Pointed Discussion

this plus Dingus Staff. either dont sac it and lose 1 life, or do and take 2 damage. this would be the proper counter to the infinate squirrel combo. (Earthcraft + Squirrel Nest)

I can see this being quite evil in a u/b control deck, not sure if it had the other cards needed back in it's time though... But I'ld play it now! XD

Definitely helps speed up multiplayer, even if you're drawing serious heat by playing it.

Absolutely a control card

This should be atleast 2 of in every extended u/b control deck

And only cmc? Delicious.

Just add Paradox Haze for added benefit.

Pendrell Mists is a much better card. Paying mana is a much steeper cost in general than paying life; you have to build up mana with cards from your library, and you have to choose between using that mana for a payment and using it to perform other actions in the game. You just happen into a free twenty life at the beginning of each game, and all put the last point is surplus. When you simply have to pay that life, you don't have to forgo most other actions you had planned for the turn.

Plus, Pendrell Mists is a single color. I think both qualities make up for the additional mana cost.

"Just add Paradox Haze for added benefit." - jonnyrue2u

Not sure why that comment is super-downrated, it seems useful since you would obviously be enchanting your opponent. Pretty good with Magus of the Abyss too.

I"d probably run this with Perilous Research unless the deck was mostly creatureless.

Blood Artist. Make them really pay.

I could see these being great in a Legacy Mill deck. Drop a couple to keep the board empty while you mill and drop the occasional straight removal spell for the fatties.

A great way to knock down people playing with populate or stuff like Eldrazi

Is the effect cumulative if you have multiple copies on the field?