Commander Videos 6

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

We are back again and on track with the final installment of our wildly popular video series on Commander 2015 with our good buddy Jon at CommandTower.tk.  Today we are looking at the blue / green Simic-coloured pre-constructed decklist called 'Swell the Host'.  MTG Realm playgroup member 'R-Stomp' has already sleeved up with the matching Ultra PRO sleeves and has kicked butt / taken names with this decklist.  

Righto, here are our videos to date -
(1) Commander 2015 Intro
(2) Call the Spirits (Black / White)
(3) Seize Control (Red / Blue)
(4) Plunder the Graves (Black / Green)
(5) Wade into Battle (Red / White)
(6) Swell the Host (Blue / Green)

- and here we present our video review -

Swell the Host
Ezuri, Claw of Progress once led a resistance against the Phyrexians—but now he seeks to extend their gift of “perfection” to his former allies. As more creatures join his mighty host, he infuses them with ever-greater power.

The primary theme of the deck is +1/+1 counters, and the secondary theme is Snakes on a Plane. The primary new commander is Ezuri, Claw of Progress, the secondary new commander is Kaseto, Orochi Archmage, and the reprint commander is Prime Speaker Zegana.

New cards for Commander 2015
• Arachnogenesis
• Broodbirth Viper
• Command Beacon
• Ezuri, Claw of Progress
• Ezuri's Predation
• Gigantoplasm
• Great Oak Guardian
• Illusory Ambusher
• Kaseto, Orochi Archmage
• Mirrormatch
• Scytheclaw
• Skullwinder
• Synthetic Destiny
• Thought Vessel
• Verdant Confluence

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Commander Videos 5

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

Friday again is (finally upon us).  We suggest making a clean mental break from your work / school week and head on down to your local gaming store for Friday Night Magic - full of fun / adventure / prizes, and in some places, rather unusual odors.  Anywhoos, we are heading down to our fav store, OMG! Games, here in Barrie, Ontario Canada-Land to fine-tune our current standard (B/R devoid Eldrazi) to get some game play in before next weekend's Game Day Tournament.

Anywhoos, we are back again with another installment of our wildly popular video series on Commander 2015 with our good buddy Jon at CommandTower.tk.  Today we are looking at the red / white Boros-coloured pre-constructed decklist called 'Wade into Battle.  Can't wait to sleeve up this bad boy with the matching Ultra PRO sleeves / box / playmat and get down to gaming.  Here are our videos to date -
(1) Commander 2015 Intro
(2) Call the Spirits (Black / White)
(3) Seize Control (Red / Blue)
(4) Plunder the Graves (Black / Green)
(5) Wade into Battle (Red / White)
(6) Swell the Host (Blue / Green)

Wade into Battle
Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas is a giant who’s right at home on the front ranks of a fight. Her power increases as more large creatures answer her call, so her lightning-fast sword swings grow deadlier as the battle wages on.

The primary theme of the deck is giants, and the secondary theme is big creatures. The primary new commander is Kalemne, Disciple of Ioras, the secondary new commander is Anya, Merciless Angel, and the reprint commander is Gisela, Blade of Goldnight.

New cards for Commander 2015
• Anya, Merciless Angel
• Blade of Selves
• Dawnbreak Reclaimer
• Dream Pillager
• Fiery Confluence
• Herald of the Host
• Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas
• Kalemne's Captain
• Magus of the Wheel
• Meteor Blast
• Oreskos Explorer
• Rite of the Raging Storm
• Sandstone Oracle
• Thought Vessel
• Warchief Giant

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Commander Videos 4

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

Last weekend, our Bro-Chacho Jon, of CommandTower.tk, dropped by and we went through all five Commander 2015 decks.  These were a very lovely gift from our awesome Bro Eric at Christmas.  

These posts (to be updated) will link off to all the videos we had worked on - 
(1) Commander 2015 Intro
(2) Call the Spirits (Black / White)
(3) Seize Control (Red / Blue)
(4) Plunder the Graves (Black / Green)
(5) Wade into Battle (Red / White)
(6) Swell the Host (Blue / Green)

In today's post, we have a video where we will discuss the black and green 'Golgari' Commander product named 'Plunder the Graves'.

