GRN/RNA-The Gathering Storm

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5colorsrainbow
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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

Figured I'd start a thread to talk about the web stories being emailed out to us every week.

So far I'm enjoying these stories, they set up the mood nice and gives us time to see whats been going on Ravnica as Bolas begin to sow discord among the guilds and give some development on Ral, Kaya and a bridge for Vraska character between Ixalan and War. However as we get farther way from War and Ravnica, as well as this being a prequel, I'm have to say I'm not as invested in the stories as I feel like I would if these had been out sooner.

Ral- I'm warning up to him. I didn't care for him during RtR but it seems like he's calmed down some and its very cute seeing him and Tomik. I really like the metaphor for them having to stay in the closet since they are high ranking members in each of thier guilds, only increasing tense now that Ral is basically guild master. Very much reminded me of how Drayden did this in her slice of life stories.

I also thought he was full in with Bolas and so far it looks like thats not fully the case though I bet Bolas has a way for Ral to make him pay back the favor. Side-note I guess we can add sugar daddy Bolas along with pregnant woman Bolas.

Kaya- These stories help flesh out more of how Kaya took over. We know from War she inherited the Obzedat contracts forcing her into the guild master position but we now know that she was indeed working with Teysa to get Teysa as guild master. Haven't gotten a huge amount in the 6 chapters so far but it seems next one we will deal with her killing the Obzedat with help from the guilds united by Ral.

Vraska- While I'm warming up to the execution, I dislike Vraksa arc of unlocking her memories and (as we know later) purposefully endangering her home by killing Isperia. I think it would have been a much better arc (and more credit to Bolas) if she had her memories sealed and Bolas had helped her knowing she would have issues working with the other guilds.

Other- I like seeing how knowledge of planeswlaker and other worlds have starts leaking into Ravnica common knowledge. Hekara is a delight and love her as a positive example of a Rakdos member,
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

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Jivanmukta
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Post by Jivanmukta » 4 years ago

I absolutely despise Hekara to the point of debating not reading them anymore. Other than her being a 12 year olds idea of being wacky the stories are actually decent.
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Post by clariwench » 4 years ago

I'm absolutely loving these stories. They're so well written! I have a very unhealthy obsession with Ral, so getting new (quality) Ral content is wonderful. Hekara is hilarious. Tomik isn't an emotionally abusive wet cardboard box anymore. It's nice getting to know Kaya better. I still have strong objections to Vraska having her memories returned so early.

Also, it's really nice to be enjoying GOOD Magic content on Wednesdays again. It's been a while.
"Would that both gods above and demons below could protect me from good people. A man dubbed evil will take your purse, but a so-called ‘good man’ will not be content until he has ripped out your very heart.” - Davriel Cane, Children of the Nameless

Alchemy Mono Red Burn -- Historic Izzet Phoenix -- Historic Grixis Yorion Fires RIP -- Modern Burn -- Legacy Burn -- Grand Arbiter Augustin IV EDH -- Melek, Izzet Paragon EDH -- Kess, Dissident Mage EDH -- Jorn, God of Winter Brawl -- Gutmorn, Pactbound Servant Historic Brawl -- Chandra, Acolyte of Flame Historic Brawl -- Killian, Ink Duelist Historic Brawl -- Niv-Mizzet, Parun Historic Brawl

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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

So far it is great reading (except Jarad, but this was explained by author). Maybe Vraska had back her memories too early, but setup and and execution made sense so I have no problem with it. Every character makes sense and is understandable why they do it. Characters are well-written, consistent and canonical (except poor Jarad), plot is good so far, no fillers, so I am completely satisfied.

What I really like is relationship dynamics between Ral and Tomik. It is great to see how they need to separate work from personal life and somehow they have to make the best of it.

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Post by DialMforMara » 4 years ago

These stories are exactly what I wanted from War of the Spark. Even the bit about Vraska's memories--the novel made me skeptical, but it was Vraska's best friend who fixed her memories and he was so kind and gentle about it that I have trouble being unhappy about it. Xeddick is a treasure.

Hekara is...I can't say I like her, but I'm getting used to her. She's like Donkey from the Shrek movies--someone went overboard with "comic relief sidekick."

Overall these stories feel like the Bylaw and Order D&D campaign, but on a larger scale, and I love it. I wish WAR story had come out in the proper order; maybe with the proper context I'd care a little more about the events of the novel.
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Post by Hunterofsalvation » 4 years ago

Odin_ wrote:
4 years ago
(except Jarad, but this was explained by author).
Can you elaborate on that?
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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

Hunterofsalvation wrote:
4 years ago
Odin_ wrote:
4 years ago
(except Jarad, but this was explained by author).
Can you elaborate on that?
Django received info about characters but there wasn't mentioned that Jarad is undead lich and also there wasn't mentioned his actions from RAV block.

