Guardian of CloverdellHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Forest Full of Friends

When Guardian of Cloverdell enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, you create three 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature tokens. This immediately turns one card into four distinct bodies, which is excellent for strategies that rely on having a high creature count.

Sacrificing for Survival

The Guardian features an activated ability that allows you to pay one green mana and sacrifice a Kithkin to gain 1 life. Note that the ability specifies a 'Kithkin,' meaning you can sacrifice the Kithkin Soldier tokens it created, or any other creature you control with the Kithkin subtype.

Timing and Strategy

Because the sacrifice ability only costs one mana and can be activated at any time you have priority, it serves as a great response to board wipes or targeted removal. If an opponent tries to destroy your tokens, you can sacrifice them in response to gain life rather than letting them die for no benefit.

Interaction examples

Overwhelming Force

Craterhoof Behemoth

If you have Guardian of Cloverdell and its three Kithkin Soldier tokens on the battlefield, playing Craterhoof Behemoth becomes devastating. The Behemoth counts all five creatures, giving each of them +5/+5 and trample, turning your small tokens into massive threats.

Building the Wide Board

Avenger of Zendikar

By playing Guardian of Cloverdell followed by Avenger of Zendikar, you quickly fill the board with Kithkin and Plant tokens. This synergy maximizes 'enters-the-battlefield' triggers and ensures you have plenty of fodder for the Guardian's life-gain ability if the game stalls.