overcomplication is NOT something im worried about, i just want this set to seem a bit more realistic and less ... gross (the flavor and color pie is repeateedly violated, me no like)
Also see Lightning Crafter. It can be difficult to figure out just how much the Crafter 'costs'. But comparing it to other rares with champion at 4 mana probably helps: Boggart Mob, Nova Chaser and Thoughtweft Trio for example.
Also, modern card design theory says that even if this card was overcosted, and only did 1 point of damage, that it couldn't be common. Prodigal Pyromancers are supposed to be at least uncommon because of their ability to kill multiple creatures, and too many cards like this can cause overly complicated board states. But I reckon whether or not you care about that sort of thing is a matter of personal taste.
Hmm, but the symmetry means it steals a card from an opponent. That seems like a thing I can let black do. Like black can't usually life-gain but can drain-life.
I think it would be better if it was when it actually hit the opponent. Both flavour-fully and power-wise.
Also the name. Stealthy raiders really want evasion. (But the card is better without having native evasion.)
Cantrips are in all colors. Obviously it's the repeatable nature here that makes it questionable. There doesn't exist a mono- discard spell that would make you draw more than one card.
Currently, there isn't a true mono- creature that would draw a card when it deals combat damage to a player either.
As far as I know, Curiosity is more of a than a effect at the moment (Sixth Sense).
Given 's flirting with discard (even outside of time spiral with stuff like Ghastlord of Fugue and Vendilion Clique), and how the Thieving Magpie is arguable the stronger side of that effect, one could say it would be more approriate in mono-.
> Taking away a resource from an opponent and gaining an equivalent resource in their stead is black's trademark.
It could at least have "if they do, then you draw a card."
This basically casts Unhinge/Syphon Mind and I don't see what is wrong with that. Taking away a resource from an opponent and gaining an equivalent resource in their stead is black's trademark.
I always thought Dimir Cutpurse needs the blue mana only to get the effect at primary color discount.
This now is definitely a card with terrifying potential of card advantage with the right synergies kept in check by the mana cost. A great improvement.
I wouldn't be surprised that even with associated mana cost this was rare material, but the cost could be enough to make this uncommon.
this is better maybe? very red, so could work?
overcomplication is NOT something im worried about, i just want this set to seem a bit more realistic and less ... gross (the flavor and color pie is repeateedly violated, me no like)
hm okay uncommon, will try something
a wee bit different, that could be beneficial though
a wee bit different, that could be beneficial though
yess
is this really red? i guess it could be.?
i like! i like the idea, thank you!
i plan on making a more evasive raider too
i think i will change the name, and add the if they do, and change it to hit player. tell me what you think
In that case:
Indeed, seems odd to make a more costly llanowar elf.
I'd go for a small increase in power or toughness.
That makes sense.
Maybe you can do something with detection, since the name is about a snake tasting the air?
How about...
UEOT, target creature may block any non-flying creature.
If it's a snake, it also gains deathtouch UEOT.
Better flavor. How about making it less insular by allowing this to target any creature, but giving a better effect to Snakes.
Just look at how Vampire's Zeal approaches effects that care about creature types.
Syphon Mind is not a cantrip. Rewording this with an "If they do" is a valid change. I'd suggest doing so.
I found some MaRo's comments on the possibility of Curiosity in
(2012-2015):
Obviously "discard so I draw" has slightly different connotations.
Also see Lightning Crafter. It can be difficult to figure out just how much the Crafter 'costs'. But comparing it to other rares with champion at 4 mana probably helps: Boggart Mob, Nova Chaser and Thoughtweft Trio for example.
Also, modern card design theory says that even if this card was overcosted, and only did 1 point of damage, that it couldn't be common. Prodigal Pyromancers are supposed to be at least uncommon because of their ability to kill multiple creatures, and too many cards like this can cause overly complicated board states. But I reckon whether or not you care about that sort of thing is a matter of personal taste.
Brimstone Mage and Valakut Invoker are two examples of how much this effect should cost. Neither has such an efficient body though.
I would just reprint Stabbing Pain.
Hmm, but the symmetry means it steals a card from an opponent. That seems like a thing I can let black do. Like black can't usually life-gain but can drain-life.
I think it would be better if it was when it actually hit the opponent. Both flavour-fully and power-wise.
Also the name. Stealthy raiders really want evasion. (But the card is better without having native evasion.)
Cantrips are in all colors. Obviously it's the repeatable nature here that makes it questionable. There doesn't exist a mono-
discard spell that would make you draw more than one card.
Currently, there isn't a true mono-
creature that would draw a card when it deals combat damage to a player either.
Closest I can find are: Shoreline Salvager, Nightveil Specter, and Helm of the Ghastlord.
As far as I know, Curiosity is more of a
than a 
effect at the moment (Sixth Sense).
Given
's flirting with discard (even outside of time spiral with stuff like Ghastlord of Fugue and Vendilion Clique), and how the Thieving Magpie is arguable the stronger side of that effect, one could say it would be more approriate in mono-
.
> Taking away a resource from an opponent and gaining an equivalent resource in their stead is black's trademark.
It could at least have "if they do, then you draw a card."
This basically casts Unhinge/Syphon Mind and I don't see what is wrong with that. Taking away a resource from an opponent and gaining an equivalent resource in their stead is black's trademark.
I always thought Dimir Cutpurse needs the blue mana only to get the effect at primary color discount.
This now is definitely a card with terrifying potential of card advantage with the right synergies kept in check by the mana cost. A great improvement.
I wouldn't be surprised that even with associated mana cost this was rare material, but the cost could be enough to make this uncommon.