Dragon’s Maze: Rakdos Revelry Review (Part 2 of 2)
The stuffy prelates of the Orzhov Syndicate are about to have their collars unbuttoned- the carnival is here! To test the Rakdos Revelry deck, I’m joined by Sam who’s opted to use Orzhov Power. Let the games begin!
2007-08 Precon Championships: Round 5 and the Leaderboard
For the past three years or so that we’ve run Ertai’s Lament, we’ve done a pretty good job of not letting the events of life get in the way of publishing on schedule. That said, while we’ve still managed to post our deck reviews apace, something fell by the wayside this past week. As many of you know, Jimi is expecting twins, and this past week has given us a dreadful scare. Still, an ultrasound today revealed that “Moose and Squirrel” are coming along just fine, and our worst fears have been unfounded. Splendid news, but it does show where our focus has been this past week.
Dragon’s Maze: Rakdos Revelry Review (Part 1 of 2)
Preconstructed Magic occupies a curous place in the pantheon of Magic formats. On the face of it, it bears the hallmarks of COnstructed. After all, one might wryly observe, you can’t have “preconstructed” without “constructed.” They might not be the world-beating decks that come to mind when you talk about the “standard environment,” which has a pulse and pace all its own, but nevertheless they are sixty-card constructions crafted from a particular card pool. Still, it’s hard to escape the feeling that there’s an element of Limited in here, too.
Dragon’s Maze: Simic Domination Review (Part 2 of 2)
Next stop on our tour of the Intro Packs of Dragon’s Maze is the Simic Combine! With their new evolve mechanic they’re back for a second go, and standing in their way is the dark carnival of the Rakdos. Sam’s shuffled and ready to go, but which guild will come out on top?
Dragon’s Maze: Simic Domination Review (Part 1 of 2)
It is the nature- and some might even argue purpose- of art to stir strong passions in the viewer, and you would be hard-pressed to find a more divisive pair in the classical era of the game than the husband-and-wife duo of Phil and Kaja Foglio. Sure the cartoony, whimsical pieces like the art for Al-Abara’s Carpet or Infernal Darkness have had their day, but for many this sort of art had a defining imprint on a bygone era.
2007-2008 Precon Championships: Tinsman Division (Part 2 of 2)
We’re back with this weekends exciting precon action as the Tinsman Division comes to its dramatic conclusion. Last weekend we saw Morningtide’s Shamanism triumph over Going Rogue in a surprising upset, seeing the sturdy Treefolk more than a match for the sneaky tricks of the Rogues. Goblin-on-Goblin violence was at a high as Battle Blitz squared off against Boggart Feast, and lived to tell the tale. Meanwhile, the Goblins deck from the first-ever Duel Decks release wait in the wings alongside Shadowmoor’s Overkill, fresh from their bye. Today it all comes together.
Dragon’s Maze: Azorius Authority Review (Part 2 of 2)
We’re in for another round of detention today as the Azorius once again take to the field. This time, we’re testing out the new Azorius Authority deck, to see how it stacks up not just itself, but to its previous incarnation. Joining me at the table is the lovely Sam, who’s shuffling up Gruul Siege with barely-contained glee.
Dragon’s Maze: Azorius Authority Review (Part 1 of 2)
Although the game that is at the heart of this website is intended for recreation and hobby, there exists a series of games that have a much more clinical application. Known academically as game theory, this field looks to study the strategy of decision making. As you might imagine, there’s quite a bit of overlap across the spectrum, and indeed in 2007 Frank Karsten wrote his Introduction to Game Theory on the mothership.
News: Dragon’s Maze Intro Pack Decklists Revealed!
A nice mid-week treat awaits us over on the mothership today, as Magic Arcana has spoiled the decklists for all five Dragon’s Maze Intro Packs. As before, they draw one rare from the new set and one from an old one, either Return to Ravnica or Gatecrash.
Head on over and check them out!
2007-08 Precon Championships: Round 4 and the Leaderboard
It was a lighter- and more Goblin-filled- weekend than usual this past Sunday as we witnessed the opening round of the Tinsman Division. We had two matches up for grabs as our Prediction League players were vying for points. How many did they pick up? Good question.
Ertai's Lament 