Scroll of the MastersHow it works & interactions with other cards

Accumulating Knowledge

The first ability of Scroll of the Masters is a triggered ability that fires whenever you cast a noncreature spell. This includes artifacts, enchantments, instants, sorceries, and planeswalkers. Each time such a spell is cast, a lore counter is placed on the Scroll. Note that the counter is added when the spell is cast, not when it resolves, so the Scroll grows even if your spell is countered.

Resolving the Boost

When you activate the second ability, you pay three mana and tap the Scroll to target a creature you control. The game checks the number of lore counters on Scroll of the Masters at the moment the ability resolves. If Scroll of the Masters is destroyed in response to the ability, the game uses 'Last Known Information' to determine how many counters were on it when it left the battlefield to apply the correct bonus.

Timing and Modifications

A common mistake is thinking the bonus fluctuates if you add more counters later in the turn. Once the activated ability resolves, the +1/+1 bonus is locked in. Adding more lore counters afterward will not increase the bonus already granted to the creature, though it will make the next activation even stronger.

Strategic Implementation

You should play Scroll of the Masters early in the game to maximize the number of counters it collects. Because it triggers on any noncreature spell, even low-cost mana rocks like Sol Ring help build its power. It is best used in the combat phase after your opponent has declared blockers to push through lethal damage.

Interaction examples

Powering Up the Scroll

Sol RingArcane Signet

With Scroll of the Masters on the battlefield, you cast Sol Ring. This triggers the Scroll, and a lore counter is added. You then use mana from Sol Ring to cast Arcane Signet. This triggers the Scroll again, adding a second lore counter. The Scroll now has two counters, ready to grant a creature +2/+2.

Last Known Information

Sol Ring

If you activate Scroll of the Masters while it has three lore counters, and an opponent destroys the Scroll in response, the ability still resolves. The game looks back to see the Scroll had three counters before leaving the battlefield, so your target creature still gets +3/+3 until end of turn.