What Happens in Zendikar Rising? 

Inistrad: i am a plane that is full if your worst nightmares Ikoria: i am a plane full of powerfull beasts Zendikar: lands

Omnath appears in my favorite story called "banlist".

"mana is abundant on Zendikar", little did we know that the current state of standard was in fact for maximum immersion

"You made enemies again today, Jace. But that's your nature, isn't it? Whenever you try to do good, it just makes things worse." Is the best discrimination of jace I've heard

Nissa, Jace, Akiri and every other living being: No, Nahiri. Don't use the core. It would kill us all. Nahiri: Yeah, Yeah... But these stones tho

I would like to point out that Nissa is also acting accordingly with Golgari ideals of letting nature recycle itself and bring itself back to life.

This should’ve been broken into 2 sets. Another reason why the Ixalan story was so good. Space to breath and flesh out characters. Man, I miss that plane and that story. It was so underrated.

“Nahiri expresses her anger and frustration to Jace” I haven't read the story yet, but I imagine this as Jace getting punched.

It's a shame that they didn't call it the Lithoform Engine in the short stories to match the card because hearing the words kor and core made it a bit funny to listen to whenever Nahiri uses the core's powers. I can't help but imagine Nahiri swinging an entire other kor to beat Nissa's elementals.

From a meta perspective I quite liked the Zendikar Rising story. I really didn't know which side would win and the outcome really changes the future path Zendikar as a whole takes. Hopefully we will see even more elementals when we next return to the plane as a nod to this story. It's pretty interesting that both Garruk and Nissa temporarely shifted from green to green/black but for wildly different reasons. Goes to show that black isn't simply "evil magic" - although the designers and writers seem to forget that from time to time.

I find it funny that Jace has been called to plane and just got rag-dolled by everyone else and left to rot like no one cared about him. I normally don't like him and blue mages in general, but you gotta feel sorry for him this time.

The dig on Omnath had me lmao.

Everybody fighting over a magic ball that can grant wishes represented by a card that copies spells. Hmmm...feels familiar...

My favorite card from the set is definitely Forsaken Monument. It's a throwback to Eldrazi monument, and like you said, one of the only references to the Eldrazi in the entire set. Plus, it's a good fit for my Eldrazi edh deck :)

Just wanted to make quick note on that there is ONE single card that demonstrates something left from the Eldrazi and that is The Forgotten Monument, where you can see the shell of Ulamog

My theory for why Nissa had black was because black also represents self-interest, and Nissa is pursuing her own interests, that is protecting her elemental "family". As for card that I liked the most from the set, it was Nissa. A turn 5 cheat spell is too good to pass up xD Pay 4, play Nissa, play land for turn (thus up-ticking Nissa), use her -5, cheat out a 5-drop, still have 1 mana open for a 1 drop instant! I actually got her in the first pack I opened. That made my day! EDIT: Oh yeah! Forgot to mention that there was a foreshadowing of the end result in the first chapter of the story! When Nissa mentions the key/core to Jace, he says, "huh, I wonder if it's user based?"

I kinda thought that the reason the key, core, and socket were in different locations was because they weren’t unique. The lithoform core is described as the LAST one, so the parts may have been “scattered” because they each used to have their own set, but because of the roil and the churn of ages, are the last remaining.

"Zendikar had an extreme immune response to Nissa and Sorin letting out the Eldrazi." Nissa: "I like elementals. They're cool. Let's make this destructive and hostile state the new normal!"

I think that the story ended up somewhat lackluster because I felt that they didn't gave room for the conflict between Nissa and Nahiri to develop; by saying Nissa was right all along in the end and emphasizing the ruthless character of Nahiri. Overall it's a story of how to cope with trauma, of what to do after a catastrophe; Nahiri clings to an idealized past, Nissa wants to let time/nature run it's course. It's also about generational conflict, family, and responsability... But these thematic threads are mostly gone once Nahiri wants to commit elemental (and merfolk?) genocide, and tries to kill a helpless Akiri. "Of course she's shortsighted, look how brutish she is!". I know that this personality has already been stablished in her violent spree through Innistrad, but I was hoping that they'd be able to present their contradiction in other ways.

