Judith, Carnage ConnoisseurHow it works & interactions with other cards

The Power of Choice

Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, Judith triggers and offers two distinct choices. The first choice grants the spell itself deathtouch and lifelink, while the second creates a 2/2 red Imp creature token. These Imps are particularly dangerous because they deal 2 damage to each opponent when they die, meaning even a board wipe can end the game for your foes.

Deathtouch and Lifelink Spells

When you choose the first mode, the spell you just cast gains two powerful keywords. Deathtouch on a spell means that any amount of damage it deals to a creature is enough to destroy it. Lifelink ensures that any damage the spell deals—whether to players, planeswalkers, or creatures—results in you gaining that much life. Remember, this only works if the spell itself is dealing the damage, not if it instructs another creature to deal damage.

Timing and Resolution

Judith's ability triggers as soon as you finish casting your spell, which means her ability resolves before the spell does. Even if an opponent counters your instant or sorcery, you still get to choose one of Judith's modes. This makes her an excellent engine for generating value regardless of whether your spells actually resolve.

Strategic Considerations

Deciding between a token and keywords depends heavily on the spell. Low-cost spells that don't deal damage are perfect for creating Imps. High-damage board wipes or targeted burn spells are the best candidates for the deathtouch and lifelink mode, as they can clear the board and refill your life total simultaneously.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Carnage

Judith, Carnage ConnoisseurRoaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Human' or 'Shaman' chosen, Judith's ability triggers twice for every instant or sorcery you cast. You could choose to give your spell deathtouch/lifelink AND create an Imp token, or even create two Imp tokens from a single spell cast.

Imp Engineering

Judith, Carnage ConnoisseurImp

If you cast a simple card-draw spell, you can choose to create a 2/2 red Imp token. If your opponent subsequently destroys that token, Judith's vengeful creation deals 2 damage to every opponent, providing reach and punishing interaction.

Non-interaction with Creatures

Judith, Carnage ConnoisseurSolemn Simulacrum

If you cast a spell that instructs your Solemn Simulacrum to deal damage to another creature, Judith's deathtouch and lifelink choice will not apply to that damage. Because the creature is dealing the damage and not the spell itself, the deathtouch and lifelink granted to the spell are wasted in this specific scenario.