If you love using your graveyard as a resources to filter and power-out threats to the battlefield, you will likely find this Commander 2015 to fit your style.  I would even go so far as to suggest that Necromongers (of the Riddick science fiction franchise) would likely pick up this decklist to do battle as well.  Anywhoos, here's the 411 for you -

Plunder the Graves 
Meren of Clan Nel Toth draws on the corpses of mighty creatures to serve as her minions. The more creatures die, the faster the fallen return to fight on her behalf, so she freely sacrifices the living to make room for the dead. 

The primary theme of the deck is graveyard recursion, and the secondary themes are sacrificing permanents and +1/+1 counters. The primary new commander is Meren of Clan Nel Toth, the secondary new commander is Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest, and the reprint commander is Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord. 

New cards for Commander 2015 
• Banshee of the Dread Choir 
• Bloodspore Thrinax 
• Caller of the Pack 
• Centaur Vinecrasher 
• Corpse Augur 
• Dread Summons 
• Great Oak Gurdian 
• Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest 
• Meren of Clan Nel Toth 
• Pathbreaker Ibex 
• Scourge of Nel Toth 
• Skullwinder 
• Thief of Blood 
• Thought Vessel 
• Wretched Confluence

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Commander Videos 3

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Happy Tuesday MTG peeps,

Last weekend, our BroChcho Jon, of CommandTower.tk, dropped by and we went through all five Commander 2015 decks.  These were a very lovely gift from our awesome Bro Eric at Christmas.  

These posts (to be updated) will link off to all the videos we had worked on - 
(1) Commander 2015 Intro
(2) Call the Spirits (Black / White)
(3) Seize Control (Red / Blue)
(4) Plunder the Graves (Black / Green)
(5) Wade into Battle (Red / White)
(6) Swell the Host (Blue / Green)

In today'spost, we have a video where we will discuss the red and blue 'Izzet' Commander product named 'Seize Control'.

Seize Control
Mizzix of the Izmagnus rose from humble beginnings to a place of power by being the craftiest goblin in the forges. As she unleashes more and more spells, they get even cheaper to cast, allowing her to sustain her dominance.

The primary theme of the deck is instants and sorceries, and the secondary theme is drawing cards. The primary new commander is Mizzix of the Izmagnus, the secondary new commander is Arjun, the Shifting Flame, and the reprint commander is Melek, Izzet Paragon. 

New cards for Commander 2015
• Æthersnatch
• Arjun, the Shifting Flame
• Awaken the Sky Tyrant
• Broodbirth Viper
• Gigantoplasm
• Illusory Ambusher
• Meteor Blast
• Mirror Match
• Mizzix of the Izmagnus
• Mizzix's Mastery
• Mystic Confluence
• Rite of the Raging Storm
• Seal of the Guildpact
• Thought Vessel
• Warchief Giant

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Copmmander Videos 2

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Happy Sunday MTG peeps,

On the weekend, our BroChcho Jon, of CommandTower.tk, dropped by and we went through all five Commander 2015 decks.  These were a very lovely gift from our awesome Bro Eric at Christmas.  

These posts (to be updated) will link off to all the videos we had worked on - 
(1) Commander 2015 Intro
(2) Call the Spirits (Black / White)
(3) Seize Control (Red / Blue)
(4) Plunder the Graves (Black / Green)
(5) Wade into Battle (Red / White)
(6) Swell the Host (Blue / Green)

In this post, we have a video where we will discuss the black and white 'Orzhov' Commander product named 'Call the Spirits'.

Call the Spirits
Daxos the Returned travels across Theros in a never-ending search, surrounded by spirits that are drawn to his power. As mighty enchantments enter the battlefield, the spirits he summons grow larger and larger, leaving his enemies overwhelmed.

The primary theme of the deck is enchantments, and the secondary theme is lifegain. The primary new commander is Daxos the Returned, the secondary new commander is Karlov of the Ghost Council, and the reprint commander is Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts.

New cards for Commander 2015
• Banshee of the Dread Choir
• Bastion Protector
• Corpse Augur
• Daxos the Returned
• Daxos's Torment
• Deadly Tempest
• Grasp of Fate
• Herald of the Host
• Karlov of the Ghost Council
• Oreskos Explorer
• Righteous Confluence
• Sandstone Oracle
• Shielded by Faith
• Thief of Blood
• Thought Vessel
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Commander 2015 Videos 1

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Happy Sunday MTG peeps,

On the weekend, our BroChcho Jon, of CommandTower.tk, dropped by and we went through all five Commander 2015 decks.  These were a very lovely gift from our awesome Bro Eric at Christmas.  

