Liu Bei, Lord of ShuHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unblockable Strategy: Horsemanship

Liu Bei features horsemanship, a unique keyword that functions similarly to flying but is much harder to stop. A creature with horsemanship can only be blocked by other creatures that also have horsemanship. It is important to remember that flying and reach do not interact with this keyword; even the most powerful dragons or archers cannot stand in Liu Bei's path unless they too are mounted on horseback.

The Power of Brotherhood

Liu Bei thrives when his sworn brothers are on the battlefield. As long as you control a permanent named Guan Yu, Sainted Warrior or Zhang Fei, Fierce Warrior, Liu Bei receives a +2/+2 stat boost. This is a static ability that checks the names of your permanents continuously. Note that you only need one of these two brothers to get the bonus; controlling both does not double the effect, as the ability checks for the existence of either name, not both separately.

Common Pitfalls and Timing

A common mistake is assuming that Liu Bei's power boost is a triggered ability that goes on the stack. Because it is a static ability, the +2/+2 bonus is applied immediately the moment one of his brothers enters the battlefield and is lost the moment they leave. Additionally, players often forget that the bonus applies if you control a permanent with the specific name, even if that permanent has lost its creature types or changed its status, provided the name remains the same.

Interaction examples

Riding into Battle

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, they cannot block Liu Bei, Lord of Shu. Even though Solemn Simulacrum is a creature, it lacks horsemanship, allowing Liu Bei to pass through the defensive line unhindered.

Strengthening the Lord

Zhang Fei, Fierce Warrior

With Liu Bei, Lord of Shu on the battlefield, you cast Zhang Fei, Fierce Warrior. As soon as Zhang Fei resolves and enters the battlefield, Liu Bei instantly becomes a 4/6 creature. If Zhang Fei leaves the battlefield later, Liu Bei immediately reverts to a 2/4.

Double the Brotherly Bond?

Guan Yu, Sainted WarriorZhang Fei, Fierce Warrior

If you control Liu Bei and both Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, Liu Bei still only receives +2/+2. The ability asks a simple 'yes or no' question regarding the presence of either name; since the condition is met, the bonus is applied once.

Type Selection with Roaming Throne

Roaming Throne

If you choose 'Human' or 'Soldier' for Roaming Throne, it will not affect Liu Bei's stat boost. This is because Liu Bei's +2/+2 is a static ability, not a triggered ability. Roaming Throne only interacts with abilities that use 'when', 'whenever', or 'at'.