Blackdeckwins's picture
By: Blackdeckwins, Anthony Davis
Jun 30 2016 11:00pm
5
Login to post comments
46397 views


Just a short month ago, Eternal Masters was released, including many valuable reprints, first-time foils, new artwork, complex and enjoyable limited format, and a pile of rarity-shifted cards for Pauper players. Peregrine Drake is already sinking its claws into combo decks, while other cards like Avarax, Elvish Vanguard, and Rally the Peasants have been featured in 5-0 league decks. Two weeks into its Magic Online life, and Eternal Masters has already made a lasting impact on the format.

 

Now, on the heels of the supplemental shake-up, it’s spoiler season for Eldritch Moon. Emrakul has made herself known on the plane of Innistrad, and is twisting everything: the cities, the people, and the block’s mechanics. Every new set has the potential to change our favorite format of commons, and Eldritch Moon is no different. Let’s take a look at a brand-new card from the twisted plane of Innistrad, Ulvenwald Captive:

 

 

So, let’s take a look at what this card has to offer.

 

First, this creature is a Werewolf that does not have the classic Werewolf ability. Unfortunately, that means it does not transform with the only Werewolf-matters common, Moonmist, though it does get to ignore the Fog effect. Most of the other Werewolves at common are fairly aggressive, so maybe this defender version does not fit with its Werewolf cousins.

 

Second, this card actually has a unique set of stats: it’s the first ever creature in Magic that costs 1G for a 1/2 with defender. Those are not very impressive stats, of course, but two toughness does dodge Pauper’s one-damage effects like Cuombajj Witches and Electrickery. It also makes mana, but most of the other 1G mana-producers are not seeing play in Pauper: it takes a high power level to break into an eternal format, and Priest of Titania is significantly more powerful than a ½ defender.

 

Clearly, the front side of Ulvenwald Captive is not at a playable power level. However, it does have one more ability: for 5GG, you get to transform it. Importantly, it does not have to tap, so it can pay for one mana of that cost, and it can be activated at instant speed. Of course, you probably don’t care about those little points: you’re here to see the backside:

 

 

This might be something we can work with.

 

For starters, four power and six toughness lines up well in Pauper. It dodges every Red removal spell, kills most of the creatures in one-on-one combat, and even blocks the big threats of Gurmag Angler and Fangren Marauder. It has to survive being a 1/2 for a while, but making it through that turns it into a sizable creature. It also taps to add CC to your mana pool. Its colorlessness may not be relevant for paying costs in Pauper, but the mana bump could help cast other large creatures, or transform other Ulvenwald Captives.

 

Also, let’s just take a minute to appreciate that type line: Creature – Eldrazi Werewolf. Who would have thought we would ever see that printed on the card?

 

So, we’ve seen both sides of the card, and weighed the merits of both. The question remains: what kind of deck would want this kind of card? My gut instinct says that this card would be best in a ramp deck with a creature focus, as opposed to the usual Tron lists that focus on lands for ramping. Often, the biggest problem with such a deck is that if you draw too many mana creatures, your deck does nothing, and if you draw to many threats, you can’t cast them. Ulvenwald Captive, however, is both a mana creature and a threat. It may not be the best option for either category on its own, but fitting both could make it a potential threat.

 

Mono Green Ramp
Pauper Brew by Anthony Davis
Creatures
4 Werebear
4 Nimble Mongoose
4 Sakura-Tribe Elder
4 Maul Splicer
3 Krosan Tusker
4 Elvish Mystic
4 Llanowar Elves
2 Fyndhorn Elves
3 Ulamog’s Crusher
4 Ulvenwald Captive
36 cards
 
Lands
4 Haunted Fengraf
2 Mortuary Mire
18 Forest
24 cards
 
Elvish Mystic

 

This is the roughest of rough drafts, but it conveys the idea behind the strategy: spend the first few turns playing out ramping creatures, then land giant threats. Ulvenwald Captive in particular works as a role-player and a threat once the opponent has blown through their removal one the actual threats. Plus, with Pauper’s abundance of removal, many of your creatures are likely to die, and Werebear and Nimble Mongoose benefit from the stocked graveyard.

 

Ulvenwald Captive may not be the most impactful new card, but it’s certainly a cool one. I can definitely see it being solid in Limited, particularly Sealed, and perhaps could find a home in Standard Pauper. I’m excited to see what the rest of the set has in store!

 

What do you think of Ulvenwald Captive? Any decks come to mind that would love a creature like it? What else in Eldritch Moon looks enticing to you?

