Ainok Strike LeaderHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Multi-Opponent Offensive

The primary ability of Ainok Strike Leader triggers whenever it, your commander, or both are declared as attackers. Note that even if both attack simultaneously, the ability triggers only once. Upon resolution, you create a 1/1 red Goblin creature token for each opponent you have in the game. These tokens enter the battlefield already tapped and attacking those specific opponents, bypassing the need for you to manually declare them as attackers.

Protective Sacrifice

Beyond its offensive capabilities, Ainok Strike Leader can be sacrificed at any time to grant all creature tokens you control indestructible until the end of the turn. This is an activated ability that doesn't require mana, making it an excellent response to board wipes or unfavorable blocks. Because it targets 'creature tokens you control,' this includes the Goblins it just created, as well as any other tokens currently on your side of the field.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you declare Ainok Strike Leader or your commander as an attacker during the Declare Attackers step. This puts the triggered ability on the stack. Second, as the ability resolves, you identify each opponent. Third, you place a 1/1 red Goblin token onto the battlefield for each opponent, tapped and attacking them. These Goblins did not 'attack' for the purpose of abilities that trigger 'whenever a creature attacks,' as they were put onto the battlefield already attacking.

Strategic Timing

The best time to use the sacrifice ability is in response to a spell or ability that would destroy your tokens. Since the indestructible effect lasts until the end of the turn, you can even sacrifice it during your main phase if you anticipate a sweep, though waiting until the last possible moment is usually more effective for maintaining board pressure.

Interaction examples

Generating the Horde

Ainok Strike LeaderGoblin

If you are in a four-player game, attacking with Ainok Strike Leader will trigger its ability to create three 1/1 red Goblin tokens. Each token will enter the battlefield tapped and attacking one of your three opponents.

Protecting Non-Combat Tokens

Ainok Strike LeaderOrnithopter of Paradise

If you control a token version of Ornithopter of Paradise (perhaps via a copy spell) and an opponent casts a destruction spell, you can sacrifice Ainok Strike Leader. The Ornithopter of Paradise token will gain indestructible, while the original card version would not.

Non-Token Interaction

Ainok Strike LeaderEsper Sentinel

If you sacrifice Ainok Strike Leader to protect your board, remember that it only affects tokens. A non-token creature like Esper Sentinel will not gain indestructible from this ability and will still be vulnerable to destruction.