The option to pay a spell differently is usually stated in the text of the spell (or ability suggesting an alternative payment) and appears as follows: You may [perform an action] rather than pay [this object]s mana cost This is stated on Force of Will or Shining Shoal, as well as in the rules for Flashback, Overload and Evoke
The deck also includes some great zombie tribal cards like Cemetery Reaper and Gleaming Overseer, which are nice for new players to have if they want to stick with this precon
While X spells don't always thrive there, given the prevalence of "cast without paying its mana cost" effects that like to cast them for zero, many consider ElectrodominanceElectrodominance worth the risk because it allows you to burn an opponent out with all the mana you've acquired from your rituals, then tack another spell on to continue the process for others
"Kor Celebrant" (ZNR) "Kor Celebrant" (ZNR) from $5.00 Artist proof card
However, Shiko doesnt just copy instants or sorceries, but any spell
Whether sending your elves to die in combat or sacrificing them to something like Skullclamp, you want to trigger Miara, Thorn of the Glade often
