Horobi, Death's Wail — ruling 1

If the creature is the only target of the spell or ability, that spell or ability won't resolve.

Horobi, Death's Wail : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Horobi, Death's Wail is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

Flying Whenever a creature becomes the target of a spell or ability, destroy that creature.

Complete guide

Horobi, Death's Wail is a legendary Spirit that turns every targeted interaction into a lethal encounter. By simply being on the battlefield, it ensures that even the most helpful spells or minor abilities become deadly for the creatures they touch. This card creates a unique environment where the mere act of choosing a target spells doom for that permanent.

A Fragile Existence

Horobi's ability is a triggered ability that monitors whenever any creature on the battlefield becomes the target of a spell or ability. It does not matter who controls the creature or who controls the spell or ability; if a creature is targeted, Horobi's ability triggers and is put onto the stack on top of whatever caused it.

Resolution Step-by-Step

When a spell or ability is activated or cast targeting a creature, Horobi's ability triggers immediately. This trigger goes on the stack above the original effect. When Horobi's trigger resolves, it destroys the targeted creature. Finally, when the original spell or ability tries to resolve, it checks its targets; if the creature was its only target, the spell or ability will fail to resolve because its target is no longer on the battlefield.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that Horobi only destroys creatures targeted by opponents. In reality, it affects your own creatures and spells too. Another mistake is assuming protection or ward will save the creature; while Ward might tax the opponent, Horobi's trigger will still destroy the creature before the ward cost is even relevant if the spell successfully targets the creature. However, Indestructible creatures are immune to Horobi's effect.

When to Unleash the Wail

Horobi is best used in decks that utilize repeatable, low-cost targeting abilities, such as equipment or 'ping' effects. It serves as a powerful board control tool, effectively preventing opponents from using combat tricks, auras, or specialized targeting abilities without losing their creatures in the process.

Interaction examples

Interacting with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield and you choose 'Spirit', it becomes a Spirit. If a creature you control is targeted, Horobi's ability triggers. Because Roaming Throne is a Spirit you control, Horobi's ability triggers an additional time. Both triggers will attempt to destroy the creature, though the first one to resolve will usually suffice.

Solemn Simulacrum and Death Triggers

Solemn Simulacrum

If a player targets Solemn Simulacrum with a spell, Horobi's ability triggers and destroys the Golem before the spell resolves. Because Solemn Simulacrum was destroyed, its 'dies' ability triggers, allowing its controller to draw a card. The original spell that targeted it will then fail to resolve.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Horobi, Death's Wail

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1April 14, 2023· Wizards of the Coast
If the creature is the only target of the spell or ability, that spell or ability won't resolve.
No other card is named in this ruling.