Oath of the Gatewatch Intro Packs

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

Yesterday on the mothersite, Blake Rasmussen provided the decklists for the Oath of the Gatewatch Intro Packs in the (new) Daily Magic Update column - linky over here.  We LOVE the new format / shake-up in the Daily MTG / Magic Arcana content and really appreciate that Wizards of the Coast is shining a spot light on the Magic: the Gathering fan community in this.

Anywhoos, we should yatter about the new Oath of the Gatewatch Intro Packs.  Overall, nothing very much to get excited about, but we will say that WotC has done another good job at showcasing the abilities of the new mechanics.  As usual, in all, there are five new Intro Packs which acquaint players with the powerful new mechanics and themes of the new set. They're the perfect product for introducing new Magic players to Oath of the Gatewatch. We suggest that if you pick up one of more of these Intro Packs, consider getting some sweet Ultra PRO sleeves and deckboxes as well. For a suggested MSRP of just $15 (U.S. only ), here's what you get - 

Contents: 
• Ready-to-play 60-card deck featuring a foil premium card and non-full-art Wastes
• 2 Oath of the Gatewatch 15-card booster packs
• Strategy Insert
• Magic learn-to-play guide
(Foil rare has alternate card art)


Desperate Stand - White / Black
Cohort / Ally Theme

Creatures (26) : 1 Cliffside Lookout, 2 Expedition Envoy, 2 Kor Castigator, 2 Ondu War Cleric, 2 Serene Steward, 2 Kalastria Healer, 2 Kor Scythemaster, 2 Vampire Envoy, 1 Drana's Emissary, 2 Spawnbinder Mage, 1 Drana's Chosen (RARE), 2 Zulaport Chainmage, 1 Cliffhaven Vampire, 2 Kor Entanglers, 1 Munda's Vanguard (FOIL RARE), 1 Malakir Soothsayer
Spells (9) : 2 Allied Reinforcements, 1 Dutiful Return, 1 Dazzling Reflection, 2 Gideon's Reproach, 2 Tar Snare, 1 Smite the Monstrous
Lands (25) : 1 Blighted Fen, 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Plains, 9 Swamp
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Twisted Reality - Colourless / Blue
Eldrazi / Devoid Theme

Creatures (29) : 1 Prophet of Distortion, 2 Salvage Drone, 3 Blinding Drone, 3 Mist Intruder, 1 Tide Drifter, 3 Cultivator Drone, 2 Eldrazi Skyspawner, 1 Ruination Guide, 2 Gravity Negator, 2 Murk Strider, 1 Thought Harvester, 2 Kozilek's Channeler, 2 Walker of the Wastes, 1 Kozilek's Pathfinder, 1 Deepfathom Skulker (FOIL RARE), 1 Bane of Bala Ged, 1 Endless One (RARE)
Spells (5) : 2 Spatial Contortion, 1 Titan's Presence, 1 Adverse Conditions, 1 Scour from Existence
Lands (26) : 1 Blighted Cataract, 1 Evolving Wilds, 10 Wastes, 14 Island
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Vicious Cycle - Black / Green
Sacrifice / Graveyard Recursion Theme

Creatures (23) : 2 Blisterpod, 2 Carrier Thrall, 2 Loam Larva, 2 Rot Shambler, 2 Stalking Drone, 1 Essence Depleter, 1 Voracious Null, 2 Netcaster Spider, 1 Null Caller, 1 Broodhunter Wurm, 1 Smothering Abomination (RARE), 2 Seed Guardian, 1 Kozilek's Pathfinder, 1 Brood Monitor, 1 Baloth Null, 1 Dread Defiler (FOIL RARE)
Spells (12) : 2 Bone Splinters, 2 Oblivion Strike, 1 Vines of the Recluse, 1 Altar's Reap, 2 Corpse Churn, 1 Grasp of Darkness, 2 Natural Connection, 1 Pulse of Murasa
Lands (25) : 1 Blighted Woodland, 1 Evolving Wilds, 2 Fertile Thicket, 4 Wastes, 8 Swamp, 9 Forest
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Surge of Resistance - Red / Blue
Surge / Prowess Theme

Creatures (20) : 3 Lavastep Raider, 3 Umara Entangler, 2 Stormchaser Mage, 2 Reckless Bushwhacker, 3 Goblin Freerunner, 2 Cloud Manta, 1 Cyclone Sire, 2 Jwar Isle Avenger, 1 Windrider Patrol, 1 Tyrant of Valakut (FOIL RARE)
Spells (15) : 1 Boulder Salvo, 1 Ugin's Insight (RARE), 1 Roiling Waters, 1 Rolling Thunder, 2 Expedite, 2 Anticipate, 1 Grip of the Roil, 2 Comparative Analysis, 2 Containment Membrane, 2 Pyromancer's Assault
Lands (25) : 1 Blighted Gorge, 1 Evolving Wilds, 12 Mountain, 11 Island
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Concerted Effort G/W
Support / Flying Theme

