Eiganjo ExemplarHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Way of the Lone Warrior

Eiganjo Exemplar features a triggered ability that rewards you for attacking with exactly one creature. Specifically, whenever a Samurai or Warrior you control attacks alone, that creature receives +1/+1 until the end of the turn. Note that Eiganjo Exemplar does not need to be the one attacking to trigger this ability, but it must be on the battlefield when the attack is declared.

Step-by-Step Resolution

The process begins during the Declare Attackers step. You must choose exactly one creature to attack. If that creature has the Samurai or Warrior subtype, Eiganjo Exemplar's ability triggers and goes on the stack. Once the ability resolves, the attacking creature gains the +1/+1 bonus. This happens before your opponent declares blockers, meaning the increased power and toughness are factored into combat math immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common error is thinking this ability works if you attack with multiple creatures and all but one are blocked or removed; 'attacks alone' only checks the moment attackers are declared. Additionally, remember that while Eiganjo Exemplar is a Samurai, it will only trigger its own ability if it is the only creature you choose to attack with during that combat phase.

Strategic Timing

Because Eiganjo Exemplar is an enchantment creature, it is susceptible to both creature and enchantment removal. To maximize its value, ensure you have a Samurai or Warrior ready to swing the turn it hits the board. It is particularly effective when combined with creatures that have 'Ward' or abilities that scale with their power.

Interaction examples

Self-Buffing Strike

If Eiganjo Exemplar is the only creature you control and you declare it as an attacker, its own ability triggers because it is a Samurai attacking alone. It will become a 3/2 creature until the end of the turn.

Boosting the Sentinel

Esper Sentinel

If you attack with Esper Sentinel alone, Eiganjo Exemplar will not trigger because Esper Sentinel is a Human Soldier, not a Samurai or Warrior. The bonus only applies to the specific subtypes listed on the card.

Non-Combatant Support

Ornithopter of Paradise

If you attack with Eiganjo Exemplar while Ornithopter of Paradise remains untapped (or is used for mana), Eiganjo Exemplar is considered to be attacking alone. It will receive the +1/+1 bonus because no other creatures were declared as attackers alongside it.