Seven-Tail MentorHow it works & interactions with other cards

Double the Value

Seven-Tail Mentor features two distinct triggers: one that occurs when it enters the battlefield and another when it dies. Each time one of these events happens, you choose a target creature or Vehicle you control. Upon resolution, that target receives a permanent +1/+1 counter, making it a reliable way to buff your forces across different phases of the game.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When Seven-Tail Mentor enters the battlefield, its first ability is put onto the stack, and you must choose a legal target (another creature or a Vehicle you control, or even itself if it is already on the battlefield). If the target is still legal when the ability resolves, the counter is placed. The same process repeats when the Mentor dies; the 'dies' trigger goes on the stack, you select a target currently on the battlefield, and the counter is placed during resolution.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to target the Seven-Tail Mentor with its own 'dies' trigger. Because a creature must be on the battlefield to receive a counter, and the Mentor is already in the graveyard when the 'dies' ability is put onto the stack, it is not a valid target for its own death trigger. Additionally, remember that while it can target a Vehicle, the Vehicle does not need to be crewed to receive the counter.

When to Play It

Seven-Tail Mentor shines in aggressive white strategies or 'aristocrat' style decks where you expect your creatures to die. It is also highly effective in decks utilizing Vehicles, as it can permanently increase the power and toughness of your non-creature artifacts, making them much more dangerous once they are crewed.

Interaction examples

Automated Value

Solemn Simulacrum

You play Seven-Tail Mentor while Solemn Simulacrum is on the battlefield. The Mentor's 'enters' ability triggers, and you target the Simulacrum. The Golem becomes a 3/3. Later, when the Mentor dies, its second ability triggers; you can target the Simulacrum again, turning it into a 4/4 and ensuring your utility creature becomes a genuine combat threat.

Tribal Amplification

Roaming Throne

With Roaming Throne on the battlefield naming 'Fox' or 'Samurai', you cast Seven-Tail Mentor. Because Roaming Throne causes abilities of that type to trigger an additional time, the Mentor's 'enters' ability triggers twice, allowing you to put two +1/+1 counters on your creatures. If the Mentor dies later, the Roaming Throne will similarly cause the 'dies' ability to trigger twice.