Rhystic studies always takes priority on my stack

@TheOobo

2 жыл бұрын

They've got split second in my notifications, that's for sure.

@Case2_0

2 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a really bad pick up line.

@tron_the7the9

2 жыл бұрын

Even though this has nothing to do with sex... it sounds like a sex thing

@NStripleseven

2 жыл бұрын

that sounds… odd

@kvetchenfinks7044

2 жыл бұрын

Kinky

Lingering a moment on the card art for Triskaidekaphobia, if you look closely, you'll notice the number 13 occurs multiple times in the image: 13 rivulets of blood, 13 kitchen utensils, 13 logs in the fireplace. I find it to be a really neat detail :)

@bramd4423

10 ай бұрын

I think I counted thirteen planks of wood on the ceiling

@jackoster7115

9 ай бұрын

Thirteen stones on the rim of the fireplace, thirteen rivets in the barrel, thirteen shards of glass, thirteen planks in the ceiling. they missed nothing in the insane attention to detail given to this card

Innistrad has always been my favorite MTG plane

@crazebear

2 жыл бұрын

Ayy you’re here too? Love your content man

@benniemi3213

2 жыл бұрын

Nice

@chalkybutter1302

2 жыл бұрын

The objective fact of Innistrad stated so boldly, I respect that.

@NStripleseven

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a great one, for sure

@ryanbolson23

2 жыл бұрын

Same

One other card from Shadows Over Innistrad that was always a favorite, keeping with the truly Gothic within the setting was Avacynian Missionaries/Lunarch Inquisitors. It really works, especially considering the fact that nothing physically changes about those on the card, just that their emotions are twisted by their own fear and zealotry, turning from peaceful clerics, to violent crusaders.

@auroralee

2 жыл бұрын

And Wayne Reynolds' art is absolutely fantastic. One of my favorite works from the set!

@sdfkjgh

2 жыл бұрын

@Mr Catastr0phe: Well, not quite nothing physically changes. They go from 3/3 to 4/4, but that could just be down to getting better weaponry.

@Mr_Catastr0phe

2 жыл бұрын

@@sdfkjgh Yeah, it's clear from the art, they go from robes and censers to armor and maces, easy way to explain the Stat change. But what I mean when I say nothing physically changes is that they don't undergo a metamorphosis in the same way as other creatures in the sets.

@sdfkjgh

2 жыл бұрын

@@Mr_Catastr0phe: I know, I was just joshing you.

@dusk6159

Жыл бұрын

Absurd radiation-nuclear myths and the most typical historical revisionism on the crusades in the Middle Ages. We checked it all with this video.

"These aren't signs of paranoia. They are the tactics of the wise "

“I imagine what it must have been like to sit down with a warm meal with death incarnate; and I smile.” Holy shit, man. What an amazing line. Keep it up

Sam, I get so excited when a new Rhystic Studies video drops. The insight, attention to detail, and depth provided is always mind blowing. Don't stop being great.

@lucaselvis01

2 жыл бұрын

YEAH

@blueknight5754

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed.

@gordonlekfors2708

2 жыл бұрын

it's tepid at best. long-winded parallels, pretentious and blathering.

I feel like I must be as crazy as the cultists at the Drownyard Temple, because Eldritch Moon is my favorite set of all time. The influence of Emrakul on the living leading to the reliance on the dead is a great twist to the previous relations and power dynamics of the plane, and I love basically every twisted monstrosity of an Eldrazi either bathed in shadow or eerie moonlight.

@BigBoi237

2 жыл бұрын

The concept of the Eldrazi was very interesting, it's just that the way it was handled left a lot to be desired, especially by the people who really liked what Innistrad was already doing.

@AFailedTuringTest

2 жыл бұрын

@@BigBoi237 Yeah Emrakul should intervened in Battle for Zendikar, but that would have meant the Gatewatch lost, and they cant have their heros lose. They'd sell less cards.

