Thursday, November 24, 2011

Innistrad League - Event 6

Hello everyone.

As some of you may know, MTG Worlds 2011 was last weekend.  We spent a good amount of time watching the live coverage on Sunday.  Japan's Jun'ya Iyanaga crushed the Top 8 with his Wolf Run Ramp deck after 18 epic Rounds of Magic (in 3 days).  Meanwhile, the Japanese National Team defeated swept Norway 2-0 in the Team Finals.  For anyone who follows WotC coverage, we're planning to adopt some of the features to the blog here.  Starting in a few weeks, we'll have Strategical Analyses, Feature Matches and Q&As for players.  Hopefully, this coverage will benefit all players by sharing and breaking down the various strategies in both Innistrad Draft and Block Constructed.  We won't be able to set up video coverage for a while, as that will take a lot of time and effort.

On to results:  Last week, Stensia commenced a blitzkrieg offensive on Gavony's northern Territories, gaining a foothold in Moorland Haunt and Hanweir.  Gavony's General challenged Stensia to an epic Two Headed Giant match for ultimate control of Moorland Haunt.  Stensia came out on top after two close games fraught with difficult decisions.  On the other end of the map, Nephalia advanced into neutral territories to its south, building up resources while scrutinizing the other Provinces' movements.  Kessig has improved their performance since last week, solidifying their power on the south before branching out to gain minor footholds in other directions.

Congratulations to Steve - for having the best overall match record so far!

The Map of Innistrad:  http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8948/innistradmapblogpost.jpg
Territory and Upgrade Information:  http://www.mediafire.com/?t1vfzdfami155fl

Note that your file info says Bloodline Keeper costs 60 gold.  That's a typo.  Bloodline Keeper costs 80 gold.  It was 80 in my calculations when Stensia first unlocked it. The link contains the revised info sheet.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Innistrad League - Event 5

Greetings, Mage-Captains of Innistrad.

Stensia has continuously demonstrated excellent performance in the battlefield.  Unfortunately, this week they've caught the attention of various wandering spirits and suffered a number of incursions into their home Province.  At the other end of the spectrum, Kessig needs to clean up their sloppy attacks and pull together a strong showing to get back into the race.

The Map of Innistrad:  http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8948/innistradmapblogpost.jpg
Territory and Upgrade Information:  http://www.mediafire.com/?t1vfzdfami155fl

Monday, November 7, 2011

Innistrad League - Event 4

Greetings once again, Mage-Captains of Innistrad.

As I have urgent matters on other planes, this update on your activities will be brief:  The Stensian Elite have once again demonstrated the effectiveness of their armies, with a Team Match record of 10-2.  Congratulations for your excellent performance.

The Map of Innistrad:  http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8948/innistradmapblogpost.jpg
Territory and Upgrade Information:  http://www.mediafire.com/?t1vfzdfami155fl 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Innistrad League - Event 3

Greetings, Mage-Captains of Innistrad.  It was good to see 15 of you on Friday Night's battlefield.  Kessig launched a major offensive with 5 players in the first two rounds.  Kessig now owns 5 control points outside of Gatstaf.  Despite Gavony's absence last week, they've also caught up with 5 controls points outside of Thraben.  I applaud Gavony's stellar performance this week and especially Curtis, who went 3-0, 6-1 on the night.  I'd also like to make a shoutout to Steve, from Stensia, who went 3-0 as well.  Stensia leads in Gold Generated per Round, with 26.

That fire alarm during the middle of Round 2 was bloody terrible. Unfortunate timing.  Our relocation... location from now on is going to be the Cafeteria (Library Building).

The Map of Innistrad:  http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8948/innistradmapblogpost.jpg
Territory and Upgrade Information:  http://www.mediafire.com/?t1vfzdfami155fl
Note:  Territory Information - Excel File - is not ready for print without some minor resizing and shifting.

Just a reminder:  During an event, in the First Round, Gold per Round is generated first.  You then get to purchase/unlock cards.  That is your only time to do so.  I also calculated your numbers incorrectly when I told you guys your gold balances.  I've got the fixed data below:

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Innistrad League - Event 2

Greetings, Mage-Captains of Innistrad.  I sincerely hope you enjoyed last night's skirmishes, for they were but your first taste of battle.  As your armies struggled to occupy your own Territories, the Stensian Elite became the first Province to take full control of a Territory (Nexus Manor).  Stensia's coffers are growing substantially faster due to their two Territories.  Strangely, Gavony was absent from last night's activities.

