"Slivers:The 4th Age"

"Slivers:The 4th Age"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr.

     I first met the slivers during their 2nd age.This was the time of the Onslaught block where after a 100 years Scientists working on the Riptide project were able to revive the species with horrifying results. 

     The Sliver as a sixth tribe during the creature heavy set of Onslaught would gain popularity in Standard during that time. Since this was my first handshake with Magic I hated dealing with them. My brother who I have influenced to take up the game made it his 2nd deck after the very aggressive Elves. 

     I was glad when Onslaught rotated and everything was focused on Mirrodin. I'm sure it would be awhile before I saw these Hive critters again but they made a comeback during the whole Timespiral block. I made it a point to collect at least one of each not knowing that EDH would be a format that I would find myself in. 

     I also eventually met the Lord (Overlord)  and Lady (Sliver Queen) and the rest of the Sliver brood from the Tempest days during the course of my playing the game. It's still a mixed feeling when I come across a sliver deck in casual play. 

     I have not played against a Sliver deck in EDH but things just might change because the Slivers are back for their 4th Age.

     Enter the new Slivers that will be released this July. A whole tribe being introduced in a core set instead of a more general mechanic means that there will be other tribes coming out as well. Will the new set of Theros involve slivers as well? We just have to wait and see. The thought is exciting.

     The new look slivers have several changes to them as a whole. One is that they now look more Humanoid. With the metal plating that have been added on to them they also seem like creatures you would see in a Predator movie.

     Though they return with their Hive mind another change that they have undergone is that Only Sliver Creatures you control will benefit from the bonuses they bring to the battlefield. Unlike the older slivers that had a symmetrical effect , every one has flying or trample for example, the new slivers are asymmetrical in nature. Favoring you and you alone. M14 has taken away their global nature and localized it for your gaming pleasure.

     Planeswalkers running Sliver EDH decks would now have fresh blood to add to their respective decks and with stat pumpers like The Steelform and Battle Slivers they are indeed very welcome.

     Among the Slivers that have appeared have the general abilities of Trample , Haste , First strike and Vigilance. The Deathtouch or Intimidate Sliver must be in the Uncommon or Rare Slot. We just have to wait and see.Ladies and Gentlemen the M14 Core set now looms upon us.Great times.