's search dead-ends at the Forum of Azor, seeds of suspicion are sewn within Emarra and Jace needs help from the two headed Ogre Ruric Thar.

Chapter 5 - Changes of Heart
Selesnya prepares to march against the Rakdos, while Niv-Mizzet and Ral begin to understand the Implicit Maze. 

Chapter 6 - Armies in the Streets
Rakdos, Gruul, Selesnya and Boros clash in the streets.

Chapter 7 - Rough CrowdsJace is captured by Exava and then in turn by Captain Calomir while Niv-Mizzet makes an important announcement.

Chapter 8 - Unmasking
Lazav reveals himself to Jace and promptly imprisons him.

 - cliffhanger -
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Tumblr Thursday

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

As it is Thursday, we may likely head on out to our local gaming store, OMG! Games, here in Barrie, where they are running their regular Thursday evening EDH / Commander event.  We are trying something new - a green / white enchantment / aura thingy with Krond the Dawn Clad as our General.  We still need to pick up a few odds 'n' ends to polish this 99-card stack off and as luck has it, OMG! Games is running a decent Customer Appreciation sale / promotion this week.  We'll tell you how our game(s) goes latter.

Anywhoos, as the title of today's article indicates - it's Tumblr time.  This is where we compile posts to our sister site MTG Realm on Tumblr and republish here if you happened to miss anything . . . Let's go.
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December 05, 2012

43 notes

Magic: the Gathering - Gatecrash Booster Battle Pack

Challenge rival Planeswalkers to fierce duels - load your deck with powerful warbeasts and potent spells with which to challenge both the skill and the nerve of your opponent. When the time comes, will you crumble under the pressure of battle, or will you rise above the challenge and lay waste to all who dare oppose you?

The Booster Battle Pack contains two 20-card starter decks with which you do battle with an opponent in a world of mystery and magicka. These decks are a great way to introduce yourself and a friend to Magic : The Gathering, and offer a fast and fun way to play Magic.

This pack contains ;
• Two 20-card decks
• Two 15-card Gatecrash booster packs
• One Quick-play guide
• One Rules Insert

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Photo

December 05, 2012

28 notes

Magic: the Gathering Comics
Magic: The Gathering - Path of Vengeance #1 (of 4) is finally out this week - and the promo card is TURNABOUT.
Why do you care ?  There is a slim chance that Turnabout may see print in the next Return to Ravnica set, Gatecrash or Dragon’s Maze.

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December 05, 2012

284 notes

Magic: the Gathering
Christmas Advent calendar by DrNuut

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December 05, 2012

34 notes

Magic: the Gathering
Gatecrash - Orzhov Banner and pin … I will require these items immediately to adorn my office.

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Photoset

December 04, 2012

64 notes

 

THAT’S AMORE  ! !
Walk into any FNM and you’ll see the state of the standard metagame tout suite.

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Photo

November 30, 2012

124 notes

I require all these Guild posters.

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MTG Path of Vengeance

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

On the weekend, we dropped over to Big B Comics here in Barrie, Ontario to pick up some missing issues in both of our Magic: the Gathering comic book series.  A very helpful staff member dug around in the back room and was able to complete our collection of the initial MTG Comic series, as well as the next one, Spell Thief.  Here is a quick run down of the special promo cards of each comic in the series so far . . .

 

Magic: the Gathering Comics IDW Promo Cards :
• Treasure Hunt
• Faithless Looting
• Feast of Blood
• Electrolyze

Magic: the Gathering Comics IDW Spell Thief Promo Cards :
• Arrest
• Consume Spirit
• Standstill
• Breath of Malfegor

