Iacta is a realm of gamblers, games and wild bets. The richest beings of a hundred planes are invited by the demon-dons to gamble their life's earnings, and even their lives, on games of chance and arena brawls between armies and titanic beings.
Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, [DO X]. Then each player draws a card.
Bet (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
Creature roulette (When this spell is cast but before it is revealed, target opponent chooses a target creature.)
Scry X (To scry X, look at the top X cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom of your library and the rest on top in any order.)
Suit card supertype
Actuarial Homunculus1U
Creature - Homunculus (C) T: Look at top card of your library. You may exile that card. "Investment trial false 60 percent positive... Ukor imports probability reduction factor four... stocks rising 14 percent... Crucius steeplechase profit immediate..."
1/2
Feral InfluenceG
Instant (C)
Target creature gains trample until end of turn. Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, that creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Then each player draws a card. "You are indeed at an advantage, Lord Vrixmal. But have you considered how your favored ones will manage without the gift of rational thought?" —Hezra, Bagnium madam
Thopter Sentry2
Artifact Creature - Construct (C)
Flying Dealers use them to prevent cheating. Collectors use them to find debtors.
1/2
Blood Downs Stakesman2R
Creature - Human Warrior (C)
When Blood Downs Stakesman enters the battlefield, bet. If you win the bet, Blood Downs Stakesman gains haste until end of turn. (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
3/1
One-Armed BanditR
Creature - Goblin Rogue (C)
Haste
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice One-Armed Bandit and draw a card.
2/1
Divert Attention3W
Instant (C)
Untap target attacking or blocking creature and remove it from combat.
Draw a card. "All you need to stop that mob outside your gates is a single bag of gold sovereigns." —Mercer
Underdog's GloryW
Instant (C)
Creature roulette (When this spell is cast but before it is revealed, target opponent chooses a target creature.)
Target creature gets +4/+8 until end of turn. "A popular victor is good. A popular and hopelessly outmatched victor is truly great." - Gen-tairei, Lord of the Hedged Wagermark
Ace of SkullB
Suit Instant (C)
Target creature gets -X/-X until end of turn, where X is 1 plus the number of cards named Ace of Skull in each graveyard.
Skull Jacket1B
Enchantment - Aura (U)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +3/+1 as long as it's black, otherwise it gets -1/-3. "Er... I wouldn't try that one on, it's not your color." -Azzo, Shady-Side Tailor
Uncommon 2 of 3: (There are two foil cards in this pack - one common, and one of random rarity.)
Aqueduct Serpent4U
Creature - Serpent (U)
Defender (This creature can't attack.)
At the beginning of your upkeep, bet. If you win the bet, Aqueduct Serpent loses defender until end of turn. (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
4/5
Restless Orgudon5G
Creature - Fungus Beast (U)
Trample
At the beginning of each player's end step, if that player didn't cast a spell during that turn, put two +1/+1 counters on Restless Orgudon. Where the Vrixmali saw the orgudon as investments, the Crucians saw them as liabilities.
4/4
Incendiary Brawl3RR
Sorcery (U)
Flip a coin. If you win the flip, choose both. Otherwise, choose one at random —
• Incendiary Brawl deals 3 damage to each creature.
• Put four 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens onto the battlefield. "A riot in the Blood Downs often means casualties, collateral damage, or goblins. If you're unlucky, it's all three." —Demacia, Crucius lawbringer
Requisition Order1U
Sorcery
Target opponent chooses a nonland card type. Reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a card of the chosen type. Put that card into your hand, then shuffle the rest of the revealed cards into your library.
Xathrid Grandmaster1BB
Creature - Human Monk
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Xathrid Grandmaster.
At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a +1/+1 counter from Xathrid Grandmaster. If you do, you lose 1 life. "What is the sound of one neck snapping?"
2/2
Phantasmal Spider2U
Creature - Illusion Spider
Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)
When Phantasmal Spider becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it. Despite its nonsubstance, its webs are surprisingly solid.
2/4
Venerable Mystic1W
Creature - Human Monk
Whenever Venerable Mystic blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +2/+2 and gains double strike until end of turn. The day after the Shattergang Brothers had healed enough to walk, a new order made the streets: "Don't touch the old man."
