BaaallerinaHow it works & interactions with other cards

Sticker Placement and Utility

Baaallerina features an 'enters' triggered ability that allows you to place a name sticker on a nonland permanent you own. Unlike ability or power/toughness stickers, name stickers are generally used for cosmetic or specific reference purposes, but Baaallerina turns them into a mechanical advantage. By paying {2}{U}, you can give any other creature with a name sticker flying until the end of the turn, regardless of when that sticker was applied.

Resolving the Performance

When Baaallerina enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you choose a nonland permanent you own and apply a name sticker from your available sticker sheets. Later, when you activate its activated ability, you must target 'another' creature—meaning Baaallerina cannot target itself—and that creature must already have a name sticker on it to be a legal target.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A frequent oversight is trying to sticker a land; remember that Baaallerina specifies 'nonland permanent.' Additionally, name stickers persist as a permanent moves to any zone other than the library or hand. If a stickered creature is destroyed and later returned to the battlefield, it retains its name sticker, making it eligible for Baaallerina's activated ability once again without needing a new sticker.

Strategic Timing

The best time to use Baaallerina is when you have high-impact creatures that lack evasion. Because the activated ability can be used at instant speed, you can wait until your opponent declares blockers or use it during their turn to provide a surprise flying blocker. It also serves as a persistent mana sink in the late game to keep your ground threats airborne.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Spotlight

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and have chosen 'Sheep' as the creature type, Baaallerina's entry ability triggers twice. This allows you to place name stickers on two different nonland permanents you own, setting up multiple targets for the flying activation later.

The Airborne Golem

Solemn Simulacrum

After Baaallerina enters, you place a name sticker on Solemn Simulacrum. Now, you can spend {2}{U} at any time to give the Golem flying. This helps Solemn Simulacrum attack over enemy lines to chip away at your opponent's life total or safely trigger its 'dies' ability by being blocked by an enemy flyer.