Also, I think my combo is the most compact so far, but it's entirely possible I'm missing a refutation. Certainly wouldn't be the first time...
Does it actually refute though? What actual synergy does the Squirrel Nest have with the Mentor? As if the subject matter was Throne of the God-Pharaoh you would be 100% correct.
I will concur however yours is more compact, 5 cards with a 10 total cmc.
I will concur however yours is more compact, 5 cards with a 10 total cmc.
Step 1: Monastery Mentor, Cryptolith Rite, Memory Crystal, Concordant Crossroads and Throne of the God-Pharaoh on the board, Mystic Speculation in hand.
Step 2: Tap the Monastery Mentor in order to add U to your mana pool.
Step 3: Cast Mystic Speculation and pay the 0 for buyback.
Step 4: Monastery Mentor triggers and creates a 1/1 Monk with Prowess.
Step 5: Mystic Speculation returns to hand.
Step 6: Tap the Monk token created by the Monastery Mentor in order to add U to your mana pool.
Step 7: Rinse and repeat steps 2-5 till you have sufficient amount of tapped monks.
Step 8: End your turn which causes Throne of the God-Pharaoh to trigger and make each opponent lose life equal to the number of tapped creatures you control.
EDIT: Total cards used: 6.
Total mana cost of all cards: 12.