http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ RSS Feed of the latest MDV articles and content. 9 May 2008 01:30:00 CST en-us http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0397.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0397.htm 9 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/9/08 - In our final entry into the Sarpadian Empires, Vol III. we shall look more in-depth at individual places, people and things that made up the denizens of Sarpadia. The following are some familiar and not so familiar names and places. Perhaps the name came from one mere flavor text, or a mention in an obscure source, but regardless it made up the essence of Fallen Empires. I left out one major source as it's canon is highly suspect seeing as it involved dragons and lots of things never shown to be on Sarpadia, but I digress. If you enjoy lore read on, if not read anyway. Cause baby, at the end there's a contest! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0396.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0396.htm 8 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/8/08 - Many thought the story of Fallen Empires ended with the advent of Ice Ages. The empires were in ruin, and Thrulls and Thallids ruled over Sarpadia as snow blanketed the land burying any remainder of the continent in the cold. Some creature lines continued on, but for many of the Sarpadian lines it was the end of their Age. That's how Wizards left Sarpadia in 1995, but its story interestingly continued in 2006 with Time Spiral... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0395.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0395.htm 7 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/7/08 - Come brothers, hurry. War has come knocking upon our door on this foul night. Look across the ridge, across the barren moor into the foul presence of the swamp. Do you see their shadows against the pale light from the bad moon that plagues our sky? Even at this darkest hour the servants of Tourach gather and make ready for battle. In turn, we must make ready the defenses, for by dawn they surely will be upon us. They shall not catch us unprepared though, the holy servants of Leitbur and the Hand of Justice will bathe in light again!!... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0394.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0394.htm 6 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/6/08 - Today's chapter of the Sarpadian Empires is more a picture book than anything else. To truly understand a Magic set's flavor is much more than cards and a good story. The missing element that really ties everything together is the artwork. The artistry put onto each card tells far more story than a simple flavor text might—after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0393.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0393.htm 5 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/5/08 - Come, sit down a spell. Take any seat you like; today we're going to take a journey back in time... In the world of Magic, the release of its fifth expansion and the largest period of growth for the company were experienced. Scours of people joined the devoted fans during the Revised to Ice Age period. The media even likened it to the D&D trend of the 1980's. However, Magic was still young and finding its footing. It made mistakes that angered the fans such as under-printing sets and reprinting cards in a fake set called Chronicles. This week a few special guests and I will take you through one of the sets of this era: Fallen Empires. So sit back and enjoy a chapter from Sarpadian Empires, Vol VII, only recently unearthed from the past. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0392.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0392.htm 2 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/2/08 - Well, now that First Impressions Week is just about complete, it’s time to delve into the Green cards from Shadowmoor. As a mage who splashes Green in just about every deck I bring to the casual table, I was overjoyed when asked to review these cards. To me, Green is about nature, and what is better than turning nature against your enemy? If you’re beating someone with Green you are usually either overwhelming them with a tremendous swarm of tiny creatures, or pummeling them with one, colossal killer. Green is vulnerable yet quick, but too often stopped in its tracks if not quick enough, so timing can be everything. What I am looking for in a Green card is either an efficient and effective low cost spell that endows a mage with some type of board advantage, or a ridiculously expensive creature that spells endgame for your opponent. ~hamsandwich~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0391.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0391.htm 1 May 2008 01:30:00 CST 5/1/08 - So, White cards, huh? New set, based on the last block? Okay, sure. I’m not going to do some giant introduction. That’s not what you’re here for. You’re here to see what I think of these cards. So, that said, let’s get down to business and see what’s going on here. ~Death_By_Beebles~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0390.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0390.htm 30 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/30/08 - Darkness falls, good to evil. Everything changes for the worse—but wait, what's happening? Blue has been looked at as one of the most evil colors for being so controlling. What happens when Blue goes more evil? Will we be so terrified we forfeit the game once that Island hits play? Or will we sit there and laugh at how pathetic Blue has become? Join me and we'll find out together. Try to keep up; the Dusk Urchins like to come out at this time of night, and you wouldn't want to meet one in person, I assure you... ~Ryuzaki~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0389.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0389.htm 29 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/29/08 - Let's see what Shadowmoor has to offer. Can it meet my personal standard, or does it fall short like Morningtide? ~CPN~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DDB_new_decks.htm#jan20081 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DDB_new_decks.htm#jan20081 28 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/28/08 - After three months of posting the decks I am finally propagating the deck database with these decks. It is done as of this post. Now I can concentrate on posting new decks. I apologize it has taken so long to get this complete. Thanks for visiting MDV! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0388.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0388.htm 28 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/28/08 - Does Shadowmoor live up to the hype from the Rumor Mill? Is this what Magic has been missing for oh so long? Black is the color of endless night and Shadowmoor is its plane of existence. This set has been looked forward to by the Guild for quite a while now and expect no stone unturned from my views... ~MZ~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/2008_combos_evil_combo_theme_week.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/2008_combos_evil_combo_theme_week.htm 28 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/28 - Sorry for reposting this but the web address has changed. Please use the above link instead of the previous one in this RSS Feed. Thanks. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/COMBOS_INFINITE_gears_and_pieces.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/COMBOS_INFINITE_gears_and_pieces.htm 27 Apr 2008 02:30:00 CST 4/27/08 - The infinite gears and combo pieces visual spoiler has been updated to include Lorwyn, Morningtide and Shadowmoor cards. If you see any errors or have any suggestions, please let me know. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/2008_combos_evil_combo_theme_week.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/2008_combos_evil_combo_theme_week.htm 27 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/27/08 - 25 Evil Combos. Need I say more? ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0387.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0387.htm 26 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/26/08 - Today we'll be looking at all the hybrid cards and there are quite lot. I'll try to keep it to a minimum so you don't get bored as there are quite a lot to cover. Each allied color represents something entirely different. Blue-White focuses a lot on defense; Blue-Black focuses on direct player damage from creatures, Black-Red on pure destructive power, Red-Green on a very chaotic cycle of life and death, and Green-White on life preservation. One of the cool things about the hybrids is all the fun cycles in it. I'll go ahead and name them for you first so you can see that each color combo is almost equally loved and hated on by the designers. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0386.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0386.htm 25 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/25/08 - Wizards of the Coast has done a good job thus far with the last few sets. I really enjoyed Lorwyn and equally enjoyed Morningtide. Then again, I love Tribal. On the other hand, Shadowmoor has nothing to do with Tribal. In fact, it is the darker side of the Lorwyn we all came to love. Will this set shape up to be a good set? If you must know, you are going to have to click the link above. Or just click here. ~John Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0385.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0385.htm 25 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/25/08 - Welcome to another exciting edition of Memories of an Old Magic Player. In this edition, we will be talking in depth about one of my favorite cards, Memory Jar. We will discuss theory, strategy, deck construction, and have plenty of tournament coverage from throughout the world… wait, where are you going? Of course we won’t talk about those things. This is "A Casual Site," remember? *sinister looking grin* I’ll see you inside…. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0383.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0383.htm 24 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/24/08 - Well it’s been a while since I’ve touched back down with you gentlemen. Given this is Evil Combo Week, I feel obligated to touch back here as a good starting point until the Shadowmoor pre-release and the week after First Impressions. Now others are taking a normal route of saying, “Oh yeah, I know a great evil combo for this week.” So really, for what I can see, we are not flexing the parts of our brains that allow us to make these evil combos. This article is not only about trying to create evil combos but to look for them anywhere you see Magic... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0384.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0384.htm 24 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/24/08 - I don't know about you, but I've about had it with combos this week. Three-card combos, two-card combos, Green and Red and Blue card combos. Sneaky combos, infinite combos, even some crazy Vanguard combos! And once you think we've covered them all, we've got Shuko combos, Sharing combos, arbitrarily large combos; Serum combos, Squirrel combos, and don't forget the Bacterial combos...! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0382.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0382.htm 23 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/23/08 - I've been playing Magic Online since its release back in 1998-1999; I can't rightly remember anymore it's been so long. Long enough that I've forgotten exactly when, that's for sure. During that time I've seen a lot of mean decks and probably a lot more crap decks. Being that it's Evil Combo Week, can you guess which of the two I'm going to talk about? Today is all about the evilest, most mean, completely vile decks that I've ever had the displeasure of facing... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0007.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0007.htm 23 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/23/08 - This article was originally published on 5/24/05 and was in fact one of the first ten articles on Magic Deck Vortex. In the spirit of Evil Combo Week, and considering the combos this article entails, I thought it was a perfect reprint for this week. Just ignore some of the comments about the Kamigawa Block and Standard Legal-ness and read up on the decks and combos. Thanks. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0381.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0381.htm 22 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/22/08 - Time. Always ticking, tick, tock, tick. Of course, we all know that there’s only so much. What if you could find a way to slow it down? Is that even possible, or is it some illusion of grandeur to slow down time? Well, if you can’t slow time down, why not speed other things up? That, was the dream of many a madman; but one of those madman actually found a way…found something to help speed things up. