This card is super good in EDH. This + Turnabout/Early Harvest/Reset and it usually ends up being infinite mana. Someone else mentioned that it works with Time Spiral, though that could also give opponents a counterspell for free (eventually). :(
Plus, going through cards like that is amazing. If you end up with the infinite mana, you'll eventually be able to discard down like a tutor. Then Comet Storm everybody for 1 point of damage 1 million times.
Posted By:
Poperp98
(10/17/2012 10:34:19 PM)
@Darkvramp: Draw a card, then immediately discard it. Derp. Unless that's your kinda thing? There are much more efficient ways to do that sort of thing though, so it's not the greatest of plays.
Posted By:
Totema
(10/23/2012 9:13:37 PM)
I personally find the first ability overcosted by just 1 CMC. The second ability is simply amazing, and the cost is justified for the amazing things you can do with a second copy of great instants and sorceries. Other than that, a 2/2 for 2CMC that also has better art than Izzet Guildmage. Solid 4/5
Posted By:
Kura-san
(11/3/2012 2:12:26 AM)
Will the second ability still copy a spell if it is countered? If it does, then does that mean the copied spell cannot be countered?
Posted By:
glenncoltrane
(4/21/2013 3:43:21 AM)
Your board:
Nivix Guildmage, 6 islands, 1 Gilded Lotus, and 1 Chromatic Lantern.
1. Cast Time Spiral.
2. Use Nivix Guildmage's second ability targeting Time Spiral.
3. Resolve the copy, drawing a new hand and untapping 6 lands.
4. Cast spells.
5. Repeat #2-4 until you win.
For bonus points: Win by milling them out with Terrain Generator and a Hedron Crab in play.
Posted By:
strider24seven
(6/13/2013 6:07:49 PM)
The lategame potential of this guy in EDH cannot be expressed enough. Anything that runs blue, red, and mid-game spells that dont mind being copied should consider it.
The blue-red colors of this guy (and maybe throw in black for grixis.) is just perfect for taking mid-range spells and pushing them over the top to late game heavy-hitter level. ...or to take late-game finishers and really breaking them is fun too.
Copying gifts ungiven, opportunity, goblin grenade, exsanguinate, epic experiment, cruel ultimatum, washout, time warp, spin into myth targeting opponent commanders, a kicked sadistic sacrament to really screw someone who's earned your ire, etc. The possibilities are limited only by your mana base.
Now with all that said, he has to live lon... (see all)
Posted By:
DeadLeeCoC
(8/16/2013 10:52:54 PM)
The 2 cost 2/2 with benefits is nice with this card, especially the draw-discard option. Unlike everyone else 4 mana for his second ability isn't what bothers me, it's the fact that it says "Spell you control". It is for that reason I give pause to running him.
Posted By:
Syrtees
(10/17/2013 9:52:50 AM)
Nivix + any spell that makes 5+ mana of any colour = autowin
Simply copy the spell for 2UR, and have either U or R left over. Build up an infinite amount of U and R. Loot an infinite number of times, then cast any spell in your deck (such as fireball for 20).
So, how do you get a spell that makes 5+ mana of any colour? In standard, triton tactics and other untapping spells can untap multiple axebane guardians and set off the combo.
Posted By:
Steinhauser
(1/7/2014 7:41:46 AM)
Its ability is to pricey for an early drop creature. Does not sync well for a competitive deck. Control decks would prefer better defenders against aggro or more immediate utility.
Still interesting card for a casual deck.
Posted By:
TheWrathofShane
(1/11/2014 4:30:57 AM)
For all of you who said that it was Ral Zarek, it's actually Bori Andon, the guy referenced on cards like Essence Backlash. https://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/article.aspx?x=mtg/daily/ur/219
Posted By:
Casimir_the_Great
(2/2/2014 9:04:26 PM)