Finally came up with the third mechanic I want for the second set of the custom block I am working on. Was mulling it over for a while at work and it just hit me, came up with a few cards using it and I'm actually really happy with how this turned out. Looking for whatever feedback you guys have for me.
Plot N (When you cast this spell, exile the top N cards of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Plot is going to primarily (almost exclusively) be a black mechanic. It is meant to reflect the shadowy dealings and plans of various characters or groups. The mechanic also interacts with other cards in the set that care about cards in exile (some caring about a number of cards in exile, or specific cards in exile), giving some interesting versatility and synergy.
Here's a few cards I've done that implement the mechanic.
Dark Designs BB
Sorcery (U)
As an additional cost to cast Dark Designs, sacrifice a creature.
Plot 1 (When you cast this spell, exile the top card of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
You draw 2 cards and you lose 1 life.
Nervous Conspirator 2B
Creature — Human (U)
Plot 1 (When you cast this spell, exile the top card of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Whenever you cast a spell from exile, return Nervous Conspirator to your hand. “We’re going to get caught...”
Sinister Intentions 3B
Instant (U)
Plot 2 (When you cast this spell, exile the top two cards of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Destroy target creature.
Underhanded Methodology 1B
Sorcery (C)
Plot 1 (When you cast this spell, exile the top card of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Target opponent reveals their hand then discards a nonland card. You lose 1 life.
Vingar Ranes, the King’s Confidant 1BB
Legendary Creature — Human Advisor (R)
Instant and sorcery cards you own have Plot 1.
2/2
Subterfuge 3UBB
Sorcery (R)
Plot 3 (When you cast this spell, exile the top three cards of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Target opponent reveals their hand, then puts the top X cards of their library into their graveyard, where X is equal to the total combined mana cost of each card in their hand.
Preeeety sure you're still supposed to pay all costs and only get the one chance to cast them, no? In which case it's basically a nonred "impulsive drawing" deal.
Because plot is essentially a cantrip it is easy to cost, but some of your cards are costed too cheaply with the added text of draw a card, yes it is weaker than draw a card but because it is equal advantage your cards will have to cost more. With the way your ability is worded any plot greater than 1 isn't significantly stronger than just plot 1, which is fine but it makes your higher plot cards look weaker. Is there any particular reason you want to limit this to only during upkeep? I think it would work better if it was just next turn.
I think that just came about from how I initially worded it and it kinda stuck. Was tryinh to figure the right wording to make it until eot. Something like "At the beginning your next upkeep, until end of turn..." or should it be "Starting at the beginning of your next upkeep, until end of turn.."?
Flavorwise lasting until eot does feel better, more like something planned out than just impulsive.
I made something similar in theme but different in mechanical behavior. Mine was more of a long-term "Plot" however.
Plot [COST] (You may exile this card face down from your hand for 2. You may look at it anytime and cast it from exile for its Plot cost.)
I was never sure what I wanted it to do; since exiling a card from your hand then casting it from exile seems just like an extra step to a regular cast; although maybe the cards could have an additional effect for any plots you have/how many/when it's cast from exile...
I made something similar in theme but different in mechanical behavior. Mine was more of a long-term "Plot" however.
Plot [COST] (You may exile this card face down from your hand for 2. You may look at it anytime and cast it from exile for its Plot cost.)
I was never sure what I wanted it to do; since exiling a card from your hand then casting it from exile seems just like an extra step to a regular cast; although maybe the cards could have an additional effect for any plots you have/how many/when it's cast from exile...
Definitely an interesting take on it. There's potential there. It can be defensive as well in discard happy metas, good for combo decks, can have benefits as you said, etc.
I always enjoy seeing how other people come up with various takes on similar themes or ideas.
Plot N (When you cast this spell, exile the top N cards of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Plot is going to primarily (almost exclusively) be a black mechanic. It is meant to reflect the shadowy dealings and plans of various characters or groups. The mechanic also interacts with other cards in the set that care about cards in exile (some caring about a number of cards in exile, or specific cards in exile), giving some interesting versatility and synergy.
Here's a few cards I've done that implement the mechanic.
Dark Designs
BB
Sorcery (U)
As an additional cost to cast Dark Designs, sacrifice a creature.
Plot 1 (When you cast this spell, exile the top card of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
You draw 2 cards and you lose 1 life.
Nervous Conspirator
2B
Creature — Human (U)
Plot 1 (When you cast this spell, exile the top card of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Whenever you cast a spell from exile, return Nervous Conspirator to your hand.
“We’re going to get caught...”
Sinister Intentions
3B
Instant (U)
Plot 2 (When you cast this spell, exile the top two cards of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Destroy target creature.
Underhanded Methodology
1B
Sorcery (C)
Plot 1 (When you cast this spell, exile the top card of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Target opponent reveals their hand then discards a nonland card. You lose 1 life.
Vingar Ranes, the King’s Confidant
1BB
Legendary Creature — Human Advisor (R)
Instant and sorcery cards you own have Plot 1.
2/2
Subterfuge
3UBB
Sorcery (R)
Plot 3 (When you cast this spell, exile the top three cards of your library. At the beginning of your next upkeep, you may play one of those cards exiled this way.)
Target opponent reveals their hand, then puts the top X cards of their library into their graveyard, where X is equal to the total combined mana cost of each card in their hand.
UBBreya's Toybox (Competitive, Combo)WR
RGodzilla, King of the MonstersG
-Retired Decks-
UBLazav, Dimir Mastermind (Competitive, UB Voltron/Control)UB
"Knowledge is such a burden. Release it. Release all your fears to me."
—Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
Flavorwise lasting until eot does feel better, more like something planned out than just impulsive.
UBBreya's Toybox (Competitive, Combo)WR
RGodzilla, King of the MonstersG
-Retired Decks-
UBLazav, Dimir Mastermind (Competitive, UB Voltron/Control)UB
"Knowledge is such a burden. Release it. Release all your fears to me."
—Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver
Plot [COST] (You may exile this card face down from your hand for 2. You may look at it anytime and cast it from exile for its Plot cost.)
I was never sure what I wanted it to do; since exiling a card from your hand then casting it from exile seems just like an extra step to a regular cast; although maybe the cards could have an additional effect for any plots you have/how many/when it's cast from exile...
Dunes of Zairo
SHANDALAR
Innistrad - The Darkest Night
~THE RAVNICAN CONSORTIUM~
A Community Set
Commander: Allies & Adversaries
Definitely an interesting take on it. There's potential there. It can be defensive as well in discard happy metas, good for combo decks, can have benefits as you said, etc.
I always enjoy seeing how other people come up with various takes on similar themes or ideas.
UBBreya's Toybox (Competitive, Combo)WR
RGodzilla, King of the MonstersG
-Retired Decks-
UBLazav, Dimir Mastermind (Competitive, UB Voltron/Control)UB
"Knowledge is such a burden. Release it. Release all your fears to me."
—Ashiok, Nightmare Weaver