Karfell Kennel-MasterHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

When Karfell Kennel-Master enters the battlefield, you can choose up to two target creatures. Each of these creatures receives a +1/+0 power boost and gains the indestructible keyword until the end of the current turn. Because the ability says 'up to two,' you can choose zero, one, or two targets depending on your current board state.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, Karfell Kennel-Master enters the battlefield, triggering its ability. You must choose the targets at the moment the ability is put onto the stack. If any chosen target becomes illegal before the ability resolves (for example, if it leaves the battlefield), the remaining legal targets will still receive the bonus. Once the ability resolves, the affected creatures gain +1/+0 and indestructible; these effects will wear off simultaneously during the cleanup step.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that indestructible protects a creature from all forms of removal. While it prevents destruction from combat damage or effects that specifically use the word 'destroy,' it does not protect a creature from being exiled, sacrificed, or having its toughness reduced to zero or less. Additionally, remember that Karfell Kennel-Master can target itself with its own ability if it is already on the battlefield when the trigger goes onto the stack.

When to Play It

This creature is best utilized during your post-combat main phase if you expect a sorcery-speed board wipe, or during your pre-combat main phase to allow your creatures to attack without fear of dying in combat. It is also an excellent response to a blink effect, allowing you to re-trigger the protection multiple times in a single turn cycle.

Interaction examples

Protecting Utility Creatures

Solemn Simulacrum

When Karfell Kennel-Master enters the battlefield, you target Solemn Simulacrum. The Simulacrum becomes a 3/2 with indestructible. You can now attack with it or use it as a blocker without worrying about it dying, allowing you to keep its body on the field while still having benefited from its land-searching ability.

Doubling the Shield

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Zombie' chosen as the creature type, Karfell Kennel-Master's ability triggers twice when it enters. This allows you to target up to four creatures in total (or the same two creatures twice, though the effects are redundant). Each selected creature gains the power boost and indestructible for the turn.

Self-Preservation

If Karfell Kennel-Master is the only creature you control, you may target it with its own enters-the-battlefield ability. It will become a 6/5 with indestructible until end of turn, making it a difficult threat for your opponent to remove immediately after it lands.