Aragorn, Company LeaderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Leading the Company

Aragorn has two distinct triggers that work in tandem. The first occurs whenever the Ring tempts you. If you choose a creature other than Aragorn to be your Ring-bearer, you get to place a first strike, vigilance, deathtouch, or lifelink counter on Aragorn. The second ability triggers whenever one or more counters are placed on Aragorn, allowing you to copy those specific counter types onto another target creature.

The Temptation Process

When the Ring tempts you, you first progress your Ring emblem's abilities. Then, you choose a creature to become or remain your Ring-bearer. Even if you choose a creature that was already your Ring-bearer, Aragorn's first ability will trigger as long as that creature isn't Aragorn himself. Once that ability resolves and a counter is placed on him, his second ability immediately triggers, targeting another creature to receive a matching counter.

Timing and Strategy

To maximize Aragorn, you want to ensure you have a separate creature to carry the Ring. Aragorn acts as the 'buff engine,' while his teammate carries the Ring's unique combat abilities. Remember that if multiple types of counters are placed on Aragorn at the same time—such as from a spell that grants both a +1/+1 and a Lifelink counter—his second ability will trigger and let you put one of each of those types on your other target.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that Aragorn must be on the battlefield when the Ring tempts you to get the first trigger. Additionally, his second ability is a triggered ability that uses the stack; you must choose the target for the second ability when it is put on the stack, not when the counters are initially placed on Aragorn. Note that his second ability only copies the 'kinds' of counters, so if you put two +1/+1 counters on him, the target gets one +1/+1 counter.

Interaction examples

The Humble Scout

Aragorn, Company LeaderSakura-Tribe ElderThe Ring // The Ring Tempts You

With Aragorn and Sakura-Tribe Elder on the field, an effect causes the Ring to tempt you. You choose Sakura-Tribe Elder as your Ring-bearer. Aragorn's first ability triggers. You choose to put a lifelink counter on Aragorn. As that counter is placed, Aragorn's second ability triggers, allowing you to put a lifelink counter on Sakura-Tribe Elder. Now both creatures have lifelink.

Shared Resilience

Aragorn, Company LeaderSolemn SimulacrumThe Ring // The Ring Tempts You

You have Solemn Simulacrum and Aragorn in play. The Ring tempts you, and you choose Solemn Simulacrum to remain your Ring-bearer. You choose a vigilance counter for Aragorn. Because a counter was placed on Aragorn, you then target Solemn Simulacrum with his second ability to give it a vigilance counter as well. Your Ring-bearer can now attack without tapping and benefits from the Ring's inherent 'can't be blocked by greater power' ability.