Mana Flare 🍁
@manaflare-mtg.bsky.social
Middle-aged. Father. Gamer. Avid reader of scifi. Ultimate frisbee.
Mostly here to talk about Magic the Gathering limited. May veer in other games and/or book occasionally.
#MTGLimited #MagicTheGathering #SteamDeck #Books #scifi
Mostly here to talk about Magic the Gathering limited. May veer in other games and/or book occasionally.
#MTGLimited #MagicTheGathering #SteamDeck #Books #scifi
Pinned
Mana Flare 🍁
@manaflare-mtg.bsky.social
· Feb 12
I added a few new folks to the MTG Limited Posters list today - love seeing fresh faces here.
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Pin the list to your feed if you want to see what draft players are saying about Aetherdrift!
#mtg #mtglimited
bsky.app/profile/did:...
Pin the list to your feed if you want to see what draft players are saying about Aetherdrift!
#mtg #mtglimited
Reposted by Mana Flare 🍁
Huge new #scryfalltip!
The genius devs at @scryfall.com now let you choose a preferred printing when search results are returned.
Just go to scryfall.com/settings/pre...; there are tons of options.
The genius devs at @scryfall.com now let you choose a preferred printing when search results are returned.
Just go to scryfall.com/settings/pre...; there are tons of options.
December 23, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Huge new #scryfalltip!
The genius devs at @scryfall.com now let you choose a preferred printing when search results are returned.
Just go to scryfall.com/settings/pre...; there are tons of options.
The genius devs at @scryfall.com now let you choose a preferred printing when search results are returned.
Just go to scryfall.com/settings/pre...; there are tons of options.
Reposted by Mana Flare 🍁
I think that what I like about updating Cubes is that it feels like solving a puzzle- removing pieces for ones that fit better. And at the end what you're left with is a new puzzle, as Cubes are never "finished". There are always new puzzles to look forward to solving!
December 17, 2025 at 4:09 PM
I think that what I like about updating Cubes is that it feels like solving a puzzle- removing pieces for ones that fit better. And at the end what you're left with is a new puzzle, as Cubes are never "finished". There are always new puzzles to look forward to solving!
🏆 7-1 izzet tempo deck.
I'm mostly done drafting Avatar, but I had 90m to kill last night while my daughter was at a practice and so I fired up Arena. UR was flowing and this deck was buttery smooth to play. Sokka was surprise MVP.
TLA summary: avg/good set, a little bomby, moderate longevity
I'm mostly done drafting Avatar, but I had 90m to kill last night while my daughter was at a practice and so I fired up Arena. UR was flowing and this deck was buttery smooth to play. Sokka was surprise MVP.
TLA summary: avg/good set, a little bomby, moderate longevity
December 17, 2025 at 1:30 PM
🏆 7-1 izzet tempo deck.
I'm mostly done drafting Avatar, but I had 90m to kill last night while my daughter was at a practice and so I fired up Arena. UR was flowing and this deck was buttery smooth to play. Sokka was surprise MVP.
TLA summary: avg/good set, a little bomby, moderate longevity
I'm mostly done drafting Avatar, but I had 90m to kill last night while my daughter was at a practice and so I fired up Arena. UR was flowing and this deck was buttery smooth to play. Sokka was surprise MVP.
TLA summary: avg/good set, a little bomby, moderate longevity
I rolled credits on Dark Souls II for the first time last week - what a great game. Like it's predecessor, the best part of the experience is the growing feeling of mastery that comes not from levelling up, but from becoming more proficient at actually playing the game.
#steamdeck #gaming
#steamdeck #gaming
December 15, 2025 at 1:05 PM
I rolled credits on Dark Souls II for the first time last week - what a great game. Like it's predecessor, the best part of the experience is the growing feeling of mastery that comes not from levelling up, but from becoming more proficient at actually playing the game.
#steamdeck #gaming
#steamdeck #gaming
Fired an 8-person pod of The Archive a couple nights ago - this was the third time out for my cube.
The 3-0 drafter was unhappy with his deck, tho I'm taking that with a grain of salt.
He's correct that I need more/different fodder for the sac package. He passed the fodder I'd seeded as "bad".
The 3-0 drafter was unhappy with his deck, tho I'm taking that with a grain of salt.
He's correct that I need more/different fodder for the sac package. He passed the fodder I'd seeded as "bad".
December 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM
Fired an 8-person pod of The Archive a couple nights ago - this was the third time out for my cube.
The 3-0 drafter was unhappy with his deck, tho I'm taking that with a grain of salt.
