Rules don't technically work on the X part but it's fine.

I'd forgotten about that. I do hope they figure out a better template than the one on Venarian Gold. Ugh.

As far as I can tell, the rule they added to make Polukranos work (which would otherwise have a similar problem) could be copied in a tweaked form to just allow this to work. I imagine they'll make that tweak next time they want to print a permanent with X cost that has a triggered ability based on X.

Plus it's not like this would run into the same problem as Savageborn Hydra since it's not an activated ability cost.

As of now, Verdeloth the Ancient has an in its cost, and references it in its ETB ability, but there's no rules to back that up. Even when it was just printed in Modern Masters. I wish they would just make an exception for him so that designs like this could be printed as well.

Funny that! I just noticed it while looking for kicker costs related to token and never even made the connection to this debate, even though I also looked at the Comp Rules addition related to polukranos XD

Keywords abilities with casual reminder text to the rescue!

Hmm. This is somewhat confusing now. It's got four mentions of X, two connected and two others connected; but I think the X in the activated ability doesn't need to be the same as the X that was paid when you cast it? That'll confuse people though.

True... I'm not if "tap all" as it was originally isn't too good... Bah, development XD

Was "ETB, put fate counters on X permanents, tap to tap all fated permanents"