We are now consider picking up a few of the non-promo / regular cards from MTG Mint Card to work out a few casual fun builds we are contemplating right now.  Anywhoos - onto today's post!  The next Magic: the Gathering comic series to be issued by Wizards of the Coast and IDW Publishing is called 'Path of Vengeance'.  This story line again features the badboy Planeswalker Thief, Dack Fayden in all sorts of mischief in the City of Ravnica.  We expect a few promo cards here is see print in either Gatecrash or Dragon's Maze in the current Return to Ravnica block.  We've provided the anticipated release date of each comic but please don't hold your breath - their record of street release dates are pretty bad (perhaps this has something to do with possible spoilers and official previews?).
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Magic: The Gathering - Path of Vengeance #1 (of 4)
Matt Forbeck (w) • Martín Cóccolo (a) • Dan Scott (c)
Dack Fayden returns to Ravnica! Dack knows that the malevolent Sifa Grent has something sinister planned for the city of Ravnica, but he must uncover her plot while being pursued by Rakdos cultists and Boros soldiers. Not only that, but someone from Dack’s past may just put an end to the Planeswalker thief!
Scheduled release - November, 2012
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Magic: The Gathering - Path of Vengeance #2 (of 4)
Matt Forbeck (w) • Martín Cóccolo (a) • Dan Scott (c)
The Cult of Rakdos has put a price on Dack Fayden's head - and Maytov, the best thief in Ravnica, has come to collect. Now, Dack must fight for his life against an opponent more cunning than anyone he's ever faced. Will Maytov succeed where even Sifa Grent has failed-and kill the Planeswalker Thief?
Scheduled release - January 30, 2013
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Magic: The Gathering ― Path of Vengeance #3 (of 4)
Matt Forbeck (w) • Martin Coccolo (a) • Chris Rahn (c)
Dack Fayden has finally uncovered Sifa Grent’s plan for Ravnica… and it could bring unbelievable devastation to the city-plane! Now, Dack must make his way through Ravnica, with Rakdos cultists and city guards hot on his trail, in the hope that he can stop Sifa before it’s too late!
Scheduled release - February, 2013
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Magic: The Gathering - Path of Vengeance #4 (of 4)
Matt Forbeck (w) • Martin Coccolo (a) • Alex Horley (c)
THE FINAL SHOWDOWN! Dack Fayden confronts Sifa Grent in a battle that may be too much for the Planeswalker thief. With the fate of Ravnica hanging in the balance, Dack must rally all his strength to put an end to the villainous Sifa once and for all!
Scheduled release - March, 2013
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Tumblr Thursday

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

As it is Friday, make sure you make plans to get out to your local gaming store to take in a Friday Night Magic Event.  Not sure where the nearest local store is (perhaps this may be the first FNM you'll be going to or you might be visiting with friends in another city), then pop over to Wizard's handy Store and Event Locator.  We are planning to head over to OMG! Games here in Barrie, Ontario and try a rogue tokens brew we had built.

Anywhoos - onto today's post - We did miss our regular Tumblr Thursday post yesterday so here it is today.  Here's what's been going on with our MTG Realm Tumblr feed . . .
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Photo

August 10, 2012

3 notes

Annual Magic the Gathering Commander products to be released once each year in place of the Premium Deck Series products. This year does not feature a new product but a ‘Commander’s Arsenal’ providing Commander staples ‘n’ goodies. Art preview appears to be an alternate art, perhaps for Command Tower (?).
Release date: Nov. 2, 2012
MSRP: $74.9
• 18 premium foil cards
• 10 oversized premium foil cards
• 120 UltraPRO foil card sleeves
• 20 double-sided Battle Marks (+ and –)
• A life counter that goes up to 99

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August 09, 2012

4 notes

Borborygmos - Guildpact - Gruul Clans leader
Looking forward to the new iteration from Return to Ravnica
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August 09, 2012

7 notes

Isperia the Inscrutable (Dissension) - Azorious Guild Leader
Wonder what the new Return to Ravnica card will look like?