3:30 I'm here for the lore, not to be reminded of my lower back pain & reminded I'm dying sooner than later!

perfect early morning treat before the grind

There's an excellent exchange between Nissa and Nahiri that also demonstrates why Nissa is currently black alligned. "Broken doesn't mean weak, Nahiri," replied Nissa. "Broken doesn't mean that there isn't beauty or redemption." "So says the broken planeswalker," retorted Nahiri, "who destroys everything she touches." "Broken doesn't mean a life is not worth living," Nissa said, standing tall, staring straight at the lithomancer. "You are what Zendikar once was, Nahiri. I am what it is now." In other words, at the climax of Nissa's story in this set, her core themes are death and rebirth. Putting together what once was broken. this is, imo, why she has landfall storywise- given that, in general you aren't literally creating land when you place lands, her landfall is flavored as more of a renewal. It would've probably been more flavorful if it triggered after lands untapped, but it would've been even more broken than omnath The last line is also interesting- "You are what zendikar once was, I am what it is now." Nahiri represents the skyclaves, a regimented life of military service and social structure, fitting the motifs of boros as a pair being soldiers and armies (most obviously on Ravnica, but also in places like Drannith on Ikoria and Akros on Theros), while Nissa represents the renewal and regeneration of the plane after its many, many, *many* catastrophes.

I just realized how much they had to shove into one set. Now, I have a theory that Standard has been so bad because (1) Wizards is trying to pack entire stories into 1 set and (2) doing so creates too many pushed cards and different mechanics shoved together 1 set stories means all big characters need cards and those generally end up being pretty good. Some are even great and broken - see Omnath/Uro/Oko. Throw together 3 jam packed sets into a block with a multitude of mechanics is asking for broken cards, combos and interactions.

Oh new video, I stopped whatever I was doing and started watching

I've been real busy and need to catch up on a few episodes but I just wanted to say I'm so glad you made your own channel. These things are so soothing and fun. Sadly I lost my interest in playing magic with the last year or so of craziness (Arena doesn't do it for me), but the stories of magic will always be my jam. (And a little whisper, if you haven't read the Kamigawa books I highly recommend them!)

In another five years, we'll have already revisited Innistrad two times and Ravnica three more times before returning to Zendikar.. Again. Not gonna lie, would absolutely love to see a return to Kamigawa, maybe Tamiyo would be coming home to study all her findings during her travels, Lili might even come with her.

Now that I'm teaching school again I barely have time to play MtG, let alone keep up with the lore. You're doing Urza's work by making these videos I can watch on my lunch break. Thank you so much!

Finally a story that make sense and actually good given the short nature of it. Hopefully future set will be better. (Game balance be damn btw, almost every set after WAR need a ban /sad)

that outro is soooo satisfying. love how the name puzzles the planeswalkers together

To answer the question: everybody gets milled

Been waiting! Love to see this up.

great video like always also we have been blessed with double upload this week

The Old Kor society was quite heavy handed, which lead to eventually war against the people of Zendikar. The Lithoform pieces must have been put in different places once the old war went bad for the Kor. As far as I can remember.

The back pain comment was hilarious! I hope it's not too bad. I completely understand the feeling

I've been looking forward to this video for a few days

Thank you for the good explanation. I think this is the best story and representation of it in cards at least since I am playing the game with onslaught. And you did a fantastic job with the video ☺️

Brilliant video, thank you!

My favorite card of this set is all of the spell lands. Great vid!

By God, that mustache looks more and more glorious with every video. Also, thanks for the videos: this is how I keep up with what's happening in Magic and I love these.

Great mustache minute. Lots of great remarks and good questions ^^

Ive been subscribed since the TCGPlayer days, but haven’t really watched you at all. In the middle of a move this week and I have no PC, so I’ve been watching a lot of RU-vid and I’m really appreciating your storytelling. Thanks for keeping me company the past few days.

You had me at The Chulane Intro!!

Zendikar doesnt seem very broken well aside from Omnath. Well played sir I tip my hat to you.

These videos always make my day better. "Awwwwww hell yeah- its STORY TIME"

Love these! Thanks!

Could we ever get a talk about Chandra and Nissa? I’m still slightly confused about their relationship

This is a great video. I love the explanation of everything, but honestly I think I missed a lot of it, cause I was distracted by that fantastic mustache!

