Deicide

Sixth Age Flag

If "telling the story with the cards" is the biggest flag for the Sixth age of design, then I think the earliest point it could begin with is the printing of Deicide in Journey into Nyx, and the latest is Fate Reforged's Crux of Fate. the only reason Khans isn't the last point to start the age is because, from a player's perspective, there were little-to-no strong ties between its story and its cards beyond legendary creatures and Sarkhan, whereas Fate had a very clear "story card".

“Telling stories” is not the biggest flag of the Sixth Age.

Card Printing Creatures Crux of Fate Deicide Fate Reforged Journey into Nyx Legendary Creatures Nyx Story / Lore

Story Continuation Tease

Mark, I'm fine with showing Ulamog trapped in the Aligned Hedron Network. I don't know who won the Dragon's Maze race, but I do know that Elspeth killed Xenagos (Deicide). I've never read an Uncharted Realms, and I don't really have plans to, but I would like to know whether the next block will be Return to Return to Zendikar or New Eldrazia, and now I do.

I hope you all are aware that there’s more story in Oath of the Gatewatch. : )

Aligned Hedron Network Deicide Dragon Dragon's Maze Gates Oath of the Gatewatch Story / Lore Zendikar

Dual Planeswalker Cards

Would you ever print two different versions of the same planeswalker character within a block? Say that someone showed up on a plane to help out, then turned to evil in the third set. Would we get a new planeswalker card to show it, or would it be demonstrated in the art of rare cards like Deicide was?

It’s possible, but it would have to fit the story.

Art Card Printing Deicide Planeswalkers Rares Story / Lore

Mispronouncing Card Names

How do uou feel about a lot of people mispronouncing deicide as decide

I can’t deicide. : )

Deicide

Xenagos Sentiment

Re: Deicide - so now you can admit to the fact that Xenagos was your favorite planeswalker since Venser, right? :p

I did like Xenagos. I mean, good riddance!

Deicide Planeswalkers

Spoiler Dislike

I really hate spoilers, such as Deicide's reveal that Elspeth kills Xenagos. I get that the e-book thing is new for you guys, but is there a chance that future stories will be able to play out in prose before they're awkwardly revealed in card form?

Interestingly, I get a lot more complaints of the opposite, that we don’t tell enough of the main story points on the cards.

Deicide Spoilers Story / Lore

Key Event Depictions

I like that you depicted Elspeth killing Xenegos on a high profile rare so that now everyone knows that "it is done." Do you wish you could go back and do the same for the deaths of Venser and Urza? People keep asking about them because they think they are still alive.

I’m one of the guys behind the beginning of the Weatherlight Saga so obviously I’m in the camp that we should show the key events of the story on cards. I liked Deicide for that reason.

Deicide Rares Sagas Story / Lore Urza Weatherlight

Design Safeguards

Regarding Deicide, apart from its being an amazing Vorthos card, some people have been speculating that it was made to deal with Gods in case they were oppressive in Standard--which they have not, by and large, been, and so the card is not, from a gameplay standpoint, necessary. But by the time the metagame shook out, it was too late to change the card. Do you think this is a weakness of working so far ahead? ...

Having safety valves built into the game is important. Not all of them will prove necessary.

Deicide Game Play God Standard Vorthos

Card Design Opinions

What is the design idea behind making cards like Deicide? I feel like it making it only care about Gods seems like a poor idea compared to just making it legendary or something similar. Really dislike it :(

And there are many other players who have called it one if their favorite cards in the set. Different strokes for different folks.

Deicide God

Threats Versus Answers

I'd just like to voice an opinion contrary to one you recently received. I love the flavor of Deicide, I think it's really really cool - but practically, you just handed us 15 really awesome God cards, and then made every white deck in standard vicious against them. That seems like a real shame to me.

Magic is a game with threats and answers. Always has been, always will be.

Deicide Flavor God Standard White

Appreciating Deicide

Just wanted to send some feedback and say that Deicide is, hands down, the awesomest card of the set for me. Incredible art, short and punchy card name, powerful effect, and, despite the wordiness, you even made room for the best flavor text I've seen in a while. Seriously, I got goosebumps reading it the first time. Give everyone a high five for me!

High fives will be given.

Art Card Names Deicide Flavor High Fives