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_lands.htm#sha http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_lands.htm#sha 22 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/21/08 - Shadowmoor brings us more than double the lands that Morningtide did. However, two are reprints (Graven Cairns and Reflecting Pool). I have updated the Land Visual Spoiler accordingly. Please enjoy. NOTE: I have a few more categories I plan on adding in the future. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0379.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0379.htm 21 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/21/08 - Over the coming week you’ll see all manner of combo’s that will truly scare and excite you; infinite land destruction, creatures and lock-down decks – you name it, we’ve got it. This is the intro and schedule for this week. ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0380.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0380.htm 21 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/21/08 - This theme week has me brimming with excitement; MDV is finally a shade of black that I can really enjoy: Combos. The intricate designs, the way they can turn a game 180 and pull victory from the jaws of defeat. The ingenuity and complexity that some of these combos employ and the loop-holes in the wording and rules that just makes you shiver when you realize just how painful this combo could really be. Just thinking back over some of the combos I’ve seen makes me all tingly inside—it’s strange to realize I still have feelings like this left in me... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#42008 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#42008 20 Apr 2008 20:30:00 CST 4/20/07 - Five new links featured and posted! Check out the link descriptions by clicking on the above link. Remember to comment on them in the forum thread. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#041808 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#041808 18 Apr 2008 20:30:00 CST 4/18/08 - Shadowmoor is officially spoiled! The Pre-Release events begin Saturday 4/19/08 and in the meantime I've updated the visual spoiler. It is now completely visual. All card images are available for your viewing pleasure. The land cards are there, the hybrid cards are sorted by type of mana under the gold section and the summary of the set is completed at the top right of the page. While you're here remember that you can discuss the spoiled cards in the MDV Rumor Mill, found here. You can also submit your combos for Shadowmoor cards here. If you have any concern about the site, send me an email here. Thanks for visiting Magic Deck Vortex! I hope you enjoy the Pre-Release events tomorrow; I know I'll be going. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0378.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0378.htm 18 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/18/08 - Here is the awaited second part to A Fresh Perspective: Stasis. While the first half was an in-depth look of the basic “Stasis Philosophy” and an analysis of some of the possible cards and strategies the second half show my own results combined with those of everyone who gave me feedback with their own builds. Ready to see how everyone decided to take their build of the deck? Then let the Stasis-locks begin! ~Dazboot~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0377.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0377.htm 17 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/11/08 - Folks, there comes a time in a writer's career when he realizes that he’s not happy with the way things are going—come to think of it, that happens to everyone; but nevertheless, the same course of action must be taken: Change. I have really enjoyed this article series; the feedback, the challenge of putting my work out there to be championed or flamed, and most of all I enjoyed the fact that I managed to get away with doing it for so long. But the truth is that as I develop and change so do my tastes and preferences of subject material. To this end I feel I can no longer continue this article series. Now, having got the heavy stuff out of the way; before I let this article thread vanish into the shadows of the net I’m going to take her out for one last ride—the ride of the ages. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0121.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0121.htm 16 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/16/08 - Welcome back to another Delusions of Mediocrity article! Hopefully you made it all the way through the last few. If you’ve never made it through any, I would recommend at least checking them out after you have read this one... ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/decks_of_the_day.htm#041508 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/decks_of_the_day.htm#041508 16 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/16/08 - Oppenheimer's Atlantis. This is an older Merfolk deck that doesn't use Stasis Orb or any of the Orb's lockdown ilk. It does use an ingenious combo consisting of Booby Trap and Memory Lapse. The combo combined with some efficient Merfolk drops, Intuition and Brainstorm makes for a pretty good deck. Check it out... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0376.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0376.htm 10 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/10/08 - Progress. It is the evolution of everything in a forward direction. We all progress towards the end of our lives, which is a scary thought, but true. However, not all progress is a bad thing. This short editorial will show you the progress of the MDV Newsletter, and possibly the future, as I will set the long term goals of the Eye of the Vortex. Read on to find out more on the next evolution of MDV. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0375.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0375.htm 9 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/9/08 - Greetings patriots! I’m glad to see you’re all here to help me fix another deck, but I’ve got bad news; we won’t be fixing a deck today. It’s part of a new regime my council of advisers (all clockwork constructs of course) has, well, advised I put into action. Now hold on there, I have good news as well! The reason we won’t be working on a deck today is because there is another thing we can gain from pushing back the clock, and that’s a lesson from Magic history... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0374.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0374.htm 8 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/8/08 - Welcome back to the longest article series in the history of MDV. Now that we are at the final part, I'd like to thank you for sticking it out with me. You may be interested to know how long the article actually is. The entire article was 39 pages before I broke it up into eight parts, making it the longest single article in MDV history (at least to my knowledge). That is right my friends; this is part eight, the final installment. Should all go well, you may walk your way in peace, knowing the result of this lengthy tournament. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0373.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0373.htm 7 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/7/08 - This week, I’m doing something a bit different, and I’m answering some reader mail! As you may know, I’ve been leaving my email address at the bottom of this column for some time now; with always the offer to do something with a card of your choice (provided, of course, that you email me.) Well, I get a few emails now and then (mostly with deck questions or people wanting advice), but now and again I get people emailing me asking me to use a card, a “dollar bin rare” in my next article. This week, I’ll be doing just that. ~Death_By_Beebles~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#04508 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#04508 5 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/5/08 - So I've been updating the visual spoiler for Shadowmoor a little differently than normal. I have been updating the images of art and product images as they become available. I've also been updating the spoiler with text versions and card images (if available) as they become available. I've been trying my best to stay on top of things for you guys. However, during the Rumor Mill season, from now on, I will be posting a button of the set with a status below it -- like you see to the right above the "Quick Links" section on the home page. I will not be posting blurbs about it (like this one) anymore. I hope this works for everyone. If not, send me an email or a PM in the forum. In the meantime... Ghastly Discovery, Gravelgill Duo, Sickle Ripper, Silkbind Faerie, Zealoud Guardian, Safewright Quest, Power of Fire, Mudbrawler Raiders, Ghastlord of Fugue, Sapseep Forest, Roughshod Mentor, Boggart Arsonists and Rattleblaze Scarecrow. These are the cards I just added to the spoiler. Thanks Myriad Games. Token images added too. http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16723 http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16723 5 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/5/07 - So the rumors are flying around for Shadowmoor and some of the cards have been revealed. I know you've found that amazing or creeper combo using one of the new cards -- submit it to Magic Deck Vortex so I can credit your submission on the next Shadowmoor Combo Page. Thanks in advance. If you don't want to join the forum, just email it to me. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=99 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=99 5 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/4/07 - Well guys, one month in, one month done. March is officially finished as of now. The final score card is available for your viewing pleasure in the forums, located here, or by getting a copy of the April Newsletter... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=98 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=98 5 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST Here ye, here ye! You have the opportunity to create the first MSS Logo! It will be featured on the main-page of MDV linking to the MSS - all things relating. Entries are to be 160 x 160 no more, no less. The deadline is 4/20/08. Come visit the thread here... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0372.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0372.htm 4 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/4/08 - Hey folks, Hamsandwich here, hoping to throw some extra mustard on this blue-plate special we call life with the resurrection of an article series previously written by our own John Streetz. Those of you unfamiliar with the original series can find it here. John’s vision was to focus on extremely bad or broken cards, discuss their problems, and build decks around them in hopes of helping the reader view his or her collection a little differently. I hope to continue that vision with this updated version; however, I will broaden the spectrum and not only focus on those same types of cards, but also on a number of other cards that have been clogging up our binders for extended periods of time for a variety of reasons... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0371.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0371.htm 3 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/3/08 - Last time, seen here, Michael_Zeora and I discussed various teaching styles to help make it easier to bring your padawan up to speed. In this offering, we’ll look at the different playing styles that are common among players. The styles are given as a reference to give you some ideas on how to match a newer player with a deck, and give them options for what to play and what they’ll be playing against... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0370.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0370.htm 2 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/2/08 - Are you getting tired of my story yet? Trust me, you reading it and even me taking the time to write it is not nearly as draining or frustrating as actually living it out. Please read on as we are getting very close to concluding this long tale... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#04108 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#04108 1 Apr 2008 01:30:00 CST 4/1/08 - MDV has 301 of 301!!! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#033108 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#033108 31 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/30/08 - Added product images, card art pics and updated the spoiler as seen on MTGSalvation's spoiler page. Thanks to MTGS for the info and to Wizards for the majority of the card art. More to come very soon! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0369.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0369.htm 31 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/31/08 - Hey guys, Luthervamplord here. This time around I'm here to help you beat an archetype of player that regularly suffers from abuse and violence due to their unsavory gaming tactics; these players have high levels of insurance because they ruin the game for so many and live in constant fear of the public beatings they rightfully deserve... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0367.