Kemba's BannerHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Kemba's Banner provides a dynamic power and toughness boost to the equipped creature, granting +1/+1 for every creature you control, including itself. Its For Mirrodin! ability is an enters-the-battlefield trigger that creates a 2/2 red Rebel creature token and automatically attaches the Banner to it, saving you the initial mana investment of the equip cost.

How It Resolves Step by Step

When Kemba's Banner enters the battlefield, its For Mirrodin! ability triggers and goes on the stack. First, you create a 2/2 red Rebel creature token. Once that token is on the battlefield, the Banner is attached to it as a single continuous resolution. If an effect causes you to create multiple tokens, you must choose one of those tokens to receive the Banner. Finally, the equipped creature's stats are updated based on your current creature count; this value is checked constantly and will change if creatures enter or leave the battlefield.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that the Rebel token enters as a larger creature. In reality, it enters as a 2/2, and then the Equipment attaches; this is important for triggers that care about power. Additionally, remember that the Banner remains on the battlefield if the Rebel token is destroyed. You can always pay the {2}{W} equip cost later to move it to a different, perhaps more evasive, creature.

When to Play It

This card shines brightest in 'go-wide' strategies where you intend to have four or more creatures. Because it counts itself through the Rebel token it creates, it will always provide at least a +1/+1 bonus (making the Rebel a 3/3) as long as you control that creature. It is best deployed when you already have a established board to maximize the immediate stat boost.

Interaction examples

Starting the Rebellion

Kemba's BannerRebel

You cast Kemba's Banner while your board is empty. When it enters, you create a 2/2 red Rebel token and attach the Banner to it. Because you now control one creature (the Rebel), the Banner gives +1/+1. The Rebel becomes a 3/3 creature.

Expanding the Ranks

Kemba's BannerSolemn Simulacrum

You already control a Solemn Simulacrum. You cast Kemba's Banner, creating a Rebel token and attaching the Banner to it. You now control two creatures: the Solemn Simulacrum and the Rebel. The Banner gives the Rebel +2/+2, making it a 4/4.

Resource Management

Kemba's BannerCommander's Sphere

With Kemba's Banner equipped to a Rebel and a Commander's Sphere on the field, your creature count remains stable. If you cast another creature, the Banner's bonus increases immediately. If your Rebel token is destroyed, the Banner stays on the field, allowing you to use mana from Commander's Sphere later to equip it to a new creature.