MTG - U/G Simic Philosophy, Strengths, and Weaknesses: A Magic: The Gathering Color Pie Study!

[@TheManaSource]

Hope you enjoy the video! We're back with more consistent content. Thanks for being patient.

[@ozfan6]

Wedge please do the shards and wedges after the guilds

[@raidgoblin6933]

YES, thanks wedge

[@TARDIS915]

TheManaSource screw "worst cards ever," THIS is the revived series I've been waiting for all these months!

[@Cosporcos-Q]

TheManaSource worst cards in magic 14 when

[@misrtalrhone6232]

TheManaSource more worst card lists. I enjoy them.

[@LordLuxul]

Hey Wedge, as someone who most identifies with the UG Simic color pairing, I feel that this was an insightful video that truly grasped the nature of the Simic guild on Ravnica. It did a great job of highlighting the differences in color ideology as well as the role of the guild within Ravnica. That being said, I feel that this does not truly encapsulate the nature of the color pairing. Outside of the biomancy of the Simic guild, I believe that Blue and Green have far more in common, revolving around the multifaceted aspect of "growth". Green may be recognized by its big stompy creatures, yet it also plays a roll in attuning to the world and growing ones connection to the plane (this being represented in greens ability to ramp more so than any other color). Blue meanwhile, focuses on acquiring the knowledge of whatever plane it may be present, growing its understanding of the world it is in (this being represented by the many draw spells blue has).In tandem, Blue and Green are about resource acquisition (through cards and mana) and a greater understanding of the world (both its physical and mental resources). I believe this harmony is best reflected in characters like Rashmi, who came to an understanding about the very underpinning of reality for her plane to the point where she was able to tap into the vastness of the multiverse (only possible from the Knowledge (blue) of the natural (green)). This is also perfectly embodied by Kruphix; both mechanically (infinite hand size = unlimited knowledge = blue / mana not emptying = nature's boundless growth = green) as well as by his lore ("eldest of the gods"(G), "Dominion over the potential, the distant, and the unseen"(U)). In conclusion, I feel that the pairing of Blue and Green isn't limited to the confines of the Simic guild's biomancy, but is instead a representation of growth and is embodied by characters who wonder. At the end of the day, to be truly Simic is to grow in understanding of nature, and to ponder the nature of the universe (or should I say, the multiverse).

[@Mordalon]

There's also the River Heralds of Ixalan. One of them was able to detect when planeswalkers were trying to planeswalk. They may not know the true nature of the multiverse or what's beyond their plane, but they understand they are not the only world there is and that something exists beyond.

[@noogieboyskullbustah7799]

I can't wait for the three color philosophies!!!

[@UarchT]

Edwin Marin Castro I hate three colour, two colour is the best!

[@noogieboyskullbustah7799]

Your problem, not mine.

[@CosmicErrata]

Sultai is my favorite, but the clan... Nope.

[@AuraXars]

Cant wait either Abzan, soon, just you wait

[@tiemenbosma5793]

Naya ftw

[@ulrickts]

I think the scope of this analysis was based heavily on the Simic guild itself. I like Blue/Green for the types of cards we saw in Lorwyn and sneaky rogue faeries and elves such as Edric, Spymaster of Trest. To me, it's more about the mystical, mysterious, mischievous aspects of blue that are present in the natural world of green. The type of awe that led ancient religions to believe that animals like wolves and owls perhaps were more than mere animals, but sorcerous beings in their own right (say... like Fable of Wolf and Owl).

[@Mordalon]

Eventide was one of my favorite sets because it had so many Blue/Green cards. Overbeing of Myth was even the prerelease promo which I still have today. You remember how dominant Fairies were in Lorwyn standard? I had the Blue/Green precon with a few extra cards (like Fable of Wolf and Owl) and beat someone's Faerie deck with Oona and Bitterblossom. It was so satisfying to take out his attacking Oona with Shorecrasher Mimic and Snakeform.

[@NecroAsphyxia]

Translation: Simic Combine is the unholy Love child of Umbrella Corp and Aperture Science while watching a rerun of John Carpenter's The Thing.

