Monday MTG Miscellaney

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Happy Monday MTG peeps,

MTG Realm is freshly returned from a week's summer vacation from Ontario's Northland, where bears and rattlesnakes are plentiful and WiFi is non-existent. We have much to get caught up on, so let's get straight into all the Magic: the Gathering spoilers and news we've missed last week.

First up - Eldritch Moon Game Day is quickly approaching this weekend - August 13–14, 2016.  Get your standard constructed decklist tuned up and prepare for some great games (and prizes) at a local gaming store near you.  Although our vacation was full of Commander, we had not touched standard at all so we'll have to prepare before heading to our favourite games store, OMG! Games, here in Barrie, Ontario.

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Next up - Kaya, Ghost Assassin

Be sure to check out last week's Magic story installment 'Laid to Rest', penned by Kelly Digges.  This is the first story preceeding our return to the Plane of Fiora, where Conspiracy: Take the Crown takes place.  This is the special supplementary MTG set releasing on August 26, 2016.

If you want to further immerse yourself further in the (unofficial) storyline, pop on over to our favourite Canadian ex-pat Magic: the Gathering personality, Bruce Richard, and read the lastest 'Paliano Post'.  Last week's story introduces Kaya, a Planeswalker visitor to Fiora, who has the ability to physically interact with the spirits of the dead. When an infamous assassin wanted Paliano's ghostly king destroyed, Kaya was more than happy to oblige...for a price.

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Next up - From the Vault: Lore

Collectors and those gamers who want to 'foil-out' their Commander lists are certainly looking forward to this. Releasing on August 19, 2016 for an MRSP of about $35), this set contains 15 cards from throughout Magic's history that are renowned for both their power and the stories behind them. Three of the cards feature new art (Cabal Ritual, Mind's Desire and Momir Vig, Simic Visionary). The set also includes an exclusive spindown life counter, a collector's guide and one (rather sought-after) Marit Lage token.

From The Vault: Lore brings you a collection of fifteen memorable cards (and one token) from throughout Magic's history, showcasing some of the most exciting story moments to ever occur in the Multiverse. Now you can see all of those moments, and the gorgeous art depicting them, like never before, in special From The Vault–exclusive premium foil.

Delve deeper into the events that shaped the Multiverse—and show your opponents that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it! This limited-edition set includes cards from throughout Magic's history that are renowned for both their power and the stories behind them. Surprise your foes with blasts from the past they'll have to see to believe.

Beseech the Queen
Cabal Ritual
Conflux
Dark Depths + Marit Lage token
Glissa, the Traitor
Helvault
Memnarch
Mind's Desire
Momir Vig, Simic Visionary
Near-Death Experience
Obliterate
Phyrexian Processor
Tolaria West
Umezawa's Jitte
Unmask
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Next Up - Duel Decks: Nissa vs. Ob Nixilis !

The two decks represent the battle between Zendikar's protector, Nissa, and its would-be destroyer, Ob Nixilis. The ready-to-play, sixty-card decks, to be released on September, 2016 for a MSRP of $20 showcase cards from across Magic's history, including two premium Planeswalker cards with new artwork and four other cards with new artwork (Ambition's Cost, Doom Blade, Crop Rotation and Wood Elves).

Here is some flavour to savour - 

The stakes are high as Nissa and Ob Nixilis fight to control the power of the Khalni Heart. Who will prevail?

Planeswalker Nissa Revane gathers her forces to protect Zendikar from annihilation. Drawing on the power of the land itself, she summons mighty Elementals to overwhelm her foes.

Trapped on Zendikar for centuries, the demon Ob Nixilis will do anything to reignite his Planeswalker spark and escape. He summons terrifying Demons and wields dark, destructive powers to lay his enemies to waste.

Contents: 
• 2 Ready-to-play, 60-card decks
• 10 tokens
• 2 deck boxes
• 2 Spindown life counters
• Strategy insert
• Rules reference card

Nissa Decklist  
Planeswalker - 1 Nissa, Voice of Zendikar
Creature - 2 Scythe Leopard, 2 Elvish Visionary, 1 Oran-Rief Invoker, 2 Thornweald Archer, 1 Nissa's Chosen, 2 Citanul Woodreaders, 2 Civic Wayfinder, 1 Fertilid, 2 Gilt-Leaf Seer, 1 Wood Elves, 2 Briarhorn, 1 Saddleback Lagac, 2 Jaddi Lifestrider, 1 Thicket Elemental, 2 Woodborn Behemoth, 1 Oran-Rief Hydra, 1 Cloudthresher, 1 Oakgnarl Warrior, 1 Walker of the Grove
Sorcery - 1 Gaea's Blessing, 1 Seek the Horizon
Instant - 1 Crop Rotation, 2 Vines of the Recluse, 1 Natural Connection
Enchantment - 1 Abundance
Land - 2 Fertile Thicket, 2 Khalni Garden, 1 Mosswort Bridge, 1 Treetop Village, 18 Forest

Ob Nixilis Decklist
Planeswalker - 1 Ob Nixilis Reignited
Creatures - 2 Carrier Thrall, 2 Fetid Imp, 1 Despoiler of Souls, 1 Foul Imp, 2 Blistergrub, 1 Giant Scorpion, 1 Cadaver Imp, 1 Bala Ged Scorpion, 1 Desecration Demon, 1 Squelching Leeches, 1 Indulgent Tormentor, 1 Priest of the Blood Rite, 1 Renegade Demon, 1 Pestilence Demon
Sorcery - 1 Innocent Blood, 1 Mire's Toll, 2 Grim Discovery, 2 Smallpox, 1 Ambition's Cost, 1 Demon's Grasp 
Instant - 1 Disfigure, 1 Altar's Reap, 2 Doom Blade, 1 Hideous End, 1 Tendrils of Corruption
Enchantment - 2 Quest for the Gravelord, 1 Shadows of the Past, 1 Unhallowed Pact

Land - 2 Leechridden Swamp, 22 Swamp
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