Cloudchaser KestrelHow it works & interactions with other cards

Enchantment Destruction on Entry

When Cloudchaser Kestrel enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack, requiring a 'target enchantment.' This is a mandatory trigger; if there is only one enchantment on the board and you control it, you must target it. If there are no enchantments on the battlefield when it enters, the ability is simply removed from the stack with no effect.

Color Manipulation Mechanics

For a single white mana, you can activate the Kestrel's ability to turn any permanent white until the end of the turn. This does not add white to the permanent's existing colors; instead, it replaces them entirely. For example, if you target a green creature, it becomes solely white. This can be used to bypass protection from colors or to interact with cards that specifically affect white permanents.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, cast Cloudchaser Kestrel. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, the 'enters' ability triggers and you choose a target enchantment. Players may respond to this trigger. Once the trigger resolves, the enchantment is destroyed. During your turn or an opponent's turn, you may pay one white mana to activate the color-change ability. This ability targets a permanent, goes on the stack, and once resolved, that permanent's color identity changes to white until the cleanup step.

Strategic Timing

The best time to use the color-shifting ability is in response to spells or abilities that care about color. Since it targets any permanent, you can even use it on your own lands or artifacts. Remember that changing a permanent's color does not change its card type; an artifact changed to white remains an artifact.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Destruction

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Bird' chosen as the creature type, Cloudchaser Kestrel's entry ability will trigger twice. This allows you to target and destroy two different enchantments instead of just one.

Changing the Golem's Identity

Solemn Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum is normally a colorless artifact creature. By activating Cloudchaser Kestrel's ability targeting the Simulacrum, the Golem becomes a white permanent. It is still an Artifact Creature — Golem, but it now interacts with effects that boost white creatures or destroy white permanents.