1/2
Tattooed Wanderer1R
Creature - Human Monk
When Tattooed Wanderer dies, return it to the battlefield under an opponent's control. 3: Change the target of target spell or ability that targets only Tattooed Wanderer. Each tattoo tells the story of his life, and it is said that another one appears each time he dies.
3/2
Reliquary Master2WW
Creature - Human Monk
Noncreature artifacts you control have indestructible.
When Reliquary Master dies, sacrifice a noncreature artifact. "There is an unfounded rumor among the apprentices, one which claims that Brother Tolten locks himself in the inner sanctuary each night to divine his relics' secrets. While we do not condone gossip within the Order, we do commend our brother for his diligence." —Abbot Zikara
2/4
My reasoning: This is an easy game for the most part, because you just have to create a card that starts with the next letter of the alphabet. Some people therefore choose to do it on "hard mode", i.e. "think of as many cards as you can before someone responds and invalidates your entire post".
Disruptive Element1UU
Instant
Counter target spell. If that spell's converted mana cost was 1 or less, draw a card. "To think that you were almost worthy of my acknowledgement." —Ilyss, Whisperer of Lies
Yup, I was trying to figure out if the solution to that one was easy enough to find.
Just one more for now before I go back to my archives. I have a solution in mind for this, but I'd be interested to see if there are any alternatives:
A few turns ago, your opponent, Paolo, played a number of Sinkholes to reduce your land count, then used Relic of Progenitus to make sure you wouldn't be getting them back. Now you're at 4 life and he has the dominant presence on the table; when his next turn comes around, Paolo's not going to have any qualms about sending everything he has in your direction.
You don't have a lot of cards on the table, so you shouldn't be any way to win this game... or is there?
It is the start of your first main phase. Win this game before your opponent does.
Paolo is at 6 life, has no cards in his hand, and has no untapped lands. He has these cards in play:
You have a deck made from your LGS’s bargain box. Bosko has a deck with some rather expensive cards. You'd think that you wouldn't stand a chance against him, but you've managed to hold up well so far.
Last turn, however, Bosko made his move: He cast Eureka, then used it to empty his hand of the three Eldrazi titans that are now glaring at you from across the table. That’s Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul, in case you need the reminder. If you don't take them down now, they'll grind you into paste on Bosko's attack next turn.
It is the start of your first main phase. Remove all three legendary Eldrazi creatures from the battlefield this turn.
Bosko is at 15 life, and has no cards in his hand. He has these cards in play:
Iacta is a realm of gamblers, games and wild bets. The richest beings of a hundred planes are invited by the demon-dons to gamble their life's earnings, and even their lives, on games of chance and arena brawls between armies and titanic beings.
Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, [DO X]. Then each player draws a card.
Bet (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
Actuarial Homunculus1U
Creature - Homunculus (C) T: Look at top card of your library. You may exile that card. "Investment trial false 60 percent positive... Ukor imports probability reduction factor four... stocks rising 14 percent... Crucius steeplechase profit immediate..."
1/2
Feral InfluenceG
Instant (C)
Target creature gains trample until end of turn. Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, that creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Then each player draws a card. "You are indeed at an advantage, Lord Vrixmal. But have you considered how your favored ones will manage without the gift of rational thought?" —Hezra, Bagnium madam
Thopter Sentry2
Artifact Creature - Construct (C)
Flying Dealers use them to prevent cheating. Collectors use them to find debtors.
1/2
Blood Downs Stakesman2R
Creature - Human Warrior (C)
When Blood Downs Stakesman enters the battlefield, bet. If you win the bet, Blood Downs Stakesman gains haste until end of turn. (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
3/1
One-Armed BanditR
Creature - Goblin Rogue (C)
Haste
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice One-Armed Bandit and draw a card.
2/1
Common 6 of 8: (There are two foil cards in this pack - one common, and one of random rarity.)
Precarious Oath2BB
Sorcery (C)
As an additional cost to cast Precarious Oath, pay 4 life.
At the beginning of your next upkeep, target opponent loses 4 life and you gain 4 life. "You disappoint me, Gemeth. I distinctly heard you mention that you would give your left arm to play." —Obiex, Lord of the Scarred Coin
Lumen Shield3W
Enchantment - Aura (C)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and can't be sacrificed.
When enchanted creature dies, put that card on top of its owner's library. After half of the Order's new recruits were injured keeping the peace, the Sunlit Torch developed ways to protect its troops.
