Latulla's OrdersHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Latulla's Orders is an Aura with Flash that grants a specific triggered ability to the creature it enchants. Whenever that creature successfully deals combat damage to a defending player, you gain the option to destroy an artifact controlled by that player. Because it has Flash, you can surprise your opponent by enchanting a creature that has already been declared as an unblocked attacker.

Resolving the Trigger Step-by-Step

First, the enchanted creature must deal combat damage specifically to the player it is attacking; damage dealt to planeswalkers or creatures during blocking does not count. Once the damage is dealt, the triggered ability goes on the stack, and you must choose a legal target artifact controlled by that same player. When the ability resolves, you may choose to destroy that artifact. Note that this is a 'may' ability, so you are not forced to destroy an artifact if doing so would be disadvantageous.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common mistake is assuming that any damage triggers the effect. The Oracle text specifies 'combat damage,' meaning non-combat damage from spells or abilities will not trigger Latulla's Orders. Additionally, the target artifact must be controlled by the defending player who was dealt the damage. You cannot destroy an artifact controlled by Player A if the enchanted creature dealt combat damage to Player B.

When to Play It

The best time to cast Latulla's Orders is during the Declare Blockers step after your opponent has chosen not to block one of your creatures. By casting it then, you ensure the trigger will occur before they have a chance to react during their own turn. It is also a great way to respond to an opponent's attempt to use an artifact at the end of your turn.

Interaction examples

The Combat Surprise

You attack an opponent with a 2/2 creature. After they declare no blockers, you cast Latulla's Orders using its Flash ability. The creature deals 2 combat damage to the player, triggering the Aura and allowing you to destroy their most dangerous artifact.

Non-Combat Confusion

Impact Tremors

You have Impact Tremors on the battlefield and a creature enchanted with Latulla's Orders. When another creature enters the battlefield, Impact Tremors deals 1 damage to your opponent. However, Latulla's Orders does not trigger because this is non-combat damage, not combat damage.

Graveyard Recursion

Underworld Breach

If Latulla's Orders is in your graveyard, you can use Underworld Breach to cast it for its escape cost. Since Latulla's Orders has Flash, you can even do this during your opponent's turn to surprise them with a last-minute enchantment on a creature you control.