More Lorwyn info with scans of the pre-constructed decks and the excitement of another 5-color precon (and the apparent rendition of a Merfolk). The third Lorwyn book has also been spotted lurking on Amazon.com and is called Shadowfall and is slated to be an anthology of short stories. We also briefly mention the glimpse of "Liliana Vess", which just may be one of the "Planeswalker" cards we expect to see in Lorwyn (and also features a non-"Un" card with art that goes beyond the card frame).
FNM card for September will be Wing Shards, and a FNM foil Cabal Coffers spotted on eBay that appears to be the November FNM promo. Latest Player Rewards promos are Cruel Edict and Recollect. The latest Judge promo is a foil alternate-art Vindicate!
The Magic Academy on magicthegathering.com posts its final article and gives a great index of all the Academy articles to date and will surely be missed. Gavin tells about his experience at "Magic Weekend" (and explains the bizarre "Game of the Year" played with enormous 3-foot magic cards) and points an interesting oddity in the 8th place deck from the California PTQ. He also mentions a new website catering to MTGO players called Modosharks.com and features both articles and videos.
Fact or Fiction
The Lorwyn cycle is based on a "day / night" theme, where the original Lorwyn plane is bathed in sunlight 24 hours a day (and covered with annoying little Kithkins) and then something happens to cause the "Shadowfall" thus linking these sets to whatever happens in "Jelly".
MTGCast News
Kyle (aka Yhalothar) has his 2nd place PTQ mentioned (and critically analyzed) on Frank Karsten's latest article "Block, with Everything". We also discuss Dragonkar's Standard RW aggro deck being discussed in the MTGCast forums.
Emails and Comments
Steven with an email asking Tom for a link to the Randy Beuhler video (whose audio commentary will make you want to jab out your own ears) mentioned on the last cast AND whether Tom still plays with his Power 9 cards (and if yes, is he "man enough" to play them without sleeves?).
Awesome email from Troy Dowd responding to our discussions of Tarmogoyf, Master's Edition, Tribal play, and his local play group!
Tom's deck features the interactions of Ixidron with morph creatures and the power of Powder Keg. Troy's deck features a nice counter-bounce tempo with flying beats and some Tolaria West tricks!
Tribe for next week: Shamans
Tribe for next next week: Giants
Stump the Chump
Tom ponders what happens to the creatures tapped by a Somnophore when it has been turned face down by an Ixidron?