All of the Decadent Delights of Magic the Gathering’s ‘Streets of New Capenna’

On a plane where family means business, Streets of New Capenna is the latest set from Magic: The Gathering inspired by 1920s decadence, gangsters, and art.

Let’s set the record straight about the Streets of New Capenna. This is the opportunity of a lifetime… for the morally bankrupt. The five families built this city and you’re invited to get made, or sleep with the fishes. Family means business.

(via Youtube/Wizards of the Coast)

On this plane there are five families (all representing different colors) that rule the city and the Halo trade. Halo is a mysterious substance that is important to the wealth and stability of these families. They have a new conflict that forces them to come together when The Adversary arrives to threaten the balance of New Capenna. The five families are: The Brokers (Green/White/Blue), Obscura (White/Blue/Black), Maestros (Blue/Black/Red), Riveteers (Black/Red/Green), and Cabaretti (Red/Green/White).

For those looking for a deep-dive and exploration of the lore, Magic Arcanum breaks down what happens on these fast streets. You can also read the story and experience all the twists and turns spoiler-free at the official site. It’s a fun story and there are some side-stories, as well, but I will say it feels like we should have split into two different stories to include all the elements they put in. However, I still enjoyed it, even if it feels incomplete.

As for me, I care about the cards, see (and that is the last time I will make that joke, I don’t want to end up sleeping with the fishes), what cards/mechanics have been exciting the format, and as a commander player, which have shown the most promise as to become staples for coming days.

The mechanic that seems to be making the biggest waves, especially in draft format, is Blitz, which is the mechanic trademark of the Riveteers. “Casting a spell for its blitz cost has several effects. The creature gains haste and ‘When this creature dies, draw a card.’ At the beginning of the next end step, you sacrifice the creature.” In terms of new commanders, the one I am most excited about are: Jolene, the Plunder Queen; Bennie, Bracks, Zoologist; Parnesse, the Subtle Brush; and Giada, Font of Hope.

Jolene is just really cool and more treasure is always good (plus Command Zone shows just how OP she can be), Giada delivers a card Angel decks have been waiting for, Parnesse is a great political card and gives vampires something more fun to do, and finally, Bennie just fits into any deck and offers a lot of flexibility for white decks. What are some of your favorite cards and elements from New Capenna? Share down below.

(via/image: Wizards of the Coast)