Kenku Artificer is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Homunculus Servant — When this creature enters, put three +1/+1 counters on up to one target noncreature artifact. That artifact becomes a 0/0 Homunculus artifact creature with flying.
Complete guide
Kenku Artificer is a versatile Bird Artificer that breathes life into your inanimate objects. By turning a simple trinket into a flying Homunculus, you can catch opponents off guard and create a persistent aerial threat. This card is a favorite for artifact-heavy decks looking to weaponize utility items.
Making a Homunculus
When Kenku Artificer enters the battlefield, you choose up to one target noncreature artifact. You place three +1/+1 counters on it, and its base power and toughness become 0/0. Crucially, it gains Flying and becomes a Homunculus artifact creature in addition to its other types. It does not lose any of its original abilities, so mana rocks still tap for mana and utility artifacts still function as usual.
Resolution Step-by-Step
First, the Kenku Artificer enters the battlefield and its triggered ability goes on the stack. You must choose a target noncreature artifact at this time. When the ability resolves, the artifact receives three +1/+1 counters first. Then, the transformation takes effect, changing its types and setting its base stats. If the artifact was an Equipment, it immediately becomes unattached as a state-based action because a creature cannot be attached to another creature.
Timing and Summoning Sickness
A common point of confusion involves 'summoning sickness.' The game checks how long the permanent has been under your control, not how long it has been a creature. If you play an artifact on turn one and use Kenku Artificer to animate it on turn three, the new Homunculus can attack immediately. However, if you play both on the same turn, the new creature cannot attack or tap for mana until your next turn.
Strategic Implementation
This card is best used on artifacts that already provide value, such as those with 'Ward' or static effects. Since the base stats are 0/0, the creature's survival depends entirely on the +1/+1 counters. Be wary of effects that remove counters or reset power and toughness, as these can easily destroy your newly created Homunculus.
Interaction examples
Solemn SimulacrumIf you target an artifact that is not already a creature, Kenku Artificer works perfectly. However, if you try to target Solemn Simulacrum, the ability will not legally target it because Solemn Simulacrum is already an 'Artifact Creature.' Kenku Artificer requires a 'noncreature' artifact target.
Roaming ThroneIf Roaming Throne is on the battlefield and you have chosen 'Bird' or 'Artificer' for its type, Kenku Artificer's 'Homunculus Servant' ability will trigger twice. This allows you to target two different noncreature artifacts, turning both into 3/3 flying Homunculus creatures.
When Kenku Artificer enters alone, you can target a simple Treasure token. The Treasure becomes a 3/3 artifact creature with flying. It can still be sacrificed for mana, but doing so will cause it to leave the battlefield, effectively destroying your new flying threat.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Kenku Artificer
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
Kenku Artificer doesn't remove any abilities the target artifact has.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #2· Wizards of the Coast
The artifact retains any types, subtypes, or supertypes it has.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #3· Wizards of the Coast
If the target artifact is an attached Equipment, it becomes unattached. If an Equipment without reconfigure becomes an artifact creature, it can't be attached to another creature.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #4· Wizards of the Coast
If the target noncreature artifact is a Vehicle, its power and toughness will be set to 0/0. Crewing that Vehicle will not restore its power and toughness.
No other card is named in this ruling.
- #5· Wizards of the Coast
The resulting artifact creature will be able to attack on your turn if it's been under your control continuously since the turn began. That is, it doesn't matter how long it's been a creature, just how long it's been on the battlefield.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Kenku Artificer
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.