As a returning Magic player, this set was great with Lore. I loved the stories they were posting, with cards shows stuff that happened in the story, tying up all the lore. Thanks for the insight on the angels, i was wondering why all their art was like that!

I was super bummed when we didn't see a new Anowon card in the base set because it meant he didn't make an appearance for the past two returns to Zendikar. Plus, I used to use his name as my username for everything so it super sucked to not see him again. Then I saw he was the commander for one of the side decks and just about fell out of my chair. Was super excited to see his return and then he got his own little side story. The coolest thing to happen this year.

I just came back to magic after like 10 years, and finally i have someone who can explain the lore, that's something that when i was 12 i always wanted to know but never could sooo thanks. Also that's some fancy mustache

There was so much good content in this video that if it was released 20 years ago it would have been a 2 CD set. Phenomenal work!

I love how they portrayed Jace in this set. The boy tries so so hard, but through his own arrogance doesn’t actually help as much as he wants. I disagree that he makes everything worse, but Nahiri definitely gave him a boot to the face. Although I fully believe the mind capturing thing he attempted to do toward Nissa was a snap judgment thing that backfired horribly. He needs to find what can stabilize his personality. I hope he won’t become the antagonist before he finds his fulfillment. Also Nissa is still in love with Chandra! She mentioned regretting missing her love. The ship is still sailing y’all. Edit: My favourite card is actually General Tazri. The party mechanic is basically a refinement of the Ally system, and the General is the pinnacle of gathering parties together to help her city. I also like that she was on an adventure in the background. Also the flavour win of a human wearing an angel’s halo is just choice.

I'm always happy when it's story time again.

I've been playing since hours of devastation, thank you so much for catching me up! I would really like it if you uploaded the audio to Spotify. Just a suggestion. Thank you again :) love listening to the stories with my kids.

Nahiri's Lithoforming could be when she closed the entrance of the singing city. Nissa's Zendikon could be what she was spamming the entire fight... she has like 10 of those in her hand or sumtin :p

I haven't stopped since I got hooked playing it for the first time

Catching up late as i usually do, but there's a couple videos youtube didnt notify me about, even though i have the bell clicked to notify me of all videos

And I love how it's the Eldrazi Monument from Zendikar, just sunken. Awesome.

As always I could listen to all the stories from my favourite loremage Ryan! Thank you very much! :D "Zendikar doesn't seem very broken right now... aside from Omnath *takes sip*" Oh snap xD I really like the adventure feel of Zendikar Rising and I can't wait for the cards and stories of KALDHEIM! I hope they go all out on the flavour of the plane, that's what I enjoy the most!

Been looking forward to this!!

I love these videos. I had hoped they would have had more story but I’m still happy they finally had a writer that gave a crap and brought back a lot that wise man ruined. I would love to see a video of what cards you’d use to depict the main story for the old stories pre mending

Magic Arcanum upload == me happy

Waited for this

I love your voice.lIt's very mesmeric and gets me right into a mood for L O R E. Keep up the great work

Glad we got some lore

I thought the anticognition art is nahiri getting mindblasted by jace, but it was about some fella named Flekon and random kor also, great video!

Another masterpiece

Oh shit, this episode came out on my birthday! Guess that means I need to go back and watch... all the episodes to make up for mixing it.

Omnath has always been one of my favorite characters. I just loved seeing his progression and was so excited to see what he would be like this set.................... I guess it's an understatement to say he exceeded any expectations I had for him.... far far exceeded.

I like the +1+1 counter deck style of the green black decks.

Scuuuuuuuuuuute Swaaaaaaaaaarm is my boi. Also loving my Phylath commander deck. Sad they didn't get a story.

this is so great!!!

"Convenient treasure troves" and the use of "Skyclave shade" are just *chef's kiss* brilliant

(21:50) Mine will be a little more tricky seeing that I've put in some Exile, to counter graveyard recursion. Including Ulamog, the ceaseless hunger and some eldrazis with Ingest. I also included Arcane Adaptation so those Eldrazis are now rogues, so I can mill and Exile in a single attack.😎👍

Can we do who is omnath next plz :c?, awezome video as always :D

The back pain thing had me laughing cuz i can sooooo relate lol

@Magic Arcanum, thank you so much for this very very cool video my king 😁🙏👑 I am so glad that I am your loyal servant and great fan. It was so cool to watch 😁👍🏾 exellent job my King 😎👑 I hope you doing well?

