Olinda the ObliviousHow it works & interactions with other cards

Stinky Entrances and Attacks

Olinda’s ability triggers in two scenarios: when she enters the battlefield and whenever she attacks. For each opponent you have, you may choose up to one target creature they control that does not already have an odor counter. This means in a typical four-player game, you can target three different creatures (one per opponent) each time the ability triggers.

The Persistence of Odor

Once a creature is marked with an odor counter, it gains a new triggered ability: 'At the beginning of your upkeep, you lose 2 life.' This ability is tied specifically to the presence of the odor counter. Unlike many other effects, this does not depend on Olinda staying in play; as long as the counter remains on the creature, the owner of that creature will face the life loss every turn.

Targeting Restrictions

When Olinda's ability goes on the stack, you must check if the targets are valid. You cannot choose a creature that already has an odor counter on it. If a creature gains an odor counter after being targeted but before the ability resolves, that part of the effect will fail. However, if a creature loses its odor counter later, it can be targeted again by a subsequent Olinda trigger.

When to Play Olinda

Olinda is most effective when your opponents have several high-toughness creatures or utility creatures they are unlikely to sacrifice. By marking these permanents, you force your opponents into a difficult choice: keep their creature and lose life, or find a way to remove their own permanents to stop the stench.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Scent

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Skunk' or 'Rogue' as it entered, Olinda’s abilities will trigger an additional time. When Olinda enters, you can target two different creatures per opponent (assuming they don't have counters yet). Because the triggers resolve separately, the first trigger puts counters on the first set of targets, and the second trigger can then target a new set of creatures that are still 'without an odor counter'.

Targeting Value Engines

Solemn Simulacrum

If an opponent controls Solemn Simulacrum, Olinda can target it with an odor counter when she attacks. During that opponent's next upkeep, the Simulacrum's new ability triggers, causing the opponent to lose 2 life. The opponent may be incentivized to block with the Simulacrum so it dies and they can draw a card, effectively 'cleaning' the odor at the cost of their creature.