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0367.htm 27 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/27/08 - While this series may have a brand new name for MDV, it's something I've been writing about since my very first article here (although for pure trivia it wasn't the first published. For those not familiar with the meaning of the series name it comes from Senator Ted Stevens’s explanation of the Internet as merely a series of tubes during a debate on net neutrality. For those of you confused on what net neutrality is I offer a very basic definition: the ability for any user to connect to any other user shall be impartial. I can think of no finer banner for talking about Magic Online, as most people who talk about MTGO are just as far off base as Senator Stevens was with his concept of the Internet. In this series, I will look at things unique or not so unique to Magic Online. Topics might include formats that really only Magic Online (MTGO) players can take true advantage of such as Momir-Vig Basic, unique decks that would be hard to play without use of MTGO, and of course... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0366.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0366.htm 26 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/26/08 - The premise of this article is based off the conclusion of another. Those of you who read my editorial Amongst the Giants will remember that I ended it by thanking Chris Newton for my favorite article from MDV, his piece on Stasis “Shifting Lineaments: Lessons in Being Punched in the Face”. In this article he spoke on how Stasis is still alive and kicking with the good old Brine Elemental + Vesuvan Shapeshifter or “Pickles” lock. In the forum responses, Amadeus voiced the question that had been tickling the back of my mind as I was reading the article and learning the premise behind “Stasis Theory”. He wrote... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0365.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0365.htm 25 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/25/08 - We meet again. This is part six of the ongoing story of one man vs. the field in a State Championship Tournament. Step inside and read on. I hope to have kept you entertained with my story thus far... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0364.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0364.htm 24 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/24/08 - Everyone who has ever played this game for any length of time has memories about “the way the game was when they started.” Some may not like the way the game has changed, and others have loved every minute of it. For me, I’ve always been looking forward; I’m eagerly anticipating Shadowmoor when it comes out in May. Still, it’s hard not to think back fondly on the decks you used to play and remember the people you played with. The nostalgia is running pretty thick around here lately. I’ve been playing with some older sets, using cards I used when I was first playing the game. It’s been a blast, and I’m here to share some of that excitement with you... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0363.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0363.htm 20 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/20/08 - Last weekend we rounded up the contestants and grouped them up. Then all last week you guys cast your votes and eliminated the weaker cards of each group. Now all that is left is for you to decide the winner of MDV Idol right? Wrong! It’s time for some fun, as the Judges sit down and review the finalists. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0362.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0362.htm 19 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/19/08 - At some point in the life of many spell slingers there comes a realization that building decks that are flashy and fun to play is not always the same as building decks that are good. For some this spawns a desire to advance to an intermediate skill level of deck construction. Whether acquired intuitively through experience or by a deliberate effort to study the game, or often a little of both, this advance is characterized by an understanding of some of the foundational theoretical concepts of Magic: the Gathering. In this series we follow such a player as his eyes are opened to the world of Magic theory and its application to deck construction. In this episode the discussion turns to speed and efficiency... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0361.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0361.htm 18 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/18/08 - Welcome back to Memories of an Old Magic Player. This is part five of this series, where I relate the story of my voyage through a sea of Magic players en route to trying to actually play ten rounds of a State Championship Tournament. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0360.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0360.htm 17 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/17/08 - Commentator: Once upon a time, like, a few weeks ago, there raged a battle of titans whose power shook the very earth. These Titans known as Ryuzaki and Maleficent will be battling to the death in a game of Magic! Upon beginning the game, the Dice of Fate were rolled to decide which of the Titans would begin the battle. Maleficent rolled a 1, and Ryu an 11. Luck was surely on Ryuzaki's side. As the adversaries readied themselves for the war, Maleficent spoke... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0359.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0359.htm 13 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/13/08 - I’ve been thinking about Magic Deck Vortex lately and wondering on a few different topics related to this site. Topics like slogans. The various slogans I’ve used in the past and currently, are they accurate? For instance, is Magic Deck Vortex really “What the casual players use?” Or, as I used in the past, is Magic Deck Vortex really “More than meets the eye?” Of course, there is a lot more than just slogans to think about. There’s MDV Idol #3. There’s the new MDV Super Series. There’s the possibility for me to write more articles for MDV. There’s a new layout to think about for the main site … and more! What kinds of Words from the Streetz are in store for you today? Looks like you’ll just have to keep reading. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0357.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0357.htm 11 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/11/08 - He’s the King of class, he’ll kick your ass, sea bass! Mr. Vault Ninja, the Ultimate Headache of Wizards of the Coast! Whole formats were built and then were banned based on this little one mana creature, and now he’s ready for some more action. He’s back ladies and gentlemen, for the first time since… wait, what’s this? He never left? Well, oops. That’s rather embarrassing. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#31108 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#31108 11 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/11/07 - Five new links featured and posted! Check out the link descriptions by clicking on the above link. Remember to comment on them in the forum thread. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0356.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0356.htm 10 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/10/08 - Whew, rolling right along here. Greetings again. If you are still reading, then hopefully I have you captivated and you are enjoying spending a long day with me as I beat people senseless and lose my shirt at the same time. This is the continuing saga of one man's determined march to the top of the mountain, in his mind. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#030908 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#030908 9 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/9/08 - Added one card (Demigod of Revenge) and 14 card pics without rules text. Interesting! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#030608 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#030608 7 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/7/08 - Someone over at MTGS discovered over thirty art images from Shadowmoor. Aside from all of them being creepy, evil looking and bug eyed, they are all equally amazing. Come check out all of the images in MDV's visual spoiler. ~Streetz~ http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=17798 http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=17798 7 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/7/08 - MDV IDOL 3 deadline is Friday 3/7/08. Be sure and get your entry in and posted in this thread. As long as you get something posted, you will have a few more days after Friday to edit your entry. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0353.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0353.htm 3 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/3/08 - You have waited a long time for this. Your time of waiting has come to and end. Are you ready for it? This... is... MDV Idol!!! ~MDV Idol Host~ NOTE: Deadline for entry is 3/7/08! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0355.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0355.htm 3 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/3/08 - Welcome fellow gamers. Being that we are all drawn together due to our shared competitive nature and desire to learn more about the game Magic: the Gathering, I have devised a way to bring us all one step closer. The MDV Super Series! Want to know more about it? You will have to step inside and get the low down. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0354.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0354.htm 3 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/3/08 - Another day another dollar. What does that mean? It means that given another day to think about something, I came up with another great idea, and in this editorial, I will give you the low down on the newest item to rock your Vortex experience: The MDV Newsletter. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ARTICLES_blog_notifications.htm#022508 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ARTICLES_blog_notifications.htm#022508 2 Mar 2008 01:30:00 CST 3/2/08 - Below are the blogs from the past two weeks. Apologies on missing last weekend's summary of blogs. Please enjoy! ~Streetz~ Blogs include: Advent of a new set!, This needs more Sugar, Decksperiments: Elder Dragon Highlander and Gearing up for FNM! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0352.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0352.htm 28 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/27/08 - Hi guys, Luthervamplord here and I've got a question for you: If I were to say 'Control'; how many of you would immediately think of cards like Counterspell and Rewind? Quite a few of you I'm sure. I can almost hear some of you guys yelling out 'Dashed Hopes' and again you'd still be falling into a trap that I myself believed for some time... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0351.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0351.htm 27 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/27/08 - It's Luthervamplord versus Death_By_Beebles in a budget deck building challenge taken to the extreme. In Luther and DBB's latest mini-article series, which MDV Writer has got the stuff it takes to win a deck building challenge that only gives you $10 to make a deck? Check it out here! ~Death_By_Beebles and Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0350.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0350.htm 26 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/26/08 - When it comes to winning, what comes to mind? Akroma is a good win condition. So is Tombstalker. Perhaps you like clogging up the board with lots of little creatures. Or maybe you like to throw 15 Elves into play, attack with one Scryb Sprite and have a Timberwatch Elf turn that 1/1 Sprite into a 16/16 creature and bulldoze your opponent into oblivion! You could be a control player. A control player loves to make the board clear of any debris and attack with a nasty finisher like Aeon Chronicler. What about combos? Anyone like 1,204,500,129 point Fireballs split between three opponents? What do they all have in common? http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0349.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0349.htm 25 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/25/08 - There are many different types of cards in Magic. Normally when you create your deck, you mix them all up and utilize them in the best manner to defeat your opponent. What would you say though if I told you that you couldn’t use instants in your deck? Oh, and you also can’t use artifacts; or enchantments. Please don’t use sorceries either. They are very bothersome. One last thing… you can’t use planeswalkers either. Welcome to the Creatures Only Game... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0348.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0348.htm 25 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/25/08 - Welcome to another exciting 'Week' at MDV. While normally our weeks would be a Theme Week, or possible First Impressions Week, or maybe even MDV Idol week(s?), this week will be a little bit different. This week will be dedicated to introducing you to a completely new idea; a new concept that has been developed and now fleshed out. Take a look inside and find details on what exactly a Mini-Article is. