Best Drafting Archetypes Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 37 - Tolls of War 29:42

Play Pause

5h ago29:42

29:42

I've been on a bit of a hot streak with BW, so this week I'm diving deep on the archetype. We're looking at why white is the best color, why black is the worst, and what you get when you combine the two. https://www.17lands.com/deck/27f18de592d54f25b49da38bea63663f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/40aa93d10f4243c09d8efef3d92beac6/0?view=dec…

1
Episode 36 - Fire Nation Cadets 33:03

6d ago33:03

33:03

Can you believe they printed Sol Ring at common? And Embercleave at uncommon? UR - https://www.17lands.com/deck/5ed2d4103c3b4989807688dbada43701/0?view=deck Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdraftsBy Sam Pratt

1
Facts In Fiction 33:38

8d ago33:38

33:38

How factual should fiction be? What level of real-world detail is necessary for a story, its plot, and characters to feel authentic? In this episode, Russ and Tim explore the role of facts in fiction, reflect on their own manuscripts, and debate when facts enhance a story and when they get in the way of good storytelling.…

1
Episode 35 - TLA Hot Topics 38:17

12d ago38:17

38:17

Normal limited is back! I'm so excited to jump into TLA, and talk through my thoughts on each of the bending mechanics as well as the set as a whole. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdraftsBy Sam Pratt

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Episode 34 - Talking Magic with Marc Anderson 50:18

20d ago50:18

50:18

Last month, I sat down and talked Magic with limited enthusiast and former Canadian National Champion Marc Anderson! We dive into some highlights of his pro career, discuss how limited has changed over the years, and talk a little cube too. Marc's socials X - https://x.com/neo_mtg bsky - https://bsky.app/profile/neo-mtg.bsky.social my Linktree - ht…

1
Foreshadowing 43:16

22d ago43:16

43:16

Foreshadowing is another tool in the writer's toolkit that can enhance a reader's story experience. Early hints that can pay off later to build suspense, tension, and make that climax that much better. This episode, Russ and Tim get into what foreshadowing is, what it isn't, and how they used it in their stories. As a bonus, they work through what …

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Episode 33 - Rotisserie Draft 39:47

27d ago39:47

39:47

This week I'm recapping a couple Rotisserie drafts of my cube! I had a blast roto drafting with friends last month, so I'm going into detail on how to run one, reviewing my own draft, and pitching why this format is so much fun. Samp's Arena Cube - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/samp Lightning Bolt Pod spreadsheet - https://docs.google.com/spreads…

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Episode 32 - CubeCon Recap! 51:42

1M ago51:42

51:42

This week I'm recapping my long weekend in Madison, WI at CubeCon! I'm walking through all SEVEN of my drafts, and making a pitch for why these cube events are the best way to play magic. Cards mentioned - https://sealeddeck.tech/u9mAwcpw2z Prequel Draft - Everywhere Cube https://cubecobra.com/cube/overview/everywhere Everywhere Cube deck - Stompy …

1
Writing the Climax 35:00

1M ago35:00

35:00

It's what the entire story has been building toward. The climax! The promise set at the beginning of your story comes to a breaking point, all is revealed, and your characters' flaws are resolved (maybe). In this episode, Russ and Tim chat about getting to the climax of a story, what it is, and how it should satisfy your readers.…

1
Episode 31 - Cube 201 32:42

1M ago32:42

32:42

After last week's introduction to the fundamentals of cube draft, I'm diving into some more nuanced discussion on cube (but mostly why you should take the good cards). I'm also showcasing all the creative cube genres the community has cooked up! Sam Black's "Unexploitable Cube Drafting" - https://www.hipstersofthecoast.com/2023/10/unexploitable-cub…

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Episode 30 - Cube 101 27:57

2M ago27:57

27:57

Are you a limited sicko who's cube curious? I'm diving into the subtle differences between booster draft and cube draft, including what makes a card powerful, and how to evaluate interaction and fixing. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdraftsBy Sam Pratt

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Episode 29 - Eerie Gravestone 21:56

2M ago21:56

21:56

Taking a peek at an unsupported archetype in OM1! Black and green have some particularly synergistic cards that work uniquely well in tandem. Example decks courtesy of Marc Anderson https://www.17lands.com/deck/b88bf57ed797481b939732539748af63/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/6baac8a6905e4b9996460bddc0270ecb/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.…

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Episode 28 - BONUS! Deep Dive on my Arena Cube 1:05:27

2M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

An in-depth look at my Arena Cube! Cubecobra list - https://cubecobra.com/cube/list/samp Trophy Decks thread - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/post/3lu7e627da225 Recross the Path (cube interview podcast) ft. me and this cube - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jstoBuLlCW1iqthwGZHly Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdrafts…

