Casting non-creature spells with a cost of three or more while Yshtola is in play causes each of your opponents to lose two life while you gain two in return
Nowadays, there are many more defensive abilities, some with the actual protection keyword themselves
My first impression is that the Falkenwrath Gorger / Olivia, Mobilized for War decks look really bad
If you do, creatures you control get +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of historic permanents you control
It has emerged as a Modern staple due to its synergy with Overlord of the Balemurk
A modern skeleton looks like: Threats (1214): Bitterblossom 4, Spellstutter Sprite 4, Mistbind Clique 3, Brazen Borrower 3 Disruption (1012): Thoughtseize, Inquisition of Kozilek, Fatal Push, plus 46 counterspells Card advantage: a couple of Vendilion Clique or a planeswalker like Jace Lands (22): Dimir duals + Faerie Conclave + a Mutavault It rewards tight, instant-speed play exactly the skill faeries are famous for