These posts (to be updated) will link off to all the videos we had worked on - 
(1) Commander 2015 Intro
(2) Call the Spirits (Black / White)
(3) Seize Control (Red / Blue)
(4) Plunder the Graves (Black / Green)
(5) Wade into Battle (Red / White)
(6) Swell the Host (Blue / Green)

In this post, we have a video for the introduction to this years' Magic: the Gathering offering for Commander 2015.

Commander 2015, is the newest product in the Commander series that was released by Wizards of the Coast on November 13, 2015 and features five enemy colored 100-card decks (342 different cards). There are 56 new cards legal in Vintage and Legacy. Each of the five preconstructed decks comes with one oversized foil Commander card, 10 double-faced tokens, a deck storage box, a strategy insert, a rules reference card and 15 new cards.

Each preconstructed deck was designed with a primary theme and a secondary theme. The main new commander in the deck matches the primary theme, while the alternate new commander matches the secondary theme

Commander 2015 introduced Experience counters, player counters that will make your Commander grow in power during the course of each game. Each game pack includes a card labeled "Experience" with the suggestion "Place your experience counters here." This card isn't required for play. It's simply a convenient spot to put your experience counters, which can be represented with dice, glass beads, or other small items.

Myriad is a new creature mechanic focused on multiplayer. When a creature with myriad attacks an opponent, that creature's controller gets a temporary copy of it attacking each other opponent

Cycles - Commander 2015 has seven cycles:

• Experience counter commanders: five mythic rare bicolored legendary creatures that can be used as a commander. — Daxos the Returned, Mizzix of the Izmagnus, Meren of Clan Nel Toth, Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas and Ezuri, Claw of Progress.

• Alternate commanders: five mythic rare legendary creatures fitting the secondary theme of the decks. — Karlov of the Ghost Council, Arjun, the Shifting Flame, Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest, Anya, Merciless Angel and Kaseto, Orochi Archmage.
   
• Reprint commanders: five rare legendary creature reprints that fit the deck's theme. — Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts, Melek, Izzet Paragon, Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord, Gisela, Blade of Goldnight and Prime Speaker Zegana
   
• Mechanical tie-ins: five rare cards mechanically related to the same plane as the main commanders. — Daxos's Torment, Mizzix's Mastery, Bloodspore Thrinax, Kalemne's Captain, and Scytheclaw.
   
• Confluences: five rare modal spells. — Righteous Confluence, Mystic Confluence, Wretched Confluence, Fiery Confluence, and Verdant Confluence.
   
• Myriad creatures: five uncommon creatures with the myriad mechanic. — Herald of the Host, Broodbirth Viper, Banshee of the Dread Choir, Warchief Giant, and Caller of the Pack.
   
• Enemy color signets: five common mana stones. Each artifact costs to cast and can be tapped to filter into two mana of different colors. Reprinted from Ravnica, Guildpact and Dissension — Orzhov Signet, Izzet Signet, Golgari Signet, Boros Signet and Simic Signet.
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Commander 2015 Review 3

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

MTG Realm is back yet again with another Commander 2015 review.  We have already provided a brief review of the Magic: the Gathering pre-constructed Commander 2015 products for the Black / White 'Call the spirits' deck lead by Daxos the Returned, as well as the 'Wade into Battle' deck lead by Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas.

The Black & Green coloured 'Plunder the Graves' deck has Merren of Clan Nel Toth as the Commander with choices of Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest or the previously printed Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord as your 'back-up' Commander.  This decklist showcases what what Black and Green ('Golgari' colours) do best - graveyard shenanigans and uses just about every vector available to fill up the graveyard.  One can sacrifice creatures to your benefit, whether is is part of a paid cost to an activated ability such as Viridian Zealot or as a by-product of a spell such as Mulch or one of our favourite common card-draw spells, Altar's Reap.

The idea which you will readily appreciate is to fill up that yard rapidly, even with seemingly un-beneficial chump blocks in order to set up the punch line.  Recycle and reuse the fallen with the likes of Wretched Confluence, Rise from the Grave or Meren of Clan Nel Toth herself.  A number of creature cards in this decklist also have rather nice 'enters the battlefield' effects such as Satyr Wayfinder which means it is definitely encouraged to double dip and have it cycle as many times as possible.

