Neverwinter DryadHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Neverwinter Dryad is a 1/1 creature that functions as a portable ramp spell. For a cost of two mana and sacrificing the creature, you can pull a basic Forest directly from your library to the battlefield. Because the ability requires sacrificing the creature as a cost, it is an effective way to get value out of the Dryad if it is targeted by an opponent's removal spell.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must pay the cost of two mana and sacrifice Neverwinter Dryad; this happens as you activate the ability, so it is already in the graveyard before the ability resolves. Next, you search your library for a card with the 'basic' supertype and the 'Forest' subtype. Once found, you place that card onto the battlefield tapped. Finally, you must shuffle your library to complete the effect.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to find any card that produces green mana, but the ability specifically specifies a 'basic Forest'. You cannot search for non-basic lands or other land types. Additionally, remember that the land enters the battlefield tapped, meaning you cannot use it to pay for spells or abilities during the same turn unless you have a way to untap it.

When to Play It

This card is best played on turn one to provide a blocker against aggressive strategies. You should typically hold the activation until your opponent tries to remove it or until you have two spare mana at the end of your opponent's turn. It is also useful in decks that care about creatures entering the graveyard or having a high land count for specific payoffs.

Interaction examples

Accelerating your Mana Base

Llanowar Elves

On turn one, you play Llanowar Elves. On turn two, you play Neverwinter Dryad. During your opponent's end step, you can tap your Forest and your Llanowar Elves to pay the two mana required to sacrifice Neverwinter Dryad, searching for another Forest. By turn three, you will have three lands and a mana dork available.

Color Fixing for Multi-Color Decks

Birds of Paradise

If you have Birds of Paradise on the field, you can use its ability to produce one of the two mana needed for Neverwinter Dryad's activated ability. This allows you to aggressively thin your deck and find your basic Forests even if you are missing green land drops early in the game.