1
Episode 27 - Wonderweave Aerialist 23:00

2M ago23:00

23:00

A deep dive into Blue White Modified in OM1! Come find out the best little dudes to play and the best ways to make them bigger. https://www.17lands.com/deck/19710276db5442b0a5f9c975e8bb9c1f/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/b3f0f22acbd7482ba2c807cc1c66c63c/0?view=deck https://www.17lands.com/deck/900c74ce57524ec097a9c50b7e23bafa/0?view=deck …

1
Audiobooks 37:37

2M ago37:37

37:37

With their popularity increasing year after year Audiobooks are a massive business. Making it a must have in your distribution arsenal as an author. Using Russ' recently launched audiobook for HOST as an example. Russ and Tim discuss the production, distribution, and goals of having an audiobook and why people love them.…

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Episode 26 - SPM/OM1 Hot Topics (and discussion) 31:36

2M ago31:36

31:36

My thoughts on the controversial Spider-Man set, plus some strategic insight into what I think of Pick 2 drafts and this format! Mark Rosewater's article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/spider-man-magic-meets-marvel Eric Engelhard's article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/feature/spider-man-swinging-into-design Rhystic Studies …

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Episode 25 - EOE Retrospective 19:58

3M ago19:58

19:58

Time to take a look back at Edge of Eternities! The final vibe check on Spacecraft, looking back at my early-season slump, and checking after the 10th Play Booster format. Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdraftsBy Sam Pratt

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REPLAY - Story Beats Act III 23:33

3M ago23:33

23:33

Wrapping up our replay series on Story Beats from 2023 with Act III. It all comes down to this...Act III. Our heroes have been removed from their normal world, thrust into a chaotic Act II world, been through the ringer, hit the bottom of the barrel, now it's time for them to shine (or maybe not?) and finish their journey. Join Russ and Tim as they…

1
Episode 24 - Divert Disaster 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

Grab bag episode for EOE! I talk through a handful of sweet interactions at commons, plus why you should be a little more willing to play a Quench. catscandal's Azorius Midrange article - https://abitterblossom.wordpress.com/2025/08/22/azorius-midrange-in-edge-of-eternities-draft/ Friso's WB writeup - https://docs.google.com/document/d/19PFQ4vazJC_…

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Episode 23 - Nebula Dragon 19:58

3M ago19:58

19:58

Red week! Drafting red in EOE really clicked for me this week - tune in to learn why you shouldn't be afraid to get deep into the color, and why you should be building your decks around a 7 mana 4/4. UR - https://www.17lands.com/deck/a842280f5b13479880a666a7fec39fc6/0?view=deckBy Sam Pratt

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REPLAY - Story Beats Act II 23:03

3M ago23:03

23:03

Continuing the Story Beats replays from 2023. Doing their best to avoid strong act II vibes, Russ and Tim continue their deep dive into Save the Cat! Writes A Novel story beats with Act II.By Russ Capasso and Tim Letteney

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Episode 22 - Perigee Beckoner 24:12

3M ago24:12

24:12

This week I'm diving into Perigee Beckoner, one of the sweetest black commons in EOE, and exploring the myriad of combos and synergy this card provides. BU - https://www.17lands.com/deck/6082db0ccd3e4efea19c5cf4969bd9a0/0?view=deck BU - https://www.17lands.com/deck/c13142f81e02420ca35155e22043ce21/1?view=deck Sierkovitz - Resources in Limited - sho…

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Episode 21 - Illvoi Galeblade 24:54

3M ago24:54

24:54

As the format develops, I turn to an old Magic strategy article for gameplay guidance. More specifically, I'm examining how managing your life total (and your opponents'!) can lend you a big leg up in Edge of Eternities. Patrick Chapin - The Theory of Everything - https://articles.starcitygames.com/articles/innovations-the-theory-of-everything/ UB …

1
REPLAY - Story Beats Act I 32:31

4M ago32:31

32:31

Diving into the Writer Syndrome archive we're revisiting our Story Beats episodes from 2023. Using Save the Cat! Writes A Novel as a jumping off point, Russ and Tim do a deep dive into the Act I story beats, and reference how this methodology was useful in crafting their own works.By Russ Capasso and Tim Letteney

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Episode 20 - Survey Mechan 24:48

4M ago24:48

24:48

Edge of Eternities hasn't been kind to me, but one bright spot is the "differently named lands" payoffs have been sweet! I spend some time talking about pulling out of a slump, how to build decks to not flood, and finally why Survey Mechan and All-Fates Scroll are so much fun. UG Mechans - https://www.17lands.com/deck/46436fc2a4574e7f892fc578abe915…