@mrrodgers0

2 жыл бұрын

@@AFailedTuringTest Except most of the gatewatch arc was mostly defeats or hollow victories? BfZ was their only "clean" victory. SOI/EMN technically was a victory, but one that leaves an ominous sense of dread and mystery. KLD/AER was an intentional sacrifice to cover up the theft of the planar bridge and lure the gatewatch to Amonkhet. AKH/HOU was an unmitigated disaster. XLN/RIX resulted in Bolas acquiring the immortal sun and a social/romantic manipulation point against Jace. DOM led to death of Belzenlok and Liliana's contract defaulting to Bolas, giving him a general for his undead horde. The GRN/RNA/WAR psuedo-block was a victory in the end, but one that came at the death of Gideon, Dack, and many other potential allies for the gatewatch, plus widespread destruction on Ravnica and the limiting of Ugin's ability to be involved with future crises as he is now occupied with being Bolas' jailer.

@avian1

2 жыл бұрын

@@mrrodgers0 When you put it that way, the Gatewatch seems to really have had a tough go of it, huh.

@artemi7

2 жыл бұрын

The only real problem with Shadows was that it really should have come before Battle for Zendikar. As it was, the twist of Emrakul was incredibly poorly telegraphed. But if it had been before? Holy heck would that have been a twist!

When I first saw Tragic Slip way back then I knew I was going to like this plane, but I was wrong. I loved it.

One thing about 10:02 this crops up in a lot of gothic and romantic literature because the writers lived through it - the Tambora Eruption changed the weather and the color of the skies in many parts of the world.

Another incredible upload! Though, I was hoping for the whole video for you to mention my favorite gimmick of Innistrad's, that being pairs of separate cards that tell a story between them, like Make a Wish and Grapple with the Past. I find them wonderfully eerie and tragic.

@gordonlekfors2708

2 жыл бұрын

they're a bit silly tbh.

@robrick9361

2 жыл бұрын

@@gordonlekfors2708 Why is it silly? Also why is it considered a gimmick, seems pretty cool.

I always thought the monuments ressembled a heron's head, pointing to the downfall of the other angels and sigarda becoming the sole protector of humanity

Why is it that every Rhystic Studies video leaves me speechless? And that intro with Chopin’s nocturn was practically orgasmic.

Not only is this my favorite plane in MTG every time this channel uploads on a weekend I get some cocoa and a blanket and sit through the whole thing. What a treat Rhystic Studies is. Never stop.

My favorite magic card of all time, Kruin Outlaw, and its backside, Terror of Kruin Pass, taught me how deceptively powerful Menace can be as a form of evasion, and a massive Double Striker, pumped by the many lords and anthems of Gruul, all coalesce neatly on what I believe is the werewolf best represented in art of them all. The proportions of the beast, the perspective of the piece, and the frame it all resides in, come together to display a monster that commands attention and leads the pack. Here's hoping for a reprint and another great halloween.

Thank you for putting into words my feelings on Return to Innistrad! I'm overjoyed the new sets have fixed what they broke! Cosmic Horror is a tricky genre to nail down, and it is also very very popular and easy to ride on. Any lazy hack can name drop Lovecraft and the Elder Gods, but few can actually make the genre scary! Gothic Horror is much easier to nail down and express because it's so personal! Cosmic Horror asks: What scares you about the universe, while Gothic Horror asks: What scares you about the world.

@Tacklepig

2 жыл бұрын

It's more that Gothic Horror is something that scares you within the world, while Cosmic horror is something that scares you about the universe. Gothic Horror is the werewolf trying to kill you. Cosmic Horror is a revelation that leaves your entire perception of reality shattered. There's no monster trying to kill you, the monster just needs to exist and that's enough.

@MerlinTheCommenter

2 жыл бұрын

@@Tacklepig the best part is the monster neither knows nor cares you even exist. We are bacteria to these entities. Not even ants. You go back in time 100 years, humans didn't even know bacteria exists. That's the level of irrelevance we are to them.

@mrrodgers0

2 жыл бұрын

@@MerlinTheCommenter This is not an attack on your broader point, which I think nails the essence of cosmic horror, but just a pedantic correction- we've had microscopes powerful enough to observe bacteria since at least the 1670's, and the germ theory of disease has been around since the 1020's. (Though it didn't really gain mainstream acceptance until the late 19th century) You might be thinking of viruses, as those weren't discovered until the 1890's, putting the final nail in the coffin of the miasma theory.

