Cackling SlasherHow it works & interactions with other cards

Lethality and Growth

Cackling Slasher has two distinct parts to its identity. First, deathtouch allows it to destroy any creature it deals damage to, regardless of that creature's toughness. Second, it has a replacement effect that checks the history of the current turn: if any creature has died, Cackling Slasher enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter. This check includes any creatures controlled by any player.

Resolution of the Entry Effect

It is important to note that the +1/+1 counter ability is not a triggered ability; it is a static ability that creates a replacement effect. As Cackling Slasher moves from the stack to the battlefield, the game checks if the 'creature died this turn' condition has been met. If it has, the Slasher enters with the counter already on it. There is no window for opponents to respond between it entering and it having the counter.

Common Timing Mistakes

Players often mistake this for a triggered ability that goes on the stack. Because it says 'enters with' rather than 'When this creature enters,' you cannot wait for it to enter and then kill a creature in response to try and get the counter. The death must have occurred strictly before Cackling Slasher resolves and enters the battlefield.

When to Play Your Assassin

To maximize value, you should play Cackling Slasher during your post-combat main phase if a creature was destroyed during combat. Alternatively, use removal spells or sacrifice effects earlier in the turn to prime the battlefield for its arrival.

Interaction examples

The Value Exchange

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have a Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield and it is destroyed by an opponent's spell or during combat, a creature has 'died' this turn. If you then cast Cackling Slasher during that same turn, the game sees that Solemn Simulacrum hit the graveyard from the battlefield. Cackling Slasher will enter the battlefield as a 2/2 with a +1/+1 counter.

Static vs. Triggered Interactions

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Human' or 'Assassin' chosen, it will not affect Cackling Slasher's counter ability. Because Cackling Slasher's ability is a replacement effect ('enters with') and not a triggered ability ('When/Whenever/At'), Roaming Throne's doubling effect does not apply. The Slasher will still only receive one +1/+1 counter, even if a creature died.