Jackal, Genius Geneticist

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Jackal is a 2cmc 1/1 trample legendary that copies creature spells whose mana value equals his current power, then grows via +1/+1 counters. The trigger creates a self-scaling engine: start by casting 1-mana creatures, then 2-mana, then 3-mana, etc., doubling each spell into a non-legendary token. Signature in plus-one-counters and tokens-go-wide shells, and is a natural combo piece (clone-triggers at power N with the right density). The requirement to match exact mana value to current power is a significant build constraint — the deck must deliberately sequence creature spells of escalating mana value.

• Jackal's copy trigger checks his power AT THE TIME the creature spell is cast, so counter placement after the copy means the NEXT copied creature must have MV one higher — a strict sequencing constraint that requires the deck to curve creatures at exactly 1, 2, 3, etc.

  tagging · claude-sonnet-4-6

• Because the copy is 'except not legendary,' Jackal can freely copy legendary creature spells and field multiple copies as tokens — this is a deliberate design that makes him a strong engine for legendary-creature-heavy Simic goodstuff.

  tagging · claude-sonnet-4-6

• Jackal starts at power 1 and must trigger at least once before he can copy 2-drops, so early interaction that bounces or kills him resets the engine completely — bounce-vulnerable is a notable risk even though it is not tagged (implicit removal risk applies).

  tagging · claude-sonnet-4-6

• EDHREC rank: #15,572