I realized I never posted my own thoughts here
On gating, this should be really cool, but potentially REALLY unbalanced. WotC is walking a thin line here, since you can cast an instant speed gating spell in response to Wrath or Armageddon and save your stuff. This is, thankfully, not even close to the brokenness of the "untap X lands" mechanic (shudder) If they make the cards balanced, this mechanic will rock! Quick question for everyone though: why do you think WotC is now releasing the cool new mechanics in the middle of the block instead of in the first set and get the most out of it (fading...)?
I think you would word it like this:
Deny
3U
Instant
Gating 3(You may return up to 3 permanents you control to their owner's hand as you play this spell. Reduce the spell's mana cost by 1 for each permanent returned in this way.)
Counter target spell.
As for Familiars, I really like the idea of a deck using these and Leeches. Again, the trick is making them a worthwhile creature in addition to the ability. I'd like to see something like this:
Sapphire Familiar
1UU
Creature - Familiar
Blue spells you play cost U less to play.
Flying
2/2
Ruby Familiar
1RR
Creature - Familiar
Red spells you play cost R less to play.
First Strike
2/2
Alabaster Familiar
1WW
Creature - Familiar
White spells you play cost W less to play.
1: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to Alabaster Familiar.
1/3
Andradite Familiar
1BB
Creature - Familiar
Black spells you play cost B less to play.
B: +1/+1 until end of turn.
1/2
Emerald Familiar
1GG
Creature - Familiar
Green spells you play cost G less to play.
Trample
2/2
Just a thought.
[Edited by Cateran Emperor on 11-07-00 at 08:54 AM]
