I like the idea, but I think the title of the card would be better served on something else. There are some flavor reasons for that, but also because I think the word is awesome.

I'm open to suggestions, both for. New name and for what to do with the old one.

Rarity change? And probably a cost change, as well. Lava axe deals 5 to a player and it costs 5. This doesn't automatically deal five to a player but can force an unwanted blocking decision as well which could possibly jusify the cost as well.

Nolan- I don't think a rarity shift is necessary here for two reasons, one of which you've mentioned.

1) Lava Axe

2) Panic

Both cards are common. In nearly all cases, your opponent will choose to simply not block, but the card does force them to make a choice that, in a set with a focus on combat and damage interactions, can have many ramifications. It's also a combination of effects that makes for a satisfyingly flavorful pairing.

I definitely like it. The idea is very alluring, even if it won't normally work (it's probably more satisfying if they take the damage than if they just straight up couldn't block and took MORE damage from the attack).

OTOH, it can probably be cheaper than it is -- even much cheaper. Given cards like Teetering peaks and Panic "target creature can't block" is probably worth less than . Maybe even worth . And this is in almost all circumstances worse than that, because the opponent can choose whichever option is less good.

I don't know, but you could plausibly:

• Reduce the cost
• Add a cantrip
• Bump the cost a bit and make it affect two or three or all creatures -- then it would be quite sadistic, although admittedly not common.
• Leave it as it is, and rely on opponents choosing wrong to make it worth it (that may well work!)

Reminiscent of Blazing Salvo. I think this could be one mana.

Yeah, I like this version. It isn't too strong, since your opponent normally has the choice, but I can just imagine them squirming :)

I think that in the context of the set, it has some novel purposes. It's a decent sideboard card against Mindstrikers; the nature of the ability allows me to give them a more aggressive P/t, so they can make for some dangerous blockers on defense. This provides temporary disincentive that can allow a vulnerable attacking squad through.

Used on offense, it opens a window for Feint effects. The lowered cost — at your suggestion — makes it that much more effective for this.

Reworked to be more effective with swarm strategy. Feedback anyone?

That seems really, really good.

I suspect that now, generally speaking, it's the kind of card that makes a few guys unblockable and maybe gives a guy or two severely limited trample, but not in ways you can necessarily concretely predict. And it's perfect for a swarm/Feint strategy.