Grim JavelineerHow it works & interactions with other cards

Aggression Meets Information

Whenever you declare an attack, Grim Javelineer triggers. You choose any attacking creature to receive a +1/+0 power boost until end of turn. Additionally, it places a delayed triggered ability on that creature: if it dies later that turn, you get to surveil 1, looking at the top card of your library and choosing whether to leave it there or put it in your graveyard.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must declare at least one creature as an attacker to trigger the ability. Once the trigger is on the stack, you target an attacking creature (it can be Grim Javelineer itself or another creature). When the ability resolves, the creature gains +1/+0. If that creature leaves the battlefield and goes to the graveyard at any point during that same turn—whether from combat damage, a sacrifice effect, or a removal spell—the surveil ability will trigger and resolve.

Timing and Strategy

The best time to use this ability is when you expect a trade in combat. Since the surveil ability is tied to the creature dying, targeting a creature that your opponent is likely to block allows you to fix your next draw immediately. Remember that the +1/+0 remains even if the creature survives, but the 'dies this turn' clause expires at the end of the turn.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that the target must be an 'attacking creature.' You cannot target a creature you didn't send into combat this turn. Also, keep in mind that if the creature is exiled or returned to hand instead of dying (moving to the graveyard), the surveil ability will not trigger.

Interaction examples

Maximizing the Value of Death

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with both creatures, you can target Solemn Simulacrum with Grim Javelineer's ability. If Solemn Simulacrum is blocked and dies, its own ability will trigger to draw a card, and the Javelineer's delayed ability will trigger to surveil 1. You get to choose the order of these triggers on the stack, allowing you to surveil first to filter your library before drawing the card.

Double Tactics with the Throne

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Human', Grim Javelineer's attack trigger fires twice. You can target two different attacking creatures (or the same one twice) to give them +1/+0 and the surveil clause. If a creature with two instances of the 'when this creature dies' clause dies that turn, you will surveil 1 twice in a row.