Grey Knight ParagonHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding Rites of Banishment

Rites of Banishment is an enters-the-battlefield (ETB) triggered ability that requires a legal target to be placed on the stack. The target must be an 'attacking creature,' which means it can only be activated during the combat phase after attackers have been declared and before the combat phase ends. If the targeted creature has the Demon subtype, the ability will exile it rather than destroying it, bypassing 'indestructible' keyword protections or 'on death' triggers.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Grey Knight Paragon, typically during an opponent's combat phase using Flash. Once it resolves and enters the battlefield, the Rites of Banishment ability triggers. You choose a target attacking creature. When the ability resolves, the game checks if the target is still legal. If it is, the creature is destroyed. However, if the game sees the creature is a Demon, the replacement effect occurs and the creature is moved to the exile zone instead.

Timing and Targeting

A common mistake is trying to target a creature that was an attacker in a previous turn or one that has already been removed from combat. A creature is only an 'attacking creature' from the moment it is declared as an attacker until the end of combat step. You can use Flash to play the Paragon during the Declare Attackers, Declare Blockers, or Combat Damage steps to successfully trigger the removal.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Exorcism

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Astartes' or 'Knight' chosen, Grey Knight Paragon's Rites of Banishment will trigger twice when it enters. This allows you to target and destroy (or exile) two different attacking creatures during a single combat phase.

Tactical Deployment

Solemn Simulacrum

While your opponent attacks with Solemn Simulacrum, you flash in Grey Knight Paragon. You target the Simulacrum with Rites of Banishment. Because Solemn Simulacrum is not a Demon, it is destroyed and sent to the graveyard, which allows your opponent to trigger its 'dies' ability to draw a card.