Serra's EmbraceHow it works & interactions with other cards

Granting the Blessing

Serra's Embrace is an Aura with the Enchant creature keyword, meaning it targets a creature as it is cast and attaches to it upon resolution. Once attached, the creature receives a static +2/+2 bonus to its power and toughness and gains two keyword abilities: flying and vigilance. If Serra's Embrace leaves the battlefield or the creature it is enchanting leaves the battlefield, the connection is broken and the bonuses disappear.

The Advantage of Vigilance

The most impactful part of this enchantment is the combination of flying and vigilance. Flying ensures that your creature can soar over ground-based blockers to deal damage directly to your opponent. Because it has vigilance, attacking does not cause the creature to tap. This means that after you finish your combat phase, the creature remains upright and available to block during your opponent's next turn, making it an excellent two-way tool.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast Serra's Embrace, you must choose a legal creature on the battlefield as its target. If that creature is still a legal target when the spell tries to resolve, the Aura enters the battlefield attached to it. The stat changes and keyword abilities apply immediately. If the targeted creature leaves the battlefield or gains protection from white in response to the spell, Serra's Embrace is moved to the graveyard without ever entering the battlefield.

Strategic Timing

Because Serra's Embrace costs four mana and requires a creature to stay on the board, it is often best played when your opponent is low on mana or has already used their removal spells. Forcing an opponent to deal with a creature that is both a massive aerial threat and a constant blocker puts immense pressure on their resources and combat math.

Interaction examples

Airborne Tax Collector

Smothering Tithe

You control Smothering Tithe and a 2/2 creature token. You cast Serra's Embrace on the token, making it a 4/4 with flying and vigilance. As you attack through the air for 4 damage, your Smothering Tithe continues to generate Treasure tokens whenever your opponent draws, giving you the mana needed to protect your newly buffed flyer.

The Impenetrable Fortress

Ghostly Prison

With Ghostly Prison on the battlefield, your opponent must pay {2} to attack you with a creature. You enchant your creature with Serra's Embrace. You can now attack with your 4/4 flying creature and, thanks to vigilance, it stays untapped. Your opponent now faces a double dilemma: they must pay mana just to declare an attacker, only to be blocked by your untapped, high-toughness flyer.