I ran your new recruits through a grueling training session.  They will be prepared for war by next week.

In other news,
Congratulations to Ben Cope and Shane Flynn for placing 1st and 3rd in the draft! And a big THANK YOU to ARRG for providing us with a free booster box to draft with!  You can find out more information about ARRG here:  http://www.arrg.net/ OR on the Facebook Group:  ARRG!.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Innistrad League - Event 1

A big thank you to EVERYONE who came out to Draft!  For those who couldn't make it, we had a 13-man Draft!  Also, I explained various game mechanics and the workings of the Campaign Map.  Thanks to Joe's efforts, we're finally finished the Campaign Map.

Check it out:
http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/8948/innistradmapblogpost.jpg
Other Info:  http://www.mediafire.com/?t1vfzdfami155fl


GAMEPLAY MECHANICS
  • Each participant belongs to a team (Province).
  • The Provinces are:  Gavony, Stensia, Kessig and Nephalia.
  • Players in each Province are restricted to two specific colours.
  • Gavony:  Green/White, Stensia:  Red/Black, Kessig:  Red/Green, Nephalia:  Blue/Black
  • On the Campaign Map, each Province has a number of Territories.
  • Every Territory has a number of Control Points.
  • To fully control a Territory, your Province must own all of its Control Points.
  • (Like Diplomacy) In each Event, there will be 2 or 3 Rounds of orders.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Innistrad League - Update

Hi Everyone!

League starts in two weeks!  We're still working on the specifics of the resource system and the campaign map, but I'd like to give you guys an update.  As you may know, some cards in each colour are only obtainable through spending resources to unlock them.  I've prepared a list of locked cards for everyone.  Enemy dual lands and Innistrad non-basic lands are locked as well.  


WHITE
Angelic Overseer
Mikaeus the Lunarch

Elite Inquisitor
Nevermore

Fiend Hunter
Thraben Sentry

BLUE
Mirror Mad Phantasm
Skaab Ruinator

Ludevic's Test Subject
Mindshrieker
Snapcaster Mage

Invisible Stalker
Skaab Goliath

BLACK
Army of the Damned
Liliana of the Veil
Reaper from the Abyss

Bloodgift Demon
Bloodline Keeper
Heartless Summoning
Unbreathing Horde
Curse of Death's Hold

RED
Balefire Dragon
Past in Flames

Instigator Gang//Wildblood Pack
Kruin Outlaw//Terror of Kruin Pass
Curse of Stalked Prey
Stromkirk Noble
Reckless Waif
Ashmouth Hound

GREEN
Essence of the Wild
Tree of Redemption
Garruk Relentless//Garruk, the Veil-Cursed

Kessig Cagebreakers
Mayor of Avabruck
Full Moon's Rise
Ambush Viper

MULTI-COLOURED
Geist of Saint Traft
Grimgrin, Corpse-Born
Olivia Voldaren

ARTIFACT
Grimoire of the Dead

LAND
Clifftop Retreat
Hinterland Harbor
Isolated Chapel
Sulfur Falls
Woodland Cemetery
Shimmering Grotto
Ghost Quarter
Moorland Haunt
Nephalia Drownyard
Kessig Wolf Run
Gavony Township
Stensia Bloodhall

Note that non-basic lands have special requirements to unlock.  Remember, each province may only play cards of its own colours.  Enemy dual lands are for paying the flashback cost of certain cards.  Other cards, such as Elite Inquisitor, will require certain conditions to be met (usually, this will pertain to maintaining control of a territory containing a training camp/academy/whatever).  I may update this list within the week, with a few minor additions.

Joe and I have been working on the system and map together, but for those of you who don't know, he's our resident Card Alter Artist!  If you've ever seen altered cards online, he's very adept at that.  I've recently recruited another artist, a friend of mine named Jennifer.  Both of their artistic skills will be featured at our League meetings.  If anyone wants a special commission, talk to us!

Even though you don't know what team you're going to be put on yet, please start thinking of deck ideas.  I can provide some cards during League if you need them.

