Multiverse: Inscrutable Pixiu

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CardName: Inscrutable Pixiu Cost: 4G Type: Creature - Chimera Pow/Tgh: 4/4 Rules Text: Whenever Inscrutable Pixiu attacks or blocks alone, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn. Flavour Text: Though proud defenders of minor temples and villages, the pixiu prefer to live solitary, lonesome lives. Set/Rarity: Xianlu Common

Inscrutable Pixiu

Creature – Chimera

Whenever Inscrutable Pixiu attacks or blocks alone, it gets +1/+1 until end of turn.

Though proud defenders of minor temples and villages, the pixiu prefer to live solitary, lonesome lives.

4/4

Updated on 12 Dec 2017 by Mal

Code: CG11

History: [-]

2017-10-31 12:54:41: Mal created and commented on the card Inscrutable Pixiu

by Mal:

This downside has rarely been used and only appears on one actual creature so far (Master of Cruelties), so I'm testing it out in Green. Otherwise, it's really similar to Charging Rhino, but intended for Bequeath decks.

2017-11-01 07:19:19: Mal edited Inscrutable Pixiu:

"Can only attack alone/can't be blocked by more than one creature" > "Whenever ~ attacks or blocks alone, it gets +2/+2 until end of turn." Positive reinforcement.

2017-11-02 11:32:53: Mal edited Inscrutable Pixiu:

3/3 +2/+2 on combat -> 3/4 +1/+1 on combat.

2017-12-10 19:52:12: Mal edited Inscrutable Pixiu:

3/4 -> 4/4.

by Tahazzar:

+1/+1 is such a minor bonus IMO that it feels weird to even have it. .. Could it be a 3/3 that gets +3/3? Kinda feels right.

by Mal:

+3/+3 seems kind of, dichotomous (is that even a word?) and a bit too strong, but I'd probably be open to making it 3/3 that gets +2/+2. Encourages attacking alone more.

by Tahazzar:

Actually, I somehow read the effect as just "Whenever ~ attacks, ..." so that skewed my view on it.

Have you considered the loner mechanic of "as long as you control no other creatures, ..."?

by SecretInfiltrator:

I recall introducing the wording "Whenever ~ enters combat" for exactly this reason.

I think the correct way to do so in current templating would be using an if-clause.

by Mal:

@Tahazzar I find that the loner mechanic actively punishes people for doing things they want to do i.e. play creatures. It's a bit annoying when you're playing a color known for being #1 in creatures and you can't play your cool creatures because it would make this creature less cool.

@SecretInfiltrator I think the current wording works just fine - see Exalted wording and Battlegrace Angel. "enters combat" seems a lot smoother, but I'm not going to rock the boat since it's not a phrase that I'd use that often in the set.

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