F  E  A  T  U  R  E     C  O  L  U  M  N

by David S. Wilson Stretching Dominia Dollars, Part IX Homelands. Ask almost anyone and they will tell you it is one of the worst M:tg booster sets ever published. Ask me and I'll tell you it's the worst. But then, being the worst isn't really all that bad in my book. Basically I don't think that Wizards ever published any booster sets not worth the price. They are great professionals and it shows in everything they've published. I've heard similar complaints about Fallen Empires and Chronicles. Read my back columns and you'll see they were both worthwhile investments, in my book. I might add, being the "bad set" may be to Homeland's advantage. Since few people are buying it, the cost per pack has gone down. And if the cost is low enough ($1.50) it becomes a great investment. Really! Despite the junky lands and a few stupid rares that earned it such a bad reputation, the set also has some excellent cards that spell bargain city, at a $1.50 a pack. My minimum recommendation is spending a little time and trading effort to add a few of the following Top Ten to your collection. And if your style of collecting includes purchasing single cards you're going to be pleasantly surprised if you just shop around a little. The costs for the better Homelands cards crashed early after the release and have stayed low. This time I've decided to get bolder then usual and put the Top 10 in a very definite order. These cards are listed by how often I actually play them. 1. Serrated Arrows - a low cost form of creature removal that fits decks of all colors. One always useful artifact. Still used.   2. Joven's Tools - so many of my friends played wall free decks, I had to beat them to death until they corrected for this artifact.   3. Eron the Relentless - a 5/2 regenerating creature that attacks the turn you summon him was a ready made "Ball Lightning partner". Played so often I ended with a fondness for his face.   4. Autumn Willow - everybody's favorite. If you don't have this card, get 2. She's a 4/4 untargetable, great for green decks. Still used. I have always liked green/black decks. The #1 MUST HAVE card.   5. Ihsan's Shade - a 5/5 with protection from white. Had to add it to all my black decks. Still used frequently. Get one.   6. Hungry Mist - a common green 6/2 with a low GG upkeep cost. I still dig a few back out every once in a while. Get 4.   7. Baron Sengir - What can I say? When the Sengir Vampires come out the Baron must be there to lead them to my opponents blood. His ability to regenerate Vampires makes him a living Elephant's Graveyard. You must have 1 if you have the Vampires.   8. Primal Order - When you know your opponent will be playing special lands, it's only fair you make him/her pay the price.   9. Serra Aviary - When you're playing an all flying creature blue/white deck the +1/+1 for all flyers might spell victory.   10. Dark Maze - A great wall that can also join into the final attack to destroy your enemy. You will be surprised to see how many people forget it can attack once. ** Also winner for best artwork. Comes in 2 versions, place them side by side to see the bigger picture. COOL. Honorable mention - the following cards were played more then once or twice, and may in fact be exactly what you're looking for. If you want to know more about these cards check the official listing at http://www.wizards.com/Cardlists/Welcome.html - every "official" wizards card list can be found here. Abbey Gargoles, Giant Oyster , Marjhan, Spectral Bears, Willow Priestess, Ghost Hounds , Aether Storm, Clockwork Gnomes, Ebony Rhino, Jinx, Narwhal, Mystic Decree, Merchant Scroll, Reef Pirates, Reveka Wizard Savant, Sea Sprite, Carapace, Fairy Noble, Joven's Ferrets, Leaping Lizards, Chandler & Joven. Now if you're like me and enjoy theme decks then you must have Didgeridoo, as well as the 4 Anaba cards - Ancestor, Bodyguard, Shaman & Spirit Crafter. They make for a great beginning to your Minotaur deck. I've won many games with my Minotaurs. Nuff said! See ya next month.       Thank you - Dave [ Back to September 1997 Table of Contents ] [ Back to Beyond Dominia ] Magic: the Gathering is a Registered Trademark of Wizards of the Coast