While not officially part of Magic: the Gathering’s Multiverse, MTG nevertheless has an intrinsic connection with Dungeons & Dragons. Not only have the two games crossed over in the past, but they’re both owned by Wizards of the Coast. Beyond just being a sensible choice from Wizards, the crossovers between MTG and D&D have consistently delighted fans. So much so, in fact, that many players have been wondering when MTG will next venture into the Forgotten Realms. Thankfully, following a new leak, from Wizards themselves, no less, it appears the answer is sooner rather than later. As, in a new Secret Lair, MTG is getting another Dungeons & Dragons crossover!
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Secret Lair
In case you’ve not seen any advertisements plastered across busses and billboards in your local area, Dungeons & Dragons has a film coming out. Titled Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, the film is a rather high-budget affair. Featuring stars such as Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, and Hugh Grant, the film looks like a thoroughly entertaining time. Especially since, from the advertisements at least, it seems to embrace some of the sillier aspects of Dungeons & Dragons. Thankfully, according to critic reviews, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves has more than just good advertisements. At the time of writing, for instance, on Metacritic, the aggregate review score for the film sits respectably at 75.
Given the almost inescapable advertisements, it’s safe to say that Wizards is really hyping up their film. So much so, that even MTG is getting in on the action, although we’re not supposed to know that yet. Ahead of a properly planned announcement, WotC’s Singapore division jumped the gun once again, leaking the upcoming Secret Lair. As you may have guessed from the title of this article, this Secret Lair commemorates Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Immortalizing the actors and the characters they play, this Universes Beyond Secret Lair could be incredibly controversial. In reality, however, MTG players are surprisingly fond of these leaked Secret Lair cards!
Corking Commanders
As with most of the Universes Beyond Secret Lair cards, the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves cards are seemingly tailor-made for Commander players. This is most obvious with Chris Pine’s card, Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist, which gives all your nonland cards Foretell. Following the mechanic’s introduction in Kaldheim, a legendary creature with this ability has been highly requested by Commander players. “I know a lot of people wanted Dream Devourer as a commander, and well there he is as Edgin,” u/Yojimbra commented on Reddit.
While Edgin, Larcenous Lutenist is undoubtedly the most popular reveal, thankfully, the majority of the cards feature entertaining abilities. Regé-Jean Page’s Xenk, Paladin Unbroken, for instance, gives all your Auras Exalted, enabling a compelling tribal deck. Meanwhile, Hugh Grant’s Forge, Neverwinter Charlatan is a great fit for sacrifice and Treasure token-centric decks. Additionally, Justice Smith’s Simon, Wild Magic Sorcerer appears to be a lot of fun if you’re after some inconsistent card draw.
Similarly, if you’re after fun, Sophia Lillis’ Doric, Nature’s Warden certainly provides it. As, while their abilities might not be the strongest, what’s not to love about transforming into an Owlbear?! Also buffing your other legendary creatures is a nice bonus too I suppose. Last and probably also least, Michelle Rodriguez’s Holga, Relentless Rager sadly leaves much to be desired. With a Trample enabler such as Garruk’s Uprising in play, Holga, Relentless Rager could enable devastating swings. Without that, however, chump blockers will ruin this card’s otherwise compelling effectiveness.
Universes Beyond Begone
Thanks to the well-received Warhammer 40,000 Commander decks, the consensus around Universes Beyond MTG cards has been steadily improving. That being said, for some players, the Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves cards have been a little tough to swallow. Featuring the faces of real-world actors in prominent positions, the cards certainly stand out compared to traditional legendary creatures. Subsequently, some players are already lamenting the roughly six-month wait before getting Universe Within versions of these cards.
“So these are a UB product only? Meaning it will take a while before we see their “Magic” versions? Shame if it is… cuz I like that UR legend. Foretell tribal is something I wanted to try (well cheating mana by giving stuff foretell).”
u/Ventoffmychest
Alongside this concern, several players joked about real-world celebrities being in MTG is still a strange concept. Reddit user u/TheStoneDeath, for instance, commented, “Hugh Grant on a goddamn Magic card. We live in a society.” Obviously, while Hugh Grant’s MTG appearance may not be for everyone, other players are bound to enjoy this crossover. I should know, I’m one of them. That being said, as u/CannedPrushka points out, it is still a little strange, all things considered. “I’ll play my Michelle Rodriguez commander deck is not something I expected to be able to say ever.”
Currently, while the WotC’s Singapore branch has jumped the gun in revealing this Secret Lair, it’s unclear when it will actually launch. While the release of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is imminent in many regions, Wizards hasn’t officially announced anything yet. Subsequently, it appears likely this Universes Beyond Secret Lair will be a part of the next MTG Secret Lair Superdrop. With three days still remaining on the current Winter Superdrop, players may have some time to wait until they can get their hands on these cards.
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