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0071.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0071.htm# 22 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/22/08 - [Note: This is a reprint of the first ever in this series]. Okay people, here it is: the start of my writing career at MDV! (Hoping and wishing, hoping and wishing, hoping and wishing...) But seriously, I hope you like this article and will support this article thread. So what do I plan to do with this space of mine? What else -- Make Cards! ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0347.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0347.htm 20 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/20/08 - The Onslaught and Lorwyn blocks are all about Tribal. The problem is that they don’t address some of the smaller tribes. Instead, several of the already large tribes were chosen and further developed in these blocks. I can understand why Wizards of the Coast would do this, but why don’t they develop some of the smaller creature tribes too? They’ve been known to humanize tribes like Elephants, Cats, Foxes, and others, which expanded those tribes and gave us casual players deck building options. But what about Fish, Cockatrice, Crab, Hellion, Gorgon, Monger, Ferret, Eye, Boar, Homarid and Antelope (to name a few)... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0346.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0346.htm 19 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/19/08 - Welcome back. This is Part Three of the extremely long story of one man’s trek through a State Championship Tournament. If you missed Part One or Two, you should check here, where you will find the archive of all the parts of this story. Make sure you read them in order, or you may miss something important and/or funny. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0345.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0345.htm 18 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/18/08 - If you weren’t immediately turned off by the title of my latest Raiding the Dollar Bins article, congratulations, you fared better than my college roommate. One of the integral parts of Blue in Magic: the Gathering is the counterspell. Counterspells are the bread and butter of a good Blue Control deck. Counters give you the chance to say no to your opponent’s shenanigans and keep that ridiculous combo from going anywhere... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ARTICLES_blog_notifications.htm#021108 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ARTICLES_blog_notifications.htm#021108 16 Feb 2008 17:30:00 CST 2/16/08 - Eventide, the set after Shadowmoor, was recently announced on MTG.COM. And thus, I have started a visual spoiler page for it. Thus far I have the set logo and icon and the basic timing and team information for the set. As more information comes in, I will update this page. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_eventide.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_eventide.htm 16 Feb 2008 17:30:00 CST 2/16/08 - Below are the blogs from the past week. Be sure to check them out and discuss them in our forums. Let the bloggers know what you thought; let the bloggers know you read their material and loved it or hated it!... [Click the link to see the blogs] http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0344.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0344.htm 15 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/15/08 - Welcome fellow staff and readers to the second class-based deck building contest results. When Streetz ran the Class-ifed contest a year and a half ago, Death_by_Beebles took the first place prize with his deck Deathshaker, a Shaman vehicle. Some of this year’s non-winners have already been revealed - but the question remains: Can Shamans take home the prize again? First let’s look at all the race-class combos that entered to show you just how varied the decks really were when some initially questioned me about how narrow this contest would be. Also, for those naysayers at home—you two who kept telling me it would be nothing but Goblin tribes—I only have to say: Not a single one. It was a total shock for me as Goblin Warriors are massively strong, but hey the people proved me right. Elves and Humans ended up being the most popular tribes while Druids and Wizards took home most popular classes. ~Cashew~ Discuss Here. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0343.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0343.htm 14 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/14/08 - At some point in the life of many spell slingers there comes a realization that building decks that are flashy and fun to play is not always the same as building decks that are good. For some this spawns a desire to advance to an intermediate skill level of deck construction. Whether acquired intuitively through experience or by a deliberate effort to study the game, or often a little of both, this advance is characterized by an understanding of some of the foundational theoretical concepts of Magic: the Gathering. In this series we follow such a player as his eyes are opened to the world of Magic theory and its application to constructed decks built for a “competitive casual” environment. In the previous installments we looked at resources and lineup theory and began a discussion of card advantage. In this episode the discussion of card advantage is completed along with a brief discussion of card quality. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0342.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0342.htm 13 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/13/08 - I play casual. I love kicking it with the guy’s playing cards and talking about how late we all run in life. That’s my idea of fun. So I’m going to talk about my experience with casual and how these new set of cards will interact within my casual group. I’ve played in some tourneys and had minor league success but casual is where the heart is and …well… whatever. My goal is to make you think. ~jokerinexile~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0341.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0341.htm 13 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/13/08 - If you check out the thread, you can see my response to Tynion’s First Impression’s article. There was one particular card, Stomping Slabs, which he had given a D. ‘Forget about the pesky “reveal the top seven cards of your library…” part, we’re talking about seven damage for three mana. This must be a good card.’, I had thought to myself. In the forum, and later in a private message to Tynion, I called him out on this card and spoke boldly of a T2 deck where this card could work. He said, “Write me an article.” So I set about diligently building, and chronicling my attempts at utilizing this card... ~Hamsandwich~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0340.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0340.htm 13 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/13/08 - In the Wake of First Impressions Week, I have received two Impression articles that came from readers in response to my Editorial. I thought it would be a good idea to post them and get a more diverse view of Morningtide. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0339.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0339.htm 12 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/12/08 - This is Part Two of the admittedly lengthy story of one man’s ride through a huge field of players in a State Championship Tournament. If you missed Part One, you should check here first. Make sure you read the story in order, or you may miss something important and/or funny.~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#21208 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#21208 12 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/12/07 - Five new links featured and posted! Check out the link descriptions by clicking on the above link. Remember to comment on them in the forum thread. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0338.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0338.htm 11 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/11/07 - Red and Blue are probably two of the strangest colors to put together, if you think about Magic in a flavor-y, Vorthos-y type of way. Blue is the element of the mind, conscious thought, planning, and thinking. Red, on the other hand, is all about the here and the now , the “me me me” and “get out of my way if you think you’re going to stop me from doing what I want, right now!” I suppose that’s why they made the two colors enemies... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/COMBOS_2008_morningtide_part_1.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/COMBOS_2008_morningtide_part_1.htm 11 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/11/07 - I'm a little late of posting these, but BEHOLD! Part one of the Morningtide Combos has been published and ready for you to review, enjoy and/or tear apart. All new combos for Morningtide can be posted here. All comments about combos I've posted can also be posted here. Please let me know your thoughts on this page! ~Streerz~ Discuss Here. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#1 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_shadowmoor.htm#1 10 Feb 2008 17:30:00 CST 2/10/08 - MTGS discovered some product images and thus I have added them to the VS for Shadowmoor. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ARTICLES_blog_notifications.htm#020408 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/ARTICLES_blog_notifications.htm#020408 10 Feb 2008 17:30:00 CST 2/9/08 - Below are the blogs from the past week. Be sure to check them out and discuss them in our forums. Let the bloggers know what you thought; let the bloggers know you read their material and loved it or hated it! -- Savoury Cards, Getting Classy: Warriors, Don’t feel like Cake Today, Syphon’s Decksperiments: Kithkin!, Gearing up for FNM, Darksteel Designer Round 4 Hopefuls -- OK - so I lied. This is really a list of the some of the blogs from the past two weeks. How's everyone liking the blogs of MDV so far? ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0337.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0337.htm 8 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the fifth article of the series, Vanguard: Across the Formats! Those readers who have read any of the previous articles will be aware that the purpose of this article is to lift the illusion surrounding Vanguard; that it exists only as a standalone format. The beauty of Vanguard is that it is a format enhancer; the rules can be applied to nearly any other format! Now normally for each article I would take two random Vanguard cards or Avatars (meaning I would cover both the original cards and the new online versions) as well as a random Magic format, and I would create a deck for each for your viewing pleasure; but this time I’m trying something a bit different – this time I’m choosing the format rules myself, but I’m still randomly choosing the avatars. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0336.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0336.htm 8 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST Now that Lorwyn is finally over, we can expect a decent set from the good folks at Wizards: Shadowmoor. Unlike the fluffy pretty crap from Lorwyn, Shadowm- What? Morningtide? What the hell is that? An expansion of Lorwyn? Good Lord... no, they couldn't have... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0335.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0335.htm 7 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/7/08 - Welcome readers to the last in the current series of Casually Alternate, the First impressions of a player who favors those formats outside of the mainstream. As ever I am your eternal host, Luthervamplord. Encase some of you have missed the earlier editions to this series, follow the link at the bottom of this page to my article listing and look for them there. As per the previous articles this review will run on for quite some time so my advice is either to settle down for the long haul or tackle this thing in small, digest-sized bits. Alright then, time to get this final review over with. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0334.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0334.htm 7 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/7/08 - In this series we follow such a player as his eyes are opened to the world of Magic theory and it's application to constructed decks built for a “competitive casual” environment. In the previous installments we looked at resources and lineup theory. In this episode these concepts are pulled together into a discussion of card advantage, one of the most essential theoretical concepts for budding deck builders and players alike. Cue theme song. ~Amadeus~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0333.