[@fragarach97]

This had be rolling XD...

[@jamaigar]

I feel the thing from John carpenter's movie is a black mana creature, though

[@hellraiserward]

I like all of these things....no wonder i like Simic.

[@iBloodxHunter]

Emmanuel The Homemaker xD ptfft, don't compare us to any of that, all of those use black!

[@loneoutsider8004]

​@@jamaigari would say colorless like eldrazi.

[@IndigoRose13]

While what you're saying largely holds true for the Simic guild, I really don't think it can be just generally applied to all blue/green factions. Blue/green can also be about understanding and mastering the innate magic of nature and using it to live in harmony with the natural world. The merfolk of Ixalan are a good example. Take this quote, which is the opening paragraph of the magic story 'The Shapers': "We were here in the beginning. Before the first patter of unwebbed feet upon the dirt, my people swam the waters of Ixalan and listened. The Nine Tributaries taught us their secret names, and in return we promised to call upon them only in need. We whispered to the roots as we stepped among them, and they curled away to clear our path-not because we were their masters, but because we alone knew how to ask. We spoke to the wind and the waves and the tangled branches. We shaped them to suit our needs, and they shaped us to suit theirs." Not exactly the unstable, mad scientist stuff you were talking about in this video.

[@TheOrian34]

UG is so complex in it's natural synergy that only a UG person can really understand it. It's how wonderful that color pair is

[@StormLogic]

I believe there was some mention of hubris? ;)

[@TheOrian34]

shhhh

[@SmugLookingBarrel]

It's interesting how in Innistrad, the blue/green colour pairing seems to be pulling the other direction, with green controlling blue. Green sees vampires, werewolves, zombies, and spirits disrupting the natural world and the way things are supposed to work, and while it could fix the problems if it knew how, it isn't sure what to do. So, it enlists the help of blue, and blue does what blue does best, it investigates, it learns, it reasons, but not to perfect itself, it learns simply to survive. Blue/Green is associated with humans in Innistrad block, and not the crazy humans like delver. Look at cards like Ongoing Investigation, Trail of Evidence,and Tracker's Instincts. Green understands that the only thing that can help it protect the natural cycle is knowledge of how the unnatural works, and it turns to blue for that knowledge.

[@PabloCorinthian]

Blue in Innistrad is about knowing stuff and that knowledge drives you mad. Blue is all about those Zombies (Skaabs) that make you self mill and benefits from discarding cards. It's all about filling up your own graveyard. And do not forget how Splinterfright, Boneyard Wurm and to a certain extent Ghoultree becomes stronger with more creatures in your graveyard

[@gamehero6816]

Simic investigate, Selesnya investigate, Azorius investigate, and Bant investigate. Those are our preferred artifice color combinations on innistrad. Although ever since Dominaria green has literally dropped artifact work and returned to arson (except that they don't use fire).

[@FarelForever]

I find your comment intriguing, cause while I like the Simic, you do seem to touch upon a lot of problems I have with it. I will look more into the cards you mentioned.

[@zarcothecheese]

I've always understood Simic to be the marriage of knowledge and wisdom- finding natural goals and pursuing them to whatever means possible. This is a big part of characters like Rashmi or the UG Merfolk on Ixalan who aren't actually in the Simic guild and a different way to view the color combo- blue serving the goals of green.

[@MillenniumDiceTV]

Don't think i didn't notice Papa Wedge! You wore the guild colours cause you have to now that you're on screen again!

[@TheManaSource]

;)

[@santuli_91]

Ok. I'm good now. That's all I needed from this series. Been a Simic mage since I started playing this game. I love everything about it and I relate to it so much. Loved your take and insight into the guild. This whole series is fantastic!

