Siren ReaverHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Siren Reaver is a 3/2 Siren Pirate with Flying that features the Raid mechanic. Raid is a conditional discount that reduces the total cost of the spell by {1} if you have declared at least one creature as an attacker earlier in the same turn. Crucially, the Raid condition only checks if the attack action occurred; it does not require the attacking creature to have dealt damage or even survive the combat phase.

How It Resolves

When you cast Siren Reaver, the game checks your turn history. First, the game identifies the base cost of {3}{U}. Second, it checks if you have attacked with a creature this turn; if yes, the cost reduction of {1} is applied, making the cost {2}{U}. Once the mana is paid and the spell is put on the stack, it functions like any other creature spell. Upon resolving, it enters the battlefield as a creature with Flying.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Raid requires the attacking creature to still be on the battlefield. Official rulings clarify that Raid evaluates the entire turn; even if your creature attacked and was destroyed in combat, Siren Reaver still receives the discount. Additionally, note that Raid does not care who or what you attacked—attacking a player, a planeswalker, or a battle all satisfy the requirement.

When to Play It

To maximize efficiency, always cast Siren Reaver during your Second Main Phase. This ensures the Raid discount is active. Because it has Flying, it serves as an excellent follow-up to a ground-based attack, providing you with a high-power evasive threat that can bypass your opponent's blockers on subsequent turns.

Interaction examples

Maximizing Mana Efficiency

Solemn Simulacrum

If you attack with Solemn Simulacrum during your combat phase, the Raid condition is met. Even if your opponent blocks and destroys Solemn Simulacrum, you can still cast Siren Reaver for {2}{U} during your post-combat main phase, utilizing the land you fetched earlier to stay ahead on mana.

Tribal Synergies

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Pirate' chosen, it is important to note that Siren Reaver's Raid ability is a static ability that affects its casting cost, not a triggered ability. Therefore, Roaming Throne will not double the Raid discount, but Siren Reaver will still cost only {2}{U} as long as Roaming Throne (or any other creature) attacked that turn.

The Post-Combat Drop

During your turn, you declare a 1/1 token as an attacker. Your opponent casts a spell to destroy the token before damage. Because the 'attack' action was legally declared, you can still cast Siren Reaver for its reduced cost of {2}{U} during your second main phase.