Divert Attention3W
Instant (C)
Untap target attacking or blocking creature and remove it from combat.
Draw a card. "All you need to stop that mob outside your gates is a single bag of gold sovereigns." —Mercer
Seal of ReconciliationW
Enchantment
Sacrifice Seal of Reconciliation: Exile target creature. Its controller gains life equal to its power. "I am the pacifier, the furrow that replaces the blade." —Seal inscription
Iacta is a realm of gamblers, games and wild bets. The richest beings of a hundred planes are invited by the demon-dons to gamble their life's earnings, and even their lives, on games of chance and arena brawls between armies and titanic beings.
Common 1 of 8: (There are two foil cards in this pack - one common, and one of random rarity.)
Actuarial Homunculus1U
Creature - Homunculus (C) T: Look at top card of your library. You may exile that card. "Investment trial false 60 percent positive... Ukor imports probability reduction factor four... stocks rising 14 percent... Crucius steeplechase profit immediate..."
1/2
Flaming Deterrent2R
Sorcery (C)
Flaming Deterrent deals 4 damage to target creature. Flip a coin. If you win the flip, another target creature can't block this turn. "One day overdue? I redecorate your home. One week overdue? I break both of your legs. One month overdue? I make an example of you." —Melanthe, Obiex collector
Feral InfluenceG
Instant (C)
Target creature gains trample until end of turn. Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, that creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Then each player draws a card. "You are indeed at an advantage, Lord Vrixmal. But have you considered how your favored ones will manage without the gift of rational thought?" —Hezra, Bagnium madam
Penitent Monk2W
Creature - Human Monk
Defender (This creature can't attack.)
Penitent Monk costs 2 less to cast if an opponent was dealt damage this turn.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you gain 1 life.
2/3
Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, [DO X]. Then each player draws a card.
Bet (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
Creature roulette (When this spell is cast but before it is revealed, target opponent chooses a target creature.)
Scry X (To scry X, look at the top X cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom of your library and the rest on top in any order.)
Suit card supertype
Creature - Homunculus (C)
T: Look at top card of your library. You may exile that card.
"Investment trial false 60 percent positive... Ukor imports probability reduction factor four... stocks rising 14 percent... Crucius steeplechase profit immediate..."
1/2
Feral Influence G
Instant (C)
Target creature gains trample until end of turn.
Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, that creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Then each player draws a card.
"You are indeed at an advantage, Lord Vrixmal. But have you considered how your favored ones will manage without the gift of rational thought?" —Hezra, Bagnium madam
Thopter Sentry 2
Artifact Creature - Construct (C)
Flying
Dealers use them to prevent cheating. Collectors use them to find debtors.
1/2
Blood Downs Stakesman 2R
Creature - Human Warrior (C)
When Blood Downs Stakesman enters the battlefield, bet. If you win the bet, Blood Downs Stakesman gains haste until end of turn. (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
3/1
One-Armed Bandit R
Creature - Goblin Rogue (C)
Haste
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice One-Armed Bandit and draw a card.
2/1
Divert Attention 3W
Instant (C)
Untap target attacking or blocking creature and remove it from combat.
Draw a card.
"All you need to stop that mob outside your gates is a single bag of gold sovereigns." —Mercer
Underdog's Glory W
Instant (C)
Creature roulette (When this spell is cast but before it is revealed, target opponent chooses a target creature.)
Target creature gets +4/+8 until end of turn.
"A popular victor is good. A popular and hopelessly outmatched victor is truly great." - Gen-tairei, Lord of the Hedged Wagermark
Ace of Skull B
Suit Instant (C)
Target creature gets -X/-X until end of turn, where X is 1 plus the number of cards named Ace of Skull in each graveyard.
Skull Jacket 1B
Enchantment - Aura (U)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +3/+1 as long as it's black, otherwise it gets -1/-3.
"Er... I wouldn't try that one on, it's not your color." -Azzo, Shady-Side Tailor
Uncommon 2 of 3: (There are two foil cards in this pack - one common, and one of random rarity.)
Aqueduct Serpent 4U
Creature - Serpent (U)
Defender (This creature can't attack.)
