Talia Bael
@essaria.bsky.social
57 followers 39 following 22 posts
Ex-mtg judge, current player, lifetime fae spirit. 32nd (10-6) at pt MKM, 8-8 at pt OTJ. fae/faer
Posts Media Videos Starter Packs
essaria.bsky.social
I feel this in my soul. Part of me would love to play competitive magic again but RCQs and online events without community are both incredibly draining.
ollie.bostoncubeparty.com
Honestly it sucks cause I really felt like the @vmlmtg.bsky.social was my entry point to competitive Magic. I was really enjoying playing standard competitively and that community. But I'm not about to waste my Fridays in a sweaty basement with a bunch of asshole grinders at the LGS. Oh well.
essaria.bsky.social
Wait, are most gamers not both?
Reposted by Talia Bael
junlper.beer
this is a state sponsored terrorist operation being laid out on an american and every one in ICE needs to be treated as if they are terrorists after trumps regime is over
unraveledpress.com
ICE reportedly opened fire on rapid responders on the southwest side this afternoon.

There are *very few* details on this available at this time. Treat all rumors with caution until verified.

This Sun-Times article cites a DHS statement that should be treated, as always, with extreme skepticism:
Shooting involving federal agents in Brighton Park under investigation
According to the Department of Homeland Security, a woman allegedly "boxed in" federal authorities, who opened fire.
chicago.suntimes.com
Reposted by Talia Bael
jennifer-rose.bsky.social
Hi all, I left my tote at the venue yesterday with all of my magic stuff, lost and found don’t have it so if anyone has seen it/found it please reach out! Photos attached but is a raccoon tote with 3 deck boxes inside containing grixis, my draft deck and my promos, appreciated @fireshoes.bsky.social
Reposted by Talia Bael
sanctumofall.bsky.social
Our team is ready for #PTEOE and we've put a lot of work in! Here's our player list, so you know who we're cheering for this weekend (1/6)
Reposted by Talia Bael
vandomva.bsky.social
Madison Carstens, a transgender woman from Seattle, was attacked by six men in a transphobic hate crime on Sept 2. She suffered a ruptured eardrum - that may have permanently damaged her hearing - and a severe concussion that will keep her out of work for weeks or months.

Do your thing, fam. (1/2)
Donate to Help a Trans Survivor Heal After a Violent Hate Crime, organized by Madison Carstens
Hi, my name is Madison and I'm asking for your help to get thro… Madison Carstens needs your support for Help a Trans Survivor Heal After a Violent Hate Crime
www.gofundme.com
essaria.bsky.social
I had my moment in the sun there and it was glorious (especially since they started to cannibalize themselves over their vitriol towards me), but I shall not be sad to see freemagic go
essaria.bsky.social
I’m deeply offended at the notion that control decks *try* to top from the bottom
essaria.bsky.social
I was remarkably unprepared for this
Reposted by Talia Bael
Reposted by Talia Bael
niphette.bsky.social
That’s right Wizards, clearly the way to get more women playing is to cut the measly amounts of material support you were putting into projects that actually made a difference, and instead make pink mana or whatever this is going to end up being! Because that’s What Women Want!! 😘💖💖💖💗👌👍
Reposted by Talia Bael
fireshoes.bsky.social
Wizards is hiring for the position of "Manager, Magic Judge Program"! #mtg

"lead the strategic development and execution of the Magic: The Gathering Judge Program"

"Develop certification pathways, advancement criteria, and continuing education tools for judges at all experience levels."
Manager, Magic Judge Program

Date: Jul 21, 2025

Location: Renton, Washington, US

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre-defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

 
Who We Are

Wizards of the Coast is a family of explorers, risk-takers, and game-makers who are passionate about crafting unforgettable play experiences. As a subsidiary of Hasbro, we Bring to Life iconic games such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, engaging millions of fans around the world. Join us as we continue to innovate and build a thriving global community of players. We Are Looking For

