[LOR] A bunch of Shapeshifter cards

[charlequin]

Everyone loves shapeshifters, right? In fact, isn't that their entire point as a tribe?

The Changeling cards are a great example of Lorwyn's evolution over Onslaught block. Back then, the Mistforms were a poor support for your other tribes -- they were only in blue, most had terrible stats, and (worst of all) they cost mana even to get those tribal benefits!

This time around, every color gets to join in the fun, and for no mana cost! Great deal.

First off, a part of an interesting cycle:

Spoiler:

Wings of Velis Vel

Tribal instant – Shapeshifter
Changeling
Target Creature becomes 4/4, gains all creature types, and gains flying until end of turn.
Common

Shields of Velis Vel

Tribal instant – Shapeshifter
Changeling
Creatures target player controls get +0/+1 and gain all creature types until end of turn.
Common

Blades of Velis Vel

Tribal Instant - Shapeshifter
Changeling
Up to two target creatures get +2/+0 and gain all creature types until end of turn.
Common

So who is Velis Vel, you ask? Good question - I don't know either!

I've gotta say, I'm really impressed with the subtle design on these cards. Each one triggers any Battlewand Oak-like tribal effects you already have in play -- plus it allows your creatures to parasitically leech off of your opponent's boosting effects. Nice!

Next up, two black shapeshifters:

Spoiler:

Ghostly Changeling

Creature – Shapeshifter
Changeling
: Ghostly Changeling gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
2/2
Uncommon

Skeletal Changeling

Creature - Shapeshifter
Changeling
: Regenerate Skeletal Changeling
1/1
Common

Changeling forms of creatures we know well. I think both have some limited potential; the 2 mana activation cost will hurt the shade more than the skeleton, I think.

And finally, my favorite of this batch...

Spoiler:

Amoebold Changeling

Creature - Shapeshifter
Changeling
Tap: Target creature gains all creature types until end of turn.
Tap: Target creature loses all creature types until end of turn.
1/1
Common

This guy is hilarious. Not only does he convey a repeatable version of the Velis Vel effect to any of your creatures, every turn, he also lets you take away creature types -- hosing your opponent's valuable critters out of their tribal bonuses at inopportune moments. Plus, it's an amoeba.

As always, enjoy!

[intreped]

I finally understand why changeling is a mechanic: Tribal spells.

EDIT: I don't see any of them having huge constructed potential, but they will make for some very fun Limited situations.

[urzastoiletseatofdoom]

I'm guessing Velis Vel is the shapeshifer 'lord'...?

[bethebunny]

*wow*. This will be one of the most entertaining limited sets in years I can't wait! Come out faster!!!!!

Thanks for the spoils

[Nivvy Firemind]

Originally Posted by intreped

I finally understand why changeling is a mechanic: Tribal spells.

EDIT: I don't see any of them having huge constructed potential, but they will make for some very fun Limited situations.

definitely. I look forward to drafting these cards.

I especially like the blue instant, but it probably won't do anything different than that white one in 10th.

[adlorin]

hmm.. Now I get the shapeshifter thing too! This could create some very fun manipulation in standard, in the very least as a sideboard.

[Zombiemachine]

Limited will be a blast for sure. I can already imagine the amount of mistakes people will do by forgetting various changeling activations while their opponents do their tricks.
Nothing amazing, but at least changelings could patch up the gaps of some slow tribal decks such as treefolk and giants.

[E. Appelgren]

Ha ha! Great fun! I hope Skeletal Changeling gets a great illustration.

[counterspelljack]

Limited fun for sure. Especially when you can throw flash and haste into the mix.

[Lunan]

rather interesting. i do hope for 1 good red one, the red instant has some limitred use, but a decent red shifter could solve a few problems

[Paladin AlexanderAnderson]

i think Lorwyn Limited will be a blast with these changelings, i hope we get some constructed worthy shpaeshifters.....

[d4 necromancer]

Those instants are fun with Goatnapper. Play Blades targeting one of your own creatures and a fun one of your opponent's, play Goatnapper, theft it, attack.

[MoxManiac]

What's interesting to me is this will make obscure creature tribal decks for the Tribal Wars format on MTGO possible now, since slots can be filled with these.

[ganonsbane]

Fun. This will be fun against slivers in casual.

[Baal]

why blu velis vel is so umbalanced compared to other colors?

2 mana to give flying and transform a creature into 4/4???