Maga, Traitor to MortalsHow it works & interactions with other cards

How Maga Enters the Battlefield

Maga, Traitor to Mortals has a variable mana cost represented by {X}. When you cast this spell, you choose a value for X, and that choice determines how many +1/+1 counters Maga receives. Because this is a replacement effect that happens as it enters, Maga is never a 0/0 on the battlefield; it arrives already buffed by its counters.

Resolving the Life Loss Trigger

After Maga enters the battlefield, its triggered ability goes on the stack. You must choose a target player at this time. When the ability resolves, it checks the current number of +1/+1 counters on Maga. If Maga has left the battlefield before the ability resolves, the game uses the number of counters it had the last time it was on the battlefield to determine how much life the target player loses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Players often forget that the life loss is a targeted triggered ability. This means that if a player has Hexproof, you cannot target them with Maga's ability. Additionally, increasing Maga's counters in response to the trigger will increase the amount of life lost, as the ability checks the counter count upon resolution, not when it was first put on the stack.

Strategic Timing

Maga is best utilized in ramp decks that can generate massive amounts of black mana. Since it serves as both a threat and a direct damage spell, it is an excellent target for recursion effects. Even if the creature is destroyed, the damage is already done, forcing your opponent to deal with a high-power creature while their life total is dangerously low.

Interaction examples

Generating Mana for Maga

Solemn Simulacrum

First, you play Solemn Simulacrum to search your library for a Basic Swamp, putting it onto the battlefield tapped to increase your mana pool. Later, you tap five Swamps and two other lands to cast Maga, Traitor to Mortals with X=4. Maga enters with four +1/+1 counters, and you target your opponent, who then loses 4 life.

Doubling the Treachery

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield (having chosen 'Human' or 'Wizard'), you cast Maga, Traitor to Mortals with X=5. Maga enters with five counters. Because Maga is a Human Wizard, Roaming Throne causes its 'enters' ability to trigger an additional time. You put two triggers on the stack, each targeting your opponent for 5 life, resulting in a total loss of 10 life.