Well, now that First Impressions Week is just about complete, it’s time to delve into the Green cards from Shadowmoor. As a mage who splashes Green in just about every deck I bring to the casual table, I was overjoyed when asked to review these cards. To me, Green is about nature, and what is better than turning nature against your enemy? If you’re beating someone with Green you are usually either overwhelming them with a tremendous swarm of tiny creatures, or pummeling them with one, colossal killer. Green is vulnerable yet quick, but too often stopped in its tracks if not quick enough, so timing can be everything. What I am looking for in a Green card is either an efficient and effective low cost spell that endows a mage with some type of board advantage, or a ridiculously expensive creature that spells endgame for your opponent.

Now in order to give honest first impressions I have avoided all spoilers, not just ones for this color, and I even made efforts to stay out of the rumor mill. However, the one distinctive feature I heard a lot about this set was that this was going to be the “dark side” of Lorwyn. I’m sorry, but to me the only thing cheery in Lorwyn was the landscape. Slave-owning Giants, Elementals bent on destruction, treacherous Faeries, and homicidal, narcissistic Elves don’t really make me kick back with a Coke and a smile. Oh, and of course there are the Kithkin, hiding in holes and praying for one more day of not being eaten by Goblins. The “dark side?” This I gotta see. With that I’ll move on to the cards.

Crabapple Cohort 4G
Creature - Treefolk Warrior (C)
Crabapple Cohort gets +1/+1 as long as you control another green creature.
4/4

Sweet. He could be a 5/5 for only five mana, and all I have to do is play with other Green creatures? They should have just made it a 5/5 with plainer text: “This card must only be played in a deck featuring other Green creatures.” Next!

Grade: D — for another dumb card going straight to my storage bin.

Devoted Druid 1G
Creature - Elf Druid (C)
T: Add G to your mana pool.
Put a -1/-1 counter on Devoted Druid: Untap Devoted Druid.
0/2

Ooh… so close. I love Druids. There, I said it, I love Druids. I want them to be cool because I want to be a druid and I think I am cool. Why do they so rarely cut it? My eyes lit up when I saw the name Blightsoil Druid in the last batch of cards, but I was riddled with disappointment at its utter uselessness. This one, however, might have potential.…

When I look at this card, what I see initially is the possibility for seven mana on turn three. Unfortunately, my deck would have to be so packed with mana acceleration I would probably be accelerating into nothing. In truth, it seems to only net you one extra mana (which you actually have to pay for up front in its casting cost). I like Wall of Roots better. I shouldn’t need to untap this card.

Grade: C — Average card. It will only be played for its flavor.

Dramatic Entrance 3GG
Instant (R)
You may put a green creature card from your hand into play.
Some things aren't worth waiting for.

Yes. This card not only reduces the cost of your largest Green creature, but gives it flash. Efficiently priced and game changing. This card is going to defeat you.

Grade: A+ — Please, someone, anyone, tell me what is wrong with this card.

Drove of Elves 3G
Creature - Elf (U)
Drove of Elves's power and toughness are each equal to the number of green permanents you control.
Drove of Elves can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.
"The light of beauty protects our journeys through darkness."
*/*

Really? You’re giving me this? Reasonable casting cost, ridiculous power and toughness, and what? It has shroud? Are you kidding me? Four, please.

Grade: A — This card is tough, but not unstoppable. I’ll draft it if I’m drafting Green, and put it in my new mono-Green tourney deck just ‘cause, but where this card will excel is at the casual table.

Farhaven Elf 2G
Creature - Elf Druid (C)
When Farhaven Elf comes into play, you may search your library for a basic land card and put that card into play tapped. If you do, shuffle your library.
1/1

Reminds me of Civic Wayfinder, which I liked because it was a Warrior Druid. But this one, though not as tough, puts a land right into play.

Grade: C — Solid ability at a solid cost. Not so solid body, but Green can find a way around that. Many better cards are available for Standard in the three mana slot.

