Pointed Discussion

A good mana sink if you're burned out in the late game.

Wrong! It burns in his hands, obviously.

Step 1: A 2/2 for 3? Not really good.
Step 2: An 8 mana(7 colorless, 1 red) burn for 5 damage only on players? Not really good.
Step 3: ???(And then Training Grounds.)
Step 4: Profit!(Enough Training grounds(4) turns this into a 1 red, 5 damage to target player. That's better than a lightning bolts ratio, and can be used unlimited times. You obviously need the training grounds though, but if you've already got that.... turn 5 can turn into GG rather easily.

Because I'm lazy, I won't optimize it.
Turn 1: Breeding Pool, Birds of Paradise
Turn 2: Cascade Bluffs, 3x Training Grounds
Turn 3: Cascade Bluffs, This, Training Grounds.
Turn 4: Cascade Bluffs, 25 dmg from this ability.

Ha ha, I accidently 4 of same card in 4 turns or less. It's okay, I play with 10 card decks. Jk.

Red decks have a tendency to run out of hand if games go too long, or just draw land when what you need is a giant Blaze. What this card offers is Red repeatable direct damage that becomes pretty valuable when you just need a Lava Axe or two to finish them off, and is a a relevant creature type that can attack for 2 until then. It's pretty good, and a bomb in Limited.

Perhaps an outlet for the mana you get from your Goblin Warrens / Mana Echoes combo? He is even the correct creature type.

Breaks creature stalemates in limited.

Master Of Etherium You Are So Awesome!!!