Kira Nerys, FirebrandHow it works & interactions with other cards

Tactical Deployment

While Kira Nerys, Firebrand is on the battlefield, her second ability creates a replacement effect. If you already control at least one creature that has been declared as an attacker, any new creature entering the battlefield under your control will enter tapped and attacking. Because this is a replacement effect (noted by the word 'instead'), the creature never exists on the battlefield in an untapped or non-attacking state.

Resolution and Combat Steps

When a creature enters attacking via Kira's ability, you choose which player or planeswalker it is attacking. Note that since these creatures enter 'attacking,' they bypass the 'declare attackers' step. This means abilities that trigger 'whenever a creature attacks' will not trigger for these newcomers, as they were never declared as attackers during the turn's formal combat step. However, they will still benefit from Kira’s third ability, which grants a +1/+1 bonus until end of turn whenever another creature enters.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming the +1/+1 trigger happens before the creature is attacking. In reality, the creature enters the battlefield already attacking, and then the triggered ability goes on the stack. Additionally, remember that Kira's replacement effect only functions if you already control an attacking creature. If you haven't declared attackers yet, or if all your attackers have been removed from combat, new creatures will enter the battlefield normally.

Strategic Timing

To maximize Kira's potential, use flash creatures or instant-speed token generation during the declare attackers or declare blockers steps. This allows you to surprise your opponent with new attackers that are already boosted by Kira's +1/+1 trigger, potentially changing the math of the combat phase entirely.

Interaction examples

Automated Reinforcements

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Kira Nerys, Firebrand and attack with her, then cast Solemn Simulacrum during your second main phase, it enters normally. However, if you use an effect to put Solemn Simulacrum onto the battlefield during combat while Kira is attacking, the Golem enters tapped and attacking. Its 'enters' ability triggers, allowing you to search for a land, and Kira's ability triggers to give it +1/+1 until end of turn.

Doubling the Inspiration

Roaming Throne

With Kira Nerys, Firebrand on the battlefield, you cast Roaming Throne and choose 'Soldier'. If you are currently attacking with another creature, Roaming Throne enters tapped and attacking. Because Roaming Throne is now a Soldier, Kira's triggered ability ('Whenever another creature you control enters...') triggers twice instead of once. The Throne (or any other creature entering) will receive a total of +2/+2 until end of turn.