Flourishing Defenses 4G
Enchantment (U)
Whenever a -1/-1 counter is placed on a creature, you may put a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token into play.

Oh, I get it. Here's where that suicidal Elf fits in. Wither your opponent’s creatures, turn your own creatures into token machines and hope your opponent doesn’t have a Wrath of God. Interesting, but too costly and too much has to happen.

Grade: D — I’m sure plenty of people will find a use for this card, just like they did with Doubling Season, but enchantments like this should be cheaper.

Foxfire Oak 5G
Creature - Treefolk Shaman (C)
(R/G)(R/G)(R/G): Foxfire Oak gets +3/+0 until end of turn.
3/6

Why are they even bothering making Treefolk? Yeah, he can get big, but Giant Growth is cheaper.

Grade: F — Using Giant Growth is cheaper.

Gleeful Sabotage 1G
Sorcery (C)
Destroy target artifact or enchantment.
Conspire

This card could be wonderfully hilarious in a casual setting. Tokens versus artifacts. I like this one because it’s not over-cost and it gives you a replicate type option if you’ve got the man power. Possibly good in a sideboard, but Krosan Grip is still better. How often are you needing to eliminate multiple enchantments or artifacts?

Grade: B- — Slightly above average due to its versatility. Good flavor in multiplayer casual. Edit: Having since read other parts of the spoiler I must say that paired with Enchanted Evening this is Green mass removal. Bravo! Maybe a B+.

Gloomwidow 2G
Creature - Spider (U)
Reach
Gloomwidow can't block creatures without flying.
3/3

Not a big fan. I’d rather have a plain old 3/3 for three mana. Why can't he block creatures without flying? Other Spiders can.…

Grade: D — I guess if you really like Spiders….

Gloomwidow's Feast 3G
Instant (C)
Destroy target creature with flying. If that creature was blue or black, put a 1/2 green Spider creature token with reach into play.
Each night, gloomwidows cull fresh prey for their ravenous hatchlings.

I like this better because of the word “destroy.” A bit more expensive than Wing Snare, but in tournament play you’re most likely getting your token out of it. The same goes for multiplayer. If I was drafting any Green I would grab this.

Grade: B — Green flier destruction can get you out of some sticky situations.

Howl of the Night Pack 6G
Sorcery (U)
Put a 2/2 green Wolf creature token into play for each Forest you control.

The Wolves and Elves have it. I think maybe Wizards wants to see a mono-Green build on the Pro Tour. I’m using that silly Druid and my Birds of Paradise to generate seven mana on turn three and playing this. Turn four say hello to my 6/6 Drove of Elves with shroud. If it wasn’t for those pesky Damnations…. This one’s a must have in the uncommon slot.

Grade: A — The synergy here is excellent.

Hungry Spriggan 2G
Creature - Goblin Warrior (C)
Trample
Whenever Hungry Spriggan attacks, it gets +3/+3 until end of turn.
If a spriggan's eyes are larger than its stomach, it has ways to remedy the situation.
1/1

A Green Goblin. I can’t believe that’s what I’m seeing here. Goblins are Red, okay, and Black, now Green? I am also seeing a 4/4 trampler for three mana. I’m drafting this guy.

Grade: A — This guy’s going to do some damage.

Juvenile Gloomwidow GG
Creature - Spider (C)
Reach
Wither
1/3

Someone warn that rabbit! {This bit will only work with a picture of this card} Fairly cost at two Green mana. He can stop those silly Faerie tokens from Bitterblossom and the wither mechanic just might catch on.

Grade: B — For being better than average in the common slot.

Mana Reflection 4GG
Enchantment (R)
If you tap a permanent for mana, it produces twice as much of that mana instead.

This card is trying to be something that it never will be. It is too expensive to be effective. This will be a fun casual card, enabling ridiculous combos, but I can’t imagine it lasting long in a tournament setting. Remember that Druid that could steal all your lands? Anyone playing him?

