Vampire Hexmage does wonderful things with the Phyrexian Etchings, and the life cost from this is actually lower compated to Necropotence the more age counters are on it. You get to draw tons of cards, but as well as with the Necropotence, you've gotta be careful not to pay too much life, or else you're screwed if you don't get the right cards.

  -- By Jens N from Denmark on October 25, 2009

*Power conduits also work out very well w/ anything cumulative upkeep based :)

  -- By Jason from Minneapolis, MN USA on January 24, 2009

Kinda like necropotence...just not fast. Or efficient if you consider the life, turns and cards you get from a typical game. Still very potent 1st turn off dark ritual. Needs a combo like clockspinning to avoid the life loss and not pay the upkeep at all.

  -- By Dinosaur from Capron,Il on August 25, 2008