Savage VentmawHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Savage Ventmaw is a 4/4 creature with Flying that possesses a powerful triggered ability. Whenever it is declared as an attacker, you immediately add six mana to your mana pool: three red mana and three green mana. The most important clause of this ability is that you do not lose this mana as steps and phases end. Normally, mana empties from your pool at the end of each step, but Savage Ventmaw allows you to keep this mana available all the way through your second main phase and even your end step.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you must move to the combat phase and declare Savage Ventmaw as an attacker. This puts the mana-generating ability on the stack. Once the ability resolves, {R}{R}{R}{G}{G}{G} is added to your mana pool. You can then use this mana during the declare blockers step, the combat damage step, or wait until your post-combat main phase. The mana persists even if the creature is destroyed or exiled after the ability has triggered and resolved.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is thinking you must spend the mana immediately during combat. Because of the specific wording 'you don't lose this mana as steps and phases end,' you can safely wait until your second main phase to cast non-instant spells. However, remember that this effect only lasts 'until end of turn.' If you have a way to take an extra turn, the mana will still empty at the very end of the current turn's cleanup step.

When to Play It

This card excels in decks that have high-cost finishers or mana-sink abilities. It is best played when you have a way to give it Haste, allowing you to recoup its mana cost the same turn it enters the battlefield. It also synergizes perfectly with effects that provide extra combat phases, as each attack will trigger the ability again, resulting in an even larger stockpile of mana.

Interaction examples

Multi-Phase Momentum

You attack with Savage Ventmaw and receive {R}{R}{R}{G}{G}{G}. After combat damage is dealt, you move to your second main phase. Despite the transition between phases, all six mana remains in your pool, allowing you to cast a large creature or multiple spells even if your lands are already tapped.

The Ultimate Combat Trigger

Etali, Primal Storm

When you attack with both creatures, both abilities trigger. You can order them so Savage Ventmaw resolves first, giving you six mana. Then, Etali, Primal Storm exiles cards from libraries. If Etali exiles a card with an 'X' in its cost or an activated ability, you can use the mana from the Ventmaw to pay for those costs immediately during the combat phase.

Untapping for Defense

Seedborn Muse

After attacking and gaining mana with Savage Ventmaw, you might use some of it to cast a spell in your second main phase. If you have mana left over, you can use it to activate abilities on your opponents' turns. Seedborn Muse will ensure your lands and Savage Ventmaw are untapped and ready to defend or prepare for another attack on your next turn.