1
Episode 19 - Gene Pollinator 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

Talking about my lean, green, mean friend Gene! There's some promising historical precedence for cards like Gene Pollinator, so I'm talking through those as a backdrop before taking a look at some of the things Gene can do in Edge of Eternities. Whole pile of Gx 2-1s - still haven't felt like I've gotten one that's particularly great - https://www.…

1
REPLAY - Story Archetypes 18:21

4M ago18:21

18:21

A replay of an episode recorded in 2023. Story archetypes are a great starting point for building your narrative. In this episode Russ and Tim discuss the seven core story archetypes that can be found in most fiction, how they can be used to create engaging novels, and how they used (or didn't use) them for their own projects.…

1
Episode 18 - 10 Hot Topics in Edge of Eternities 41:51

4M ago41:51

41:51

The great beyond beckons - Edge of Eternities is almost here, and it's a challenging set to evaluate! I posit 10 big question marks I have before I get my hands on the cards, covering Spacecraft, fixing, and more. Plus - stay tuned for some secret bonus content.By Sam Pratt

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Episode 17 - Summon: G.F. Ifrit 23:46

4M ago23:46

23:46

I'm saying goodbye to a banger of a limited format - with one part grab bag (miscellaneous card eval) and one part format retrospective. UG Towns - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3a0db8e045374966bb04ccda2bf8882a/0?view=deck Ethan's Steal-n-sac - https://imgur.com/a/S40hpcL BR ft. Summon: Anima - https://www.17lands.com/deck/62c98240248c46e7b0be000fa6…

1
The Third Draft & Beyond 36:22

4M ago36:22

36:22

If you've survived the second draft, congrats! But you still have quite a way to go on your journey, which brings us to the third draft and beyond. Refining sentence structure and word choice, incorporating beta reader feedback, eliminating crunch words and phrases, the drafts where the polish happens. In this episode, Russ and Tim reflect on their…

1
Episode 16 - White Auracite 25:01

5M ago25:01

25:01

White is the most aggressive color in FIN for sure. However, aggressive decks carry a different meaning than they did a few years ago. I take a look at some of the ways aggro has changed over the past couple of years, and dive into what my white decks of every color look like. F.I.R.E. Design article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/card-preview…

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Episode 15 - Reach the Horizon 29:08

5M ago29:08

29:08

This week I'm tackling a topic near and dear to my heart - splashing and multicolor! While splashing is somewhat of a rarity in FIN, there are plenty of spots where the third, fourth, or fifth color adds something great. What are our fixing options, and what types of cards ask us to stretch our manabase? Limited Level Ups manabase video - https://w…

1
The Second Draft 36:21

5M ago36:21

36:21

So you've completed a first draft of your manuscript. Now what? The real work begins. Writing is re-writing and the second draft is a heavy lift of fixing those major character and plot issues that creep in during that first vomit draft. This episode Russ and Tim talk about the trials and tribulations of the second draft and how important it is whe…

1
Episode 14 - Black Mage's Rod 22:19

5M ago22:19

22:19

Armed with a weekend of drafts from Magic Con Vegas, this week I'm looking at Black Mage's Rod. Which decks want Black Mage's Rod, and how does it stack up against the other black 2 drops? Game against Cuneo (UB) - https://www.17lands.com/history/12daee6c80754ff58649d1f9f56e98f3/7/0 My paper UB deck - https://bsky.app/profile/sampratt.bsky.social/p…

1
Episode 13 - Sorceress's Schemes 24:13

5M ago24:13

24:13

Sorceress's Schemes is a really sweet data darling from the first week of FIN limited. It's pretty obvious where it fits in (BR and UR), but why exactly does it perform well in those decks? Are there any other places we can play it? BR (from me) - https://www.17lands.com/deck/3048cce3f745424c882a6eb8b89cab07/0?view=deck UR (from Chonce on Discord) …

1
The First Draft 39:36

5M ago39:36

39:36

The first draft, often called the "vomit draft," is one of the most important parts of the writing process. Once you type "the end," you can truly begin. In this episode, Russ and Tim revisit their first drafts and discuss the improvements they've made for their upcoming projects.By Russ Capasso and Tim Letteney

1
Episode 12 - Sahagin 26:11

6M ago26:11

26:11

In week one of Final Fantasy, I plumb the depths on what looks to be the set's strongest color - blue! After taking a look at what makes blue exceptional in formats where it was great like MID or MOM, I dive into blue's deep roster of commons in FIN. Uw - https://www.17lands.com/deck/d0e5adfda2f94965a153981565ae9210/0?view=deck Ub - https://www.17l…

