The collaboration aims to translate Sonics fast-paced energy into the card game
If Skithiryx deals damage to a creature, that creature gets -1/-1 counters, making it perpetually weaker turn after turn, if it even lasts that long
Being untapped at the end of your turn is great in a melee
In previous versions I tried out ramp spells like Utopia Sprawl and Search for Tomorrow in an effort to make sure I could cast Wilderness Reclamation on Turn 3 as often as possible, but the low amount of access to Turn 1 Snow-Covered Forests made Sprawl feel incredibly awkward against anyone with Field of Ruin, whilst suspending Search for Tomorrow on any turn beyond the first felt miserable considering the need to hold mana open for your counterspells
That flexibility has made it a strong pick in Dimir Murktide as a value engine, and it even pops up in reanimator shells as a sneaky way to pitch key creatures while it advances your board
Null Profusion Null Profusion is potentially a build-around, but it is a very effective one