Massacre TotemHow it works & interactions with other cards

Continuous Pressure

Massacre Totem has a triggered ability that fires at the beginning of the Horde's first main phase. Unlike the standard Horde rules which may vary based on player count, this artifact specifically mandates revealing one additional card from the top of the library. The Horde then immediately casts that card, potentially doubling its presence on the battlefield before the combat phase even begins.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, at the start of the Horde's first main phase, the triggered ability is put onto the stack. When it resolves, the top card of the library is revealed. If it is a spell, the Horde casts it without paying its mana cost. Finally, if the card was a creature, it enters the battlefield with haste per standard Horde mechanics, ready to attack during the same turn.

The Hero's Reward

The most important aspect for players is the 'Hero's Reward' triggered ability. If Massacre Totem is put into the graveyard from the battlefield, the library, or even through discard effects, it triggers a mill effect. The Horde must place the top seven cards of its library into its graveyard, significantly shortening the game's clock and bringing the players closer to victory.

When to Target It

Players should prioritize destroying Massacre Totem early in the game. Because it grants the Horde an extra cast every single turn, the cumulative advantage the Horde gains can quickly become insurmountable. Using artifact destruction early not only stops the extra spells but also deals seven 'damage' to the Horde's life total (its library) immediately.

Interaction examples

Accelerating the Horde

Sol Ring

During the Horde's first main phase, Massacre Totem triggers. The top card revealed is Sol Ring. The Horde casts Sol Ring, adding it to its battlefield. Because this happened during the first main phase, the Horde still proceeds to its normal card reveals for the turn, effectively having cast one extra artifact than usual.

Turning the Tide

Skullclamp

If a player uses a spell to destroy Massacre Totem while it is on the battlefield, the Hero's Reward ability triggers. The Horde puts the top seven cards of its library into the graveyard. If one of those seven cards is Skullclamp, the players have successfully removed two threats and milled a significant portion of the Horde's deck in one move.