New Phyrexia Wins

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Happy Tuesday MTG peeps,

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We have news from the trenches on Mirrodin and the ongoing battle between the Phyrexian and Mirran factions. From this announcement over at Wizards, it appears the victor is Phryexia and the third set code named 'Action' in the Scars of Mirrodin Block is New Phyrexia.

We have the video from Wizards as well as a very cool New Phyrexia card spoiled. Let's go . . .

The Machine Orthodoxy today announced total victory for the forces of Phyrexia and the utter obliteration of all that was Mirran.

The Great Work is Complete. The stain of imperfection which is Mirrodin has been scourged and in its place we have shaped the face of New Phyrexia.

The raw flesh we have at our disposal will allow us to continue The Great Synthesis unabated. Our destiny lies outside the crude battles between slavering beasts of which we have endured these many years. Through our experimentation will arise the strength of New Life.

The struggle for survival is never complete. Wherever there is weakness, there is still the necessity of conflict. As the predator cannot abide prey, so do the strong feed upon the strong. Our purpose has only begun.

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And now for the bombtastic card, Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite which promises to rock your game. Personally, we want to be the first kids on our block to drop what we're calling Lady Gaga for now in play for epic win.

Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite, 5
Legendary Creature - Praetor Mythic Rare
Vigilance
Other creatures you control get +2/+2
Creatures your opponents control get -2/-2
4/7

First things first - this is a legendary creature. Legendary is a supertype that can be found on artifacts, creatures, enchantments and lands. As such, just like Planeswalkers, if two or more legendary permanents with the same name are in play, all are put into their owners’ graveyards.

The casting cost is somewhat prohibitive at 7 but given the effects, we think that casual magic players will still love it and play it and may even creep into sideboards against token generating decks. We hope to see the remainder of the Praetor cycle in this set - perhaps even a larger theme of legends in a similar tone of that in the Kamigawa Block.

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Also - jumping back a step - a look as some of the arts we've not really seen before in the New Phyrexia video - -

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Finally, the vital information for the New Phyrexia set . . .

Φ The Grand Compleation is Achieved Φ

Set Name : New Phyrexia
Block : Set 3 of 3 in the Scars of Mirrodin block
Three-Letter Abbreviation : NPH
Number of Cards 175
Release Date : May 13, 2011
Prerelease Events : May 7-8, 2011
Launch Parties : May 13-16, 2011
Magic Online Release Date : May 30, 2011
Game Day : June 11-12, 2011
Design Team : Ken Nagle (lead), Dave Guskin, Joe Huber, Matt Place, Mark Rosewater
Development Team : Aaron Forsythe (lead), Dave Guskin, Zac Hill, Tom LaPille, Erik Lauer

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Finally, as you know from some previous posts, MTG Mint Card is donating an incredible 30% of its sales to Doctors Without Borders who provide much needed front line medical aid to areas adversely affected by disasters around the world. This campaign which has run almost all month long will come to an end on March the 31st.
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It's Friday !

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

We have for you another excellent instalment of Magic the Gathering wallpapers from the upcoming set 'Action' as well as some rather exciting news about Friday Night Magic which we're sure will get the juices flowing for most every Magic player out there.

Before we get to the post, why not take some time out to listen to Rebecca Black's 'It's Friday' song on the 'Tube. It's kind of like pouring a highly corrosive cleaner directly onto your brain and we're calling it right now - 'What was heard can never be unheard'. Thankfully, the internets are chocked full 'o' parody vids which may make the burning go away.

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First up - two new awesome wall paper arts from the Mirrodin site from the soon to be released 'Action' set :

Sword of War and Peace Wallpaper

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"So," the Vulshok warrior rumbled, "you're responsible for this blade."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures," the Auriok edgewright replied quietly. "Our people are known for their smithing skills."

The Vulshok examined the sword carefully. "Perhaps. But we Vulshok know a thing or two about weapons as well." He smiled. "I want to suggest some... alterations..."

Ladies and Gentlemen - start your speculations !

