Platypus-BearHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Nature of the Platypus-Bear

Initially, Platypus-Bear enters the battlefield with defender, meaning it cannot be declared as an attacker during your combat phase. However, its enters-the-battlefield ability triggers immediately, causing you to mill two cards. This self-mill helps set up the condition required to bypass its defender keyword.

Activating the Offensive

The static ability of Platypus-Bear checks your graveyard for a card with the 'Lesson' subtype. As long as at least one Lesson is present, the restriction from defender is ignored for the purposes of declaring attacks. If a Lesson is milled during its enters-the-battlefield trigger, Platypus-Bear may be eligible to attack as soon as it no longer has summoning sickness.

Timing and State Changes

It is important to note that the check for the Lesson card occurs when you declare attackers. If a Lesson card is removed from your graveyard after Platypus-Bear has already been declared as an attacker, it does not stop the attack. The creature remains an attacking creature until the end of the combat phase.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that Platypus-Bear still has defender even when it can attack; it simply attacks 'as though it didn't have' that keyword. Additionally, remember that milling is mandatory when it enters, which could be relevant in games where your library is nearly empty.

Interaction examples

Establishing an Early Defense

Birds of Paradise

On turn one, you play Birds of Paradise. On turn two, you use its ability to add green or blue mana to cast Platypus-Bear. Platypus-Bear enters and you mill two cards. Even if no Lesson is found, you now have a high-toughness defender ready to block while Birds of Paradise provides mana fixing.

Accelerating the Aggression

Llanowar Elves

You cast Llanowar Elves on turn one. On turn two, you tap a forest and the Llanowar Elves to cast Platypus-Bear. If one of the two cards milled by Platypus-Bear is a Lesson, your Platypus-Bear will be able to attack on turn three, turning your early ramp into a consistent source of damage.