As a reminder:
Gavony:  Green/White
Kessig:  Red/Green
Stensia:  Black/Red
Nephalia:  Blue/Black

Happy Brewing!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Announcing Innistrad League!


Hey there everyone!

It's spoiler season again!  As many of you know, October brings a new Block and a new Standard to MTG.  Zendikar/Worldwake/Rise of the Eldrazi/M11 rotate out and Innistrad comes in.  As with Scars Block, we're starting up a new league for the year.  League activities may occur once or twice a week, as many of us are more bogged down with work than last year.  Preliminary plans have been made for this year's activities.

Innistrad League Plans:
  • Our campaign will last until the end of the Block.
  • Instead of Factions, we will have "Provinces" (Gavony, Stensia, Kessig, Nephalia)
  • Each participant will be assigned to one of the 4 Provinces.
  • Each Province will have a leader who sets strategical goals.
  • There will be a campaign map (hopefully something I can carry around), in which we will track each Tribe's conquests.
  • Our campaign will be reminiscent of (Warhammer 40k's) Dawn of War.
  • A point system will be implemented, representing each Province's resources.
  • Each territory will contribute to the Province's resources, as well as provide bonuses towards gameplay.
  • Each Tribe also starts with a different Intro Pack (We have yet to see the contents of each Intro pack, so this is subject to change).
  • Each participant may spend a certain amount of resources to unlock cards and/or be allowed to switch out cards from their Intro Pack.
  • Events may possibly be sanctioned.
  • Formats include:  (Modified) Block Constructed, (but also) Draft, Sealed and Two Headed Giant.
I'm stilling waiting for more spoilers before I finalize plans. The plan is to start in the second or third week of October.  We'll start with a draft!  The weekly dates are not yet set, so let us know when you are available.  Event prizes will be distributed per usual.

Also, Nolan has graciously offered to start an EDH League.  So everyone please build EDH decks!  Check out the banlist for EDH.  Mass Land Destruction is NOT fun.  Please build for fun!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 16 and 17 Results

Draft - Tuesday, June 14th
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Draft - Monday, June 20th
From 3:30pm to 7:00pm
Double Event Update
Draft Format:  NPH-MBS-SOM.

Event 16
Mirrans:  Tai, Cam, Curtis
Phyrexians:  Joe, Andrew, Tommy

Congratulations to Andrew for winning the Draft undefeated!  No draws in the final are allowed anymore!
Ramzy forfeits his position as the Phyrexian Leader.  Lucas is his official successor.

Event 17
Mirrans:  Tai, Nolan, Cam, Curtis
Phyrexians:  Joe, Lucas, Andrew, Brandon

Congratulations to Curtis for winning the Draft undefeated! His epic luck had his opponents mana-screwing/flooding 5 out of 6 games!  And thanks to everyone who came to make it an 8-man draft!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 15 Results

Faction - Wednesday, June 8th
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Mirrans:  Tai (Black/Red Control), Tommy (Tezzeret Burn), Lu (WW Tempered Steel)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Big Black), Ramzy (Blue/Black Control), Lucas (Koth Red)

Congratulations to Tezzeret (his ultimate) for winning my matches! The Mirrans have managed to shave 1 point off of the Phyrexian lead.

Achievements:

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  None
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  None
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  None
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  Joe, Ramzy

Contribution Points:

Mirran
Tai:  4 Game Wins = 4 Points. (Total:  46 Points!)
Tommy:  6 Game Wins = 6 Points. (Total:  52 Points!)
Lu:  1 Game Win = 1 Point. (Total:  1 Point.)

5 Relevant Match Wins = 5 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 45 Points = 1 Faction Point. (Total:  52 Points!)

Phyrexian
Joe:  3 Game Wins + 1 Match Win + 1 Achievement= 5 Points. (Total:  67 Points!)
Ramzy:  5 Game Wins + 2 Match Wins + 1 Achievement = 8 Points. (Total:  37 Points.)
Lucas:  3 Game Wins + 1 Match Win = 4 Points. (Total:  36 Points.)

4 Relevant Match Wins = 4 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 30 Points = 1 Faction Point. (Total:  58 Points!)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 14 Results

Faction - Wednesday, May 25th
From  4:30pm - 7:30pm

Round Robin - 5 Participants!

