twoscoopsblog

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Hey all, I'll be streaming an opening of the Magic the Gathering: Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate set at 6PM PST tonight! I have a full box of Set Boosters and I want to talk about lore with y'all!

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Here's the alt-arts for the Chaturans.

Moxtober Day 3 - Pawn

So I went obvious with Pawn. And made a Pawn.

It's just a Rat, but not. I figured Pawns are the most populous unit on a chess board, and they can work well as a swarm mechanic. They're only W/B for flavor reasons. Also, why Chaturan? Because that was a type of outsider in D&D 3.5, in the end of its run, which were the Lawful Neutral embodiments of Strategy, and I kind of loved them.

But just a pawn? That's boring.

(Also, forgive the misspelled type line, I was tired. It'll be fixed by the time the full set is out.)

The knight I almost made a 3/1 to reference the way a Knight moves in chess, but I figured a 2/2 for 3 is a classic Magic Knight, and it worked here. It changes depending on color, but if you can pay both, a 2/2 First Strike with Menace and Vigilance is just a beast.

Of course the rook is a BEAST - assuming you clear the way. A 4/4 for 4 isn't too bad at common, and admitted, this is the weakest one - it's main job is to make the Pawns stronger and defend, but being able to become a 4/4 isn't a bad deal.

The bishop is there for lifegain, and if that's a problem... well too bad, that's what he is. He's a cleric, clerics do lifegain. Deal with it.

The strongest of them, a 4/4 Flyer for 5 that also can steal activated abilities (which I realize, there is one of in this set. Ah well.) of all Chaturans in all graveyards isn't too shabby. Plus it can easily be a 4/4 FLamplelink, and that's nothing to sneeze at.

Of course, the king is a Lich mixed with Platinum Angel on a 0/8 body. He doesn't do much, but neither does the King in Chess other than make you lose. So it's fine.

I also used the opposite arts. But Tumblr LIMITS IMAGES IN POSTS NOW. SO I GUESS YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THAT.

Magictober was Pumpkin, and I didn't do anything special for it. It's a big pumpkin that blocks. Deal with it.

Meanwhile, Vessel had me thinking of D&D items. I originally was going to rip off Yu-Gi-Oh's Dragon Capture Jar, but this feels better - storing up blue mana to let it loose later.

[twoscoopsblog]

Moxtober Day 3 - Pawn

So I went obvious with Pawn. And made a Pawn.

It's just a Rat, but not. I figured Pawns are the most populous unit on a chess board, and they can work well as a swarm mechanic. They're only W/B for flavor reasons. Also, why Chaturan? Because that was a type of outsider in D&D 3.5, in the end of its run, which were the Lawful Neutral embodiments of Strategy, and I kind of loved them.

But just a pawn? That's boring.

(Also, forgive the misspelled type line, I was tired. It'll be fixed by the time the full set is out.)

The knight I almost made a 3/1 to reference the way a Knight moves in chess, but I figured a 2/2 for 3 is a classic Magic Knight, and it worked here. It changes depending on color, but if you can pay both, a 2/2 First Strike with Menace and Vigilance is just a beast.

Of course the rook is a BEAST - assuming you clear the way. A 4/4 for 4 isn't too bad at common, and admitted, this is the weakest one - it's main job is to make the Pawns stronger and defend, but being able to become a 4/4 isn't a bad deal.

The bishop is there for lifegain, and if that's a problem... well too bad, that's what he is. He's a cleric, clerics do lifegain. Deal with it.

The strongest of them, a 4/4 Flyer for 5 that also can steal activated abilities (which I realize, there is one of in this set. Ah well.) of all Chaturans in all graveyards isn't too shabby. Plus it can easily be a 4/4 FLamplelink, and that's nothing to sneeze at.

Of course, the king is a Lich mixed with Platinum Angel on a 0/8 body. He doesn't do much, but neither does the King in Chess other than make you lose. So it's fine.

I also used the opposite arts. But Tumblr LIMITS IMAGES IN POSTS NOW. SO I GUESS YOU'LL HAVE TO WAIT FOR THAT.

Magictober was Pumpkin, and I didn't do anything special for it. It's a big pumpkin that blocks. Deal with it.

Meanwhile, Vessel had me thinking of D&D items. I originally was going to rip off Yu-Gi-Oh's Dragon Capture Jar, but this feels better - storing up blue mana to let it loose later.

[twoscoopsblog]

Please, make Snot! It'll be fun!

Moxtober Day 1

Hello, boys and ghouls! It's time for Moxtober, the wonderful month when people who love to make Magic the Gathering cards make magic cards! But this year, I'm making up for lost time. In addition to the Moxtober prompts, I will also be making cards based off of the Magictober and Inktober prompts! So each day, you'll have three or more custom Magic cards to enjoy! Moxtober's first prompt is Rebirth, and I felt this was a fine time to make a new version of one of my favorite red cards, Otherworldly Outburst, in Cruel Rebirth!

Combining a bit of the Eternalize mechanic and Otherworldly Outburst, we get a card that gives you a second chance with a great critter - the cost may be a little steep, but I think it could be fun.

