Gollum, Obsessed StalkerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Marking the Prey

Gollum features two distinct mechanics that work in tandem. First, Skulk prevents any creature with power 2 or greater from blocking him, making him difficult to stop in the early game. Second, his triggered ability tracks every opponent who has ever been dealt combat damage by a creature with the specific name 'Gollum, Obsessed Stalker' throughout the entire game.

The End Step Trigger

At the beginning of your end step, the ability checks two things: which opponents have been 'marked' by Gollum's combat damage and how much life you gained during the current turn. It is important to note that the ability only cares about gross life gain. If you gained 5 life but also lost 5 life, the ability still treats your life gain total as 5 for the purpose of the life loss effect.

Persistent Tracking

One common mistake is assuming the effect resets if Gollum leaves the battlefield. The 'mark' remains on the player for the rest of the game. Even if your original Gollum dies and you play a new one, or if an opponent steals your Gollum and hits you with it, the ability will still count anyone who was hit by any creature with that name when it triggers during your end step.

Strategic Life Gain

To maximize Gollum's potential, you should focus on dealing combat damage with him early to mark as many opponents as possible. Once marked, you don't even need to attack those players again; you simply need to focus on gaining life during your turns to drain their life totals automatically during your end step.

Interaction examples

The Life Drain Combo

Blood Artist

If Gollum has already dealt combat damage to an opponent earlier in the game, he has marked them. During your turn, if a creature dies while you control Blood Artist, you gain 1 life. When you reach your end step, Gollum's ability triggers, checks that you gained 1 life, and causes the marked opponent to lose an additional 1 life.

Evasive Maneuvers

Ornithopter of Paradise

Your opponent controls an Ornithopter of Paradise (0/2) and a 3/3 beast. Because of Skulk, the 3/3 cannot block Gollum (power 1). Only the Ornithopter of Paradise is eligible to block. If the opponent does not block with the Ornithopter, Gollum deals combat damage, marking that player for his end-step ability for the rest of the game.