I like how this compares to Llanowar Elves. On
the one hand, if you have a Forest with
Overgrowth or the like on it, this is superior.
On the other hand, Arbor Elf not only
discourages you from playing multicolored decks,
it discourages you from running nonbasics like
Turntimber Grove or Quicksand. It probably only
works on Forests so people won't use it to abuse
Oran-Rief, the Vastwood, but this card in
conjunction with Primal Bellow, Leatherback
Baloth, and the like make me suspect that
Zendikar block contains a pretty sweet monogreen
deck somewhere inside it that nobody's found
yet. I wonder how long before someone discovers
it?
At first glance, Arbor Elf looks like an odd
knock-off of Llanowar Elves. But it is
comparable and sometimes even preferable: if
you're playing with Wild Growth, for example. It
is occasionally more versatile, as it can
provide other colors of mana with the likes of
Overgrown Tomb. And there's no reason the two
can't co-exist, for some kind of extreme
overkill with Banefire and Omnath.
Constructed: The Elves have enough
stuff, they do not need more.
Casual & Multiplayer:
There are alot of good enchantments for lands
that can be abuse for fun. Like Elvish Guidance.
Limited: Not very exciting
for draft or sealed play. Maybe get more than 4
and ramp up your mana from one forest.
Overall it might find a nich.
Constructed: 2
Casual: 3
Multiplayer: 3
Limited: 2
Later
Miguel
Michael "Maikeruu" Pierno
Today's card of the day is Arbor Elf which is
another variant of the Green acceleration theme,
only instead of directly tapping for mana it
untaps a Forest. Naturally this works very
well with a card that counts as a Forest which
includes a Zendikon enchanted land or old Dual
Lands.
For Constructed, Casual, and Multiplayer this
can be a good addition to a deck that wants
another one mana Elf mana source or a way for
untapping Forests specifically.
With Limited this is a very nice source of
acceleration and 1/1 creatures in general are
decently useful. If playing Green this
should always be included in Sealed and drafted
after bombs in Booster especially if that or
other picks are high casting cost.