The new card, Merren of Clan Nel Toth collects those new experience counters for each time one of your critters bites the dust.  The pay-out here is the ability to be able to retreive a creature in your graveyard equal to or less than the number of experience counters at your end step.  

The second legendary creature, Mazirek will garner +1/+1 counters on each creature you control every time a player sacrifices.  Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest is also decent in this list but we would personally consider this a secondary character and not optimal in the current list as its Commander without some modifications first in the theme.  There are almost 20 or so cards with a sacrifice clause in the mix and we would likely want to pump that number up a bit more.

Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord is your third legendary in the list and great support card as well.  Again, we would want to modify the list a titch should we want to have Jarad act as Commander here.  When Jarad was in standand format, we had a definite liking to what this card could do - first and foremost - sacrificing huge critters to kock life off each opponent.  We also liked the power / toughness pump with each critter in your graveyard but often found that we wished Jarad had evasion and would be chump-blocked till the cows came home unless we had a combat trick or spot removal.


All in all, a solid list - our compliments to Wizards of the Coast staffers (Ben Hayes, Dan Emmons, et al.) - love the theme, and the fun factor while playing.

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Commander 2015 Review 2

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Happy Sunday MTG peeps,

As promised, we hope to get to a brief Magic: the Gathering review of each one of the five new Command 2015 pre-constructed products.  We don't play as much Commander as we would like to but still hope that you may find something of interest here in our observations.  Today's post covers the Red & White decklist.

Wade Into Battle - Red / White
Expect to pay around $40 here in Canada and around $30 in the States.

Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas is a giant who’s right at home on the front ranks of a fight. Her power increases as more large creatures answer her call, so her lightning-fast sword swings grow deadlier as the battle wages on.
 

Like each of the previous Commander pre-constructed products, each one contains several Commander options that you can use.  Specifically, there are two new and one reprinted Boros coloured (red / white) legendary creatures which you may choose to lead your team to victory -

Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas - Agressively costed 4-cmc with a 3/3 body, but with double strike and vigilance, this can swing to land six damage and be ready for attackers.  This giantess gains you experience counters when you cast those huge spells of 5 cmc or greater - which should not be a problem given all the hefty Angels, Giants, and Dragons in this list.  Kalemne is pumped +1/+1 for each experience counter you have.

Anya, Merciless Angel - Flying 4/4 Boros Angel for 5 mana.  Given the aggressive profile of this list, it should not be difficult in reducing an opponent's life to half than the starting value which allows Anya to get a pump for +3/+3 as well as indestructible.  Suggested pairing with Heartless Hidetsugu  which allows Anya to go nuclear quicker.

Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - Solid 5/5 flying, first strike Boros Angel for 7 cmc.  Gisela has two very sweet abilities which can pose a serious threat / problem to your opponents.  The first ability doubles damage delivered to an opponent while the second ability prevents half the damage hitting you.

About half of the 30 creatures in this list have the 'Giant' creature type (including the changeling) but there does not appear to be much in the way of support for giant tribal which is odd given the number of giants here.  The list does indeed have the following 'tribal' support for the big fellas -
• Ancient Amphitheater
• Borderland Behemoth
• Stinkdrinker Daredevil
• Sunrise Sovereign
• Thundercloud Shaman
We submit that five cards supporting this theme should be expanding upon.  We suggest that should you go down this road, consideration be given to the likes of Door of Destinies,Giant Harbinger (float a giant to top of library), any of the appropriate Giant Tribal spells (Crush Underneath, Feudkiller's Verdict, etc.), as well as any of those 'power 5 or greater spells' such as  Gustrider Exuberant (sac to make 'em fly eot), or Bloodthorn Taunter (tap to give 'em haste), would benefit this list quite greatly.   Should you exchange some angels in the list for additional Giants, give some thought to Cunning Giant, Quarry Colossus, and Sentinel of the Eternal Watch.  As there is rather little in the way to assist you to mana ramp (Knight of the White Orchid), consider beefing up with some mana-rocks like Thran Dynamo, Commander's Sphere and Chromatic Lantern.
At the very least, should you drop the focus on giants, consider using Balefire Liege to not only pump the red 'n' whites +1/+1 but also provides a very handy burn and / or gain ability.  In addition, Sunforger is a fav boros-coloured equipment which can be quite useful to pull out an instant (like Pact of the Titan).

