Cipher is an ability that triggers on damage dealt causing a copy to be cast. Misdirection is a cost-reduction effect. I don't think it wants to be an ability because it would either be extremely unwieldy, or the spells would become uncounterable.
As to the number, it varies a lot. But 1-3 (only one of which is unmitigated, guaranteed card advantage like Divination or Inspiration) seems usual. Scars had none. Counting blue multicolor, you have 3 pure draw, and no less than 6 cantripping spells (2 of which are creatures). Unless the rest of blue is severely underpowered, this is just ridiculous in constructed speed.
There, I fixed up the misdirection wording so it can be on sorceries.
and wow, I had no idea. Point taken, I'm going to do some serious work on blue card draw.
Would this work better as an ETB mechanic?
Repeat mill is usually a blue mechanic.
Cipher is an ability that triggers on damage dealt causing a copy to be cast. Misdirection is a cost-reduction effect. I don't think it wants to be an ability because it would either be extremely unwieldy, or the spells would become uncounterable.
As to the number, it varies a lot. But 1-3 (only one of which is unmitigated, guaranteed card advantage like Divination or Inspiration) seems usual. Scars had none. Counting blue multicolor, you have 3 pure draw, and no less than 6 cantripping spells (2 of which are creatures). Unless the rest of blue is severely underpowered, this is just ridiculous in constructed speed.
also 5 out of 15 cards in blue common are draw-related. what's a good number?