Dawnbringer ClericHow it works & interactions with other cards

Versatility on Entry

When Dawnbringer Cleric enters the battlefield, its triggered ability allows you to select one of three modes. Because you choose the mode at the time the ability is put onto the stack, your opponents will know exactly which effect you are using before they decide to respond. If you choose the second or third mode, you must also choose a legal target for the effect at that time.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the Cleric enters the battlefield, triggering its ability. Second, you choose one mode: Cure Wounds, Dispel Magic, or Gentle Repose. If you chose Dispel Magic, you target an enchantment; if you chose Gentle Repose, you target a card in a graveyard. Third, players may respond (for example, by removing the target card from the graveyard). Finally, the ability resolves, providing the chosen effect if its targets are still legal.

Common Mistakes

A common error is attempting to change the mode if a target becomes illegal. Once you choose Dispel Magic and target an enchantment, you cannot switch to Cure Wounds if that enchantment is sacrificed in response. If the target of the second or third mode is gone when the ability tries to resolve, the entire ability fails to resolve and you gain no benefit.

When to Play It

Dawnbringer Cleric is an excellent 'toolbox' card. It is best played when your opponent relies on powerful enchantments or graveyard recursion. Even in a vacuum, a 1/3 body that gains life can be a crucial blocker against aggressive decks, helping you bridge the gap to your more expensive spells.

Interaction examples

Neutralizing an Artifact Creature

Esper Sentinel

If your opponent controls Esper Sentinel, you can play Dawnbringer Cleric and choose the Dispel Magic mode. Because Esper Sentinel is an 'Artifact Creature — Human Soldier' and not an enchantment, it is not a legal target for this ability. You would instead likely choose Cure Wounds to gain life while providing a blocker that can safely stand in front of the Sentinel.

Supporting the Mana Base

Ornithopter of Paradise

If your Ornithopter of Paradise was destroyed earlier in the game, you can use Dawnbringer Cleric's Gentle Repose mode to exile it from your own graveyard. While usually used against opponents, this can be relevant to prevent an opponent from using a reanimation spell on your fallen creatures or simply to trigger effects that care about cards being exiled.