Obsidian AcolyteHow it works & interactions with other cards

What Obsidian Acolyte Does

Obsidian Acolyte features two primary layers of defense. First, it has an inherent keyword: Protection from black. This means it cannot be damaged, enchanted, blocked, or targeted by anything black. Second, it possesses an activated ability for a single white mana that grants this same 'Protection from black' keyword to any target creature, including itself or your other allies, until the end of the turn.

Resolving the Protection Ability

When you activate the ability, you must choose a legal target creature. Upon resolution, that creature gains protection from black. According to the comprehensive rules, this provides four specific benefits against black sources: damage is prevented, it cannot be attached by black Auras or Equipment, it cannot be blocked by black creatures, and it cannot be targeted by black spells or abilities from black sources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common misconception is that protection protects against non-targeted effects like 'each creature' or 'all creatures.' If a black spell says 'Destroy all creatures,' Obsidian Acolyte will still be destroyed because the spell does not target. Additionally, granting protection after a spell has already resolved (such as a black Aura already attached to a creature) will cause that Aura to fall off and be put into the graveyard.

When to Activate the Ability

Timing is crucial. You should typically hold your white mana open to react to your opponent's spells. If an opponent targets your creature with a black removal spell, you can activate Obsidian Acolyte's ability in response. The protection will make the creature an illegal target, causing the opponent's spell to fizzle upon resolution.

Interaction examples

Guarding the Sentinel

Esper Sentinel

If your opponent attempts to destroy your Esper Sentinel with a black spell like Murder, you can pay one white mana to activate Obsidian Acolyte. Esper Sentinel gains protection from black. When Murder tries to resolve, it checks its target, finds it is now illegal due to protection, and is removed from the stack with no effect.

Ensuring Mana Production

Ornithopter of Paradise

During your combat phase, if your opponent has a black flyer they intend to block with, you can grant protection from black to your Ornithopter of Paradise. Because of the rules of protection, the black creature cannot legally be declared as a blocker for the Ornithopter, allowing your artifact creature to fly over their defenses safely.

Self-Preservation

Even without other creatures, Obsidian Acolyte can protect itself. If it is targeted by a black ability, you can target the Acolyte with its own ability. This adds a redundant layer of protection that ensures the specific black source cannot interact with it for the remainder of the turn.