Sanguine EvangelistHow it works & interactions with other cards

Dual Value Generation

The primary strength of Sanguine Evangelist lies in its triggered abilities. It features an 'enters' trigger and a 'dies' trigger, both of which create a 1/1 black Bat creature token with flying. This ensures that even if your opponent uses a removal spell, you are left with a functional evasion creature to continue your assault.

Understanding Battle Cry

Battle cry is a triggered ability that goes on the stack during the Declare Attackers step. When Sanguine Evangelist is declared as an attacker, it gives every other attacking creature you control +1/+0 until end of turn. Note that it does not buff itself; only the allies charging alongside it receive the bonus.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you cast the spell. When it resolves and enters the battlefield, the first token ability triggers and creates a Bat. Later, when you declare attackers including the Evangelist, the Battle cry ability triggers. If the Evangelist is destroyed, the final ability triggers, placing a second Bat token onto the battlefield.

Strategic Timing

Because it generates a token immediately, it is often best played before your combat phase if you have other ways to give that token Haste. However, its 'dies' trigger makes it an excellent candidate for sacrifice outlets or as a deterrent against board wipes, as you will retain flying blockers afterward.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Congregation

Sanguine EvangelistRoaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Vampire', Sanguine Evangelist will trigger twice when it enters (creating two Bats) and twice when it attacks (giving other attackers +2/+0). If it dies, you will create two more Bats.

Comparison of Triggered Abilities

Sanguine EvangelistSolemn Simulacrum

Both cards utilize 'enters' and 'dies' triggers to provide card or board advantage. While Solemn Simulacrum helps you ramp and draw, Sanguine Evangelist focuses on aggressive board presence by ensuring you always have a Bat token available even after a trade.

Battle Cry in Action

Sanguine EvangelistBat

If you attack with Sanguine Evangelist and the Bat token it created earlier, the Battle cry trigger will resolve, making the Bat a 2/1 flyer for the turn, while the Evangelist remains a 2/1.