Mirrans:  Tai (Black/Red Control), Curtis (Armyr!), Cam (Red BURN)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Blue/Black Control), Tommy (Mono Red Koth)

Congratulations to Tommy for winning the event.  I wouldn't have won without the concession of a fellow Phyrexian comrade in our final game.  All shall be one!?

Despite a strong showing by the Mirran team, the Phyrexian lead still remains strong.

Achievements:

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  None
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  None
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  None
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  None

Contribution Points:

Mirran
Curtis:  3 Game Wins = 3 Points. (Total:  21 Points.)
Tai:  6 Game Wins = 6 Points. (Total:  42 Points!)
Cam:  6 Game Wins = 6 Points. (Total:  15 Points.)

3 Relevant Match Wins = 3 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 15 Points = 1 Faction Point.  (Total:  46 Points.)

Phyrexian
Joe:  3 Game Wins + 1 Match Win = 4 Points. (Total:  62 Points!)
Tommy:  7 Game Wins + 3 Match Wins = 10 Points. (Total:  50 Points!)

3 Relevant Match Wins = 3 Faction Points.
2 Players Reached 45 Points! = 2 Faction Point. (Missed Joe reaching 45 a while back.)
1 Player Reached 60 Points! = 1 Faction Point.  (Total:  53 Points!)

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 13 Results

Faction - Wednesday, May 18th
From 4pm to 7pm

Mirrans:  Tai (Black/Red Control), Nolan (Mono-White), Cam (Metal Red), Tommy (WW Tempered Steel)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Blue/Black Control), Lucas (Proliferate Control), Steve (Blue/Black Infect), Kelly (Koth Red)

Congratulations to Kelly (with KOTH!) for his first place finish with a brand new deck!

All Planeswalkers have been unlocked.  New Phyrexia is legal.  To celebrate, the Phyrexians have gained a substantial lead over the Mirrans.

Achievements:

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  None
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  None
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  Lucas
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  None

Contribution Points:

Mirran
Tai:  4 Game Wins = 4 Points. (Total:  36 Points!)
Nolan:  3 Game Wins = 3 Points. (Total:  30 Points.)
Cam:  2 Game Wins = 2 Points. (Total:  9 Points.)
Tommy:  4 Game Wins = 4 Points. (Total:  40 Points!)

4 Relevant Match Wins = 4 Faction Points.  (Total:  42 Faction Points!)

Phyrexian
Joe:  4 Game Wins + 2 Match Wins = 6 Points. (Total:  58 Points!)
Lucas:  2 Game Wins + 1 Match Win + 1 Achievement = 4 Points. (Total:  32 Points.)
Steve:  2 Game Wins + 1 Match Win = 3 Points. (Total:  10 Points.)
Kelly (Backup):  6 Game Wins + 3 Match Wins = 9 Points. (Total:  17 Points.)

6 Relevant Match Wins = 6 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 15 Points = 1 Faction Point.
1 Player Reached 30 Points = 1 Faction Point.  (Total:  47 Faction Points!)

Friday, May 13, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 11 and 12 Results

Faction - Wednesday, May 11th
From 3pm to 5:30pm

Draft - Friday, May 13th
From 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Feature Match - Mirran - Friday May 13th
From 4:30pm to 5:30pm

This week's events are going to be combined into one triple-header update.  New Phyrexia cards were not legal this week in the Faction Constructed event.  The draft event, on the other hand, featured Triple New Phyrexia!  We look forward to your brand new brews next week!  There's also information further on about free Mirran Unlocks as well as Locked Cards.

Faction Constructed:
Mirrans:  Tommy (WW Tempered Steel), Tai (Black/Red Control), Curtis (Get Myrked!?)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Blue/Black Control), Ramzy (Mono Black Infect), Lucas (Black/Green Proliferate)

Congratulations to Tommy (that's me!) for winning the Faction Constructed event on Wednesday!

Draft:
6 Players for Triple NPH draft... The format is ridiculous.  We're playing regular draft from now on.

Congratulations to Curtis and Lucas for winning (draw). Unfortunately, they receive no contribution nor faction points for drawing.  There is also no unlock awarded for a draw.

Feature Match:
Tai (Black/Red Control) issued a challenge to Nolan (Artifact-less White), the Mirran Commander for his position.  After 3 days of preparation, they fought in an honourable best-of-5 match.  After 5 grueling games of threats and answers, we have a new Mirran Commander!