[@Mordalon]

I kind of wish you talked more about the Wisdom/Intelligence side of the color combination. I actually don't think the colors are as opposed as you say. They have their conflicts, but both Green and Blue seek understanding and knowledge, it's just what they want do with that knowledge that differs. Green seeks to understand the world around it and it's place in it. It doesn't seek to change the world, but by gaining understanding Green more easily finds it's place in the natural order. Blue seeks knowledge to overcome and shape the world around it and improve itself. UG is the color combination that is best able to figuring out a problem. In the recent Ixalan stories, one of the UG River Heralds is able to "feel" when a planeswalker attempts and fails to planeswalk off the plane, using the metaphor of a dolphin trying to breach the water but hitting an invisible wall. I understand that this video was more about the Simic Guild specifically, but I personally identify most with UG. UG certainly has negative qualities that you went into, but I think it's worth noting that the Simic's original job on Ravnica was that of the doctors, which is surprising since you'd expect White to be involved in the healing guild.

[@codelicious6590]

I like the way you incorporate lore into the card philosophy- I really see all magic cards in the same way; like an amalgamation of story and mechanics with the art portraying each.

[@grantsherrod8327]

Wedge!!! Great to actually see you again!!! Thanks for making and appearing in the color philosophy videos!

[@coryirvin6651]

I love this series so much, glad to see the regular content flowing again!

[@OGWNF]

really good to see you back on our screens Wedge. Keep that content coming!

[@TheJPKaram]

Finally a new episode of this series, i know you're probably busy but please try not to take too long before the next episode

[@AbcGum3654]

I'm glad the face videos are back! Seeing you in person really brings more character to the videos, love the new background btw

[@Chidori599]

We need to see house Dimir. If we can find them first

[@Genderkaiser]

Harlequin House what? I've never heard of that. I'm sure it doesn't exist.

[@matthewgallaway3675]

don't you know that we can never see the Dimir.

[@danthelowblood2653]

Why are you saying things that are not real foolish child *Puts a card in a graveyard while keeping one on top* Kids these days

[@tab021]

This series is phenomenal. Here's hoping for a 3 color series!

[@clauderodrigue6461]

Smashed the like button before the ad ended for the BEST COLOR COMBINATION IN THE GAME

[@Cosporcos-Q]

Golgari disagrees

[@clauderodrigue6461]

Aaron McElligott golgari is second best. Sultai is probably the strongest combo in commander

[@saiyangoomba1244]

I think you accidently commented on the wrong video. You probably meant to comment this on the izzet video, right? ;)

[@johnwashburn4938]

U R ALL RONG GRUUL IS THE BEST

[@Cosporcos-Q]

Claude Rodrigue I agree, sultai is by far the best overall, but I was staying within 2 colors

[@hectorkings4718]

You either love the Simic Combine or are wrong. :)

[@humanrealname1226]

Simic is the best color pairing fight me.

[@desertflower3996]

If I wrong I'm wrong, I don't want to be right. 😜

[@ratsu2641]

Orzhov in its infinite wisdom will forgive your sin… for a fee ;)

[@Modernsour19]

Exactly

[@joshrobinson2409]

@@humanrealname1226 actually in my experience golgari is the best, anything graveyard is always broken and in the right decks out right degenerate I learned that with playing my meren of clan nel toth combo deck, also black has all the best tutors

[@Dgonz102]

Wedge this is without a doubt my most anticipated playlist of videos you ever release. Please continue doing more. They are awesome!

[@Matttsplattt777]

It's great to see you back on camera more regularly again. Love this channel

[@Matteo_the_Plague_Doctor]

So about the spells. Yeah they're definitely more expensive than the blue counterparts, but Green in this relationship is giving more to those cards. Aether Mutation bounces the creature like blue does, but you get that many saproling tokens. That's green's drive for growth in there turning some vile creature into something it can tolerate. Plasm Capture gives you back mana. You're countering their spell and turning it into fuel for yourself on your next turn. To pair this with an EDH story. My dad was playing his Mono White Avacyn deck and Avacyn had already been sent back to the command zone a few time. So she cost 12 mana to cast. My dad's deck was ramping like a champ so he had it. he tapped out to get his commander back and I blew him out with a plasm capture. I had 12 Mana to do what ever I wanted with on my main phase. I was playing Kaseto so I dumped just enough mana into Kaseto for lethal, and the rest into my other snakes, again for lethal at my other opponent and won the game in one swing. Blue by itself couldn't do that. SO yes more expensive, but better results to. Spitting image is the only good example of how Simic isn't as good. But urban Evolution does let you play an additional land. That again is green's tug on blue. Besides, Jace's ingenuity and Urban Evolution are the same CMC, you just have to pay the extra green to get the land effect. Not bad if you ask me. I massively enjoyed the video! I just slightly disagree with your assessment of Green's role in this relationship. I don't think it's entirely the submissive color here. When you look at these cards you see Green's desire for growth coupled with Blue's manipulation and control. Green is still getting what it wants in these situations. Green gets saproling tokens in Aether Mutation, it's getting mana(and color fixed mana at that) in plasm capture. a new token is being created in Spitting Image that's a creature, that's growth. The mana base is being expanded with Urban Evolution. Green is still a big part of what happens with these cards and they're actually great examples of how the colors synergize well. But I am biased towards this color combo to. I understand that. Again great vid Wedge. Thank you for making this Simic player happy.

