Kodama of the South TreeHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Kodama of the South Tree has a triggered ability that triggers whenever you cast a Spirit or Arcane spell. It provides a +1/+1 buff and the trample ability to every other creature you control until the end of the turn. Note that this ability does not target, so it can affect creatures with protection or shroud, and it only affects creatures currently on the battlefield when the trigger resolves.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast a spell that has the Spirit creature type or the Arcane subtype. The Kodama's ability triggers and is placed on the stack on top of that spell. As the trigger resolves, all other creatures you currently control gain +1/+1 and trample. Finally, the original Spirit or Arcane spell you cast resolves and enters the battlefield or takes effect. This means the creature you just cast usually won't get its own buff unless it was already on the battlefield.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Kodama of the South Tree buffs itself; however, the text explicitly states it only buffs 'each other creature.' Additionally, players often think creatures that enter the battlefield later in the turn will have the bonus. Because the effect modifies the characteristics of a specific set of objects, only the creatures you controlled at the moment the trigger resolved will carry the buff for the rest of the turn.

When to Play It

Kodama is best played in decks with high creature counts and low-cost Spirit or Arcane spells. By casting multiple cheap spells in a single turn, the +1/+1 bonuses stack, allowing even small utility creatures to become massive trampling threats that can bypass your opponent's blockers.

Interaction examples

Buffing Non-Spirit Creatures

Solemn Simulacrum

If you have Kodama of the South Tree and Solemn Simulacrum on the battlefield and then cast a Spirit spell, the Golem will receive +1/+1 and trample. This shows that Kodama rewards you for playing Spirits by boosting every creature you own, regardless of their creature type.

Sequencing for Maximum Damage

Eternal Witness

If you control Kodama and cast Eternal Witness, the Witness will not have the buff because it wasn't on the battlefield when you cast it. However, if Eternal Witness is already on the field and you then cast a Spirit or Arcane spell, Eternal Witness will gain +1/+1 and trample, helping you push through combat damage.