Eldritch was what it was meant to be, the invasion of the alien. The thematic clash of the two horrors, of the classic and the modern. I utterly love it.

What a wonderful Halloween treat! Thanks, Sam.

I would love to see Rhystic Studies talk about the how the differences between Gothic Horror/Eldritch Horror in this block and something like Bloodborne, which also captures both of those themes.

Loved the new video. You helped me learn a lot more about the geography of the plane, which I'd always found harder to dig into than other planes. I couldn't help but feel for Dennick, and have been given reasons to seek out more lore, finally. I love both Gothic and Cosmic horror, but it was nice to understand better why the two don't, necessarily, mix.

One of my favorite cards from Innistrad isn't one of the spooky ones, but its honestly one of the most heart warming cards I've ever seen. Its Beloved Beggar which flips to Generous Soul, as Beloved Beggar it has disturb and has flavor text that says "Charity is rare on Innistrad, but kindness is always repaid", when it flips to Generous Soul the flavor text reads, "As long as evil threatens this town, the Blessed Sleep can wait". In a world were geists roam the world, causing pain and fear, its always nice to see that even death can't stop good people from fighting for the betterment of the world, whether it be an illegitimate son or a lonely beggar of the town, paying back its kindness with his ghostly blade

@dragonfire72

11 ай бұрын

One of my favorites is the Malevolent Hermit, who after death becomes the Benevolent Geist- he eschews the Blessed Sleep to give, to laugh, and perhaps, to live- ironic that it required his death to show him how to live.

Im actually studying Gothic literature in my AP lit class, and this is actually gonna help me so much to show off some cool gothic knowledge in my class, you are such an incredible teacher and you have the most entrancing video editing ive ever seen. Happy Halloween!!!

I actually really enjoyed shadows and eldritch moon. It felt like playing bloodborne in card form

@beeman4266

Жыл бұрын

Eldritch moon is also like.. the coolest name ever. Expansions set on innistrad always have the best names. Avacyn restored is great too.

@maximonamitzhian9064

2 ай бұрын

Except Bloodborne is good.

@zackswanson7188

2 ай бұрын

@@maximonamitzhian9064 lol different time.

Woke up, 40 minute Rhystic Study video. Today is going to be a good day.

You make an art out of analyzing art. This was so great - always look forward to your videos. I never really knew how deep looking into a art piece could be until I found your videos a few years ago.

I love when things open with my favorite classical composer, even more so with one of my favorite nocturnes

It's always a good day when Rhystic Studies upload, it's even a better day when it's Halloween and the video is on theme

@lucaselvis01

2 жыл бұрын

YES

I could listen to Sam narrate paint drying and would eat that shit up, man

@joebobby8371

2 жыл бұрын

This guy blood artists

Cosmic Horror and regular horror do mix. For instance, in jeremias gotthelf's Black spider the titular spider is the devil's punishment for the townsfolk as they neglected the deal they let one of them make. The horror does come a bit from the spider, but mostly from the townsfolk willing to sacrifice their own when it's convenient to them. "In their silence they were in agreement", in effect the spider only reveals what was already in the hearts of people by putting them under duress.

I think part of why horror is so rewarding is because it shows us what we value. The best way to know about what you care about is to realize you are too afraid to lose it.

This particular plane is what got me back into collecting again. Loved playing in school lol

timestamp 1:06 to skip the sponsor stuff

@dingusdong

2 жыл бұрын

god

Dude As niche as this video is, for the quality it deserves a lot of views. Such a thorough essay. It's very inspiring to know more (with such depth) about the exciting lore and history of the card game i've been playing for years. I am excited to see you make videos like this on all of the planes of the multiverse!

The eldritch horror of eldritch moon was truly an amazing spin on lovecraftian horror

15 minutes in this is one of the best videos ive ever seen

Sam, this is a breathtakingly beautiful video. Your deft touch cannot be overstated. Well done.

This is one of my favorite channels, it’s amazing how I began playing MtG again a few days ago and this video dropped right along the same time.