Creatures (26) : 2 Cliffside Lookout, 2 Expedition Envoy, 2 Kitesail Scout, 1 Oran-Rief Invoker, 2 Kor Castigator, 2 Makindi Aeronaut, 2 Kor Sky Climber, 2 Shadow Glider, 2 Joraga Auxiliary, 1 Veteran Warleader (RARE), 1 Saddleback Lagac, 2 Relief Captain, 1 Steppe Glider, 2 Expedition Raptor, 1 Angel of Renewal, 1 Gladehart Cavalry (FOIL RARE)
Spells (10) : 2 Shoulder to Shoulder, 1 Allied Reinforcements, 2 Lead by Example, 1 Immolating Glare, 1 Mighty Leap, 1 Iona's Blessing, 2 Isolation Zone
Lands (24) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 1 Tranquil Expanse, 7 Forest, 15 Plains

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Magic Origins Intro Packs

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

In less than twelve hours, we will be at the midnight PreRelease event for Magic Origins at Koros Games in Orangeville, Ontario which is about an hour and change north of Toronto.  You may recall an article we had posted last year about this very cool store and great gaming community.  If you are in the neighbourhood, drop by Koros Games and say hi.  A throng of Magic: the Gathering fans will be the first to get their paws on new cards and game until the early light.  MTG Realm will have a full report on the prerelease tournament with video, pics and a write-up as to how this set plays in sealed format.

Anywhoos, we have to get on to today's articles - Magic Origins Intro Packs.

The full decklists went up on the mothersite yesterday.  If you are new to the game, Intro Packs are designed with new players in mind.  Even more seasoned players will pick these up and have them battle against eachother.  Each Intro Pack comes along with two rares, one of which is an alternative-art foil card.  Here is the full list 'o' goodies -

• 60-card ready-to-play deck
• 2 Magic Origins booster packs
• Learn to play insert

 . . . And here are the lists !    

Brave the Battle (green / white)
Creature (22) : 1 Hixus, Prison Warden (R), 2 Anointer of Champions, 3 Cleric of the Forward Order, 2 Knight of the Pilgrim's Road, 2 Topan Freeblade, 2 Stalwart Aven, 2 Valeron Wardens, 1 Heavy Infantry, 2 Citadel Castellan, 1 Patron of the Valiant, 1 Outland Colossus (R), 2 Sentinel of the Eternal Watch, 1 Vastwood Gorger
Sorcery (2) : 2 Wild Instincts
Instant (6) : 2 Enshrouding Mist, 2 Mighty Leap, 1 Titanic Growth, 1 Vine Snare
Enchantment (5) : 2 Grasp of the Hieromancer, 1 Valor in Akros, 2 Knightly Valor
Land (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Plains, 10 Forest

Take to the Sky (white / blue)
Creature (22) : 1 Alhammarret, High Arbiter (R), 3 Faerie Miscreant, 2 Sigiled Starfish, 2 Yoked Ox, 2 Nivix Barrier, 2 Watercourser, 2 Tower Geist, 2 Charging Griffin, 2 Thunderclap Wyvern, 2 Totem-Guide Hartebeest , 1 Soulblade Djinn (R), 1 Aven Battle Priest
Sorcery (2) : 2 Healing Hands
Instant (5) : 1 Negate, 1 Turn to Frog, 1 Celestial Flare, 2 Hydrolash
Enchantment (6) : 1 Stratus Walk, 1 Murder Investigation, 2 Claustrophobia, 2 Suppression Bonds
Land (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Island, 10 Plains

Demonic Deals (black / red)
Creature (20) : 1 Kothophed, Soul Hoarder (R), 2 Malakir Cullblade, 2 Shambling Ghoul, 1 Fleshbag Marauder, 3 Nantuko Husk, 3 Undead Servant, 2 Returned Centaur, 1 Cobblebrute, 2 Enthralling Victor, 2 Blazing Hellhound, 1 Revenant
Sorcery (7) : 1 Reave Soul, 3 Act of Treason, 1 Nightsnare, 1 Necromantic Summons, 1 Chandra's Ignition (R)
Instant (7) : 2 Fiery Impulse, 2 Cruel Revival, 1 Chandra's Fury, 1 Unholy Hunger, 1 Ravaging Blaze
Enchantment (1) : 1 Weight of the Underworld
Land (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 14 Swamp, 10 Mountain

Assemble Victory (red / blue)
Creature (24) : 1 Pia and Kiran Nalaar (R), 2 Bonded Construct, 1 Runed Servitor, 1 Subterranean Scout, 1 Bellows Lizard, 1 Maritime Guard, 2 Chief of the Foundry, 2 Ghirapur Gearcrafter, 1 Ramroller, 1 Thopter Engineer, 2 Guardian Automaton, 2 Aspiring Aeronaut, 1 Separatist Voidmage, 1 Whirler Rogue, 2 Reclusive Artificer, 2 Volcanic Rambler, 1 Mage-Ring Responder (R)
Instant (3) : 1 Disperse, 2 Artificer's Epiphany
Artifact (4) : 1 Prism Ring, 2 Alchemist's Vial, 1 Meteorite
Enchantment (5) : 3 Infectious Bloodlust, 2 Ghirapur Æther Grid
Land (24) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 13 Mountain 10 Island 

