Necromaster DragonHow it works & interactions with other cards

Understanding the Trigger

The core of Necromaster Dragon is its combat damage trigger. Whenever it successfully hits a player, you are offered a choice to pay {2}. This is a reflexive-style choice that happens during the resolution of the ability; you don't decide to pay until the ability is already resolving.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the Dragon must deal combat damage to a player. Once damage is dealt, the ability goes on the stack. When the ability resolves, you choose whether to pay {2}. If you do, you simultaneously create a 2/2 black Zombie creature token and force each opponent to mill two cards. Note that if you hit multiple players (in multiplayer formats), the ability triggers once for each player hit, and you can pay {2} for each separate trigger.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is trying to pay the {2} multiple times for a single trigger to get more Zombies. According to the official rulings, you may only pay the {2} once per trigger. Additionally, if the Dragon is blocked or its damage is prevented, the ability will not trigger at all.

When to Deploy

Necromaster Dragon is best used when you have open mana to capitalize on its hit. It excels in decks that care about high creature counts or those that benefit from opponents having cards in their graveyards. Its 4/4 flying body also makes it a sturdy blocker when not on the offensive.

Interaction examples

Building the Undead Army

Zombie

Necromaster Dragon attacks and is not blocked by your opponent. It deals 4 combat damage. The trigger goes on the stack, and you pay {2}. You create a 2/2 black Zombie token and your opponent puts the top two cards of their library into their graveyard.

Doubling the Draconic Influence

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Dragon', Necromaster Dragon's ability triggers twice when it deals combat damage to a player. You can pay {2} for the first trigger to get a Zombie and mill the opponent, then pay another {2} for the second trigger to get a second Zombie and mill them for two more cards.

Aerial Supremacy

Solemn Simulacrum

Your opponent has a Solemn Simulacrum on the ground. Because Necromaster Dragon has Flying, it flies over the Golem. Since the Golem cannot block flyers, the Dragon deals damage directly to the player, allowing you to pay {2} to create a Zombie and mill your opponent's deck.