Opalescence

Split Second's Storm Scale

Split second has an EIGHT on the storm scale! WHY IS IT AN EIGHT?!? Is it a power level issue? Surely not! Things that high on the scale for power concerns are mechanics like DELVE AND AFFINITY!! Does it lead to unfun gameplay? Maybe for the blue player, but either way, it’s not close to as bad as fateseal or buyback, which are ALSO both eights! Is it too convoluted? Opalescence effects are famously confusing even for entrenched players, AND ANIMATING ENCHANTMENTS IS ONLY AT SEVEN!!!! Is it too bland or niche? Maybe it’s rather unassuming, but is it really as boring as ABSORB? Is it really as useless as FATEFUL HOUR?!? Honestly there’s a lot of storm scale ratings that seem strange to me, but split second holds a special place in my heart, which is why I’m asking about this mechanic specifically.

The mechanic has baggage that might not be apparent to you. For example, it confused a lot of players and had some play design issues. I do think we’ll see split second again, but more likely in a supplemental set than a premier set (and that’s what the Storm Scale measures).

Absorb Absorb Affinity Blue Buyback Delve Enchantments Fateful hour Fateseal Game Play Mechanics Opalescence Play Design Power Level Premier Sets Split Second Storm Scale

Perception of Urza Block Ostracization

In a recent poll in Twitter listing top 4 sets in MTG history, Urza’s Saga and block as a whole received a spot in a lot of them, almost on pair with Invasion, Innistrad or Ravnica. Nonetheless, it seems WOTC still ostracizes the block. So, so many memorable cards that helped define so many decks: Carpet of Flowers, Sneak Attack, Show and Tell, Gaea’s Cradle, Serra’s Sanctum, Gilded Drake, Yawgmoth’s Will, Grim Monolith, Crop Rotation, Frantic Search, Replenish, Academy Rector, Opalescence, Yawgmoth’s Bargain, Powder Keg, Rofellos… and I could go on and on. I love that beautiful, relaxed, cartoony artwork too. Any love for Urzas Block here?

How exactly do we “ostracize” Urza’s block?

Academy Rector Art Bargain Carpet of Flowers Crop Rotation Drake Frantic Search Gaea's Cradle Gilded Drake Grim Monolith Innistrad Invasion Opalescence Ostracize Powder Keg Replenish Rofellos Sagas Search Serra's Sanctum Show and Tell Sneak Attack Urza's Saga Urza's Saga Wizards of the Coast Yawgmoth's Bargain Yawgmoth's Will

Animating Enchantments Restrictions

Can Blue (or any other non-white color or combination of colors) animate enchantments, whether a la Opalescence or Animate Artifact?

No.

Animate Artifact Artifacts Blue Colors Enchantments Opalescence

Tribal Creature Dynamics

If a Tribal becomes a Creature (in addition to its other types, e.g. using Opalescence) will it still have the same creature types, and will it still be a Tribal?

If a Bitterblossom gets turned into a creature, I am pretty sure it’s still a Faerie.

Bitterblossom Creatures Faerie Kindred / Typal Opalescence

Unexpected Creature Attacks

Opalescence and March of the Machines also allow white and blue to attack "out of nowhere" if your opponent isn't expecting non-creature permanents to suddenly become creatures.

I made that point a few posts below but it’s good to see all of you have my back. : )

Blue March of the Machines Non-creatures Opalescence Permanents White

Creator of Confusing Cards

Who in R&D has created the most cards that give Rules Managers headaches? I feel like you must be in the top two.

I’m pretty sure I run away with this category. I made Humility *and* Opalescence.

Game Design Opalescence Rules

Opalescence Design Files

Has Opalescence been in any design files since its original printing? Has there been a block since Urza's block where you felt it could fit in?

As has been pointed out, it’s on the Reserved List, so no we have not. : )

Card Printing Opalescence The Reserved List Urza

Opalescence in Theros

Was Opalescence ever considered for Theros block?

No, because it causes confusion with Bestow, a problem we didn’t want in limited.

Bestow Limited Opalescence Theros

Humility and Opalescence

Were you responsible for Humility+Opalescence? If so was this the beginning of the battle between you and the rules manager?

I was responsible for both Humility and Opalescence. Hmm, maybe that was the start…

Battles Opalescence Rules

Rules Manager's Nightmare

If you ever want to get back at the rules manager for anything, like not letting you use a new mechanic, just send him a one word email. "Humility" He will have nightmares for weeks.

I designed both Humility and Opalescence. Hmm, perhaps this is how it all started.

Mechanics Nightmare Opalescence Rules

Red-Animated Enchantments?

Thoughts on shifting Opalescence effects (enchantments become creatures) to red? Coupled with direct damage, this would give it a way of dealing with enchantments that feels red.

The problem with this is there’s no great flavor reason for red to animate enchantments. I get that it now lets red deal with them but that’s putting the cart before the horse.

Creatures Enchantments Flavor Horse Opalescence Red

Identifying Player Types

I just got home from a game in which I had Opalescence and a Phyresis on my Form of the Dragon—I was a Phyrexian dragon! And I dealt 5 poison damage straight to someone's face! It took a lot of planning (including during deck building) to pull this combo off, and I didn't even win with it, but I'm still happy. What kind of player am I?

You’re a Johnny. (As am I.)

Dragon Form of the Dragon Johnny / Jenny Opalescence Phyresis Phyrexian Poison

Humility's Creation

Was Tempest's Humility one of your creations? If so, what are your thoughts on it now years later that that rules of the game have been updated to a point where it isn't a nightmare anymore to handle?

Humility was one of my creations, yes. I also made the card Opalescence. The two cards together have caused numerous rules headaches. I am glad the rules have figured out how to handle Humility like effects.

Nightmare Opalescence Rules Tempest