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0333.htm 6 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST Now that 2007 is behind us, we can finally begin a new tradition here at MDV, and that is the MDV Writer’s Guild Awards. You may be thinking to yourself, “Isn’t there already an awards system in the forums?” Yes there is, and in that system you get a vote, but in this one you don’t get a say. However, we will do our best to keep you entertained with the new addition to the MDV tradition: The Annual MDV Writers Guild Awards. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0332.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0332.htm 5 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/5/08. Welcome readers, the next part in my First Impressions series aimed at all you casual players and fans of the alternate formats. I am your eternal host, Luthervamplord and this series is a serious change of pace with me; here’s hoping you’re enjoying it so far. But enough talk, you came for a set review and that’s what you’re going to get. ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0331.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0331.htm 5 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/5/08. My previous Memories articles have been about my perspective of how Magic was back in the day, and on occasion, I would tell you a story about how a time period played out or how a deck worked. I wanted to do something a little different this time. In this eight-part article series, I will tell you the story of one event in my personal Magic career, and most likely, my crowning achievement. That in itself is not the different part; the different part is that I will tell the story from my mind, and not my mouth. Read on, and see what I mean. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0330.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0330.htm 4 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/4/08 - Many casual players, when they run out to get their latest fix of the addiction we all call Magic: the Gathering from their local gaming or hobby store, buy a few packs, and then either open them (or crack them, as I like to say) right in the store, or take them home and open them with their friends. I’ve known players to open entire boxes worth of packs at Pre-Releases and on casual Fridays, just because they wanted to get to all the rares. While this is one way of getting enjoyment out of your Magic budget, it’s definitely not my cup of tea. At nearly 4.00 USD a pack, this little hobby is getting more and more expensive. If I’m going to pay the cash for the packs, then I’m going to try and get my money’s worth out of them, and that may mean saving money to do something with the packs instead of just opening them. One of my favorite options is a booster draft. ~Death_By_Beebles~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0329.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0329.htm 2 Feb 2008 01:30:00 CST 2/1/08 - Then there was Green; Morningtide week ends today. I am a big fan of Green cards, I'm not a big tourney player, so I'm quite lightweight about my gameplay. Also I'm very Johnny/Timmy so I'm constantly looking for combos and synergy. Morningtide is the last set in the Lorwyn block with the new "2 Set Block" design. Once again, Green is a mostly creature color and this set makes no exception to that rule with only eight of 28 cards being non-creature. ~MZ~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0328.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0328.htm 31 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/31/08 - Hi there, my name is Luthervamplord and welcome to the fourth edition of First Impressions: Casually Alternate. This series strives to bring the news and value of the new cards to those players who enjoy Casual, 2HG, Tribal and Highlander games. This review is rather long so my advice is either to tackle it in bite-sized junks or to settle down with a large cup of coffee and something to snack on. All set? Ok then, let’s plunge headlong in! (Since I’m from England the cards will be graded from ‘A’ through to ‘E’; I hope that the American readers weren’t too put out by this in my earlier editions.) http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0327.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0327.htm 31 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/31/08 - Each time a new set of cards is released, there is great anticipation. Will there be any cards that I can use in my existing deck? What new and interesting cards will I be able to build a new deck around? What are the new mechanics and how will they work? When a new block is released there is perhaps even more excitement as the flavor and focus of the block is revealed. In the case of Morningtide, the flavor of the block has already been established with Lorwyn and the focus of the set has already been spoiled by the game's head designer; Morningtide is a continuation of the tribal theme but with a focus on class rather than race. What then, is left to be revealed? The cards themselves, of course! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0326.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0326.htm 30 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/30/08 - Welcome, readers, to the third installment of the first impressions for players who shy away from T2 and its restricted card pool. In case you missed the first two articles, I’m going to be giving you my initial impressions on how the Red cards in Morningtide will affect the Casual, 2HG (Two-Headed Giant), Tribal and Highlander formats. Now, like the previous one, this is going to be a rather long read, so I won’t object if you tackle it in blocks and I’ll be seriously impressed if you can read the whole thing in one go. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0325.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0325.htm 30 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/30/08 - Hey. You. Yes, you with the Magic cards, come here. What are you doing? Morningtide is out, have you figured out what colors you're going to run? How are you feeling about White? What...don't leave, come back. I think I will be able to change your mind. Oh, excuse me, I haven't introduced myself.. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0324.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0324.htm 29 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/29/08 - This article is about a single magic card. So, what is my 'Rock of Love'? Well it's a new card from Morningtide - Stomping Slabs. For those not familiar, as it is new territory, let me share the card first with you... ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0323.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0323.htm 29 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST Welcome back to another exciting edition of First Impressions. This time around we will be taking a look at what Red has to offer us. Will we be Shocked by anything or maybe bored to the point of exhaustion? Either way, I promise to keep you entertained and itching to click the link at the bottom of the article in an effort of correcting my judgments of the cards. Ok guys... React to me! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0322.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0322.htm 28 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/28/08 - "Conflict breeds interest." One of my favorite quotes, and one which I keep repeating to myself in vain when thinking about Morningtide's Black cards. You see, Black in Morningtide is an oxymoron, so there is conflict in itself and thus it should be interesting. Thankfully I'll not be judging the cards' flavor in this article - that's for another, to keep the rage level at a minimum here - but I still can't purge my brain of the hideousness that is Squeaking Pie Sneak. ~Maleficent~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0321.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0321.htm 28 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/28/08 - We get new readers coming in all the time, and as has been said numerous times so far this week, First Impressions may be the most favorite of all article series we do here at Magic Deck Vortex. This is an unplanned Editorial that I decided to throw together at the last minute which will give a taste of the history of First Impressions for the new readers of MDV. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0320.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0320.htm 28 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/28/08 - Luthervamplord here, bringing you the second edition of First Impressions: Casually Alternate; the first impressions of a player who values the added flavour of alternate formats. In case you missed the first article, I will be reviewing the effect of each card in Casual, 2HG, Tribal and Highlander – but should you want to know my opinion on a card in any other alternate format, I’m more than happy to talk it up afterwards in the provided thread or via email if you aren’t a forum member. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DDB_new_decks.htm#jan2008 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DDB_new_decks.htm#jan2008 28 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/28/08 - 69 New decks have been posted in the MDV Deck Database. While they haven't been added to all of the different navigational pages of the database, you can see them all on the New Decks Page. That is where this link will take you. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0319.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0319.htm 25 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/25/08 - About two years ago Streetz ran a class-based contest designed to use a limited pool of Tribal based around the D and D style classes. I speak of this only because Morningtide brings us to an interesting crossroad; while it focuses heavily on the tribal lines created by Lorwyn, it also is the first set to really ever focus on the class aspect of creatures. As a result you're seeing numerous Faerie Rogues, Goblin Warriors, and others all designed along the tribal lines created by Lorwyn and the class lines being defined in Morningtide. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0318.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0318.htm 25 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/25/08 - Welcome folks to the first edition of First Impressions: Casually Alternate; the first impressions of a player who values the added flavour of alternate formats. As ever I am your eternal host, Luthervamplord. Today we’re going to take it easy and be reviewing the smallest of sections in the Morningtide Set – its artifacts and lands. ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0317.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0317.htm 25 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/25/08 - ...My job, this week, is to give you a taste of all those “extra” cards you don’t often think about. Artifacts, lands, and multicolor cards are what I’m focusing on today. Unfortunately, there aren't any multicolor cards in Morningtide, so you'll have to live with an artifact and land review. Luthervamplord is also doing an artifacts and lands article; his will be based more on different casual formats like Two Headed Giant and Highlander. His review is going to rock, so definitely check it out... ~DBB~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0316.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0316.htm 24 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/24/08 - When most players sit down to play a game of Magic, whether it be casually or in a tournament, they usually sit down with the idea of dealing twenty damage to their opponent’s face. A lot of players simply ignore or don't know that Magic actually has three different win conditions... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0315.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0315.htm 23 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST Once upon a time, there was a contest. It was a big contest. It was a glorious contest. And that contest brought forth a lot of people; and a lot of excitement. After that, another of its kind came along, and it too brought in the people. Then after that... well, another tried to arise, but then went away and was never heard from again. What is to be done about it? If you fall out of the saddle, the only thing you can do is get back up and ride again! http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0314.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0314.htm 23 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/22/08 - Welcome one and all to my den. Make yourselves at home. I know that most of you don’t know me, but I’ve been here and there writing occasionally, but never really found a place that I wanted to stay with or remembered to get stuff done for, or so the story goes. I think I have found a decent home though. ~Thanatos~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0313.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0313.htm 21 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/21/08 - Phew! That was a tough two weeks. I hope everyone enjoyed the best of 2007 articles and likewise I hope everyone is relieved the strike is over. There’s no letter from Chris Newton this time around, just my ramblings about the whole event. