Slimy KavuHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

Slimy Kavu has an activated ability that targets a land and changes its subtype to Swamp until the end of the turn. This is a type-changing effect that replaces the land's existing subtypes and inherent mana abilities with the Swamp subtype and the ability '{T}: Add {B}'. It does not, however, change the name of the land or remove any other non-mana abilities the land might have printed on it.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you activate the ability by tapping Slimy Kavu and choosing a target land. When the ability resolves, the land gains the Swamp subtype. Because it is now a Swamp, it automatically loses any other land types it had (like Forest or Mountain) and loses any mana abilities it previously had from those types. It retains its name, supertypes (like Legendary or Basic), and any other text that isn't a mana ability. This effect lasts until the 'cleanup step' of the current turn.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Slimy Kavu removes all text from a land. While it removes mana abilities associated with previous land types, it does not remove other triggered or static abilities. Another mistake is forgetting that this ability can be used defensively to 'color screw' an opponent by turning their only source of a specific color into a Swamp during their upkeep, preventing them from casting spells requiring that original color.

When to Play it

Slimy Kavu is best utilized in decks that care about 'Swampwalk' or in games where you need to disrupt a greedy mana base. It can also be used as a color fixer for your own deck if you are splashed into Black but haven't drawn a Swamp yet. Because it is a creature, it is also vulnerable to removal, so timing your activations is critical.

Interaction examples

Targeting a Basic Land

If you tap Slimy Kavu targeting your own basic Mountain, that Mountain becomes a Swamp. It can no longer produce Red mana; it can only produce Black mana until the end of the turn. It is still a 'Basic Land' and its name remains 'Mountain'.

Interacting with Artifact Creatures

Solemn Simulacrum

If your opponent controls a land and you use Slimy Kavu to turn it into a Swamp, you are only changing the land's type. This does not affect creatures like Solemn Simulacrum. Even if the land was fetched by Solemn Simulacrum earlier, its status as a Swamp is independent of the creature that put it onto the battlefield.

Kavu Synergy and Tribal Effects

Roaming Throne

If you have Roaming Throne on the battlefield with 'Kavu' chosen as the creature type, it will not affect Slimy Kavu's ability. Roaming Throne specifically doubles triggered abilities. Slimy Kavu's ability is an activated ability (indicated by the colon), so it only resolves once per tap regardless of Roaming Throne's presence.