Kiora of Salt and SandHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unlocking Unblockable Attacks

Kiora's first ability triggers whenever you declare an attack, but it has an 'intervening if' clause. This means the game checks if you have activated a loyalty ability at the moment you declare attackers. If you have, the ability triggers and targets an attacking creature. When it resolves, that creature untaps and gains the 'can't be blocked' status for the remainder of the turn.

Master of Leviathans

Her second ability grants a new [-8] loyalty ability to every planeswalker you control. Even if a planeswalker already has an ultimate ability, it now has the option to create an 8/8 blue Leviathan creature token with hexproof. Note that you still follow the normal rules for loyalty abilities: you can only activate one ability per planeswalker per turn, and only during your main phase while the stack is empty.

Timing and Sequence

To get the most out of Kiora, you must sequence your turn carefully. Because the attack trigger checks for a loyalty activation, you must usually activate a planeswalker ability during your precombat main phase. If you wait until after combat to use your planeswalkers, Kiora's first ability will not trigger during that combat phase.

Interaction examples

Guaranteed Damage

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have activated a planeswalker ability this turn, you can attack with Solemn Simulacrum. Kiora's ability triggers, targeting the Golem. The Golem untaps and becomes unblockable, ensuring it survives combat to potentially be sacrificed later for its death trigger while dealing direct damage to your opponent.

Defensive Utility

Sakura-Tribe Elder

You declare Sakura-Tribe Elder as an attacker after activating a loyalty ability. Kiora's trigger untaps the Elder and makes it unblockable. Since it is now untapped, it can still be sacrificed to its own ability to fetch a land after damage is dealt, or you can use it to block on your opponent's next turn if you chose not to sacrifice it.

Token Synergy

Leviathan

By using a planeswalker's new [-8] ability granted by Kiora, you create a Leviathan token. Because this token has hexproof, it is difficult for your opponent to remove with spells. On your next turn, you can activate another loyalty ability, attack with the 8/8 Leviathan, and use Kiora's trigger to make that 8/8 unblockable for a massive, protected swing.