He's correct that I need more/different fodder for the sac package. He passed the fodder I'd seeded as "bad".
The 3-0 drafter was unhappy with his deck, tho I'm taking that with a grain of salt.
He's correct that I need more/different fodder for the sac package. He passed the fodder I'd seeded as "bad".
🏆 7-2 with mostly-U "whoops, all card draw".
After the first few games it became clear that 4 Fortune Tellers was too many so I swapped one for the Koi. That version of the deck was much improved - two bigass fish are better than one I guess.
After the first few games it became clear that 4 Fortune Tellers was too many so I swapped one for the Koi. That version of the deck was much improved - two bigass fish are better than one I guess.
December 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
🏆 7-2 with mostly-U "whoops, all card draw".
After the first few games it became clear that 4 Fortune Tellers was too many so I swapped one for the Koi. That version of the deck was much improved - two bigass fish are better than one I guess.
After the first few games it became clear that 4 Fortune Tellers was too many so I swapped one for the Koi. That version of the deck was much improved - two bigass fish are better than one I guess.
Back to drafting not-on-my-phone after a week travelling. I find it a lot harder to navigate drafts & play games on a tiny screen.
🏆 7-1 with this UW allies deck. A bit creature-light. Got deep into blue pack 1 before settling into azorius early pack 2.
🏆 7-1 with this UW allies deck. A bit creature-light. Got deep into blue pack 1 before settling into azorius early pack 2.
December 6, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Back to drafting not-on-my-phone after a week travelling. I find it a lot harder to navigate drafts & play games on a tiny screen.
🏆 7-1 with this UW allies deck. A bit creature-light. Got deep into blue pack 1 before settling into azorius early pack 2.
🏆 7-1 with this UW allies deck. A bit creature-light. Got deep into blue pack 1 before settling into azorius early pack 2.
Book 2 in the Devoured Worlds is a pretty big departure from the first novel - it's far more intrigue than action and leans more into the 'romantasy in space!' aspects than I strictly loved.
Still, as a space opera it excels and I'm absolutely going to read the next installment.
📚🪐💙 #books #scifi
Still, as a space opera it excels and I'm absolutely going to read the next installment.
📚🪐💙 #books #scifi
December 3, 2025 at 1:55 AM
From a limited POV:
Final Fantasy > Edge of Eternities = Aetherdrift > Avatar > Tarkir
That covers all the 2025 sets.
Final Fantasy > Edge of Eternities = Aetherdrift > Avatar > Tarkir
That covers all the 2025 sets.
Put the sets from 2025 in order from best to worst.
We have 6 sets:
Aetherdrift
Tarkir: Dragonstorm
Final Fantasy
Edge of Eternities
Spider-Man
Avatar the Last Airbender
We have 6 sets:
Aetherdrift
Tarkir: Dragonstorm
Final Fantasy
Edge of Eternities
Spider-Man
Avatar the Last Airbender
December 3, 2025 at 1:11 AM
From a limited POV:
Final Fantasy > Edge of Eternities = Aetherdrift > Avatar > Tarkir
That covers all the 2025 sets.
Final Fantasy > Edge of Eternities = Aetherdrift > Avatar > Tarkir
That covers all the 2025 sets.
This was a super-fun tournament. Really happy to have started my GGM journey at this one! Will absolutely be back next year.
Full Coverage from Sarasota Sunset 2025 is UP - Photos by @ktcooperphoto, Bob Hume, @sofiashootssports
November 30, 2025 at 4:36 PM
This was a super-fun tournament. Really happy to have started my GGM journey at this one! Will absolutely be back next year.
It's been interesting watching my 16yo daughter discover all of the music that I listened to at her ago - mostly organically (she'd probably avoid it if I told her to listen to it).
She was DJ in the car this morning and played songs from all 4 of these bands... Def Leppard & Bon Jovi were my favs.
She was DJ in the car this morning and played songs from all 4 of these bands... Def Leppard & Bon Jovi were my favs.
November 29, 2025 at 9:57 PM
It's been interesting watching my 16yo daughter discover all of the music that I listened to at her ago - mostly organically (she'd probably avoid it if I told her to listen to it).
She was DJ in the car this morning and played songs from all 4 of these bands... Def Leppard & Bon Jovi were my favs.
She was DJ in the car this morning and played songs from all 4 of these bands... Def Leppard & Bon Jovi were my favs.
🏆Second 7-1 of the day - this time on the back of a bomby UB control deck.
