• variable X not as much of a concern when X cost reminder texts are around (though this could/should prolly be worded like "remove any number of +1/+1...")
• Tapping works to block creatures with Dreamwalk

Large scries can be a problem. Maybe some sort of a new keyword where you look top X cards of deck and exile all or leave one not exiled?

"Scour X" is definitely a better idea than "Scry X".

Yet I feel the true issue is that this maybe shouldn't be a common with an X in the activation cost at all to begin with.

• Remove a +1/+1 counter from a permanent you control: Scour 1.

Perfectly fine. Viscera Seer-ish.

Why do you feel it's an issue? I could actually see an issue here that this currently reads like it might interact with the likes of Nexus Neophyte where it doesn't. (EDIT: not a good example this ability doesn't even cost mana)

I'm not particularly a fan of the version that would just remove a single counter at a time since it doesn't really scale at all. IMO this sort of scaling is good to have at common to create some excitement for them without being too unhealthy.

Maybe I could hit two birds with one stone if I add mana cost to the activated ability. Hmmm... Maybe one ability that has no mana cost associated with it that just removes one counter to scour 1 and another that has X cost? Probably ends up with too much text in that case.

A 3/4 vigilance for is pretty decent so having the ability cost might be reasonable that this would have somewhat of a lackluster ability in addition to its body.

Thx for all the feedback btw!