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August 09, 2012

10 notes

In Magic the Gathering, just what the hell is a Dryad ?
Dryads are spirits of trees, taking a nymph-like or treefolk form to relate to the humanoids that venture near their forests. They are found on a wide array of different planes. They feature most prominently in Dominaria, Mercadia, and Ravnica.
Magic’s mysterious, tree-dwelling dryads may grant a worthy human the ability to pass through the woods with supernatural ease. Dryads may have forestwalk or provide this ability. There have been 23 Dryad creatures printed in MTG to date.

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Photo

August 08, 2012

18 notes

Downtown Hong Kong convenience store.
Yep - they sell Magic the Gathering here.

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Photo

August 07, 2012

28 notes

Ravnica Cycle by Cory Herndon
Ravnica / Guildpack / Dissension

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Ravnica Lands

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

As excitement builds for this falls release of Return to Ravnica, a lot of Magic the Gathering players may be feeling a little nostalgic for that older set which introduced the block and plane to gamers.  For today's post, we have a quick run down of the original Ravnica: City of Guilds which hit game tables around the world in October, 2005.  If you are particularly nostalgic, hit up MTG Mint Card which may still have some of your old favourite Ravnica cards you've lost / traded away, etc.

Ravnica: City of Guilds - Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain & Forest by Stephan Martiniere

Ravnica: City of Guilds - Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain & Forest by Christopher Moeller

Ravnica: City of Guilds - Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain & Forest by Anthony S. Waters

Ravnica: City of Guilds - Plains, Island, Swamp, Mountain & Forest by Richard Wright

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Izzet vs. Golgari

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

We have another announcement to catch up on - this one from WoTC Monty and his post Magic Arcana on Monday.  If you are a Magic the Gathering player, love Duel Decks products and have a soft spot for Ravinca, then we are certain you are looking forwar to the September 7 release date.

First up - some MTG history . . .

The Golgari

The Golgari believe you can't truly live until you die. For them, death gives life meaning, and from death comes new life. With its vast horde of undead serving as both standing army and labor force, the Golgari operate in Ravnica's undercity, slowly taking over abandoned and derelict areas like a fetid slime mold. This guild contains many factions, from undead abominations of plant matter and flesh, to Ravnica's dark elves, known as the Devkarin. Leadership of the guild is never uncontested.

The Izzet
The Izzet run hot and cold—literally. In fact, they keep nearly everything running, from Ravnica's heating networks to its water systems. The undisputed masters of spellcraft and invention on Ravnica, they're the only guild that understands metamagic: how magic itself works. Led by the capricious and unfathomably brilliant dragon Niv-Mizzet, the Izzet magewrights endlessly create and destroy, driven only by passion for discovery. Experts in elemental magic, the Izzet use elementals to guard their alchemical labs and power their turbines. They've even created their own crossbreed elementals called weirds. Unlike most other guilds, the Izzet fail to see the importance of power, dominion, or wealth. The rabid pursuit of knowledge is the guild's only concern.
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And here's the 4•1•1 for the Duel Decks . . 
 
The Izzet League, under the ingenious mind of its guildmaster, the dragon Niv-Mizzet, has dabbled, delved, and decoded many mysteries in its insatiable thirst for knowledge. Now the dracomagus seeks to plumb the depths of Ravnica’s undercity. But the Golgari don’t welcome interlopers in their dank, moldy realm.

Under the command of the elvish lich lord Jarad, the Golgari have dwelled in darkness long enough. The Swarm grows restless and its rot farms need fresh corpses. Jarad believes the time is right to teach Niv-Mizzet’s magewrights a lesson: that there is no place for Izzet research in the vicious cycle of life and death.

Initial Deck Design: Chris Millar
Final Deck Development: Mark L. Gottlieb
Twitter Hashtag: #MTGIVG
Languages Available: English, Japanese
Release Date: September 7, 2012
MSRP: $19.99d

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With the fall block 'Return to Ravnica' hitting games stores early October,  we are planning to pick this Duel Deck as it is perfectly timed to get a dose of Ravnica flavour ahead of the new block.
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