Congratulations to Tai for becoming the new Mirran Commander.  Each player put up 5 contribution points for the challenge.  For this win, Tai takes 5 contribution points from Nolan.

Achievements (Faction Constructed):

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  None
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  Lucas
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  Lucas
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  None

Contribution Points (All Events):

Mirran
Curtis:  5 Game Wins = 5 Points. (Total:  18 Points.)
Nolan:  4 Game Wins - Challenge Loss = -1 Points. (Total:  27 Points.)
Tai:  Challenge Win = 5 Contribution Points.  (Total:  32 Points.)
Tommy:  6 Game Wins + Defeat Ramzy = 9 Points:  (Total:  36 Points.)

7 Relevant Match Wins = 7 Faction Points.
3 Players Reached 30 Contribution Points = 3 Faction Points. (Total:  38 Faction Points.)

Phyrexian
Steve:  1 Game Win = 1 Point. (Total:  7 Points.)
Ramzy:  6 Game Wins + 3 Match Wins = 9 Points. (Total:  29 Points.)
Joe:  8 Game Wins + 3 Match Wins = 11 Points. (Total:  52 Points!!!)
Lucas:  9 Game Wins + 4 Match Wins + 2 Achievements = 15 Points. (Total:  28 Points.)

7 Relevant Match Wins = 7 Faction Points.  (Total:  39 Faction Points.)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 10 Results

Faction - Wednesday, May 4th
From 4:30pm to 7:30pm

Mirrans:  Tai (Black/Red Control)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Blue/Black Control), Lucas (Black/Green Proliferate), Andrew (Mono Black Infect)

Congratulations to Tai for winning the event.



Achievements:

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  None
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  None
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  None
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  None

Contribution Points:

Mirran
Tai:  4 Game Wins = 4 Points.  (Total:  27 Points!)

2 Relevant Match Win = 2 Faction Points.  (Total:  28 Faction Points.)

Phyrexian
Joe:  4 Game Wins + 2 Match Wins = 6 Points.  (Total:  41 Points!!)
Lucas:  4 Game Wins + 2 Match Wins = 6 Points.  (Total:  13 Points.)
Andrew:  1 Game Win = 1 Point.  (Total:  11 Points.)

1 Relevant Match Wins = 1 Faction Point.  (Total:  32 Faction Points!)
Winner - Tai - Unlock any card (not including Planeswalkers).

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 9 Results

Faction - Wednesday, April 27th
From 4:30pm to 7:30pm.

Mirrans:  Tai (Black/Red Control), Josh (Mono White), David (Liquimetal Destruction)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Blue/Black Control), Lucas (Black/Green Infect), Andrew (Mono Black Infect)

Congratulations to Andrew for winning the event!

I'd also like to congratulate Joe for earning 35 Contribution Points, the highest out of all participants.  He has also earned 10 Faction Points (out of 31) for Phyrexia.  

I'd also like to take this opportunity to explain the final prize.  After New Phyrexia's release and at the end of the War League, the winning Faction will receive a box of New Phyrexia (probably) to be split amongst its members.  The box will be split proportionally, based on each player's total Contribution Points.  Phyrexian turnout has been very inconsistent (though this is probably due to schoolwork), with a few players doing most of the work.  For this reason, players will only receive packs if they have at least:  Attended 3 Events and Earned 10 Contribution Points.


New Rule:  Card Sleeves are now mandatory.

The issue of sleeves came up during this event.  Proper sleeves (not penny sleeves) will protect your cards and keep them clean.  The use of sleeves also helps ensure proper randomization of cards.  If your sleeves are particularly icky or sticky, please consider purchasing new ones that don't stick.  I will have new sleeves on hand that you can purchase.  (Ultra-Pro, Pro-Matte Black:  $4 for a pack of 50.)

A reminder:  No mana shuffling between rounds or games.
If you find yourself having constant mana troubles, try Pile Shuffling before every game, or buy new sleeves.  Please present your deck to your opponent to cut before each game.  Tournament rules are present and there are no free mulligans.  Sideboards must be exactly 15 cards, and decks must have a minimum of 60 cards.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 8 Results

Faction - Wednesday, April 13th, 2011
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

Mirrans:  Tommy (Mono Blue Architect) and Tai (Black/Red Control)
Phyrexians:  Joe (Glissa Midrange) and Matthew (Blue/Black Control)

Congratulations to Tommy for winning the event!  Terrible stories of mana screw everywhere!