Hunting Pack (black / green)
Creature (25) : 1 Dwynen, Gilt-Leaf Daen (R), 2 Dwynen's Elite, 2 Elvish Visionary, 2 Thornbow Archer, 3 Timberpack Wolf, 2 Leaf Gilder, 1 Hitchclaw Recluse, 1 Managorger Hydra (R), 2 Yeva's Forcemage, 2 Deadbridge Shaman, 2 Eyeblight Assassin, 2 Shaman of the Pack, 2 Sylvan Messenger, 1 Skysnare Spider
Sorcery (6) : 1 Macabre Waltz, 1 Nightsnare, 2 Eyeblight Massacre, 2 Joraga Invocation
Instant (2) : 2 Might of the Masses
Enchantment (3) : 2 Weight of the Underworld, 1 Consecrated by Blood
Land (24) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 11 Forest, 12 Swamp

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Magic Origins Spoiler 5-27

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

Some rather exciting news out today regarding the next (and last) Magic: the Gathering core set, named 'Magic Origins' to be released 11th July 2015.  Specifically, a partial card image obtained by Redditor 'Pewpasaurus' was posted showing the foil rare for the Magic Origin Intro Pack.  Image appears to have been snapped from a yet-to-be-published distributor's catalogue. Let's have a looky-loo now !

Hixus, Prison Warden, 3WW
Legendary Creature - Human Soldier, Rare
Flash
Whenever a creature deals combat damage to you, if Hixus, Prison Warden entered the battlefield this turn, exile that creature until Hixus leaves the battlefield.

?/?

Interesting Oblivion Ring on a stick and what we are certainly more interested in is the power / toughness which was cut off in the product page layout.  

We've seen this Hixus before in the Duels of the Planeswalkers Magic Origins video - 

That text - 
"Four years under the guidance of Hixus has shaped you into a powerful combat mage.  Hixus believes your natural talent for wielding magic bellies something special about you.  He suspects that - like his own mentor - you may be a Planeswalker."

Wrapping up - some additional 411 from the mothersite about Magic Origins to get hyped with - 

Magic: The Gathering: Origins is a set that explores what it means to start out on a magical journey, and how people change as they progress through their lives. It focuses on five of Magic’s most prominent characters, letting players explore their backstories and transformations as they became Planeswalkers.
Magic: The Gathering: Origins also plants the seed for Magic’s future storylines, allowing players an insider’s glimpse of what is to come. This set serves as the prologue for some epic stories, and it’s your chance to be there at the start of it all! 

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DTK Intro Packs

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

The Dragons of Tarkir prerelease event is this weekend, and although the official launch is still another week off, this does not mean you are unable to score some sealed Magic: the Gathering product from the upcoming set.  Specifically, you can pick up Dragons of Tarkir Intro Packs which are available at your local gaming store for open dueling during prerelease events.

Intro Packs are designed with new players in mind, but even more seasoned gamers do pick these up as they are simply fun to battle against eachother given that each set's Intro Packs are generally very well balanced.  In this set, we have five dragon broods and five Intro Packs. For an MSRP of about $15, you get a ready-to-play standard-format preconstructed decklist with the following :

• 60 card deck, including
• 1 foil premium rare card, 
• 2 sealed 15-card booster packs, 
• a strategy insert, and
• a learn-to-play guide.

Each of the decklists contains one alternate art foil rare along with one other rare (rare cards in bold below) and can easily be improved upon to suit your individual playstyle.  Here's the lists -
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Enlightened Mastery (White / Blue)

Creatures (17) : 1 Dragon's Eye Sentry, 3 Elusive Spellfist, 1 Orator of Ojutai, 2 Updraft Elemental, 2 Zephyr Scribe, 2 Student of Ojutai, 1 Ancient Carp, 2 Strongarm Monk, 2 Cunning Breezedancer, 1 Pristine Skywise

Spells (18) : 1 Myth Realized, 2 Anticipate, 2 Artful Maneuver, 2 Silkwrap, 1 Ojutai Monument, 2 Ojutai's Breath, 1 Mystic Meditation, 1 Sight Beyond Sight, 1 Skywise Teachings, 1 Taigam's Strike, 1 Great Teacher's Decree, 1 Void Squall, 2 Ojutai's Summons

Lands (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 13 Island, 11 Plains
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Cruel Plots (Blue / Black)

Creatures (26) : 2 Shambling Goblin, 2 Sidisi's Faithful, 1 Hand of Silumgar, 2 Qarsi Sadist, 2 Palace Familiar, 2 Dutiful Attendant, 1 Minister of Pain, 1 Ukud Cobra, 1 Vulturous Aven, 1 Wandering Tombshell, 1 Gurmag Drowner, 1 Profaner of the Dead, 2 Youthful Scholar, 2 Rakshasa Gravecaller, 2 Silumgar Butcher, 1 Necromaster Dragon, 2 Ruthless Deathfang

Spells (9) : 1 Coat with Venom, 1 Ultimate Price, 1 Negate, 1 Silumgar's Scorn, 1 Silumgar Monument, 1 Gravepurge, 1 Mind Rot, 1 Reduce in Stature, 1 Death Wind

