Linessa, Zephyr MageHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Methods of Control

Linessa features two distinct abilities. Her first ability allows you to pay X and tap her to bounce a creature with a specific mana value to its owner's hand. Her second ability, Grandeur, is a special discard mechanic that only works if you have a duplicate copy of her in your hand, triggering a massive wave of forced returns for your opponent.

Resolving the Grandeur Sequence

When you activate Linessa's Grandeur ability, you target a player. As the ability resolves, that player must follow a specific four-step sequence. First, they choose a creature they control and return it to their hand. Second, they choose an artifact and return it. Third, they choose an enchantment. Finally, they choose a land. Each step is processed individually, and the player must choose a different permanent for each step if possible.

Strategic Timing and Grandeur Constraints

Because Grandeur requires you to discard a card with the same name, it is traditionally difficult to use in Commander. However, if you can get a copy of Linessa into your hand through other means, the effect ignores Hexproof on the permanents themselves because the ability targets the player, not the individual cards being bounced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A critical ruling to remember is that a single permanent cannot satisfy two parts of the Grandeur sequence. If your opponent controls an artifact creature, they can return it for the creature requirement or the artifact requirement, but not both. They must choose a separate artifact for the second step if they have one available.

Interaction examples

Managing the Mana Value

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, which has a mana value of 4, you can activate Linessa's first ability by paying 4UU and tapping her. This specifically targets the Simulacrum and returns it to the owner's hand before it can block or be sacrificed for value.

The Grandeur Multi-Bounce

Solemn SimulacrumRoaming Throne

If you activate Linessa's Grandeur ability targeting an opponent who controls both Solemn Simulacrum and Roaming Throne, the sequence begins. The opponent must first return a creature (e.g., Solemn Simulacrum). Then, for the artifact step, they must return another artifact (e.g., Roaming Throne). Even though both are artifact creatures, one cannot count for both steps of the resolution.