Well, I'm never gonna unsee the woman hanging upside down in the Blood Artist artwork now. Thanks for the eternal shivers!

I love to revisit videos like these, theres just nothing quite like the moments just after finishing a video, relishing in the aftertaste

It really speaks volumes about your competence and quality content that you can drag my most favorite sets, EM and SoI like that and *still* keep me hooked for the entire video. Kudos. And also how dare you.

This was truly masterful. I didn't realist MTG lore was so deep, and the way you tied it into the horror genre was, again, masterful.

As an italian viewer of yours I find very precious your love for Italy and italian culture and poetry... It really shows (in the attention for correct pronunciation and in the wealth of examples) that you really love my country's culture, can I ask you how it came to be for you? It's not usually found around youtube, such dedication and interest. Not only in this video, many of yours, Colours of Ravnica comes to mind.

I've been looking forward to this video since first finding your videos years ago. You never fail to re-ignite my love of this game while also teaching me so much about the world of art. Please never stop doing what you love :)

American living in Germany here. I first got into Magic during Shadows Over Innistrad. In retrospect, seeing these cards again (and those in Shadows) is amazing because I physically see these buildings in my neighborhood every single day. This was a great video and I've been waiting for a while to sit down and watch it. I loved it through and through--thank you for putting this together.

Innistrad is what got me to start playing magic. The art was so good for its setting

Shadows Over Innistrad reminds me of Bloodborne a whole lot.

@anthonyrodriguez9232

2 жыл бұрын

Bloodborne is set in Gothic horror, it just also throws in cosmic horror but imo does it the best out of any media I've seen.

@quintonhoffert6526

2 жыл бұрын

@@anthonyrodriguez9232 IMO it's more accurate to say that Bloodborne is set in cosmic horror with Gothic horror painted over it. The core story of Bloodborne is a twist of typical cosmic horror: an evil cult (the Healing Church) calls up eldritch horrors from another dimension in search of power, then abuse that power to destroy both themselves and the eldritch horrors they called up. The Gothic horror elements are just a cover for the eldritch; the people of Yharnam are paranoid and xenophobic and transform into werewolves, but the reason they do so is because they are unknowing science experiments being transformed by the Healing Church's Old Blood. The great trick of Bloodborne is that the Gothic horror elements are everpresent but also not particularly important to the underlying story, making it a good cover for the true reveal. You could take away all of the Gothic horror elements of Bloodborne and the story underneath would barely need to change, but not only does the Gothic horror work perfectly alongside the eldritch it also masks its presence. While still easy to perceive (the words "Eldritch Truth" are used in the Madman's Knowledge description, words that basically belong only to the cosmic horror genre) the cosmic horror is not played up at all outside of snippets of lore until close to the midgame twist. All of the tropes that fit Bloodborne's cosmic horror (the evil religion that focuses on eldritch horrors, blood magic, a paranoid and xenophobic city, people transforming into abominations, etc.) fit just as well as Gothic horror tropes, so without reading a lot into the lore you don't think to question those tropes. Then, when the twist is played, you look back at all those tropes and realize there was a hidden side to them, one that was always there and always at least somewhat visible, that you simply lacked the Insight to recognize. IMO the big thing that Bloodborne highlights for me, at least in terms of its relation to Rhystic Studies and this Innistrad video, is that cosmic horror is not as distinct from Gothic horror as Rhystic Studies believes. At their cores the ideologies that drive both genres is divergent: he is correct in saying that Gothic horror is Anthropocentric while cosmic horror is anti-Anthropocentric. However, a lot of the tropes that stem from those ideologies are fundamentally the same, just different interpretations of the same core ideas. The Healing Church is a heroic community center with a dark underbelly in a Gothic story and an insane research facility in a cosmic horror story, but they both serve the same function in each story. Blood magic is a dark path to power in both types of stories. The paranoid and xenophobic villagers are right to fear those outside their communities in both stories: the Gothic villagers are tormented by werewolves and vampires while the cosmic horror villagers are preyed on by invisible aliens. Extreme negative transformations are endemic in both stories, just in Gothic stories it's a parable of human failure while in cosmic horror stories transformation is forced upon human victims through contact with the otherworldly. The depictions of these tropes can vary wildly between the two subgenres of horror but the actual tropes themselves are more or less the same. For this reason I have to disagree with Rhystic Studies that the eldritch horrors of Shadows Over Innistrad and Eldritch Moon constituted a genre shift for their respective blocks. Innistrad is fundamentally the plane of Gothic horror tropes and none of the tropes within either set, with the obvious exception of those that literally pertained to Emrakul, changed dramatically. Their focus simply shifted from their Gothic horror versions to their eldritch horror counterparts. Just another side of those tropes that was always present, simply buried, brought to the forefront visually and in game design by an alien intrusion (in this case by Nahiri as much as by Emrakul).

