Orcus, Prince of UndeathHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing the Path

When Orcus enters the battlefield, you must choose one of two options for his triggered ability. The value of X is determined by how much mana you spent on the X in his mana cost while casting him. If you choose the first mode, all other creatures get -X/-X and you lose X life. If you choose the second mode, you can return multiple creatures from your graveyard to the battlefield, provided their total mana value does not exceed X and no single creature has a mana value greater than X.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Orcus and choose a value for X. Once Orcus resolves and enters the battlefield, his ability triggers. If you chose the reanimation mode, you must target the specific creature cards in your graveyard at this time. As the ability resolves, you either apply the -X/-X effect to the board and lose life, or you move the targeted cards to the battlefield and grant them haste. If Orcus was not cast (for example, if he was put into play by an effect), X is treated as 0 and the ability will effectively do nothing.

Common Pitfalls

A frequent mistake involves calculating the 'total mana value' for the second mode. You cannot return a single creature with a mana value of 5 if X is only 4. Furthermore, you cannot choose the first mode to kill creatures and the second mode to bring them back simultaneously; you must pick only one. Remember that Orcus himself does not get -X/-X from his own ability, but every other creature on the board, including yours, will be affected.

Strategic Timing

Orcus is best played as a finisher or a recovery tool. In the late game, he can wipe away small utility creatures or tokens to clear a path for his own trample damage. Alternatively, use him to rebuild your board presence after a sweep by bringing back multiple small creatures that can attack immediately thanks to the granted haste.

Interaction examples

The Value Reanimation

Solemn Simulacrum

If you cast Orcus, Prince of Undeath with X=4, you can choose the second mode to target Solemn Simulacrum in your graveyard. Since its mana value is 4, which is less than or equal to X, it returns to the battlefield. It gains haste, and its own 'enters' ability triggers, allowing you to fetch a land.

Double the Prince's Power

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Demon', Orcus, Prince of Undeath will trigger twice when he enters. If X=3, you could choose the first mode for the first trigger to give creatures -3/-3 and lose 3 life, then choose the second mode for the second trigger to bring back a creature with mana value 3 or less from your graveyard.

Board Wipe and Life Loss

When you cast Orcus with X=5 and choose the first mode, every other creature currently on the battlefield gets -5/-5. This happens regardless of their toughness. Simultaneously, you lose 5 life. This is a state-based effect check; any creature with 0 or less toughness will be put into the graveyard.