Zendikar seems like an ideal setting for a MtG DnD sourcebook, incorporating lots of exploration, traps, and dungeoneering on top of fighting monsters and getting loot. It would be more akin to Gygaxian DnD, but the different dungeon setting where 3Dimensionality and bent laws of nature and gravity can make for quite an interesting play IMO

Wow this is so good so amazing!!! Best time before closing my evening!!! Thank you!!! Great to have cards and new graphics effect on the screen! I lost it 2 time in this video 1 LANDSSSSS!!!!!🤣 2 It doesn't seem much broken...well aside from...OMNATH!🤣🤣🤣 NICE NICE NICE!

It doesn't seem very broken, well except for Omnath. This slayed me!

theory for the parts being in different places, they were placed on key leylines to charge them and their defences, they might need different mana from different leylines to work as intending

Tazri being the beacon of unity is my favorite card. For all the crazy she endured it's nice seeing good things are happening in her neck of the woods.

Favorite card silundi vision. Works well with deprive.

I absolutely love that this is about rebuilding zendikar and healing the plane. I've been saying I wanted this set for years. Eldrazi are awesome, but so is Zendikar independent of the Eldrazi. I'm glad its got to shine again for the 1st time since worldwake. I wish they didn't water it down with the party mechanic though. That seems better suited for the D&D set next year.

If I remember Zagras got a little character introduction, hes part of Drana Party and searching the method to create more Bloodchief as Rogue and kill opposing adventuring party sometimes

Linvala was also Tazri's number one supporter in reuniting the towns to rebuild the seagate

I had no idea about that cool angel story. I think maybe having their halos in front of their eyes might make them less capable defenders, but it looks rad.

I’m glad the story was more solid and easy to follow this time around. Getting back on track, even if I wish the set had more quest/trap style cards instead of just the adventurers themselves.

Woah I just realized I might have sleep on lithoform blight for Edh 🤔 great flexibility to play on opponents or on self + self replace

A bit lackluster story I must say. Still really nice to see this vid to atleast know where the story is going, as atleast for me, its really important. So ty for this vid and reading it for me :D

I'd love to see Ryan make an appearance on Game Knights, especially playing with the Professor!

I think Nissa is golgari colors because they are typically about death not being an end, its about the cycle of life which Nissa in a way represents now. But are we not going to talk about the bomb Jace thought? He literally acknowledged that it is only a matter of time until Nicol Bolas comes back as he will regain his spark according to Jace and Ugin. Like that's a big deal!

A great lunch time treat!

I don't know if you're going to see this comment after 4 days of the video being published, but the story spotlight card Nissa's Zendikon is placed at the beggining of the fight against Jace and Nahiri in the last chapter, when she is rallying all her elemants to the fight. The chapter mentions an "eagle shaped vines" emerging behind Nissa, just as its depicted in the card, and then it even grabs Nahiri up in the air with it's talons. I do agree with you, with Nahiri's Lithoforming not being as well placed as the others, and with your idea of it being a card to just leave us guessing of what happens. I admit they got me good during all the time the story was being released. Engagement for the algorithm!

Lithoform Engine. Immediately added it to my Urza deck

I love how Zendikar is the most D&D plane of MTG

And in 5 years we will find out why Jace had that alter art card of him giving out heavy Tibalt vibes. I thought it could be the effect of the maddening cacophony twisting his perceptions or the orb influencing his judgement and turning him - if momentarily - into a darker version of himself.

Hey, for your lower backproblems: I had a lot of usefulness from Athlean-X's channel, using the exercises to stretch certain (hip) flexors, which were tight from too much time sitting in chairs, pulling my hips into a bad position. Could also be a weak core muscle thing. But the one thing that solved a lot of my back problems was getting a stiffer and metter matrass. Soft matrass => relying on your lower back muscles to keep your spine straight while you sleep, so they're always fatigued, which weakens them long-term.

I think Nahiri's Lithoforming is from when she fell in the first chapter, as the art matches the description of her twisting magma (and yes, I realize it's lava; this is the story's, not my, nomenclature). Beyond that, theme in the story at that moment is Nahiri enforcing her will on the land itself. She wants to use the land to remake the land, and the spell allows just that.

Do a video on the different thought processes/tendencies of each color please!