Does this combo even work?
Deck Help forum
Posted on Feb. 18, 2014, 9:15 p.m. by DeciusTerra
Meletis Charlatan + Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx (devotion of 6 or more) + Mindreaver + Hidden Strings
How I think it works:
Lets say the field consists of a Nightveil Specter , a Meletis Charlatan , a Mindreaver , 4 Island s, and a Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx .
Tap all of the Island for 4 U mana.
Spend 2 mana to cast Hidden Strings targeting Mindreaver and any other permanent.
While Hidden Strings is on the stack, activate Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx 's devotion ability. (Adding 6 U mana)
After Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx resolves but before Hidden Strings does, activate Meletis Charlatan to copy Hidden Strings . This time targeting Meletis Charlatan and Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx .
After the copy of Hidden Strings resolves repeat steps 3-5 until you have 50 or so mana in the mana pool.
Continue to activate Meletis Charlatan to copy Hidden Strings targeting Meletis Charlatan and Mindreaver until your opponents library is gone.
I don't think it works because you aren't casting the copies, they are just being made. Sure you can generate a butt-ton of mana, but you won't be able to mill your opponent out since the copied Hidden Strings isn't being cast. Therefore Mindreaver 's triggered ability won't get triggered.
February 18, 2014 9:33 p.m.
Perhaps replace Meletis Charlatan with Elite Arcanist ? It might be both safer and less stack-y, as well as requiring less devotion.
Also, the copy is "cast." Elite Arcanist says so right on the card.
February 18, 2014 9:47 p.m.
Epochalyptik says... #5
Note that Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx 's ability is a mana ability. It resolves immediately.
Also, rules questions belong in the Q&A.
Bestach says... #2
In terms of giving infinite mana, yes. In terms of actually playing it, unlikely. It requires 4 separate cards, plus at least one other, e.g. Nightveil Specter , or more, to get to 6 devotion. Thats at least a 5 card combo. In EDH or casual it could be a pretty fun and complex deck or combo to include in Mono-Blue, but idk how often it would actually work.
February 18, 2014 9:26 p.m.