Akal Pakal, First Among Equals - Showcase (LCI)

Akal Pakal, First Among Equals

Card Type: Legendary Creature - Human Advisor

Card Text:

• At the beginning of each player's end step, if an artifact entered the battlefield under your control this turn, look at the top two cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the other into your graveyard.

Card Characteristics:

• Casting Cost: {2}{U}.
• Power/Toughness: 1/5.

Artist: Alex Negrea

Card Abilities and Interaction:

• End Step Trigger: Akal Pakal's ability triggers at the beginning of each player's end step if an artifact entered the battlefield under your control during that turn. This includes both your turn and your opponent's turns.
• Library Scrying: The ability allows you to look at the top two cards of your library and make a choice. One card goes to your hand, and the other is put into your graveyard. This can be a useful way to filter your draws and interact with graveyard synergies.

Flavor and Lore: The title "First Among Equals" suggests a figure of significant influence and importance, and the ability reflects an affinity for artifacts. The artwork by Alex Negrea likely captures the advisor's demeanor and the artifacts associated with their presence.

Overall Impression: Akal Pakal, First Among Equals is a card that rewards the player for deploying artifacts to the battlefield, offering card selection and potential graveyard interaction. The card's utility depends on the presence of artifacts in the deck and the ability to consistently get them onto the battlefield. It can be particularly effective in artifact-themed decks or those aiming to benefit from graveyard strategies.