@Zevox144

2 жыл бұрын

@@quintonhoffert6526 I think the tonal whiplash Rhystic Studies talked about regarding the attempted merging of gothic and cosmic horrors is easily exemplified with what you've said and Bloodborne. The marriage works so well in Bloodborne because ultimately, all the cosmic horror the world was subjected to was the result of man's hubris/ambition/folly. Meanwhile in Shadows over Innistrad, the fault lied in the presence of Emrakul over the plane, leaving no room for the gothic 'monster within the man' theme to breathe. I do entirely agree with you though, that gothic and comsic horrors do not run against one another.

Jesus this is so good, it’s art commenting on art. Appreciate the work you put into these.

Absolutely one of THE best videos on youtube, you guys are amazing. My love for Innistrad rekindled, and my passion for art restored. Thank you so much for your hard work on making this video, top quality editing and effects. Vivid imagery really brings even the meager cards to life, reminding me of what made me like these cards when they came out. Again, thank you and keep up the fantastic job your doing. You have gained my upmost respect.

As always, beautifullly and eloquently put. It brings me such joy to see your production value.

Amazing video as always. Top notch editing, tons of research and passion really makes this great. Soon as I saw the notification that you uploaded I dropped everything to watch.

You did a fantastic job for this video. I love how you highlight the art of each set you talk about. Thanks!

You it's a good day when Rhystic Studies releases a new video.

Your videos have inspired me to spend more time learning about art and culture. Thank you!

As usual, just phenomenal. Will definitely be returning for inspiration on a gothic horror DnD campaign, and whenever I need a feel-good documentary on my all-time favourite plane

Man, I was looking forward to watching this all day, and it did not disappoint 👏 Your videos get better and better. The music, exposition, cinematography - all top notch.

Wow what an amazing tribute! Your timing also impeccable. Great job as always!

This channel is not only one of the most interesting Mtg channels, it's also one of the most well done channels for art analysis.

Great upload, my recent studies in history have given a greater appreciation for the art and detail of this plane!

I don't know how many times I've watched this, it's just so soothing to hear in the background at work, or when the room is too silent.

You seriously have the best videos to date. On point every single time. Bravo.

Honestly, the wait for your videos is more than worth it. You always impress. Well done!

Another truly brilliant work. Thanks as always for your time & effort in making these videos.

I think your work is just brilliant. You have tremendously insightful views and wonderful attention to detail. It's like taking a short class. I always come away having broadened my awareness and appreciation, and I always look forward to new videos from you. Thank you.

I don’t have the slightest shred of love for horror. But I have immeasurable love for Rhystic Studies videos.

im so excited every time Rhystic drops a new video, every video you make is a treat. I cant wait for your next vid.

The way you timed your words during Chopin's Nucturnes was fantastic. You always get my views, and this just reminded me of what makes you special!

This is my favorite video of yours so far! Wow! Always great content Sam

Your work is simply haunting, a shiver runs down my spine at the sight of your videos popping up on my recommended.

Such a great analysis of the melding of so many varieties of horror and fantasy that we all love so much about Innistrad. Thanks for a great piece as always dood!

This is one of my favorite films ever. I return to it so often. It's so well stated, so rich in thought and so well built. Thank you for this.

Thank you. As usual, the work is simply magnificent. Sublime videos are very much your specialty.

