Deeproot EliteHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Trigger Works

Deeproot Elite has a triggered ability that starts with the word 'whenever.' Every time a creature with the Merfolk subtype enters the battlefield under your control—other than the Elite itself—this ability triggers and goes on the stack. You must choose a target Merfolk you control right when the ability is put on the stack.

Selecting Your Target

The flexibility of Deeproot Elite is its greatest strength. When the ability triggers, you can choose to put the counter on Deeproot Elite, the new Merfolk that just entered, or any other Merfolk you already control. Because the ability targets, the chosen creature must be a Merfolk and must be under your control at the time of targeting and resolution.

Timing and Strategy

To get the most out of Deeproot Elite, play it early before your other Merfolk. It does not trigger for itself when it enters the battlefield. However, if multiple Merfolk enter the battlefield at the same time, Deeproot Elite will trigger for each of them, allowing you to distribute several counters at once.

Interaction examples

Strengthening the Elite

With Deeproot Elite on the battlefield, you cast another Merfolk spell. When that Merfolk enters, Deeproot Elite's ability triggers. You choose Deeproot Elite as the target. Upon resolution, Deeproot Elite receives a +1/+1 counter, becoming a 3/3 creature.

Non-Merfolk Interactions

Llanowar Elves

You have Deeproot Elite on the battlefield and cast Llanowar Elves. When Llanowar Elves enters the battlefield, nothing happens. Because Llanowar Elves is an Elf Druid and not a Merfolk, Deeproot Elite's ability does not trigger.

Mana Acceleration

Birds of Paradise

If you control Birds of Paradise, you can tap it for Green mana to help cast multiple Merfolk in a single turn. Each Merfolk you cast will trigger Deeproot Elite, but the Birds of Paradise itself will never trigger the Elite nor can it receive a counter from the ability since it is not a Merfolk.