Dominaria-A look at the Wizard Tribe

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Due to the unfortunate spoiling of the majority of Dominaria (https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/dominaria-leak-2018-03-08), we have an early look at 146 of the 269 cards to be released on April 27, 2018.

After an initial look, the tribe that jumped out at me was the Wizard tribe.  The newest additions to the Wizard tribe:

First, I have to note that the number of additional Wizards is curious.  Only two Merfolk have been spoiled so far. Merfolk Trickster and Sentinel of the Pearl Trident (Trickster is also a Wizard).  That brings the number of total Merfolk in Standard up to 41.  With the 9 Wizards listed above, that also brings the tribe of Wizard up to 41.  This seems apparent that WOTC is seeking parity in the Wizard tribe.  Additionally, there are two instant Wizard-related spells included in the list.  Wizard's Lightning and Wizard's Retort.  The first is a burn spell and the latter is a counter spell.

While the number of Wizards added may not sound too intriguing considering Pirates and Dinosaurs have close to 70 creatures in each of their tribes, the raw power injected by the 9 Wizards is remarkable.  Jodah, Archmage Eternal can cast any spell for WUBRG.  Adeliz, the Cinder Wind gives Prowess to every Wizard you control. But the most fascinating creature in the list is Naban, Dean of Iteration.  It doubles the enter the battlefield trigger of any Wizard.  It also costs only 2 mana.  A turn 2 Naban followed by any Wizard with a decent ETB trigger is a serious play on turn 3.  Some prime turn 3 plays are Champion of Wits or Trophy Mage.

A turn 4 Riverwise Augur is also an effective draw trigger with the doubling effect.  
But my favorite of the group and the one I'm most excited to play is Dire Fleet Ravager.
Having personally tried to make this card work (http://www.mtgstrategist.com/2017/11/dire-mire-standard-decks-in-progress.html), I think the double trigger just might get it to an FNM. 

Overall, I like where this tribe is going.  It has synergies that are not just tribe-specific and effects that will spur new deck building.  I can't imagine what psychotic plays are going to come out of combining Naban and Panharmonicon, but I'm excited to see what the community comes up with.

Your comments are welcomed.
 

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