Greater ForgelingHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Ability Functions

Greater Forgeling possesses an activated ability that costs one generic and one red mana. Each time you activate this ability, the Forgeling gains +3 power and loses 3 toughness until the end of the turn. Because this is an activated ability, you can use it multiple times in a single turn as long as you have the mana to pay for it, provided the creature survives the toughness reduction.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you activate the ability, it is placed on the stack. Upon resolution, the game checks the current power and toughness and applies the +3/-3 modifier. If at any point the Forgeling's toughness becomes 0 or less, it will be put into its owner's graveyard as a state-based action. This happens immediately after the ability resolves, before you can activate it again or cast another spell to save it, unless a continuous effect is already boosting its toughness.

Common Mistakes and Toughness Math

The most common error is forgetting that Greater Forgeling starts as a 3/6. Activating the ability once makes it a 6/3. Activating it a second time makes it a 9/0, which will cause it to die immediately. You must ensure you have a way to increase its toughness, such as through equipment or external buffs, if you intend to activate the ability more than once during a turn.

When to Activate

The best time to use this ability is during the declare blockers step after your opponent has chosen not to block it. This allows you to maximize damage to the player without risking the creature to a trade in combat. Alternatively, use it to trade up against a much larger creature, effectively acting as a removal spell that uses your creature as the payload.

Interaction examples

Basic Power Pumping

With Greater Forgeling on the battlefield, you pay {1}{R}. The ability resolves, and the 3/6 creature becomes a 6/3. If it is unblocked, it deals 6 damage to the opponent instead of 3. At the end of the turn, it reverts to a 3/6.

Managing Triggered Bonuses

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control both creatures, you might use Solemn Simulacrum to ensure you have the extra Mountains needed to fuel the Forgeling. Note that while Solemn Simulacrum provides the land, its 'dies' trigger is separate from the Forgeling's activated ability. If the Forgeling dies due to its toughness reaching 0, it does not trigger the Simulacrum's card draw.

The Throne's Protection

Roaming Throne

If you choose 'Elemental' for Roaming Throne, it will not double the Forgeling's +3/-3 ability. This is because Roaming Throne only doubles 'triggered abilities' (those starting with when, whenever, or at), whereas Greater Forgeling uses an 'activated ability' (formatted as cost: effect).