Kobold TaskmasterHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Simple Power Boost

Kobold Taskmaster features a static ability that grants all other Kobold creatures you control +1/+0. This is a continuous effect that does not use the stack; as long as the Taskmaster is on the battlefield, the bonus applies to eligible creatures. Note that the Taskmaster does not buff itself, as the ability specifically mentions 'other' Kobold creatures.

Resolution and Combat

When Kobold Taskmaster enters the battlefield, your other Kobolds immediately gain the power bonus. If the Taskmaster leaves the battlefield, the effect ends instantly. During combat, this extra power can be the difference between a successful trade and a chump block. Because the ability only affects creatures with the 'Kobold' subtype, it will not affect your Human Warriors or Artifact Creatures unless they have been given that type through other effects.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Kobold Taskmaster buffs every creature you control. It is tribe-specific, meaning it ignores creatures like Ornithopter of Paradise or Professional Face-Breaker. Additionally, players sometimes forget that if the Taskmaster is destroyed before damage is dealt in the combat phase, the +1/+0 bonus vanishes immediately, potentially causing your attacking Kobolds to deal less damage than anticipated.

Strategic Timing

The best time to play Kobold Taskmaster is just before a wide attack. Since it is a low-cost creature at two mana, you can often deploy it and still have mana available for protection or additional threats. It serves as a priority target for your opponent, so playing it when you have a board full of tokens or small creatures maximizes the value of its aura.

Interaction examples

Boosting the Swarm

If you control three 0/1 Kobold tokens and cast Kobold Taskmaster, the tokens immediately become 1/1 creatures. The Taskmaster remains a 1/2 creature because its ability only applies to other Kobolds.

Non-Tribal Interactions

Professional Face-Breaker

You have Kobold Taskmaster and Professional Face-Breaker on the field. Because Professional Face-Breaker is a Human Warrior and not a Kobold, it does not receive the +1/+0 bonus. It remains a 2/3 creature, though it can still generate Treasure tokens when your buffed Kobolds deal damage.

Aerial Support

Ornithopter of Paradise

While Ornithopter of Paradise provides mana fixing and a flying blocker, it is a Thopter, not a Kobold. Kobold Taskmaster will not increase its power. The two function independently: one manages the ground troops while the other provides utility from the air.