Highlights:
- Draw 7 off Spirit Water Revival 3 times
- 2x Quenching Black Sun's Revival to seal win 7
- Boomerang Basics on Court Official on 3 in two games
- Drawing all the cards every single time
Highlights:
- Draw 7 off Spirit Water Revival 3 times
- 2x Quenching Black Sun's Revival to seal win 7
- Boomerang Basics on Court Official on 3 in two games
- Drawing all the cards every single time
November 29, 2025 at 7:16 PM
🏆Second 7-1 of the day - this time on the back of a bomby UB control deck.
Highlights:
- Draw 7 off Spirit Water Revival 3 times
- 2x Quenching Black Sun's Revival to seal win 7
- Boomerang Basics on Court Official on 3 in two games
- Drawing all the cards every single time
Highlights:
- Draw 7 off Spirit Water Revival 3 times
- 2x Quenching Black Sun's Revival to seal win 7
- Boomerang Basics on Court Official on 3 in two games
- Drawing all the cards every single time
🏆7-1 with UBw midrange, featuring one of the many busted Aang cards in the set.
This deck was a two-way player, sometimes beating down but often hanging around and winning the late game on the back of all of the interaction and card draw.
#mtglimited #MTGxAvatar #mtga
This deck was a two-way player, sometimes beating down but often hanging around and winning the late game on the back of all of the interaction and card draw.
#mtglimited #MTGxAvatar #mtga
November 29, 2025 at 4:11 PM
🏆7-1 with UBw midrange, featuring one of the many busted Aang cards in the set.
This deck was a two-way player, sometimes beating down but often hanging around and winning the late game on the back of all of the interaction and card draw.
#mtglimited #MTGxAvatar #mtga
This deck was a two-way player, sometimes beating down but often hanging around and winning the late game on the back of all of the interaction and card draw.
#mtglimited #MTGxAvatar #mtga
Been sicker than I've been since the pandemic this past week - my daughter brought home a doozy of a flu from school to share with the family.
Finally feeling a lot more human today and happy to be doing something aside from lying in bed feeling miserable.
Finally feeling a lot more human today and happy to be doing something aside from lying in bed feeling miserable.
November 29, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Been sicker than I've been since the pandemic this past week - my daughter brought home a doozy of a flu from school to share with the family.
Finally feeling a lot more human today and happy to be doing something aside from lying in bed feeling miserable.
Finally feeling a lot more human today and happy to be doing something aside from lying in bed feeling miserable.
Chickadee enjoying the feeder.
With the colder weather here I don't get many unique species visiting as during the summer months, but still love it all the same.
#birds 🪶
With the colder weather here I don't get many unique species visiting as during the summer months, but still love it all the same.
#birds 🪶
November 22, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Chickadee enjoying the feeder.
With the colder weather here I don't get many unique species visiting as during the summer months, but still love it all the same.
#birds 🪶
With the colder weather here I don't get many unique species visiting as during the summer months, but still love it all the same.
#birds 🪶
Reposted by Mana Flare 🍁
It's Super Mario World's 35th anniversary! One of my favorite games of all time. #mario #supermarioworld #35thanniversary #nintendo
November 21, 2025 at 9:34 AM
It's Super Mario World's 35th anniversary! One of my favorite games of all time. #mario #supermarioworld #35thanniversary #nintendo
This deck will always be a trophy deck in my heart.
5-0 into (1) an opponent who was hellbent and practically dead who then drew their two copies of United Front two turns in a row, (2) stuck on 3 lands, (3) stuck on 4 lands.
Deck was a powerhouse though. Obsessive Pursuit on T2 was usually GG.
5-0 into (1) an opponent who was hellbent and practically dead who then drew their two copies of United Front two turns in a row, (2) stuck on 3 lands, (3) stuck on 4 lands.
Deck was a powerhouse though. Obsessive Pursuit on T2 was usually GG.
November 21, 2025 at 3:28 AM
This deck will always be a trophy deck in my heart.
5-0 into (1) an opponent who was hellbent and practically dead who then drew their two copies of United Front two turns in a row, (2) stuck on 3 lands, (3) stuck on 4 lands.
Deck was a powerhouse though. Obsessive Pursuit on T2 was usually GG.
5-0 into (1) an opponent who was hellbent and practically dead who then drew their two copies of United Front two turns in a row, (2) stuck on 3 lands, (3) stuck on 4 lands.
Deck was a powerhouse though. Obsessive Pursuit on T2 was usually GG.
First 🏆 of the format (4th draft) with GW allies beats. The deck was pretty boring to play - draw ally, play ally, turn ally sideways. Lots of built in power, but very few brains required for this one.
