Lingering DeathHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Slow but Certain Fate

Lingering Death is an Aura with the 'Enchant creature' keyword, meaning it must target a creature on the battlefield when you cast it. Once attached, it sets a delayed trigger that checks for the end step of the creature's controller. Because it specifies the controller's end step, the creature will typically survive through your turn and its own combat phase before the sacrifice occurs.

The Step-by-Step Resolution

First, cast Lingering Death by paying one black and one generic mana, targeting a creature. Once it resolves, the Aura stays on the battlefield attached to that creature. The game then waits until the beginning of the next end step of the player who currently controls that creature. At that precise moment, the ability triggers and goes on the stack. When the ability resolves, the controller must sacrifice the creature. Since the sacrifice is part of the resolution, it cannot be prevented by effects that stop 'destruction' or 'lethal damage'.

Sacrifice vs. Destruction

A common mistake is treating Lingering Death like a standard 'Destroy' spell. Because the card specifically uses the word 'sacrifices', the enchanted creature's controller must put it into the graveyard even if the creature has Indestructible or a Shield counter. However, if the creature is no longer on the battlefield when the end step begins, or if Lingering Death is removed before the end step, the sacrifice trigger will not happen.

Strategic Timing

You should play Lingering Death on a high-value threat that your opponent cannot easily bounce back to their hand or sacrifice for an alternative benefit. Since it triggers at the beginning of their end step, they will have their entire turn to use the creature's abilities or attack you. It is best used when you can afford to take one more hit in exchange for a guaranteed removal that ignores protective keywords.

Interaction examples

Generating a Target

Black Market Connections

If your opponent uses Black Market Connections to 'Hire a Mercenary' at the start of their main phase, they create a 3/2 Shapeshifter token. On your following turn, you can enchant that token with Lingering Death. At the beginning of your opponent's next end step, the ability triggers, and they are forced to sacrifice their new Shapeshifter.

Waiting for the End

Phyrexian Arena

Imagine your opponent has a creature and Phyrexian Arena on the board. During their upkeep, the Arena triggers and they draw a card. During your turn, you attach Lingering Death to their creature. The creature survives their entire main phase and combat. It is only when the game moves to the beginning of their end step that Lingering Death triggers, forcing the sacrifice after all their other actions are complete.