Achievements:

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  Tai
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  None
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  Matthew
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  Joe

Contribution Points:

Mirran
Tommy:  6 Game Wins = 6 Points.  (Total:  27 Points!)
Tai:  4 Game Wins + 1 Achievement = 5 Points.  (Total:  17 Points!)

4 Match Wins = 4 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 15 Points = 1 Faction Point.  (Total:  25 Faction Points!)

Phyrexian
Joe:  5 Game Wins + 2 Match Wins + 1 Achievement.  (Total:  32 Points!)
Matthew:  3 Game Wins + 1 Achievement = 4 Points.  (Total:  4 Points.)

2 Match Wins = 2 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 30 Points = 1 Faction Points.  (Total:  27 Faction Points!)

Winner - Tommy - Unlock any card (not including Planeswalkers).

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 7 Results

Faction - Wednesday, April 6, 2011
From 4:00pm to 7:00pm


Mirrans:  Nolan (Grixis Tezzeret) and Andrew (Black/Red Control)
Phyrexians:  Adam (Mono Green Infect) and Joe (Glissa Midrange)
Round 1:  Adam defeats Nolan 2 to 1.  Andrew Defeats Joe 2 to 0.
Round 2:  Adam defeats Andrew 2 to 1.  Joe defeats Nolan 2 to 0.

Congratulations to Adam for winning the event!  Upcoming Exams = lower turnout = shorter events.  I fully expect you all to participate again after exams!  

I'd like to address the issue of the upcoming set:  New Phyrexia.  You can hold on to your unlocks for the new set if you wish.  The League may wrap up around June, after the release of New Phyrexia, but it depends on everyone else's schedule.  The Planeswalker unlocks at every 10 Faction Points can't be reserved indefinitely.  If it could, it would create an unfair exploit in which no faction could ever unlock another Planeswalker.

Achievements:

Thrun's Endurance (Win @ 8+ poison):  None
Kemba's Pride (3 Equips on Creature):  None
Ezuri's Call (3 Instances of Battle Cry):  None

Skithiryx' Blight (Deal 8+ poison in a turn):  Adam
Throne of Geth (Proliferate 4+ "targets" simultaneously):  None
Glissa's Treachery (Destroy 4+ artifacts in a turn):  Joe

Contribution Points:

Mirran
Nolan:  1 Game Win = 1 Point.  (Total:  27 Points!)
Andrew:  3 Game Wins = 3 Points.  (Total:  22 Points!)

1 Match Win = 1 Faction Point. (Total: 20 Faction Points)

Phyrexian
Adam:  4 Game Wins + 2 Match Wins + 1 Achievement = 7 Points.  (Total:  21 Points!)
Joe:  2 Game Wins + 1 Match Win + 1 Achievement = 4 Points.  (Total:  24 Points!)

3 Match Wins = 3 Faction Points.
1 Player Reached 15 Points = 1 Faction Point. (Total:  24 Faction Points!)

Winner - Adam - Unlock any card (not including Planeswalkers).

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 6 Results


2HG - Wednesday, March 30th, 2011
From 3:30pm to 6:00pm

2HeadedGiant - 40 Life, up to 15 Poison counters.
For the Mirrans:  Nolan (Grixis Tezzeret) and Cam (Metal Red Burn)
For the Phyrexians:  Adam (Mono Green Infect) and Tommy (Mono Black Infect)
Phyrexians win:  3 to 1

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 5 Results


2HG (modified) - Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
From 3:00pm to 6:00pm

First of all, I'd like to apologize for the late result post.  As many of you may already know, I participated in the TCGPlayer World Wizard Series in Toronto on March 19th.  I piloted my Koth Red to 11th place, with a record of 6-1-1.  I took the week off of War League activities to rest and review the event.

Anyways, back to results.  On Wednesday, 4 people showed up for an event.  To avoid a 3-Mirran, 1-Phyrexian round robin tournament, we decided on a best-of-five Two Headed Giant (2 vs 2) Match.  For the Mirrans, Tai and Andrew both brought their Red/Black decks to compete.  For the Phyrexians, Nolan filled in as backup, playing Mono-Black Infect, while Joe played Black/Green Infect with Glissa!

