[@Gemini Token] Yeah a Phyrexian isn't going to work, though I guess you already figured that. 

[@PrivateVentures] As has already been said, reusable counterspells don't exist in magic for a reason. Maybe instead a mana cost to tap a creature, like [url=http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=249384]Icy Manipulator?[/url]

[@1Charak2] For the created artifacts, I was thinking that you use mana cost/effect/etc. of existing cards but make item/appearance/etc. your own. The roleplay aspects are original, the statisitcal aspects are not. Created artifacts will have an "activation cost", i.e. They work like normal spells except they exist outside of duels, and can be used for whatever the item is (such as the cutlass chopping people).

[@Ryougu] I don't play magic all too often, when I do it's either at FNM or game days. Pretty much completely standard, though I've been thinking about making a commander deck (I do have an idea in mind).