Grade: C — If not for the art this would have a D.

Mossbridge Troll 5GG
Creature - Troll (R)
If Mossbridge Troll would be destroyed, regenerate it.
Tap any number of untapped creatures you control other than Mossbridge Troll with total power 10 or greater: Mossbridge Troll gets +20/+20 until end of turn.
5/5

Interesting. A game changing, high cost creature. Just what we've been looking for, right? Not really. I’ve been playing Mosswort Bridge for some time now and it is pretty difficult to even get enough creatures on the board to activate its ability (even with Giants). This card requires these creatures with power totaling ten or more to be untapped. Plus, I can stop him with a Mogg Fanatic and actually deal you one damage. Go ahead, regenerate it. I’ll pass. To me this card just has big numbers on it for show.

Grade: D — I’m sure it will be played, just not by me.

Nurturer Initiate G
Creature - Elf Shaman (C)
Whenever a player plays a green spell, you may pay 1. If you do, target creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.
1/1

If this cost any more than one mana it would be terrible, but this has potential to pile on that few extra points of damage you need to vanquish your opponent. A solid one-drop for casual play.

Grade: B — This will be one of those commons that your opponents will grab and read when you put it on the table, “You‘re playing what?”

Presence of Gond 2G
Enchantment - Aura (C)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature has "T: Put a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token into play."

For some reason, all three mana enchantments make me think of the Spellwild Ouphe. Even at three mana this is fairly priced. Simple and to the point. Put it on your Drove of Elves and tap it in your opponent’s discard phase. I have a friend that will abuse this to no end.

Grade: B — Can’t see this in tournament play, but for a casual token deck….

Prismatic Omen 1G
Enchantment (R)
Lands you control are every basic land type in addition to their other type.

DING DING DING! WE HAVE A WINNER! Five color deck, here I come. This is opening up a world of possibilities on so many levels. I would really pair this up with some Slivers and just give myself a ridiculous mana supply (no, I wouldn't because I actually hate Slivers, but you get the point). I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my Horde of Notions. I guess I’ll just put him in my Green deck. Way better for Elementals than those silly artifacts from Lorwyn. On par with Rites of Flourishing.

Grade: A+ — Thank you Wizards.

Raking Canopy 1GG
Enchantment (U)
Whenever a creature with flying attacks you, Raking Canopy deals 4 damage to it.
"Raven's Run has awoken, and ravens will no longer cry in it's branches."
-Roon Ghastbark

Unfortunately, four damage isn’t going to stop the fliers you need to be worried about.

Grade: F — No, thank you. For one more mana I can destroy Akroma, or kill a Tombstalker and get a Spider token.

Roughshod Mentor 5G
Creature - Giant Warrior (U)
Green creatures you control have trample.
He didn't hear the cries of the treefolk whose branches he snapped or of the elves caught underfoot. He had eyes only for the path ahead.
5/4

Straightforward and simple. This guy’s a game changer. How much is getting through? All of it. Solid addition to the Warrior class, even if he is a little costly.

Grade: A — This card’s a quick fix to the age old problem of, “Yes he’s a 25/25, but how do I get the damage through?” (Maybe I was wrong about that Troll? Nah, it still stinks.)

Spawnwrithe 2G
Creature - Elemental (R)
Trample
Whenever Spawnwrithe deals combat damage to a player, put a token into play that's a copy of Spawnwrithe.
Its victims feel only an itchy, wriggling feeling just under their skin. By then, it's far too late.
2/2

I have always liked creatures that copy themselves, and this one is no different. Though I wish he were a 3/3, I really can’t complain. Play him alongside your Incandescent Soulstoke.

Grade: B+ — This one will have a lot of us thinking for some time….

Toil to Renown 1G
Sorcery (C)
You gain 1 life for each tapped artifact, creature, and land you control.

