Cool Card Design of the Day1/12/2015 - How has their not been a cross between Divination and Curiosity?
One good reason is that they've shifted the Ophidian ability toward green. We're still seeing it in blue (Thassa's Emissary) and I don't think we'll stop seeing it there, but it makes sense to tie green's card draw to creatures and Warriors' Lesson is a good way to do it. I could definitely see Spy in green, but I also like it in blue, particular since it relies on evasion or bounce to get your creature in there. Spy could easily be {GU} in a set with hybrid.
There's also potential to use the card as a combat bluff, which I think is considerably more blue than green. "Is she attacking me with this weenie because she's got a trick, or because I'll get Spied on?"
Both of those would only be printed in a set that really wants to emphasize combat for the blue player, whereas Spy Raid could go in almost any set (and that set's environment would effect its price). It's a sorcery version of Coastal Piracy.
Spy is a really cool card. Another option is for it to cost 1U, cantrip, and only draw one card.
ReplyDeleteI'd rather make it a 1U instant.
DeleteWhy say "draw a card" and "draw a card if…"?
George Gone found Keep Watch, which is strictly better than Spy Raid and common which blows my mind. I don't think Spy Raid is unprintably weak, but maybe it could cost {1} or {U} less.
ReplyDeleteWell, not strictly better. Spy Raid is better if all your attacking creatures have double strike. :P
DeleteBut I do agree it should cost 1U at most. 2U draws unfavorable comparisons to Divination.
What about a reversed version of spied that you play after combat?
ReplyDeleteeg:
Fake Out 1U
Sorcery (C)
If a creature you control was blocked this turn, draw two cards.
I prefer the version yoru opponent can interact with to the version they unwittingly walk into.
DeleteMy version acts a bit like morbid in that it creates uncertainty on if to block or not while the other one just makes the choice a lot more obvious.
DeleteFake Out will often mean you can bluff damage through but if you don't you get cheap card draw. A win-win situation.
The first card is difficult. If you have an open enemy board, you just it very nicely and cheap. If not: Suchs to be you.
Deletereuben: Jay's "Spied" works well if the environment (and the controller's available mana) can imply either Spied, or some combat trick like Giant Growth. Fake Out being in the environment encourages people not to block, but that's useful in itself.
DeleteThere are potential applications for either, all depending on the format and its needs.
DeleteAlso interesting:
The Infiltration Lands 1U
Sorcery (C)
If any creatures you control become blocked this turn, draw two cards.
Spy Raid is perfectly printable and I like it (although I do think it should be green). See Arm with Aether for comparison.
ReplyDelete