The Comprehensive Embers of the World Tree Preview

Scorchreaver

This is a weak discover minion on the surface, as we are investing 4 mana into a mediocre body that only adds a single spell to our hand. The main advantage of Scorchreaver is that it discounts all fel spells in our hand, including the one we just discovered. This can give us a mana advantage that cancels out our initial investment, with interest.

However, in the context of the current package of fel spells, we do not see a role for it in the format. Most fel spells in Standard are weak and/or reactive in nature, which makes the prospect of discounting them less inviting.

We suspect new fel spells could arrive in the next expansion that may help us see Scorchreaver in a different light, but it needs a lot of support to become remotely playable.

Score: 1

Felfire Blaze

Blaze turns into an asymmetrical 2 damage AOE effect with the trigger of a fel spell. A conditional AOE effect, which requires support from a spell package that is currently questionable in Standard, does not impress us. Blaze even destroys itself on the trigger, so we lose the body.

If we are that desperate for AOE effects in Demon Hunter, we will just play Immolation Aura or Infiltrate, which are unconditional and do not require a heavy deckbuilding investment. Playing Blaze as a 2 mana 2/3 to contest board in the early game does not seem that strong either. This minion does not make much sense even if we get new, more powerful fel spells in the future.

Score: 1

Sigil of Cinder

6 damage for 2 mana is a strong rate for the cost, tempered by the delayed activation of the spell. In slower decks, it can help fend off early game aggression from the opponent, especially when played on turn 2. The timing of the activation also means we can use our next turn to clean up the “leftovers” before our opponent can attack with their board.

Sigil of Cinder’s ability to hit face might weaken its control of the board, but it makes the spell a genuine burn option for aggressive decks. The opponent is put in the position where they need to contest board, but Sigil of Cinder can burn down or soften any challenge that is put in front of us.

This versatility makes Sigil of Cinder a possible inclusion in different decks. It may have a place in both Cliff Dive DH and Aggro DH, for example.

Score: 3

Final Thoughts: Sigil of Cinder may have an immediate impact, but it will not change the current character of the class. The neutral Tindral Sageswift will be Demon Hunter’s primary focus for experimentation. We have a hint of a future fel package, but as of now, does not appear to be competitive.