Magictober's prompt was Fungus, and what better for Fungus than a Thallid?

(If that's the thallid, I'd prefer the thoup, thanks.)

I love cards that can set you up for success after a boardwipe, don't you?

Finally, Inktober's prompt was Crystal, and I immediately thought of the Ikoria crystals.

There aren't goblins on Ikoria, of course, but that won't stop us from having a fun goblin looking for treasure.

I hope you're all ready for the rest of Moxtober - I know I'm excited for sure!

[twoscoopsblog]

Moxtober Day 2! Mystery!

Time for day 2! The first prompt of the day is Mystery. For that, why not play a Mastermind style game?

I am bending the color pie a bit here - black's lifegain doesn't normally work like this, but it's not guaranteed, so it's definitely not White or Green's lifegain. The end result is very UB - if you're right, you get a free card, and if you're wrong, you still got a clue and some life. So not super risky. Really, it's just always value.

Inktober went with Suit, and so another minigame to play seemed like fun.

Get it? It's At Capacity because you're making a Full House.

HAHA! Comedy.

Finally, Magictober's prompt was moon. What card does everyone think of Moons with? Blood Moon. But what of Chaos Moon? What if I wanted... new Blood Moons?

Well that's pretty good, but I always wanted a card called Harvest Moon.

Oh right. I have Magic Set Editor and no self-control.

But maybe I could do... a cycle?

But what for the other colors?

Yeah, that tracks for Black. What about Blue?

Neat! Green?

Considering I started playing this game again because of Canadians, this feels right.

Good thing I didn't forget anything.

Wait... Red, no, you don't get a second one! NOOOO

Okay, I guess you do.

Enjoy your cycle of Premium Blood Moons, friends!

[twoscoopsblog]

Moxtober Day 1

Hello, boys and ghouls! It's time for Moxtober, the wonderful month when people who love to make Magic the Gathering cards make magic cards! But this year, I'm making up for lost time. In addition to the Moxtober prompts, I will also be making cards based off of the Magictober and Inktober prompts! So each day, you'll have three or more custom Magic cards to enjoy! Moxtober's first prompt is Rebirth, and I felt this was a fine time to make a new version of one of my favorite red cards, Otherworldly Outburst, in Cruel Rebirth!

Combining a bit of the Eternalize mechanic and Otherworldly Outburst, we get a card that gives you a second chance with a great critter - the cost may be a little steep, but I think it could be fun.

Magictober's prompt was Fungus, and what better for Fungus than a Thallid?

(If that's the thallid, I'd prefer the thoup, thanks.)

I love cards that can set you up for success after a boardwipe, don't you?

Finally, Inktober's prompt was Crystal, and I immediately thought of the Ikoria crystals.

There aren't goblins on Ikoria, of course, but that won't stop us from having a fun goblin looking for treasure.

I hope you're all ready for the rest of Moxtober - I know I'm excited for sure!

[twoscoopsblog]

Card of the Day - 9/24/21

I don't know what to tell you. He's good. I'd run him in the 99 of a Wizards or Control deck, I'd put him in a cube. He's a good wizardy boy.

[twoscoopsblog]

Card of the Day 9/23/21 - Redeem

... It ain't great. Really it's just a fine combat trick or to stop red spot removal. Maybe green fighting.

I mean, it's a common. It used to be an uncommon, but this has big "jank common energy." And at $0.05, I think I'm right.

But for a Pauper or low powered cube... could do worse.

[twoscoopsblog]

Card of the Day 9/22/21 - Edge of Autumn

Look, I hit the Scryfall Random 120+ times trying to find a GRN or MID card, because these cards have all been random. I then saved all those cards, so they will come later.

This is what we get.

Honestly, if you have a Lands archetype in your cube, you could do a lot worse than this. You can activate lands, you can boost a Goyf of some kind, you can ramp early game. It's not bad.

Happy Fall, everyone. Go get some milled cider and your fifth or fewerth land.

[twoscoopsblog]

Card of the Day 9/21/21 - Voice of All

I kind of hoped today would be a Midnight Hunt or Guilds of Ravnica card, due to the Fall-ness of it.

But I quest Equinox is on the 22nd this year. So not too bad.

Protection from Whatever My Opponent Is Leaning On is a mighty strong one - as well as being able to avoid your own colors, so you can still hit your own angel lady.

Remember your DEBTs - Damage, Equip/Enchant, Block and Target. Over all, a good card in commander, and a build-around in cube. Not too shabby. I'd like to run this in a good Voltron deck.

[twoscoopsblog]

Pokémon Build & Battle Cube - Part 1

So if any of you have been following me for a while, either here or on Twitter, you know I love to draft Magic the Gathering. You probably also know my fondness of other card games, like Force of Will. But today, I want to talk about the game not built to draft, Pokémon. Pokémon is built for sealed or constructed, and I should just accept that, right? WRONG.

Pokémon can be drafted. Mark my words. It can even be cubed.

So, if you're not familiar with MtG or FoW, what is a draft? What is a cube? Allow me to explain.

A draft is a limited format, similar to sealed. You are given a number of packs (typically three or four) and sit with anywhere from four to twelve other players.

