Grisly TransformationHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Transformation Works

When you cast Grisly Transformation, you target a creature on the battlefield. As the spell resolves, it enters the battlefield attached to that creature. The card features a triggered ability that occurs specifically when the Aura enters the battlefield, allowing you to draw a card regardless of which creature it is enchanting.

Mastering Intimidate

The enchanted creature gains the intimidate keyword. This means your opponent can only block the creature if they control an artifact creature or a creature that shares at least one color with the enchanted creature. Since Grisly Transformation does not change the creature's color, you must check the creature's existing colors to determine what can block it.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting that the card draw only happens once when the Aura enters. If the creature is destroyed in response to you casting the Aura, the Aura is put into the graveyard and you do not get to draw a card. Additionally, remember that colorless non-artifact creatures cannot block a creature with intimidate, as they share no colors with it.

When to Cast

This card is best used when you have a high-power creature that is being stalled by a wide board of small, different-colored blockers. It also serves as a 'cantrip'—a spell that replaces itself—making it a low-risk inclusion in decks that need to maintain card flow while pushing for damage.

Interaction examples

Building Card Advantage

Phyrexian Arena

With Phyrexian Arena on the battlefield, you draw an extra card during your upkeep. Following this, casting Grisly Transformation on a creature allows you to draw another card immediately upon resolution. This combination helps you dig deep into your library to find answers while granting your creature evasion.

Creating an Evasive Threat

Black Market Connections

You use Black Market Connections to create a 3/2 colorless Shapeshifter token. You then enchant that token with Grisly Transformation. Because the token is colorless, and intimidate requires a blocker to share a color or be an artifact, only artifact creatures can block this token. You also draw a card from the Aura's entry trigger, offsetting the life lost from the Connections.