Ingenious LeoninHow it works & interactions with other cards

Tactical Support

The core of Ingenious Leonin is its activated ability, which costs three generic and one white mana. This ability targets another attacking creature you control, meaning you cannot target Ingenious Leonin itself with its own ability, and the target must have been declared as an attacker during the current combat phase. The creature receives a permanent +1/+1 counter, and if it happens to share the Cat subtype, it also gains first strike until the end of the turn.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must reach the Declare Attackers step or later in the combat phase. Activate the ability by paying the mana cost and choosing a legal target that is currently attacking. Upon resolution, the game checks the target's current status. The +1/+1 counter is placed first. Then, the game checks if the creature is a Cat; if it is, the first strike effect is applied. Even if the creature loses the Cat type later in the turn, it will retain first strike because the check only happens during the ability's resolution.

Timing and Restrictions

A common mistake is trying to use this ability before attackers are declared. You cannot activate it during the Beginning of Combat step to 'prepare' a creature; the creature must already be in the state of attacking. Additionally, since the first strike benefit only matters during the combat damage steps, you usually want to activate this before the First Strike Damage step begins to ensure the keyword has an impact on the trade.

When to Play It

Ingenious Leonin shines in midrange decks where you can leave mana open for potential tricks. Because the ability is repeatable as long as you have the mana, you can spread multiple counters across your board or stack them on a single powerhouse. It serves as a mana sink that makes blocking a nightmare for your opponent, as any unblocked or poorly blocked creature can suddenly grow in size.

Interaction examples

Buffing a Non-Cat Attacker

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Solemn Simulacrum, you can activate the ability of Ingenious Leonin targeting the Golem. Solemn Simulacrum will receive a +1/+1 counter. However, since it is not a Cat, it will not gain first strike. The counter remains on the Golem permanently, even after combat ends.

Synergy with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you choose 'Cat' as Roaming Throne enters the battlefield, it becomes a Cat Golem. If you then attack with the Throne and activate Ingenious Leonin's ability targeting it, the Throne will receive a +1/+1 counter. Because it is now a Cat, it also gains first strike until end of turn. Note that Roaming Throne's triggered ability doubling does not affect Ingenious Leonin because the Leonin's ability is activated, not triggered.