Magic: The Gathering - Conspiracy Review

Overview

Conspiracy is an enchantment card that allows players to choose a creature type, which then applies to all creatures controlled by the player. This effect can be used to create a cohesive board state, disrupt opponents' creatures, or enable specific strategies.

Detailed Card Mechanics and Interactions

The unique mechanic of Conspiracy lies in its ability to modify the creature types of creatures already under control. When it enters the game, the player chooses a creature type, which then applies to all relevant creatures, including those in play, hand, and as cards they own but do not have on the battlefield.

For example, if a player chooses "Goblin" as their creature type when Conspiracy enters, they will apply the effects of any Goblin-based cards to all their creatures. This includes applying power and toughness boosts from Goblin-based enchantments, such as Goblin Guide or Krenko's Mob.

Another important interaction is that Conspiracy affects both creature spells and creatures owned but not on the battlefield. If a player chooses a creature type like "Human" when Conspiracy enters, they will apply its effects to any Human-based cards they own but do not have on the board, as well as any creatures in their hand or in the graveyard.

Strategic Uses, Combos, and Synergies

Conspiracy can be used strategically to disrupt opponents' creature boards or create a cohesive board state of one's own. By choosing a specific creature type, players can apply its effects to all relevant creatures, creating an advantage on the battlefield.

One example of this is using Conspiracy to apply the effects of "Goblin" to all creatures in play and hand. This would allow a player with Goblin-based cards to take control of any Goblin or Goblin-like creature on the board, potentially turning them into a formidable force.

Another strategic use for Conspiracy is to choose a creature type that allows players to take advantage of a specific card's effect. For example, choosing "Golem" as their creature type could enable players to apply the effects of cards like Goblin Guide, which creates a 2/2 Goblin creature token.

Combining Conspiracy with other cards can create powerful synergies. For instance, pairing Conspiracy with Thought-Knot Seer allows players to take control of creatures while also applying the effects of Thought-Knott Seer's "look at player's hand" ability.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Conspiracy can fit into a variety of deck archetypes, from aggressive creature-based strategies to more controlling, removal-focused decks. By choosing a specific creature type, players can tailor their deck around that type and create a cohesive strategy.

One archetype for Conspiracy is the "creature-swarm" deck, which uses multiple copies of low-toughness creatures to flood the board with Goblin or other chosen types. These decks often rely on cards like Goblin Guide and Krenko's Mob to generate tokens and swarm the board.

Another archetype for Conspiracy is the "removal-focused" deck, which uses cards like Abrupt Decay and Sever the Wastes to clear the way for the chosen creature type. These decks often rely on other enchantments or counterspells to disrupt opponents' creatures while clearing the board for their own.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Conspiracy has been a staple of Magic: The Gathering's competitive scene since its introduction in 2012, particularly in formats like Standard and Modern. Its ability to apply effects to all creatures under control makes it an attractive card in formats where creature-based strategies are prevalent.

In recent years, Conspiracy has seen increased play in the "aggro" format of Modern, where players focus on quickly swarming the board with low-toughness creatures. In this format, cards like Goblin Guide and Krenko's Mob are often paired with Conspiracy to create a formidable creature swarm.

However, Conspiracy has also been played in more controlling formats, such as Limited and Pauper, where its ability to apply effects to creatures in hand and the graveyard can be used to disrupt opponents' plans.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

In terms of rules interactions, Conspiracy is an enchantment that enters the game with its own unique mechanic. When it enters, the player chooses a creature type, which then applies to all relevant creatures, including those in play and hand.

One technical note on Conspiracy is that it does not create a new creature type; rather, it modifies the creature types of creatures already under control. This means that if a player has multiple creature types, they can choose one that will apply to all relevant creatures.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Conspiracy was first introduced in 2012 with the release of the Guildgates set. Its art depicts a mysterious, ancient-looking symbol that seems to hold secrets and power within its design.

In terms of flavor, Conspiracy is often associated with themes of secrecy and hidden knowledge. The card's ability to apply effects to all creatures under control suggests that it holds some kind of ancient or forbidden magic within its own design.

Over the years, Conspiracy has seen various revisions and updates, including changes to its mana cost and additional text interactions. Despite these changes, its core mechanic remains the same: applying a chosen creature type to all creatures under control.

Summary of Key Points

• Conspiracy is an enchantment card that allows players to choose a creature type, which then applies to all creatures controlled by the player.
• The effect can be used at any time during the turn and affects both creature spells and creatures owned but not on the battlefield.
• Conspiracy can be used strategically to disrupt opponents' creature boards or create a cohesive board state of one's own.
• It has been a staple of Magic: The Gathering's competitive scene since its introduction in 2012, particularly in formats like Standard and Modern.

Conclusion Summary

Conspiracy is a powerful enchantment card that offers a unique mechanic for players to apply effects to all creatures under control. Its strategic uses range from disrupting opponents' creature boards to creating a cohesive board state of one's own. With its versatility and impact on the game, Conspiracy remains a staple in many Magic: The Gathering decks and formats, particularly those that focus on aggressive or controlling strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does Conspiracy interact with other enchantments?
  • Conspiracy modifies the creature types of creatures already under control, so it interacts with enchantments by changing their effects.
• Can I use Conspiracy to create a new creature type?
  • No, Conspiracy only applies its chosen creature type to all creatures under control; it does not create a new creature type.
• What formats is Conspiracy most commonly played in?
  • Conspiracy has been staples of Standard and Modern.