I have to admit, Shadows over Innistrad and Eldrtich moon were probably one of my favorite sets, if not the favorites in terms of worldbuilding and lore. I LOVED the articles around the time. The stories about the people in innistrad and how they responded to the eldritch horrors was amazing. Sorin having to kill Avacyn, her beloved daughter, and a fan favorite character was something that I'll probably never forget, I teared while reading that story. And the ending. I loved the ending in ways I cant describe. I love how Emrakul manifested in Jace's crumbling mind, how Lilliana's veil and inner demons were scared shitless of her, how they couldnt overpower it, unlike they did with the other titans. I LOVE the idea that Emrakul knew the plane wasnt ready for her, and how she was summed against the will of the plane. How she tells Jace "the plane should be blooming welcoming me, not rotting". Her whole flavor of representing the end, metaphorically and literally speaking. And how she seals herself in the moon, because of course she does. No one can defeat Emrakul, but no one can bend her to their will either, and she was not going to destroy a plane that wasnt meant to end yet. I also love the promo art for Through the Breach showing Nahiri summoning Emrakul. Its one of those momments where game mechanics represent exactly whats happening in the lore and LOVE they made that art.

Always a pleasure to see one of your works. Love it, especially the treatment of the horror genre.

Incredible work, as always, thanks for the great video and all the best!

Wonderful video. The combination of the music, narration, and high-impact card art that I have lots of fond memories of had me quite emotional. Thank you. :)

Loved the video. Thank you so much for such an entertaining, informative, and insightful look into one of my favorite planes!

A fantastic video as always Sam, was so excited to see this video!

Always excited to see a new Rhystic studies video in my feed!

You took the words out of my heart. Well done!

Your videos have always had lashings of the Romantic and watching them always brings me back to my university art history classes. This one is as poignant as ever but it pays special homage to one of my favourite artistic lineages. This was an absolutely delightful love-letter to the horror genre, thank-you.

I don't think I've ever subscribed to a channel so fast. You're doing what nobody else is doing man, keep it up.

@RhysticStudies

2 жыл бұрын

thank you, and welcome. I appreciate it.

Magnificent work, as always

Absolutely phenomenal work, Rhystic Studies. Just stunning.

Amazing work as always!

Fantastic work as always. I love seeing your view on MTG and these video essays are very well written and edited. Happy Halloween and looking forward to the next!

bro, i am always amazed at how great these videos are. the writing and delivery are top notch and i always love it. Thank you

Absolutely phenomenal content. Thank you for the time and effort you put into these videos, the passion is felt by all who watch your content and it is a breath of fresh air in an age where media is often lifeless as the monsters of Innistrad

Back in high school when I started playing I would spend hours upon hours browsing the art of Innistrad even though theros was the current block. There was something so appealing about this world that few others have. Thanks for the video, it brought back great memories.

Your videos are consistently works of art. One day I'll watch them all. I apologize about being to busy to prioritize your older works.

This was amazing. I can't believe it's free. Thank you so much. This was a blast to listen and watch.

39:20 Take a good look at those pauldrons. If nothing else, Coppola's take on Dracula will forever be remembered for that iconic skinned jackal armor. The ironic thing about this illustration is that it looks more like -Reanu Keeves- Keanu Reeves than Gary Oldman.

@goncaloferreira6429

2 жыл бұрын

great shout out. Coppola´s version of Dracula is still one of my favourites.

Thank you. How wonderful to know that you are now finding the time and resources to create this sort of full-length, in depth content. I hope to one day be able to introduce you and my friend, Nathan, who is a writer of horror fiction and also with the twists of the superhero genre. He also always recommends Shudder to me. I can't wait for the next Innistrad video, and even more for the next Halloween deep dive.

excellent as always, and covering my favorite plane no less. thanks again for the great videos!

I feel like every episode is better than the last! Love everything you are doing for the community.

Such a great video. Loved it!

This truly made my day. I appreciate your videos so much ❤

Dude, your chill and introspective essays are sooooo my jam. Happy belated Hallow's Eve!

I really love this video. Perfect way to spend a bit of my Halloween! Thanks for all the great work

My favorite video of yours so far, profound as always.