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_lands.htm#mt http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_lands.htm#mt 21 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/20/08 - Morningtide has brought us four new lands, some of which care about tribal, one of which provides one of three different colored mana, one that has a keyword on it and so on. I have updates the land visual spoiler accordingly. Please enjoy! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/features_polls.htm#moretosee http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/features_polls.htm#moretosee 19 Jan 2008 22:30:00 CST 1/19/08 - Given the size of Magic Deck Vortex, there is only enough time to to do a few things every night when I update the site. The following poll is meant to give me some direction on what you would like to see happen first. Please vote. If you would like to give some feedback on this, please post in this forum thread. Thanks in advance. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_creature_types_all.htm#123 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_creature_types_all.htm#123 19 Jan 2008 20:30:00 CST 1/19/08 - I've added nine more creature visual spoilers to the Creature List Database including Pirate, Kithkin, Mystic, Ouphe, Kobold, Pegasus, Phoenix, Dauthi and Worm! Phew! Enjoy! If you have any interesting tidbits, links or facts about any of these tribes, please email them to me! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_creature_types_text_list.htm#1 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_creature_types_text_list.htm#1 19 Jan 2008 15:07:00 CST 1/19/08 - With Morningtide, more Oracle updates were processed to correct some missed during the great update from Lorwyn. Hyena is back in. Anemone and Gremlin are out. And thus, the text spoiler with links to the available creature spoilers has been updated. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_morningtide.htm#112 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_morningtide.htm#112 19 Jan 2008 03:30:00 CST 1/19/08 - The visual spoiler is complete thanks to WaFry over at MTGSalvation. He provided a visual spoiler with the card names intact in the file names for each image. In the meantime, I plan on updating more tonight before I pass out. Enjoy! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0268.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0268.htm# 18 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST Welcome back to the much delayed and final 3CB – Metagaming article. For those of you who have forgotten about my last two articles, I invite you to read them before you start on this one. In this final article of the Metagaming miniseries, we’ll be metagaming against our metagaming. We’ll be looking at our final choices, and seeing if there are any cards we can play that might increase our odds. Finally, I’ll look at the results from 3CB #3, and we’ll see how I did with the choices I made. Without a lot of jabbering, let’s get to it! First up is looking at what everyone else is playing. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0312.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0312.htm 17 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/17/08 - As this strike unfolds, you as a visitor of Magic Deck Vortex are waiting for new article content. In the meantime, I have received a letter from Chris Newton, head of the Writer’s Guild Wednesday evening. This article will show you the letter and include a very short response from myself. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0264.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0264.htm# 16 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/16/08 - Following the last article of this series, there was some interest from the readers in finding my thoughts on sideboarding in a Casual setting. While I still hold firm to the fact that a sideboard is not a Casual thing, there is something to be said about changing your deck in Casual. In this article we will discuss the broad overview of how to Meta in your local gaming scene, namely, your home dinner table. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0227.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0227.htm# 15 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/15/08 - “Hail!… er, what is your name again, young man? Ah, it matters not; it only matters that you are a noble soul, very noble indeed, and are now in a noble place! It is with great honor that I introduce myself: I am Dibln, a Planar Guide, and by the command of the Great Major Leevn Camelo, I have rescued you from the wretched lair of Maleficent. You are safe, now; your mind will no longer be poisoned by his treacherous, wicked, vile lies... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0207.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0207.htm# 14 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/14/08 - Magic Deck Vortex has one of the best (if not the best) combo archives on the entire World Wide Web. What other site features over 20 combos every other month complete with descriptions, deck links and additional infinite combos? However, this is not the focus of today’s article. The focus is actually on three cool combos I recently added to the Time Spiral Timeshifted combo page, all three of which include Legends card. And all of these Legends cards were actually Legendary too! Curious? Keep reading... ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0311.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0311.htm 11 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/11/08 - Welcome back to another installment of Words from the Streetz. I suppose there are those of you that don’t care about this strike and others that care adamantly about it. If you aren’t aware of it at all, despite the big button I posted on the main page and the several page discussion of it in the forum, then click here. I will try and talk about more than just the strike. In fact, I may just open up my mailbox and talk about a few of the emails I’ve received over the last few months (and in some cases, years). I may just talk about some things on the horizon for MDV. I guess its time to get to writing, for me anyway, and then there is you. For you, I would ask that you keep reading. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0310.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0310.htm 10 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/10/08 - So here it is, my opinions and comments on not only this specific event (the MDV Writers Strike) and all of the thoughts, opinions, and comments that have sprung from it, but on somewhat more of a personal side of it as well. So here is my first "article" (If it can be called that, I'm not sure exactly how this all stands with the writer's guild down). ~Dazboot~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_morningtide.htm#11 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_morningtide.htm#11 10 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/10/08 - Updated with cards and some images. 118/150. Thanks, MTGS. ~John Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0265.htm#1 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0265.htm#1 9 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/9/08 - Without competition, there would be no struggle for survival. Each species on Earth would thrive in its own environment, but would languish when the nature of that environment ultimately changed. The species would founder and ultimately wane into extinction, a victim of its own fragility. Competition eliminates the weak and rewards resilience, innovation and adaptability. Those that survive reap the rewards of prosperity and a stake in the future of the world that they inhabit. But, not all will survive. ~Amadeus~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#010808 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#010808 9 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/9/07 - You can find the featured links listed on the right of the home page. I've put special buttons together for each one. If you want to find out a little bit more information before you click on the featured links, click on this blurb title. You'll like this month's links. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0309.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0309.htm 8 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/8/08 - I just don’t get it. One moment I’ve got a great team of writers all about the site and writing for it, and then the next thing I get is an email from Tynion telling me that all of the writers, the members of the Writers Guild of Magic Deck Vortex, are on strike... ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0308.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0308.htm 7 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST Welcome ladies and gentlemen; demons and angels; saints and sinners to 2008! Here’s hoping that the dust and bad memories of the last year are firmly behind you and that you all had a great Festive holiday. Speaking of festive holidays, we’re here to finish off a small piece of unfinished business from last year: The Christmas Contest! ~Luthervamplord~ http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16989 http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16989 7 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST ...The above giant represents the collabrative winner of the Planeswalker contest. Thirty contest entries were judged and critiqued by three judges in an attempt to find a truly Lorwyn Planeswalker. Contestants not only had to submit a card but also an artwork description, and both had to have that crucial Lorwyn flavor. Saito's entry was a curveball taking a Giant and outcasting him into the Fairy tribe - a giant slave of Oona. The approach, the abilities, the artwork were all masterfully done and while the card is by no means absolutely perfect, it represented the pinnacle of all the entries. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0307.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0307.htm 4 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/4/08 - At some point in the life of many spell slingers there comes a realization that building decks that are flashy and fun to play is not always the same as building decks that are good. For some this spawns a desire to advance to an intermediate skill level of deck construction. Whether acquired intuitively through experience or by a deliberate effort to study the game, or often a little of both, this advance is characterized by an understanding of some of the foundational theoretical concepts of Magic: the Gathering... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0306.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0306.htm 3 Jan 2008 01:30:00 CST 1/3/08 - With the coming of each New Year, people always like to sit around a cozy, warm fire and take turns telling each other their resolutions for the upcoming year. Most people fail in their resolution within a matter of weeks, some may last a few months, and yet still a select few people may even last the entire year and successfully complete their resolution. However, most of us sit around, drinking heavily, making mighty tall orders and never even attempt to uphold our resolutions... http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=57 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=57 28 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/28/07 - If you have not noticed yet, Wizards is slowly leaking out MorningTide cards. I have tried to get the guys in the back to try and step up and review cards as they came out, yet no one volunteered, so I decided to give a few quickies as they pop up. ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DBB_about_the_database.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DBB_about_the_database.htm 28 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/28/07 - After several years of this page being dormant, I have updated it with some additional information. It's like a FAQ now with an index of common DDB questions at the top in addition to the introduction. Check it out and let me know if I am missing anything. Thanks. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=56 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=56 28 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/27/07 - Yawgmoth (ours, not the metal god) marches past you with a small army of friends draped in tin foil. They’ve been protesting outside the arena for hours that no creature is more beautiful than a Phyrexian one. Shamed that his metal-lords lost to wart infested Troll dolls - Yawg has certainly been studying hard to reclaim the title. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0195.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0195.htm 27 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/27/07 - Jovial little Faeries flitting and dancing over sparkling blue waters; century-old Treefolk standing tall and proud against the wrath of nature; resourceful midgets working together in a way no other race could; stupid Goblins joyfully doing stupid things like their normal stupid selves. These are but a few of the glorious, beatific images Lorwyn brings to mind. And they sicken me. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_morningtide.