57 Comments

Congrats on getting a spoiler by Paul Leicht at Fri, 07/01/2016 - 09:40
Paul Leicht's picture
5

Congrats on getting a spoiler card :D 6 to transform seems very expensive but mana producers are scarce in Standard at the moment and the G may be more relevant than the 4/6 sol ring. And eventually you will get to 6 mana and if you still need the Sol Ring effect here it is hidden behind an innocuous werewolf horror.

I have a similar interest by LelandScott at Sat, 02/05/2022 - 09:19
LelandScott's picture
5

I have a similar interest this is my page read everything carefully and let me know what you think. Orlando Termite Control

Your texts on this subject by LelandScott at Sat, 02/05/2022 - 10:42
LelandScott's picture
5

Your texts on this subject are correct, see how I wrote this site is really very good. DeLand Forestry Mulching

great by LelandScott at Sun, 02/06/2022 - 06:22
LelandScott's picture
5

Hmm… I interpret blogs on a analogous issue, however i never visited your blog. I added it to populars also i’ll be your faithful primer. havuz kimyasalları

great by LelandScott at Sun, 02/06/2022 - 06:27
LelandScott's picture
5

This is very useful, although it will be important to help simply click that web page link: Avcılar temizlik şirketi

great by LelandScott at Sun, 02/06/2022 - 06:32
LelandScott's picture
5

I recommend only good and reliable information, so see it: cam merdiven

great by LelandScott at Sun, 02/06/2022 - 06:39
LelandScott's picture
5

The most interesting text on this interesting topic that can be found on the net ... Dış cephe temizlik

great by LelandScott at Mon, 02/07/2022 - 01:27
LelandScott's picture
5

I should say only that its awesome! The blog is informational and always produce amazing things. merchant services portfolios for sale

great by LelandScott at Tue, 02/08/2022 - 09:37
LelandScott's picture
5

it's really nice and meanful. it's really cool blog. Linking is very useful thing.you have really helped lots of people who visit blog and provide them usefull information. North American Bancard Sales Partner

great by LelandScott at Tue, 02/08/2022 - 09:46
LelandScott's picture
5

Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. Credit Card Processing Sales

great by LelandScott at Tue, 02/08/2022 - 21:02
LelandScott's picture
5

In this case you will begin it is important, it again produces a web site a strong significant internet site: Bitcoin Merchant Acceptance

Toptan Ped by toptanped at Tue, 02/15/2022 - 07:24
toptanped's picture

toptan ped Toptan Ped Akntoptan'dan alınır.

great by dobevip370 at Thu, 02/17/2022 - 00:04
dobevip370's picture
5

I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work. Lentor Modern Price

great by dobevip370 at Sat, 02/19/2022 - 06:35
dobevip370's picture
5

Cool you inscribe, the info is really salubrious further fascinating, I'll give you a connect to my scene. q304

great by dobevip370 at Sat, 02/19/2022 - 06:40
dobevip370's picture
5

You possess lifted an essential offspring..Blesss for using..I would want to study better latest transactions from this blog..preserve posting.. Business Loan agency in kolkata

great by dobevip370 at Mon, 02/28/2022 - 08:30
dobevip370's picture
5

I just thought it may be an idea to post incase anyone else was having problems researching but I am a little unsure if I am allowed to put names and addresses on here. dentitox pro ingredients

These websites are really by dobevip370 at Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:48
dobevip370's picture
5

These websites are really needed, you can learn a lot. herpesyl pills side effects

great by dobevip370 at Mon, 02/28/2022 - 09:56
dobevip370's picture
5

I propose merely very good along with reputable data, consequently visualize it: Exipure Ingredients

great by dobevip370 at Mon, 02/28/2022 - 10:02
dobevip370's picture
5

I encourage you to read this text it is fun described ... noocube pills side effects

great by dobevip370 at Tue, 03/01/2022 - 00:56
dobevip370's picture
5

Welcome to the party of my life here you will learn everything about me. Piccadilly Grand Showflat

great by dobevip370 at Wed, 03/02/2022 - 23:08
dobevip370's picture
5

I should assert barely that its astounding! The blog is informational also always fabricate amazing entitys. Sceneca Residence Price

great by dobevip370 at Sun, 03/06/2022 - 00:14
dobevip370's picture
4

Your texts on this subject are correct, see how I wrote this site is really very good. 壓力褲

