At first glance, this card probably reads like a
lot of text for something that won't do much -
after all, the majority of creatures do have
equal power and toughness. But then again, there
are a surprising number of relevant creatures
from across the years who don't. Kolaghan, pre-timeshift.
Siege Rhino. Azure Mage. Thragtusk (though there
are few advantageous ways to kill that
regardless). Plus, note that he looks for
non-Elf creatures, not non-black creatures like
his Lorwyn predecessor Shriekmaw.
And besides, that game text is an excellent
flavorful rendition of Lorwyn elves' obsession
with beauty. Have I mentioned recently how cool
it would be to go back to Lorwyn and/or
Shadowmoor for another whole block? Each
individual part was only two sets, as well,
which is the new standard block size!
Today's card of the day is Gilt-Leaf Winnower
which is a five mana 4/3 with Menace that can
destroy a target non-Elf creature with unequal
power and toughness. The enters play
ability can be very situational, but excellent
when a valid target is available. The
higher mana cost reduces the chances of using
another effect to lower power or toughness such
as the Blue power reducing choices Hydrosurge
and Lost in a Labyrinth, though Deepwater
Hypnotist would set things up nicely.
Without the destroy effect this is a five mana
4/3 that can't be blocked by only one creature
which is enhanced by other forms of removal and
allows this to potentially be a finisher for
mono-Black or Blue/Black control.
In Limited this is a somewhat evasive threat
that will often two for one at worst and can
also be direct removal for a very reasonable
five mana, making it an easy first pick in
Booster. In Sealed it depends a bit on
available support and the Black pool as this
rare doesn't carry a deck by itself, but if the
pool of Black cards is decent this puts it into
playable range.