[@Optimator7]

A few of these videos have been disappointing but this is one of the best yet. Keep up the good work!

[@prufrock1977]

Wow! Thanks for this awesome surprise, Wedge! My first commander deck was Simic (Vorel).

[@nobalswordsmanX]

Just saw this, haven't even gotten through the intro yet, but YES! I've been waiting for this one, and I know I'll love it like the others. Thank you.

[@MrUshiikun]

Glad to see you back! Another great study. I know you have a couple Guilds to do, but I personally can't wait until you do the Shards\Wedges.

[@AdimasCrow]

Love the lore and colour philosophy videos wedge, as someone who doesn't play magic anymore i can get my lore fix right here, keep up the good work!

[@anthonyaddario4653]

I know these are old but I’m just stumbling upon these, I LOVE THEM !! so well written and your an pleasure to listen to

[@lion4j738]

Thank you so much for brining back this series!!

[@berndb3141]

I love your videos about color philosophy! Always have, always will. I hope some day there is a video for all two and three color-combinations.Thank you for the great content.

[@TheGr3nadeboy]

AAAhh the finger gunz! I missed that :D Great video as ever...or even better! I never really thought about the Simic guild this way. They are a lot more interesting, than I would've imagined. Thank you for making this awesome video!

[@socoldag]

Wedge, This is the best of your color pie series! Keep it up, brother!

[@jacem4925]

Really glad to see you making this series again. It's what led to me subbing to your channel.

[@Imrith]

Good video Wedge, well thought out and well edited. Excellent work!

[@bobbymiller2154]

So glad you are back on camera Wedge!!

[@gavinthompson9055]

By far this is my favorite series on KZbin. Thank you!

[@alexandervilla5673]

holy crap I've never smashed that like button so fast!!! I thought this series would never return.

[@TheMovingGrass]

I missed these videos! Can't wait to see Gruul and Boros up on the list! Keep it up, Wedge!

[@DeadBuiltLikeGoblinLackey]

glad this series is back! Do Gruul next or Dimir!

[@hermimonk2748]

Loving the new format Wedge! Your work is truly awesome!

[@MAnnnooo1]

Finally! \o/ \o/ The strangest color combination in my opinion.

[@esands36]

Flávio Faive I concur 100%

[@magicguy1988]

If you ask me strangest color combination is B/W

[@drakengarfinkel3133]

Praise the sun \[T]/

[@Jubjubmobile]

Really happy that these videos are continuing! Thank you very much I love these in depth analysis

[@hackematt5358]

It's good seeing you again.

[@neptune080154]

I’m so happy these are back, these are so amazing

[@patrickh5490]

Great seeing you back on camera. Love you Wedge

[@casualmtg6675]

Good 2 see anotha vid up wedge hope 2 see more soon :D

[@steelWindAlchemist]

Yes! So happy to see you on screen again, Wedge. It's been too long.

[@PagoAoE2]

As someone who partially identifies with Simic thought (I am a Temur Fanatic) I liked this video! I would be great if the series gets finished someday! Good Job!

[@JVenom]

Can't wait for the rest of these videos! They're super interesting.

[@ShoelacesMan]

I'm so happy these videos are back!