The art from Chris Rahn on this last in the sword mega cycle is most excellent. In this mega cycle, each Sword of X and X were equipment artifacts with a casting cost of 3 and an equip cost of 2 mana. They each boosted power and toughness and provided protection from two enemy colours which are hinted at in the art as well as the name of the sword. Each sword has a trigger when damage was delivered. The four swords so far are Sword of Light and Shadow and Sword of Fire and Ice from Darksteel, Sword of Body and Mind from Scars of Mirrodin, and Sword of Feast and Famine from Mirrodin Besieged. This obviously is the Red and White sword. Your homework is provide in the comments below your educated guess.
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Omen Machine Wallpaper

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"...I'd call it 'goblin' in philosophy, but it has a clearly Phyrexian intent. It is fueled by all manner of sources, with no apparent regard for quantity. We witnessed engineers loading all sorts of fuel into the machine – struggling prisoners and dead bodies, quicksilver, precious ore, Mirran and Phyrexian devices alike; though Osserid and I could not see what it was making. The device didn't appear to be operating or doing anything other than its fuel burning within. "I wanted to pass this machine by, as we were sent by our Thought Bosses to document any Phyrexian device or tactic that could possibly turn the war in our enemy's favor and an inactive device was not worth inspecting. The halls resonated with screams, and I said we should scout those rooms, though Osserid insisted we go to this machine as the lack of screaming in Phyrexia was unsettling. I concurred. "When we began to inspect the machine, it was not active in any way we could discern. There was no hum or movement. There were massive pipes attached to its sides, but the pipes echoed hollow. Osserid looked inside, and I sprang back when his body burst into flames. He looked like he was screaming, but water poured from his mouth and nose. His face began to age, but his body from the neck below shrank. It had reverted to the state of infancy. In a matter of seconds, his aged face went motionless. "I knew I should have been moved, but by now I was jaded to Phyrexia's madness. This was the second day of our expedition, and of the ten of us that had set out, I was now the only to survive. I would mourn them all later. Quickly I noted the device's dimensions and my observations, the seventy-third device that could lose Mirrans the war." —Lafarius, Neurok sky agent

This art from David Rapoza is amazing. Our guess for this card involves a comes into play wording for 3 counters which the controller taps to remove a counter not much unlike Tumble Magnet with the result that target player cannot cast creature spells that turn.
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Lastly -

The store we go to sling cards (OMG Games) is providing an amazing prize for top spot in tonight's Friday Night Magic event . . . a Worldwake Fat Pack. Yep - the set which birthed the most expensive card in standard. This of course is a lottery and the winner has 8 chances of pulling a Jace, the Mind Sculptor.

For a $6 entry fee, you have the chance to win a Fat Pack (estimated cost around $90 and a chance of opening up one or more booster packs containing a $100 Jace - not too shabby.


So - if you are within a hour's drive to the store in Barrie, Ontario, we suggest you plan to put your behind in a seat tonight. Play starts shortly after 7:00 pm.

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Paladins & Princesses

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

Today's post title is a bit odd. Paladin is taken from the new Magic the Gathering 'Action' art, Puresteel Paladin and Princesses derived haphazardly from the accompanying art of Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite Wallpaper. We may be a bit off here, but from all the very excellent art spoilers we've seen over the last few weeks, we are seriously considering that the last set in this block will hold more legendary creatures than your average set - time will tell when the set is released May 13th. (Will players of this game love additional legendaries ?)

Righto - anywhoos - let's get to the kewl wallpapers - usually seen on our Friday posts here at MTG Realm . .

Puresteel Paladin Wallpaper

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"Dark times do not last forever. It's true our losses are great, but we have not yet lost this war. These are our homes, our lands, and our people. As long as there is steel in my hand, I will not back down, and neither should you." – Yavash, Accorder Paladin, to Kemba

Puresteel ? What's this all then. Perhaps and answer to Darksteel seen in Mirrodin Besieged ? Speculate away please. The art from Jason Chan is all that and a bag 'o' chips.
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Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite Wallpaper

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"Ah the glorious symphony of bitter hymns and forced hallelujahs! See the ignorant fall to their knees when I remove their heathen feet! All will be blessed with the pains of redemption! Look inside yourself to see the truth, or see my suture priests so they can open your chest to find it for you!" – delirious sermon of Elesh Norn

We have a feeling that the cheese has slid completely off the cracker for Elesh - perhaps hanging out too much Charlie Sheen. Anywhoos - on a side note, the flavour of this character reminds us of the mother-in-law and we can't wait until we see this card in a deck.

