InsubordinationHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Insubordination attaches to a creature and monitors its activity during its controller's turn. If the enchanted creature's controller reaches their end step without having declared that creature as an attacker, the Aura deals 2 damage directly to that player. It creates a constant tax on defensive playstyles.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When the enchanted creature's controller moves to their end step, Insubordination's triggered ability goes on the stack. Upon resolution, the game checks if the enchanted creature was declared as an attacker during any combat phase earlier in that turn. If the creature did not attack, the ability deals 2 damage to the controller. If the creature did attack, the ability does nothing. Note that if the creature is removed from the battlefield before the end step, the Aura is put into the graveyard and the ability will not trigger.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the creature simply needs to be tapped. However, Insubordination specifically checks if the creature 'attacked.' Tapping a creature for an ability or a cost does not count as attacking. Additionally, if the creature is 'put onto the battlefield attacking' via an effect, it never technically 'attacked' (was never declared as an attacker), so Insubordination will still deal damage.

When to Play It

This Aura is best utilized against utility creatures that your opponent wants to keep safe, such as mana dorks or passive value engines. By placing this on a creature the opponent is afraid to lose in combat, you ensure a steady stream of damage that complements other life-loss effects.

Interaction examples

Stacking Upkeep and End Step Pressure

Phyrexian Arena

If your opponent controls Phyrexian Arena, they lose 1 life during their upkeep. If you have enchanted one of their creatures with Insubordination and they choose not to attack with it to keep it as a blocker, they will then take an additional 2 damage during their end step. This creates a powerful clock that drains their life from both ends of the turn.

Taxing Resource Generation

Black Market Connections

When an opponent uses Black Market Connections to create a Shapeshifter token, they are already losing life. If you enchant that new token with Insubordination, the opponent must choose between attacking into your defenses to save their life total or keeping the token back and losing even more life alongside the costs of their enchantment.