[@MetalOrDeth]

Every time i see you post a video i smile, your one of my favorites wedge.

[@sdgagnon2297]

im so glad that i found your channel back !

[@adtpg1348]

Finally the simic episode! Absolutely my favourite guild!

[@socalwanderer4867]

Dude, this is awesome. Love the background and the content!

[@Tangart88]

YES!! I was waiting for the rest of this series.

[@nicolasrivera5111]

Funny that you upload this video the same day I started gathering pieces for my Rashmi EDH :P Love this kind of content

[@b0b1goat2]

This is not at all what I expected but I really really enjoyed it. Great video!

[@Femmchantress]

Thank you for returning this series, Wedge. :'))) It's my all-time favorite. My vote for the next guild definitely goes to either the Dimir or the Orzhov.

[@bipedseven4077]

Yo hit me with that boros philosophy. Do it for the electrode. He's red and white, Boris is red and white. The perfect combination.

[@atlys258]

Hell yeah I love Simic! My 2nd favorite guild, the mechanics from both blocks worked so well together. Please do Boros next!!

[@andrewharding5173]

please keep the series going!!! its amazing

[@CSDragon]

Simic's a bit odd though, since there's two simic guilds. Momir Vig's original Simic, and Prime Speaker Zegana's RTR Simic. And her Simic was very different. I feel like some time should have been spent on the RTR Simic too.

[@zexionfan15]

Orzhov and Dimir are two of my favorite color combinations in all of magic, along with the already featured Izzet. I would love to see those two next.

[@henlohenlo689]

some of my favorite simic cards, or cards i use in my simic deck/ simic sideboard: memnarch mass manipulation capsize doppelgang pithing needle creeping corrosion fracturing gust overgrown battlement axebane guardian wall of roots wall of tanglecord blue elemental blast(vs bloodmoon)

[@AdamantFrivolity]

Hey Wedge, always happy to see new content from you! I hope you're doing well.

[@kidspellslinger2702]

I'm so happy to see your back.

[@solivagant2918]

This is one of my favorite segments. I had a couple of GU decks, they're always funny and surprising to to play with, excepting Infect decks, but I would love to see a Simic guild where green parasites blue, I believe it could be quite interesting.

[@mikecarrozza91]

Looking good, Wedge. Love this series, dude.

[@djhunstiger]

Simic has always been my favorite. My first competitive deck I ever made was simic evolve in modern and I love it even more now from the lore stand point

[@Turai12]

As someone who got into the game during eldrich moon, I hope we visit this plane again. I wanna do the whole guild thing.

[@luliby2309]

Ah yes, my favorite colors in Magic. I just love what green and blue do. The Simic guild, and the Simic color combo in general, is absolutely bizarre and crazy. They're absolutely insane and I love it.

[@andrewdecker616]

As someone whos favorite color in MTG is green and then blue, Simic is the guild for this dude.

[@tonydola3232]

Damn dude! I’m not much a commenter. But damn some times I got to. Respect bro. This is a damn fine video. You got a fantastic nack for this. I’m brewing a pir and toothy commander deck, and man this was just so good. Respect my friend. I know I’m year late but relatively new to magik and you have been a huge help for things as deck building and card knowledge. Very glad I watched this video!

[@TheRichardson711]

Nice to see you on screen again wedge!

[@ChibiRuah]

when all this are uploaded all have to watch all the guild videos back to back to get a feel for each in context of each.

[@jrf185]

Yesss. I needed more of these. Sick sweatshirt! Hope all is well, Wedge :)

[@guyank6138]

Great video Wedge, just built a elf/merfolk deck and you're so right. Would like to see Orzhov next, but I'm sure I'll enjoy whichever one you choose. Keep up the good work man 😀

[@b3rtls3rk3r]

I really like thos color Pie Study videos, keep up the good work! I just got into the game around may this year, specifically for commander so i really appreciate thos kinds of videos that let me get a taste of the Flavour and everything that goes beyond card mechanics! I really hope you will also go to make those videos about the 3 color pairs! Cant wait for the new one

[@doctriv8596]

Back with another of the greatest hits, love it!