Game 1 and 2 went to the Phyrexians, with one player on either side each game getting mana screwed.  It was decided at that point that it would a best-of-five match to give the Mirrans a chance, as their teamwork sorely needed improvement.  In Game 3, the Mirrans' opening turns were explosive, consisting of an explosive Liquimetal Coating + Shatter combo (and a lot of giggling).  Multiple shatters saw the destruction of at least 3 lands on the Phyrexian side.  Well, at least it worked.  Game 3 went to the Mirrans.  However, in Game 4, the Phyrexians got serious and finished up the match.
 
This was the first time we had the Two Headed Giant format in the War League.  This also occurred before the rules change regarding 2HG and poison counters.  For future reference, life total is shared and fatal poison counter count is 15. 

Tai and Andrew:  1  vs Nolan and Joe:  3
Phyrexia Wins!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 4 Results


Draft - Friday, March 11th, 2011
From 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

The first War League draft event happened upon a rainy Friday afternoon.  The pack order was Besieged, Scars, Scars.  6 people participated, with an even split of 3 Mirrans and 3 Phyrexians.  Congratulations to Nolan for winning the event 3 - 0 with Grixis.  A tie for 2nd place means the prize split was 5-2-2.  Thanks to everyone for coming out!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 3 Results


The Gauntlet - Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
From 3:30pm to 8:30pm.


A short skirmish in the afternoon, ending in defeat, was followed by a rigorous evening of training in the Mirran camp.  In the first event, (Event 3.1), there were 4 Mirran players and 2 Phyrexian players.  Congratulations to ME for running Mono-Black Infect to a 3-0 record for First Place, while my Phyrexian brother Joe ran Mono-Green infect (unfortunately with terrible draws) to a 1-2 record.  Andrew beat Josh on tiebreakers for Second Place.  I proceeded to give myself 3 packs of Mirrodin Besieged... no, I won't be opening them.

In the second event (Event 3.2) of the night, the Mirrans honed their skills and faced off against one another.  Each player received a free contribution point (did not count towards the max) due to the lack of Phyrexians.  4 Mirran players played 3 rounds of round robin, with Andrew coming out on top.  Congratulations to Andrew for winning Event 3.2.  He received 3 packs of Scars of Mirrodin.

There was a maximum of 14 Contribution Points to be earned for the night: 10 (max) for game/faction wins, 3 for achievements and 1 bonus for participants of the Mirran Training Camp.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 2 Results

After the first epic clash, the valiant Mirrans launched an offensive into the heart of the Phyrexian frontline in an attempt to take down the Praetor Maximus.  (Friday, February 25, 2011)

Caught off guard by such a reckless assault, the Praetor had only a single bodyguard at his side.  The Mirrans outnumbered the Phyrexians 4 to 2.  After 3 rounds of combat (of 3 matches including 1 inter-faction match each), the Phyrexians survived the gauntlet to win 4 matches to 2.  Congratulations once again to Ramzy for winning the event.  He received 3 Mirrodin Besieged packs as the prize.

After the main event, the Mirran players championed one of their warriors to face off against the Phyrexian Praetor.  In an epic Praetor vs General match, Ramzy dealt the final blow to seal the Phyrexian victory.  In this battle, the Mirran forces were soundly defeated. 

Monday, February 21, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Event 1 Results

UPDATE!
Friday, February 25th, 2011 @ 1PM, in the Dungeon.
Format:  Block/Faction Constructed
Entry Fee:  $2
Prizes:  Winner gets 3 MBS packs.
If this is your first event, an additional $5 League fee will be required.  You'll get your Promo Card too!

The valiant Mirrans clashed with the sinister Phyrexians for the first time on the eve of Monday, February 21, 2011.

10 players attended the first event, with 5 players on each side.  After a successful evening of vigorous battle, the Mirrans came out on top with 8 Match Wins against the Phyrexians' 5.  (In Round 3 there were 2 inter-faction battles.)  Although the Mirrans managed to win the skirmish, a fearsome Phyrexian warrior crushed all that would oppose him and ended the night undefeated.  Congratulations to Ramzy for winning our first event!  Prizes were faction boxes and sleeves, as well as 3 packs for the winner.


