You Exist Only to AmuseHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

When this scheme is set in motion at the start of your precombat main phase, it offers a choice between two powerful effects. If you satisfy the threshold of controlling six or more lands, you no longer have to choose—you get both. The first option generates three 1/1 red Devil tokens that deal damage when they die, while the second option turns all creatures your opponents control into 1/1s with no abilities until your next turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the scheme is set in motion, and its triggered ability goes on the stack. Second, you check the number of lands you control; if you have six or more, both modes are selected automatically. Third, if you have fewer than six, you choose one mode. Finally, the ability resolves: tokens are created, and/or a continuous effect is applied to your opponents' creatures. This effect overwrites base power and toughness and removes all printed and granted abilities.

Common Mistakes

A common error is forgetting that the 'lose all abilities' effect applies to creatures your opponents control as the scheme resolves, but it also applies to those creatures if they enter the battlefield later in the turn, as the effect modifies the creatures themselves for a set duration. Also, remember that the land count is checked only as the ability is put onto the stack; changing your land count in response won't change how many modes you get.

When to Play It

This scheme is most devastating when your opponents have established a complex board state with powerful static abilities or large threats. By turning them into 1/1s, you effectively neutralize their deck's synergy for a full turn cycle. It is best saved for when you have six lands to ensure you get the defensive tokens alongside the massive debuff.

Interaction examples

Generating Resources

Command TowerDevil

If you control five Command Tower cards and set the scheme in motion, you must choose one mode. If you choose the first mode, you create three 1/1 red Devil tokens. These tokens are excellent deterrents, as they can deal 1 damage to any target upon their death.

Achieving Total Dominance

Sol RingCommand Tower

If you have six Command Tower cards on the battlefield, the scheme triggers and automatically selects both modes. Even if you used a Sol Ring to accelerate your mana earlier, the scheme only cares about the 'Land' type. Your opponents' creatures lose all abilities and become 1/1s, and you get your three Devil tokens simultaneously.

Neutralizing Threats

Devil

When the second mode is active, your opponents' creatures are 1/1s with no abilities. If your 1/1 Devil token blocks one of their now-1/1 creatures, both will die. The Devil's 'on death' trigger will then resolve, allowing you to ping another 1/1 creature or a player for 1 damage.