First Look at Theros Beyond Death
Theros Beyond Death previews are already upon us!
Here come our thoughts about some of the most exciting spoilers to hit the Internet this week…
About that [-3] on Elspeth, Sun’s Nemesis…
Elspeth, Sun’s Nemesis is a curious Planeswalker. A Planeswalker with only “minus” abilities is not something we’re used to seeing… And Elspeth has three of them!
Patrick points out that — including the Escape — Elspeth, Sun’s Nemesis actually has four abilities. This is where the [-3] comes in.
The [-3] allows you to put Elspeth into your graveyard any time you used the [-2] the previous turn. It’s not that gaining five life is so exciting… It’s that gaining five life without using any mana might be. This will bury Elspeth, allowing you to Escape her for 4WW. Depending on the disposition of your graveyard, you will be able to loop Elspeth casts over and over to produce tons of 1/1 tokens and grind down the opponent’s interaction.
Ahiok, Nightmare Muse is…
Ashiok, Nightmare Muse has some stiff competition. At a minimum, the five casting cost Planeswalker division includes Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God!
But that doesn’t invalidate Ashiok, Nightmare Muse entirely.
- For one thing 2/3 Nightmare creature tokens are an interesting asset in a world where other people are trafficking in 2/2 creatures.
- Ashiok can answer “anything” with his [-3] minus
“Probably better than Deathbellow War Cry.”
-Patrick
When do you want Athreos, Shroud-Veiled from Theros Beyond Death?
Hot take: Athreos is pretty expensive relative to its impact on the board at the point it resolves. While indestructible, Athreos might not be able to block!
However!
In a grindy matchup, Athreos might be completely unbeatable. If you give this card enough time (in a matchup where creatures, combat, and removal matter)… It’s going to be tough to beat.
Check out our First Look at Theros Beyond Death now!
