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 offers 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't 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 offers 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 quite powerful in the right deck.