Why is Vanquish the Foul so expensive?

Standard forum

Posted on March 20, 2014, 9:27 a.m. by TheAmazingSalsa

Didn't know where to ask, thought this was the best place, since Theros is standard (My logic is undeniable)... But why Vanquish the Foul is so expensive?

It's converted mana cost is 6, and the only thing that differs it from Reprisal is Scry 1... Also, Elspeth, Sun's Champion 's converted mana cost is 6, and she can do a hell lot more than Vanquish the Foul ..

Is it because today's standard is too focused on huge creatures in all colors, and re-printing something like Reprisal or even Smite the Monstrous (which even fits with the Theros block) would unbalance it?

Slycne says... #2

It's not costed to be a constructed card it's costed to be balanced in limited. White is already pretty strong in Theros - arguably the best color. So giving them a premium uncommon removal like Reprisal would have been a little too much.

March 20, 2014 9:33 a.m.

ryuzaki32667 says... #3

When they design a set they also have draft and sealed in mind, same reason there's a red 1/1 double striker at common and then Fabled Hero at rare. It's so that the limited portion is evened out, can you imagine elspeth at uncommon they would be everywhere

March 20, 2014 9:34 a.m.

gufymike says... #4

Honestly, it has nothing to do with standard and everything to do with limited. Apparently development thought that if Vanquish the Foul was a lower cmc, it would be too powerful in THS block limited. It's also an uncommon, at 4cmc Smite the Monstrous would have to be bumped up. Also, Reprisal says 'Can't be regenerated', WoTC is actively trying to make regeneration matter. That's another difference you don't mention on why the reprint.

While standard is part of developments concerns, limited is their first thought.

March 20, 2014 9:34 a.m.

Devonin says... #5

Don't forget also: Good cards aren't good unless it is in comparison to bad cards.

Without Trait Doctoring , you wouldn't appreciate just how amazing Dark Confidant is.

March 20, 2014 12:22 p.m.

Unforgivn_II says... #6

White already had Divine Verdict in Theros. And this card is still a middle pick in draft. Its power is awesome, since it can only be played late game, you are forced to wait. Which is good, since it gives them more time for them to play their monstrous Nessian Asp or something stupid like that. Then you kill it, AND set up a good draw next turn. This card certainly isn't something you want more than one of, but if you're in white, having an out is always helpful.

March 20, 2014 12:44 p.m.

megawurmple says... #7

Devonin Not the example I would have used. Trait Doctoring is clearly about equal to Dark Confidant in terms of power level. It's so obvious.

March 20, 2014 12:44 p.m.

Behgz says... #8

I'm looking for foil korean Trait Doctoring I'm willing to part with my playset of Dark Confidant if necessary, LoLz

March 20, 2014 1:46 p.m.

Haha Behgz Ill take that deal! haha Im just kidding, no one is stupid enough to give up a foil korean Trait Doctoring for a few clearly less powerful cards

March 20, 2014 2:33 p.m.

Behgz says... #10

So close, lol

March 20, 2014 2:57 p.m.

megawurmple says... #11

Behgz If you make it 2 playsets of Bob then I'll maybe consider it.

March 20, 2014 3:47 p.m.

Behgz says... #12

How bout a play set and 2 foils.

March 20, 2014 4:28 p.m.

megawurmple says... #13

If you throw in a Liliana of the Veil then it's a deal.

March 20, 2014 4:54 p.m.

id give you a Tibalt, the Fiend-Blooded for a Liliana of the Veil . lol he is clearly better

March 20, 2014 6:19 p.m.

megawurmple says... #15

CommanderOfBolas That trade is completely unfair. I'd get so much more value out of it. I just can't accept such a one sided trade, even if it is in my favour.

March 20, 2014 6:23 p.m.

Thank you for being so honest with me. Not many people do that anymore. ill tell you what, since it is lightly played, I will accept 1 lili and 1 foil lili. that should make it about even

March 20, 2014 6:25 p.m.

gufymike says... #17

DO IT, get all the value, Tibalt, the Fiend-Blooded is wrecking up shit!

March 20, 2014 6:27 p.m.

megawurmple says... #18

CommanderOfBolas I'll get back to you on that. I'm still in the process of negotiating a trade with Behgz in which I may be getting a Liliana of the Veil . If that trade goes through, I'll happily trade the Lili with you.

March 20, 2014 6:30 p.m.

lol ok. we might as well move this thread to the traders forum lol

March 20, 2014 6:34 p.m.

megawurmple says... #20

The problem is that this thread didn't start as a trading thread, it started as a normal thread where someone questioned the high mana cost of a card. We just hijacked it with our very serious negotiations.

March 20, 2014 6:36 p.m.

And now I'm playfully watching your negotiations... I gotta say TitansFTW is getting scammed.

March 20, 2014 7:41 p.m.

lol TitansFTW understands the true value of cards. he isn't getting scammed

March 20, 2014 11:19 p.m.

megawurmple says... #23

TheAmazingSalsa Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.

March 21, 2014 4:12 a.m.

When I saw this forum I thought it was talking about monetary value, and I was like "YES! I HAVE LIKE A MILLION OF THOSE!!!!" but then no..

March 21, 2014 7:40 a.m.

APPLE01DOJ says... #25

Selesnya Charm seems a lot better than Reprisal to me.

March 21, 2014 1:52 p.m.

Behgz says... #26

Ya so, I just got my package from korea, it was full of bulk rares until I came across a playset of Bob's, I promptly tossed them in the super bulk (toilet paper) pile and then proceeded to insert my new playset of foil korean Trait Doctoring in my acrylic screw down card protector cases, They are Glorious. I'm still willing to trade the Bob's, although they may be comprimised.

March 21, 2014 2:20 p.m.

I dont mind if they are a bit damaged. I collect junk rares, so id still trade you for them. How about this, i will send you a self addressed envelope with the postage paid and you can just put the bobs in it and send them back to me.

March 21, 2014 3:18 p.m.

Behgz says... #29

Yea that's fair, hit me up on my profile page to work out the deets.

March 21, 2014 6:29 p.m.

megawurmple says... #30

Behgz, what happened to our deal? Your Bobs for my Foil Korean Trait Doctoring ? Are you still up for that?

March 21, 2014 6:50 p.m.

Behgz says... #31

He made me an offer I couldn't refuse.

March 22, 2014 12:33 p.m.

@Behgz, I will trade my 2 worthless foil playsets of Dark Confidant s and Liliana of the Veil s for 1 of your foil korean Trait Doctoring .

March 22, 2014 12:47 p.m.

Behgz says... #33

I'll have to consult my finance coordinator and see if I can wire some assets around from my portfolio into my personal checking account, if all goes well I'll have enough to make an expedition to Korea to attain more. The obvious choice for the Power 9 to include a Phantom 10th card, Trait Doctoring . I'll be back in 6 months, wish me luck!

March 22, 2014 1:17 p.m.

This discussion has been closed