At least for me, 4 for 1 is a very powerful effect. All the modes are quite handy aside from maybe the copy one (or, it might even shine the most in some shells.) With that said, I do agree every slot in cube needs to be earned, especially in blue.
I’m not saying the card is bonkers or anything, but the cost is appropriate, advantageous even.
Typically, countering a spell is worth UU.
(Countering an activates or triggered ability is U, but let’s leave this out since the two “counter” modes rarely occur simultaneously)
Returning a nonland permanent at instant speed (usually with a variety of upsides) is 1U.
Copying your own creature at instant speed (that has other random upside) is 1UU.
Drawing (at least) a card at instant speed is U.
The ACS, IMO, (counter, bounce, copy, draw) is actually worth 8cc (how many Us in the cost is beyond me.) This asks for 4UU and a single card, which, realistically, guarantees a 4 or 3 for 1. This card is very good value wise. Very good.
Sublime Epiphany 4UU
Instant
Choose one or more—
• Counter target spell.
• Counter target activated or triggered ability.
• Return target nonland permanent to its owner’s hand.
• Create a token that’s a copy of target creature you control.
• Target player draws a card.
What a card! Though at 6 mana, I think this card is worthy of discussion with the added flexibility and value. I believe the ACS is 4 for 1 (Counter, Bounce, Copy, Draw.) The floor 3 for 1 (nothing to Copy), and the ceiling being countering things like Hydroid Krasis, Eldrazi Titans or other trigger-upon-casting combinations. It basically introduces everything blue tackles, with the exception of maybe Scry and Exta Turns. We got Cryptic Command at 4, Mystic Confluence at 5, and now this at 6. Maybe we'll see a version that grants Time Walk at 7 (3UUUU?) or 8...I was about to say, "Interesting card anyway," but on second thought, is it really?
It can also be infinite ETBs but either way it's a three card combo. Nah, just throwing in random thoughts don't mind me. WGD doesn't belong in cube honestly. Why would anyone want WGD when they can just reanimate Griselbrand :/
Off topic: I would think that Engine should go well in combo cubes but I don't think many run it. Does that card have any interaction with your cube? Time Vault? Storm? Is there any other possibilities/potential?
Obsessive Stitcher 1UB
Creature — Human Wizard T: Draw a card, then discard a card. 2UB, T, Sacrifice Obsessive Stitcher: Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield.
0/3
A looter and a reanimate effect on a single card. It may not be as fast and explosive as traditional reanimator but requires less puzzle pieces. Plus, it has recursive potential. Is it worth sacrificing speed for consistency? My gut tells me this is way too slow and risky, but I find this card quite interesting. Thoughts?
...or persist combo with a non-lethal sac outlet and make infinite 2/2 knights. It's a cool backup plan!
You do need two Unicorn effects for infinite 2/2s right? In that case, unless your sac outlet is non-lethal, my idea (infinite 2/2s) does seem redundant. I mean, not only do you need a working persist combo set up, which doesn’t win on the spot, an extra Unicorn effect, but also the Lieutenant...doable but definetely not the goal.
You only need one mimic/unicorn/grumgully/renataa and another card with a +1/+1 counter to go off (as a knight token with the counter dying gives you another knight token with a counter).
Ah...I was thinking about getting infinite 2/2s (overkill but not always redundant in some cases though.) The fact that I often get two +1/+1 effects but no payoff clouded my perspective. But you're right. Infinite sac triggers is the way to go!
Basri's Lieutenant 3W
Creature - Human Knight
Vigilance, protection from multicolored
When Basri's Lieutenant enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control.
When Basri's Lieutenant or another creature you control dies, if it had a +1/+1 counter on it, create a 2/2 white Knight creature token with vigilance.
3/4
This card is good. If you support a +1/+1 theme in your cube, this card is amazing! Curving this into a Wildfire is glorious (Edit: Wildfire is 6 but you get the idea)! This card also makes all the Metallic Mimic variants that much better! If you set up your persist combo with two Mimic/Good-Fortune Unicorn effects in play, you get an infinite army (a bit of a stretch yet possible.) (Edit: See #3 for better approach ) Aristocrats can make good use of this effect. I'm pretty sure there are still many more applications/combos/shenanigans that benefit from the ETB, the trigger or both! Not to mention it can do just fine on its own.
The question for almost every cube card nowadays is can this compete for a slot?
Elder Gargaroth 3GG
Creature — Beast
Vigilance, reach, trample
Whenever Elder Gargaroth attacks or blocks, choose one —
• Create a 3/3 green Beast creature token.
• You gain 3 life.
• Draw a card.
6/6
As a very pushed stack stick, this card is good; and we know it. The question is do we want/need this in our cubes? Similar to many 5cc creatures, not necessarily in green, this card can single-handedly end games if left unchecked or, at least, bring you so far ahead. Although, this is, arguably, one of the best in that category, many of those 5cc cards don't make it into lists anymore, or fall out of favor after the hype fades away, especially when they don't pass the so-called "Vindicate Test." Looking at you Kalonian Hydra. I find most 5cc creatures (especially in green, where 5cc creatures are particularly dense) that make lists retain value after quickly being answered such as Hermit Bros., Thragtusk, Biogenic Ooze, Verdurous Gearhulk, Whisperwood Elemental, Doom Whisperer and Siege-Gang Commander...etc.
