Bloodline CullingHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing Your Mode

As you cast Bloodline Culling, you must choose one of its two modes. The first mode targets a specific creature and applies a -5/-5 penalty, while the second mode affects all creature tokens currently on the battlefield without targeting them. Because the second mode does not target, it can bypass keyword abilities like hexproof or shroud on tokens.

Resolution and Duration

Once the spell resolves, the chosen effect lasts until the end of the current turn. If you chose the first mode and the target creature becomes illegal (for example, it gains protection from black), the spell will fail to resolve. If you chose the second mode, only tokens that are on the battlefield at the moment the spell resolves are affected; tokens that enter later in the turn will not receive the -2/-2 penalty.

Strategic Implementation

This card is particularly effective in formats where Treasure, Clue, or Creature tokens are prevalent. Use it early to disrupt aggressive token strategies or save it to shrink a large threat so it can be finished off in combat. Remember that reducing a creature's toughness to 0 or less will cause it to be put into its owner's graveyard as a state-based action.

Interaction examples

Responding to Sacrifice

Deadly Dispute

If your opponent casts Deadly Dispute and sacrifices a creature as a cost, you cannot use Bloodline Culling to kill that creature in response because it is already gone. However, if they cast Deadly Dispute and create a Treasure token, and that Treasure later becomes a creature (via another effect), you could use Bloodline Culling's second mode to wipe out all such tokens.

Stacking Removal Effects

Deadly Rollick

Suppose your opponent has a creature with indestructible. You can cast Bloodline Culling choosing the -5/-5 mode. If that doesn't reduce its toughness to 0, you could then follow up with Deadly Rollick to exile it. Alternatively, if the creature is a token, Bloodline Culling's second mode provides a way to weaken it before using exile effects to ensure it stays gone.