Why Does Black No Longer Steal Permanents on the Battlefield?
General forum
Posted on June 22, 2025, 6:38 p.m. by DemonDragonJ
In this post, Mark Rosewatwer stated that black shall no longer be able to steal permanents that are currently on the battlefield, and I am wondering why that is the case.
I presume that the reason for that change is because black can steal creatures from an opponent's graveyard, so it would be intruding on blue's territory if it could steal permanents that were currently on the battlefield, so what does everyone else say, about this subject? Why can black no longer steal permanents that are currently on the battlefield?
FormOverFunction says... #3
I’m still FAR more inclined to defer to the flavor of the card over color identity. Vampires taking control of other creatures by turning them into vampires is great, like Olivia Voldaren. I think the answer to the “off-brand” problem is making sure the flavor fits the color of the card you’re making. Honestly, having a white creature that gains “control of target creature attacking you” could fit the flavor of some kindly friar who “rehabilitates” a conscripted goblin during the raid. Feeds him, clothes him, and makes a friend. I would want some downsides, because it’s a strong effect; maybe the target creature deals its damage to the friar as he gains control of it. Maybe give the creature defender too, I dunno. Throw in some flavor text: “Friar So-and-so remained stoic as the goblin raged against the door, waiting for it to smell the food awaiting it outside.” I feel like it’s 100% fine… and this goes for all effects. I think this is how they currently handle things like flying, right? If they don’t want fliers, no problem, just don’t do it because the color isn’t allowed to have fliers.
June 23, 2025 9:47 a.m.
plakjekaas says... #4
For white control effects, you're spot on I'd say, with effects like Preacher or Debt of Loyalty.
Also, Olivia Voldaren is red in addition to black, and Threaten-effects are a mainstay there, it's Captivating Vampire that's the rare "flavor over color pie"-effect we're talking about.
seshiro_of_the_orochi says... #2
Looking at all the black cards that have the phrase "gain control", it's not as if black had a ton of this to begin with. There are 15 mono- cards that gain control of stuff on board. A number of these are vampire cards, which will probably still get it for flavour reasons. Most others are old and obscure, or gain control of stuff you gave away in the first place Flip. Or they are Herald of Leshrac, which is a weird card even for Coldsnap standards. So no big loss, and even then, it's still just MaRo who sad that.
June 23, 2025 4:04 a.m. Edited.