EDIT : Following up on Jeff's comment as well as n0rm's eMail - here's the critter from the movie you guy's were talking about . . .
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Next up -

Some news via a tweet from Michael Robles, WoTC minion - it appears that there will be an early preview of the upcoming Duel Decks : Knights vs. Dragons at PAX East. Michael spoiled this image here - pretty much the same product shot we spoiled in this post HERE last month.

Anyways - if you are not aware, PAX East is a three-day game festival for tabletop, videogame, and PC gamers and will be held this weekend March 11th to 13th, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. Wizards of the Coast have regularly attended this event and have several times in the past provided previews on their video games or upcoming Magic the Gathering product releases - if you're in that neck of the woods, check it out - and more importantly - send us pics of new MTG cards / products / WOTC booth shot, etc. and we'll post 'em.

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Lastly,

We don't often plug friends 'n' family here on MTG Realm but can say we are throughly impressed with the business a close friend has. Her business is BLITZ Business Solutions and whether you are already a business entrepreneur or are thinking of becoming your own boss (Magic Store Owner?), we think you may benefit greatly - check her out.

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Friday MTG Potpourri

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

From the title of today's post, it appears that we are having another Magic the Gathering Friday Potpourri . . . we're thinking that this is becoming habit forming. Anywhoos - we have several new 'Action' wallpapers from the Mirrodin site as well as Friday Night Magic promo cards we're certain that players would love to game with. Let's go . . .

First up - FNM promos -

March, 2011 FNM promo

Wall of Omens, 1W
Creature - Wall
Rise of the Eldrazi Uncommon
Defender
When Wall of Omens enters the battlefield, draw a card.
Flavor Text: "I search for a vision of Zendikar that does not include the Eldrazi." - Expedition journal entry
0 / 4

April, 2011 FNM Promo

Artisan of Kozilek, 9
Creature - Eldrazi
ise of the Eldrazi Uncommon
When you cast Artisan of Kozilek, you may return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield.
Annihilator 2 (Whenever this creature attacks, defending player sacrifices two permanents.)
10 / 9


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Next up -
We have several new Magic the Gathering wallpapers to pimp up your desktop background or mobile device. These image spoilers are all part of the next MTG set, code-named 'Action'. The final set name will be 'New Phyrexia' (very likely), or 'Mirrodin Pure' (not likely).

Argent Mutation Wallpaper

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"There is always a point in a father's life when he sees his child so far down a path that the potential to take another road is no longer a possibility. I wonder when my creator first looked at me with jubilation and regret, seeing me unable to become anything more than what I was. I think about that now, because I feel that way when I look upon my world." – Karn
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Sheoldred, Whispering One Wallpaper

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Sheoldred's request and thinly veiled threats echoed like thunder in my ears, even though she spoke in whispers and I had to lean in closer than was comfortable to hear these dreaded words. I knew this day would come – The Whispering One's knowledge of the goings-on inside and outside her domain is vast. I was foolish to believe I could escape her notice for long. . .


Chancellor of the Dross Wallpaper

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Jedrin: I write to you from a tree hollow somewhere in the Tangle. I'm hungry and tired, but I must write this and pray (to what gods, I wonder?) that you receive this. I'll cut to the chase: Rey-Goor is near death. The Phyrexians... they... But I should start from the beginning. All of Rey-Goor has been taut like a wire ready to snap, ever since the Gloom Coven disappeared. I know you must have felt it; perhaps that's why you volunteered for the duties that took you away from me. Backbiting and infighting reached fevered proportions not long after you left. Something had to give . . .

