Regal CaracalHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Royal Anthem for Cats

While Regal Caracal is on the battlefield, it provides a continuous static ability that grants all other Cats you control +1/+1 and the lifelink keyword. This applies to every creature you control with the Cat subtype, regardless of whether they were on the battlefield before the Caracal arrived or if they enter later. It even applies to the two tokens created by its own enter-the-battlefield ability.

Resolution Step-by-Step

When you cast Regal Caracal and it successfully resolves, it enters the battlefield and its triggered ability goes on the stack. Once that ability resolves, you create two 1/1 white Cat creature tokens. Immediately, because the Caracal is already on the battlefield, its static ability applies to these new tokens, effectively making them 2/2 creatures with lifelink. Note that the tokens already have lifelink printed on them; since multiple instances of lifelink are redundant, they simply function as having one instance of lifelink.

Common Misconceptions

A common mistake is thinking the +1/+1 and lifelink bonus only applies to the tokens created by Regal Caracal. In reality, any creature you control that has the 'Cat' type line benefits from this. Another thing to remember is that Regal Caracal does not give itself the +1/+1 bonus or lifelink; it only buffs 'other' Cats. If you want the Caracal to have lifelink, you would need a second Regal Caracal or another source to provide that keyword.

When to Play the Monarch

Regal Caracal is best played when you have already established a small army of Cats, as it acts as a 'lord' that provides an immediate power spike and helps you stabilize your life total. It is also an excellent target for blink or flicker effects, as re-entering the battlefield will trigger its token-creation ability again, further expanding your board.

Interaction examples

The Pride Grows

Cat

When Regal Caracal enters the battlefield, its ability triggers to create two 1/1 white Cat tokens. Because the Caracal's static ability is active, those 1/1 tokens immediately become 2/2 creatures. Even though the tokens already have lifelink, the Caracal grants it to them again, which is redundant but ensures they are potent attackers and blockers.

Doubling the Royal Decree

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Cat' chosen as the creature type, Regal Caracal's enter-the-battlefield ability will trigger an additional time. First, the Caracal enters. The Throne sees a Cat's triggered ability and triggers it twice. You will resolve two separate instances of the ability, creating a total of four 1/1 Cat tokens. Furthermore, the Roaming Throne itself is now a Cat, so it receives +1/+1 and lifelink from the Caracal.

Comparing ETB Triggers

Solemn Simulacrum

Both creatures have 'enters' triggers. If you play Regal Caracal while Solemn Simulacrum is on the field, the Caracal does not interact with the Golem because the Golem is not a Cat. However, if you use a card to change the Golem's type to Cat, it would then receive the +1/+1 and lifelink bonus. This highlights that Regal Caracal's buff is strictly based on the creature type 'Cat' at any given moment.