Lands (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 13 Swamp, 11 Island
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Relentless Rush (Black / Red)

Creatures (20) : 2 Lightning Berserker, 2 Kolaghan Aspirant, 3 Kolaghan Skirmisher, 2 Kolaghan Forerunners, 2 Screamreach Brawler, 2 Ambuscade Shaman, 2 Warbringer, 2 Sprinting Warbrute, 1 Boltwing Marauder, 2 Swift Warkite

Spells (15) : 1 Duress, 1 Foul-Tongue Shriek, 1 Vial of Dragonfire, 2 Impact Tremors, 2 Tormenting Voice, 2 Twin Bolt, 1 Defeat, 1 Kolaghan Monument, 1 Foul-Tongue Invocation, 2 Flatten, 1 Foul Renewal

Lands (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 13 Mountain, 11 Swamp
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Furious Forces (Red / Green)

Creatures (21) : 2 Atarka Beastbreaker, 2 Glade Watcher, 1 Dragonlord's Servant, 2 Colossodon Yearling, 2 Hardened Berserker, 1 Dragonloft Idol, 2 Sabertooth Outrider, 1 Summit Prowler, 2 Lurking Arynx, 2 Stampeding Elk Herd, 1 Harbinger of the Hunt, 1 Scion of Ugin, 2 Savage Ventmaw

Spells (14) : 1 Epic Confrontation, 1 Tread Upon, 1 Draconic Roar, 1 Dragon Fodder, 1 Magmatic Chasm, 1 Roast, 1 Atarka Monument, 1 Seismic Rupture, 2 Tail Slash, 1 Press the Advantage, 2 Sarkhan's Rage, 1 Berserkers' Onslaught

Lands (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 12 Forest, 12 Mountain
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Massed Ranks (Green / White)

Creatures (23) : 1 Dromoka Dunecaster, 2 Servant of the Scale, 2 Dromoka Warrior, 3 Lightwalker, 1 Territorial Roc, 1 Scaleguard Sentinels, 2 Sandcrafter Mage, 2 Salt Road Quartermasters, 2 Champion of Arashin, 2 Aven Tactician, 2 Sandsteppe Scavenger, 2 Enduring Scalelord, 1 Arashin Sovereign

Spells (12) : 2 Pacifism, 1 Dromoka Monument, 2 Inspiring Call, 1 Sheltered Aerie, 2 Scale Blessing, 1 Enduring Victory, 2 Dromoka's Gift, 1 Secure the Wastes


Lands (25) : 1 Evolving Wilds, 13 Plains, 11 Forest
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Khans of Tarkir Intro Pack Decklists

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,
 
We have been picking up Fat Packs and Intro Packs from every Magic: the Gathering set now for a quite a few years.  Intro Packs are typically picked up by newer players to get into this amazing game but we've enjoyed pitting the different Intro Packs against each other when we play as the decklists are typically reasonably balanced power-wise and simply make for great games.  If you are starting off in the game, the decklist serves as a solid chassis upon which to gradually upgrade a constructed deck.  We suggest picking up singles from MTG Mint Card and adjust to your taste.
 
Essentially you have everything you need in one ready-made deck. Includes 60 cards, a foil premium rare card, two sealed 15-card booster packs, a strategy insert, and a Magic learn-to-play guide.

Deck contents:
• 1 premium card
• 1 60-card deck
• 2 Khans of Tarkir booster packs
• 1 learn-to-play insert
• 1 strategy insert

Out today on the mothersite, and just in time for some 'Open Dueling' during the Khans of Tarkir PreRelease this weekend are the decklists.  Let's have a looky-loo -

Abzan Siege
Outlast your opponents with the Abzan Siege deck! Like the scales of the dragon, individuals within the Abzan clan come together to create a force more powerful than the sum of its parts.

2 Disowned Ancestor, 3 Ainok Bond-Kin, 1 Sungrace Pegasus, 2 Child of Night, 2 Abzan Falconer, 2 Tuskguard Captain, 1 Abzan Battle Priest, 1 High Sentinels of Arashin, 1 Razorfoot Griffin, 2 Salt Road Patrol, 1 Mer-Ek Nightblade, 2 Longshot Squad, 1 Armament Corps, 1 Ivorytusk Fortress, 1 Carnivorous Moss-Beast 

1 Suspension Field, 1 Eternal Thirst, 2 Abzan Banner, 2 Kill Shot, 1 Abzan Charm, 1 Dragonscale Boon, 1 Hunt the Weak, 1 Flesh to Dust, 1 Incremental Growth 

1 Blossoming Sands, 1 Jungle Hollow, 2 Sandsteppe Citadel, 1 Scoured Barrens, 8 Plains, 7 Swamp 6 Forest

Jeskai Monks
The followers of the Jeskai Way hold up the eye of the dragon as their symbol, looking inward to find the path to enlightenment. These powerful martial artists are trained to master the physical world and overpower their opponents' brute force with clever skill.

