Celes, Rune KnightHow it works & interactions with other cards

Mastering the Runic Draw

When Celes enters, her first ability triggers, allowing you to filter your hand. You decide the number of cards to discard only as the ability resolves. According to official rulings, you may choose to discard zero cards, which still results in drawing one card (0 + 1). If you choose to discard your entire hand, you will draw that many cards plus an additional one, effectively increasing your hand size while setting up your graveyard for her second ability.

Rewarding the Fallen

The second ability is a triggered ability that checks two specific conditions when other creatures enter the battlefield under your control: did they come from the graveyard, or were they cast from the graveyard? If either is true, Celes puts a +1/+1 counter on every creature you control, including herself. Note that this ability only triggers once per event, even if multiple creatures enter from the graveyard simultaneously, such as with a mass reanimation spell.

Strategic Timing and Common Pitfalls

It is important to remember that Celes's second ability specifies 'other' creatures. She cannot trigger herself when she enters, even if she is entering from the graveyard. Additionally, the ability is an 'if' clause trigger; the condition must be true at the moment the creatures enter for the ability to trigger at all. If a creature is cast from exile or the command zone, Celes will not provide the +1/+1 counters.

Interaction examples

Double Runic Echoes

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Human' or 'Wizard' as it entered, Celes's abilities will trigger an additional time. When Celes enters, you will perform the discard-and-draw process twice. Furthermore, whenever another creature enters from the graveyard, Celes will trigger twice, putting two +1/+1 counters on each of your creatures instead of one.

Incremental Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If you use a reanimation spell to bring Solemn Simulacrum back from your graveyard while Celes is on the battlefield, the second ability of Celes triggers. As it resolves, every creature you control receives a +1/+1 counter. This synergy allows you to turn the recursive nature of Solemn Simulacrum into a permanent power boost for your entire army.