Reclamation SageHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Reclamation Sage features a triggered ability that occurs when it enters the battlefield. This ability allows you to target one artifact or enchantment and destroy it. Because the ability uses the word 'may', you are not forced to destroy your own permanents if your opponents have none, though you must still choose a target if one is available.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, the Reclamation Sage spell resolves and the creature enters the battlefield. This triggers the ability, and you must put it on the stack and choose a legal target (an artifact or enchantment). When the ability resolves, you decide whether or not to destroy the chosen target. If the target is no longer legal when the ability tries to resolve, the ability fails to resolve and nothing is destroyed.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that 'may' happens upon resolution. You choose the target when the ability is put on the stack, but you don't decide to destroy it until the ability actually resolves. Additionally, if the Sage is removed from the battlefield in response to its trigger, the ability still resolves and can still destroy the target.

When to Play It

You should play Reclamation Sage when you need to remove a high-value target like a powerful equipment or a stifling enchantment. Since it is a creature, it is particularly effective in decks that can tutor for specific creatures or blink them to reuse their 'enters' effects.

Interaction examples

Dealing with Artifact Creatures

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls a Solemn Simulacrum, you can cast Reclamation Sage. When it enters, you target the Solemn Simulacrum. Upon resolution, the Simulacrum is destroyed. Because the Simulacrum was destroyed, its 'dies' trigger will then go on the stack, allowing its controller to draw a card.

Responding to Sacrifice

Sakura-Tribe Elder

If you play Reclamation Sage and your opponent only has a Sakura-Tribe Elder, you cannot target the Elder because it is not an artifact or an enchantment. However, if the Elder were somehow an artifact, your opponent could sacrifice it in response to the Sage's trigger. If they do, the Sage's ability would lose its target and fail to resolve.