Caged Sun Wallpaper

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From the journal of Jian, Sylvok healer: I've seen so much pain, but that Auriok's still haunts me most. I don't even know his name. He was just one of many who arrived all at once - just a small part of a constant wave of dead and dying. When I reached his bedside, his breathing was shallow, his eyes wide and glassy, head tilted away from me. He had no apparent wounds, but in these days of Phyrexian poisons, I knew that meant little. "How are you feeling?" I asked. He just continued staring. I gently touched his shoulder. His face jerked towards me as he sat up, his body spasming in panic... He probably would have jumped to his feet and ran had he the strength . . .

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In other news,

MTG Mint Card is running yet another giveaway contest ending soon on March 14th.

This time, it is for a very lovely Mirrodin Besieged Fat Pack.

Click on over to their Facebook page and follow the instructions there.
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Friday Action Wallpapers

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

We're pumped about heading out to Friday Night Magic tonight - sling some new cards, have some epic games, etc. BUT tentative that we don't have all our new cards yet to finish off some of our crazy burro deck ideas. We're thinking about maybe bringing a modified Argentum Armor deck that went Quest-free - we'll see how good or how bad that plays tonight.

Anywhoos - Great News . . .

We've got updates from the Mirrodin Site today! - Check out these three very kewl new arts from the upcoming 'Action' set. The final name for this set will likely be New Phyrexia but Mirrodin Pure is still viable - the secret will be revealed only days before the pre-release.

Geosurge
Mirrana Hotspot Mountains #13

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Koth thrust his hands into the ground, red energy crackling from his skin. "You will not take my home. This world is not for you!" Closing his eyes, he saw the mana pulsing just beneath him. Clenching his fists to seize it, he wrenched it up. The abominations screamed as the world exploded around him in a fountain of power. But Koth found no joy in the rush of mana. One victory would not be enough, nor a hundred. His grim task was just begun.
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Urabrask the Hidden
Phyrexian Hotspot Mountains #13

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"The others think Urabrask is an arrogant fool who is simply spoiling for glorious battle with the Mirrans. But I'm not so sure. There is just enough method to his madness to leave me wondering. I see an endgame here... and I do not like it." - Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur

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Chancellor of the Annex
Phyrexian Hotspot Plains #18

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"Elesh Norn's church is a mockery of all faiths. She is like a child who has watched her elders from the other room at an important meeting. She sees the ritual but knows not the intent. And like a child, she scrambles to her room and replicates what she saw with her toys, pretending to be like an elder in a meeting, though she's only going through the motions.
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Action Sales Solicitation

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

We hope to get to our post of the Mirrodin Besieged Pre-Release we took in at OMG Games yesterday (Sunday) perhaps tomorrow. We did show up on Saturday around 10 minutes after registration opened and they had already filled their capacity of 64 players - one of the best turn-outs we can remember. Sunday was a solid showing as well with around 24 players but we failed rather miserably with building our sealed pooled which resulted in a draw, loss and loss before dropping to go home and admire our new card goodness.

Anywhoos - today's post -

Late last week, Wizards posted their sales solicitation flyer for the third set in the Scars of Mirrodin block, code-named 'Action' scheduled to be released May 13, 2011. Action will be properly named 'Mirrodin Pure' or 'New Phyrexia' and will only be revealed at the last moment and will reveal whether the Mirrans or Phyrexians are victorious in the battle for the plane of Mirrodin. This set will contain 175 cards and the tagline for the set is either "The Sharpest Steel is Tempered in Fire" (Mirrodin Pure) or "The Grand Compleation is Achieved" (New Phyrexia), and the expansion symbol will match the respective Mirran or Phyrexian watermarks found on nearly all non-land cards from Scars of Mirrodin and Mirrodin Besieged.

Returning with “Action” are Event Decks. These 60-card decks come with a 15-card sideboard and are intended for use in Standard play tournaments like Friday Night Magic or Game Day. They also come with a Spindown life counter and a reusable card box. Also, with the release of “Action” Wizards will return to five versions of the Intro Packs as opposed to the four versions in Mirrodin Besieged.

Below, is the document from the mothership . . .

Action Solicitation
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Lastly, now is the time to pick up your Mirrodin Besieged Uncommon and Common Deck Set from MTG Mint Card.
This bulk offering includes an Uncommon Set X4 and Common Set X4 for a great price on only $29.99
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