great by dobevip370 at Sun, 03/06/2022 - 01:11
dobevip370's picture
5

Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. sleeeve machine

great by dobevip370 at Sat, 03/12/2022 - 23:54
dobevip370's picture
5

On my website you'll see similar texts, write what you think. Canninghill Piers Brochure

great by dobevip370 at Sun, 03/13/2022 - 10:38
dobevip370's picture
5

Profit primarily prime quality items -- you can understand them all within: diabacore capsules side effects

great by dobevip370 at Sun, 03/13/2022 - 11:38
dobevip370's picture
5

In this article understand the most important thing, the item will give you a keyword rich link a great useful website page: south beach skin lab repair & release cream side effects

great by dobevip370 at Sun, 03/13/2022 - 12:20
dobevip370's picture
5

It's superior, however , check out material at the street address. altai balance capsules side effects

great by dobevip370 at Sun, 03/20/2022 - 07:49
dobevip370's picture
5

Why do only so much written on this subject? Here you see more. apartment bedside table

great by dobevip370 at Mon, 03/28/2022 - 10:00
dobevip370's picture
5

In this case you will begin it is important, it again produces a web site a strong significant internet site: products in jamaica

great by dobevip370 at Thu, 04/07/2022 - 07:44
dobevip370's picture
5

I can give you the address Here you will learn how to do it correctly. Read and write something good. Best Email Marketing Tools

great by dobevip370 at Fri, 04/15/2022 - 23:09
dobevip370's picture
5

In this particular article, you will see a summary, satisfy browse this post. 網路行銷公司

great by dobevip370 at Mon, 04/18/2022 - 06:37
dobevip370's picture
5

Within this webpage, you'll see the page, you need to understand this data. palletizer machine manufacturers

great by dobevip370 at Fri, 06/10/2022 - 07:41
dobevip370's picture
5

Cool you inscribe, the info is really salubrious further fascinating, I'll give you a connect to my scene. 밤알바

great by dobevip370 at Fri, 06/10/2022 - 07:42
dobevip370's picture
5

greatafssada

great by dobevip370 at Sat, 06/11/2022 - 11:52
dobevip370's picture
5

Welcome to the party of my life here you will learn everything about me. flags

great by dobevip370 at Fri, 06/24/2022 - 05:03
dobevip370's picture
5

There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own. Your content gives readers things to think about in an interesting way. https://www.unitedluxuryshop.net

great by dobevip370 at Thu, 06/30/2022 - 02:02
dobevip370's picture
5

Here you will learn what is important, it gives you a link to an interesting web page: rap beats for sale

great by dobevip370 at Tue, 07/12/2022 - 03:38
dobevip370's picture
5

Within this webpage, you'll see the page, you need to understand this data. Shibu Inu

great by dobevip370 at Wed, 07/13/2022 - 02:16
dobevip370's picture
5

I invite you to the page where see how much we have in common. 발기부전

great by dobevip370 at Thu, 08/04/2022 - 12:58
dobevip370's picture
5

You bear through a awesome vacancy. I sanity definitely quarry it moreover personally suggest to my buddys. I am self-possessed they determination be benefited from this scene. https://happynews.com/article/professional-business-attire-for-plus-size-women/

great by dobevip370 at Thu, 08/04/2022 - 13:07
dobevip370's picture
5

Wesley Virgin has made his impact on the business and Internet marketing world both as a popular Internet personality and as a successful serial entrepreneur and investor who has made millions of dollars through his work with his company WV Media. Wesley Virgin

great by dobevip370 at Fri, 08/05/2022 - 06:36
dobevip370's picture
5

I use basically superior fabrics : you will discover these products by: who was baptized twice in the bible

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:20
LaylaPenelope's picture

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.. Zonnepanelen

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:24
LaylaPenelope's picture

I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! Zonnepanelen

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:25
LaylaPenelope's picture

I read that Post and got it fine and informative. Please share more like that... Zonnepanelen

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:27
LaylaPenelope's picture

Thumbs up guys your doing a really good job. Thuisbatterij

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:29
LaylaPenelope's picture

I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material. . . . . Airco

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:31
LaylaPenelope's picture

it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity.. Zonnepanelen kopen

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:33
LaylaPenelope's picture

Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! Zonnepanelen kopen

shz by LaylaPenelope at Sat, 12/31/2022 - 10:35
LaylaPenelope's picture

I must say, I thought this was a pretty interesting read when it comes to this topic. Liked the material. . . . . REC zonnepanelen