1 Monastery Swiftspear, 2 Jeskai Elder, 1 Leaping Master, 1 Jeskai Student, 2 Seeker of the Way, 2 Jeskai Windscout, 2 Bloodfire Expert, 1 Bloodfire Mentor, 1 Alabaster Kirin, 1 Highspire Mantis, 1 Whirlwind Adept, 1 Tireless Missionaries, 1 Serra Angel, 1 Sage of the Inward Eye, 1 Warden of the Eye, 1 Riverwheel Aerialists 

1 Void Snare, 1 Oppressive Rays, 1 Lightning Strike, 2 Jeskai Banner, 1 Crippling Chill,1 Divination, 1 Solemn Offering, 1 Winterflame, 1 Jeskai Charm, 1 Weave Fate, 1 Smite the Monstrous, 1 Lava Axe, 1 Flying Crane Technique 

2 Mystic Monastery, 1 Swiftwater Cliffs, 1 Tranquil Cove, 1 Wind-Scarred Crag, 8 Island, 6 Mountain, 7 Plains

Sultai Schemers
The Sultai Brood—represented by the fang of the dragon—is ruthless and pitiless, seeking power and wealth in all forms. The Sultai think nothing of making a profitable pact with demons, nor using necromancy to crush their enemies with the power of the grave.

1 Typhoid Rats, 1 Black Cat, 1 Walking Corpse, 2 Satyr Wayfinder, 1 Wall of Mulch, 1 Research Assistant, 2 Necromancer's Assistant, 1 Gravedigger, 1 Rotfeaster Maggot, 1 Rakshasa Vizier, 1 Sultai Soothsayer, 2 Sultai Scavenger, 2 Hooting Mandrills, 2 Shambling Attendants, 1 Necropolis Fiend

1 Debilitating Injury, 2 Taigam's Scheming, 1 Sultai Banner, 1 Rakshasa's Secret, 1 Scout the Borders, 1 Sultai Charm, 1 Bitter Revelation, 1 Murderous Cut, 1 Throttle, 1 Become Immense, 1 Set Adrift, 1 Treasure Cruise, 1 Dead Drop

1 Dismal Backwater, 1 Jungle Hollow, 2 Opulent Palace, 1 Thornwood Falls, 7 Swamp, 8 Forest, 6 Island

Mardu Raiders
The Mardu Horde spreads destruction across the face of Tarkir, conquering and pillaging territory before moving on. They charge into battle just as swiftly and relentlessly as their symbol, the wing of the dragon, would suggest.

1 Firehoof Cavalry, 1 Mardu Hateblade, 2 Borderland Marauder, 1 Valley Dasher, 2 War-Name Aspirant, 1 Gurmag Swiftwing, 2 Mardu Skullhunter, 2 Goblin Roughrider, 2 Mardu Hordechief, 1 Carrion Crow, 1 Necrogen Scudder, 2 Mardu Warshrieker, 1 Timely Hordemate, 1 Ankle Shanker, 1 Mardu Roughrider 

1 Crippling Blight, 1 Lightning Strike, 1 Raise the Alarm, 1 Mardu Banner, 2 Trumpet Blast, 1 Hordeling Outburst, 1 Mardu Charm, 1 Bring Low, 1 Smite the Monstrous, 1 Crackling Doom, 1 Arrow Storm, 1 Flesh to Dust, 1 Heat Ray 

1 Bloodfell Caves, 2 Nomad Outpost, 1 Scoured Barrens, 1 Wind-Scarred Crag, 8 Mountain, 5 Plains, 7 Swamp

Temur Avalanche
The Temur are a clan of hardy nomadic warriors living in the inhospitable northern territories of Tarkir. In those difficult conditions, under the banner of the dragon's claw, they defend their territory against outsiders by harnessing the savagery of nature itself.

2 Elvish Mystic, 2 Heir of the Wilds, 2 Runeclaw Bear, 1 Icefeather Aven, 2 Alpine Grizzly, 2 Summit Prowler, 1 Pine Walker, 1 Thundering Giant, 1 Avalanche Tusker, 1 Bear's Companion, 2 Glacial Stalker, 1 Tusked Colossodon, 2 Snowhorn Rider, 2 Woolly Loxodon
 
1 Stubborn Denial, 2 Savage Punch, 1 Titanic Growth, 1 Force Away, 1 Lightning Strike, 2 Temur Banner, 1 Roar of Challenge, 1 Dragon Grip, 1 Temur Charm, 1 Windstorm, 1 Icy Blast 

2 Frontier Bivouac, 1 Rugged Highlands, 1 Swiftwater Cliffs, 1 Thornwood Falls, 8 Forest, 5 Island, 7 Mountain

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Infernal Intervetnion Intro Pack

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Happy Friday MTG peeps,

Clear your schedule this evening and kick your weekend off right by getting to your local gaming store for this evening's Friday Night Magic Event.  We'll be popping on over to OMG! Games, here in Barrie, Ontario (just a titch north of Toronto) where we will be running our first attempt of Standard Format Slivers.  We went with a predominantly green / red / blue build with the ability to side in other Slivers as required with the punchline being the new bomb - Sliver Hivelord.  We'll yatter about how our games went and what we plan to improve the list against the local meta-game.  Anywhoos, let's take a pause and yatter about the new Magic 2015 core set Intro Pack we got -

