Swiss Army Knife

Last time I posted about the Aesir (formerly Polar God Cards) I expressed my disgust at how badly Konami nerfed their effects. I mean sure, had Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant (Polar Star Angel Valkyria) retained her anime effect a player could potentially spam Level 6 and 10 Synchros on their first turn, but I doubt that would "wreck the meta". Anyway, it seems Konami's method of "fixing" the Aesir is by giving them their own Quickdraw Synchron. Introducing the first confirmed Secret Rare and TCG exclusive from Storm of Ragnarok: 

Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant (Fiend-Type/DARK/Level 4/ATK 1700/DEF 800)

TUNER: You can substitute this card for any 1 "Nordic" Tuner Monster for a Synchro Summon. If this card is used as a Synchro Material Monster, all other Synchro Material Monsters must be "Nordic" monsters. Once per turn, you can send 1 "Nordic" monster from your Deck to the Graveyard to change this card's Level to the Level of the monster you sent to the Graveyard, until the End Phase.

I'll admit I never expected Konami to come up with something like this. Granted it would have been better if Vanadis had been splashable like Quickdraw Synchron, but I guess you can't have everything. While it is a real boon for fans of Odin, being able to serve as the Nordic Ascendant Tuner required to revive him during the End Phase, I'm not sure how successful a mono-Nordic deck would fare as the gods themselves don't cover each others weaknesses as they did in the anime. Sure Vanadis can allow you to summon Loki and Thor easier, but you won't be able to revive them without a Nordic Alfar or Nordic Beast Tuner also in your Graveyard.

But of course Konami has an answer for everything, and so now they created an incentive for those wanting to make their own Nordic deck. Behold the first confirmed Ultra Rare and second TCG exclusive from Storm of Ragnarok:

The Nordic Lights (Field Spell)

"Nordic" monsters on the field cannot be destroyed by battle. When this card on the field is destroyed, destroy all face-up "Nordic" monsters on the field.

Now here's a card that isn't half bad. It can be a double-edged sword though. Most of the Nordic monsters are too weak to do any significant damage and while the Field Spell is active they'll be sitting ducks to any big beater your opponent summons. Also while I am a bit peeved that they wasted an Ultra Rare spot on a card like this, it does show that Konami knows how to give support to an archetype that's supposed to be the centerpiece of the set.

Remember players, the game ends with you.