Fateseal
| Fateseal | |
|---|---|
| Keyword Action | |
| Introduced |
Mirage (mechanic) Future Sight (keyword) |
| Last used | Future Sight |
| Reminder Text |
Fateseal N (To fateseal N, look at the top N cards of an opponent's library, then put any number of them on the bottom of that player's library and the rest on top in any order.) Fateseal 1 (To fateseal 1, look at the top card of an opponent's library, then you may put that card on the bottom of that library.) |
| Storm Scale | 8[1] |
| Statistics |
2 cards  100% |
| Scryfall Search | |
| keyword:"Fateseal" | |
Fateseal is a keyword action similar to scry. The only difference between them is that when you scry, you affect your own library, and when you fateseal, you affect an opponent's library.
History
Fateseal was introduced in Future Sight, but was based on the mechanic of the Mirage card Sealed Fate. It has only been printed on two cards so far, Mesmeric Sliver and Spin into Myth. Fateseal is considered to be a very un-fun mechanic by R&D, and is not expected to show up again any time soon.[2][3][4]
Precognition has the effective text of "At the beginning of your upkeep, fateseal 1", which was printed back in Tempest. "Fateseal" has become the most common nickname for the first ability of the planeswalker Jace the Mind Sculptor, though the ability is not exactly the same since it allows also you to scry - but distinct from both, it can be redirected.
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- Fateseal
- To manipulate some of the cards on top of an opponent’s library. See rule 701.22, “Fateseal.”
From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)
- 701.22. Fateseal
- 701.22a To “fateseal N” means to look at the top N cards of an opponent’s library, then put any number of them on the bottom of that library in any order and the rest on top of that library in any order.
Rulings
- The fateseal action doesn't target. You choose which opponent to affect as part of performing the action.
Examples
Example 1
Mesmeric Sliver 
Creature — Sliver
2/2
All Slivers have "When this permanent comes into play, fateseal 1." (To fateseal 1, its controller looks at the top card of an opponent's library, then they may put that card on the bottom of that library.)
Example 2
Spin into Myth 
Instant
Put target creature on top of its owner's library, then fateseal 2. (To fateseal 2, look at the top two cards of an opponent's library, then put any number of them on the bottom of that player's library and the rest on top in any order.)
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (2014-02-23). "Where is fateseal on the storm scale?". Blogatog. Tumblr.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 18, 2015). "Modern Mailbag". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (August 10, 2020). "Back to the Future Sight, Part 2". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (May 17, 2021). "Future Sight Design Handoff Document". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.