Burn, Burn, Tree and FernHow it works & interactions with other cards

Natural Destruction and Growth

This Saga operates on a four-turn cycle, using lore counters to trigger different abilities. Chapters I and II are targeted removal effects that specifically aim at your opponent's resources, while Chapters III and IV provide a burst of red mana. Like all Sagas, you add a lore counter as it enters the battlefield and again immediately after each of your draw steps.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When the Saga enters, Chapter I triggers; you must choose a target creature an opponent controls to receive 6 damage. On your next turn, after your draw step, the second lore counter is added, and you target an artifact an opponent controls to destroy it. In the third and fourth turns, the Saga adds one red mana to your mana pool. Note that the mana from Chapters III and IV is added during your pre-combat main phase, so you must spend it before moving to combat or it will be lost as the phase ends.

Timing and Sacrificing

A common mistake is forgetting that the Saga is sacrificed only after the Chapter IV ability has finished resolving or left the stack. If the mana from Chapter IV is the last thing you need for a spell, the Saga remains on the battlefield until that mana is actually added to your pool. Also, remember that Chapters I and II require targets; if there are no valid targets when the ability triggers, the ability is simply removed from the stack and nothing happens.

Strategic Implementation

This card is best used when you can capitalize on the extra mana provided in the later turns. Because it takes two turns to start generating mana, you should play it when you have a plan for that mana in advance. It is especially effective against decks reliant on utility creatures or key artifacts, as it removes those threats while setting you up for a powerful mid-game transition.

Interaction examples

Fueling Multiple Combats

Aggravated Assault

During your third or fourth lore counter triggers, Burn, Burn, Tree and Fern adds {R} to your mana pool. You can use this mana toward the {3}{R}{R} cost of Aggravated Assault. If you have enough additional mana, this allows you to untap your creatures and take an extra combat phase, turning the Saga's 'growth' into a relentless offensive.

Protecting the Horde

Shared Animosity

If your opponent has a large blocker that prevents your tribal deck from attacking safely, use Chapter I of Burn, Burn, Tree and Fern to deal 6 damage and remove that blocker. With the path clear, Shared Animosity will significantly buff your attacking creatures, allowing you to swing for lethal damage without the fear of a high-toughness creature trading with your units.