#mtglimited #mtg #MTGxAvatar
#mtglimited #mtg #MTGxAvatar
November 21, 2025 at 3:24 AM
First 🏆 of the format (4th draft) with GW allies beats. The deck was pretty boring to play - draw ally, play ally, turn ally sideways. Lots of built in power, but very few brains required for this one.
#mtglimited #mtg #MTGxAvatar
#mtglimited #mtg #MTGxAvatar
There was heavy fog in #Ottawa last night which combined with the chilly temperatures to produce absolutely gorgeous frost spikes covering everything.
#winter #photography #nature
#winter #photography #nature
November 20, 2025 at 5:30 PM
There was heavy fog in #Ottawa last night which combined with the chilly temperatures to produce absolutely gorgeous frost spikes covering everything.
#winter #photography #nature
#winter #photography #nature
I've had no time to look at spoilers, so this is super-helpful!
My #NomadTierList predictions for #TLA.
A tempo-oriented format balanced between aggressive red firebending decks and controlling blue decks. Getting on board early is key as are instant speed ways to gain advantage.
R/U > W > G/B
List: www.17lands.com/tier_list/74...
A tempo-oriented format balanced between aggressive red firebending decks and controlling blue decks. Getting on board early is key as are instant speed ways to gain advantage.
R/U > W > G/B
List: www.17lands.com/tier_list/74...
17Lands.com
www.17lands.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
I've had no time to look at spoilers, so this is super-helpful!
Reposted by Mana Flare 🍁
This should really be B03. B01 seems like way too much variance. Also against the spirit of a "Limited" championship.
November 17, 2025 at 10:16 PM
This should really be B03. B01 seems like way too much variance. Also against the spirit of a "Limited" championship.
The Archive - VIS (1997)
I missed Visions by a couple of years - Ice Age was my last set before a 20 year break - and flipping through the card file it truly feels like classic Magic.
Here are the three inclusions in The Archive.
#mtg #mtgcube
Full cube: cubecobra.com/cube/overvie...
(1/4)
I missed Visions by a couple of years - Ice Age was my last set before a 20 year break - and flipping through the card file it truly feels like classic Magic.
Here are the three inclusions in The Archive.
#mtg #mtgcube
Full cube: cubecobra.com/cube/overvie...
(1/4)
November 17, 2025 at 6:44 PM
The Archive - VIS (1997)
I missed Visions by a couple of years - Ice Age was my last set before a 20 year break - and flipping through the card file it truly feels like classic Magic.
Here are the three inclusions in The Archive.
#mtg #mtgcube
Full cube: cubecobra.com/cube/overvie...
(1/4)
I missed Visions by a couple of years - Ice Age was my last set before a 20 year break - and flipping through the card file it truly feels like classic Magic.
Here are the three inclusions in The Archive.
#mtg #mtgcube
Full cube: cubecobra.com/cube/overvie...
(1/4)
Heading back from a business trip to Auckland, and managed to jam in some light cellphone #birding on the side.
Identification in the alt text.
I also saw plenty of others, including my personal fav, the Tui, but they were all less cooperative photo subjects.
Identification in the alt text.
I also saw plenty of others, including my personal fav, the Tui, but they were all less cooperative photo subjects.
November 15, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Heading back from a business trip to Auckland, and managed to jam in some light cellphone #birding on the side.
Identification in the alt text.
I also saw plenty of others, including my personal fav, the Tui, but they were all less cooperative photo subjects.
Identification in the alt text.
I also saw plenty of others, including my personal fav, the Tui, but they were all less cooperative photo subjects.
The Blighted Stars (9/10)
A great start to a fairly innovative #scifi series, albeit with shades of The Last of Us laced through it.
A mix of politics, drama and action - this book hooked me early and had me staying up far too late to keep reading.
Loved the "disposable humans" aspects.
🪐📚💙
A great start to a fairly innovative #scifi series, albeit with shades of The Last of Us laced through it.
A mix of politics, drama and action - this book hooked me early and had me staying up far too late to keep reading.
Loved the "disposable humans" aspects.
🪐📚💙
November 14, 2025 at 8:01 AM
The Blighted Stars (9/10)
A great start to a fairly innovative #scifi series, albeit with shades of The Last of Us laced through it.
A mix of politics, drama and action - this book hooked me early and had me staying up far too late to keep reading.
Loved the "disposable humans" aspects.
🪐📚💙
A great start to a fairly innovative #scifi series, albeit with shades of The Last of Us laced through it.
A mix of politics, drama and action - this book hooked me early and had me staying up far too late to keep reading.
Loved the "disposable humans" aspects.
🪐📚💙