All in all, we love the list but want to modify it as soon as we get it - which is, of course what Wizards would likely hope you would do anyways.  Happy Brewing!
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Wednesday Miscellany

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

Before we get into today's article, we want to take a moment for some solemn reflection as it is Remembrance Day.  A long time ago, when I was in the Forces, I had lost a buddy from my Battalion during a training exercise accident - today I will be thinking about James Palen.

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Righto - back to today's Magic: the Gathering news 'n' other stuff from around the interwebs.

The latest Commander 2015 set is out this weekend.  If you are attending a Release Event at your local gaming store, do drop by the Release Notes on the mothersite, so you know exactly what those 56 new cards are capable of.  As expected, the new set was updated on Gatherer, the MTG card database, which is an invaluable tool one can use when brewing up your sick stack.  This of course will also help MTG Realm writing up the next Commander 2015 pre-con review and we can't wait to start brewing up some Commander lists.

As it is Wednesday, don't forget to drop over to Wizards to get the latest Magic: the Gathering wallpaper for your device as well as reading the newest Uncharted Realms short story (this one from Alison Luhrs featuring the new legendary creature Uncle Karlov).

Next up - the 2015 (Battle for Zendikar) Holiday Gift Box -

We've been picking up the Holiday Gift Box EVERY year it has come out - except for this year.  The gift box is a reasonable deal and in the past, we've personally paid the very close equivalent of the the booster packs contained within the product.  Sure, the storage box and dividers (during the second and third year) may have been on the flimsy side, but WoTC did make improvements.  The price this year locally is $35.  We could drive to Toronto and pick it up for $26 but the difference is eaten up by fuel costs (and time of course) by our terribly inefficient vehicle.  If you previously enjoyed out unboxing video for this product - apologies this year.  We absolutely LOVE storage solutions provided by BCW Supplies and will continue using their binders and boxes for our cards.

Pop on over to the Tolarian Community College YouTube Channel to see what the Professor has to say.  We are in complete agreement that the 'full art' lands should NOT have been shown on the back cover which may be confusing to some consumers.

 

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Commander 2015 Ultra PRO

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Happy Monday (again) MTG peeps,

Earlier today we posted our first Commander 2015 review of the black / white pre-con 'Call the Spirits'.  We are back at it again with a brief post on Ultra PRO product line-up for Commander 2015.  

Commander 2015 Play mats with premium fabric top to prevent damage to cards during game play. Dimensions are approximately 24" X 13-1/2". Rubber backing lets the play mat lay flat and prevents the mat from shifting during use.

Daxos the Returned (# 86317)

Ezuri, Claw of Progress (# 86319)

Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas (# 86321)

Meren of Clan Nel Toth (# 86323)

Mizzix of the Izmagnus (# 86325)

Commander 2015 PRO-100+ Deck Box holds 100 Standard double sleeved gaming cards in Ultra PRO Deck Protector Sleeves. Self-locking lid design with write-on strip. Thumb notch for easy access to cards. 1 card divider inside.

Daxos the Returned (# 86316)

Ezuri, Claw of Progress (# 86318)

Kalemne, Disciple of Iroas (# 86320)

Meren of Clan Nel Toth (# 86322)

Mizzix of the Izmagnus (# 86324)

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Commander 2015 Review 1

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

As promised here at MTG Realm, we are getting to a review of each of the new Commander 2015 decks.  For the first one, we are looking at the Black / White one and will likely have the next review next week, so stay tuned.

Call the Spirits

Daxos the Returned travels across Theros in a never-ending search, surrounded by spirits that are drawn to his power. As mighty enchantments enter the battlefield, the spirits he summons grow larger and larger, leaving his enemies overwhelmed.

