Skymarch BloodletterHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Skymarch Bloodletter is a 2/2 creature with Flying. Its primary feature is an 'enters' triggered ability that creates a 2-point life swing by draining 1 life from an opponent and giving it to you. Because it has Flying, it can often bypass ground blockers to continue pressure in the air.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Skymarch Bloodletter and it enters the battlefield. As it enters, its triggered ability is placed on the stack, and you must choose a target opponent. When the ability resolves, that opponent loses 1 life, and you simultaneously gain 1 life. If the opponent has hexproof or you cannot target them for some reason, the ability cannot be put on the stack.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is forgetting that the life gain is tied to the resolution of the ability, not the casting of the spell. If the creature is countered, the ability never triggers. Additionally, the life loss is not damage, so it cannot be prevented by effects that only stop combat or non-combat damage.

When to Play It

This creature is excellent in aggressive decks that need to finish off an opponent with low health or in Limited formats where evasion is king. The life gain can also provide a small buffer against other aggressive strategies.

Interaction examples

Doubling the Drain

Roaming Throne

If you control Roaming Throne and chose 'Vampire' as it entered, Skymarch Bloodletter's ability will trigger an additional time. When Skymarch Bloodletter enters, you will target an opponent twice, resulting in a total of 2 life lost for them and 2 life gained for you.

Entering Together

Solemn Simulacrum

If Skymarch Bloodletter and Solemn Simulacrum enter the battlefield at the same time, you control both triggers. You can choose the order they are placed on the stack, allowing you to search for your land and drain your opponent in whichever sequence you prefer.