At the beginning of your upkeep, bet. If you win the bet, Aqueduct Serpent loses defender until end of turn. (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
4/5
Restless Orgudon 5G
Creature - Fungus Beast (U)
Trample
At the beginning of each player's end step, if that player didn't cast a spell during that turn, put two +1/+1 counters on Restless Orgudon.
Where the Vrixmali saw the orgudon as investments, the Crucians saw them as liabilities.
4/4
Incendiary Brawl 3RR
Sorcery (U)
Flip a coin. If you win the flip, choose both. Otherwise, choose one at random —
• Incendiary Brawl deals 3 damage to each creature.
• Put four 1/1 red Goblin creature tokens onto the battlefield.
"A riot in the Blood Downs often means casualties, collateral damage, or goblins. If you're unlucky, it's all three." —Demacia, Crucius lawbringer
Sorcery
Target opponent chooses a nonland card type. Reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a card of the chosen type. Put that card into your hand, then shuffle the rest of the revealed cards into your library.
Creature - Human Monk
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Xathrid Grandmaster.
At the beginning of your upkeep, remove a +1/+1 counter from Xathrid Grandmaster. If you do, you lose 1 life.
"What is the sound of one neck snapping?"
2/2
Creature - Illusion Spider
Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)
When Phantasmal Spider becomes the target of a spell or ability, sacrifice it.
Despite its nonsubstance, its webs are surprisingly solid.
2/4
Creature - Human Monk
Whenever Venerable Mystic blocks or becomes blocked, it gets +2/+2 and gains double strike until end of turn.
The day after the Shattergang Brothers had healed enough to walk, a new order made the streets: "Don't touch the old man."
1/2
Creature - Human Monk
When Tattooed Wanderer dies, return it to the battlefield under an opponent's control.
3: Change the target of target spell or ability that targets only Tattooed Wanderer.
Each tattoo tells the story of his life, and it is said that another one appears each time he dies.
3/2
Creature - Human Monk
Noncreature artifacts you control have indestructible.
When Reliquary Master dies, sacrifice a noncreature artifact.
"There is an unfounded rumor among the apprentices, one which claims that Brother Tolten locks himself in the inner sanctuary each night to divine his relics' secrets. While we do not condone gossip within the Order, we do commend our brother for his diligence." —Abbot Zikara
2/4
Disruptive Element 1UU
Instant
Counter target spell. If that spell's converted mana cost was 1 or less, draw a card.
"To think that you were almost worthy of my acknowledgement." —Ilyss, Whisperer of Lies
Just one more for now before I go back to my archives. I have a solution in mind for this, but I'd be interested to see if there are any alternatives:
A few turns ago, your opponent, Paolo, played a number of Sinkholes to reduce your land count, then used Relic of Progenitus to make sure you wouldn't be getting them back. Now you're at 4 life and he has the dominant presence on the table; when his next turn comes around, Paolo's not going to have any qualms about sending everything he has in your direction.
You don't have a lot of cards on the table, so you shouldn't be any way to win this game... or is there?
It is the start of your first main phase. Win this game before your opponent does.
Paolo is at 6 life, has no cards in his hand, and has no untapped lands. He has these cards in play:
Child of Night (tapped)
Paolo has only one creature card in his graveyard: a Soul of Innistrad.Duskmantle Seer (tapped) with Assault Suit
Skaab Ruinator (tapped)
Abyssal Gatekeeper
Insectile Aberration
Faerie Macabre
Nightveil Specter
2 islands (both tapped)
2 swamps (both tapped)
2 Watery Grave (both tapped)
You are at 4 life. You have these cards in play:
Shadow Guildmage
Your cards in hand:Plague Witch
Puppeteer Clique
1 island
2 swamps
Izzet Guildgate
Dredge
The top two cards of your library (which you know due to a recent Ponder) are:Set Adrift
Exhume (topmost card)
You currently have only two cards in your graveyard:Nicol Bolas, Planeswalker (second to top)
Ponder
Ultimate Price
You have a deck made from your LGS’s bargain box. Bosko has a deck with some rather expensive cards. You'd think that you wouldn't stand a chance against him, but you've managed to hold up well so far.
Last turn, however, Bosko made his move: He cast Eureka, then used it to empty his hand of the three Eldrazi titans that are now glaring at you from across the table. That’s Ulamog, Kozilek, and Emrakul, in case you need the reminder. If you don't take them down now, they'll grind you into paste on Bosko's attack next turn.
