Skyclave ApparitionHow it works & interactions with other cards

Exiling the Threat

When Skyclave Apparition enters the battlefield, you choose up to one target nonland, nontoken permanent an opponent controls with a mana value of 4 or less. This ability is mandatory to target if a valid target exists and you wish to exile something. Once the ability resolves, the card is placed into the exile zone. Notably, if the creature has X in its cost, X is treated as 0 while it is on the battlefield.

The Token Exchange

Skyclave Apparition features a second triggered ability that occurs when it leaves the battlefield. When this happens, the owner of the exiled card creates an X/X blue Illusion creature token. The value of X is determined by the mana value of the card that was exiled. This ensures that even if the Apparition is removed, your opponent only receives a vanilla creature token without its original abilities.

Strategic Timing and Order

A crucial aspect of this card is the timing of its triggers. If Skyclave Apparition leaves the battlefield before its first ability has finished resolving, the 'leaves the battlefield' ability will trigger and resolve first. Because there is no exiled card yet, no token is created. Afterward, the original 'enters' ability will resolve and exile the target permanent forever.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that Skyclave Apparition cannot target tokens; it must target a nonland, nontoken permanent. Additionally, keep in mind that the Illusion token is created by the owner of the exiled card, not necessarily the person who controlled it when it was exiled. If you exile a card that you own but an opponent controls, you will be the one receiving the Illusion token.

Interaction examples

Exiling a Value Creature

Solemn Simulacrum

When Skyclave Apparition enters the battlefield, you target Solemn Simulacrum (mana value 4). The Golem is exiled. Later, if Skyclave Apparition is destroyed, the owner of Solemn Simulacrum creates a 4/4 blue Illusion creature token. The opponent does not get the 'dies' trigger from Solemn Simulacrum because it was exiled, not put into the graveyard.

Doubling the Impact

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne with 'Kor' or 'Spirit' chosen, Skyclave Apparition's entry ability triggers twice. You can exile two different nonland permanents with mana value 4 or less. According to official rulings, when Skyclave Apparition leaves the battlefield, if it exiled multiple cards owned by one player, that player creates a single Illusion token with power and toughness equal to the total sum of the mana values of those exiled cards.

Managing the Token

Illusion

After Skyclave Apparition leaves the battlefield, the resulting Illusion token has no abilities. This makes it much easier to manage than the original permanent, as it can be easily blocked or destroyed by subsequent spells without worrying about recursive effects or triggered abilities from the original card.