Orcrist, Goblin-cleaverHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver grants the equipped creature a +2/+2 stat boost and trample, helping it push damage through blockers. Its primary power lies in its triggered ability: when the equipped creature hits a player, you name a creature type and generate a Treasure token for every creature of that type you currently control.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, the equipped creature must deal combat damage to a player. Once this occurs, the ability triggers and is put on the stack. When the ability resolves, you choose a creature type (such as 'Orc' or 'Human'). The game then counts how many creatures you control with that specific type and creates that many Treasure tokens simultaneously.

Common Pitfalls

Note that you only choose the creature type when the ability resolves, not when it triggers. If the equipped creature is removed from the battlefield after damage is dealt but before the ability resolves, the ability still resolves using the last known information. You cannot choose 'Artifact' or 'Enchantment' as a creature type; it must be a valid subtype like 'Soldier' or 'Goblin'.

When to Play It

This card shines in decks focused on a specific creature type or 'Changelings' that count as all types. It is best deployed when you have a board presence established, allowing you to convert your creature count into mana to cast even larger spells in your second main phase.

Interaction examples

Hasty Wealth

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaverSwiftfoot Boots

By equipping a creature with both Swiftfoot Boots and Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver, you can attack the same turn the creature enters the battlefield. If the creature deals combat damage, the Treasure tokens generated can immediately be spent to pay for other spells or abilities.

Scaling Mana Production

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaverTreasure

If you control five Goblins and hit a player with a creature equipped with Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver, you choose 'Goblin' as the type. You create five Treasure tokens. These tokens can then be sacrificed to add five mana of any color to your mana pool.

Building the Board

Orcrist, Goblin-cleaverArcane Signet

You can use the mana from Arcane Signet to help pay the {3} mana cost to cast Orcrist, Goblin-cleaver or its {3} equip cost. Once equipped, the artifact helps replace the mana spent by generating Treasure tokens on successful attacks.