Everything you need in one ready-made deck. Includes
• A 60 cards pre-constructed deck,
• a foil premium rare card,
• two sealed Magic 2015 15-card booster packs,
• a strategy insert, and
• a Magic learn-to-play guide.  
Check out the brief video dissection -

This is great for new players wanting to to learn constructed and getting them into the game - more specifically, Friday Night Magic at their local game store.  Wizards of the Coast had done their best to design these to be played against each other and to be a springboard into the game for novice gamers.  Alternatively, this also delivers a measure of fun for seasoned players who may use the Intro Packs to battle against a friend, also equipped with an Intro Pack.  This arrangement would provide some relatively strength-matched decklists to go up against each other and preclude 'that guy' who seems to have rather deep pockets to fill a list with completely OP cards leading to rapid blow-outs and a failure to deliver fun.  Having said that, this decklist can serve as a good chasis upon which to build upgrades.  Drop by MTG Mint Card and start your mix 'n' match to increase the power level of this starter.

Decklist for the Red / Black 'Infernal Intervention' Intro Pack.  The foil rare Indulgent Tormentor was also the Magic 2015 PreRelease promo.

Here's that decklist :
26 Lands
13x Mountain
13x Swamp

18 Creatures
2x Carrion Crow
2x Gargoyle Sentinel
2x Goblin Roughrider
1x Gravedigger1x Indulgent Tormentor (Foil Rare)
2x Nightfire Giant
1x Thundering Giant
2x Torch Fiend
3x Typhoid Rats
1x Wall of Fire
1x Zof Shade

16 Other Spells
2x Blastfire Bolt
1x Burning Anger (Second Rare)
1x Caustic Tar
1x Clear a Path
1x Cone of Flame
1x Festergloom
2x Flesh to Dust
2x Heat Ray
2x Lightning Strike
2x Profane Memento
1x Stab Wound
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The two Magic 2015 booster packs in the M15 Intro Pack produced the following :
Rares : Genesis Hydra, Agrressive Minning
Uncommons : Ancient Silverback, Leeching Sliver, Military Intelligence, First Response, Altac Bloodseeker, Cicle of Flame.

We also got four other booster packs and have to say we were throughly impressed with the haul -
Garruk, Apex Predator, Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth, Yisan, the Wanderer Bard, and Stormtide Leviathan.

That's it for now, drop by (tomorrow) Saturday as we will have the latest 'knock yer socks off' news from the Magic: the Gathering Panel at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) where we may expect previews from a number of soon-to-be-released card sets / products from WotC.
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Journey into Nyx Intro Packs

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Happy Thursday MTG peeps,

As most Magic : the Gathering fans will know, this weekend is the Journey into Nyx pre-release event.  Make sure you call ahead to your local gaming store to get event(s) details.  We'll be slinging new cardboard at OMG! Games here in Barrie, Ontario and plan to an article / video following.  Today over on the mothership we were provided with the new Journey into Nyx Intro Pack decklists, although they were sort of buried on the Product Info page.

Intro Packs are not only perfect for those players getting into the game but also for seasoned players wanting to open duel during the PreRelease.  These Intro Packs are a great point of entry into standard constructed and easily upgraded with additional singles from trades, your local gamestore or online retailers like MTG Mint Card.  For an MSRP of only $15, you get a premium foil rare from Journey into Nyx, a second rare from either Theros or Born of the Gods and about eleven or twelve uncommons in your decklist which is ready to play right out of the package.  Here's the details of what you get -

• 1 x premium card 
• 1 x 60-card deck
• 2 x Journey Into Nyx booster packs  
• 1 x learn-to-play insert 
• 1 x strategy insert

For complete Journey into Nyx decklists, pop on over to the mothersite.  Here's the brief overview of these for now -

Mortals of Myth (white / green)
Assemble a mighty army of heroic Soldiers and Warriors, and power them up with spells that unlock their potential. Your opponent will be put to the test in combat by creatures that could become gigantic at a moment's notice.

Fates Foreseen (blue / red)
Scry is a useful ability that gives you control over your future draw steps. The "Fates Foreseen" deck is based around casting spells that give you additional benefits for scrying and setting up ways to scry repeatedly. Link together a chain of these spells and thwart your opponent's best laid plans. 

Pantheon's Power (white / black)
The "Pantheon's Power" deck is based around the constellation mechanic, an ability on enchantments that gives you a benefit every time an enchantment enters the battlefield under your control. Build up an array of constellation cards and watch their power amplify.

Voracious Rage (black / red)
The "Voracious Rage" deck boasts a horde of powerful and aggressive Minotaurs. Many of these creatures bolster your other Minotaurs and make them truly ferocious in combat. Build up a formidable force, and then smash your opponents down.

The Wilds and the Deep (green / blue)
"The Wilds and the Deep" features the monstrosity ability, which allows you to pay a lump sum of mana to permanently increase a creature's power and toughness. Just when your opponent thinks everything is under control, your monstrosity creatures can grow to unfathomable size. Power out your large monsters early, and make them unstoppable late. 

