Extra energy costs opening control
Whispering Earring grants one extra energy at the start of each turn, while Vakuu plays the first turn of each combat. The downside is the loss of control over sequencing, targeting and which cards consume the opening resources. Do not value it as an ordinary energy increase.
A deck that needs a power before its attacks, a precise retrieval target, or a defensive card saved until after another effect can pay heavily for that opening. Later turns having extra energy does not repair damage already taken during the automated turn.
Assess the opening rather than only the finished engine. Anchor starts combat with Block independently of finding a defensive card. Boot Sequence provides an Innate defensive option, but an automated turn still has interactions that depend on the rest of the hand. Neither is a universal guarantee of safety.
Compare the relic with Fiddle and Spiked Gauntlets by naming the specific action each downside removes from your deck. More energy is most valuable when the deck can use it without losing the sequence that makes its damage or defense function. The opening-hand consistency guide provides that inspection.
