Anim Pakal, Thousandth MoonHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Swarm of Gnomes

Anim Pakal's ability triggers whenever you declare one or more non-Gnome creatures as attackers. The ability first places a +1/+1 counter on Anim Pakal itself, then checks how many +1/+1 counters are on it to determine how many 1/1 Gnome artifact creature tokens you create. Because these tokens enter the battlefield tapped and attacking, they immediately contribute to your combat damage for the turn.

The Timing of Attacks

It is important to note that the Gnome tokens are never 'declared' as attackers. They enter the battlefield already attacking after the declare attackers step has ended. This means any abilities that trigger 'whenever a creature attacks' will not trigger for the Gnomes. However, Anim Pakal does not need to be one of the creatures you attack with to trigger the ability; she can sit safely on the sidelines while your other creatures charge in.

Resolution and Removal

If an opponent destroys Anim Pakal in response to the trigger, the ability still resolves. Since it is no longer on the battlefield, the game looks at the number of +1/+1 counters that were on her the last time she was on the battlefield to determine how many Gnomes to create. You won't be able to add the new counter, but you still get your army based on her last known state.

Choosing Targets

When the Gnome tokens enter the battlefield, you choose which player, planeswalker, or battle each individual Gnome is attacking. They do not have to attack the same target as the creatures that triggered the ability. This provides incredible flexibility to pressure multiple opponents or pick off low-loyalty planeswalkers.

Interaction examples

Starting the Engine

Anim Pakal, Thousandth MoonSolemn Simulacrum

You control Anim Pakal, Thousandth Moon with zero counters. You declare Solemn Simulacrum as an attacker. This triggers Anim Pakal. First, you put a +1/+1 counter on Anim Pakal. Then, you create one 1/1 Gnome token because she now has one counter. The Gnome enters tapped and attacking.

Doubling the Decree

Anim Pakal, Thousandth MoonRoaming Throne

You have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' chosen as the creature type. When you attack with Roaming Throne, Anim Pakal's ability triggers twice. The first resolution adds a counter to Anim Pakal and creates Gnomes. The second resolution adds another counter and creates even more Gnomes based on the new total.

Scaling the Battle

Anim Pakal, Thousandth MoonGnome

If you attack with a previously created Gnome token and no other creatures, Anim Pakal will not trigger because the attacking creature must be a non-Gnome. However, if you attack with Anim Pakal herself (a Human), the ability triggers, she gets a counter, and you create new Gnome tokens based on her current total of counters.