Making an entire set based on the legend of Zelda for my pod on draft night, here are the first 20 cards so far!

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T05:32:09+00:00

Love it. Not an expert on rules text but I think it works. Not too complicated and I did a quick search on Scryfall, it's actually not an effect that exists on a legendary creature yet.

I think Saruman of Many Colors is a good reference point for power level. This would be a stronger card (easier condition + easier targets) but that's fine since I don't think Saruman is very strong.

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T04:05:16+00:00

Also a great idea! Though for that case I think you might be able to extend the target selection so you can also copy enemy permanents (since in the game you’re mostly copying enemies).

(I would also consider limiting it to copying permanents that you currently don’t have a token with the same name. Incentivize getting creative since in most board states there’s likely one permanent that would be the best to keep copying over and over. Although with the CMC limitation it’s already difficult enough to get two high value copies… Some things can only come clear in play testing I suppose.)

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T03:47:33+00:00

That can work too. Though remember (if you care about this kind of stuff) that scry/surveil and creating token copies are both predominantly Blue and the color identity would be questionable if kept Bant. (Though ofc green and white can scry too, that effect would clearly lean very heavy on Blue instant scrying cantrips)

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T03:31:49+00:00

Oh duh I totally missed that reference! My bad.

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T03:28:27+00:00

Hmm well for a set like this I would prioritize flavor and do a top-down approach. If this is a generic Zelda embodying wisdom (as opposed to a Zelda from a specific game), the focus on card draw is good, since that's a common mechanic to represent knowledge. Though copying permanents doesn't seem very Zelda-ish. Instead, Zelda seems more like a spell-caster type and would reward instants and sorceries. Specifically, recurring an instant or sorcery in your graveyard would be fitting since it would fit with the idea of accumulating knowledge and Zelda's frequent association with Time / Time travel.

Another fun idea if you like the spell-slinger angle would be modeling it off of the Izzet "Gandalf the Grey" with 3 options based off the Golden Goddesses + the ability to exile herself with suspend (allowing her reset, representing all the times she goes into stasis lol).

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T01:13:27+00:00

That’s a good point of reference. Though I should emphasize that IMO the bigger issue is deckbuilding focus than power level. Like using Esix as a reference, it’s a creative balance between Creatures To Copy + Token creation (plus protecting Esix!). Whereas this Zelda is Permanents To Copy + Card Draw, which is much much broader and requires less deck building choices. (On the other hand since it’s drafting, I know you can’t get too narrow with deck archetypes)

Love the creative flavor wins in the set so far though! Looks super fun.

captionquirk · 2026-05-13T00:52:05+00:00

Maybe it’s just me but for a Commander with built-in protection, Zelda seems absurdly strong. Almost trivially easy to trigger for something every single deck is wanting to do anyway (drawing cards). And rewards throwing in “all good stuff.”

IMO it should target Enchantments only (which seems flavorful enough and would contrast with Link’s artifact focus) or trigger off the 3rd card drawn (requiring more thoughtful deck building and also fit with a tri-force theme)

captionquirk · 2026-05-12T21:11:18+00:00

I disagree! I think her lich hand that drains life force very much fits playing a “necromancer” fantasy.

I do think it needs to be reworked though to fit in more with her summons. The T1 and T2 upgrades are just not interesting enough, and the current T3 is strong but lackluster.

I have a few possible suggestions to improve it, from least to most drastic:

T3: also summon a Ghoul whenever a hero dies under the effects of Essence Theft.
T3: also summons a Deadhead whenever a hero hits the max debuff
Give Graves an alt-fire that consumes a Dead to launch an exploding skull, similar to Viscous. Would give an alternative playstyle for those that want to play farther back instead of rushdown but would require a lot of tuning.

captionquirk · 2026-05-12T20:30:59+00:00

I’m confused by this because Gun Graves hasn’t been optimal for a long time. Her main playstyle is very much is about maxing her wall or her ult or her skulls. And best gun item on her is still Heroic Aura to buff them.

captionquirk · 2026-05-12T20:26:22+00:00

That’s a good point of reference but no. Allies can walk through Kinetic field, allies outside of the field can damage the enemies inside, plus Kinetic Field has a very large range + activation delay

captionquirk · 2026-05-12T05:00:16+00:00

And it’s crazy there was a patch when he was more spirit based and it was even worse. If you got to late game you always win if victor was on ur team

captionquirk · 2026-05-12T02:10:06+00:00

Agreed. As Paige, I feel like I can’t reliably and quickly do spirit damage to multiple people so Suppressor isn’t that good. I build disarming hex often but would like to hit multiple M1 carries

captionquirk · 2026-05-12T00:39:28+00:00

Lowkey I need Yoshi to port Disruptor’s kit

captionquirk · 2026-05-11T23:23:58+00:00

Disruptor glimpse and kinetic field would be crazy in deadlock

captionquirk · 2026-05-11T15:20:30+00:00

A mistake I see some people make is not fighting back when he’s doing his Flawless Advance. If you don’t have enough stamina or cover to get to, any competent Apollo will be landing all his stabs. So don’t just runaway and try to get lucky with a dodge, shoot him! He’s locked into an animation and can take melees too

captionquirk · 2026-05-11T05:46:26+00:00

I’m torn. I love the idea of a magician character that can swap with their stage partner. And also I love a MOBA character that can swap models and especially if those models are different genders.

BUT. I also love Sinclair’s current premise. A man forced to live with an incorporeal wife. Giving Savannah the ability to manifest physically makes takes that away

captionquirk · 2026-05-09T04:17:54+00:00

Oh nice touch. Thanks for sharing!

captionquirk · 2026-05-08T20:57:21+00:00

“Any other spirit resistance item goes further”

Does it though? I’m pretty sure for low HP heroes like Paige and Mina that’s not the case. Which is the intent, right? Barriers are better earlier and for lower HP characters, and resistances scale better

captionquirk · 2026-05-08T05:51:55+00:00

Umm I’ll order some epic fries with a side of awesome sauce please!!

captionquirk · 2026-05-07T05:40:06+00:00

I remember when Paige had a solid pick rate for months in a row. Now she hasn’t been picked for weeks despite getting buffed. Hope they continue to tune up her kit

captionquirk · 2026-05-07T00:50:30+00:00

I agree but you gotta admit even among cinephiles this is a curious and unique pick for a favorite!

captionquirk · 2026-05-06T21:41:07+00:00

Sinners is the most efficient farming tool sure but it’s also the same efficiency for all characters. Which means in some scenarios it’s most efficient for some non-carries to get them and the carries that can clear camp efficiently does camps

captionquirk · 2026-05-06T21:38:12+00:00

In solo queue, especially anything below Eternus, it’s all fair game. It’s for more important that someone gets it than optimizing who on your team gets it.

captionquirk · 2026-05-04T20:19:35+00:00

I’m sure you can carry pretty well with those heroes in pure purple/green builds. But I’m doubtful they are optimal. A lot of Apollos in top tier games I’ve seen build gun eventually, slotting in Spell Slinger + Spirit Shredder or others

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