[@Starfury117]

Yay ! Wedge video is back

[@1qaz722]

As always, an awesome video. I'm considering downloading the series just to have a copy. I want more lore videos of the older sets! I'm begging you!

[@blakecote5867]

I love videos about lore and the characteristics behind the scenes of magic

[@Matteo_the_Plague_Doctor]

OMG YOU FINALLY DID IT! After me screaming begging pleading! You finally did it! Thank you thank you thank you Wedge! This makes my whole week.

[@cornfieldspdog]

Can you please do the Gruul Clans. I am having debates with friends about which guild I would be a part of and I would like to hear about Gruul since that is the guild I would be in.

[@LynxLord1991]

More Gruul !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@suspedal]

I love these vids so much! Can't wait for Dimir

[@eirikwagley5544]

That guild does not exist.

[@Genderkaiser]

Can't wait for what sorry?

[@suspedal]

Fergus Ager House Dimir, the blue/black guild.

[@Genderkaiser]

I'm quite sure that doesn't exist. I've never heard of one.

[@GodEmperorofDune1986]

Good to see you back. Could you delve deeper into how color combinations evolve. It's focused on the Ravnica guilds but on other planes identities might vary. Just a tought.

[@heathbenton6201]

Ohrzov next please, it is the best color combo!

[@TheVampire989]

Removal is KING!!! xD lol

[@jazipa4139]

Talorc 03 YEEEES

[@jordanrodgers9737]

He SAID Orzhov. 9:35. But I can't find it? ORZHOV WHERE?

[@jazipa4139]

Jordan Rodgers Yeah that’s what happened for me. I kinda feel like he made one, though. Even if he has, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t make another ;)

[@lazysylph3312]

Whenever I describe the orzhov to a new player, I use the phrase "immortal blood-ghost mafia church"

[@cataclysmunknown7110]

Dimir.

[@0Whitelottus0]

YES PLEASE DIMIR!!!!!

[@eirikwagley5544]

That guild does not exist.

[@cataclysmunknown7110]

It's the greatest and most secretive organization in all of Ravinca. (Yes, I know you were trying to be funny) I've been wanting Wedge to do dimir since he started the color pie analysis..It combines my 2 favorite colors. The 2 colors also have a ton in common, yet many many differences for allies. I hope he does it, I can't wait.

[@0Whitelottus0]

It does I know it does, the Dimir are among us, they haven't died they are still alive, I know...

[@fragarach97]

Dimir? What on Ravnica are you on about? There are nine guilds, not ten... sounds like something the Rakdos made up to keep the Azorius off their backs.

[@captainfancypants8514]

Amazing series! Like it a lot...looking forward for new videos! Gj, thx Wedge!

[@YouThiagoTube1986]

awesome video! i´ll remember to put counterspells on the deck, lol, ty! loved the philosofical part

[@williamwright4813]

3:54. Grotesque Mutation is a black card though...

[@matthewgallaway3675]

true but it does feel in flavor doesn't it? If any guild would like what Emrakul does it would be the Simic.

[@Chidori599]

YESSS COLOR PIE STUDY!! Been waiting for this for ages

[@nemmielicious]

I greatly look forward to this series!

[@Beeeyeee]

I would really appreciate your videos rendered at 60p. especially when the cards are scrolling across the screen it makes it so much smoother and actually readable. :)

[@gavinli1368]

Can't wait to see when this stretches into the shards of Alara or the khans or Tarkir!

[@eddiesmith2979]

Nice! thanks for the great videos that’s a great background by the way. Magic card wallpaper is the future

[@emilefrancis2579]

I love those videos, love the lore which comes into gameplay

[@emeryj3843]

My favorite part about Blue-Green is how well they cover each other's weaknesses. Blue has amazing card draw, but is slow and needs a lot of mana to get there. Green is able to generate this mana, but often has trouble refilling its hand. Together, they can form an amazing combination. Other colors may be fun, but there's nothing like drawing six cards on turn five, and generating twice that much mana.

[@Mordalon]

They also are the colors that most often have Hexproof, and with that and counterspells they basically are untouchable, unless the opponent has Deathtouch.