Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver is one of the newest "Theros" spoilers revealed today Sept. 5, 2013 from Wizards of the Coast's upcoming expert "Magic: The Gathering" expansion set in an article by Jacob Van Lunen on DailyMTG.com. Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver joins Xenagos, the Reveler and Elspeth, Sun's Champion as the third planeswalker in the set.
Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver - 1UB
Planeswalker - Ashiok (Mythic Rare)
+2: Exile the top three cards of target opponent's library.
-X: Put a creatuer card with converted mana cost X exiled with Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver onto the battlefield under your control. That creature is a Nightmare in addition to its other types.
-10: Exile all cards from all opponents' hands and graveyards.
Starting loyalty of 3
Lunen compares Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver to Nephalia Drownyard, which required a continuous investment in mana to mill your opponent. Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver doesn't require any further tributes in mana aside from its casting cost, however you'll need to protect it from your opponent's creatures unlike the aforementioned land. Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver comes down two full turns earlier than Jace, Memory Adept, and although it doesn't mill your opponent for as much it begins a lot sooner.
Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver has the potential to yield some serious card advantage. You'll be able to buy time by stealing a blocker, or find a finisher from your adversary's deck. Imagine exiling a Thassa, God of the Sea from your opponent on the third turn and getting to play it turn four. Yes, Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver can set up some potentially crazy plays against decks that aren't super aggressive.
One place Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver may shine in Standard is in a tricky and controlling Dimir deck alongside Soul Ransom and other spells that'll yield you a significant amount of card advantage. It's important to note that Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver is considerably strong in Modern where cheap and powerful creatures like Tarmogoyf and Dark Confidant for Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver to nab from your opponent.
Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver's ultimate ability will remove two major resources from all of your opponents: Their hand and graveyard. Because Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver says "all opponents" it's a great card for multiplayer games. Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver can be devastating in limited where games can go much slower, allowing you to either win by decking your opponent out or killing your rival with their own cards.
How will you use Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver?
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