Here are the three Black / White legendary creatures supplied with 'Call the Spirits' which may be used as your Commander -

• Daxos the Returned

• Karlov of the Ghost Council

• Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts

Daxos the Returned, 1WB
Legendary Creature - Zombie Soldier
Whenever you cast an enchantment spell, you get an experience counter.
1WB: Put a white and black Spirit enchantment creature token onto the battlefield. It has "This creature's power and toughness are each equal to the number of experience counters you have."
2/2

Karlov of the Ghost Council, WB
Legendary Creature - Spirit Advisor
Whenever you gain life, put two +1/+1 counters on Karlov of the Ghost Council.
WB, Remove six +1/+1 counters from Karlov of the Ghost Council: Exile target creature.
2/2

Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts, 5WB
Legendary Creature — Human Advisor
Vigilance, protection from creatures
Whenever a creature deals combat damage to you, destroy that creature. Put a 1/1 white and black Spirit creature token with flying onto the battlefield.
4/4

Given the name, 'Call the Spirits' of this pre-constructed Commander list, one would imagine a Spirit theme of sots, and indeed the primary commander, Daxos the Returned, does produce spirit tokens but this really is an Enchantments matters theme.  There are approximately (by our brief revie) some 21 Enchantments as well as 7 Enchantment Creatures.  There are 5 more additional creatures, 2 sorceries, and 1 artifact with a synergy with enchantments.

Daxos is all about casting Enchantments. For each Enchantment that you cast, you get an experience counter. You then can then pay the activated ability of 1WB to generate create Spirit enchantment creature token with power and toughness equal to the number of experience counters you have. These tokens can be serious threats later in the game as they enter the battlefield in continually larger forms.  These do lack evasion like flying, which is granted to many other spirit creatures but is more than offset by the promise of the potential for rather large P/T token which could land damage with the likes of Rogue's Passage to grant it an unblockable ability.  Some suggestions for modifications include going all in with enchantments which may include consideration for the other 'Constellation' cards not in the current list (Skybind, Grim Guardian, Agent of Erebos, etc.).  Consideration should be given also to the Theran gods Heliod, Erebos, and Athreos as well.

The other new Commander available in this list is Karlov of the Ghost Council.  In short, many Magic: the Gathering players may believe that Karlov does not belong in this list, even as a supporting card.  There is only 5 cards within this decklist which may gain you life so we can expect that Karlov would not be collecting many +1/+1 counters and subsequently exiling creatures.  The consensus with the MTG Realm playgroup is that Karlov would be best suited in its own list with a strong life-gain theme.  Some suggestions off the hop would to be to include a number of cards with 'Extort' to be able to trigger that life-gain or perhaps cards one would expect in a 'Soul Sisters' type of strategy.  Essentially cards that will allow Karlove to grow rapidly, perhaps with lifelink and those with a triggered ability when you gain life like Ajani's Pridemate.  Should you find that your list is providing huge life gain (with the help of Rhox Faitmender), consider an alternate win condition like Felidar Sovereign (if you playgroup allows this).  Alternatively, you may want to push Karlov off to a supporting role in a list that focuses on a theme of +1/+1 counters like Ghave, Guru of Spores.

As for the reprint of Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts, we think that perhaps this is best left in a supportive roll as a late-game bomb.  There are a few lists we've seen that look rather nice with Teysa but we feel that that this one is better in the mixx of 99 rather than in the Command Zone.

Here are the newly printed cards that are included in the 'Call the Spirits' Commander 2015 decklist.  In general, all solid support cards which could also find gainful employment in a variety of other Commander lists.

Banshee of the Dread Choir

Bastion Protector

Corpse Augur

Daxos the Returned  (Legendary)

Daxos's Torment 

Deadly Tempest

Grasp of Fate  

Herald of the Host

Karlov of the Ghost Council  (Legendary)

Oreskos Explorer

Righteous Confluence

Sandstone Oracle

Shielded by Faith 

Thief of Blood

Thought Vessel

Depending upon your taste, we suggest you pick the one of the two new Commanders (as we suspect WotC intended), and then provide some fine tuning (in the case of Daxox) or a complete overhaul (in the case of Karlov).
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Commander 2015 Previews 11-06

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

As it is Friday, we suggest you leave your bunker and re-connect with humanity with a game of Magic: the Gathering at a Friday Night Magic event near you.  Pop on over to the mothersite's handy LGS locator.  If you find yourself in Central Ontario this evening, we'll be at OMG Games here in Barrie, and very likely with our trade binder as we are still very much short of the mana-base we need to power our latest weapon (the wish list here).

Anywhoos, today marked the very last day for official Commander 2015 previews.  The last four unknown cards were revealed since yesterday's MTG Realm post and all 56 new cards have now been accounted for.

