Scytheclaw RaptorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Punishing Reactive Play

Scytheclaw Raptor features a triggered ability that checks a specific condition every time a spell is cast: whose turn is it? If a player casts a spell during any turn that is not their own, the Raptor triggers and deals 4 damage to that player. This applies to opponents casting instants on your turn, but also to you if you cast spells on your opponents' turns.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, a player casts a spell during a turn that is not theirs. This immediately puts the Scytheclaw Raptor's ability onto the stack on top of that spell. The triggered ability will resolve first, dealing 4 damage to the player who cast the spell. Finally, if the player survived the damage, their original spell will resolve.

Common Mistakes

A common misconception is that this ability only hits opponents. However, the card says 'a player,' meaning if you cast a spell on an opponent's turn, you will also take 4 damage. Additionally, it is important to remember that this ability triggers when the spell is cast, not when it resolves, so the damage happens even if the spell is countered.

When to Deploy the Raptor

Scytheclaw Raptor is most effective against Control decks or Flash-based archetypes. By resolving this creature early, you force your opponents to choose between taking chunks of damage or only casting spells during their own main phases, effectively turning off their ability to react to your plays.

Interaction examples

Double the Bite

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Dinosaur' chosen, Scytheclaw Raptor's ability triggers twice. When an opponent casts a spell on your turn, they will take two separate instances of 4 damage, totaling 8 damage for a single spell.

Safe Casting

Solemn Simulacrum

If you cast Solemn Simulacrum during your own turn while you control Scytheclaw Raptor, nothing happens because it is your turn. The condition 'if it's not their turn' is not met, so the Raptor remains calm and you take no damage.

The Price of Interference

If your opponent casts an instant-speed removal spell to destroy Scytheclaw Raptor while it is your turn, the Raptor's ability triggers before it leaves the battlefield. The opponent will take 4 damage first, and then their spell will resolve to destroy the Raptor.