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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

Chapter 7 is up. Nothing huge to note except we do get to see Kaya kill the Obzedat and the full force of the contracts that carry she now has.

Ravnica 4 will interesting see all the changes that these stories and War have done to the guilds.
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

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clariwench
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Post by clariwench » 4 years ago

This one was SO GOOD. The character interactions make me happy. Hekara keeps getting better and better, too.
"Would that both gods above and demons below could protect me from good people. A man dubbed evil will take your purse, but a so-called ‘good man’ will not be content until he has ripped out your very heart.” - Davriel Cane, Children of the Nameless

Alchemy Mono Red Burn -- Historic Izzet Phoenix -- Historic Grixis Yorion Fires RIP -- Modern Burn -- Legacy Burn -- Grand Arbiter Augustin IV EDH -- Melek, Izzet Paragon EDH -- Kess, Dissident Mage EDH -- Jorn, God of Winter Brawl -- Gutmorn, Pactbound Servant Historic Brawl -- Chandra, Acolyte of Flame Historic Brawl -- Killian, Ink Duelist Historic Brawl -- Niv-Mizzet, Parun Historic Brawl

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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

Interactions were good, but this was the first part, which I consider as a filler. At least fighting made sense.

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Post by Guille_e » 4 years ago

Odin_ wrote:
4 years ago
Hunterofsalvation wrote:
4 years ago
Odin_ wrote:
4 years ago
(except Jarad, but this was explained by author).
Can you elaborate on that?
Django received info about characters but there wasn't mentioned that Jarad is undead lich and also there wasn't mentioned his actions from RAV block.
Wow... bad.

From a compelling hero that revived himself... to a pathetic character begging pathetically for his life. I'm ok with he being killed, but I expected a more noble way to go.

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Post by VikingV » 4 years ago

I am not receiving the stories. Have the novels explained how Jace ceased being the Guildpact?

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Post by user_938036 » 4 years ago

VikingV wrote:
4 years ago
I am not receiving the stories. Have the novels explained how Jace ceased being the Guildpact?
Basically by destroying the Hall, the Guildpact itself was destroyed. Why this worked this way is not explained but it is how it happened. Logically trying to explain it you can come to a few conclusions, mine is that the guildpact was royally screwed already by it being a walker and so the general weakening of the guildpact allowed it to be undone by the destruction of what I would guess would be the nexus point where it was made.

The hall was destroyed by the opening of the planar bridge.

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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

user_938036 wrote:
4 years ago
VikingV wrote:
4 years ago
I am not receiving the stories. Have the novels explained how Jace ceased being the Guildpact?
Basically by destroying the Hall, the Guildpact itself was destroyed. Why this worked this way is not explained but it is how it happened. Logically trying to explain it you can come to a few conclusions, mine is that the guildpact was royally screwed already by it being a walker and so the general weakening of the guildpact allowed it to be undone by the destruction of what I would guess would be the nexus point where it was made.

The hall was destroyed by the opening of the planar bridge.
The leylines of the plane that helped power the guildpact where centered at the guildhall. When the portal opened it ripped the lay lines and depowered Jace. Later Nissa and the guild master/champions did a ritual that fixed them, brought back Niv and made him the new guildpact.
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

New chapter up (was last night but I was busy today)

-I wonder what Dovin game playing now, is he already for Bolas or will join later. Art book (which the canon is questionable) has him seeking out Bolas and working for him for being a flawless planner and I think he is an agent by now since he was so into learned about the beacon. I like that he dose have a sense of humor though and I like him as an antagonist even if I don't quite agree with him being a out right villain.

-We see Kaya now as guild master and a few thoughts. I assume Niv will remove the controls from Kaya to Teysa since they mentioned it might be bad for Kaya to planeswalk and undo the contracts.

-I do like Kaya taking power this way feels more in power and adds in she is trapped until Bolas can bring in the Immortal Sun. I also by Teysa her stepping aside from trying to claim power since the contract are the heart of the guild and she doesn't want mess that up as well as it seem her plan to manipulate Kaya unknown to both Bolas is already doing that.

-We learn the Broken Sky is literally the sky breaking on her home plane and seem to be driving people and/or the plane a little more mad. I'd wish they name the name but I bet its to avoid a Mongseng/Tarkir, Arkhos/Theors deal. Bolas moves the goal post on her and e never heals the sky so Kaya still has the ongoing story arc now.