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/VS_morningtide.htm 27 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/27/07 - FINALLY! I've updated the Morningtide Visual Spoiler with all of the Rumored information as well as card and art images found on www.wizards.com, www.mtgsalvation.com and www.themagictutor.com. Thanks to all for the info! 8/150. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=47 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=47 26 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/26/07 - A lot of players had trouble really getting their heads around this contest. Some took literal the literal approach and tried to physically force a card into the meld of a tribe. Some of these ending mimicing cards such as Form of the Dragon, Lich, or Pongify, which took a literal approach to the problem. Basically what if the creature/player was X. Other entries tried to imbue a creature with aspects of that tribe such as Aspect of Mongoose, Serra’s Embrace or Serpent Skin. These generally lead to cards that enhanced creatures and blended them into the tribe instead of forcing them in. I honestly don’t have a preference for either method and graded them along the same lines. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/#1 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/#1 26 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/26/07 - Given I've was on vacation the past week, I was unable to post the new blogs each day. However, over the last week there have been eight new blog entires. Listed below are those blogs in order from most recent to the oldest new entry... Streetz http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0195.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0195.htm# 19 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/19/07 - For those of you who have never seen these cards before and even those who have, you're probably scratching your head wondering why I'm writing about them. First, who wants to play an overcosted 2/2 for four mana? Second, they seem to exist solely to stack onto each other like Lego's. What makes it even worse is just like Lego's, they only fit on other Lego's. You can't put them on your Lincoln Logs, Tyco Blocks, or your Army Men, they solely for each other. If you're anything like me, you have two final thoughts - why are there only four Chimeras and how the heck do these things come from the concept of what a Chimera is in mythology? I'll attempt to answer these questions as in the rest of the article, but for now, just realize that these four creatures are distinctive, and to me utterly intriguing. ~Cashew~ [This article is a reprint]. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/art_update_2007_12.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/art_update_2007_12.htm 19 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/19/07. Since I did a theme last month, I figured I would do a theme this month too. This month's theme: Christmas! But how would I do that? I'm glad you asked. This month I've added to the Art Catacombs card arts from white, green and red cards. Thus the Christmas Theme since Christmas colors are white, green and red. Please enjoy! ~Streetz~ Click the link above to see the card images. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=46 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=46 17 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/16/07 - As you enter the darkened arena you notice a new statue amongst the wall - Yawgmoth - the new Darksteel Designer was added to the ranks after defeating Death_by_Aggro. DBA much like yourself is now amongst the crowd of hopefuls hoping to prove himself worthy again to try and reclaim the title. Tonight, things seem different. Even though, most of have seen what the Lord Kaga wants in the competition, few know the true nature of Lord Kaga. As you peer around you notice what has charged the mood of the arena causing whispers. Not one, but two banners adorn the center stage - what could it mean? http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=45 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=45 14 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/14/07 - With the competition almost won and Yawgmoth’s entry winning in a landslide we seemingly have a new Darksteel Designer in our inaugural round. The only question remains - who shall compete against him in the next one? Join me now as I tear apart each entry to find someone worthy enough of the challenge. Now excuse me as I get my cruel and mean face on. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=44 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=44 14 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/13/07 - Yes, I know the Irony this being named “daily” yet is averaging… about one per week. Big news folks, the voting booths are open! The polls are up! The pants are tightened! yes I am talking about the 2007 Video Game Awards! All your favorite stars will be there. Solid Snake, Mario, Master Chief, the guy from… What? Forum Awards? ~Sensei Kakashi~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0304.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0304.htm 12 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/12/07 - Folks I've been given the chance to bring you guys a special present: The MDV Christmas Contest! Let's end the year on a good note and make this contest the biggest MDV has seen this year! But before I tell you what the contest is, I want to tell you a little story. ~Luthervamplord~ http://magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#120107 http://magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#120107 12 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/11/07 - I've finally updated the featured links for December and I hope you enjoy them. Two pauper sites, a reference site, a general gamer news site and an old favorite out of the UK. Check 'em out! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/forumdisplay.php?f=84 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/forumdisplay.php?f=84 11 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/11/07 - The MDV Forum Award nominations are in and the final 3-6 for each category have been determined. The voting booths for each category are now open so place your vote! You can find them all here. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=43 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=43 11 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/11/07 - Some of you might be thinking, “Well, I know who CJS’ is.” Some think they know who CJS’ is. They are Lying. Unless you’re SK, then you’re only partly-lying. I think it’s time to shed some light on who CJS’ really is, and what he’s about.~Captina Jack Sparrow~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=42 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=42 11 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/11/07 - Darkness surrounds you as you enter the arena - slowly your eyes adjust to the flicker of candles coming from the center of the arena. As you find a place to sit a voice announces: “Welcome one, welcome all - to the first Darksteel Designer entry presentation. Your honorable host Lord Kaga will be with you shortly. Until then, please feast your eyes on the center of the arena.” A single light illuminates the banner from last week with two dark figures standing next to it. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0303.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0303.htm 7 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/7/07 - Gather round, children, it’s time for a story. Is everybody ready? Ok! Once upon a time, many, many years ago, in a place called Dominaria, there lived a not so happy folk. These grumpy people were not pleased. You see, kids, they had been replaced in the world by the great Magic Gods because someone had decided that it didn’t make sense that creatures with no legs could attack other players. And so, these folk were phased out in favor of giant talking squids. As you can imagine, there was quite an uproar. Planeswalkers everywhere loved these folk! I mean, who couldn’t love a lord that was more obnoxious than even Goblin King? ~Tekkactus~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=41 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=41 7 Dec 2007 01:30:00 CST 12/7/07 - Welcome to Casually Casual (and not so casual) Magic. “What is a friend?” Check out my blog for more! ~Saito Hajime~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0302.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0302.htm 6 Dec 2007 06:30:00 CST 12/5/07 - Greetings, old-time patriots! My, it seems to have been quite some time since I last spoke to you in this manner. You must forgive me, as to me, time is volatile; depending on where I find myself in the Manor, millennia can go by like days, and days can go by like minutes. Now I regret my meandering, for my clocks seem to have succumbed to time more than I, and have fallen into disrepair. As you know, it is my (and hopefully soon to be your) sacred duty to repair these clocks and bring them back as good as new! But not today. That’s right; there will be no clock-fixing in this escapade. Why you might ask? Quite simply, I'm doing something else. ~Death By Aggro~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=40 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=40 4 Dec 2007 06:30:00 CST 12/4/07 - Greetings to all my casual brothers and sisters out there in cyber space land-town thing. Seeing as how we here at MDV are a family who all enjoy the same annoying habit, buying cards, I figured I should share with you my own private tips. Today we cover: Excess Cards! Oh noes… ~Sensei Kakashi~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=37 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=37 3 Dec 2007 06:30:00 CST 12/3/07 - If you’ve been paying attention, I teased you about it a little bit a week ago.  I alluded to it in several places, but it’s time to go ahead and show you what it exactly is.  Based off the Iron Chef format - each weekly/bi-weekly will feature a two player face off to complete some kind of themed challenge. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0301.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0301.htm 1 Dec 2007 06:30:00 CST 12/1/07 - At some point in the life of many spell slingers, there comes a realization that building decks that are flashy and fun to play is not always the same as building decks that are good. For some this spawns a desire to advance to an intermediate skill level of deck construction. Whether acquired intuitively through experience or by a deliberate effort to study the game, or often a little of both, this advance is characterized by an understanding of some of the foundational theoretical concepts of Magic: the Gathering. In this series we follow such a player as his eyes are opened to the world of Magic theory and its application to constructed decks built for a “competitive casual” environment. Part One lays the basic foundation of Magic theory as a game of resources. Queue theme song. ~Amadeus~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_all.htm#3 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_all.htm#3 30 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/30/07 - In lieu of the soon to come featured links for December 2007, I've decided to update the "ALL LINKS" page. I went through all of my "links" emails from the past two years, added a few and removed a few. Please check it out. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=36 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=36 30 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/28/07 - Tonight brings us to the thrilling? conclusion of the contest.  It was small, poorly advertised, and it is what it is - a precursor to the weekly larger contest which you will hear about more soonish (as in tomorrow - are you trained to check the blogs daily yet?) ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=35 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=35 29 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/28/07 - Welcome, welcome to today’s revelations.  Both parts 3 and 4 shall be discussed in detail.  This was the most open-to-interpretation portion of the contest, and there is some leeway.  It also happens to be the most technical and boring! ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=38 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=38 29 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/28/07 - Yep, I have been feeling the creative juices flowing again, and decided that I wanted to write again. The problem is that I don’t have time to follow through with anything anymore. So I have been jotting down my thoughts as best I can with the extra time that I have. When is that you ask? Maybe you should not have asked after all… Tynion. Discuss here. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0300.