Scholar of StarsHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Scholar of Stars features a triggered ability that checks for a condition as it enters the battlefield. Specifically, it looks to see if you control at least one artifact. If you do, the ability goes on the stack and will eventually allow you to draw a card. If you don't control an artifact at the exact moment it enters, the ability won't trigger at all.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, Scholar of Stars enters the battlefield. The game checks to see if you control an artifact; if yes, the 'enters' ability is placed on the stack. Players may then respond with instants or activated abilities. When the ability resolves, the game checks the condition one more time. If you still control an artifact, you draw your card. If all your artifacts were destroyed in response, the ability will do nothing.

Common Mistakes

One frequent error is thinking that Scholar of Stars itself counts for its own ability. Because it is a Human Artificer and not an artifact, it cannot fulfill its own requirement. You must have a separate card with the 'Artifact' type on the battlefield. Another mistake is trying to play an artifact after Scholar of Stars enters to get the draw; the check happens immediately, so the artifact must already be present.

When to Play It

This card is best used in decks featuring plenty of equipment, mana rocks, or artifact creatures. Because it provides card advantage upon entry, it is a great target for 'blink' effects that exile a creature and return it to the battlefield, allowing you to trigger the draw multiple times as long as your artifact remains in play.

Interaction examples

Basic Synergy

Solemn Simulacrum

If you control Solemn Simulacrum and then cast Scholar of Stars, the Scholar will see the artifact Golem on the battlefield when it enters. The ability triggers, and you draw a card. This allows you to benefit from the land ramp provided by the Simulacrum and the card draw from the Scholar.

Doubling the Knowledge

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with the chosen type 'Human' and you also control an artifact, casting Scholar of Stars will cause its ability to trigger twice. Roaming Throne is an artifact itself, so it satisfies the Scholar's condition while also doubling the trigger, resulting in two drawn cards.