What was your plan for Crovax in the original Weatherlight story?

He became part of the crew. We wanted all five Magic colors, and colorless/artifacts, represented, but feel they wouldn’t let a Vampire join them. So, we wanted Crovax to prove himself before being turned into a Vampire, so there was a reason for him to stay.

Invoking the hallowed and ancient rite of birthday trivia, I was wondering if there was anything new you could share about your original vision for the end of the Weatherlight Saga? Failing that, is there a villain in Magic's past that you personally would like to see return?

Our original pitch was for a three-year story (with the idea that we’d tell more stories; this was the first story arc). Year one was Rath. It mostly matched with what happen save Crovax going evil and killing Mirri.Year two was Mercadia. A completely different story, and a very different world from what was made.Year three was Dominaria, but in the future. The crew returned to warn Dominaria about the upcoming Phyrexian invasion only to learn the portal they traveled through sent through time and the Phyrexians have already taken over Dominaria. The crew is able to defeat both the Phyrexians (using the hourglass pendant to rewind time) and Volrath who is aboard the ship disguised as Tahngarth.Happy Birthday!

Can I request modern takes on the remaining members of the Weatherlight crew who haven't gotten them yet? Crovax, Orim, Starke, Takara, pre-Completion Ertai. I would also like new cards for related characters like Eladamri and Selenia.

How about poor Lyna? She’s never even gotten one card (save a Vanguard card). Takara didn’t have one for years.

In your original Weatherlight Saga, did Crovax become a non-evil vampire?

Basically. He had his urges, but was going to be a member of the crew and be a good guy.

Omnath and Niv Mizzet are the only characters to have 4 creature cards representing them, more than any other character. In the hypothetical where you don’t know what’s going to come out soon, who do you think is most likely to be the next character to join that club?

Do any other characters have four copies? And who has three? Off the top of my head - Olivia Voldaren, Crovax, Mirri, Rakdos? Who else?

Is the static -p/-t on Crovax and Elesh Norn an ability that monowhite is still allowed to have?

It a bend we allow white very infrequently.

Was Arvad the cursed from Dominaria your attempt to “fix” Crovax’s story by having a loyal vampire?

Maybe, but not my doing.

Are "reverse anthems" like Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite and Crovax, Ascendant Hero still in pie for white?

No, those are bleeds for specific set flavor. That’s not normally a white thing. White’s more of a team player.

Hi Mark, Since the errata for the creature type "Noble" took place, shouldn't Crovax, Ascedant Hero have this creature type? He is a noble of Urborg in the story.

I believe we’re using Noble to imply some kind of leadership role which Crovax never held in Urborg.EDIT: Eli says they just missed it.

It's my birthday! I was hoping I could get some trivia on one of my favorite sets Nemesis?

Mercadian Masques block is interesting in that each set takes place on a different plane. Mercadisn Masques is set on Mercadia, Nemesis is set on Rath, and Prophecy is set on Dominaria. Nemesis is also the first set to have a second version of a legendary creature (Crovax), but now changed due to the story. Happy Birthday!