Observe as I invoke the summoning spell for a basic Cloudfin Raptor. How many counters does it enter the battlefield with? If you were paying attention last week, this should be a no-brainer. Cloudfin Raptor normally enters with zero counters, but Master Biomancer’s ability causes it to enter with an additional number of counters (in this case, 2), so the Raptor will enter the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters. (That’s right — “in addition” can be in addition to zero!)
To set up our next experiment, let’s clear the counters off this Raptor and morph it into a mirror version of myself. Now we have two Master Biomancers (both with 2 power) on the battlefield. What happens if I cast a Cloudfin Raptor now? Apply the effects of both Biomancers! Additional two plus additional two makes additional four, so the Raptor will enter the battlefield with a hefty stack of four +1/+1 counters. (Don’t ask how neither Biomancer has any counters… they must have entered at the same time!)
Getting dizzy, are we? Just a minor side effect of my temporal displacement spell… don’t worry about the details. In any case, we’ve returned the game state to myself (a 2/4 Master Biomancer) and a 0/1 Cloudfin Raptor on the battlefield. Watch carefully as I cast a second Cloudfin Raptor, which enters the battlefield with two +1/+1 counters. See how there’s no time when the Raptor is on the battlefield and it’s not a 2/3? Because the second Raptor is already larger than the first upon its entrance, it triggers the evolve ability of the smaller, which will gain a +1/+1 counter of its own.
These Raptors seem to be going at each other’s throats now…I suppose we’ll have to end this session early. Report back to the lab next week, initiates, and don’t forget to bring your toad.
Today’s Rules Tip written by Jen Wong