WotC has now posted the full and completed Commander 2015 decklists, and they are looking pretty damn fine.  We hope to provided a post for each of these Commander decks next week after we have a chance to take a closer look.  For now, here are the new cards previewed today -
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Caller of the Pack - 5GG for a solid 8/6 beast with trample and the new 'myriad' mechanic.

Shielded by Faith - Enchant creature aura for 1WW providing indestructibility and the ability to move the aura onto ANY creature entering the battlefield.

Oreskos Explorer - A 2/2 Cat Scout for 1W with a similar effect to that of Knight of the White Orchard but adapted to this multiplayer format.

Wretched Confluence - The last modal instant.  For 3BB your choice (3x) of a sign in blood - like effect,  a disfigure effect, and / or recycle a creature from your yard to hand.


Thief of Blood - A flying 1/1 Vampire for 4BB - but wait ! - she will steal ALL COUNTERS from all PERMANENTS (not just the +1/+1 type) just like my Ex and ETB with that many.

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Commander 2015 Previews 11-05

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

To our readers in the UK and NZ, we wish you a safe Guy Fawkes day and may you have money left over for your Guy for a pint at the pub.  Please remember which end of the fireworks is the business end and have a pail of water by your fire (which given the time difference) did not appear to be the case in some some NZ neighbourhoods.  

Anywhoos, Commander 2015 previews continue to be the order of the day here at MTG Realm.  Here are the latest 'n' greatest Magic: the Gathering cards on the mothersite and the around the inter-webz.  Do pop over the the WotC site as staffer Blake Rammusen revealed about 2-dozen tokens to be used with this Commander product.

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A reminder of Myriad is handy just right now as we have two more cards with this ability.  Reminder text reads 'Whenever this creature attacks, for each opponent other than defending player, you may put a token that's a copy of this creature onto the battlefield tapped and attacking that player or a planeswalker he or she controls. Exile the tokens at end of combat.'

Herald of the Host - A 4/4 flying Angel with vilgance, myriad and a 4/4 body.

Warchief Giant - A 5/3 giant warrior with haste for 3RR with a sweet Myriad tack on.

Rite of the Raging Storm - Enchantment costing 3RR is a really interesting card that produces a 5/1 elemental token named 'Lightning Rager' for EACH player at the begninning of their upkeep.  The creature token has trample, haste and a must sac clause at end step.  The beauty of this is the enchantment also does not allow any such-named tokens to attack you or a PW of yours.

Mystic Confluence - Ohmagawd, the blue confluence spell is really good.  Modal three choice, option to choose same mode more than once for 3UU to counter unless 3 is paid, to bounce or card draw. Wow.

Righteous Confluence - The white confluence is damn fine too.  Same modal choices with 2/2 knight token, enchantment exile or 5 life gain.

Thought Vessel - Decent 2-cost artifact which can tap for one colourless and bonus of no max hand size.

Arjun, the Shifting Flame - Here's the Izzet coloured legendary Sphinx we were looking forward to.  A flying 5/5 for 4UR with a deck-filter upon casting a spell - specifically, hand goes to library bottom with same number drawn from top.

Daxos's Torment - German MagicBlogs.de preview.  A constellation-tech enchantment for 3B gives you a powerful 5/5 demon with flying / haste whenever you have an enchantment ETB.  Very nice!

Bloodspore Thrinax - Counter party ahoy with this 2/2 lizard with Devour 1 for just 2GG.  The lizard welcomes each other creature you cast with the same number of counters on it.

Karlov of the Ghost Council - Here's the legendary Orzhov coloured creature.  A 2/2 spirit advisor for WB that will collect two +1/+1 counters on itself whenever you gain life.  Sweet creature exile activated ability costs just a WB and a counter from Karl.

Corpse Augur - Japanese iplaymtg.com preview.  This is a 4/2 zombie vizard for 3B which, when it gets nerf'd, provides a card draw (no 'may', you must) equal to the number of critters in an chosen opponent's graveyard.  The (possible) down side is you also will lose life equal to the number of cards drawn.

Pathbreaker Ibex - late day preview from yesterday. This 3/3 goat costs 4GG that will give your entire attacking team trampl and a pump equal to the power of your largest (power) attacker.

Synthetic Destiny - another one from yesterday.  An instant for 4UU which will exile all your creatures and put that many creatures from your library top straight onto the battlefield.  Nice.
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