It's a very exciting time to be playing standard.
With previous sets we've had access to ghost cards that included all the common and rare cards from the most recent set. We didn't get that with this set, so my first recommendation is that you pick up your own copy of each common and rare card from the set.
I'll introduce some of the epic and legendary cards from Conclave Arcana like I did when Rebellion came out. I'll use a 5 star rating system. Here's what each of those ratings represent. These ratings are based on level 1 cards with a single BCX as we're getting used to the set.
5/5 stars
These are cards that I expect to be staples. These are generally great cards starting at level 1 and should work well in a wide variety of situations. Think cards like Mantaroth from Rebellion, Djinn Oshannus, Cursed Windeku and pretty much all the cards with the protect ability that get used like they're going out of style.
4/5 stars
These cards are good generally and great situationally. Think cards like Ash Mirage and Tinderlock in the going the distance ruleset.
3/5 stars
These are decent cards that are mostly filler if you don't have anything better. They'll be strong contributors in the right situations. Think cards like Corsair Bosun, Runic Skyclaw and Igor Darkspear. Solid cards that you may not think to use unless the mana cost is just right.
2/5 stars
These are cards that have the potential to be useful in the right situation, like if the ruleset and the mana line up you might give them a try and you might feel disappointment that this was the best you could come up with. Think cards like Biceratops or Goblin Tower.
1/5 stars
These are cards that you can't think of a good use for. Maybe I could just burn this card for DEC or maybe they just haven't come up with the right ruleset for it yet. Think level 1 Venari Heatsmith before they came up with weapons training or Goblin Chef. If you aren't familiar with those cards, it may be that you've never used them and/or never bothered to pick up a copy.
So, here we go.
Molten Elemental
4/5 stars
You have to have access to enough mana and all 3 attack types to get the most out of this monster, but it will still be good in situations where you don't have all of those things. this is my favorite elemental in the set.
Blazebeard Merc
4/5 stars
The incendiary mechanic is a downside, but Kha'zi Conjurer always seems to overperform. Not to mention that this is an auto include for the back to basics ruleset if you don't have overflowing mana.
Inept Healer
3/5 stars
The stats look tame overall, but this compares favorably with Blackmoor Nymph and Dark Arborist. The speed is a solid upgrade too.
Fithe Bladestone on top of Nomos make me think the fire splinter may play a larger roll in magic heavy matchups in this format too. If that's the case Inept Healer may need to be revised as a 4 star monster.
Oridum Graybrow
4/5 stars
3 melee for a tank is harder to find in the modern format now. Graybrow works great for situations where you're expecting a lot of melee, especially when it won't be cut down by magic due to a weak magic ruleset or a ruleset where magic is not allowed.
What do you think of my ratings? What do you think of the new set?
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