Calming LicidHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Calming Licid starts as a 2/2 creature, but its primary function is its activated ability. By paying one white mana and tapping it, the Licid stops being a creature and becomes an Aura enchantment with 'enchant creature'. While attached, the enchanted creature is prevented from attacking. At any time you have priority, you can pay one white mana to end this effect, turning it back into a creature.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you activate the ability by paying {W}, tapping Calming Licid, and choosing a target creature. Once the ability resolves, Calming Licid becomes an Aura and attaches to that target. It is no longer a creature, so it cannot be affected by creature-only removal like 'destroy all creatures'. If you choose to pay {W} to end the effect later, it immediately ceases being an Aura and becomes a creature again. If it is no longer attached to a creature when this happens, it simply stays on the battlefield as a creature.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion is how the 'end this effect' action works. Paying the {W} to turn the Licid back into a creature is a special action that does not use the stack, meaning your opponent cannot react to the transformation itself once you pay. However, remember that if the creature Calming Licid is enchanting leaves the battlefield, the Licid will be put into the graveyard as a state-based action because it is an Aura that is not attached to anything, unless you turn it back into a creature first.

When to Play It

Use Calming Licid defensively to stall your opponent's largest threat. Since the transformation ability can be activated at instant speed, you can block an incoming creature and then, before damage, activate the ability to jump onto a different creature. This makes it a very difficult piece of utility for your opponents to track during combat.

Interaction examples

Stopping the Value Engine

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum, you can activate Calming Licid's ability targeting the Golem. The Licid becomes an Aura, attaches to Solemn Simulacrum, and the Golem is now unable to attack. This is particularly useful if you want to prevent your opponent from getting the 'dies' trigger from Solemn Simulacrum through combat.

The Golem Synergy

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield and you chose 'Licid' as the creature type, note that Calming Licid's transformation is an activated ability, not a triggered one. Roaming Throne will not cause Calming Licid to trigger twice. However, if you attach Calming Licid to Roaming Throne, the Throne can no longer attack, which is a useful way to protect your life total if an opponent manages to take control of your Throne.