I feel inspired. Another night of insomnia and another night of previews coming in from the mothership. For which I think there is reason to celebrate. And not just because we are seeing new cards, which always makes things exciting as we lead up to a release, but for being able to use old cards. Well, the card I’m thinking of isn’t exactly old, but it was from a few sets ago. And that card is Hidden Strings.
I’ve heard so many bad things about this card. It’s useless in limited, it’s even worse in constructed, and it will never find a home in any deck because it is just plain bad. Well, have you had a chance to see the newest spoilers? See the new mechanic? That’s why I got Inspired!
The card can finally have a home in being able to pull off some crazy things. Especially with that pre-release blue creature.
Arbiter of the Ideal
Flying
Inspiration — Whenever Arbiter of the Ideal becomes untapped, reveal the top card of your library. If it’s an artifact, creature, or land card you may put it onto the battlefield with a manifestation counter on it. It is an enchantment in addition to its other types.
Everyone knows that Flying is the strongest creature mechanic out there, especially in limited, but also in constructed. So seeing that thing with a Hidden Strings attached to it? That’s just plain scary. And then you have other cards like the new Orsekos Sun Guide which will grants you two life every time it becomes untapped. In constructed that might not be very high on your list of interactions when you have a ton of mythics and rares running amok, but I can say that in the Standard Pauper community it will definitely be seeing some form of play.
And then you have Pain Seer
The new “Bob” (Dark Confidant). Not quite as powerful as Bob, but close enough, especially when you take into account that ways to interact with the untap step are few and far between. And did we not see a Springleaf Drum spoiled? Or at least talked about? I heard something about a functional reprint. Or wait… it is official! So you don’t even need to attack with “New Bob” in order to have his ability go off. You don’t even need to take Haste into account.
I think this ones name should be Doug, or Neil.
So many exciting things ahead, and I am looking forward to seeing what the Pros and Casuals come up with concerning these new mechanics. I’ll be especially happy if I see anybody pulling some Hidden Strings on the Pro Tour.
Until next time,
~ Gerald Knight
