Defend the RiderHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing Your Mode

Defend the Rider is a modal spell, meaning you must choose one of the two options as you cast it. The first mode targets a single permanent you control, granting it hexproof and indestructible until the end of the turn. The second mode does not target anything; it simply creates a 1/1 colorless Pilot creature token with a unique ability that enhances its effectiveness when using Mounts or Vehicles.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, announce the spell and choose which mode you are using. If you choose the first mode, you must select a legal target permanent you control; if that permanent becomes an illegal target before the spell resolves, the spell fails. If you choose the second mode, the spell will resolve and place a 1/1 Pilot token onto the battlefield. This token's static ability allows it to contribute 3 power (1 base + 2 bonus) specifically for the Saddle or Crew keywords.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is assuming the Pilot token has 3 power for combat or other effects like 'power matters' spells. Its power is only treated as 2 greater specifically for the purposes of saddling Mounts or crewing Vehicles. Additionally, unlike Heroic Intervention, the first mode of Defend the Rider only protects a single target permanent, not your entire board.

When to Play It

Use the first mode in response to an opponent's removal spell or a board wipe to keep your most important permanent safe. The second mode is best utilized during your main phase or at the end of an opponent's turn if you have a Vehicle or Mount ready to go but lack the necessary power to activate it.

Interaction examples

Protecting a Key Piece

Heroic Intervention

While Heroic Intervention protects all your permanents, Defend the Rider is a targeted version. If an opponent casts a spell to destroy your best creature, you can respond with the first mode of Defend the Rider. Your creature gains hexproof, causing the opponent's spell to lose its target, and indestructible, protecting it from further damage that turn.

Setting Up the Crew

Pilot

If you have a Vehicle that requires Crew 3 but you only have a 1/1 creature, you can cast Defend the Rider to create a Pilot token. Because the Pilot token crews Vehicles as though its power were 2 greater, this 1/1 token can single-handedly crew your Vehicle, allowing you to attack immediately if the Vehicle doesn't have summoning sickness.

Finding the Right Tool

Worldly Tutor

If you are looking for a specific creature to pair with your new Pilot token, you can cast Worldly Tutor to place a creature card on top of your library. This allows you to plan your next turn around the utility provided by the Pilot token created by Defend the Rider.