Isochron Scepter

Tokens and Copies

"I don’t even know what [token instants and sorceries] means. Tokens, by definition, are permanents." I think they meant objects that are similar to the copies Isochron Scepter makes

Those aren’t tokens.

Instants Isochron Scepter Permanents Sorceries Tokens

Isochron Scepter Rules Clarification

Un-rules question time! If I imprint Counterspell onto Isochron Scepter with Richard Garfield, PhD. on the battlefield, when I activate the Isochron Scepter, can I cast the copy of Counterspell as another card that costs UU, assuming I haven't chosen that card previously?

No, the spell you get out of Isichron is a copy and not a card.

Activate Card Printing Cast Counterspell Imprint Isochron Scepter Richard Garfield Rules Un-sets

Secret Lair Mechanics

If I have R&D's Secret Lair out and I play Isochron Scepter removing a Lightning Bolt from the game, would it still be able to find it if the secret lair got destroyed and it suddenly started looking for the exiled card? Could I Cunning Wish to get the bolt back?

That’s just a terminology change so it would work fine.

Cunning Wish Game Design Isochron Scepter Lightning Bolt R&D's Secret Lair Secret Lairs The Exile Zone The Secret Lair

Isochron Scepter Query

If Isochron Scepter (via Strionic Resonator) has two instants imprinted, but only one of them makes tokens, can you use Mishra's Toy Factory to activate it?

Only if it’s going to make tokens.

Activate Card Printing Instants Isochron Scepter Mishra Strionic Resonator Tokens

Isochron Scepter Activation

Can I use the toy shop to activate isochron scepter if the the scepter has a token making instant imprinted?

Yes.

Activate Card Printing Instants Isochron Scepter Tokens

Isochron Scepter's Izzet Vibe

So is Isochron Scepter the Izzetiest(?) artifact?

It’s pretty Izzy.

Artifacts Isochron Scepter

Squirrel vs Scepter

Form of the Squirrel will not stop you activating Isochron Scepter & Elite Arcanist, but it will stop you casting the copies.

This is correct. I misunderstood the point of the original question.

Elite Arcanist Form of the Squirrel Isochron Scepter Squirrel

Sorcery Scepters

is an isochron scepter that does only Sorcerys possible?

Yes, it is possible.

Isochron Scepter Sorceries

Isochron Scepter Limits

Is there a reason why isochron scepter and elite arcanist are restricted to copying instants?

Restrictions breed creativity. : )

Elite Arcanist Instants Isochron Scepter

Isochron Scepter Future

Isochron Scepter is one of my favorite cards of all time. How is it on the Storm Scale? What about something similar?

We brought back imprint in Scars of Mirrodin block so imprint’s return is pretty good. I’d say a 4. It’s biggest issue is the design sapce is not as big as you might think.

Brought Back Card Printing Imprint Isochron Scepter Keyword Abilities Scars of Mirrodin Storm Scale

Isochron Scepter Design

Who designed Isochron Scepter, and how did it get passed development?

Isochron Scepter was designed by Tyler Bielman. Development has to push some number of cards and Isochron Scepter seemed like a very cool design. Sure in hindsight, it was a little too good.

Isochron Scepter

Richard Garfield Combo

How does Richard Garfield work if I imprint something onto my Isochron Scepter and then tap it? Can I cast the spell as itself even if I already did that once this game?

Richard Garfield PhD + Isochron Scepter = a bombo (aka it doesn’t work the way you want it to).

Card Printing Cast Imprint Isochron Scepter Richard Garfield Tap / Untap

Richard Garfield and Scepter

How does Richard Garfield work with Isochron Scepter?

It doesn’t. Richard Garfield, PhD (from Unhinged) only allows you to cast a card as another card with the same mana cost. It doesn’t allow you to imprint any card as another card with the same mana cost.

Card Printing Cast Imprint Isochron Scepter Mana Richard Garfield Unhinged

Set Design Nuances

I like that I can find new depth and secrets to a set even months or years after its release. The nuance you have put into the products, the easter eggs and the subtleties, are very rewarding. Today I learned that Inistrad Block has 666 cards, and that R&D might have printed Mimic Vat as an homage or update to Isochron Scepter. I hope Return to Ravnica has just as much nuance to it.

I’m not allowed to say anything about Return to Ravnica yet so I’ll just say I think you’ll be happy.

Card Printing Egg Game Design Isochron Scepter Mimic Vat Return to Ravnica