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0300.htm 28 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/28/07 - Welcome back to Pauper Chronicles, and I’m glad you’re back here with us after all our server troubles. Hopefully we've seen the last of all that! Set release time is always an exciting time for any format. While competitive Constructed formats like Standard and Extended look for new powerful cards (Thoughtseize comes to mind), Pauper instead looks at powerful commons. As sets leave with the rotation and new sets are added to the total pool of cards, entire formats and decks are dismantled and instantly change. The commons coming out of this new set will provide the basis for two years worth of Pauper Standard, and will add new cards to the ever growing Pauper Classic format. With Lorwyn freshly baked into Magic: Online, and more and more chances to play and win prizes – are you ready to start playing Pauper? ~Death_By_Beebles~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/art_update_2007_11.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/art_update_2007_11.htm 27 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/27/07. Today I've got 65 new card images for you all sharing the same theme -- the cards they come from are one-word cards. Mind you, some of them are from split cards. Braingeyser, Anaconda, Cataclysm, Development, Obliterate, Flashfreeze, Unmask... to name a few. Enjoy!~Streetz~ Click the link above to see the card images. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=34 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=34 27 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/27/07 - Check out Cashew's latest blog - titled above. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DDB/rug_routes.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/DDB/rug_routes.htm 27 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST Rug Routes. This one of the many decks that tie in the name of the deck with the colors of the deck. The deck is URG in colors, which can spell RUG. Combine the color with one of the key cards, Trade Routes, and walla! You have a deck name. This particular decks likes cards like Seismic Assault, Crucible of Worlds and Sprouting Vines. http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0299.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0299.htm 26 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/26/07 - Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the fourth article of the series, Vanguard: Across the Formats Number Four! ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/# 26 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/26/07 - There are three new blogs here on Magic Deck Vortex: -Money makes the world go round. by Saito Hajime -The Next Big Contest. by Cashew -All in the Family - The Daily Blog. by Sensei Kakashi -Design Contest: On the Flora and Fauna of the Volcano. by Cashew http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0298.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0298.htm 26 Nov 2007 06:30:00 CST 11/21/07 - It's been coming for awhile, after some site difficulties and delays from virus attacks to staff disappearances, and even to the server itself revolting... the Planeswalker Contest Results are here! There were 30 entries total, ranging from page long diatribes to concise no nonsense entries. While there could be only one winner, we did single out some other cards for lesser accolades. So congratulations to all cards recognized. If you're card isn't mentioned, check the forums for your score and any judge comments. ~Cashew~ http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16411# http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16411# 26 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/19/07 - The old server MDV was on no longer works. It apparently became "broken" recently (on Sunday) and thus I was forced into migrating to a new server. And thus, welcome to the new server. The forums were down most of Monday but as of 11:12pm Monday night - they are back up (along with the Blog pages) thanks to ButteBlues. Thanks, BB! Also, with this new server, the virus that once plagues MDV should now be gone. If it isn't, go here to discuss. Otherwise, go here to discuss the new server and the fact that MDV is now back up. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=26 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/blog/?p=26 16 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST Check out Saito's latest blog entry! While you are at it, check out some of the former blogs -- there are several of 'em. ~Streetz~ http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16370 http://magicdeckvortex.com/vbforums/showthread.php?t=16370 14 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/14/07 - The MDV Forum Awards have begun and you should be nominating your favorite person in each category. The above link will take you to the rules of the forum awards and then you can peruse the categories and make your nominations. Nominations will run for a few weeks and then voting will start. Things should get interesting. I hope you enjoy this year's Forum Awards! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0297.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0297.htm 12 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/12/07 - With the deadline for the contest past due, I realize my hopes to get this out prior to it have been dashed. Sadly, there seems to be something going on amongst the writers that I'm just not privy to since I'm more in the contest admin slot at this time. All I can tell you is that I had some previous work from Michael Zeora and he couldn't give me any more updates on it. Streetz seems preoccupied and has a lot of pressing issues (site viruses and such) and so his contribution is very limited. I can't just abandon this, so with the minimal help of others and no idea what is happening in the undercurrents of the Writer's Guild - I present the judge's entries. The goal was to present one good and one bad from each judge, but the aforementioned internal problems lead me to a little less than I wanted. ~Cashew~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_lands.htm# http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_lands.htm# 1 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/2/07 - As the title suggests I have updated and completely remodeled the Land Visual Spoiler Page... or should I say pages. The main page has navigation for each land category. There are seven categories now, each on their own page, including Single-Color, Dual-Color, Multi-Color, Plentiful Lands, Mechanical Lands, Multi-Type Lands and Other Lands. I think you will love the new look. Plus, the pages are all up to date as of Lorwyn. This is something I should have done during Land Week earlier this year, but time was available at that time. After three days of working on this it is now complete! Please enjoy! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0296.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0296.htm 1 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/1/07 - Hey gang. This article was originally supposed to run during Lorwyn Week, hence the Lorwyn theme to it. It kinda slipped under, though. Sorry about that. We’ve already gotten the formalities out of the way in last week’s other article, so I’ll spare you the copy-paste introduction and get right into the content. Creature Feature- Giants, here we go. ~Tekkactus~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#110107 http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/links_featured.htm#110107 1 Nov 2007 01:30:00 CST 11/1/07 - Every month I featured five links on the main page and on the main links page of Magic Deck Vortex. This month I have one brand new site (Deck Tracker), and several not-so-new sites. Three of these 'not-so-new' sites are new to being featured. Check 'em out! ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0225.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0225.htm 31 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/31/07 - Greetings esteemed tourists and guests, and welcome to my lovely summertime estate: Clockwork Manor! In here, time is the substance of life, and every clock comes with its own life story (and believe me, there are plenty of stories to be told). ~Death_by_Aggro~ Discuss Here. [This is a reprint article] http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0295.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0295.htm 30 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/30/07 - If you have read the first part of this article (found here) then you already know what I’m here to talk about; I’m here to instill some further knowledge and use of blink and bounce effects and cards into your gaming experience. Are you a premature-bouncer? Does your blink fizzle faster then you can question the action? Then this article is for you. ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0294.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0294.htm 29 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/29/07 - Lorwyn Week is now over on Magic Deck Vortex, the banner has been changed back to something older and yet familiar and the “Welcome to Lorwyn Week” button is gone from the main page and the side navigation bars. We had tons of content last week and if you missed any of it, I’ll provide you with a link to see what you might have missed in just a moment. In the meantime, I want to know what everyone thought of the week. You can discuss your thoughts about MDV’s latest theme week here. Once we get that out of the way, I’m going to go over a few things including the current Writers Guild staff, past Theme Weeks and some quick directional notes about the articles you will be seeing. Oh, and some of your user submitted comments and questions! It's been a while since I did that. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/COMBOS_2007_lorwyn_part_3.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/COMBOS_2007_lorwyn_part_3.htm 26 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/26/07 - What better way to end Lorwyn Week on MDV than with the final combo page for Lorwyn. This is part three of three and brings the total posted combos to 60. Once you check out the combos, scroll back up to the top and click on the Part 1 or Part 2 links to see any combos you may have missed previously. ~Streetz~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0293.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0293.htm 26 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/26/07 - If you remember waaaay back in the day, we held Avatar Week, and during that week, we published the article to end all articles called Avatars of Magic. The article basically was a duel between two fan favorites, myself *takes a bow* and Death_by_Beebles. Since I quickly dispatched Beebles in that article, I am now seeking fresh meat, and where better to search for fresh meat than in the new members of the Writer’s Guild. Step inside and see who I found to take on this time around! ~Chris Newton~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0292.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0292.htm 25 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/25/07 - Welcome card-fans to another article by the original vampire of MDV: Luthervamplord! Okay, enough of that nonsense – on to the article. Folks, I like my alternate formats. No, scratch that: I LOVE my alternate formats. You’ve probably gathered that from my other articles by now. Well folks, I’m here to talk about possibly my favorite format and the effect Lorwyn will have upon it. I’m talking of course, about tribal. ~Luthervamplord~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0291.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0291.htm 25 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/25/07 - Many, many weeks ago I featured a deck in the relatively new “Deck a Day” feature on the main page that tried to abuse Amrou Kithkin with Thran Weaponry. While the deck may not have been an all-star deck, it sure was fun to play. Then I was looking for another card to feature in this series, and I realized Thran Weaponry was a solid Casual card that needed a little lovin’. And thus, I present to you another episode of One Card to Rule Them All featuring Thran Weaponry! Oh. You say this is Lorwyn Theme Week here on Magic Deck Vortex? Thran Weaponry isn't from Lorwyn? Well... don't worry. I'll touch upon some Lorwyn cards somewhere in this article. Or, maybe I'll just talk about Kithkin with Thran Weaponry. You'll have to keep reading to find out. ~Streetz http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0290.htm http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/mdvarticle0290.htm 24 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/22/07 - It’s Lorwyn Theme Week here at MDV, and that means scads of material and new articles. Unfortunately for me, this means I've got to be working hard to put out new material! Fortunately for all the budget deck builders out there, I'm excited to say that we have quite a few good rares and uncommons that a deck can be built around. Raiding the Dollar Bins this week is going to be looking at some of the fun, interesting, and crazy rares from Lorwyn, and building some decks out of them that hopefully won’t hurt your pocketbook. ~Death_By_Beebles~ http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_creature_types_main.htm#lorwynweek http://www.magicdeckvortex.com/visual_spoilers_creature_types_main.htm#lorwynweek 24 Oct 2007 01:30:00 CST 10/24/07 - In lieu of the Great Creature Type Update thanks to MaGo and Lorwyn, I have updated, added and deleted several pages in the creature visual spoiler database of MDV. The following pages have recently been updated: Advisors, Angels, Apes, Archers, Assassins, Efreets, Elementals, Elephants, Elves,