I wanted to log in to point out something interesting: The effect triggers AFTER the tribute is paid.
This means, once the tribute is not paid, you can respond to the trigger, so if you have any kind of tutor effect laying around, you can choose to search your library for the single huge sorcery you have for this situation. If they pay the tribute, you don't have to invest in it.
That's true. Good observation. However in a format where an instant-speed tutor is available I don't think this would be relevant.
It could be cool in EDH, but then again it's a rather janky combo, and being EDH most people would just give you a 5/3 haste.
Looking at Minotaur tribal right now, 2RR is high but there is enough other support in the tribe that it's not terrible. That 5/3 hasty could easily be 6/4 or 5/3 for 2R with the three drops out right now.
If you are going Rakdos, I keep looking at Five spells:
Thoughtseize: gone before you ever cast him
Dreadbore: cheap enough you don't need to cheat it, but lets you do more in the turn.
Slaughter Games: Turn games into Blowout
Rakdos Return: The X in cast cost means this doesn't work
Hero's removal: casting a 3 CC removal same turn isn't bad as acceleration.
Not sure what standard you guys are playing were a red 5/3 haste for 2RR wouldn't see play. That card would be comparable to Hellrider, the best red 4 drop of all times.
This is not a 5/3 haste through. I still think its worth testing. If only red had a amazing burn for 3 mana (like Char).
He works very well with the so-far spoiled "Fated" cycle. Fated Infatuation in particular. You don't want my guy to be big? All right then. I'll copy him and make you choose again, while scrying 2! Or I'll blow up the board with Fated Retribution!
I wouldn't sleep on this guy. I see a lot of potential.
How the hell are you casting this in a deck that runs Fated Infatuation? UUU RR2
I'm pretty sure this creature is playable. A burn heavy list would appreciate either mode, especially if its packing Warleader's Helix. Steam Augury also seems strong (although I would avoid U/R for now, as Temple of Neglect isn't in BotG).
This guy might make Izzet colors viable in Standard. Lots of powerful instants/sorceries, especially the Fuse cards, that could make this guy really become a strong play. Actually Grixis midrange could be very strong with this guy as well.
I loved this card until somebody mentioned that if Exava isn't seeing play, neither will this.
They are probably right. On top of that, it's not a great top deck, and there are situations when this will be nothing more than a 3/1 with haste.
I wish they pushed it a little be more, and made it a 3/2 or a 4/1, or gave it trample, or possibly even let you play a card from the graveyard (less surprise, but more stability and CA).
It's a shame because I enjoy the card as a concept.
Fringe playable at best. Maybe in a RDW that has a lot of burn? Problem is that he gives no CA, just tempo. If red had stuff like Advent of the Wurm or even Call of the Conclave it might be different, but few decks that would abuse the trigger get much out of the vanilla and vice versa.
I like this guy as a sideboard card in a burn deck to bring in against control, you either get a 5/3 they have to deal with, or a free spell and a 3/1 they have to deal with.
I think blast of genius is actually good with this guy! Draws you two cards and does damage. It's 6 mana is ok to hard cast late game, and discarding another bog deals 6. I'm not saying it's super competitive, but with scry it should be relatively easy to set up. omen speakers, prognostic sphinx, and stormbreath Dragons as the heavy hitter. Sounds fun
It could be cool in EDH, but then again it's a rather janky combo, and being EDH most people would just give you a 5/3 haste.
If you are going Rakdos, I keep looking at Five spells:
Thoughtseize: gone before you ever cast him
Dreadbore: cheap enough you don't need to cheat it, but lets you do more in the turn.
Slaughter Games: Turn games into Blowout
Rakdos Return: The X in cast cost means this doesn't work
Hero's removal: casting a 3 CC removal same turn isn't bad as acceleration.
This is not a 5/3 haste through. I still think its worth testing. If only red had a amazing burn for 3 mana (like Char).
BGU Control
R Aggro
Standard - For Fun
BG Auras
How the hell are you casting this in a deck that runs Fated Infatuation? UUU RR2
I'm pretty sure this creature is playable. A burn heavy list would appreciate either mode, especially if its packing Warleader's Helix. Steam Augury also seems strong (although I would avoid U/R for now, as Temple of Neglect isn't in BotG).
They are probably right. On top of that, it's not a great top deck, and there are situations when this will be nothing more than a 3/1 with haste.
I wish they pushed it a little be more, and made it a 3/2 or a 4/1, or gave it trample, or possibly even let you play a card from the graveyard (less surprise, but more stability and CA).
It's a shame because I enjoy the card as a concept.
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If so I think its interesting.