Hawkeater MothHow it works & interactions with other cards

Natural Protection and Evasion

Hawkeater Moth features two keyword abilities: Flying and Shroud. Flying ensures that it can only be blocked by creatures with Flying or Reach, making it a reliable source of damage. Shroud is a static ability that prevents the Moth from being the target of any spells or abilities, including those controlled by you.

How Shroud Operates

When Hawkeater Moth is on the battlefield, no player can cast a spell or activate an ability that uses the word 'target' directed at it. This means your opponents cannot use removal spells like Murder on it, but it also means you cannot target it with your own pump spells or equipment attachments. Note that Shroud only functions while the creature is on the battlefield.

Board Interaction and Targeting

A common mistake is assuming Shroud protects against all effects. Shroud only stops effects that 'target'. Global effects that do not use the word target, such as board wipes that 'destroy all creatures,' will still affect Hawkeater Moth. Additionally, abilities that enter the battlefield and do not target, or abilities that target cards in other zones, operate normally regardless of the Moth's presence.

Strategic Deployment

You should play Hawkeater Moth when you need a consistent attacker that is difficult for opponents to interact with. Because it cannot be targeted, it serves as a safe place to hold the line. It is best used in decks that do not rely on targeting their own creatures with Auras or Combat Tricks, as the Moth will be ineligible for those bonuses.

Interaction examples

Recursive Value

Eternal Witness

If Hawkeater Moth is destroyed by a non-targeting board wipe and sent to the graveyard, you can cast Eternal Witness. When Eternal Witness enters the battlefield, its triggered ability targets a card in your graveyard. Since Shroud only works while the Moth is on the battlefield, Eternal Witness can successfully target and return Hawkeater Moth to your hand.

Establishing Field Presence

Solemn Simulacrum

While Hawkeater Moth provides an evasive threat that cannot be targeted, playing Solemn Simulacrum helps you accelerate your mana to cast it. When Solemn Simulacrum enters, its ability targets a land in your library, not a creature on the battlefield. This allows you to thin your deck and reach the four mana required for Hawkeater Moth without any interference from the Moth's Shroud ability.