Lore WeaverHow it works & interactions with other cards

Finding the Partner

Lore Weaver features the 'Partner with' keyword. When Lore Weaver enters the battlefield, you may choose a target player to search their library for a card named Ley Weaver. If they do, they reveal the card, put it into their hand, and then shuffle their library. Even though the reminder text is brief, this is a triggered ability that requires a target and involves revealing the searched card.

Drawing Upon Ancient Lore

The activated ability of Lore Weaver costs {5}{U}{U} and allows a target player to draw two cards. This ability can be used at any time you could cast an instant, allowing you to hold up mana for interaction and spend it on card draw if your opponent doesn't play anything threatening. Notably, you can target yourself to refill your hand or target an opponent if you are looking to win via a deck-out strategy.

Understanding the Limits

A common mistake involves Commander deck construction. While Lore Weaver has a partner ability, it is not a legendary creature. Therefore, it cannot be your commander, even if its partner is also in the deck. Additionally, the search effect is a triggered ability that occurs only when it enters the battlefield; if the search is countered or prevented by effects that stop library searching, you won't get the card.

When to Play Lore Weaver

Lore Weaver is best played when you have reached a stage in the game where you have excess mana. Because its activated ability is expensive, it serves as a 'mana sink' to ensure your turn is always productive. It is particularly effective in Battlebond-style formats or Commander games where finding Ley Weaver provides the necessary mana acceleration to fuel Lore Weaver's expensive draw ability.

Interaction examples

The Weaver Combo

Ley Weaver

Step 1: You cast Lore Weaver. Step 2: Upon entering the battlefield, its 'Partner with' ability triggers, targeting yourself. Step 3: You search your library for Ley Weaver, reveal it, and put it in your hand. Step 4: Later, you play Ley Weaver. Ley Weaver can tap to untap two lands, providing the heavy mana requirement needed to activate Lore Weaver's draw ability multiple times.

Doubling the Search

Roaming Throne

Step 1: Roaming Throne is on the battlefield with 'Wizard' chosen as the creature type. Step 2: You cast Lore Weaver. Step 3: Lore Weaver enters the battlefield, triggering its 'Partner with' ability. Step 4: Because Lore Weaver is a Wizard, Roaming Throne causes the ability to trigger an additional time. You can now target yourself twice to find two copies of Ley Weaver (if available) or target two different players.

Building a Value Engine

Solemn Simulacrum

Step 1: You play Solemn Simulacrum to ramp a basic land onto the battlefield, getting closer to the seven mana required for Lore Weaver. Step 2: Once you have Lore Weaver on the field, you use its ability to draw cards. If you draw into another land, you've replaced the resources spent. This creates a cycle where Solemn Simulacrum provides the mana base and Lore Weaver provides the card advantage.