Alister and his brother managed to survive
I love The Reaper, King No More, because it turns a blighted creature from a foe to a friend once per turn, and can deter board wipes if you spread the -1/-1 counters around enough
You dont know exactly what youll get, but its going to be something good for sure, especially when X=7 or higher
If another effect (or effects) modifies how much damage a Wizard you control would dealby preventing some of it, for examplethe player being dealt damage or the controller of the permanent being dealt damage chooses the order in which any such effects (including Trance Kuja's) apply
in hand wouldnt be likely to sink me too hard, as 20 to 23 of my spells cost less than five mana
In the latter case, don't worry about losing your creature, as it can be easily replayed from the graveyard