Ill-Tempered CyclopsHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Ill-Tempered Cyclops is a 3/3 creature for four mana with Trample. Its core feature is the Monstrosity 3 activated ability, which costs six mana. When this ability resolves, if the Cyclops is not already monstrous, it receives three +1/+1 counters and gains the 'monstrous' designation. This turns the 3/3 trampler into a formidable 6/6 threat.

How it Resolves Step by Step

When you pay the six mana to activate Monstrosity, the ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, the game checks if the creature is already monstrous. If it is not, you place three +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes monstrous. Once a creature is monstrous, it stays monstrous even if it loses all abilities or stops being a creature. You cannot make a creature monstrous a second time; if you activate the ability again while the creature is already monstrous, the ability does nothing upon resolution.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion is whether you can respond to the Monstrosity activation. Players can indeed respond to the activation while it is on the stack. However, if the creature is removed from the battlefield before the ability resolves, it never becomes monstrous. Additionally, remember that 'monstrous' is a status, not an ability. Effects that remove abilities (like 'lose all abilities') do not remove the monstrous status or the +1/+1 counters already placed on the Cyclops.

When to Play it

This card is best utilized in decks that can reach six mana reliably. Because it has Trample, the additional power from Monstrosity is highly effective at pushing damage through small blockers. It is an excellent mana sink for the late game when you have exhausted the spells in your hand.

Interaction examples

Basic Monstrosity Activation

You have Ill-Tempered Cyclops on the battlefield and six mana available. You activate the ability. Upon resolution, since the Cyclops is not yet monstrous, it gains three +1/+1 counters. It is now a 6/6 creature with Trample and the 'monstrous' status.

Interaction with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Cyclops' chosen, it is important to note that Monstrosity is an activated ability, not a triggered ability. Therefore, Roaming Throne does not cause the Monstrosity 3 ability to happen twice. You will still only put three +1/+1 counters on the Cyclops.

Attacking through Solemn Simulacrum

Solemn Simulacrum

You attack with a monstrous Ill-Tempered Cyclops (6/6). Your opponent blocks with Solemn Simulacrum (2/2). Because the Cyclops has Trample, it deals 2 damage to the Golem (lethal) and the remaining 4 damage carries over to the opponent. After combat, Solemn Simulacrum's triggered ability allows the opponent to draw a card, but they still take significant damage.