1
Drafting Archetypes 218: Final Fantasy and Goodbye 40:32

6M ago40:32

40:32

Sam jumps on the cast to talk about Final Fantasy and say goodbye Check out our sponsor Untapped GG at our affiliate link:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mtga.untapped.gg/companion?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/dr…

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Episode 11 - 10 Hot Topics in Final Fantasy 34:05

6M ago34:05

34:05

New set! Ahead of FIN's release next week, I'm taking a look at 10 hot topics - either questions I want to answer going into set release, or things I'm most looking forward to trying. initial tier list - https://www.17lands.com/tier_list/8a24183713024103b9a9d53af1dca2ecBy Sam Pratt

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The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword 29:05

6M ago29:05

29:05

The battle is on! Pens vs swords! In this episode, we explore the variations of the classic idiom "the pen is mightier than the sword." We discuss its fascinating history, discover who made it what it is today, and why pens shouldn't turn into laser swords.By Russ Capasso and Tim Letteney

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Drafting Archetypes 217: Wrap Up For Tarkir 35:27

6M ago35:27

35:27

Sam has his final Tarkir show Check out our sponsor Untapped GG at our affiliate link:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mtga.untapped.gg/companion?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Episode 10 - Sunset Strikemaster - A Tarkir Dragonstorm Retrospective 23:28

6M ago23:28

23:28

I take a look back at one of my favorite formats of the past few years! A retrospective not just on the format's vibes, but also some specific lessons we learned from TDM about limited formats in 2025. Maro's Play Booster article - https://magic.wizards.com/en/news/making-magic/nuts-and-bolts-16-play-boosters Linktree - https://linktr.ee/roughdraft…

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Drafting Archetypes 216: Abzan in Tarkir 43:08

6M ago43:08

43:08

For episode 216 Sam goes over Abazan in Tarkir limited Check out our sponsor Untapped GG at our affiliate link:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mtga.untapped.gg/companion?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/draftingarchetypes⁠…

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Episode 9 - Stormshriek Feral - How to Win in Best of Three 35:49

6M ago35:49

35:49

This week I'm tackling a topic close to my heart - Best of Three! And not just how to sideboard. I take a look at the strategic differences between bo1 and bo3, and how to set yourself up for success in either format. LOL episode with Andrew Cuneo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDXKiF_o_YE&list=PLAGXhegLhLeixTP-sCye9muleOCu_aFfh&index=44 Play bo…

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Research Methods 59:10

6M ago59:10

59:10

Research is a key part of the writing process. Without proper research, building credible worlds, intriguing plots, and relatable characters is impossible. But how much is too much? In this episode, Russ and Tim discuss how their research methods have evolved from their first manuscripts to their new ones.…

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Drafting Archetypes 215: Temur in Tarkir 44:16

6M ago44:16

44:16

Sam Black dives into the Temur colors in Tarkir #draft Check out our sponsor Untapped GG at our affiliate link:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mtga.untapped.gg/companion?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠…

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Episode 8 - Stormscale Scion - Tarkir Grab Bag p2 28:08

7M ago28:08

28:08

Another grab bag! This week, I into depth on the allied color pairs, and round it out with some discussion on various rares and mythics.By Sam Pratt

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Drafting Archetypes 214: Sultai in Tarkir 38:24

7M ago38:24

38:24

Sam dives deep into Sultai in #mtgtdm #draft for episode 214 of Drafting Archetypes Check out our sponsor Untapped GG at our affiliate link:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mtga.untapped.gg/companion?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=draftingarchetypes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.…

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Episode 7 - Poised Practitioner - Tarkir Grab Bag 26:21

7M ago26:21

26:21

Grab bag episode! Come take a look at some hidden gems in late-format Tarkir Dragonstorm. BeersSC's "The 100% definitive way to draft Boros" - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vpHhVf4UpB_7ip7oXscsM6qPL-5nxME-nVbHeCuWlEs/edit?tab=t.0 WR Breaching Dragonstorm Aggro - https://www.17lands.com/deck/2cf127831a1f48fea9cec2fef1e6d869/0?view=deck Linktre…

1
Replay - Theme 18:12

7M ago18:12

18:12

A replay of an earlier episode on Themes in storytelling. It's a timely topic for us as we're exploring themes in our new projects. A good theme can provide the heart and glue that binds your story together. Characters, dialogue, setting, and symbolism are important in conveying your theme to the reader. In this episode, Russ and Tim dive into the …