-Ooff I guess Ral and Elias would break up but this was just too sad. I also like that it somewhat helps link Ral from RtR to War as this helps explains his not as like-able action during RtR. "I sold my soul for you." was really a gut puncher. I wonder what plane we went to and if we get to see him join up with the Izzet.
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

Before Gathering Storm Ral was for me just another planeswalker. Now I like him as a character. Now I only hope that Elias or the other man will not be revealed as mind-controlled by Bolas. It is a pity that WAR book wasn't this good in writing and for the delay which caused incorrect reading order.

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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

Been kind busy with life to talk much about these stories but I gotta say I'm mostly positive for the most part except again Vraska. While I'm fine with how it was set up and feels in character for Vraska killing Isperia and regressing to old habits just kinda makes the Jace and her sleep agent going no where. The plot could have gone kinda the same for the most part as well so not quiet sure why and where this change happened.


More positive is how these chapter have made me like Ral. I really disliked him in RtR and thought his turn in War to more of heroic character was a stretch but as the last chapter stated Ral dating Tomik and making friends was good to show his growth into a better person as well as the flashback both explaining why he was a jerk in RtR and showing that part of Ral is still there just no longer quiet who he is now.
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

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Post by clariwench » 4 years ago

It would be rather poetic if his first planeswalk was to Vryn. We really don't have enough details to know what plane it was, though (but we can of course rule a bunch out).
"Would that both gods above and demons below could protect me from good people. A man dubbed evil will take your purse, but a so-called ‘good man’ will not be content until he has ripped out your very heart.” - Davriel Cane, Children of the Nameless

Alchemy Mono Red Burn -- Historic Izzet Phoenix -- Historic Grixis Yorion Fires RIP -- Modern Burn -- Legacy Burn -- Grand Arbiter Augustin IV EDH -- Melek, Izzet Paragon EDH -- Kess, Dissident Mage EDH -- Jorn, God of Winter Brawl -- Gutmorn, Pactbound Servant Historic Brawl -- Chandra, Acolyte of Flame Historic Brawl -- Killian, Ink Duelist Historic Brawl -- Niv-Mizzet, Parun Historic Brawl

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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

5colorsrainbow wrote:
4 years ago
Been kind busy with life to talk much about these stories but I gotta say I'm mostly positive for the most part except again Vraska. While I'm fine with how it was set up and feels in character for Vraska killing Isperia and regressing to old habits just kinda makes the Jace and her sleep agent going no where. The plot could have gone kinda the same for the most part as well so not quiet sure why and where this change happened.
Actually it makes more sense in a long run if she knows earlier. Because if it will be linked to Jace then it had to wait until his arrival which as we know didn't happen until the very invasion. Another good reason is that now we can see her inner conflicts between good and what she has to do (NB). Now I only hope to see how she will handle the situation (we know the result but way to it could be interesting).

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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

Odin_ wrote:
4 years ago
5colorsrainbow wrote:
4 years ago
Been kind busy with life to talk much about these stories but I gotta say I'm mostly positive for the most part except again Vraska. While I'm fine with how it was set up and feels in character for Vraska killing Isperia and regressing to old habits just kinda makes the Jace and her sleep agent going no where. The plot could have gone kinda the same for the most part as well so not quiet sure why and where this change happened.
Actually it makes more sense in a long run if she knows earlier. Because if it will be linked to Jace then it had to wait until his arrival which as we know didn't happen until the very invasion. Another good reason is that now we can see her inner conflicts between good and what she has to do (NB). Now I only hope to see how she will handle the situation (we know the result but way to it could be interesting).
Thats fine and I get the theme of how sometimes you can slip back into not being as great as a person but again it makes the Jace sleeper plot go nowhere and already not much of a twist or reveal due to War coming out first.

You could also have the same result with Vraska being a "willing" agent of Bolas and her and Jace needing to deal with the fall out of her being a pro-Bolas force on Ravnica as well as him not getting back to Ravnica soon enough.
“There are no weak Jews. I am descended from those who wrestle angels and kill giants. We were chosen by God. You were chosen by a pathetic little man who can't seem to grow a full mustache"

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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

5colorsrainbow wrote:
4 years ago

Thats fine and I get the theme of how sometimes you can slip back into not being as great as a person but again it makes the Jace sleeper plot go nowhere and already not much of a twist or reveal due to War coming out first.

You could also have the same result with Vraska being a "willing" agent of Bolas and her and Jace needing to deal with the fall out of her being a pro-Bolas force on Ravnica as well as him not getting back to Ravnica soon enough.
Yes, result will be the same. But way to it will be much different and in my opinion it won't be better. This way of handling gave writer enough space to go deeper to her. Sudden change and sudden conflicts will need quite a lot of space and I don't think that Django is that good writer to make it good enough. In WAR book you could see how it will be lacking if you don't have required space to handle all details. This is the main reason why I agree with what we got from Gathering Storm and earlier handling of Vraska.

