Raise the PalisadeHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing Your Type

When Raise the Palisade resolves, you must choose exactly one existing creature type from the official list, such as Human, Elf, or Merfolk. You cannot choose non-creature subtypes like Treasure or Equipment, nor can you choose multiple types like 'Elf Warrior.' If a creature has multiple types and one of them matches your choice, it will stay on the battlefield.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, the spell is cast and put onto the stack. When it starts to resolve, you name the creature type; this is not done during casting, so opponents cannot react specifically to the type you choose. Once the type is chosen, every creature on the battlefield that does not possess that specific subtype is simultaneously returned to its owner's hand. This includes your own creatures if they don't match the chosen type.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to choose a card type like 'Artifact' or 'Legendary' instead of a creature type. Another mistake involves forgetting that this spell does not target. Since it doesn't target, creatures with Hexproof or Shroud will still be returned to their owners' hands. However, if a creature has 'Protection from Blue,' it will still be bounced because Raise the Palisade does not target, damage, enchant, or block.

When to Play It

This card is best played during your main phase when you have an established board of a specific creature type and your opponents have diverse or dangerous blockers. Because it is a sorcery, you generally use it to clear the way for a lethal attack or to reset the board state when you are behind on creature count but have a key creature type to protect.

Interaction examples

Scaling Tribal Advantage

Distant Melody

If you control several Wizards, you can cast Distant Melody first to draw a card for each Wizard you control, ensuring you have a full hand. Then, cast Raise the Palisade choosing 'Wizard' to bounce every other creature on the table, leaving you with your Wizards and a hand full of fresh spells.

Creating an Instant Army

Rite of Replication

Imagine you cast Rite of Replication with its kicker cost to create five copies of a powerful Knight. Afterward, you cast Raise the Palisade and choose 'Knight.' All of your newly created tokens stay on the battlefield, while every other non-Knight creature—including the original non-Knight threats your opponents controlled—are returned to their hands.

Protecting the Chosen

If the battlefield is cluttered with Goblins, Dragons, and Soldiers, and you control three Goblins, you cast Raise the Palisade naming 'Goblin.' The Dragons and Soldiers are returned to their owners' hands, but your Goblins remain, allowing you to attack an undefended player.