Myrel, Shield of ArgiveHow it works & interactions with other cards

Unpacking the Silence

Myrel's first ability is a continuous effect that applies only during your turn. It prevents opponents from casting any spells and from activating abilities of artifacts, creatures, or enchantments on the battlefield. Note that this does not stop triggered abilities (which use 'when,' 'whenever,' or 'at') or activated abilities from cards in other zones, such as a graveyard or the hand.

The Soldier Surge

When Myrel attacks, her triggered ability goes on the stack and checks how many Soldiers you control at the moment it resolves. This count includes Myrel herself and any other Soldier permanents you have. You then create that many 1/1 Soldier artifact creature tokens. Because the tokens enter the battlefield after the attack is declared, they are not attacking this turn unless another effect specifically says so.

Common Misconceptions

Players often forget that Myrel only blocks activated abilities of specific permanent types. Your opponents can still activate abilities of Lands or Planeswalkers, and they can still use cards like cycling or channel from their hands. Furthermore, 'enters the battlefield' or 'dies' triggers from permanents like Solemn Simulacrum are not affected, as those are triggered abilities, not activated ones.

Strategic Timing

To get the most out of Myrel, ensure she survives the transition to the declare attackers step. Once she is declared as an attacker, her ability triggers. Even if she is removed from combat after the trigger is on the stack, you will still create the tokens based on the number of Soldiers you control as the ability resolves.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Ranks

Myrel, Shield of ArgiveRoaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Soldier' chosen, Myrel's attack trigger will fire twice. If you control only these two creatures (both are Soldiers), the first trigger creates two Soldier tokens. The second trigger then sees four Soldiers, creating four more, resulting in six new tokens in total.

Bypassing the Silence

Myrel, Shield of ArgiveSolemn Simulacrum

During your turn, if an opponent's Solemn Simulacrum dies, its triggered ability to draw a card will still function. Myrel only stops activated abilities (those with a colon, like 'Equip'). Since the Golem's ability is a triggered ability, Myrel's static effect does not prevent it.

Exponential Growth

Myrel, Shield of ArgiveSoldier

Starting your turn with Myrel and two Soldier tokens means you control three Soldiers. When Myrel attacks, the ability resolves and creates three more Soldier tokens. You now have six Soldiers, setting up for a massive trigger of six more tokens on your next attack.