When Niko enters, create two Shard tokens. (They're enchantments with ", Sacrifice this token: Scry 1, then draw a card.")
, : Exile target nonlegendary creature you control. Shards you control become copies of it until the next end step. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.
Niko is a value engine that pumps out Shard tokens for card advantage, then converts those Shards into copies of your best nonlegendary creature while simultaneously blinking the original for an ETB trigger. You build a board of high-impact ETB creatures and tokens, generate more Shards (and copies) than your opponents can answer, and grind out incremental advantage until you bury the table in card draw, tokens, and value triggers.
Built-in repeatable card advantage from Shard tokens and Niko's draw/scry
Doubles down on powerful ETB creatures by copying them onto Shards while blinking the original
Strong in the resilient, low-curve UW shell with great removal and protection
Tokens-matter and blink synergies overlap cleanly with the Shard mechanic
Niko herself is cheap (MV 4) and rebuildable after removal
Niko's copy ability is mana- and token-intensive, making it slow to snowball
Needs nonlegendary ETB creatures already in play to extract value
UW lacks reliable ramp and big mana, so explosive turns are hard
Copies are temporary (only until end of turn) unless you have additional blink/copy support
Vulnerable to board wipes that erase your tokens and creature board at once
Legendary Creature — Human Wizard
, Sacrifice this token: Scry 1, then draw a card.")
: Exile target nonlegendary creature you control. Shards you control become copies of it until the next end step. Return it to the battlefield under its owner's control at the beginning of the next end step.