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BNG Intro Pack Decklists

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Happy Wednesday MTG peeps,

Today over on the mothersite, WotC TJ posted the Born of the Gods Intro Pack decklists.  These pre-constructed theme decks are produced by Wizards for each Magic: the Gathering core set and expansion.  These Intro Packs are a great way for new players to jump into the game, and well suited to be played against each other.  These also provide an opportunity to get a feel for the main themes in each new set and can be easily upgraded with the addition of card singles from online stores like MTG Mint Card. For a suggested retail price of approximately $15, here's what you get with each Intro Pack:
• 1 premium card
• 1 60-card deck
• 2 Born of the Gods booster packs
• 1 learn-to-play insert
• 1 strategy insert

Many local gaming stores (like ours - OMG! Games) will have these available for sale during PreRelease events for open dueling. The Born of the Gods Intro Packs have two rares (one foil card from Born of the God and one from Theros), along with 11 or 12 uncommons.  Of interest with this particular set of Intro Packs is lack of any (M14) core set cards, which we usually see a sprinkling of - and we certainly approve of this for the second or third set in a block.  Something we are not very happy about is the inclusion of rares which had been in the previous (Theros) Intro Pack lists.  The offending cards are Gift of Immortality in both the BNG 'Gifts of the Gods' list and the THS 'Favors from Nyx' list, as well as Curse of the Swine which is in both the BNG 'Inspiration-Struck' list and the THS 'Manipulative Monstrosities' list.  Anywhoos - let's have a looky-loo at the lists now . . .

Gifts of the Gods (u/w) - enchantment / creature theme
Inspiration-Struck (u/b) - 'Inspired' ability theme
Death's Beginning (b/g) - graveyard as a resource theme
Forged in Battle (r/w) - 'Heroic' ability theme
Insatiable Hunger (r/g) - 'Tribute' ability theme

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Gifts of the Gods (u/w)

26 Lands : 10 Island, 16 Plains

24 Creature Spells : 1 Coastline Chimera, 1 Flitterstep Eidolon, 2 Floodtide Serpent, 2 Ghostblade Eidolon, 2 Great Hart, 2 Griffin Dreamfinder, 2 Heliod's Emissary, 1 Hopeful Eidolon, 1 Lagonna-Band Elder, 2 Nyxborn Shieldmate, 2 Nyxborn Triton, 1 Pillar of War, 1 Silent Sentinel (R), 1 Thassa's Emissary, 2 Traveling Philosopher, 1 Yoked Ox

10 Other Spells : 1 Divination, 1 Eternity Snare, 1 Excoriate, 1 Gift of Immortality (R), 1 Griptide, 1 Hold at Bay, 2 Ordeal of Heliod, 1 Sunbond, 1 Vanquish the Foul

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Inspiration-Struck (u/b)

26 Lands : 15 Island, 11 Swamp

22 Creature Spells : 2 Aerie Worshippers, 1 Arbiter of the Ideal (R), 2 Black Oak of Odunos, 1 Breaching Hippocamp, 2 Deepwater Hypnotist, 1 Felhide Minotaur, 1 Forlorn Pseudamma, 1 Horizon Scholar, 1 Insatiable Harpy, 2 Returned Phalanx, 2 Servant of Tymaret, 1 Shipwreck Singer, 1 Siren of the Silent Song, 2 Sphinx's Disciple, 1 Triton Shorethief, 1 Warchanter of Mogis

12 Other Spells : 1 Curse of the Swine (R), 2 Evanescent Intellect, 2 Griptide, 1 Oracle's Insight, 2 Retraction Helix, 1 Sip of Hemlock, 1 Siren Song Lyre, 1 Springleaf Drum, 1 Thassa's Bounty

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Death's Beginning (b/g)

26 Lands : 11 Forest, 15 Swamp

21 Creature Spells : 1 Archetype of Finality, 1 Eater of Hope (R), 2 Felhide Brawler, 1 Felhide Minotaur, 2 Forsaken Drifters, 2 Graverobber Spider, 1 Keepsake Gorgon, 1 Loathsome Catoblepas, 2 Nemesis of Mortals, 1 Nighthowler (R), 1 Pharika's Mender, 1 Pheres-Band Centaurs, 2 Returned Centaur, 1 Satyr Piper, 2 Satyr Wayfinder,

13 Other Spells : 2 Asphyxiate, 2 Commune with the Gods, 1 Cutthroat Maneuver, 1 March of the Returned, 2 Mortal's Resolve, 1 Raised by Wolves, 1 Rescue from the Underworld, 1 Unravel the Æther, 2 Weight of the Underworld 
 

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Forged in Battle (r/w)

