Rhystic

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Rhystic
Mechanic
Introduced	Prophecy
Last used	Prophecy
Text	… unless [someone] pays [cost].
Storm Scale	9
Scryfall Statistics
cards
rhystic effect cards

Rhystic is the unofficial name of a mechanic utilized on cards from the Prophecy expansion on cards that all have the word Rhystic in their name. In the wider sense it is used to describe some effect that occurs unless a player pays to keep it from happening.

Description

For example Withdraw is an instant that reads, "Return target creature to its owner's hand. Then return another target creature to its owner's hand unless its controller pays ." When Withdraw resolves, the targeted creature's controller may pay to stop the second part of Withdraw's effect from happening.

As with all spells and abilities, most choices (other than targets) are made on resolution, not when the spell or ability is played. For rhystic spells and abilities, this includes the choice of whether to pay the cost to stop the "unless" part of the effect.

While the mechanic looks and plays badly nowadays, the Limited format of Prophecy revolved around sacrificing lands and being penalized for having untapped lands, which meant that the average game had much fewer spare lands than normal and maneuvering into a spot where opponents couldn't pay the Rhystic tax was a realistic option.

Flavor

Flavorwise, rhystic spells are fast, cheap, reckless spells that can be easily disrupted if there is too much mana around. They were invented by Alexi, Zephyr Mage and other Jamuraan spellshapers. Alexi aided the forces of Barrin and Teferi in the Kipamu League against the invading Keldons.

The expansion symbol of Prophecy depicts crystals. These are meant to evoke the rhystic magic.

Counterspells

While the Rhystic mechanic itself was not considered successful, many counterspells are printed with a rhystic clause. Furthermore the ward mechanic employs a rhystic tax on targeting a permanent.