Mirran News:
Nolan placed second in the event, making him the Mirran General.
I had the honour of first blood for the Mirrans, with the second match win of the night.

Phyrexian News:
Ramzy placed first in the event, making him the Phyrexian Praetor Maximus.
Ramzy also had the glory of first blood for the Phyrexians, with the first match win of the night.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Mirrodin War League - Introduction

UPDATE 2!
(Time updated) 

START DATE:  MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2011 @ 4.30PM, at the Dungeon.
Format:  Block/Faction Constructed.  
War League Entry Fee:  $5.
Prizes Include:  Top player of each faction receives 80 Faction Sleeves and a Faction Box.
The player with the best record also wins 3 packs of Mirrodin Besieged!
All participants receive a free Promo card for playing!

Please send your decklists to LordSkyy@hotmail.com before the event!
I'll be filling in for the faction with less players (if any).

Also, if anyone has an issue with the time/date, please contact me as well.

Greetings,

As I've voiced to a number of people, I'm planning to start a MTG "War League" based in the Scars of Mirrodin Block.  The War League represents the war between the Mirrans and the Phyrexians.  You decide which side to fight for!

The Scars of Mirrodin Block includes:
Scars of Mirrodin (SOM), Mirrodin Besieged (MBS) and the upcoming set: New Phyrexia.


Features:
  • Format:  Block Constructed (Only Scars of Mirrodin Block cards are allowed).
  • Restrictions:  Mirrans can only use cards with the Mirran watermark behind the text box, while Phyrexians can only use cards with the Phyrexian watermark behind the text box.  Everyone can use basic lands!
  • Initially, Planeswalkers will NOT be allowed.
  • Every game you win will earn you Contribution Points for your faction.
  • Every achievement you complete will earn you Contribution Points for your faction.
  • When a player reaches a certain amount of points, they will be allowed to "unlock" cards for their faction.
  • Contribution Points can also be used for minor advantages in future games - whether it's a free mulligan or an extra point of life.  (Suggestions welcome.)
  • Contribution Points will also be used to determine Faction Captains (as well as play a part in the final result of the war).
  • Faction Captains will be able to unlock Planeswalkers and issue specific challenges to the opposition, among other things.
  • Prizes are included.
  • When the War League concludes, the winning faction may get to split a whole booster box, depending on the success of the War League.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Narcoleptic Discoveries - Mirrodin Besieged Prerelease

Greetings.

I participated in my first MTG prerelease event on Saturday, January 29th at Hairy Tarantula North.  It was a Sealed Deck format consisting of 3 Mirran or Phyrexian faction-specific packs and 3 Scars of Mirrodin packs.  The split between Mirran and Phyrexian was nearly 50-50, with a total of 44 players.  Naturally, having played a Metalcraft Red deck for constructed, I picked the Mirran side.

After wishing good luck to Bobby, who sided with the evil Phyrexians, I proceeded to sit down at the cool table with my Mirran allies (including Beau, Lucas, Nina and Matt, among others).  With so many participants, we had to go through a deck registration procedure.  We were each given a checklist for Mirrodin Besieged and Scars of Mirrodin to track the cards we opened.  After listing each card we opened, we passed our pools and checklists to the left 3 times.  Each player was encouraged to check the list for any discrepancies, as random deck checks would occur later in the day.  A deck check failure would result in disqualification for the player with the deck.  I thought that this was a great preventative control for cheating.  Scars of Mirrodin has been out since October so anyone could swap in their own broken rares.  Besides, without this control and with 44 players in the room, the Hairy T staff would be hard pressed to constantly keep an eye out for cheating. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sleepless Creativity - The Dark Knight

Art by Joe Luong.

HOLY BATMAN! It's Batman!
Reference:  The Dark Knight - Blu-ray Cover

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Sleepless Creativity - Magical Alterations

Altered Art by:  Joe Luong
Left:  Altered / Right: Original

Some time after Joe and I delved into altered art, he decided to experiment.  Here are a few test subjects. The Mana Leak was already altered by another artist. I asked Joe to try make one similar to it.  Use of the Galvanic Blast is encouraged with Metalcraft active.

Click here to go to his album.