Hello everyone! I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and this week we're diving into some spicy new cards from Magic's latest set, Duskmourn: House of Horror. To celebrate the start of spooky season, we'll be looking at an unlucky 13 cards from this chilling set. Duskmourn introduces exciting new design spaces and mechanics, like unlocking rooms. You might not use all of these cards, but it's always smart to have them on your radar. Let's jump in!

The Blazemire Verge Cycle

This set introduces a new cycle of dual lands, including Blazemire Verge, which taps for Black mana and can tap for Red if you control a Mountain or Swamp. Duskmourn provides a half cycle of these lands, one for each allied color pair. While they might not be as useful in three-, four-, or five-color decks, I think two-color decks will consider these an auto-include, helping reduce the risk of color screw. I'll definitely be grabbing a couple of these.

Kaito, Bane of Nightmares

Ninjutsu has always been a fascinating mechanic, complicating decisions about what and when to block. That seemingly insignificant 1/1 could become something far more dangerous. Now, we have our first planeswalker with the Ninjutsu keyword. All of Kaito's abilities can be used immediately, but the standout is the +1, which grants an emblem that permanently buffs your Ninjas. Over time, this can make a huge impact in a Ninja tribal deck. The card draw and stun counters are also excellent tools, making this a solid inclusion in niche decks that can take full advantage of it.

Niko, Light of Hope

Niko brings a fresh take on blink decks. Upon entering, Niko creates two shard tokens. When Niko uses their activated ability to blink a creature, those shard tokens become copies of that creature. For example, blinking Serra Ascendant could give you 12 flying lifelink damage! Building around this requires careful deck construction, as you want to be in blink colors, but the shard tokens becoming copies doesn't trigger enter the battlefield effects. Regardless, this opens up exciting new possibilities for blink strategies, and I can't wait to try it out.

Screaming Nemesis

One of the first cards spoiled for Duskmourn, Screaming Nemesis is a 3/3 with haste that prevents players from gaining life again for the rest of the game. While we've seen similar effects before, we've never had one so easy to access. I expect this to become a staple in decks that aim to grind down life totals or those playing aggressive strategies.

Valgavoth, Terror Eater

It seems like every year we get a new, powerful demon, and Valgavoth fits that bill perfectly. This nine-mana value behemoth exiles cards that would normally go to the graveyard. While we've seen this effect before at lower mana costs, what sets Valgavoth apart is that you can play the exiled cards--and pay life instead of mana to do so! On top of that, this 9/9 lifelinker can rebuild your life total. This card is a monster, in more ways than one.

Walk-In Closet // Forgotten Cellar

Comparing this card to Crucible of Worlds, Walk-In Closet provides a similar effect but in a mono-Green enchantment. You can also unlock the room for a one-time casting spree, similar to Underworld Breach. While Crucible is more versatile, Walk-In Closet feels like a strict upgrade in Green decks, and I'm definitely picking up a couple.

Funeral Room // Awakening Hall

Having Zulaport Cutthroat-style effects on enchantments can be useful since enchantments survive board wipes. What makes this card even better is its additional room--Awakening Hall--which, for eight mana, brings back every creature from your graveyard. This incredibly powerful effect will likely see a lot of play.

Come Back Wrong

This new removal spell allows you to destroy a creature while temporarily controlling it. This type of effect also works on commanders, which makes it even more valuable. I expect to see this card in decks that enjoy playing with a bit of flash.

Dazzling Theater // Prop Room

Granting all your creature spells Convoke for just four mana is fantastic, especially in go-wide decks. The unlocked room makes this card even more intriguing. Drum Bellower is already great, and Prop Room offers similar value but in a more versatile package. You get both the problem and the solution in one card!

Enduring Vitality

Who doesn't love a cute deer? Enduring Vitality is a strictly better version of Cryptolith Rite. For starters, it has a second life. Once destroyed, it returns as an enchantment. While it's still a creature, it taps for mana. This card has a ton of potential.

Split Up

I always take note when a board wipe can get around effects like Gaddock Teeg, and Split Up is no exception. It works similarly to cards like Opposition Agent or Blood Moon in the sense that it forces opponents to play around it or face devastating consequences just knowing there is a chance it can be played. Timing this wipe correctly could lead to blowout plays, and I can definitely see the potential here.

The Jolly Balloon Man

Out of all the cards in this set, The Jolly Balloon Man is my favorite. This card's power might even push it into cEDH territory. It creates copies of sacrificed creatures, benefiting combat, blink, and aristocrat strategies. Plus, it has haste, meaning its effects can be felt immediately. It's a versatile and impactful card.

Winter, Misanthropic Guide

Jund has come for your creatures, your permanents, and now, in 2024, it's coming for your hand! Winter seems group-huggy at first, letting everyone draw two extra cards per turn. But once four or more card types hit the graveyard, it shrinks hand sizes to zero. If your opponents can't rely on their commanders or graveyard synergies, this card can win games early and close them out late.

I hope you enjoyed exploring these spooky Duskmourn cards as much as I did! Until next time, happy gaming!