A passionate and experienced Manager - Magic Judge Program to lead the strategic development and execution of the Magic: The Gathering Judge Program. In this role, you will ensure judges are empowered, supported, and equipped to maintain integrity, consistency, and high-quality player experiences across all levels of play. As a member of the play team, you will collaborate closely with teams including events, communications, marketing, and other cross-functional teams to cultivate a professional and diverse judge community that supports in-store, regional, and premier-level events. What You'll Do

    Build, own and evolve the vision, structure, and execution of the Magic: The Gathering Judge Program globally.
    Develop certification pathways, advancement criteria, and continuing education tools for judges at all experience levels.
    Work with internal team members and third-party organizations to ensure operational excellence in judge deployment and performance at events.
    Establish and maintain a code of conduct, disciplinary procedures, and support systems to ensure a respectful and safe judging environment.
    Build scalable systems for judge recruitment, training, recognition, and retention.
    Advocate for program requirements in cross-functional meetings and long-term planning.
    Act as a liaison between Wizards and the global judge community, providing regular communication and support.
    Monitor program metrics and feedback to continuously refine and improve outcomes.
What You'll Bring

    5+ years of experience in event operations, program management, or community leadership—preferably in a gaming, esports, or tabletop environment.
    Deep knowledge of Magic: The Gathering play events, rules enforcement, and tournament structures.
    Strong understanding of Magic’s organized play ecosystem and the role judges play in maintaining event integrity as well as player experience and satisfaction.
    Proven ability to build systems and programs that scale globally.
    Outstanding communication, conflict resolution, and collaborator management skills.

 
What We Value

    A collaborative approach and a dedication to cross-functional teamwork.
    Passion for Magic: The Gathering and the communities it serves.
    Initiative, creativity, and drive to build programs that inspire trust and excellence.
essaria.bsky.social
After discussing this some more, btw, I like the question a bit more if the statlines in question are 5/4 and 10/8. It just avoids the toughness greater than power problem in discussing format impact.
essaria.bsky.social
7.5/10, I don’t think this would break standard but as soon as a card is able to do more than attack and block as a single creature it becomes able to capitalize on its efficiency
essaria.bsky.social
1/10, potentially has some sideboard application but this card loses to the vast majority of other 2-3 drops
essaria.bsky.social
3/10, it has uses but is ultimately trivial to counterplay
essaria.bsky.social
This might be the asexuality talking, but I’ve been under the impression that a decent amount of good smut has no sex and a lot of horror
Reposted by Talia Bael
sanctumofall.bsky.social
Congratulations to our team members for some great finishes this PT!

We'll be cheering on Toni Portolan tomorrow as he crushes in top 8!!!

Phil Li re-q'd for the next PT with a 10-6.
Ryan Condon re-q'd for the next two PTs by going 9-7.
Paul Green q'd for the first PT next year going 9-7.
Reposted by Talia Bael
gbbranstetter.bsky.social
I think a lot of people's fears of urban life are fed by the luxury belief that violence is about stranger danger and dark alleyways when it's more often about family and poverty. Any woman could get on the rankest subway car at 1 a.m. and statistically be safer than they are at home
Reposted by Talia Bael
aclu.org
ACLU @aclu.org · Jun 17
BREAKING: A federal judge ruled all transgender and intersex people can obtain passports that align with their gender identity while the case against President Trump's executive order proceeds.

While this is good news, we will continue fighting until this executive order is blocked permanently.
Reposted by Talia Bael
unrwa.org
UNRWA @unrwa.org · Jun 12
We have lost all contact with our UNRWA colleagues in Gaza, communications have been cut off.

This morning, for the first time in months, we did not receive their morning messages to say, "good morning" and "we are fine/alive".

We anxiously await to hear from our colleagues.
Reposted by Talia Bael
spice8rack.bsky.social
Important update from @tcgunioncwa.bsky.social. @tcgplayer.com had to relocate their entire business out of fear of the union, & even then they couldn't stop one final union win. Be inspired by these workers. Solidarity forever.
tcgunioncwa.bsky.social
Hello Everyone -- We have an IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.

Please read the statement below: