Did anyone know this card existed?  Lol.  Baraid, the Explorer is a card that’s easy to pass up because there is no overwhelming advantage to using it (other than the fact that it’s beefy).  Let’s see if there are any surprises.

 

Baraid, the Explorer

 

Cost: 5

 

Race: Gladiator

 

Civilization: Light
 

Type: Creature
 

Rules Text:

• Silent skill (At the start of each of your turns, if this creature is tapped, you may keep it tapped and use its ability.)
  Your light creatures can't be blocked this turn.
   

Power: 5000

 

As far as the power to mana ratio, it’s pretty much on-par.  5000 power for 5 mana is what we normally expect to see.  The advantage of having this much power is that it can both attack and ward off the smaller creatures.  Let’s face it, not too many creatures are looking to go up against its massive 5000 power.  This is also advantageous because of the fact that it has a silent skill ability.  Silent skill requires creatures to remain tapped, which makes them vulnerable.  In Baraid’s case, it’ll have a great chance of staying in the battle zone for a great amount of time.

 

Unfortunately, I can’t say that this effect is the greatest.  It will be good in some decks but it’s not worthwhile for the most part.  For one thing, you have to wait until turn 5 to summon it (nature is good with acceleration but this effect only works with light).  In addition, since the effect is a silent skill, you have to wait 2 turns before using it, meaning that your creatures will not be unblockable until turn 7.  If anything, I would suggest using the water civilization instead.  Marine Scramble and Fluorogill Manta are light years ahead of Baraid.

 

On a positive note, I’d say that this creature belongs in stall decks.  A Diamond Cutter deck is the perfect example.  Just wait until Baraid’s effect activates and then cast a Diamond Cutter to go for the win.  Aside from using it in this type of strategy, I can’t say that Baraid is much good for anything else other than attacking other creatures.

 

The Good:  Even though the effect isn’t the greatest, it’s still a very strong creature.

 

The Bad:  It only works with the Light Civilization.

 

The Ugly:  You have to wait 2 full turns before you can use this mediocre effect.

 

Constructed Rating: 2/5 – Again, the effect is pretty good in certain decks but it’s still overshadowed by better cards with similar effects.

 

Limited Rating: 3/5 – It’s all about the power here.  The effect might come in handy at times but the match will most likely not be long enough for it to make a difference..

 

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