[BLB] Beast Binder

[BLB] Beast Binder (@mtgjp)

https://preview.redd.it/1pk9krfsb3dd1.png?width=967&format=png&auto=webp&s=f5349520cbe2b9b488787810fb04882d172a6bf5

Azure Beastbinder - {1}{U}

Creature - Rat Rogue (Rare)

Vigilance

~ can't be blocked by creatures with power 2 or greater.

Whenever ~ attacks, up to one target artifact, creature, or planeswalker an opponent controls loses all abilities until your next turn. If it's a creature, it has base power and toughness 2/2 until your next turn

1/3

source: [@mtgjp via twitter](https://x.com/mtgjp/status/1813581947127648442)

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I think this could be a really great tool as a stax piece/pseudo removal.

It has downsides:

It's a creature and triggers on attack, so it's not going to help if someone plays a threat and combos off the same turn.

It needs to attack, which means a turn cycle before it comes online. That makes it pretty slow.

As a creature, it is vulnerable to removal, as opposed to regular removal that deletes the threat.

But, the really good thing about this is that you don't need to wait, it can be played proactively. It is a stax piece in that regard.

You could play this any time and lock down something unimportant until something really dangerous comes along.

If the threat changes, you can also pivot and change the target next turn.

Then it carries the benefit of being an evasive, vigilant body. Good for Tymna, good for Yuriko, a blocker with 3 toughness. Can be sac'd to the new Flare of Denial a pinch, or fed to various Evolution lines.

What do you think?