Raffine, Scheming Seer (SNC)

Raffine, Scheming Seer
Casting Cost: {W} {u} {b}
Card type: Legendary Creature - Sphinx Demon
Power/Toughness: 1/4
Card Text:

• Flying, Ward 1
• Whenever you Attack, Target Attacking Creature Connives X, Where X is the Number of Attacking Creatures. (Draw x cards, then discard x cards. Put A +1/ +1 counter on that creature for Each nonland card discarded this way.)
  Artist: Johannes Voss

Strengths:

• Card Selection: The "Connive" Mechanic Helps Sift Through Your Deck, Improving Card Quality in hand.
• Stat Buff: The Ability to Place +1/ +1 Counters Can Help Turn Smaller Threats Into More Potent Ones.
• Evasion and Protection: Flying makes it hard to block, and ward 1 adds a small layer of protection.
• Stats: 1/4 with flying and ward 1 for 3 mana sacrifices good defensive capabilities.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable: While it has ward 1, It's not Enough to Deter Many of the More Potent Removal Spells.
• Limited Offense: A 1/4 body is more defensive and won the close out games Quickly on its own.

Potential Deck Placement:

• A Strong Candidate For Esper-Colored (W/U/B) Flying or Attack-based decks in Both Standard and Commander.
• Could also fit well into a deck that leverages +1/ +1 counters or needs card filtering.

Flavor and Art:

• As a sphinx demon, it brings together wisdom and malevolence, which the artwork by Johannes Voss would likely reflect well.
• The Ward Ability Adds to the Concept of A "Scheming Seer," Making it Slightly More Difficult for Opponents to Directly Interfere with Raffine.

Overall impression:

Raffine, Scheming seer sacrifices a unique combination of abilities that can fit into multiple archetypes. The "Connive" Mechanic Gives The Card Significant Depth, Offering Both Card Selection and A Method to Power Up Your Creatures. It seems like a card that rewards tactical play and could be quely powerful in the right deck.