Midnight CovenantHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Midnight Covenant is an Aura that attaches to a creature and grants that creature a new activated ability. The ability costs one black mana and gives the creature +1/+1 until the end of the turn. This is often referred to as 'shade-breathing,' a mechanic that lets you pump up a creature multiple times as long as you have the mana to pay for it.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Midnight Covenant by paying its mana cost and targeting a creature on the battlefield. Once it resolves, the Aura enters the battlefield attached to that creature. The enchanted creature now possesses the ability '{B}: This creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.' You can activate this ability at any time you have priority, even on your opponent's turn. Each time you pay the mana, the ability goes on the stack and, once it resolves, the creature's power and toughness increase.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is forgetting that the ability is granted to the creature itself, not the enchantment. If the creature gains 'protection from black' or is otherwise removed, the Aura will fall off and the buffs will disappear at the end of the turn. Additionally, remember that if the creature leaves the battlefield, the Aura is put into its owner's graveyard. You cannot activate the ability if you no longer control the creature or if the creature has already been destroyed in combat.

When to Play It

Midnight Covenant is best used in mono-black decks where every land you tap provides the specific color needed for the pump ability. It is particularly effective in the late game when you have plenty of mana available but few cards in hand. By holding your mana open, you force your opponent to block awkwardly, fearing you will pump your creature enough to survive the exchange.

Interaction examples

Mana Management with Resources

Phyrexian Arena

With Phyrexian Arena on the board, you draw an extra card every turn at the cost of life. This ensures you consistently hit your land drops. As you accumulate more Swamps, you can cast Midnight Covenant on a creature and use that high volume of mana to pump its power significantly every single combat phase.

Creating a Threat from Scratch

Black Market Connections

Black Market Connections can create a 3/2 Shapeshifter token during your main phase. You can then enchant that token with Midnight Covenant. Since the token is a creature, it gains the activated ability. If you chose to create a Treasure token with Black Market Connections as well, you can sacrifice that Treasure for a black mana to pump your new Shapeshifter immediately.