So, can this be more than just a scary beater? Does it inspire or complement specific strategies? Do we even care as long as we get a powerful mid-rangy finisher that does the job? If you'd give Baneslayer Angel and Ilharg, the Raze-Boar a shot, why not this guy? Love to hear your thoughts!
Typically, countering a spell is worth UU.
(Countering an activates or triggered ability is U, but let’s leave this out since the two “counter” modes rarely occur simultaneously)
Returning a nonland permanent at instant speed (usually with a variety of upsides) is 1U.
Copying your own creature at instant speed (that has other random upside) is 1UU.
Drawing (at least) a card at instant speed is U.
The ACS, IMO, (counter, bounce, copy, draw) is actually worth 8cc (how many Us in the cost is beyond me.) This asks for 4UU and a single card, which, realistically, guarantees a 4 or 3 for 1. This card is very good value wise. Very good.
Sublime Epiphany
4UU
Instant
Choose one or more—
• Counter target spell.
• Counter target activated or triggered ability.
• Return target nonland permanent to its owner’s hand.
• Create a token that’s a copy of target creature you control.
• Target player draws a card.
What a card! Though at 6 mana, I think this card is worthy of discussion with the added flexibility and value. I believe the ACS is 4 for 1 (Counter, Bounce, Copy, Draw.) The floor 3 for 1 (nothing to Copy), and the ceiling being countering things like Hydroid Krasis, Eldrazi Titans or other trigger-upon-casting combinations. It basically introduces everything blue tackles, with the exception of maybe Scry and Exta Turns. We got Cryptic Command at 4, Mystic Confluence at 5, and now this at 6. Maybe we'll see a version that grants Time Walk at 7 (3UUUU?) or 8...I was about to say, "Interesting card anyway," but on second thought, is it really?
Sprout Swarm also works with Paradox Engine.
Off topic: I would think that Engine should go well in combo cubes but I don't think many run it. Does that card have any interaction with your cube? Time Vault? Storm? Is there any other possibilities/potential?
Yeah!
Obsessive Stitcher 1UB
Creature — Human Wizard
T: Draw a card, then discard a card.
2UB, T, Sacrifice Obsessive Stitcher: Return target creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield.
0/3
A looter and a reanimate effect on a single card. It may not be as fast and explosive as traditional reanimator but requires less puzzle pieces. Plus, it has recursive potential. Is it worth sacrificing speed for consistency? My gut tells me this is way too slow and risky, but I find this card quite interesting. Thoughts?
You do need two Unicorn effects for infinite 2/2s right? In that case, unless your sac outlet is non-lethal, my idea (infinite 2/2s) does seem redundant. I mean, not only do you need a working persist combo set up, which doesn’t win on the spot, an extra Unicorn effect, but also the Lieutenant...doable but definetely not the goal.
Ah...I was thinking about getting infinite 2/2s (overkill but not always redundant in some cases though.) The fact that I often get two +1/+1 effects but no payoff clouded my perspective. But you're right. Infinite sac triggers is the way to go!
Basri's Lieutenant 3W
Creature - Human Knight
Vigilance, protection from multicolored
When Basri's Lieutenant enters the battlefield, put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control.
When Basri's Lieutenant or another creature you control dies, if it had a +1/+1 counter on it, create a 2/2 white Knight creature token with vigilance.
3/4
This card is good. If you support a +1/+1 theme in your cube, this card is amazing! Curving this into a Wildfire is glorious (Edit: Wildfire is 6 but you get the idea)! This card also makes all the Metallic Mimic variants that much better! If you set up your persist combo with two Mimic/Good-Fortune Unicorn effects in play, you get an infinite army (a bit of a stretch yet possible.) (Edit: See #3 for better approach
The question for almost every cube card nowadays is can this compete for a slot?
Despite having similar concerns, at the end of the day, I do believe green deserves a Baneslayer Angel.
Elder Gargaroth 3GG
Creature — Beast
Vigilance, reach, trample
Whenever Elder Gargaroth attacks or blocks, choose one —
• Create a 3/3 green Beast creature token.
• You gain 3 life.
• Draw a card.
6/6
As a very pushed stack stick, this card is good; and we know it. The question is do we want/need this in our cubes? Similar to many 5cc creatures, not necessarily in green, this card can single-handedly end games if left unchecked or, at least, bring you so far ahead. Although, this is, arguably, one of the best in that category, many of those 5cc cards don't make it into lists anymore, or fall out of favor after the hype fades away, especially when they don't pass the so-called "Vindicate Test." Looking at you Kalonian Hydra. I find most 5cc creatures (especially in green, where 5cc creatures are particularly dense) that make lists retain value after quickly being answered such as Hermit Bros., Thragtusk, Biogenic Ooze, Verdurous Gearhulk, Whisperwood Elemental, Doom Whisperer and Siege-Gang Commander...etc.
So, can this be more than just a scary beater? Does it inspire or complement specific strategies? Do we even care as long as we get a powerful mid-rangy finisher that does the job? If you'd give Baneslayer Angel and Ilharg, the Raze-Boar a shot, why not this guy? Love to hear your thoughts!