25 Lands : 14 Mountain, 11 Plains

21 Creature Spells : 1 Akroan Conscriptor, 2 Akroan Crusader, 1 Akroan Hoplite, 1 Akroan Phalanx, 2 Akroan Skyguard, 2 Arena Athlete, 2 Cyclops of One-Eyed Pass, 2 Elite Skirmisher, 1 Forgestoker Dragon (R), 1 Labyrinth Champion (R), 1 Loyal Pegasus, 1 Phalanx Leader, 1 Priest of Iroas, 1 Reckless Reveler, 1 Two-Headed Cerberus, 1 Wingsteed Rider,

12 Other Spells : 1 Coordinated Assault, 1 Dauntless Onslaught, 2 Fall of the Hammer, 2 Hold at Bay, 2 Mortal's Ardor, 2 Ordeal of Purphoros, 1 Pinnacle of Rage, 2 Rise to the Challenge, 1 Searing Blood

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Insatiable Hunger (r/g)

26 Lands : 14 Forest, 12 Mountains

22 Creature Spells : 2 Cyclops of One-Eyed Pass, 2 Fanatic of Xenagos, 1 Mistcutter Hydra (R), 1 Nessian Courser, 2 Nessian Demolok, 1 Nessian Wilds Ravager (R), 1 Opaline Unicorn, 1 Pharagax Giant, 2 Reckless Reveler, 1 Satyr Piper, 1 Setessan Starbreaker, 2 Snake of the Golden Grove, 2 Swordwise Centaur, 1 Thunder Brute, 2 Voyaging Satyr

12 Other Spells : 1 Destructive Revelry, 1 Fall of the Hammer, 2 Lightning Strike, 1 Messenger's Speed, 1 Mischief and Mayhem, 2 Mortal's Resolve, 2 Ordeal of Nylea, 1 Pinnacle of Rage, 1 Searing Blood
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Magic 2014 Intro Pack

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

For today's post, we wanted to get along to a review of a Magic 2014 Intro Pack.  These preconstructed theme decks are possibly the best way to get into Magic: the Gathering if you are new to the game, or if your more seasoned, a lot of players we know battle each other with Intro Packs which makes for a lot a fun as Wizards of the Coast makes all efforts to attempt to balance the power of these decks.

MTG Realm grabbed a new Magic: the Gathering Magic 2014 core set Intro Pack and a handful of M14 booster packs for this brief unboxing and review.


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For a MRSP of only $15, here's what you get -

• Premium foil card
• A full 60 card deck
• Two M14 booster packs
• Learn to play insert
• Strategy guide

We got the M14 'Lightforce' Intro Pack (white / green just happen to our fav colours) - Here's some descriptive text off the box -

Wield the power of light, booster your creatures with powerful enchantments.  If your opponents don't crumble under the first wave of your assault, they'll be primed for defeat when your larger beasts hit the battlefield.

With enchantments being hinted as being a thingy in 'Theros', the next set  this fall, we're certain to be well prepared to modify and take this Intro Pack to the next level.
 

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DGM Intro Pack UnBox

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Happy Saturday MTG peeps,

We're finally back from the wilderness and have access to the interwebs, which means we have some catching up to do.  One of the first things we did when we got back to the city was drop by our local Games Store, OMG! Games, here in Barrie, Ontario and picked up some of the new Dragon's Maze cards.  We also have an order in to MTG Mint Card which should be arriving shortly, so look for our Top 5 uncommons and commons for Dragon's Maze.

As is our custom here at MTG Realm, we unbox an Intro Pack from each of the newest Magic: the Gathering set.  Here, before your very eyes is out vid and run down for the black / white 'Orzhov Power' Intro Pack -
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The two booster packs that came with the Intro Pack gave us a Varolz, the Scar Stripped, and the 'fuse' rare 'Flesh / Blood'.  The three additional packs we got also rocked - Tesya, Envoy of Ghosts, a FOIL Vorel of the Hull Clade, Reap Intellect and a Trait Doctoring - not too shabby!

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Orzhov Power
One thing the Orzhov know how to do is savor victory. With the "Orzhov Power" deck, let your devotees clog up the ground while bats and spirits fly overhead, leaving you to enjoy draining the life out of your foe.

27 land : 4 Orzhov Guildgate, 11 Plains, 12 Swamp

23 creatures : 3 Bane Alley Blackguard, 2 Basilica Screecher, 2 Tithe Drinker, 1 Basilica Guards, 1 Kingpin's Pet, 2 Sin Collector, 1 Crypt Ghast, 2 Dark Revenant, 2 Ubul Sar Gatekeepers, 1 Bazaar Krovod, 2 Steeple Roc, 2 Maw of the Obzedat, 1 Smog Elemental, 1 Teysa, Envoy of Ghosts

10 other spells : 1 Dying Wish, 2 Orzhov Cluestone, 1 Riot Control, 1 Crypt Incursion, 1 Gift of Orzhova, 2 Fatal Fumes, 1 Assassin's Strike, 1 Profit // Loss

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Anywhoos - drop by your local gaming store to pick one up.  To find a store near you carrying MTG, check out the handy Wizards Locator.  For a very reasonable MSRP of only $15, here's what you get :

• 1 premium (foil) card,
• 1 pre-constructed 60-card deck,
• 2 Dragon's Maze boosters (15 cards each),
• 1 learn-to-play insert,
• 1 strategy insert. 

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