Raffine, Scheming Seer - Golden Age Showcase (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.)

Strengths:

• Flying: Raffine, Scheming Seer has the flying keyword, which makes it difficult for many ground-based creatures to block or interact with it.
• Ward 1: The ward 1 ability makes it slightly more challenging for opponents to target or remove Raffine with spells or abilities.
• Card Advantage: Raffine's ability to connive when you attack can potentially lead to card advantage, as you draw and discard cards. This can help you find answers or threats.

Weaknesses:

• Low Stats: Raffine has relatively low power and toughness for its mana cost, making it vulnerable in combat and to removal spells.
• Dependent on Attacking: To trigger Raffine's ability, you need to attack, which may expose your creatures to potential blockers and leave you vulnerable on the defense.
• Limited Ward: While ward 1 can protect Raffine from some targeted removal, it's not a complete safeguard, and more powerful spells can still eliminate it.

Deck Considerations:

• Aggressive Decks: Raffine can fit into aggressive decks that want to maintain card advantage while attacking. Drawing and discarding cards can be beneficial in these decks.
• Control Decks: In control decks, Raffine can provide card selection and advantage, helping you find answers to your opponent's threats.
• Synergy: Consider including cards that create multiple attacking creatures to maximize the connive effect.

Flavor and Art:

• Art: The art of Raffine, Scheming Seer likely depicts this sphinx demon in a contemplative and cunning pose, reflecting its role as a seer and schemer.
• Flavor: The flavor of the card aligns with its title, suggesting that Raffine is manipulating or scheming with attacking creatures, symbolized by the connive ability.

Overall Impression:

Raffine, Scheming Seer offers a unique card advantage and manipulation effect tied to attacking. It can be a valuable addition to decks that focus on aggression and card advantage. However, its vulnerability in combat and reliance on attacking may require careful deck construction and strategy to maximize its potential.