Sacrifice the creature in response to your opponent activating the ability. You'll still draw two cards because the ability is on the stack, even if Soul Ransom goes into the graveyard before it resolves.
It's certainly not control magic, but it has some nice angles. This seems like it would be fun to play.
Posted By:
Ladon---
(2/4/2013 11:18:53 PM)
Punisher cards aren't very good in general, but this has to be the strongest one I've ever seen. There are just too many combos with it, even in Standard alone. As long as your opponent is sees the ability to "pay the ransom" as a liability for you and tries to get clever with it (such as using the ransom as a combat trick), this can be even more powerful than Control Magic, an already too-powerful-for-modern-Magic card.
- Blink the creature with Cloudshift or Restoration Angel in response to your opponent paying the ransom. They'll discard 2, you'll draw 2 (the effect goes on stack, look it up), and you'll keep their creature permanently. Extra points if you stole their Thragtusk or Angel of Serenity.
- Bounce the creature with Orzhov Charm in response to them paying the ransom. They'll discard 2, you'll draw 2, you'll get Soul Ransom back to your hand, and t... (see all)
Posted By:
troll_berserker
(7/23/2013 1:51:47 PM)
Underrated. The drawback isn't that bad to begin with since it's a 4 card difference for 4. At worst, they discard 2 unneeded lands late game, but you still gain 2 cards. If you're playing this along side other discard and/or shrieking affliction, then you're making bank. It'd be fun to make them think they're getting one over on you you by activating the ability to retain their creature, then you drop the shrieking affliction now that they're down two cards. Also, I can't wait for Soul Ransom to draw me in to another Soul Ransom.
Posted By:
Domak
(2/3/2013 5:46:18 PM)
This is card advantage.
Posted By:
MojoVince
(2/7/2013 2:40:05 PM)
I just love the idea of this card so much that I am probably going to try it no matter what, I will probably wait until I have a Devour Flesh or Rapid Hybridization in hand before playing but still.
Posted By:
cotf1692
(2/4/2013 9:07:37 PM)
Treasury Thrull is a funny way of getting this back if your opponent chooses the get-out clause. Or, if your opponent kills his ex-comrade. In Draft this trick was a lot of fun to pull off.
Also, it's just a fabulous looking card overall. Cool cost for the effect, both outcomes reap benefits making it seem hilariously cruel AND that art is just beautifully striking.
Posted By:
Splizer
(3/10/2013 5:35:10 PM)
Play Pithing Needle naming this card, and your opponents can't pay the ransom even if they wanted to. (well, not without burning removal on a 1-drop artifact).
Posted By:
JaFaR_Ironclad
(2/2/2013 2:39:46 PM)
probably really good late game when your opponent has few cards in hand and just played a fatty. Definitely good in early game for card advantage. I'd play it :)
Posted By:
Smoke_Stack
(2/5/2013 11:25:38 AM)
Psst!
Your opponent can only play the ability if they have two cards in their hand.
Posted By:
LordRandomness
(2/19/2013 5:42:54 PM)
I really don't get what the complaints are all about.
You and I both know Control Magic would never get reprinted in standard. So now you have a control magic instead of a Mind Control.
Now, you say it's a problem because they can pay off the second effect.
You do realize that effect is a 4-card swing, right?
It's Consult the Necrosages x2 on one card.
They're screwed either way, and either way this is a great card.
Posted By:
Blackworm_Bloodworm
(1/24/2013 5:37:21 PM)