This pair aren't normally going to be in the same deck, but they are both in the same genre of dork - making a Merfolk beater with big card flow attached for 6 or 7 mana
This remains true in Foundations
The ability to discard cards to win battles or shift color was nice, as you could avoid color-based removal or dodge a Glory's activation
When a Masters set has a high expected value, it's a lot easier to justify spending $45 on a booster draft or $200 on a booster box because even though the up-front cost is high, you know that you'll get some of that money back in the form of cards you can use to build decks or, if you don't get the specific cards you need, trade or sell to get the cards you do need for your decks
We don't actually see the imposing visage, but all those guys are sure horrified at it
This theme is likely to be led by your Commander because you want cards that synergize with them