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Post by Guille_e » 4 years ago

. When Kaya had left her home, she'd vowed to sacrifice anything to fix the broken world she'd left behind. If I die here, everyone back home dies with me, if not now then in ten years or twenty as the sky rips itself apart.
What if...?

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Post by Odin_ » 4 years ago

Now is Gathering Storm complete. Did you like it?

I was enjoying quite a lot. It was great to see how characters were handled and finally to understand why everybody missed 'old' Hekara. Only thing I hated was that sometimes (especially in later chapters) was the action when it wasn't needed. Unfortunately Django wasn't able to keep up with earlier standard.

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Post by 5colorsrainbow » 4 years ago

Pros;
-Over all I liked it. Django Wexler did a great job with tone, characters, action scenes and understanding of the lore and world building. More on each below;

-Ral- Ral was a great protagonist and I like how we saw him go from the ass in RtR to the more heroic character that felt natural. We also got his full background mostly which also was nice since I do like hearing about walker origins. It was nice finally having a clearly out gay character in magic and loved how him and Tomik where written as a couple. I also think it really helps having Ral being the focus as Ravnica giving it a personal touch as well being walker giving him knowing the dangers of Bolas.

-Kaya- As the newest gatewatch member it was nice seeing her get some character and backstory more. I'm wondering what the Broken Sky fully is and how she will deal it now Bolas is gone (but she now has the gatewatch). I also like the exploration of her abilities showing us her skills and limits such as the creative ways she uses her magic to sneak around, break in, escape or even break her falls or keep herself from being hurt. I also find the heartbeat weakness a cool idea. I also like seeing how her version of WB clashed with the Orzhovs and I wonder how she will get out of the contracts. After this story it looks like her and Teysa aren't very friendly so not sure if or how that transfer of power will happen.

-Hekara- I really enjoy her and felt like she brought a lot of heart to the group they had formed. Kinda sad she didn't get a card over Judith but just add her to the list LOL. I also like the diversity we see from her for Rakdos instead of the murder demon cult we saw in Ravnica 1 and 2.

-Niv- Never been a fan of Niv and while I'm still not thinking its the best for the vainest dragon on Ravnica (and the only intelligent one left cuz you know, narcissistic genoidice) being guildpact I do think Wexler did a good job showing how Bolas helped humble Niv somewhat and show Niv what Ravnica means to him. And holy moly the fight between him and Bolas was great. Bolas gonna win but I like that it shows that Niv didn't go down without a good fight and I could see that if Niv and Ral plan had worked Niv could have taken down Bolas or at least make Bolas flee.

-Bolas- I feel like Wexler really built off Elliot work well here showing bolas twisting the guilds with his ghost and his pulling of Ral's strings to become a walker. As well as a theory I heard about him plotting Ajani's sparking and chances are helped a few other walkers spark in order to seed walkers for the elder spell add to this thought. And while pregnant lady Bolas still wins for scariest Bolas in human form, sugar daddy Bolas was creepy too.

-Ravnica- I really liked Wexler fleshing out of the world. He did a great job showing the stereotypes of the guilds, but also adding in more grounded and realist elements. Certain guilds did get more focus due to characters so can't say all the guilds were fleshed out but I enjoyed the notes that while Izzets like flashe experiments and pushing limits they all aren't blowing up labs daily. I also felt like we got a good look at how bad Ravnica got messed up due to Jace being gone.

-Cons

-Vraska- As option I did not enjoy the Vraska arc. I don't think it fit with her character working (un)willing for Bolas with her memories back and feel it was really stupid of her killing Isperia with her memoires knowing how much Ravnica was in danger due to Bolas. I'd rather she recover her memories after Isperia imo then get the struggle of identity and depression she goes through.

-Release- I think the handling of the releases of this was awful. I didn't mind the email thing but having a 20 chapter book over 21? 22? (I know they were a week or 2 they didn't have a story) was hard to keep invested at point to due my next issue.

Being released as a prequel and having the core set, commander deck and Eldraine coming out made it hard to focus on these stories even more since we not only know the ending with War but already had most of the pieces known and semi-explained months before with the two set.

Finally I felt this hurt war of the spark since there are many plot points and hooks we are except to fully know but couldn't quite tell. Hekara return to life for example would have had a much more emotional punch now we saw who she was and it would have really pulled off the "Event" set feel since we have this plot, the Gatewatch plot and somewhat the Amonkhet plot all paying off. I think they could have set it to have half the Gathering storm first, Drayden stories for 10 weeks and then the final of this story that broughts us right to War of the Spark.
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Post by onering » 4 years ago

This really shouldn't have been a prequel, it should have been the first book

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