Raffine, Scheming Seer: A Powerhouse in Combo Decks and Control Strategies

Raffine, Scheming Seer is a formidable flying sphinx demon that has been making waves in the Magic: The Gathering community. With its unique conning ability, which allows it to manipulate the number of attacking creatures and generate card advantage, Raffine is an excellent addition to combo decks and control strategies.

Card Mechanics and Interactions

Raffine's conning ability is its most significant feature, allowing it to connive X, where X is the number of attacking creatures. This means that whenever a player attacks with Raffine as a result of their own attack or another creature's attack (via double strike), they draw X cards and discard X cards. Additionally, for each nonland card discarded this way, Raffine gains +1/+1 counters.

The key aspect of Raffine's conning ability is the interaction with other creatures on the battlefield. When a player attacks with Raffine, the number of attacking creatures is used to determine how many cards to draw and discard. This means that if there are no attacking creatures, Raffine does not gain any card advantage.

It's also worth noting that Raffine's ability only triggers when it attacks or another creature attacks, but does not trigger when an opponent attacks with a creature that is not on the battlefield. However, since Raffine is flying, it can attack and generate conning effects even in situations where its opponent's creatures are blocked by lands.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Raffine is often played in combo decks and control strategies, as its ability allows for card advantage generation and manipulation of the battlefield. Here are a few examples of how Raffine can be used strategically:

• Combo decks: Raffine's conning ability makes it an excellent addition to combo decks that rely on drawing cards or manipulating the number of attacking creatures. For example, a combo deck featuring Time Walk and Expedition Lands can use Raffine to generate card advantage and accelerate its game plan.
• Control strategies: Raffine's flying ability makes it difficult for opponents to block, while its conning ability allows players to generate card advantage without having to sacrifice creatures. This makes it an excellent addition to control decks that focus on disrupting their opponent's plans or generating card advantage through removal spells.

One popular synergy between Raffine and other cards is with Counterspell. When used in combination with Raffine, Counterspell can be used to target attacking creatures with the conning ability, allowing players to draw cards and gain a significant advantage. This synergy makes Raffine a versatile addition to control decks that rely on counterspells.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Raffine is often included in decklists as a late-game threat or a way to accelerate game plans. Here are a few examples of deck archetypes that feature Raffine:

• Combo decks: Raffine's conning ability makes it an excellent addition to combo decks that rely on drawing cards or manipulating the number of attacking creatures.
• Control strategies: Raffine's flying ability and conning ability make it difficult for opponents to block, while also allowing players to generate card advantage without sacrificing creatures.
• Mill decks: Raffine's conning ability can be used in combination with mill decks that rely on drawing cards and discarding lands. This synergy makes Raffine a valuable addition to these types of decks.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Raffine was released in the Modern format, where it has been met with moderate reception from players. While some find its ability too complex or unwieldy, others appreciate its unique conning mechanics and potential for card advantage generation.

In recent tournaments, Raffine has seen significant play in combo decks that feature cards like Time Walk and Expedition Lands. However, its viability in more casual formats is still a topic of debate among players.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

Raffine's conning ability is subject to certain rules interactions and technical notes:

• Attacking creatures: Raffine's conning ability only triggers when it attacks or another creature attacks. If there are no attacking creatures, the ability does not trigger.
• Nonland cards: The number of nonland cards discarded in order to generate card advantage is determined by the number of attacking creatures. This means that if all attacking creatures are land lands, Raffine will not gain any +1/+1 counters.
• Flying creatures: Raffine's flying ability allows it to attack without being blocked by lands.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Raffine, Scheming Seer was designed by artist Megan Honeywell, who has a history of creating fantastical and intricate artwork for Magic: The Gathering cards. Raffine is depicted as a sphinx demon with glowing blue eyes and a conning ability that allows her to manipulate the battlefield.

Raffine's flavor text reads "Gaze upon your foes, and then depart in smoke." This quote captures her mischievous and cunning nature, while also hinting at her complex relationship with her opponents.

Conclusion Summary

In conclusion, Raffine, Scheming Seer is a unique and powerful flying sphinx demon that excels at generating card advantage and manipulating the number of attacking creatures. Its conning ability makes it an excellent addition to combo decks and control strategies, while its flying ability allows it to attack without being blocked by lands.

While its viability in certain formats is still a topic of debate among players, Raffine's potential for game-changing plays makes her a valuable addition to any deckbuilder looking to accelerate their game plan. As Magic: The Gathering continues to evolve and new cards are released, it will be interesting to see how Raffine adapts and evolves in the coming months.

Conclusion

Raffine, Scheming Seer is a complex and powerful card that offers a unique blend of flying and conning abilities. Its potential for card advantage generation and manipulation makes it an excellent addition to combo decks and control strategies. While its viability in certain formats is still a topic of debate, Raffine's potential for game-changing plays makes her a valuable addition to any deckbuilder looking to accelerate their game plan.

As Magic: The Gathering continues to evolve and new cards are released, it will be interesting to see how Raffine adapts and evolves. With its unique conning mechanics and flying ability, Raffine is sure to remain a powerful presence in the game for years to come.