Lithomantic BarrageHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Lithomantic Barrage is a sorcery that targets a single creature or planeswalker. While it normally deals 1 damage, its power spikes to 5 damage if the target is white, blue, or both colors. Most importantly, it features a static ability that prevents it from being countered by spells or abilities.

How it Resolves Step by Step

When you cast the spell, you choose a target creature or planeswalker. Upon resolution, the game checks the colors of the target. If the target has at least one of the specified colors, the spell deals 5 damage; otherwise, it deals 1. Because it cannot be countered, even the Ward keyword will fail to stop it, though you still have the option to pay the Ward cost if you choose.

Common Mistakes

Players often assume that 'can't be countered' means the spell cannot be targeted by counterspells. In reality, a player can still cast a counterspell targeting Lithomantic Barrage. While the Barrage will not be countered, the other effects of the opponent's spell (like drawing a card or gaining life) will still happen. Additionally, remember that this is a sorcery, so it cannot be used during an opponent's turn to stop a flash threat.

When to Play it

This card is best utilized against control decks or aggressive white-based strategies. It is an excellent answer to powerful blue flyers or white utility creatures that are usually protected by counter-magic. Since it costs only one red mana, it is easy to weave into a turn alongside other spells.

Interaction examples

Bypassing Wards

If you cast Lithomantic Barrage at a creature with Ward {2}, the Ward ability will trigger. You can choose not to pay the 2 mana. Normally, this would counter your spell, but because Lithomantic Barrage cannot be countered, it will ignore the Ward effect and resolve, dealing its damage to the target.

Managing Resources

Faithless Looting

In a matchup where your opponent is not playing white or blue, Lithomantic Barrage's 1 damage might be underwhelming. In these cases, you can use Faithless Looting to draw new cards and discard the Barrage, ensuring your hand remains full of relevant threats for the specific situation.

Clearing the Board

Vandalblast

Imagine your opponent has a white artifact creature. You can cast Lithomantic Barrage to deal 5 damage to it, ensuring it leaves the battlefield. If they have other non-creature artifacts, you can follow up with Vandalblast to systematically dismantle their board state, using each spell for its specific removal strength.