Some nice conniving creatures may work well in tandem, acting as ways to filter cards you dont want while also generating +1/+1 counters to spend
The title was originally going to be "5 Ways." Then I couldn't find a 5th wayso here we are
Admittedly, it isnt in the usual mana range for aristocrats decks, and its on the high end, casting wise, for GY hate, but Ive never not seen this card do a lot of work
When using the Shift 5 ability, which allows the six-cost card to be played one turn early if a cheaper Merlin can be commandeered for the cause, Merlin gets to make use of another feature called Overdeveloped Brain
Legendary Creature - Spirit Advisor Color tag templates(None) Resolute Archangel Flying When this creature enters, if your life total is less than your starting life total, it becomes equal to your starting life total