Gee, uh, thanks. A sorcery that is most effective if I'm tapped out.

Grade: F — For not even being an instant. Artwork: A

Tower Above - (2/G)(2/G)(2/G)
Sorcery (U)
((2/G) can be paid with any two mana or with G. This card's converted mana cost is 6.)
Until end of turn, target creature gets +4/+4 and gains trample, wither and "When this creature attacks, target creature blocks it this turn if able." (It deals damage to creatures in the form of -1/-1 counters.)

Wouldn’t want to pay six for it, but at three mana it’s just the gosh darn bee’s knees. If this was an instant I might actually play it.

Grade: C — Because it’s only worth casting on my Drove of Elves.

Viridescent Wisps G
Instant (C)
Target creature becomes green and gets +1/+0 until end of turn.
Draw a card.

To me this is a quintessential cheap Green card. One card for one mana is good enough. With this card I can change something on the board and draw a card for just one mana. The cost/benefit ratio reminds me of Commune with Nature.

Grade: A+ — There seem to be a few good reasons to make creatures Green in this set, so I’m guessing this will be seeing some play time.

Wildslayer Elves 3G
Creature - Elf Warrior (C)
Wither
3/3

I’m still not sold on the wither mechanic. Yeah, I guess it can kill Stuffy Doll, but if you are attacking with an un-pumped Stuffy Doll, you don't deserve him anyway. This is obviously an enabler of cards that benefit from the addition of -1/-1 counters to the board. Other than that it’s an overpriced Elf.

Grade: D — I prefer deathtouch.

Witherscale Wurm 4GG
Creature - Wurm (R)
Whenever Witherscale Wurm blocks or becomes blocked by a creature, that creature gains wither until end of turn.
When Witherscale Wurm deals damage to a player, remove all -1/-1 counters from it.
9/9

Eh, I like the big numbers, but it seems like such a drawback. Obviously you need to give it trample, which is not exactly difficult when playing Green, but I just get the feeling there’s a better beater out there. Chameleon Colossus, maybe?

Grade: C — Not terrible. Seems to be another enabler.

Woodfall Primus 5GGG
Creature - Treefolk Shaman (R)
Trample
When Woodfall Primus comes into play, destroy target noncreature permanent.
Persist (When this creature is put into a graveyard from play, if it had no -1/-1 counters on it, return it to play under its owner's control with a -1/-1 counter on it)
6/6

Okay, persist I like. Now I know what you’re saying, “But Ham, this one costs eight mana and you’ve been bashing high cost cards this whole time.” Well, yes, but here you might be getting your mana’s worth. Potentially two creatures, both with trample, and he destroys a land or *gasp* a planeswalker. Remember those guys and girls. Dread Return this and own the board. Now if we could only find a way to get rid of that pesky counter….

Grade: A — For its ability to destroy your Liliana Vess.

I don’t really see it as a “dark side” of anything, but for flavor and artwork I’ll give this group a solid B. Though I feel several of these cards really missed their mark, the few that hit were spot on. At this point I know a few of my grades are off, but bear in mind I haven’t looked at the rest of this set. So jump into the forum and let’s talk about your feelings. I know you have some.

As for fit and flavor I must admit that I like the persist and conspire mechanics, but for someone who is such a fan of the +1/+1 counter, wither may take some getting used to. I am sure this set is packed with combos, and I have to admit that I’d rather see the highs and lows in a set than an even-keel, mediocre batch of cards. Until next time, this is hamsandwich heading back to the fridge.

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The Apprentice Magician - Part Six.
Design on a Dime: The Lunch Meat Edition!
Fit the Flavor 2008 - FINALE!
The Games People Play - Market & EDH.
Sarpadian Empires, Vol VII: Foreword.
More Evil Than Evil.
Pauper Chronicles: Top O' the Morningtide to You!
Words from the Streetz: Uncommon and Common Magical Treasures.
The Writers Guild: The Inside Scoop.