It is the start of your first main phase. Remove all three legendary Eldrazi creatures from the battlefield this turn.
Bosko is at 15 life, and has no cards in his hand. He has these cards in play:
Fauna Shaman
Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre
Kozilek, Butcher of Truth
Emrakul, the Aeons Torn
1 Eldrazi Spawn token
3 plains (two tapped)
3 forests (two tapped)
Savannah
Temple Garden
You are at 9 life. You have these cards in play:
Festering Goblin
Vithian Stinger
Death’s-Head Buzzard
5 swamps
4 mountains
You have the following cards in your hand:
Tremor
Orzhov Euthanist
Funeral March
Bet (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
Creature - Homunculus (C)
T: Look at top card of your library. You may exile that card.
"Investment trial false 60 percent positive... Ukor imports probability reduction factor four... stocks rising 14 percent... Crucius steeplechase profit immediate..."
1/2
Feral Influence G
Instant (C)
Target creature gains trample until end of turn.
Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, that creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Then each player draws a card.
"You are indeed at an advantage, Lord Vrixmal. But have you considered how your favored ones will manage without the gift of rational thought?" —Hezra, Bagnium madam
Thopter Sentry 2
Artifact Creature - Construct (C)
Flying
Dealers use them to prevent cheating. Collectors use them to find debtors.
1/2
Blood Downs Stakesman 2R
Creature - Human Warrior (C)
When Blood Downs Stakesman enters the battlefield, bet. If you win the bet, Blood Downs Stakesman gains haste until end of turn. (To bet, exile the top three cards of your library and name a card type, then choose a card exiled this way at random. You win the bet if the chosen card is of the named type. Then return the exiled cards to the bottom of your library in a random order.)
3/1
One-Armed Bandit R
Creature - Goblin Rogue (C)
Haste
At the beginning of the end step, sacrifice One-Armed Bandit and draw a card.
2/1
Common 6 of 8: (There are two foil cards in this pack - one common, and one of random rarity.)
Precarious Oath 2BB
Sorcery (C)
As an additional cost to cast Precarious Oath, pay 4 life.
At the beginning of your next upkeep, target opponent loses 4 life and you gain 4 life.
"You disappoint me, Gemeth. I distinctly heard you mention that you would give your left arm to play." —Obiex, Lord of the Scarred Coin
Lumen Shield 3W
Enchantment - Aura (C)
Enchant creature
Enchanted creature gets +2/+2 and can't be sacrificed.
When enchanted creature dies, put that card on top of its owner's library.
After half of the Order's new recruits were injured keeping the peace, the Sunlit Torch developed ways to protect its troops.
Divert Attention 3W
Instant (C)
Untap target attacking or blocking creature and remove it from combat.
Draw a card.
"All you need to stop that mob outside your gates is a single bag of gold sovereigns." —Mercer
Enchantment
Sacrifice Seal of Reconciliation: Exile target creature. Its controller gains life equal to its power.
"I am the pacifier, the furrow that replaces the blade." —Seal inscription
Common 1 of 8: (There are two foil cards in this pack - one common, and one of random rarity.)
Actuarial Homunculus 1U
Creature - Homunculus (C)
T: Look at top card of your library. You may exile that card.
"Investment trial false 60 percent positive... Ukor imports probability reduction factor four... stocks rising 14 percent... Crucius steeplechase profit immediate..."
1/2
Flaming Deterrent 2R
Sorcery (C)
Flaming Deterrent deals 4 damage to target creature. Flip a coin. If you win the flip, another target creature can't block this turn.
"One day overdue? I redecorate your home. One week overdue? I break both of your legs. One month overdue? I make an example of you." —Melanthe, Obiex collector
Feral Influence G
Instant (C)
Target creature gains trample until end of turn.
Parley — Each player reveals the top card of his or her library. For each nonland card revealed this way, that creature gets +2/+2 until end of turn. Then each player draws a card.
"You are indeed at an advantage, Lord Vrixmal. But have you considered how your favored ones will manage without the gift of rational thought?" —Hezra, Bagnium madam
Creature - Human Monk
Defender (This creature can't attack.)
Penitent Monk costs 2 less to cast if an opponent was dealt damage this turn.
At the beginning of your upkeep, you gain 1 life.
2/3