First, open your first pack. Look at all the cards. Feel them. Smell them. If this game has a guaranteed slot, take that out (like a land in MtG or an Energy in Pokemon). Then pick the card you want to keep from the pack. Pass the pack to your left. Then take the pack from the player to your right when they have made a selection. You now pick a card from their remainder. These packs will circle the table until the packs run out. Then open the next pack and go the other direction. Continue until all the packs are used up, and you have a nice stack of cards, most of which will be in one or two attributes.

Now we run into our first problem. Magic has five main colors to pick from. That means if you're aiming at being in two colors, you have ten combos to pick from. If Colorless or Snow are here, typically one pair will be meant to hang out with them, like the extra kid in a group project.

FoW is the same way - it has five attributes to pick from. These being Fire, Water, Wind, Darkness and Light. Time and Moon are like Colorless and Snow above, they just show up and hang out with another pair.

Pokemon has 9.

Of course, Colorless energy in Pokémon is like Generic is Magic or Void in FoW, in that it plays with all of them, and Dragon is always a combo. So we have 9.

9 energies means you don't have 10 combos. You have 36. That's a lot to keep track of in a draft. How can you pick between 36 things? Even if you're like "Oh, I'm totally playing Psychic" that's still only dropping you to 8 options. Meanwhile, if I was in Magic and said "I'm totally playing Blue" I'm down to 4. It's literally twice as hard to draft Pokemon without help.

Enter the Build and Battle format.

This was a format introduced in 2019, if I recall, but from what I could find, they only made four premade packs.

The idea is simple - you have three types of packs. Theme Packs are all one Energy, and you get two of these. This tells you what to take in a draft. Each theme is 9 cards, 7 Pokemon and 2 Trainers or Items.

Trainer Packs have four cards from a pool of four, but you might have duplicates. So either 2-2 or 2-1-1 or 1-1-1-1 of four generally useful trainer cards.

Draft Packs are your standard 10 card Pokemon booster. You get four of these.

So let's duplicate that for a cube! But what's a cube? A cube is a curated set of cards so you and your friends can draft repeatedly. Think of it as turning a TCG into a Deck-Building Game with friends!

So what if we made our own themes packs and card pool and trainer pool, and made a way for us to play Build & Battle with our friends repeatedly?

That's a project I already started. And here's what we're looking at.

This is a theme pack I call "Legitimate Business"

Start with two Hidden Fates Eevee

Add a Majestic Dawn Umbreon

Two Battle Styles Murkow

An Ultra Prism Honchkrow

A Vivid Voltage Sableye

And finally an Acrobike and a Billowing Smoke

And each pack will have an A and a B. The B pack is only these 9 cards. The A pack has an extra card in it. In this case

HONCHKROW GX

This would be one of your two packs for theme - so you know you want to pick up more Dark cards.

I'm excited for this project, and I hope you all can join me on the designs I make for it!

[twoscoopsblog]

Card of the Day - 9/20/21

Concentrate. As someone with ADHD, I basically can't. But for 4 mana, a draw three? Not bad. Reasonably priced. I wish it got a new art for Explorers of Ixalan, but oh well.

Good blue spot filler for your cube, but if you got that "draw a card" archetype we've seen in GU, it can be really fun.

[twoscoopsblog]

Hey all, sorry I've been gone for so long.

Card of the Day will return soon.

Also, I have a few other projects I'll be able to share soon.

And for Pokémon TCG fans - I figured out balanced cubing, so be ready for the craziest cube draft format you've ever seen.

Also, planning on Two Scoops: The Show returning before the end of the year in one way or another.

[twoscoopsblog]

CotD 4/18/2021 - Demolish

It's about time the most ignored red sideboard card ever is here. This has been printed so many times - fourteen times we have seen Demolish, and that's how many times I think it's been maindecked on purpose. I'm going to post the Ixalan art, because I like that the best.

[twoscoopsblog]

CotD 4/17/21 - Thwart

Why do I like Masques Block so much? Oh right. That was the first set I was explained lore in.

So this is a weird counterspell, but you can play it in a pinch if you're already tapped out. Now I'm not saying this is a good spell. But hear me out. U/G Landfall. That's all.

[twoscoopsblog]

CotD 4/16/2021 - City of Shadows

(Note to self - post CotD on the right blog)

Why do I kind of love this? I can see how this is very slow ramp, and draws a target on you, but you put this into a deck that steals control, turning opponent’s creatures into mana? Perfection. Or perhaps into a proliferate deck. Start with exiling some poor saproling, then proliferate the land a few times? Get yourself a land that taps for CCCCCCCCCCCCC, and then cast some big X spells or have some of those new Prismari guys who care about mana value of sorceries. This can be a lot of fun is what I’m saying.

[twoscoopsblog]

CotD 04/15/2021 - Magus of the Moat

Want to ruin every green player’s day? Want to make your W/U Fliers cube archetype viable?  BAM!

Sure it’s a $5 card, but... I am here for this. This is just going to ruin everyone else’s day. At least until it gets Prey Upon’d by a Colossal Dreadmaw.  Fun though.